A LEADING EU transport "expert" has questioned whether there is any place for motorcycles on Europe's roads.

Norwegian Rune Elvik said: "In Norway, I believe all the most cost-effective measures have been implemented - mandatory helmet use, strict licensing, engine tuning ban (and) daytime running lights for motorbikes.

"The question that needs to be raised now is whether there should be any place for these motorised toys in the transport system at all."

The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG UK) says that Elvik's comments, which are contained in a recent report from the European Transport Safety Council (ETSC), are biased and anti- motorcycling.

There is a real danger of these so called experts' opinions and motorcycle safety reports being accepted without question.

On December 21, the Flemish Parliament in Belgium was presented with the ETSC report as a basis for legislation on motorcycle safety.

However MAG Belgium, with the support of MPs, defended the riders' position by using the Federation of European Motorcyclists Associations' (FEMA) European Agenda for Motorcycle Safety which highlights the importance of finding real solutions to improve the casualty rates for motorcyclists.

As a direct result of MAG Belgium's action, the ETSC report was rejected in favour of MAG Belgium's motorcycle-friendly programme.

MAG's general secretary Trevor Baird commented: "Motorcycling is under constant threat from the European safety agenda.

"The introduction of this agenda has been thwarted in Belgium before it spreads further like a rash across Europe.

"MAG will continue to protect motorcycling and defend riders' rights from whatever quarter the threat comes."