EU plan targets speed and safety
We could be mistaken but it’s unlikely very many people outside of the European Council have read document 52018PC0286, which brings with it an update on vehicle type approval within the EU. Don’t nod off just yet. Within this document is a whole host of ideas intended to make the roads safer, including forcing all vehicles produced after 2022 to include mandatory Intelligence Speed Assistance’systems. In other words, devices to prevent you easily exceeding the speed limit.
It also includes a requirement for: distracted driver systems, automatic emergency braking, alcohol interlocks and even accident data loggers (think aeroplane black boxes). Needless to say, all this safety stuff passed through into legislation with ease. But, despite hyped-up reports to the contrary that you might have seen elsewhere, all these new features will NOT apply to bikes, so the suggestion the EU will stop you enjoying your favourite twisty road is nonsense.
But equally important is the directive also makes specific mention of attempting to improve the safety of vulnerable road users. including bikes. So, the new ruling will include systems that actively look for bikes in their blind spots, right down to redesigning A-pillars on cars to improve visibility from the driver’s seat. It’s worth pointing out that the Government has already said it’s their intention to keep regulatory alignment with the EU over road safety, so these rulings are likely to apply whatever happens with Brexit.