Are motorcycle manufactures introducing Global Harmonisation standards by the back door concerning
"hard wired" headlights or Automatic Headlight On (AHO).
AHO means that a bikes headlight, designed to illuminate the road at night is 'hard-wired' no headlight switch is fitted
and the light illuminates automatically whenever the ignition is switched on.
This was evident at the NEC Motorcycle and Scooter show were many of the manufactures 2003 models were hard wired.
MAG and the Federation of Motorcyclists Associations (FEMA) with the support of cyclists and pedestrian organisations have lobbied strongly against those urging Day Time Running Lights (DRL) on cars
and AHO's for all motorcycles.
The European Parliament turned down these proposals as an unproven measure for improving vehicle conspicuity the decision prompting the United Nations'
working group dealing with this matter to conduct a research programme on the safety of motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians.
We are claiming that manufacturers would like to build only one
variant of each model, not the numerous variants they currently have to supply to meet differing local requirements in the markets they sell to.
Hard wiring of motorcycle headlights as standard by
manufactures has nothing to do with rider safety it is in effect a back door to compulsory daytime headlight use.
Of concern is that with the increase of hard wired bikes that riders involved in
"sorry mate I didn't see you" accidents on non hard wired bikes will be penalised by insurance companies and the police alike"
Our position stated numerous times is simply that
all motorcycle headlight circuits should be fitted with a switch so that the rider can decide if and when to turn the machine's lights on.
The next issue of Network will include a letter to
send to manufacturers expressing concerns on hard wiring and the lack of consulting riders.
Feedback
As ever any feedback on any of the subjects in Behind the Lines is welcome discuss the items in your
local groups or raise them down the pub with non-MAG members.
You can email me at public-affairs@mag-uk.org fax 0870 444 8 449
or write to the usual address MAG UK PO BOX 750 Rugby CV21 3ZR
In the meantime if I don't hear from you before the next issue "Keep It Between The Hedges" and have a
Merry Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous New Year.
