Motorcycle Action Group Belgium vzw (M.A.G.) has ensured that as of 1 December 2004 riding instructors accompanying trainees on the road must ride
motorcycles themselves.
This should separate the wheat from the chaff as far as riding instructors are concerned and should improve the training considerably in most cases
as the instructors ride in the same circumstances as the trainees.
One of the topics of the round-table conference of 27 January 2004 during which motorcyclists had
the opportunity to explain their wishes and problems concerning road safety and the legislation to traffic minister Bert Anciaux, was the license issue.
The Federale
Overheidsdienst Mobiliteit (FOD - Belgian Federal Department of Transportation) was at that time putting the finishing touches to the text of a new royal decree that will replace
the 1998 decree concerning the conditions for training institutions to operate motor vehicles (RD 11 MAY 2004 - Royal Decree concerning the conditions for the recognition of
training institutions to operate motor vehicles. Belgian Official Gazette: 01-06-2004)
During this conference M.A.G. pointed out that today riding instructors are not
obliged to ride a motorcycle when guiding trainees through their practical tests. The instructor usually drives a car, in which case he does not experience the same
conditions as the trainee on a motorcycle.
For instance the instructor drives a nice warm car that is less manoeuvrable in traffic, he does not experience sidewind and
cannot always intervene properly. Minister Bert Anciaux was prepared to have the text adapted in order to oblige the instructors to ride a motorcycle during practical
lessons. As of 1 December 2004 training institutions will have to make sure that trainees are accompanied by an instructor on a motorcycle.
M.A.G. is very
pleased with this amendment and is looking forward to continue working with minister Bert Anciaux in a constructive manner to improve road safety for motorcyclists and to create a
pleasant environment for motorcycling.
For more information concerning this press release, please contact Eric Daniëls:
Tel: 03/888 05 11 Fax: 03/888 97 43 Cellphone: 0478/660 657 Email: pers@mag.be
(Postal address: M.A.G. Belgium, Hoek 13, 2850 Boom) M.A.G. Belgium is a member of FEMA and MCC.
