Nordic Partners
Morten Hansen gives a view from Norway
Morten Hansen from fellow FEMA member group NMCU Norway is interview by Ralf Bretveld (MAG NL).
RB Tell us about NMCU.
MH Norway has approx. 105,000 registered motorcycles, owned by approx. 90,000 riders. By the 1st January 2006, a little more than 15, 000 of these 90.000 riders were members of Norsk Motorcykkel Union (the Norwegian MotorCycle Union) - NMCU. The last five years NMCU has been losing members. In our neo-liberalistic and market-oriented society, people seem to be less keen to join organisations. We've been to focus heavily on road safety, and that's not a very "sexy" issue.
RB Would you say your organisation is well known in your country?
MH The die-hard bikers know of us but I am afraid that NMCU is better known among politicians and bureaucrats than among the not-so-committed motorcycle owners. NMCU is really struggling to find a way to reach these "Sunday-bikers". We also have a huge problem "translating" the importance of the political work we do, into a "language" that ordinary riders understand and can relate to.
RB Besides fighting for riders' rights, are there other activities your organisation is involved in.
MH NMCU is primarily a Riders' Rights organisation, and most of our resources are channelled into the political work. However, we issue a member magazine every second month and produce an annual Touring Calendar. We operate discount schemes on insurance, fuel, accommodation, financing and tyres.
NMCU is also deeply involved in road safety work. Mostly for political reasons, but often because we have the expertise needed to improve the accident situation. An example is a project from 2001. Our own research showed that people died in single-vehicle accidents because they had never really learned how to ride a bike. Thus, NMCU published an 80 pages book describing a precise and effective riding technique.
RB Could you give some examples of the important successes?
MH In 2003 NMCU managed to establish the principle that motorcycle owners should only pay half of the annual tax paid by car owners - an annual saving of nearly 200 Euro for the bikers ("Two Wheels - Half Tax"). NMCU also contributed to the opening of bus lanes to bikes and the exempt of bikes in toll-rings around the major cities and on many other toll-roads. With the new Norwegian initial rider training scheme the learner riders are getting "value for money": Instead of just learning how to pass their test, they now really learn how to ride a motorcycle. That makes them safer - and they are having much more fun. The new initial rider training is to a very large extent based on the "Full Kontroll" book and inputs from NMCU.
RB What are the main issues you are working on at this moment?
MH The main issue right now is cable barriers. Two other issues: 1) Finalizing the work of implementing new and more liberal rules and regulations for modifying bikes and, 2) organising a large SEE US!! campaign in 2006.
RB Are there any subjects that will get your special attention in the near future?
MH The next big issue on the agenda will be to promote motorcycles and scooters as an environmentally friendly alternative in city transport. Included in the issue is the demand for free motorcycle parking, exempt from proposed road pricing (rush hour toll) and removal of all vehicle taxes on the 125cc light motorcycles and scooters.
RB When did you join FEMA ?
MH NMCU was a founding member of EMA (1992) and one of the driving forces behind the merger of EMA and FEM in 1998. Norway is not a member of the EU, but still has to implement all Single Market legislation through the EEA Treaty. Thus, FEMA is crucial to NMCU. Since we have no Norwegian MEPs to talk to, the only way NMCU can have some influence on future Norwegian legislation is through the FEMA membership.
RB What role does FEMA play in your current or future activities?
MH A big part! For three reasons: 1) FEMA membership gives us a chance to take part in European lobbying, 2) FEMA membership gives us access to vital information before Norwegian Authorities, and that gives us an edge, 3) through FEMA we are part of the world wide motorcycling network, exchanging information and ideas - invaluable!
RB Do you have some good advice for fellow FEMA-member organisations?
MH Never forget whose interests you are fighting for!
RB Why should we visit your country ?
MH Norway is a large country with a small population, in some parts you can ride for hours without seeing another vehicle. Because we have thousands of kilometres of twisting roads with fjords and mountains. You can ride through unspoilt nature and put up your tent up wherever you want. We have very low speed limits and extremely high fines for speeding though and a pint will cost you at least 6 Euro!
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