Bikers hit the road to protest at new law

Several thousand motorcyclists were joined by four MPs for go-slow protests on major roads across Britain yesterday, in a rally against EU legislation they claim threatens their hobby.

The 106 protests, in some cases attended by 1,500 bikers, were organised by the Motorcycle Action Group. Its chairman, Paul Turner, said the EU wanted to restrict the parts used to modify bikes and who could carry the work.

"It would basically stop all DIY work on bikes," said Mr Turner. "It will kill local garages and ruin the custom trade, where people's hobbies are building and converting motorcycles into the fantastic machines that you see."

The legislation is aimed at preventing illegal parts being fitted to bikes, modifications being carried out badly and the machines being made too powerful. But Mr Turner said such concerns were unfounded: "Very little of that happens, because people have the sense to realise that it invalidates your insurance."

A vote on the regulations due in November has been delayed until February.