Think Bikes Pan- European Launch in Brussels

Belgium’s former motorcycle grand prix star Didier de Radiguès joined his compatriots Jacky Ickx and Eddie Merckx at the launch of a new campaign by FIA Region One to get drivers to look out for cyclists, motorcyclists and scooter riders. 

Modelled on a successful campaign in the UK drivers are encouraged to use a small sticker on each side of the car. Designed to be placed on the wing mirror or dashboard as a constant reminder. 

Member of the European Parliament, (and a keen motorcyclist) Wim van de Camp said:
“As a motorcyclist I think this message is overdue. Drivers need reminders. I am happy to lend my support to this event on behalf of motorcycle users. With 7500 riders a year being killed in the EU drivers must act responsibly. I hope to see our stickers on the side view mirrors of cars, serving as an everyday reminder for drivers to think bikes!”              
  
The campaign seeks to influence drivers to:
- Check and adjust mirrors
- To always use the side mirrors as well as the interior one
- To always signal when turning
- Check the blind sport 

FIM Director of Public Affairs John Chatterton-Ross added:
“We know from research that motorcyclists – when they are driving a car – have less collisions with motorcyclists and scooter riders. This proves that if you include motorcycles, scooters and bicycles in your thinking when driving it makes a real difference. FIM is here to support our friends in the FIA in this campaign which will see millions of these stickers distributed across Europe.” 

The event was opened by FIA Region One President Thierry Willemarck. MEPs attending with Mr van de Camp were Dieter-Lebrecht Koch and Olga Sehnalová. The Belgian government was represented by Federal Mobility Minister Jacqueline Galant  and from the regions Ministers Pascal Smet and Ben Weyts. The FIA Foundation was represented by Director-General Saul Billingsley. From the AA Foundation President Edmund King. The FIA Region One staff in attendance were led by Director-General Jacob Bangsgaard.