Tue, 31 Mar 1998 06:26:45 +0300 - Message No. 2454
From: Phoebus Katsanos

Subject: [Fwd: Trikes Belgium]


Simon Milward wrote:
> 
> MAG BELGIUM NEEDS HELP.
> 
> The situation:
> 
> Recently, a new law was introduced banning all trikes from
> motorways and major roads in Belgium. MAG Belgium opposes this law
> and thinks it's discriminatory for the trike riders.
> The reason for this law is (according to the Belgian gvt) that
> there is a concern for the safety of the passengers.  Therefore the
> gvt wants to introduce a mandatory use of safety devices for the
> passengers (read 'safety belts'). Until this matter is resolved, all
> trikes are banned from all major roads.
> The gvt is not willing to move an inch and waits for MAG to propose
> the use of safety belts. MAG will not do this. So we need to find
> another way around this issue. Otherwise, the law will never change
> and the trike users are submitted to discrimination and unfair
> treatment.
> 
> But...MAG Belgium is stuck. We do not have enough scientific
> data/proof to get a serious file submitted to the gvt in order to
> repeal the law. According to the users, a safety belt would be very
> dangerous for the passengers. We can't proof this in a serious way.
> So if you can give us any information that can help us, please do so,
> MAG B would be very grateful.
> 
> Any information about the issues/questions below will be very much
> appreciated:
> 
> *Do you have knowledge of accident statistics for trikes? If you
> supply us with data/statistics, please also quote how many trikes
> are in use in you country or the region the statistics apply to.
> 
> *Do you have knowledge of scientific research on passanger safety
> devices on trikes and the effect of them?
> 
> *How does your country deal with trikes in the traffic regulations?
> Is there any distinction made between the 'normal' trikes and the
> agricultural smaller trikes and quads? If possible, please give us a
> copy of the relevant articles.
> 
> * How are trikes administered? Does your gvt treat them as cars?
> 
> We need as much info as possible about trikes in relation to
> accidents, safety devices on trikes for the passengers (especially
> safety belts) and other stuff related to trikes and road
> safety/administration.
> 
> Please send all your info to:
> 
> MAG Belgium
> Erwin Renette
> Veldstraat 62
> 1040 Brussel
> Belgium
> 
> tel : +32 2 733 4204
> fax : +32 2 733 4539
> e-mail : magburo@mag3.knooppunt.be
> 
> Thanks for your help,
> 
> Erwin Renette
> General Secretary
> MAG Belgium

-- 
>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<
>                   Phoebus Katsanos                  <
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dipper@normans.isd.uni-stuttgart.de