Hundreds of motorcyclists hold demonstration against new inspection rules

Several hundred motorcyclists held a demonstration against the inspection and registration rules for their motorcycles on Wednesday afternoon. More than 500 motorcyclists gathered at the inspection centre in Stekene and headed for the Grote Markt in Sint-Niklaas with a police escort.

New legislation as of 1 January makes the inspection of motorcycles with a cylinder capacity of more than 125ccm compulsory. This inspection is mandatory when a motorcycle is sold or repaired after an accident.

The ruling also states that older or foreign motorcycles with a sidecar cannot be ridden. According to Belgian legislation, these must be approved by a special body, but this does not exist. The process to certify that a vehicle is manufactured to meet the standards for sale is not required for new motorcycles.

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"The inspection is done in a way that doesn't really make sense," said organiser Chris Verschueren. "Absurd things happen." GOCA Flanders responded Wednesday by emphasising the process and the expertise of the inspection centres.

Aside from being a political manifestation, the protest is mainly a gathering of motorcycle and vintage car enthusiasts, and the ride has been peaceful with no incidents.

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