Motorcycles and the law

I agree, it should be our own choice if we want to wear crash helmets or not, in 1976 the goverment exempted followers of the sikh religion when wearing turbans from helmet law, seem's to me we have one law for some and another law for others and why is it that a fifty year old man who has been rideing motorcycles since 1974 when first passed his test is restricted to a 400cc until he doe's another test when a 17 year old boy on the day he passed his test can jump into daddy's high performance car and drive about like a headcase. there's something just not right about this. so much for a goverment that teache's equality.

Going Back to the Crash Helmet issue!
I am a car driver and motorcyclist. I think the law on crash helmets should be changed!
I own a classic car (1958) and as it was built before the introduction of seatbelts, I do not need to wear one or have them fitted! but I also own a classic motorcycle, but still must wear a helmet, although it was built before the introcuction of compulsory helmet wearing! Ridiculous!
When I ride without the helmet, I fell more aware of my surroundings and more in control, and as such feel safer!
And also, on the subject of cyclists. I think all cyclists must at least have insurance. My stationary car was hit by a cyclist, and guess who's insurance had to pay for my cars damage?!!!!!

When they introduced the taxation many years ago they did not have CO2 as an excuse and electricery was never perceived as being viable (batteries?) for “Motor” meant internal combustion engines hence the exemption or none inclusion of electric bicycles.

You may guess from the nickname I am a regular “biker” and have several mopeds and autocycles (go figure). So here’s another rub …

IF I get an electric bike and put my little Honda generator on the back rack (Yes I have one that small) IS IT CLASSED AS ELECTRIC OR PETROL POWERED? … Answers on a postcard.

Totally agree. As bicycles can go in all bus lanes, they dont hold up buses apparently, whereas we would on a motor bike! I have been riding over 30 years, had a few spills buf still consider it my right to wear a crash helmet or not. As for the argument over the hospital fees, I consider my contributions made during my working life to have paid above and beyond any incurred now.

when I looked into the law about trikes I was told that it is all to do with what it wieghs if its under a partickular wieght then its a motorbike derived trike and you need a helmet if its over that wieght then you dont need a helmet but it is clased as a CAR derived trike and therefore you need seat belts

I have been trawling the web, Law sites, dvla etc not easy!! any how as foar as im concerned the 1988 law dictates basically helmets on Bicycles meaning two wheeled.....only! cant find anything on trikes specifically but I have heard that may be if you do not wear a crash hat that you must use a lap belt!! cant find any evidence for that asumption, does anyone know.

do I need a driving licence for road use ,if so do I need a motor bike licence or a car licence or no licence atall.

Typical government stuff. If it is ELECTRIC it's OK, but as soon as petrol gets involved, it gets a whole lot harder, even if the electric one goes faster. Never mind the chemicals when they make (and dispose) batteries. they only seem bothered about CO2, and somehow, a tiny engine on a bike will destroy the world, but god-knows-what in batteries is fine.

No you dont need a helmet to ride a Trike. I have seen plenty of bikers riding Trikes around here without a helmet.

Do you need to wear a helmet to ride a motorised trike.

Internal combustion powerd machines of any weight must have full tax, MOT< insurance, helmet etc just like your big one.
Electric vehicles must be under a certain weight and speed to be free of the legalities.

To the gentlemen who think anyone who doesn't wear a crash helmet on a stupid and mad, what's your problem? for nearly a 100 years cyclist never wore helmets, in my 71 years I can't remember it being a problem.
Up to the 1960's crash helmets weren't even required at all , and it wasn't a big problem, even the police motorcycle patrols used to wear peaked caps, admittedly these they were probably the first ones to use of crash helmets.
Someone says they can't understand why electric bikes don't have tax and insurance, I don't have a problem with that, the biggest mystery to me is why bikes have never had to have insurance, road tax or mot.
Many have no lights, riders who completely ignore traffic laws, ride on pavements at dangerous speeds and treat pedestrians as if they have no right to be on the pavement.
As a Car Owner, Cyclist, classic moped rider and pedestrian, I believe All users of roads and pavements etc should act responsibly.
As far as cyclists and electric bikes are concerned it should be, no representation without payment, cycling lobbies are very vocal about everything to do with roads etc, but why should they avoid paying the same as motorists and other road users. Don't argue that cyclists are taxpayers and pay that way, so are other road users, and it doesn't stop them having to pay, so come on cyclists, put a brave face on it and pay your way.
For those unaware, although I'm not sure if it's the same now, back in the 1950's all bycles in the channel Islands had to be registered and carried number plates, if that was to happen in the UK, at least you could get the number of the bike that knocked you down on the pavement!