Simon Milward....RiP

[Harv]

Motorcycling Loses One of Its Greats


FOR IMMEDIATE PUBLICATION: 8th March 2005

The death of biking lobbyist, Simon Milward, has come as a shock to the MCI and his passing is a great loss to motorcycling. He died following a road accident last Friday 4th March in Mali West Africa, near the city of Kayes, while on a round the world fund-raising motorcycle ride.

Instrumental in developing the Federation of European Motorcyclists (FEM) Simon became its second General Secretary in 1992 and having moved the FMA operation to Brussels he quickly became well-known and respected as a professional and successful lobbyist of the  European Community Institutions. Simon also oversaw the amalgamation of FEM and the European Motorcyclists Assoiciation which led to the creation of the FEMA.

Working with the wider motorcycle community notable successes included stopping plans for a Europe wide 100bhp limit, changes to European Type Approval ( design and construction) to make it more acceptable to motorcycling and the defeat of more draconian proposals for European motorcycle riding licences.

In 2000 he changed direction and set off on what was originally an18 month sabbatical to travel round the world raising funds for Riders for Health and the international relief agency, Medecins Sans Frontieres. However, he decided to extend his trip and it became a far more extensive journey of personal discovery and a mission to bring motorcycle delivered health care to the world's poorest people.

He supported riders' rights organisations on his journey and helped to establish the 'flores' motorcycle outreach scheme in Indonesia which was supported by Riders for Health.

Craig Carey-Clinch MCI's Director of Public Affairs said, "Simon will be deeply missed by many in the MCI and the wider industry. He was a true professional who during his time as FEMA General Secretary forged strong links with industry and created a much greater level of understanding between the many organsiations involved in the motorcycle community."

The MCI sends its deepest condolences to his family and friends.

ENDS