I refer to the article ‘Off-roading laws need to be enforced to protect Mellieħa, says mayor’ (March 2).

As the recognised Maltese federation for motorcycle sports (representing the International Motorcycling Federation FIM in Malta), the ASMK condemns and disassociates itself from any form of illegal activities involving the use of motorcycles. However, the association feels it is in duty bound to share its concerns with the relevant authorities on the misconceptions, legal vacuums and improper interpretation and enforcement of environmental legislation that is negatively impacting law-abiding motorcyclists, off-road motorcycle sport in general and also raising false hopes for the public.

In this regard, the association is willing to act as a catalyst to share its expertise and that of the international motorcycling governing bodies in which it is affiliated (FIM and FIM Europe) to discuss the current legal provisions and their interpretation, expose loopholes in the current legislation, submit recommendations to the competent authorities to revise the legislation for better clarity in interpretation with the scope of safeguarding the environment, off-road motorcycle sports and the public common good in general and identify areas in Malta and Gozo of no or low negative environmental impact where motorcycle off-roading may be practised legally.

In this regard, the ASMK is requesting a meeting with representatives of the relative stakeholders with the aim of finding common ground for a working group to be formed to discuss legal provisions, make recommendations to update the present legislation for better clarity and to issue a clear set of guidelines on off-road motorcycling for the common good of all parties concerned.