Auto-Cycle Union
| Auto-Cycle Union | |
|---|---|
| Sport | Motorcycling |
| Founded | 1903 |
| Affiliation | Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme |
| Affiliation date | 1904 |
| Official website | |
|
www | |
 | |
The Auto-Cycle Union (ACU) is the governing body of motorcycle sport in Great Britain, including the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man, but excluding Northern Ireland.[1][2]
Founded in 1903 and acquiring its current name in 1907, its aim was to develop motor sport through clubs and arrange touring facilities for members.
From page one of the Auto-Cycle Union Official Pocket Handbook, 1964:[3]
Auto Cycle Union: Founded in 1903 as a Branch of the Royal Automobile Club to protect the interests of Motorcyclists and to encourage the Sport and Pastime of Motorcycling, and since 1924 has existed solely for the purpose of encouraging and controlling the Sport.
In 1904 it was a founding member of the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme. The 1911 Isle of Man TT was the first of the TT races to be organised by the ACU.
The sports covered are: grasstrack (track racing), enduro, motocross, road racing, speedway and trials.
The ACU also governs the safety standards for personal protection equipment worn during racing. Only motorcycle helmets which meet ACU standards and display the appropriate ACU sticker can be worn in 'speed' competitions. The majority of quality helmets sold in the UK now feature an ACU Gold sticker and many riders choose these for everyday use in preference to those that meet the more basic BS6658:1985 legal requirement.
Footnotes
- ↑ About the ACU (official website) Retrieved 14 September 2015
- ↑ Motorcycle sport in Northern Ireland is governed by the MCUI, the All-Ireland governing body.
- ↑ "A long look at the ACU". Motorcycle Sport, UK monthly magazine, September 1964, pp.340-342, 355-356. Accessed 16 September 2015
External links
- Official website
- Catalogue of the ACU archives, held at the Modern Records Centre, University of Warwick