Hundreds of motorcyclists from South Devon took part in a go slow ride along the A38 in protest at European legislation aimed at bikers.

More than 700 bikers took part causing long tailbacks and delays for many motorists.

The convoy left Lee Mill at 1pm last Sunday, to ride north-bound along the A38.

Using the inside lane and riding at around 40mph, the bikers travelled about 25 miles.

The ride was organised by the Motorcycle Action Group and mirrored over 70 others that took place around the UK at exactly the same time.

Part of proposed European Union regulation threatens the right of owners to modify their machines and another one aims to harmonise road worthiness testing.

Bikers say this would single out motorcycles for regular roadside MOT-style checks.

Besides the EU proposals, the French Government intends to make all bikers wear high visibility/reflective clothing, prohibit filtering between cars in traffic jams and prohibit bikes over seven years of age from urban areas.

The regulations will also apply to riders visiting from abroad.

And the Irish Government is also demanding that bikers wear full sleeved high visibility jackets.

Plymouth MAG representative Pete Bourner said: 'The demo was a great success with a mix of bikes, scooters and trikes taking part – approximately 700 in total.

'This shows the depth of feeling from all types of rider about the draconian measures that appear to be being forced upon us by the EU under the guise of safety.

'Unfortunately, the safety aspects of these regulations appear to have not been researched properly.

'Annexe 18 even states that they have no evidence to back these regulations but they 'hope to find some in the future'.

'I think our message was put across and I have been told by Paddy Tyson, MAG UK campaigns coordinator, that over 40,000 riders took part nationwide'.

Mr Tyson said: 'MAG is determined that the onus of blame should not be shifted to riders in an accident situation.

'Both French and Irish Governments have failed to provide research to support their ideas and MAG is concerned that the insurance industry in the UK may impose compulsion, when educating all road users in hazard avoidance would be more effective'.

Regarding the EU regulation, Paddy said: 'The motorcycle industry has been under severe pressure. What our congested roads need are more bikes, not increased legislation to discourage them'.