Classic bike owners were celebrating yesterday after learning that new licensing laws will not force them off the road.

They had feared changes to the Motor Vehicle Act would mean they would have to sell vintage two stroke bikes, many of which are stored in garages and not licensed, because they could not get them in roadworthy condition by December 31, 2004.

But Transport Control Department director Kevin Monkman yesterday cleared up the confusion by confirming the new legislation before the House of Assembly gives Transport Minister Dr Ewart Brown leeway to allow classic two stroke bikes already on the Island to be licensed after December 31 2004 - the cut off date for importing any two stroke bikes. After meeting TCD earlier this year, Bermuda Classic Bike Club members were under the impression that unless their old two stroke bikes were licensed by December 31, 2004, they would not be able to get them on the road.

Many of these bikes are in parts and the owners don't have the money to fix them up by that date, which meant they thought they would be forced to sell the overseas.

Mr. Monkman also confirmed that new vehicle emission tests introduced this year will not affect the older bikes already on the Island because they will only apply to bikes imported after April 1, 2002.

Zach Sagurs of Bermuda Classic Bike Club said yesterday: "I am very happy, but I want to see it in writing first before I jump up and down too much. It seems like everything we were looking for is going to be addressed. It seems like they have done a complete 180 degree U-turn from what we were told when we initially met TCD."

Mr. Monkman told The Royal Gazette: "We're not trying to prevent Bermuda Classic Bike Club having and using the cycles that are part of Bermuda's heritage.

"We appreciate them taking the time and interest in the legislation and putting in recommendations and we hope we can continue to have that close working relationship."

He explained that the new legislation will give Dr Brown scope in some cases to allow classic two stroke bikes to be imported after December 31, 2004.

"That's exactly why we ensured the Minister had the flexibility to allow certain bikes in in one off cases," said Mr. Monkman.

Currently, no one can import motorbikes - which are defined as bikes of more than 50cc - with engines more than 100cc without the Minister's permission.

The new law will allow four stroke bikes with a capacity up to 150cc and a maximum horsepower of 15 to be imported as soon as the legislation is approved by Senate.

It also provides for banning the importation of all two stroke bikes - unless the Minister agrees an exception - after December 31, 2004.

But the legislation does not affect auxiliary cycles - those with engines of less than 50cc - which are used by many of bike rental companies for tourists.