Auto-Cycle Union

The ACU was founded in 1903 Its aim was to develop motor sport through clubs and arrange touring facilities for members. the same year that the ACGB became the RAC. From page one of the Auto-Cycle Union Official Pocket Handbook, 1964: 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. when the Speedway Control Board took over, although still constituted with the ACU. The ACU is currently (2020) administered from offices in Rugby, Warwickshire, UK. (Note the Motorcycle Union of Ireland (MCUI) is the governing body of motorcycle sport in Ireland, consisting of three bodies within the island of Ireland, each of which is affiliated to the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (International Motorcycling Federation)). == Motorcycle sports ==

In its capacity as governing body for motorcycle sports, the ACU covers: grasstrack (track racing), enduro, motocross, road racing (Including Supermoto, Motorcycle drag racing, Motorcycle sprint racing, Hillclimbing, Pocketbike and Scooter), speedway and trials. == Tourist Trophy (TT) Races ==

The ACC was involved in the running of the TT races from their inception. The 1911 Isle of Man TT was the first of the TT races to be organised fully by the ACU. == Safety ==

For many years (circa 1947-1982), with the RAC, the ACU ran a motorcycling training scheme for motorcyclist road users, which was the precursor to the modern Compulsory Basic Training courses. For motorcycle racing, the ACU stipulates that a race competitor training course and a basic rider assessment must be passed before a Road Race Competition Licence is issued. 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. ==Footnotes==