EU proposals to restrict the future of motorcycling – latest news from Brussels

European Type Approval Regulations that would bring compulsory ABS to all new bikes, alongside anti-modification measures and road-side spot checks to enforce them, took another step forward on 30th August 2011.

Fortunately, there is something you can do about it – first though, here are the main restrictions that look set to be introduced on new bikes from 2015:

Compulsory Anti-lock and/or Combined Braking Systems on all new motorcycles and scooters over 50cc.

Advanced braking systems add cost and complexity to the manufacture and servicing of bikes, but do not always help the rider (especially on loose surfaces such as gravel).  The Commission's evidence that the costs are outweighed by the benefits is patchy and may rely too much on data from commercial interests.  Consumers should retain the choice to specify ABS if they want it, there should always be an option to disable ABS when necessary.

Three new progressively tighter emissions limits to be introduced over 5 years.

Real-world trials of various sizes of bikes and comparable cars on commuting routes show that bikes offer shorter journey-times and lower fuel-consumption.  The Commission's evidence relies on one source and does not adequately consider the additional costs and impacts on fuel-economy from adding pollution control technology developed for large vehicles on to small lightweight vehicles.  The Commission justifies this by emphasising that bikes account for a growing proportion of some traffic pollutants, but the context is that the total generated by all types of vehicle has fallen to a very low level.

Devices to prevent modification of the engine or transmission (including restricted choice of air-filter, drive sprockets or rear-tyre).

Riders of identical bikes are not themselves identical, nor are their journeys.  Bikes used mostly on motorways need different drive characteristics to those used mostly on urban streets or rural roads, these can be achieved easily, eg; by choosing different drive sprockets or tyre dimensions.  The Commission wishes to add cost and complexity to vehicle design so that owners will be restricted in modifying their bikes to suit their needs in this way.

Partly the Commission wants to stop novice riders tuning their bikes to perform better than their driving licence allows.  The Commission prefer to penalise riders who want to de-restrict their learner-bike once they are fully qualified, not to mention already-qualified riders who need or want lightweight bikes with good performance.

Computer chips on every bike to monitor and ultimately disable engines.

The Commission envisages basic chips on all bikes to record breaches of emission limits as a pre-cursor to requiring more sophisticated devices capable of disabling bikes and storing information about riding characteristics at a later stage.

Road-side checks of passing bikes (but not cars)

The Commission proposes all EU Member States should mount road-side checks of passing bikes as one means of enforcing restrictions on riders’ ability to modify their bikes.  This iniquitous threat to the free-movement of citizens does not extend to people travelling in modified cars.

Impact on after-market parts suppliers

The Commission’s impact assessment considers the effect of changes on the manufacturers of original equipment to the detriment of alternative suppliers of after-market components and spare parts, future consumer-choice of replacement parts has not been adequately considered.

New rules to allow non- Type Approved vehicles to be used on the road

The Commission seems to expect one-off specials and custom builds, bikes built in small production runs (perhaps even bikes built before Type Approval), etc. to meet the same standards as big manufacturers who can spread the very high costs of gaining Type Approval over the whole production run of mass-produced bikes that have had millions spent on their development.  Currently, ‘Single Vehicle Approval’ rules allow builders of individual bikes and small production runs to register bikes for road use provided they meet national construction and use regulations, this sensible approach must be safeguarded.

Power and speed limits to restrict development of electric motorcycles

The development of electric drive technology could see the development of low-, medium- and high-performance alternatives to fossil-fuel bikes in the foreseeable future.  The Commission wishes to restrict that competition by imposing speed and power limits on electric bikes.  This gross interference in the development of consumer choice may also indicate an intention to restrict the performance of future cars or other personal transport vehicles.

Last Tuesday (30^th September), a meeting of 'IMCO', the Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee of MEPs which is overseeing the European Commission's proposals, discussed progress on negotiations with the Commission on more than 300 amendments tabled by MEPs.

Sadly, it looks as though Dutch MEP Wim van de Camp, who is taking the lead in negotiations with the Commission, not only agrees with many of the Commission’s proposals, he sees little room for compromise on most of the amendments put forward by his fellow MEPs.  The alliances formed between different blocks of political parties in the European Parliament could yet deliver a majority of votes to Mr van de Camp – unless we all do something to turn it around.

What can be done..?

1. There is a very simple way to contact the MEPs that represent you, and put forward our case against further restrictions on bike-design and use of bikes BEFORE these decisions are cast in stone.  Vital discussions are going on in the next few days and weeks so please go to www.writetothem.com and tell them how you feel about the points listed above (cut and paste the seven bullet points above if you need to).

2. UK-wide protests are being organised for 1pm on Sunday 25th September - this is your opportunity to defend the riders' right to decide what they ride and to modify their bikes to suit their needs (not to mention oppose compulsory day-glo, bans on older bikes in cities, etc.).  For further details of more than 70 starting points on the UK trunk road network go to: http://www.facebook.com/pages/25th-Sept-2011-Action-Now-EU-Hands-Off-Biking/218514361530962

In the meantime, MAG continues to lobby our own Department for Transport, UK MEPs and MPs to oppose any further restrictions on bikes and riders.  MAG will be meeting DfT officials again in a few days time - more to follow on this very soon.

Video of the IMCO meeting, as well as official papers describing the Commissions proposals and the 300+ suggested amendments, can be found on the EU website (the video shows discussion about the Type Approval Regulations from 15:54:30 to 16:26:00): http://www.europarl.europa.eu/wps-europarl-internet/frd/vod/player?eventCode=20110830-1500-COMMITTEE-IMCO&language=EN&byLeftMenu=researchcommittee&category=COMMITTEE&format=wmv#anchor1

If you do watch the video, pay attention to Mr van de Camps’ introduction – you’ll hear that he is a motorcyclist (he has a collection of bikes including an R1) but that he is working on the Type Approval regulations as an MEP rather than as a rider.  Also he says he had a crash recently and that he believes ABS would have prevented it.  Our Dutch speaking colleagues at MAG(NL) confirm the translation is accurate.

Ride Free

Nich

West Midlands MAG Brum Demo 2011

Motorcycle Action Group comments on the initiative by Sussex police on high visibility clothing

From the el Presidente of the Motorcycle Action Group(MAG) sent to the Sussex Police force regarding their policy of enforcing cloting rules on motorcyclists!

"I have read that Sussex police are stopping motorcyclists who are spotted riding without reflective clothing. An article in the weekly ‘Motorcycle News’ states that police officers are providing advice on the use of reflective items, handing the riders reflective vests which they are urged to wear, and checking their bikes for roadworthiness.

As a body that exists to represent the interests of motorcyclists we are concerned that riders are being stopped on the highway when they are doing nothing wrong and implicitly told that their behaviour falls short of what is deemed appropriate.

The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) is concerned that a tactic whose value in reducing road accidents is unproven, is being promoted in a way that does not appear to reflect the uncertainties and sensitivities that surround this issue.

MAG is uncomfortable with the implicit suggestion that riders are partially to blame when involved in accidents with motorists who claim not to have seen them. MAG has a philosophic commitment to free choice over the clothing style and standards which riders adopt and so we view any attempt to coerce riders into a code of clothing conduct as worrying.

MAG remains sceptical of drivers’ claims of not seeing motorcyclists. It seems reasonable to speculate that no driver at the scene of a typical intersection accident would admit to seeing a motorcycle but pulling out anyway in the belief that there was enough time to complete the manoeuvre. MAG believes that the issue of ‘unseen’ motorcycles is more complex than many think. Moreover there is concern that riders who wear reflective kit believe themselves to be more visible to motorists in all circumstances and subconsciously ride less defensively in consequence, sometimes with tragic consequences.

As the road safety debate has evolved to a more sophisticated level, the aspects of human behaviour I have mentioned here are enjoying more serious consideration, certainly the phenomenon of risk compensation is pretty much now universally accepted as axiomatic.

Against this background your initiative, though obviously well motivated, appears conspicuously simplistic and worrying inasmuch as it shifts the onus of responsibility to the rider’s detriment. We would value your comments on these observations and hope that you will take this letter as an invitation to an ongoing dialogue in pursuit of enhanced road safety for all road users.

I wonder in conclusion if you would consider an operation that involves stopping motorists for random roadside eyesight checks? Operation spectacle perhaps?"

Ian Mutch
MAG President

Information: Ian Mutch theroad@mag-uk.org

MAG applauds Birmingham bus lane decision

MAG applauds the decision by Birmingham City Council to open its bus lanes to motorcycles. In an effort to make more effective and efficient use of its roads, Birmingham City Council recently completed an experiment allowing motorcycles to use bus lanes. The policy allows motorcyclists to see and be seen in congested traffic.

The Birmingham experiment confirmed the experience of other towns and cities, that allowing motorcycles to use bus lanes was beneficial to motorcyclists, with no disadvantages to other road users.

MAG in Birmingham and nation-wide has been campaigning on this issue for years, first winning access to bus lanes throughout Bristol in 1996.

London opened all of its major route bus lanes to motorcycles recently and now the second biggest city in the country has followed suit.

MAG President Ian Mutch said ‘There seems to be an outbreak of sanity among local authorities all over the country, this is great news and shows how MAG’s campaigning is helping to produce real results for riders.


Further information:

Ian Mutch theroad@mag-uk.org

Nich Brown: nich.brown@mag-uk.org

For more on MAG’s bus lane campaign see http://www.mag-uk.org/en/index/a6296


The Motorcycle Action Group – Protecting motorcycling

Biker jailed for 166mph is mad BUT

MAG condemns the madness of the biker convicted of riding at 166mph on an A road in Scotland – BUT – asks if the law is failing in its commitment to be consistent and proportionate in sentencing.

MAG notes that the nine month prison sentence is poignantly identical to that recently handed down to a motorist who caused an accident which resulted in the death of a motorcyclist and injury to his son.

MAG President Ian Mutch said:
‘Traveling at 166mph on any A road is lunatic behavior but lunacy cannot be the sole factor in determining sentencing policy. For the law to be recognised as just it must be consistent and I suspect that the magistrates in this case have let outrage blind them to that responsibility.’
He added,
‘Let’s be crystal clear about this. Traveling at astronomic speed on public roads warrants serious sentencing BUT if nine months is deemed appropriate for a rider traveling at high speed but hurting no one then a driver whose hazardous behavior causes death should surely deserve a higher penalty. Magistrates should be accountable for major discrepancies in sentencing or the law loses respect.’


For further information

Contact Ian Mutch

theroad@mag-uk.org

The Motorcycle Action Group – Protecting motorcycling

Criminal compensation

The Motorcycle Action Group has launched an e petition on the 10 Downing St site to challenge over zealous police reaction to alleged risks at motorcycle events.

The petition follows a parliamentary question on the subject that MAG member Lembit Opik MP tabled in Parliament earlier this year.

MAG is concerned by the apparent enthusiasm displayed for closing events on the basis of information about criminal intent which police are not obliged to share with event organisers.

MAG President Ian Mutch said, ‘I suspect that the police are themselves victims of a health and safety culture which is leading them to pick the safe option of closing events to avoid becoming targets of criticism if something goes wrong.’

‘It is intolerable that event organisers should face financial ruin because of factors that are not of their making. We feel that if organisers are eligible for compensation under such circumstances then pressure may be exerted on the police which could restore balance to a situation which appears to be getting out of control.’

The petition reads as follows:

Criminal compensation

Compensate fully the innocent organisers of public events where police have achieved cancellation based on undisclosed 'intelligence received' regarding the potential criminal actions of parties unrelated to the event organiser.

To sign the petition, go here:

http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/Eventsatrisk/

MAG-UK

MAG takes testing fiasco to Parliament

MAG is using its parliamentary connections to expose the lunacy of introducing the new testing regime before adequate test facilities are ready and there is now to be a thirty minute debate in the House of Commons on the introduction of the new test.

MAG rep for North Wales Rory Wilson has gained the support of his MP Mark Williams MP for Ceredigion who has tabled the 30 minute debate for April 22. The debate will be held at 4pm and will provide MR Williams with a full 15 minutes to lay out the case for suspending introduction of the new testing arrangements until adequate facilities are in place. The Roads minister will then have 15 minutes to respond to the points made.

MAG is concerned that riders in areas ill-served by test centres will have to travel as far as 140 miles, possibly in foul weather to take their tests. MAG is also concerned that many training schools which are not located within a convenient distance of a new testing centre may go out of business.

MAG President Ian Mutch said: ‘At a time when so much emphasis is rightly being put on the need for good training to prepare new riders for the road, it is ironic that we should be prematurely adopting a new regime that is going to make fresh problems rather than curing old ones.’

MAG UK

Blanket 50 MPH Limit on 'A 'Roads !?!?

The proposal to introduce a blanket 50mph limit on 'A' roads is yet
another knee jerk response that fails to recognise the nature of the
problem it seeks to address, says The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG).

Latest official figures show that staying within a speed limit, but
going too fast for the immediate conditions, leads to more than 5% of
all recorded collisions, which is more of a problem for society than
exceeding the speed limit, a factor in just 3% of collisions.

Like the other 40% of collisions involving an error of judgement or poor
reaction, there is more to be gained by addressing vehicle drivers’
attitudes and skills than dumbing down speed limits to the lowest level
the DfT thinks it can get away with.

When speed limits are reduced below levels which make sense to people,
they tend to ignore them and treat other limits with disrespect. MAG
President Ian Mutch said "For some people there is a seductive
attraction to the idea of ratcheting down speed limits on the assumption
that the slower everyone goes the safer they must be. This logic fails
to recognise reality or to find the best balance between reasonable
expectations for mobility and safety. For motorcyclists, the main causes
of death and injury lie with other vehicle drivers' and poor road
surfaces, the government must deal with these issues and not look for
smokescreens such as a 50mph blanket speed limit."

Further information: Ian Mutch 020 8556 6495 theroad@mag-uk.org

Nich Brown: 01788 570066 nich.brown@mag-uk.org

The Motorcycle Action Group – Protecting motorcycling

MAG urges riders - respond to threat of bad technology from Europe

An international consortium of new technology designers has been brought together by the European Commission to develop new devices capable of informing, or limiting, motorcyclists control over their bikes.

The spectre of dangerous, destabilising and distracting devices being fitted to your next bike is not one that riders take lightly. There is a very real risk that politicians and policy makers will mistakenly think that fitting car-safety devices to bikes will improve road safety, when the opposite could be the result.

The Motorcycle Action Group today urged riders to act now to avoid future bikes being fitted with inappropriate devices. "We are at a crucial stage in the development of these devices..." said MAG Campaigns Manager, David Short "but we have a golden opportunity to tell the designers what will work for us or against us."

FEMA, the European riders group comprising all the major national rides groups across the continent, has argued its way into the expert group to defend the motorcyclists' interests and set-up an on-line survey so that riders themselves can tell the designers which technologies are a dead-end. But some media coverage of this achievement has painted FEMA's success as if it were supporting the concept of taking control away from riders.

"Bizarrely, some riders have been misinformed about the role of FEMA and now think the riders groups are in favour of removing their control over their bikes" said Mr Short. "MAG and the other FEMA member organisations are utterly opposed to the threat of removing riders control, we have a seat at the table where we can explain why some of these technologies would work against our safety

For your chance to tell the international group of technology designers what you think they should work on and what to avoid, complete the on-line survey at http://www.saferider-eu.org/your_opinion.html before the end of July.

No Chips for Bikers

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) abandons proposals to chip motorcycle number plates.

The DVLA have announced that they will not be seeking government approval to fit micro chip Electronic Vehicle Identification, (EVI) to motorcycle number plates. The DVLA had embarked on a feasibility study, including field trials, to determine the effectiveness of EVI as a means of combating motorcycle vehicle excise evasion.

The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG UK) was consulted on the project and voiced concerns that the cost to introduce such a system would far outweigh the monies recouped in excise duty. MAG also expressed concern that the proposal to single out motorcycles was discriminatory.

In a report released by the DVLA today the conclusion to the study is that the cost of introducing EVI for all motorcycles would cost in the region of ñ00 million and would only provide a return of approximately ò7 million for HM treasury. The report concludes that advances in ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) technology render the use of EVI unnecessary.

The report comes days after the DVLA issued an apology for wrongly estimating the level of motorcycle VED evasion at 40%, a gross overestimation of the actual rate which is 6%.

MAG Campaigns Manager said, ԉ am pleased that common sense has prevailed and that the DVLA has listened to and acted on motorcyclists concerns. EVI was a sledgehammer to crack a nut and the proposals to only include motorcyclists is discriminatory. MAG does not in any way condone motorcyclists who choose to ride their bikes without tax and will continue to work with motorcyclists, government, the police and the DVLA to eradicate VED evasion.

For further information or comment contact:
David Short
Email campaigns-manager@mag-uk.org

The UK's Leading Riders' Rights Organisation
www.mag-uk.org

Gerrymandering – No Bikes in Bus Lanes

The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG UK) condemns today's announcement by London Mayor Ken Livingstone that motorcycles would not be permitted to use bus lane on roads controlled by Transport for London.

In a report published today, Transport for London rely on the Tanner Test to 'prove' that there would be no safety benefit to either motorcyclists or other vulnerable road users if motorcycles were allowed to use Transport for London bus lanes. This same Tanner Test was described in internal documents, leaked to MAG, as unreliable and incapable of delivering sound statistical analysis.

The published report is strikingly similar to a much discredited early draft, published in October 2006, that was withdrawn by TfL. A more comprehensive report, prepared in April 2007, demonstrated that there would be clear safety benefits for all vulnerable road users, and not just motorcyclists, if motorcycles were allowed to use bus lanes. This report was suppressed by TfL, although a copy has been seen by members of the Motorcycle Action Group.

Motorcycles are permitted to use bus lanes in Bristol, Reading, Swindon, Hull, Northern Ireland and many other towns and cities in the UK with no perceived problems.

Greater London Regional Representative, Gerard Livett, said: “The report finally published today contains the same woeful statistical analysis as the one that was rejected by TfL in October 2006. A more comprehensive analysis of the data, which was never officially published, clearly demonstrated that there would be safety benefits for all vulnerable road users if motorcycles were permitted to use bus lanes.”

“'Successful trials from elsewhere in the country demonstrate that motorcycles and bicycles can share bus lanes safely. In this regard, London would appear to be lagging behind the rest of the country and not leading the way forward.”

'The timing of this report, and the nature of the contents, would appear to be a form of gerrymandering (political manipulation) aimed at securing the votes of cyclists at the expense of motorcycle safety and motorcyclists lives.'”

Notes

1. The report can be found at http://www.london.gov.uk/mayor/transport/streets.jsp#p2ws

2. Greater London Region Contact:

Gerard Livett

Email: greater-london-region@mag-uk.org

Trevor Baird
Email: general-secretary@mag-uk.org

The UK's Leading Riders' Rights Organisation

www.mag-uk.org

Riders Get To Grips With Manhole Covers

Carriageway manhole covers, especially on bends, can present a potentially lethal danger to motorcyclists but this could all change if revisions to the European Standard for them, proposed by the UK, is agreed.

It is well known that over time some manhole cover surfaces become smooth and polished and if wet, very slippery, but thanks to the work undertaken by the National Motorcycle Council i.e. The British Motorcyclists Federation (BMF), Institute of Highway Incorporated Engineers (IHIE), Motor Cycle Industry Association MCIA, Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) RAC Foundation and Devon County Council, the UK committee working on the revision of European Standard EN124 have agreed unanimously to recommend a minimum ‘polished skid resistance value for manhole covers’.

This will give manhole covers the equivalent grip of good quality road surfacing but in addition, the suggested revised standard also allows for the use of an even higher grip cover in areas of greater concern, such as bends.

The work was brought about due to a lack of effective skid resistance requirements for manhole covers in the present standard, BS EN 124. This is of particular concern as manholes to allow access to underground services are often found on bends, a location where motorcyclists can be particularly vulnerable due to a sudden change in grip when cornering.

The next stage will be to address this matter at a European level to gain support and agreement from the other countries. Achieving this should lead to a change in the EN124 standard and a safer European-wide road network for bikers.

David Short, MAG Campaigns Manager said, "The Government is always talking about joined up thinking in support of road safety and the work undertaken by these different organisations just show what can be achieved when everyone works together. It is the simple measures that can make so much difference and save lives. The European and UK Government now need to show some leadership, effect a change in the skid resistance standard and make our roads safer for vulnerable road users.

Welcoming the agreement, Chris Hodder, the BMF’s Government Relations Executive said: "I would like to thank Devon County Council’s Material’s Laboratory and the IHIE for their work on this. As motorcyclists we know we need a level of skid resistance equal to that of the main carriageway, but what we needed was a technical specification and that’s what we have now been able to agree on."

Sheila Rainger, Head of Campaigns for the RAC Foundation added "No-one needs to be put at risk by a slippery manhole cover in the road surface. Safer covers are available but they are rarely used because the current European Standard does not require covers to be skid-resistant in real-world conditions. If the UK is successful in amending the standard, the roads will be safer for motorcyclists and for other vulnerable road users."

www.mag-uk.org

VED Evasion – True Figures

The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG UK) challenged figures released in a recent Parliamentary Committee of Public Accounts report which suggested that motorcycle VED evasion rates were as high as 40%.

This headline grabbing figure was picked up by the national media which portrayed motorcyclists as habitual law breakers and VED duty evaders. MAG challenge the claim which it describes as irresponsible in stereotyping motorcyclists as law breakers.

Today’s release of information from the Department of Transport into the true levels of VED indicates that motorcycle VED evasion is estimated at 6.5% compared to 2.5% VED evasion for all other vehicle types. Very different to the 40% figure for motorcycle VED evasion previously bandied about.

MAG Campaigns Manager, David Short, says, "MAG does not condone in any way those who ride their bikes without tax. The overwhelming majority of bikers are law abiding and pay their dues as responsible citizens. It is therefore very galling when figures put out by government, as the public accounts committee did, that motorcycle VED evasion was up to 40% despite dubious methodologies used to arrive at this fantasy figure. Clearly it is still too high but it is not the all out snub to society as it was previously suggested'.

Notes

1. Department for Transport (DfT) report here www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/statistics/datatablespublications/vehicles/excisedutyevasion

2. David Short, MAG Campaigns Manager can be contacted on:

Email: campaigns-manager@mag-uk

London Mayor’s Dithering puts Road User Lives at Risk

The Motorcycle Action Group, (MAG UK), is very concerned that the safety of vulnerable road users is being put at risk by the procrastination of London’s Mayor Ken Livingstone and the blocking by the Mayor’s office of the publication of the ‘Transport for London PTW in Bus Lane Study’.

The report was completed in April 2007 and was first due to be published in October 20007, then January 2008. It has still to be released.

The study looked in detail at the effects of allowing motorcycles to use bus lanes on certain streets in the Capital and has proved conclusively that there are significant net road safety benefits for pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and bus passengers.

The study showed that despite concerns by cycling groups that cyclists would be put in danger the results showed that cyclist collisions reduced by 39%, motorcycle collisions reduced by 44% and pedestrians by 24%.

During the last 11 years motorcycle access to bus lanes has been successfully trialled or introduced as a permanent measure in a number of locations in the UK. A growing number of European towns and cities deploy this measure for road safety purposes. Motorcycles have been allowed in Sweden’s capital city Stockholm since 1986.

No trial of powered two wheelers in bus lanes, anywhere in the UK, or anywhere else in the world has ever been rejected on road safety grounds.

David Short, MAG Campaigns Manager says,” The blocking of this report and the subsequent delays in introducing proven road safety measures for vulnerable road users is inexcusable.”

“It is beyond comprehension that political interference is putting lives at risk, especially when the Parliamentary Transport Select Committee have announced a scrutiny into what further measures can be put in place between now and 2010 to achieve the Government’s casualty reduction targets.”

“I am seeking legal advice on behalf of MAG on the culpability of the Mayor’s office in the event that a motorcyclist, cyclist or pedestrian sustains injury which could have been avoided had the measures recommended in the report been introduced”.

Notes

1. For further information contact

David Short

Campaigns Manager

Motorcycle Action Group

Telephone: 01347 822214

Mobile: 077389 48080

Email: campaigns-manager@mag-uk.org

The UK's Leading Riders' Rights Organisation

www.mag-uk.org

Home Office - Misery – Costs – Inconvenience to Bikers

The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG UK) have expressed their serious
concerns to the Home Office regarding their proposals to increase, by
almost 300%, the statutory charges for the removal, storage and disposal
of motorcycles by the police.

Under the current arrangements the police can charge £105 for the
recovery of a motorcycle considered to be abandoned illegally,
dangerously or obstructively parked, or broken down. They can then
charge up to £12 a day for storage until the motorcycle is reclaimed by
its rightful owner.

Under new Home Office proposals bikers would be charged £300 for the
recovery of the machine and £15 per day storage. This will not only
affect riders involved in road crashes but will also affect those who
have had their motorcycle stolen and subsequently recovered, adding to
the misery, cost and inconvenience to the owner.

Responding to the consultation which closes today, Friday the 25th
January MAG has highlighted the totally unjustified 300% increase and
brought to the attention of the Home Office failures in communication
between the police, insurers, and the recovery companies which results
in unnecessary delays in the release of impounded bikes and escalating
costs incurred by the biker.

David Short, MAG Campaigns Manager, says, “The proposed charges are
totally out of proportion to reality and the increase from the current
£105 to £300 is totally unjustified.”

“There are too many examples of bikers who have been victims of
motorcycle theft who have then had huge recovery and storage costs
charged by the police because of a lack of communication between the
police and the victim of the crime.”

“This also applies to bikers who have been involved in road crashes and
who have not had the opportunity to make their own arrangements to
recover their crashed bike”

“MAG will be making the strongest representations to have these proposed
rip off charges consigned to the bin”


Notes

1. Proposed Charges
http://www.network.mag-uk.org/documents/071221Home_Office_letter.pdf

2. View Original Consultation
http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/documents/stat-charges-index

For further information contact:

David Short

Tel: +44 (0) 1347 82221
Mobile: +44 (0) 77389 48080

E-mail: campaigns-manager@mag-uk.org



www.mag-uk.org

Motorcycle Tax Evasion - Its Not Right

The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG UK) remain sceptical of the claim in a recent report that 40% of bikers evade paying VED. Anecdotal visual studies carried out by the group at motorcycle events do not reflect anything remotely like this level of non compliance.

Unfortunately the media has jumped on this unreliable and suspect headline figure to brand motorcyclists as law breakers.

The report, from the House of Commons, Committee of Public Accounts, itself acknowledges that the methodology used to capture the data is suspect.

A recent series of expensive TV adverts advised us that the DVLA do not have to look on the road or in garages but simply at computer screens in order to identify tax evaders.

If this is the case then let them get on with it and fine all these defaulters. If it is not the case and the DVLA were completely wrong then it begs the question – are they wrong about the level of evasion?

MAG makes no apologies for those who fail to tax vehicles and will happily work with the DVLA to enable them to make an accurate assessment of evasion rates.

MAG recognises however that for all road users road tax has lost its credibility. When it was used to improve roads motorists could see the benefit. However, when it just disappears into the black hole of the treasury, people become sceptical and the whole system loses credibility.

The whole system needs reviewing.

Notes

1. Download the committee report http://www.network.mag-uk.org/documents/080122%20Vehicle%20Excise.pdf

2. For further information contact:

David Short

Tel: +44 (0) 1347 82221

Mobile: +44 (0) 77389 48080

E-mail: campaigns-manager@mag-uk.org

The UK's Leading Riders' Rights Organisation

www.mag-uk.org

MAG Prepares to Defend Motorcycling

The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG UK) is preparing to defend motorcycling in the forthcoming Parliamentary scrutiny of Road Safety.

The Parliamentary Transport Select Committee has announced that it is to hold a scrutiny into Road Safety. The Committee will inquire into what further policies could be considered to reduce the risk of death and injury between now and 2010—when the current target period comes to an end—and beyond.

Although the Committee will look at all transport modes and measures to improve road safety the fact that motorcycling is viewed as a high risk transport mode will not escape the members of the committee. The fact is that the relative risk of a motorcycle rider being killed or seriously injured per kilometre travelled was 51 times higher in 2006 than for car drivers.

Motorcycling is however becoming safer and the casualty rate for those killed or seriously injured was 27% lower in 2006 than it was in 1994. This is even more favourable when compared with an increase of 37% in the amount of motorcycling traffic between 1996 and 2006.

David Short MAG Campaigns Manager is preparing the MAG response to the committee and will be giving evidence at the scrutiny.

David says, “It is essential that motorcycling is not regarded as an easy target by the road safety lobby. There will be those calling for speed and power limiters and punitive legislation and MAG will put forward rationale and considered arguments to ensure a balanced view is received. Yes motorcycling caries a higher risk than other transport modes but these can be ameliorated by continuous improvement in the measures that already exist. The new test procedures, schemes like BikeSafe, improved roads and better education for all road users will enhance motorcycling which in turn will help reduce traffic congestion, minimise environmental impact and provide greater social mobility.”

How can you help?

Simple, join MAG.

Your membership will add weight of numbers and therefore enhance MAG’s credibility in representing the nation’s motorcyclists.

Ends

Notes for Editors

For further information contact:

David Short

Tel: +44 (0) 1347 82221
Mobile: +44 (0) 77389 48080

E-mail: campaigns-manager@mag-uk.org

Issued by

Trevor Baird
General Secretary (MAG UK)

MAG UK
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Rugby
CV21 3ZR

Email: general-secretary@mag-uk.org

The UK's Leading Riders' Rights Organisation

www.mag-uk.org

Europe Questions the Role for Motorcycle ‘toys’ on our Roads

A leading EU transport “expert” has questioned whether there is any place for motorcycles on Europe’s roads.

Norwegian Rune Elvik says: “In Norway, I believe all the most cost effective measures have been implemented – mandatory helmet use, strict licensing, engine tuning ban, daytime running lights for motorbikes. The question that needs to be raised now is whether there should be any place for these motorised toys in the transport system at all.”

The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG UK) says that Elvik’s comments, which are contained in a recent report from the European Transport Safety Council (ETSC), are biased and anti motorcycling.

There is a real danger of these so called experts’ opinions and motorcycle safety reports being accepted without question.

On 21st December 2007, the Flemish Parliament in Belgium was presented with the ETSC report as a basis for legislation on motorcycle safety.

However the Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) Belgium, with the support of MPs, defended the riders’ position by using the Federation of European Motorcyclists Associations’ (FEMA), European Agenda for Motorcycle Safety which highlights the importance of finding real solutions to improve the casualty rates for motorcyclists.

As a direct result of MAG Belgium’s action, the ETSC report was rejected and instead, MAG Belgium’s motorcycle friendly programme was adopted.

MAG’s General Secretary, Trevor Baird, says, “Motorcycling is under constant threat from the European safety agenda. The introduction of this agenda has been thwarted in Belgium before it spreads further like a rash across Europe. MAG will continue to protect motorcycling and defend riders’ rights from whatever quarter the threat comes.”

Ends

Notes for Editors

1. FEMA’s European Agenda For Motorcycle Safety http://www.fema.ridersrights.org/docs/EAMS2007.pdf

2. ETSC report can be found at http://www.etsc.be/PIN.php

Issued by

Trevor Baird
General Secretary MAG UK

MAG UK
PO BOX 750
Rugby
CV21 3ZR

Tel: +44 (0)1788 570065
Fax: +44 (0)1788 570052

Email general-secretary@mag-uk.org

The UK's Leading Riders' Rights Organisation

www.mag-uk.org

DfT ‘Think!’ Rural Speed Campaign

The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG UK) supports the new Government ‘Think!’ campaign to raise motorist’s awareness of the dangers of speeding on rural roads.

The campaign highlights that in rural areas accidents often involve single vehicles suggesting that drivers are travelling in excess of the speed limit or travelling too fast for conditions. In 2006 325 car drivers were killed on rural roads.

As vulnerable road users motorcyclists are often the victims of dangerous, careless and aggressive driving which is exacerbated when that driver behaviour takes place on narrow roads with high hedgerows and limited visibility.

Motorcyclists too need to recognise that roads are not race tracks and that having an accident in remote rural areas is further complicated because of access problems and distances the emergency services have to travel. It is a sobering thought that you are three times more likely to die in an accident on a rural road than an urban one.

MAG’s Campaign Manager, David Short, says “ Motorcyclists are often branded as using rural roads as race tracks but it is clear from the Governments own evidence that it goes much wider and that this is as much a problem with dangerous and careless car drivers.”

“I would advise all motorcyclist’s to heed the campaigns advice and drive within the speed limits and at an appropriate speed for the road and traffic conditions. Unlike race tracks which have huge run off areas with marshals and medics on standby the rural roads have no such immediate support by the emergency services and dry stone walls and trees offer little ‘give’ in the event of an impact!”

“Advanced training courses or assessments such as the excellent police run Bike Safe courses will give riders a better appreciation of hazards and improved riding skills.”

1. Think! Campaign http://www.thinkroadsafety.gov.uk
2. Details on Bikesafe can be found at http://www.bikesafe.co.uk
3. DSA's Register of post-test motorcycle trainers http://tinyurl.com/3xg4n2
4. The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) "Skill for Life" http://www.iam.org.uk
5. RoSPA Advanced Drivers and Riders http://www.roada.org
6. Motorcycle Retailers Association and Motorcycle Riders Training Association (MRTA) http://www.rmif.co.uk
7. David Short can be contacted at:
Tel: +44 (0) 1347 82221
Mobile: +44 (0) 77389 48080
E-mail: campaigns-manager@mag-uk.org

Issued by

MAG UK
PO BOX 750
Rugby
CV21 3ZR

Tel: +44 (0)1788 570065

Revised Highway Code Launched - Read It!

The first revised Highway Code in eight years has been unveiled by Road Safety Minister Jim Fitzpatrick. The updated Code offers the latest road safety rules and advice, as well as promoting greater courtesy and understanding among all road users, particularly those who are most vulnerable.

The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG UK)) says that motorcyclists are vulnerable road users and often bear the brunt of inattentive drivers who are more pre occupied with trying to light a cigarette, fiddling with CD's, trying to read road maps, not to mention the omnipresent mobile phone users who persist in using their phones despite increased penalties. All these activities result in distractions from driving and present a very serious danger to motorcyclists which are now categorically defined in the new Highway Code as activities prohibited whilst driving.

In addition the code outlines the dangers caused by overfilling fuel tanks, in particular Diesel, which if spilt on the road causes serious danger, especially to motorcyclists and cyclists. Advice is given for motorists to be especially vigilant when manoeuvring, such as turning right or changing lanes and being aware of their vehicle blind spots.

The code recognises the benefits of motorcycles in beating traffic congestion and advises motorists to look out for motorcyclists who are legitimately filtering between lanes of traffic.

MAG has been involved with the Department of Transport throughout the consultation process from which the new Highway Code has evolved.

MAG's Campaign Manager, David Short, says, "Motorcyclists everywhere will be all too familiar with having to dodge lit fag ends, chip wrappers and drinks tins hurled out of vehicles by their irresponsible drivers."

"Diesel spills are a further curse which motorcyclists have to deal with as well as drivers who fail to look properly for motorcyclists at junctions or whilstmotorcyclists are defeating traffic congestion by filtering through lanes of stationary and slow moving traffic."

It is very encouraging to see the new Highway Code taking into consideration all these issues on which MAG made representations in the consultation process."

"The Highway Code is basic, simple advice which could save countless lives on the roads if people took the time and trouble to read and act on it."

"All road users would be well advised to read it!"

Notes

• The Code is available for free at http://www.direct.gov.uk/highwaycode
• The Official Highway Code is published by The Stationery Office Ltd (TSO) and is priced at £2.50. Visit http://www.tsoshop.co.uk/highwaycode or call 0870 600 5522. Copies are also available from all good High Street and online bookstores

David Short can be contacted at:
Tel: +44 (0) 1347 82221
Mobile: +44 (0) 77389 48080
E-mail: campaigns-manager@mag-uk.org