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

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

Highways Agency installs additional safety measures for A52 Borrowash Bypass at Spondon, Derby

New traffic signs, safety barrier and an optical guidance system will be installed by the Highways Agency at the A52 Borrowash Bypass in Derby from Wednesday 11 March.

The measures to improve safety along the A52 will be put in place from the A6005 roundabout for 1.2 miles to Borrowash Road. These include new traffic signs, a 50mph advisory speed limit in both directions and an optical guidance system which utilises special reflectors placed on the barriers at the side of the road.

In addition, the eastbound section of safety barrier will have 200 metres of Bike Guard attached to the underneath of the existing barrier. Bike Guard is an extra rail under the existing safety barrier which helps protect cyclists and motorcyclists if they fall from their bike and hit the barrier. The existing safety barrier beams will be painted with alternate black and white chevrons.

There will be some lane and carriageway closures needed to complete this work. To make full use of the closures we will also carry out a second scheme at the same time to replace electrical cabling and carry out routine maintenance and inspections, minimising inconvenience to road users.

From Wednesday 11 March there will be overnight lane closures on the eastbound and westbound carriageways. On Monday 16 until 30 March the on slip from the Spondon roundabout to the A52 will be closed and local signed diversion routes will be in place between 8pm and 6am.

The A52 will be closed eastbound between 8pm and 6am on Monday 23 and Tuesday 24 March between the A6005 roundabout at Spondon and J25 of the M1 and westbound between 8pm and 6am on Wednesday 25 and Thursday 26 March. There will also be a closure of the westbound A52 exit slip road at Spondon.

During the A52 closures the following overnight restrictions (8pm to 6am) will also apply:

* Overnight closures of Borrowash Road at its junctions with the A52
* Overnight closures of Victoria Avenue at its junctions with the A52
* Overnight closures of Cole Lane at its junctions with the A52
* Overnight closures of Manor Farm Access road at its junctions with the A52

Highways Agency project manager Kam Khokar said:

“This scheme will add additional safety measures to the A52 at the Borrowash Bypass at Spondon including advisory speed limit signs and an optical guidance system to help road users. Bike users will also benefit from the installation of the extra safety protection barrier on the eastbound carriageway.”

A clearly signed diversion route will be in place as follows:

* From J25 of the M1, A52 westbound traffic will be diverted onto Bostocks Lane, turn left and continue on the B5010 and A6005 Derby/Nottingham Road to rejoin the A52 Borrowash bypass via the A6005 roundabout at Spondon.

* A52 eastbound traffic will be diverted off the A52 immediately before the A5111 Raynesway to join the A6005 Derby Road. Traffic will continue along the A6005 and B M5010 Derby/Nottingham Road, turn right onto Bostocks Lane to rejoin the A52 at J25 of the M1.

* A5111 traffic travelling eastbound will be diverted over the A52 and right at the A6005 roundabout to join the main eastbound diversion.

Local diversions will also be clearly signed:

* Eastbound traffic for Lodge Lane North will be diverted onto the A6005 and exit on Willowcroft Road and onto Sitwell Street.

* Eastbound traffic on Stoney Lane will be diverted to the A6096 Moor Street/Dale Road/Moor Lane/Green Lane/Bare Lane and turn right onto Flood Street/Victoria Avenue to the A52.

* Westbound traffic on Borrowash Road, Victoria Avenue and Carr Lane will be diverted to join the main diversion route.

Original Post here http://www.fleetdirectory.co.uk/fleet-news/index.php/2009/03/09/highways-agency-installs-additional-safety-measures-for-a52-borrowash-bypass-at-spondon-derby/

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

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

FEMA Elects New President

The Federation of European Motorcyclists’ Associations (FEMA) warmly welcomes Hans Petter Strifeldt as its new President. The former Chairman of the Norsk Motorcykkel Union (NMCU) was unanimously elected by FEMA’s national members at their Annual General Meeting on Saturday 2 February.

Hans Petter replaces Kees Meijer, who after five successful years (2003-2008) as FEMA’s President decided to step down from the position. He leaves with the belief that FEMA is evolving in the right direction and is confident regarding FEMA’s future.

The election at the Annual General Meeting was a first for FEMA, as Hans Petter flight was cancelled due to a snowstorm in Norway he could not attend the meeting in Brussels, nevertheless he managed to communicate with FEMA’s members via webcam.

Hans Petter is also the first FEMA President coming from a country which is not a member of the European Union. However, he clearly sees this positively: “I think the challenges European motorcyclists are facing are universal. Even Norway is heavily influenced by EU decisions. We clearly cannot achieve results only by working at the national level. We must work on a European level and, eventually, globally. Coming from a non-EU country does not matter. I am European, and will work from that angle.”

He has a clear vision for FEMA’s future: “I see FEMA as a strong, economically independent and highly respected organization not only recognized by its professionalism - as is already the case - but also with a strong support from European motorcyclists. Strong national associations are the best foundation onto which FEMA must be further built. I hope - in short - that FEMA will further prosper through strong national organizations.”

Hans Petter (38) has been working as a journalist for some 12 years before entering into communication and media relations 8 years ago. He obtained his motorcycle licence in 1992 but did not become an active rider until 2000. From that time onwards, however, bikes became his first and most important leisure activity, only surpassed by time spent with his family. He rides some 20-25000 km per season and uses his bikes as much as possible for commuting, touring, or holidays. His wife and daughter also ride, so they pretty much form a “motorcyclists’ family”.

Hans Petter is FEMA’s 6th President and joins FEMA as the association celebrates 20 years of active representation in Brussels, promoting and defending motorcycling in Europe.

1. The full interview of Hans Petter Strifeldt is available at the following link: <http://www.fema.ridersrights.org/20years/index.php?p=downloads>
2. Please also note that the second part of "FEMA History" is now online: <http://www.fema.ridersrights.org/20years/index.php?p=About>
3. For any further information, please directly contact <virginie.fema@chello.be>.

-----------
FEMA - Federation of European Motorcyclists' Associations
Rue des Champs 62, 1040 Brussels, Belgium
Tel: +32 (0)2 736 9047 / Fax: +32 (0)2 736 9401
http://www.fema.ridersrights.org

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

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

20 years defending European riders:FEMA - An association run by and for European citizens!

10 January 2008 - The Federation of European Motorcyclists’ Associations is very proud to announce its 20th Anniversary. 2008 marks 20 years of pro-active lobbying in Brussels and in Geneva and will be celebrated with a series of events throughout the year. Representing all European motorcyclists: a look at the past to better face coming challenges.

http://www.fema.ridersrights.org/20years


Reducing congestion, pollution and accidents while at the same time increasing mobility is one of Europe’s main challenges. The use of Powered Two-Wheelers clearly offers major advantages to the transport mix as well as solutions to many of the transport problems faced by EU Member States. Recognition of their positive contribution has been one of FEMA members’ main reasons for creating the Federation in 1988. 20 years later, promoting fairer and appropriate legislation for motorcyclists remains FEMA’s main task.

On 25 June 1988, motorcyclists’ associations from France, Germany, United Kingdom, Greece, Austria and Luxembourg decided to form a European citizens’ organisation in order to make European riders’ voice heard in the political debate: The Federation of European Motorcyclists (FEM) was born. Ten years later, on 10 January 1998, FEM and the European Motorcyclist Association (EMA) merged to form the Federation of European Motorcyclists Associations (FEMA). The two associations joined their forces to offer motorcyclists the best representation possible. Today, FEMA counts on a 4 person office in Brussels.


In 2008, 24 national road riding motorcyclists’ organizations from 19 European countries will hence celebrate 20 years of riders’ representation in Brussels. The 10th of January has been chosen to officially launch FEMA celebrations for this double anniversary. Throughout the year, FEMA will disseminate information about its history and how it works, but it will also organise a series of activities, such as participation to shows, workshops and conferences, interviews of keynote representatives, and a special edition of the MEP Motorcycle Ride in Brussels. The detailed programme and additional information are available on FEMA 20th Anniversary dedicated web space www.fema.ridersrights.org/20years

Aline Delhaye, FEMA General Secretary, says: “I would like to take this opportunity to underline how local decisions are increasingly linked to European policies. European motorcyclists need to get stronger to face coming challenges. As in the early days, there is a need to ensure that motorcycling is rightly and fairly considered in crucial debates, such as Intelligent Transport Systems or Congestion Charging Schemes, to only mention 2 examples. I warmly thank FEMA members and partners for their faith in the work of the Federation and I call all motorcycling stakeholders (industry, media, clubs, individuals) to support the Federation and give it the means to promote motorcycling through the next 20 years and beyond”.


We are looking forward to celebrate this event with you!

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
PO BOX 750
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