Potholes can kill...

So going into work today I saw a yoof on a scooter hit a new pothole and go into quite a spectacular "tank slapper".

Being on the house "ickle bike", the KLR250, I soaked the bumps up after hitting several new potholes, but it would have been very twitchy for Jules on the Speed Triple, and murderous in the wet.

So I have tried a website called FixMyStreet.com and reported the potholes with Derby Council so let's see what happens

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/

The Couch Hog

So here he is , the unclaimed cat , the seldom seen kid, aka the couch hog. After a summer spent being watched by him from under the fence or behind a bush , he allowed Jules to get close enough to stroke him a couple of weeks ago.Then he started taking food from us, and we became part of his routine. I think when we allowed him to sleep in our shed at the start of the cold weather a change occured.

So now we appear to have been claimed as his new home and servants. Next job is to work out his name....

MCC Excalibur Treffen 2008

Just got back from a a few days away in Holland visiting MCC Excalibur in Valkenswaard for their annual rally.

As usual a great time was had by all and it was a chance to meet up with some familiar faces and sit in the sun with a drink or two. Pay a visit to the Cafe De Bel and raid the local Lidl for the bargains that sell out so quick in the UK.

Pictures are on our Flickr site

Or you can see the videos embedded in this page!

Travel Ideas for 2009

The summer is nearly over and with work and other issues... well my work and injuries , we haven't travelled that far and to too many places by bike this year.

So now is the time to start thinking , will it be the Stella again.... or something like the Route des Grande Alps or the Route Napoleon in the South of France and the Alps.

Another option is to do a fly ride option to somewhere like Bulgaria where the most fantastic Bike rallies take place in the eternal sunshine of a Balkan summer. There is motorcycle hire in Sofia and we know of at least one moto camp Motocamp Bulgaria and 4x4 hire Wildrovers all within the same area as the main rally sites.

Options for off-roading in most European countries is inceasingly looking popular as well as more and more routes disappear in these sceptic isles. Which may mean a wee bit more research and another post some time soon

Powered by ScribeFire.

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.

Stella Alpina 2008

We spent last weekend with Stella Alpina withdrawal pains after not being able to make it this year.

So for anyone else interested in this marvelous occasion we will keep this thread updated with links to ride reports and photo galleries for Stella Alpina Motociclistica Internazionale meeting at Bardonecchia AKA The Stella Alpina!

• Spanish GS'ers - Translated
• Classic Honda Club Italy - Translated
• Advrider.com - Nickyboy
• stellaalpina.plus.com - Gallery 2008
  

Global Warming ? My Arse !

Yet another wonderful summer sunset ... NOT! It gets more like autumn everyday, winters are getting milder, longer and wetter and still they want to burn more fossil fuels, as everyone seems to think it is a "humanitarian right" to spoil the planet with excessive fuel usage ....grumble grumble mutter.... when will summer ever start.

Nottingham Eye

Nottingham Eye
Originally uploaded by Scouse_and_Jules

Okay, so some days you have to do the tourist bit even in your own neck of the woods.

So with it being the last weekend of the Eye in Nottingham we toddled over from Derby to the den of iniquity on the other side of the M1. It was a cold and breezy ride and some great views despite the weather.

All said and done it would have been better in Derby, somewhere, as we would have been able to see the Dales :) But the Castle, and the Windmill made good things to view, and the unusual views of the roof tops of the varied buildings of a depressing utilitarian architecture that surround the market square like a concrete noose ,brightened many of them up in our eyes.

Red Marley Freak Hill Climb 2008

Easter is notoriously boring , even more so than the long holiday that is Christmas.

So this year for a change we went to see the wonders of Worcestershire and Herfordshire... or more to the point to see the famous Red Marley Freak Hill Climb!

Now combined with a Pre '65 Trial on the Sunday, the ressurected Hill climb is THE place to be on Easter Monday.

Air redolent with burnt methanol and CastrolR, bikes who's riders have an average age of 55, spills and thrills a plenty I can't think of a better way to lose 6 hours for a fiver.

Okay the snow flurries and the biting North Wind put a damper on it this year , but we will be back again!

Have a look at what we saw on Flickr

And some clips from the hours of video we ended up shooting ...

Lichen

Is the air getting cleaner or is it to do with where things are ?

This photo was taken walking along a footpath just below the very busy slip road onto the A52 at the Wyvern in Derby.

Lichen cannot grow in any form of polluted air , but this is thriving while 5 metres above it lorrys and cars trundle past day in day out.

I like this little oasis between Sainsburys and the A52. Often I must get taken for a potential mugger or deviant as I stop and "loiter" to gaze at nature there.

In the past month I have seen pairs of Wrens,Goldcrests,Great Tits,Bearded Tits and Robins looking for nest sites and/or food. Added to the usual Blackbirds, Starlings and Sparrows that universally get ignored by the shoppers and staff who use this path.

I sometimes wonder if the folk who always moan and complain about the effect on nature of road building ever stop to see what happens in the little enclaves that these developments create. Me I find they can often raise the spirits on a dull day. I would love to hear of your opinions.

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

Ribcrackers Soap Box Derby 2008

Finally Youtube has let me put up the first taster edit of the fun and frolics at Lumb Farm on the 16th of Feb.



Thankfully the guy from Pakistan Telecom will have been sacked after stupidly broadcasting a URL redirect to all the DNS's in the world yesterday!

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

A Poor Workman always blames his tools

I have always been into tools to aid navigation, ever since as a Cub I was first shown how to use a Silva Explorer compass and an Ordnance Survey map. I advanced from merely finding a grid reference, to plotting position and then using profiles from contour lines alongside Naismith's Rule to calculate distance and time taken to complete a route.

Then the satellites went into orbit, and Global Positioning by Satellite (GPS) was born. Since the 2nd of May 2000 civillian users have had access to the same signal as the military and access to a wonderful new navigation tool. The GPS reciever , known as the GPSr.

For a long time it was the preserve of the hobbyist and people who needed fast accurate positioning data without complicated calculations, like seafarers and pilots. It became the must have for anyone going into the outdoors, even if it was just a simple "here you are " tool to be used alongside a map.

The cost was high, as with any new tech, then with all the other advances in computer chip technology the prices came down. At this point approximately 3 years ago we entered the world of SatNav! The real enthusiasts tool had become a new consumer toy. But worryingly it had also still retained the sophisticated elements of the first GPSr navigation tools.

Many people rushed out and bought the new toy declaring maps to be redundant. This marvellous new box will show me the quickest most efficient way of getting anywhere with a postcode! Wrong ! The simple element of RTFM had been lost on these new digital pioneers, it was a shiny new toy that told them how not to get lost.

Like any new technology you get what you pay for, a lot of the new mapping GPSr used old data to keep cost down. Roads had been built and in some cases entire towns several years after the data was compiled. Options on the GPSr allowed fine tuning of routing, but this was lost on the majority of the new pioneers girding their loins for an new quicker way to go see Aunt Mabel in Staines.

Reports started fl0oding in of people getting jammed on farm tracks,driving into rivers and lorrys stuck on country lanes ! RTFM numpties!

The cost of stupidity should be taxed at source for anyone using a tool that cannot use it correctly. Network Rail have announced the over 2,000 bridges have been damaged this year by lorrys taking inappropriate routes; people crashing into fences and crossing rail lines in the wrong places have added to the millions of pounds of damage!

I am now of the opinion that unless you can read a map you should not buy a GPSr. Look at the map, choose your route then program this into the GPSr or at least ensure it does not have options chosen to take you down country lanes and under low bridges. It should be included in the Highway Code and as part of the Driving Test.

Is it just too much to ask for people to use Common Sense... sadly it seems it is!

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

Keep it Rubber Side Down

Dislocombobulated Shoulder
Originally uploaded by Scouse_and_Jules

Okay folks, here is the reason why my motorcycle travelling is on hold for a couple of months.

What should have been a short trip home from work on Jules's F650 ended up in a trip to A&E and a lot of pain.

It's still very cold and the potential for black ice and slippy roads, so be careful. Even careful speeds and engine braking can end up in a spill.

Now where can I get to in April....

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

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

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Cheered me up for some reason - just a bit of random graffiti, but it made me smile.

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