What Has Mag Ever Done For Us?

Here is another of my occasional rants at fellow bikers for not becoming members of MAG.

A woman named Kim McGuinness was re-elected in May as the Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner. One of her proposals was to lobby the government Minister for Policing (Kit Malthouse) to introduce mandatory police-tracking of the speed and location of all motorcycles. Her main reason for this was to enable police to combat the problem of anti-social off road use of bikes (although there is a greater issue with quad bikes than motorcycles).
Now I don't know about you, but I would be extremely unhappy to discover at some point in the near future that new bikes would be tracked by police (or anyone else). Fortunately, MAG have their ear to the ground, especially the ground around Westminster. A meeting was secured with Kim McGuinness and she agreed to back down. She is now working with MAG to find a better solution to the bigger problem of motorcycle theft, which leads to anti-social behaviour. MAG is also meeting with other Police & Crime Commissioners across the country, to bring them onside and hopefully secure a meeting with the Minister for Policing.
This is just another example of how MAG is ensuring that the voice of motorcycling is not just loud, but also effective.

So now, fellow members of the Triumph Forum, give me a GOOD reason why the above is not a commendable achievement and then explain why you don't want to support such a beneficial organisation.

 

As a former regional rep perhaps you had greater insight into the workings of MAG than I have. I do know that there were divisions in the past but as far as I'm aware that is far less prevalent now, at least at national level. The people running MAG are genuine, honest and working hard to keep motorcycling in the minds of those responsible for road safety, reducing crime, and environmental issues, that affect ALL of us.
Yes MAG HAS become more political but in a grown up way. Instead of ranting, raving and simply complaining about motorcyclists being unfairly treated (which we are), or more often ignored (which we are), they now have a dedicated political team who work in a proactive way. By meeting with those people who wield the power (yes, mainly councillors, politicians and police organisations) and discussing the issues facing motorcyclists BEFORE unhelpful legislation, rules and regulations are set in stone, they try to make the world of motorcycling, which you and I love, a better place.
Surely that can't be a bad thing? But they can only do it if the funding is there. The bulk of that comes from the many rallies they organise, which attract 1000's of motorcyclists, but Covid put a stop to that. The rallies are slowly recovering but they need new members. If you value the freedoms riding bikes gives us (and I'm sure you do) then join. It's less than £30 a year. That's not a lot really is it? Give it a go and if you disagree with what MAG are trying to do (and you will know because the regular magazine you will get, 'The Road' will tell you. It's a fantastic read and one of the best bike mags out there) then don't renew.
So Smilinjack, how about you break your resolve of several years ago and give MAG a second chance? I think you will find things have changed for the better and they are worth your support.

I'll step down off my soapbox now..for a while at least.

 

Hmm, I'd intended to leave this for now, with the intention of not badgering people too much (more than I already have) but..

People must pick and choose the charities or organisations that they wish to donate to, depending on personal beliefs or circumstances or whatever. No-one (except perhaps Bill Gates) can support all of them, even if we'd like to. So it's more likely a case of not being able to support them rather than not wanting to.
I am attempting to persuade people to support MAG, in this case using an example of a success that could have affected all of us. The point being of course that by joining MAG you are helping to keep motorcycling alive and kicking.
If this forum was concerned with animal charities, humanitarian or disaster relief organisations then I may well be writing in support of them (which incidentally I have done elsewhere) but it's a bike forum, so I'm sticking to bikes.
If people aren't informed then they cannot make informed choices. If it's something you feel strongly about, as I do in this case, then I feel justified in asking for support from likeminded people (motorcyclists).

If you feel my post(s) was too long-winded and lacked positivity, then that's unfortunate but you read it and responded, which is a success of sorts.
If your 'improved' version prompts forum members to join then I am very happy to let you rewrite any future posts