Well as the last thread went up in cyber space, I thought I'd start another one. So welcome to round 2 episode 1 MAG do all this for you for 0.07 pence a day. A bargain I think you'll agree. So head over to the MAG website and join up. https://www.mag-uk.org/motorcycle-action-group-membership/ Do you care ?? News from the Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) MAG unite with industry on a motorcycling ‘Journey to a Brighter Destination’. The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) is uniting with the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA) to make the case for motorcycling. MAG has collaborated with the MCIA and endorses the long awaited ‘Journey to a Brighter Destination’ document in support of leisure motorcycling. Motorcycles offer significant environmental, economic, and societal benefits to the UK’s transport population. ‘The Journey’ puts forward a compelling case for why motorcycling as a leisure activity, primarily using higher-powered motorcycles, must be protected as the Government heads towards a net zero future. This future can, and will, be bright for motorcycling but only if the Government ensures that the right level of support is in place, starting from now, both in terms of financial consumer incentives and also the time and investment needed for us to adapt to new powertrains, electrical or otherwise. MAG Chair, Neil Liversidge, said: “MAG welcomes the highly significant statement of intent which the Motorcycle Industry Association’s (MCIA) ‘Journey’ report represents. The document lays out a clear position on the importance of motorcycling as it stands today in the context of leisure, pastimes, and sports. It also confirms the industry’s commitment to develop a strategy to create a foundation for the continuation of motorcycling as we know it. Further, it considers all the things that are important to today’s riders. The objective is to ensure not only that motorcycling continues, but that it also attracts a new, younger, and growing audience in the years to come. “MAG and MCIA are closely aligned in many key areas. MAG recognises that the industry must naturally operate within and introduce products to market that cannot just be eligible to be offered for sale, but also be demanded by the changing marketplace. It is appreciated; however, this must not just be shaped by government policy alone but also what inspires the customer. As Government moves ahead with its agenda and objectives for net zero by 2050, MAG will work closely with MCIA to ensure the riders voices are heard with an objective of ensuring these opinions sufficiently influence policy proposals and the final outcomes. “We are looking forward to working with MCIA and, together, feel much can be gained by working collaboratively, but with a mutual appreciation of each organisation’s beliefs and objectives.” Tony Campbell, CEO of MCIA, said: “Today’s publication is all about celebrating what we all know and love. Underlying this is the need to showcase the significant benefits our industry brings to the UK economy and our society more generally. “Though we are making significant progress in the lower powered end of the L-Category classification and the role these vehicles can, are and will play in the Government’s zero emission and future of transport agendas, higher powered motorcycles will need to be treated differently, as they face far greater challenges when it comes to electrification using technologies that are available today. “With the consultation on the phase out of new non-zero emission L-Category vehicles expected this year, The Journey puts forward a powerful case for why certain parts of our sector must be given more time to adapt before working towards any arbitrary phase out date. “The Government must, at the very least, have an open mind to alternative fuels/powertrains, move away from focusing exclusively on zero emissions at the tailpipe and, ultimately, be proportionate in its prescribing the sector a phase out date based on both our current UK emissions contribution and the whole life cycle environmental impact of these vehicle types. “We are looking forward to continuing our work with Government, helping to shape the phase out consultation, and remain steadfast in ensuring progress towards net zero in a way that is both commercially viable for manufacturers and appealing to our riding community.” https://www.mcia.co.uk/initiatives
MAG do all this for you for 0.07 pence a day. A bargain I think you'll agree. So head over to the MAG website and join up. https://www.mag-uk.org/motorcycle-action-group-membership/ Do you care ?? UK Motorcycling welcomes NABD The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG), the UK’s leading voice for riders, has welcomed the National Association of Bikers with a Disability (NABD) to UK Motorcycling (UKM). NABD, the world’s leading support group for motorcyclists with disabilities, is to join UKM, which was recently formed by The Motorcycle Action Group. The Motor Cycle Industry Association (MCIA) is also part of this new organisation. Welcoming NABD to UKM, MAG’s Chairman, Neil F Liversidge, said: “It’s great to have NABD joining us. UKM will give a voice to all motorcyclists, working for their benefit and for the benefit of motorcycling in all its forms. It is especially important for us to have NABD on board because no organisation in the entire world has more experience in its specialism.” NABD National Chairman, Rick Hulse, commented: “The NABD welcomes this opportunity to take part in this collaborative forum, an opportunity never afforded to us by the National Motorcycle Council (NMC). We have been successful in influencing legislation, both domestic and European, on numerous occasions over the past 30+ years. Now, with this opportunity to act in unity with other motorcycling organisations via the new UKM group, we look forward to being even more effective in protecting the rights and freedoms enjoyed by both motorcyclists with disabilities and the wider motorcycling community.” Contact MAG on 01926 844 064 or at [email protected]
MAG do all this for you for 0.07 pence a day. A bargain I think you'll agree. So head over to the MAG website and join up. https://www.mag-uk.org/motorcycle-action-group-membership/ Do you care ?? MAG’s Western Region in experienced hands The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG), the UK’s leading voice for riders, pleased to welcome staunch volunteer back to post of Regional Rep. Bristol lady Anne Gale has so far volunteered with MAG for a grand total of 49 years (and counting) and shows no signs of slowing down, even as another significant birthday approaches. She was elected as Regional Representative for MAG’s Western Region at their recent AGM, a post she is already familiar with having worked in the role previously. Anne commented: “I never, in a million years, thought that only two months prior to my 78th birthday I would be the Western Region MAG Representative again!” A grandmother from Bristol, Anne also produces MAG’s on-line internal political newsletter ‘Network’, a role she intends to continue with alongside that of Regional Rep. She will be ably assisted by Deputy Regional Rep Eddie Garnier, who has himself clocked up over 30 years with MAG. The Motorcycle Action Group - formed in 1973 – is a well-respected lobbying organisation that has represented the interests and rights of motorcyclists for almost half a century at local, regional and national levels. Motorcycling today would look very different without their tireless efforts to educate and advise Government, the Department for Transport, local authorities and many other organisations. Summing up, Anne said: “We just love riding motorcycles. MAG exists to help those who frame legislation to understand our culture and recognise that we are a legitimate lobby that needs to be listened to. Motorcycles are a part of the solution to the social, environmental and transport problems we face today. Motorcycling should be encouraged, rather than discouraged, and should not be unnecessarily complicated by pointless red tape.” Contact MAG at 01926 844 064 or [email protected]
MAG do all this for you for 0.07 pence a day. A bargain I think you'll agree. So head over to the MAG website and join up. https://www.mag-uk.org/motorcycle-action-group-membership/ Do you care ?? Electric vehicle infrastructure strategy inadequate for motorcyclists. The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) has said that the newly published ‘Electric vehicle infrastructure strategy’ is inadequate for meeting the needs of motorcyclists wanting to go electric. On Friday 25th March Grant Shapps announced the UK’s £1.6 billion Electric vehicle infrastructure strategy. MAG responded to consultations prior to the policy development calling for the specific needs of motorcyclists to be fully considered. MAG welcomes the comments that all Local Transport Plan EV charging strategy must consider charging opportunities for electric motorbikes, as well as cars and vans. The strategy gives little, however, to reassure that the promised guidance for local authorities will be adequate. MAG Director of Campaigns & Political Engagement, Colin Brown, said: “For those riders wanting to make the switch to electric, there is insufficient detail in this strategy to reassure. Motorcycles will need dedicated facilities with different ergonomic design and a strong focus on security against theft. There is also nothing to indicate that potential for interchangeable batteries and associated charging hubs has been recognised.” MAG continues to oppose the proposed phase-out of internal combustion engine motorcycles, but still wishes to ensure that, for those who do choose electric, motorcycle charging infrastructure will not be ignored. Colin went on to say: “We are pro choice when it comes to the future of motorcycling. It is imperative that the broadest range of choices are catered for. Certainly, if the Government wants to achieve decarbonisation of all transport modes, they need to fully consider all the details - even for motorcycles. We will be seeking to influence the drafting of detailed guidance for local authorities.” Contact MAG at 01926 844 064 or [email protected]
MAG do all this for you for 0.07 pence a day. A bargain I think you'll agree. So head over to the MAG website and join up. https://www.mag-uk.org/motorcycle-action-group-membership/ Do you care ?? Date set for parliamentary debate on anti-tamper proposals. A date has been set for a parliamentary debate on the anti-tamper proposals from last year. The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) is urging its members to respond to a short Government survey to inform Nick Fletcher MP who will be leading the debate. Proposals for anti-tampering regulations brought a substantial backlash late last year. A petition was raised opposing the proposals, which received well over the 100,000 signatories bar to trigger a parliamentary debate. The debate will take place on 25th April 2022. It will be led by Nick Fletcher MP and a minister from the Department for Transport (DfT) will respond for the Government. A short survey has been launched as part of the process to inform Nick Fletcher of the reasons for the strong objections to the proposals. MAG is recommending that all riders take the opportunity to respond to the Petitions Committee's survey here: https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/V6ND30/. The survey will remain open until 9am on Monday 11 April. You do not need to have signed the petition to complete the survey. MAG also recommends that riders contact their local MPs to ask them to speak at the debate on 25th April. MAG Director of Campaigns & Political Engagement, Colin Brown, said: “This is another opportunity to explain your objections to these proposed regulations. We are keen to keep the pressure on to ensure that common sense prevails, and that the proposals are at the very least re-drafted if not entirely rejected. If you value the right to modify your motorcycle in any way you see fit, then please respond to the survey and lobby your representative in Parliament.” Don't forget join MAG Contact MAG at 01926 844 064 or [email protected]
I'll be having my say in the survey but people like @Iron, @darkman and anyone else here who's handy with a spanner should voice their concerns. We have a long history of poor legislation created by poorly-informed people in this country, leading to unecessarily broad interpretation of the law. Like it or not, this is how we influence the debate, or at least try.
It also helps if people join MAG so that the old saying comes into force. "Strength in numbers". Sadly people just can't see it, and they don't bother.
MAG do all this for you for 0.07 pence a day. A bargain I think you'll agree. So head over to the MAG website and join up. https://www.mag-uk.org/motorcycle-action-group-membership/ Do you care ?? And the not so good news MAG leaves PACTS The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG), the UK’s leading voice for riders, is not renewing its membership of the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety (PACTS) this year. Explaining why, Colin Brown, MAG’s Director of Campaigns & Political Engagement, stated: “Sadly, MAG finds itself no longer aligned with the PACTS agenda. The Council has proved increasingly difficult to engage and debate with, and we find ourselves in a position where our voice is no longer heard because there is little appetite for listening to a variety of views and ideas. We have always endeavoured to put forward the case for motorcycling but have been met with increasing levels of hostility towards this transport mode. There comes a point where one must bow out, and we have reached it.” MAG’s Chair, Neil Liversidge, commented: “MAG is always happy to engage with other organisations and authorities regarding motorcycling, but we see no point in wasting our valuable resources where our voice is consistently ignored. We have therefore decided that withdrawing from PACTS is the best decision. Personally, I find the inclusion of the word ‘Parliamentary’ in the Council’s name somewhat misleading, as it implies that it is a Parliamentary body, but this is not the case.” MAG will continue to robustly defend the rights of motorcyclists, engaging, lobbying and educating wherever a need is identified. Contact MAG at 01926 844 064 or [email protected]
MAG do all this for you for 0.07 pence a day. A bargain I think you'll agree. So head over to the MAG website and join up. https://www.mag-uk.org/motorcycle-action-group-membership/ Do you care ? Won't be too long before this happens over here too. Thanks to the race cans.
MAG do all this for you for 0.07 pence a day. A bargain I think you'll agree. So head over to the MAG website and join up. https://www.mag-uk.org/motorcycle-action-group-membership/ Do you care ? A Bill to scrap the EU’s ‘Vnuk’ motor insurance law passed through Parliament yesterday (Monday 25th April). MAG Chair Neil Liversidge is delighted that an issue he first flagged in February 2015 has finally been laid to rest. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has stated that the bill has sacked this “nonsensical EU rule”. Vnuk would have increased insurance premiums in the UK by an average of £50 and potentially caused the collapse of the motorsports sector. The Bill - introduced to Parliament by Peter Bone MP - scraps (in the UK) the EU ruling making motor insurance compulsory for vehicles being used on private land, as well as potentially a greater range of vehicles including those used in motorsports, agricultural machinery and light electric vehicles. Vnuk would have also covered motorsports collisions potentially involving vehicles from go-karting to Formula One, which would have been treated as regular road traffic incidents requiring insurance. Neil Liversidge said: “MAG was first to identify VNUK as a serious threat to motorcyclists, and especially to ‘off-roaders’. We are glad to see that our campaigning has paid off, with a result made possible by the Government’s greater freedom of action following Brexit.”
MAG do all this for you for 0.07 pence a day. A bargain I think you'll agree. So head over to the MAG website and join up. https://www.mag-uk.org/motorcycle-action-group-membership/ Do you care ? MAG aligns with MP’s confession in Anti-Tampering debate. Conservative MP confesses to a love of riding and driving petrol engine vehicles. The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) warmly welcomes Steve Baker’s remarks in the anti-tampering debate. After the petition opposing the anti-tamper proposals received over 112,000 signatures, the debate was held in Westminster Hall yesterday (Monday 25th April). “I want to begin with a confession which, these days, I think is increasingly socially unacceptable: I enjoy driving. I enjoy riding a motorcycle. I love petrol engine vehicles.” Steve Baker went on to make a passioned defence of the interests of motorcyclists who love the experience and existential rewards of riding. The response to the debate from Minister Trudy Harrison repeated the Government line that there is no intention to prevent legitimate motorsport activities, nor prevent restoration, repairs or legitimate improvements to vehicles such as classic cars or motorbikes. “We don’t intend our proposals to negatively impact businesses involved in these activities either.” Harrison stated. “What we intended to do with this is prevent tampering that can have serious health and environmental consequences.” The consultation received 7,891 responses and the full response is expected to be published in Summer 2022. Ms Harrison said: “Members of this House can absolutely seek reassurance that the proposals will not prevent all forms of vehicle modification. That is not the intention, it is certainly not my intention, and we are carefully considering the scope of the policy to ensure that it does not prevent legitimate alterations or modifications including repair work. As the Minister with the responsibility for the future of transport, my role is to ensure that we have a regulatory regime that is fit for the future, and which will achieve our vision of a better, greener UK, and to achieve this we are now conducting a series of regulatory reviews to consider how transport regulations need to change to make journeys faster, safer, easier, and more secure.” Commenting after the debate, MAG Director of Campaigns & Political Engagement, Colin Brown, said: “As was mentioned during the debate, the devil will be in the detail. Whilst reassurances are being given, we shall have to wait to see the detailed proposals when they are finally drafted. It was reassuring to hear that the concern over potential unintended consequences has been taken on board and will be considered. We just need to see if the conclusions reached match our view of what is legitimate, not that of an overzealous nanny state. I share Steve Baker’s love of driving and riding petrol-powered vehicles - and that includes modified ones. That should never be considered socially unacceptable and certainly not outlawed.” Contact MAG at 01926 844 064 or [email protected] Just a thought here, The consultation received received 7,891 responses, there are 1 Million motorcycles registered in the UK. Boy didn't we show them politicians that we care about motorcycling. I guess that makes the 7,891 responses, part of the 1% brigade. And people wonder why we get on.
Well I responded to the consultation and I hope my comments go some way it making sure motorcyclist don’t get shafted. We live in hope
That response from Ms Harrison was just typical politician bollocks. A broad sweeping statement that said nowt.
MAG do all this for you for 0.07 pence a day. A bargain I think you'll agree. So head over to the MAG website and join up. https://www.mag-uk.org/motorcycle-action-group-membership/ Do you care ? New MAG campaign for default bus lane access. The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) is today launching a new campaign for default bus lane access. New research shows that motorcycles can currently use 48% of all ‘with-flow’ bus lanes in the UK. MAG say it is time for local authorities to stop debating and start delivering. MAG has released a new report that for the first time collates UK-wide information on motorcycle access in bus lanes. The report shows that of the 159 local transport authorities with bus lanes, just 56 allow motorcycle access. Report author Colin Brown said: “This research has revealed the successes of three decades of campaigning by MAG on this issue. Given the complexity and stumbling blocks placed between a coherent national policy and a totally unnecessary exclusion of motorcycles from bus lanes, we have done well to gain access to 48% of the nation’s bus lanes. We have also shown the ludicrous situation where access permissions change along certain routes or in opposite directions on the same road. We have had three decades of expensive local trials but the overwhelming result of all these is that motorcycle access to bus lanes is not a problem. It is time for a consistent default access for motorcycles, just as already exists informally for pedal cycles.” A petition has been raised by Birmingham-based barrister Dr Mirza Ahmad asking the Government to require local authorities in England to permit motorcycles in bus lanes. MAG is asking motorcyclists - and indeed all road users - to sign the petition. Firstly, MAG is calling for a further meeting with Roads Minister, Baroness Vere of Norbiton. The Minister previously asked MAG to list its top five priorities. Bus lane access was the issue that MAG members voted as their first ask. MAG will then approach decision-makers in Wales and Scotland to promote the sensible approach taken in Northern Ireland. The Department for Infrastructure allows motorcycle access in all bus lanes in NI. Finally, MAG has vowed to redouble efforts with key authorities that still do not allow access. MAG is already pushing for meetings with Glasgow, Manchester, Nottingham and Leicester, as well as discussing with Transport for London (TfL) how best to get London Boroughs to accept a common policy. Colin Brown said: “Even Sadiq Khan agrees that all London boroughs should allow motorcycle access. TfL adopted a blanket policy on all red routes, but many boroughs are still opposed to motorcycle access. If we can get Glasgow, Manchester, Nottingham and Leicester on board that would be another 60 miles of access. Of course, if these councils are smart, they will back our calls for default access as this would save them money and there would be no argument for yet more trials.” The petition raised by Dr Mirza Ahmad can be found here: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/614294 Contact MAG at 01926 844 064 or [email protected]
MAG do all this for you for 0.07 pence a day. A bargain I think you'll agree. So head over to the MAG website and join up. https://www.mag-uk.org/motorcycle-action-group-membership/ Do you care ?
