Mag And Fema News

Discussion in 'Lounge' started by Bikerman, Feb 23, 2022.

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  1. Wessa

    Wessa Cruising

    Apr 27, 2016
    11,318
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    North West England
    Useful update, thanks for posting.:)
     
  2. Bikerman

    Bikerman I used to have 5500 posts.

    Oct 29, 2014
    1,406
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    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)

    The 2035 Ban – MAG’s Fighting Response.

    The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) has submitted its response to UK
    motorcycling’s most important consultation today. The response runs to
    29 pages of widely referenced arguments against the proposed end to
    sales of new petrol-powered motorcycles. It authentically represents
    the view of the majority of UK bikers and fulfils MAG’s pledge to fight
    the proposed ban to the last ditch.

    The consultation, entitled ‘L-category vehicles: ending sales of new
    non-zero emission models’, launched in July is due to close at 23:45 on
    Wednesday 21st September. MAG has been resolute in defending the views
    of UK motorcyclists, the vast majority of whom oppose the policy
    proposals.

    MAG Chair, Neil Liversidge, said:

    “The government is making a huge mistake in trying to pick winners.
    Free markets pick winners, not bureaucrats. I can see that and so can
    MAG members. Governments do not have the ability to predict the future
    and should not seek to limit innovation and creativity in solving the
    problems that we all face. We have openly stated a willingness to work
    with the Government on reducing the environmental impacts of transport.
    The proposed enforced end of fossil-fuelled internal combustion engine
    vehicles on this, or any other, timescale is not the way to get to the
    best outcomes. The justification for the focus on zero tailpipe
    emissions is highly questionable, and the ridiculously short schedule is
    unnecessary. The outcomes will be economically and socially
    catastrophic. The benefits will be too small to measure. We shall not
    stand by and allow this policy to go unchallenged.

    We are faithfully representing the views of the vast majority of riders,
    and I trust that other organisations will put a similar level of passion
    and clarity into their responses. Simply trying to delay this policy is
    the wrong approach. It must be rejected in its entirety. Our
    exhaustive research has gone far beyond the world of motorcycling, and
    nothing we have found dissuades us from the belief that this policy is
    wrong.”

    MAG’s full consultation response is available here:
    https://bit.ly/2035Banresponse

    MAG continues to seek a meeting with DfT ministers. MAG formally
    requested a meeting with Trudy Harrison in July. That was delayed due
    to the Tory leadership contest and, more recently, the sad death of
    Queen Elizabeth II. There is now a new Secretary of State for
    Transport, Anne-Marie Trevelyan MP. MAG is continuing to press for a
    meeting with Trevelyan as soon as possible
     
  3. Bikerman

    Bikerman I used to have 5500 posts.

    Oct 29, 2014
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    • Informative Informative x 1
  4. Sandi T

    Sandi T It's ride o'clock somewhere!
    Subscriber

    Dec 3, 2018
    21,607
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    Tucson Arizona
    #44 Sandi T, Sep 29, 2022
    Last edited: Oct 25, 2022
    This is a huge issue in the US. I clearly recall reading about the motorcyclists killed by the Teslas. A couple of days ago there was an article in the Tucson newspaper about a company that will be testing their autopilot cars in Tucson soon. There's already a company that runs autopilot 18-wheeler tests here, too. Up in Phoenix there was a pedestrian who was hit by an autopiloted vehicle while she was in a crosswalk! For quite some time now my concern, fear really, is that the detection systems on these autopilot equipped vehicles won't accurately and consistently detect motorcycles and bicycles or other vehicles that are outside the "norm". Or pedestrians it would appear. Our roads are already filled with distracted drivers . I'm quite sure we can't expect drivers to be alert enough to override their autopilot system if they're not even watching the road when driving regular vehicles.
     
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  5. Bikerman

    Bikerman I used to have 5500 posts.

    Oct 29, 2014
    1,406
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    I just don't see the point in these cars. If you want to relax whilst driving then take a taxi.
     
    • Agree Agree x 2
  6. Wattie

    Wattie Well-Known Member

    Feb 25, 2020
    350
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    UK
    • Agree Agree x 3
  7. Bikerman

    Bikerman I used to have 5500 posts.

    Oct 29, 2014
    1,406
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    Motorcyclist don't matter.
     
    • Agree Agree x 1
  8. Bikerman

    Bikerman I used to have 5500 posts.

    Oct 29, 2014
    1,406
    1,000
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    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 CEBR report on the Economic Impact of the 2030-2040 ICEV-Ban

    The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) has co-funded a report from The Centre
    for Economics and Business Research (CEBR) on the government’s proposal
    to ban the sale of internal combustion engined vehicles (ICEVs) from
    2030 to 2040. The report shows the economic impact of the ban will be
    five times higher than any economic benefits. Using the Government’s
    own methodology for calculating costs this policy will cost the average
    household £14,700.

    The CEBR study, “Economic impacts of the 2030 – 2040 bans on the sale of
    fossil fuel vehicles”, shows that the additional costs of the policy
    dwarf any environmental benefit, specifically –

    I. New vehicle purchase costs of £188 billion.

    II. Time wasted by drivers waiting for EVs to recharge £47 billion.

    III. Charging and distribution infrastructure £99 billion.

    Any benefits BEVs offer will also be vastly lower due to the emissions
    involved in vehicle production, mining for battery minerals, shorter
    vehicle lifetimes (8.1 years for a BEV compared with 13.9 years for an
    ICEV.) The study also forecasts a significant loss of tax revenue which
    can only result in higher rates of Tax or VAT, or cuts to essential
    public services.

    MAG Chair, Neil Liversidge said:

    “This report shows the Government’s proposal to ban internal combustion
    engined vehicles is utterly misguided, even if you accept the
    assumptions which they themselves have made, and without even getting
    into the environmental arguments. Millions of motorcyclists stand to
    lose their freedom to buy and ride a practical petrol-powered machine.
    The costs of this ban are orders of magnitude greater than any possible
    benefits. This is economic madness, a blight on civil liberties, and a
    threat to the UK’s prosperity, our quality of life and national
    security. We call on Ministers to drop this disastrous policy
    immediately before it does any more damage."

    The full CEBR report is available here:
    https://wiki.mag-uk.org/images/f/fc/Cebr_Analysis_of_2030_Ban.pdf
     
  9. Bikerman

    Bikerman I used to have 5500 posts.

    Oct 29, 2014
    1,406
    1,000
    Lincolnshire
    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 ??


    Motorcyclists need influential role in AV safety debate.

    The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) has explained why motorcyclists need
    an influential role in the autonomous vehicle (AV) safety debate.
    Responding to a consultation on a self-driving vehicle safety standard,
    MAG rejects subjectivity in favour of rigorous real-world measurement.

    The Government announced plans in August to roll out self-driving
    vehicles on UK roads by 2025, with trials on motorways starting in 2023.
    A consultation asking for views on a proposed safety standard for
    self-driving vehicles closes on Friday 14th October. Recognising that
    self-driving technology cannot be 100% safe, the bar suggested is that
    self-driving vehicles should be as safe as a ‘competent and careful’
    human driver.

    MAG’s consultation response rejects the proposed standard, saying that
    it is far too subjective. It calls for a far more complex and rigorous
    measurement backed with removal of licences and models that fail to
    achieve a statistical target.

    Director of Campaigns & Political Engagement, Colin Brown, said:

    “Given the level of technological and scientific rigor needed to develop
    self-driving vehicles it is incongruous to then set a subjective safety
    target. You wouldn't send a rocket to land on the moon while saying
    'hopefully it will end up somewhere in the vicinity of the moon'.
    Motorcyclists face being the first vulnerable road user group that will
    interact with self-driving vehicles. It is clear that there are many
    concerns which are entirely valid. Motorcyclists will play a role in
    the debate, and it must be influential. Self-driving technology should
    be developed to benefit humanity; we see no sense in forcing humanity to
    adapt to fit in with any of its shortcomings. If these vehicles cannot
    safely interact with us as human riders, then they have no place being
    rolled out.”

    MAG welcomes any prospect of improved safety of riders. The
    consultation points out that the average driver in the UK does not meet
    the standard of competent and careful. However, improved safety must
    not be achieved at the expense of the freedom to enjoy riding motorcycles.

    Critically, MAG's response asks policymakers to note that not all road
    use is purely for utility purposes. Use of the road as a form of
    leisure is a legitimate use of the nation’s road infrastructure.
    Therefore, riding a motorcycle for pleasure needs to be protected
    throughout the process of technological developments.

    The full consultation response can be seen here:
    https://wiki.mag-uk.org/images/9/98/Safety_Standard_consultation_response_FINAL.pdf
     
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  10. Bikerman

    Bikerman I used to have 5500 posts.

    Oct 29, 2014
    1,406
    1,000
    Lincolnshire
    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 ??


    GCP Sustainable Travel Zone consultation: ’Making Connections’ with
    prejudice.

    The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) claims that the Greater Cambridge
    Partnership (GCP) proposals to charge motorcycles to enter a Sustainable
    Travel Zone are based on misinformation and prejudice. GCP launched its
    Making Connections consultation on 17th October. Included in the
    consultations are plans to charge all motorised vehicles, including
    motorcycles, a flat rate of £5 per day to enter what is being billed as
    a Sustainable Travel Zone.

    MAG activists in Cambridge caught wind of the plans to consult on a
    sustainable travel zone weeks before the consultation launch. They
    quickly found that the proposal was to charge motorcycles the same £5
    charge as cars. Approaches were made to open dialogue with GCP, which
    they ignored.

    A Freedom of Information (FOI) request showed that a formal presentation
    delivered to Cambridgeshire County Council listed reasons to charge
    motorcycles, including that the charge would be a “strong deterrent to
    proliferation”. Arguments against a full exemption for motorcycles are
    listed as “Lack of £ disincentive may encourage uptake as people switch
    from car” and “Inherently less safe mode; incompatible with pedal
    cycles”. Arguments against a reduced charge for motorcycles included
    the statement that “rear-plate images are harder to accurately capture”.

    A technical note discussing exemptions assesses motorcycles as having
    “no significant impact on congestion reduction, sustainable travel or
    air quality and safety benefits”.

    Commenting on the findings, MAG’s Director of Campaigns & Political
    Engagement, Colin Brown, said:

    “Once again, we are dealing with what can only be described as
    anti-motorcycling prejudice. Claims that motorcycles are inherently
    less safe and incompatible with pedal cycles are unfounded. I have
    checked the figures for Cambridgeshire: in 2021 there were 58 motorcycle
    casualties on urban roads in the county compared with 172 cycle
    casualties. Claiming that motorcycles are incompatible with pedal
    cycles naturally implies that pedal cycles are incompatible with
    motorcycles, yet that argument is not made. I would like to see any
    evidence base for these incompatibility claims. And saying that you
    cannot apply a lower charge due to difficulties with ANPR cameras
    reading rear plates is sheer stupidity: how do they intend capturing
    rear plates for the full charge?! Had the council been willing to
    engage with us we could have provided plenty of evidence for motorcycles
    reducing congestion and improving air quality. It seems that
    Cambridgeshire would rather engage with bias and misinformation than
    take the time to speak to those who actually ride motorcycles.”

    MAG is calling for all riders in the region to make their views known by
    responding to the consultation and writing to councillors. MAG will
    continue to press for dialogue with the council in an attempt to bring a
    balanced view of motorcycling to the decision-making process.

    Contact MAG at 01926 844 064 or [email protected]

    The PowerPoint slide covering motorcycles presented to the council can
    be found here:
    https://wiki.mag-uk.org/images/5/52...uly_2022_-_slide_on_motorbikes_and_mopeds.pdf

    The technical note on exemptions can be found here:
    https://wiki.mag-uk.org/images/d/d4...levels_Technical_Note_Accessible_redacted.pdf

    The Making Connections consultation can be accessed here:
    https://consultcambs.uk.engagementhq.com/making-connections-2022

    Central Office
    The Motorcycle Action Group Limited
    Tel: 01926 844064
    Fax: 01926 844065
     
    • Informative Informative x 1
  11. Bikerman

    Bikerman I used to have 5500 posts.

    Oct 29, 2014
    1,406
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    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 asks NI election candidates: “Will your party take motorcyclists’
    safety seriously?”

    Ahead of the potential Northern Ireland Assembly election in December 2022. MAG is asking all candidates if their party will take
    motorcyclists’ safety seriously. MAG NI Rep, Martyn Boyd, is angry that
    the draft NI Road Safety Strategy contains proposals to improve safety
    for virtually every road user group except motorcyclists.

    The Motorcycle Action Group, the largest riders’ representative body in
    the UK, was the key consulting stakeholder for motorcyclists during the
    consultation process.

    Martyn Boyd said:

    “Our perspective is very often ignored, despite us being one of the most
    vulnerable road user groups. We comprise 2.5% of vehicles on NI roads:
    virtually the same number as HGVs, who don’t get ignored. But we have
    been almost completely disregarded.”

    The draft NI Road Safety Strategy was published on 24th October. It
    admits that one of the challenges is to tackle “Concerns surrounding the
    risk to vulnerable road users (identified as pedestrians, cyclists,
    motorcyclists and horse riders) and the need to enhance the safety of
    these road users”. Part of its mission is “to enhance the safety of the
    road system for all road users and reduce the likelihood and/or severity
    of a collision”.

    The new strategy is built upon the five pillars of the Safe System
    Approach and says “The Safe System encourages safer road use in various
    ways, including through road safety education, training and awareness “.

    There are specific proposals for improving cycling, equestrian and
    tractor-driving safety. The DfI has announced grant funding for a New
    Driver NI initiative to help young drivers be safe. But nothing for
    motorcyclists. For example, MAG’s proposal for wider use of Motorcycle
    Protection System installations at key points on roads is absent.

    MAG submitted detailed proposals from the motorcyclist's perspective,
    and all were ignored.

    Martyn commented:

    “It’s like we don’t exist and don’t matter. In our headline proposal,
    aimed at proactively improving rider safety, we urged that the Enhanced
    Rider Scheme (ERS) that exists in the rest of the UK be introduced to
    Northern Ireland. This scheme, which provides low-cost post-test
    training for motorcyclists, has proven effective in enhancing rider
    skills and safety and has contributed to significant reductions in
    collisions involving motorcyclists. But, in a letter to MAG, Minister
    O’Dowd refused to fund or even consider it.

    All he offers are passive awareness campaigns. These have limited
    effectiveness. Decades after the Think Bike! campaign began, half of all
    collisions involving motorcyclists are still caused principally by car
    drivers. Minister O’Dowd claims motorcyclists in NI suffer a rate of
    serious and fatal collisions that is over twice that of Great Britain
    but, in self-evident contradiction, he refuses to do anything
    substantive about it.”

    MAG believes this is an astonishing dereliction of responsibility and
    amounts to discrimination against motorcyclists and a devaluation of
    riders’ lives. MAG demands parity of respect for motorcyclists.

    Martyn concludes:

    “Our lives are important, and we will not be disregarded. There are over
    83,000 licensed motorcyclists in Northern Ireland and they are all voters.”

    In advance of any forthcoming Assembly election, MAG wants to know all
    party’s positions on this issue. How important are riders’ lives and
    safety to the candidates? MAG members will be asking all candidates the
    following two questions:

    • Will your party proactively engage with rider safety?
    • Will your party meet with MAG to discuss the issues?

    MAG will be sharing the answers given with the many thousands of regular
    riders in advance of the election. The answers could be a factor in
    determining how they vote. Given the nature of this large community of
    road users, it could make a difference in the outcome.

     
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  12. Bikerman

    Bikerman I used to have 5500 posts.

    Oct 29, 2014
    1,406
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  13. Bikerman

    Bikerman I used to have 5500 posts.

    Oct 29, 2014
    1,406
    1,000
    Lincolnshire
    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 ??


    Successful engagement on Edinburgh motorcycle theft at Holyrood Roundtable

    Representatives of the Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) attended a Holyrood
    Roundtable meeting on motorcycle theft. The roundtable meeting,
    arranged by MSP Daniel Johnson, was attended by MAG, Police Scotland,
    the City of Edinburgh Council, local business owners, and cross-party MSPs.

    Following the extended epidemic of motorcycle theft and related
    criminality in Edinburgh, MAG members engaged with Daniel Johnson MSP
    and others calling for greater action on the issue. Police Scotland
    responded with Operation Soteria. Enforcement activities between June
    and September resulted in 36 arrests, 185 charges for a variety of
    offences, and the recovery of 131 motorcycles, with a total value in
    excess of £600,000.

    Daniel Johnson MSP, commented:

    “Motorcycle theft and motorcycle-enabled crime is a growing problem in
    our capital city. It’s crucial that we treat this issue seriously and
    put a coordinated system in place that helps tackle it. I hope that
    today’s roundtable discussion, with representatives from the Motorcycle
    Action Group, Police Scotland, Edinburgh Council and local businesses,
    was the first step to ensuring motorcyclists who live in Edinburgh, but
    also travel to and through Edinburgh, feel confident that their
    motorcycles are secure in our city. I look forward to working with
    different groups on this issue and helping to facilitate a targeted
    solution that works in the long-term.”

    The discussion covered a broad range of topics. Following the meeting
    Cllr Scott Arthur, Convener of the Transport and Environment Committee
    at The City of Edinburgh Council, Tweeted:

    “Many thanks to @djohnsonmsp for hosting a meeting on motorcycle thefts
    in Edinburgh. I was quite shocked to hear details of some quite brazen
    thefts of motorcycles in Edinburgh.

    This has had a huge impact on Edinburgh’s biker community. Given the
    seriousness of the situation, I was happy to give The @MAGUKCentral an
    assurance that I would request a review of secure motorcycle parking in
    Edinburgh.”

    Local MAG member, Olly Bassi, was instrumental in the engagement that
    led to the roundtable meeting. He commented:

    "We as a biking community are extremely pleased to have the opportunity
    to help reduce the numbers of riders experiencing the heartache and
    financial pain of being a victim of theft. The increasing reports of
    violent robberies and bike jackings in the city have been of particular
    concern, and we want to prevent further riders being injured or worse.
    There is a feeling that changes to police pursuit policy and new
    guidelines from the Scottish Sentencing Council have contributed to this
    situation, so we hope for changes in these areas."

    MAG’s Director of Campaigns & Political Engagement, Colin Brown, said:

    "I was pleased to take part in this important meeting. There was much
    ground covered and some tangible action points coming from the meeting.
    We know the issue will not be solved easily, but I am glad to report
    that the need is recognised and the will to get results is there."

    MAG will be engaging further with the various stakeholders, seeking
    solutions and ensuring that action points are seen through to completion.

    Bikerman says " What a pity we don't have the same response from the Major of London, Genghis Khan".
     
  14. Bikerman

    Bikerman I used to have 5500 posts.

    Oct 29, 2014
    1,406
    1,000
    Lincolnshire
    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 report recommends full review of motorcycle licencing regime.

    The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) has published a new report
    recommending a full review of the motorcycle licencing regime. MAG
    claims that the licencing regime is delaying the age at which new riders
    pass a full test, resulting in higher young rider casualty rates. The
    analysis also raises significant questions about the lack of data on CBT
    riders.

    MAG’s Director of Campaigns & Political Engagement, Colin Brown,
    collaborated with Dr. Jessica Andersson-Hudson of Lund University on the
    analysis. The study revealed that the peak age for attaining a full
    motorcycle licence in Great Britain is 24. This compares unfavourably
    with the equivalent peak age of 17 for car driving licences.

    Full licence status confers no advantage other than the privilege of
    removing L plates for young riders below the age of 19. Young riders
    wanting to ride larger capacity bikes will often delay getting a full
    licence until the age of 24. For riders whose ambition is to commute on
    a 125cc motorcycle there is no justification for the cost of obtaining a
    full licence. The analysis provides evidence to confirm the fears.

    The study reveals that for every five CBT certificates issued, just one
    full licence is achieved. MAG believes that many new riders simply
    abandon riding in favour of less environmentally friendly cars.

    Colin Brown comments:

    “There is little evidence to fall back on with respect to CBT riders.
    We have no way of knowing how many riders are currently riding on L
    plates, nor how often they choose to renew their CBT. We are
    recommending more research is done into this area, but it is beyond the
    resources of MAG to fund it. I would like to see Government funding
    being offered to allow this work to be done.”

    As well as the suppression of the numbers riding motorcycles, the safety
    impacts of the current regime are also revealed by the report. The
    analysis shows that young riders account for 28% of all motorcycle
    casualties. The figure is 18% for young drivers. The comparison
    normalises for the relative safety of the two modes, but clearly shows
    that young riders are more likely to suffer than young drivers. The
    connection to the proportion of unqualified young riders seems hard to
    refute.

    Colin concluded:

    “I don’t claim to have all the answers on how to improve the current
    regime. But I do think this study reveals that there is a genuine and
    pressing need for change. We want better safety outcomes from the
    system. Also, we need to remove entry barriers to motorcycling. As a
    transport mode it offers a real solution for reducing transport
    congestion and emissions. It’s time to accentuate the benefits, not
    suppress them.”
     
    • Like Like x 1
  15. Bikerman

    Bikerman I used to have 5500 posts.

    Oct 29, 2014
    1,406
    1,000
    Lincolnshire
    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 secures reassurances from GCP on Cambridge Sustainable Travel Zone.

    The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) has secured reassurances on motorcycle
    charging decisions from the Greater Cambridge Partnership (GCP). In a
    meeting held on 30th November the GCP assured MAG that the final
    decision on charges for motorcycles in the proposed Sustainable Travel
    Zone will be made on the basis of evidence submitted.

    MAG met the Greater Cambridge Partnership’s Transport Director, Peter
    Blake, and Director of City Access, Lynne Miles. In a robust exchange
    MAG Director of Campaigns & Political Engagement, Colin Brown, asked for
    the evidence base that justified the proposed charges for motorcycles.

    Peter Blake explained that GCP welcomed any evidence-based response to
    the proposals. When pressed for data on motorcycle safety, Lynne Miles
    revealed that Department for Transport (DfT) headline statistics were
    the basis. But she accepted that a more nuanced review of data for
    urban specific casualties may be more relevant than the headline
    national statistics. Colin pointed to evidence from the introduction of
    the London Congestion Charge, where motorcycles became more prevalent
    whilst motorcycle casualties reduced.

    Issues such as the effect of reduced congestion on increased road speeds
    were discussed, as well as the evidence for reduced congestion and
    emissions from modal shift from cars to motorcycles.

    Peter Blake made it clear that the proposed charges for motorcycles are
    not set in stone. All evidence submitted by MAG and individual riders
    in response to the consultation will be evaluated and presented
    faithfully to the Council members who will make the final decision.

    Following the meeting, Colin Brown commented:

    “I am content that the meeting will have helped put the final decision
    on motorcycle charges under much closer scrutiny. The fact that Peter
    Blake confirmed that the charge for motorcycles is likely to be given
    much thought is reassuring. I am convinced that if the full evidence
    that we are putting together in our formal written response is viewed in
    an unbiased manner there can really only be one outcome. Any charge for
    motorcycles would be illogical.”

    MAG also asked to be involved at a much earlier stage in future
    decision-making. The fact that motorcycling as a transport mode is not
    well understood by many policymakers makes engagement with experts more
    pressing than for other modes.

    MAG is calling on riders to make sure that they put forward any evidence
    that they feel would help the case.

    Colin said:

    “A consultation is not a referendum, so evidence is key. However, the
    decision-makers are still politicians. Weight of opinion is relevant
    here. I would encourage Cambridgeshire riders to also lobby their local
    Councillors directly in addition to responding to the consultation.”

    The consultation remains open until midday on 23 December 2022. Visit
    https://consultcambs.uk.engagementhq.com/making-connections-2022 for
    details on how to respond.
     
    • Informative Informative x 1
  16. Bikerman

    Bikerman I used to have 5500 posts.

    Oct 29, 2014
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    News from the Motorcycle Action Group (MAG)
    Motorcycle licencing review may be an outcome of new DVSA strategy group.

    Roads Minister, Richard Holden MP, has confirmed to the Motorcycle
    Action Group (MAG) that a motorcycle licencing review may come soon. A
    review could be an outcome from a newly forming DVSA Motorcycle Strategy
    Group. Confirmation came following MAG’s latest report on motorcycle
    licencing published in November.

    Richard Holden has responded to recommendations put forward in a report,
    published by MAG, that asks for further research into CBT rider numbers.
    Furthermore, MAG recommends a review of the licencing system to get
    more CBT riders converting to fully qualified riders, and believes that
    a simplified system should increase the number of riders on the road
    whilst also improving safety.

    The Minister wrote:

    “… the issues you have raised are important to this Department and the
    Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) [……] this Department is
    currently establishing a new motorcycle strategy group which will
    consider developments affecting road safety, and the training and
    testing for riders in the motorcycle sector.”

    He went on to say:

    “Establishing the number of riders who rely on just compulsory basic
    training (CBT) to ride should be useful to help inform future
    discussions and analysis [……] As far as a full review of the
    motorcycle licencing regime is concerned this may become one of the
    outcomes of the newly forming strategy group. Please rest assured MAG,
    along with other important key stakeholders, will be involved in any
    future work.”

    MAG’s Director of Campaigns & Political Engagement, Colin Brown, said:

    “I am pleased that the Minister recognises the importance of taking an
    evidence-based approach. We have long been saying the current regime is
    overly complicated. This acts as a disincentive to riders entering
    motorcycling. It also results in many riders cutting their riding
    career short. It is important that there are clear criteria for any
    changes to the system. We see no value in change for change’s sake.
    But, more safe trips by motorcycle will help to reduce congestion and
    emissions. More fully qualified delivery riders will make the roads
    safer for all. We want to see more riders safely enjoying motorcycling.
    The training and testing regime is clearly the most influential factor
    in achieving those goals.”
     
    • Like Like x 1
  17. Bikerman

    Bikerman I used to have 5500 posts.

    Oct 29, 2014
    1,406
    1,000
    Lincolnshire
    MAG ends 2022 feeling positive

    The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG), the UK’s leading voice for riders’
    rights, is looking forward to another year of positive outcomes for
    motorcyclists.

    As 2022 draws to a close, MAG will not be resting on its laurels.
    Following a number of significant successes throughout the year, the
    organisation will soon be gearing up for another year of defending
    riders’ rights and contributing to the decision-making processes of
    national and local Government.

    Reflecting on the past year, MAG’s Chair, Neil Liversidge, said:

    “This year has seen a return to vigorous campaigning wherever we
    identify a need. All of our members contribute to this, whether by
    simply continuing to support MAG with their membership, being
    politically active or arranging fundraising events, and I offer my
    grateful thanks to them all.

    MAG has chalked up a number of successes, including the commissioning of
    an independent review of the scientific argument behind the Government’s
    plan to ban all new internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. MAG
    continues to argue strenuously in favour of a macro-electrical solution
    (i.e., applied to public transport) rather than a micro solution, which
    will cause inconvenience and financial hardship to many. Motorcycles
    are part of the solution being sought and they are part of it right now!

    In addition, our premier fundraising events are back on track this year,
    and I was delighted to welcome delegates to MAG’s first full AGM since
    2019 where we formally launched ‘Operation Earthquake’. It’s very much
    ‘business as usual’.”

    MAG’s Central Office will close at noon on Friday 23rd December 2022 and
    reopen on Tuesday 3rd January 2023.

    MAG invites riders, dealers, mechanics and manufacturers to join MAG and
    help create a united voice for the common good of the riding community.

    Contact MAG at 01926 844 064 or [email protected]
     
  18. Bikerman

    Bikerman I used to have 5500 posts.

    Oct 29, 2014
    1,406
    1,000
    Lincolnshire
  19. Bikerman

    Bikerman I used to have 5500 posts.

    Oct 29, 2014
    1,406
    1,000
    Lincolnshire
    News from the Motorcycle Action Group (MAG)

    MAG starts 2023 feeling positive

    The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG), the UK’s leading voice for riders’
    rights, is gearing up for another busy year of defending motorcycling.

    MAG will be building on the successes of last year, defending riders’
    rights and contributing to the decision-making processes of national and
    local Government.

    Looking forward to the year ahead, MAG’s Chair, Neil Liversidge, said:

    “Last year MAG chalked up a number of significant successes, including
    an independent review of the scientific argument behind the Government’s
    plan to ban all new internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. We
    engaged with Government, the Department for Transport and Transport for
    London, among many others, and will continue to robustly promote
    motorcycling. We cannot emphasise enough that motorcycles are part of
    the solution being sought in respect to climate change and they are part
    of it right now!

    In addition to our vigorous campaigning schedule - which will include
    further work on ‘Operation Earthquake’ - we look forward to our
    fundraising events and also to celebrating our 50th Anniversary.”

    MAG invites riders, dealers, mechanics and manufacturers to join MAG and
    help create a united voice for the common good of the riding community.

    Contact MAG at 01926 844 064 or [email protected]
     
    • Like Like x 1
  20. Bikerman

    Bikerman I used to have 5500 posts.

    Oct 29, 2014
    1,406
    1,000
    Lincolnshire
    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 ??

    We have been in contact with a company making a programme for ITV to be aired on 2nd Feb
    The subject is parking
    One of our members made contact with the production company asking that they should cover issues faced by motorcyclists as well as car drivers.
    Colin Brown spoke to the producers to explain the issues around motorcycle parking, and the company have decided that they do wish to include some content on motorcycle parking. Colin explained issues with security, lack of spaces, motorcycle bays that are simply awkward corners where cars don’t fit, and the trials of car parks that allow you to park in car bays leading to conflict with drivers who don’t think you should use car spaces. The producers seem to be focusing largely on the conflict between drivers competing for ever fewer parking bays rather than the policy decisions leading to the problem, but they do want to cover motorcycling and would like to film one or two riders with stories to tell.
    The below is their exact wording:

    I've spoken with my colleague who's producing this programme and we're definitely interested in hearing more about motorcyclists who have had issues and altercations after having to park in a car sized bay.
    The story you mentioned on the phone about motorcyclists who have had cars drive into their bikes or had people wheel away their vehicles was particularly striking.

    Do you think you could do a bit of a call out to see if any motorcyclists who have experienced something like this would be happy to speak with us? It would be great to have a motorcyclist perspective in the programme.”

    If you are interested in being involved in the program the window is relatively small (next two weeks) please contact the researched directly: Liz Fox - [email protected]

    Louise Gibson
    Central Office
    The Motorcycle Action Group Limited
    Tel: 01926 844064
    Fax: 01926 844065

    www.mag-uk.org
     
    • Informative Informative x 1
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