Current Campaigns
Sign Up to Defend Motorcycling
The Motorcycle Action Group has fired the first round in the campaign against the motorcycle aspects contained in the 3rd European Driving Licence Directive.The campaign is fronted by a dedicated website which gives a new dimension to MAG's concerted efforts for the withdrawal of the motorcycle parts of the directive.
MAG Director Of Public Affairs, says, "Contained in the site you will find a petition to sign that we can present to legislators, a lobby section to email your MP and MEP and a poll to give your opinion on how the directive will have a negative effect on the future of motorcycling."
MAG is asking for a more meaningful directive that balances riders' reasonable expectations for
freedom of access to motorcycles, mobility and the prevention of accidents.
We are now engaged in a game of survival of the most determined and the European Commission is going to learn how determined MAG is.
MAG deplores the Council of Ministers recommendation that a formal second reading (rubber stamping) in the European Parliament should proceed without further discussion by MEPs.
We urge the elected representatives of motorcyclists to do all in their power to have the motorcycle aspects of the directive withdrawn, and publicly state their support for riders, so that a more meaningful directive can be drafted.
The campaign website can be found by clicking on the bikers are voters icon opposite
Motorcycle Friendly Crash Barriers
Of all road furniture crash barriers pose the greatest threat to motorcyclists and we need to make planners aware of this. Under current European Standards, crash barriers are not designed (or tested) to restrain motorcycles or motorcyclists. They are typically designed to guide and restrain errant vehicles, ranging from small cars to heavy goods vehicles. Sliding into the supporting posts of crash barriers is the major cause of (fatal) injuries to motorcyclists coming into contact with crash barriers. It is widely accepted that the risk of (fatal) injuries to motorcyclists can be easily and significantly reduced by covering the supporting posts of crash barriers. MAG’s campaign seeks to have crash barriers tested for motorcyclists and motorcycles within European standards, the fitting of motorcycle-friendly secondary rails in identified danger spots and the removal of wire road barrier systems from the UK roads. As and when I find updates on this topic I will add them here.for more info and articles check out the following link
http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/actionnetwork/G1424
don't forget to cast a vote!
Bikes in Bus Lanes |
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| In some Local
Authorities, including Bristol, South Gloucestershire, Peterborough, parts of
London and Essex, motorcycles are already permitted to benefit from bus lanes
and in some regions, bikes can use bus lanes in some counties but not in others. A recent debate took place in the House of Commons and was responded to by Minister for Transport Dr Stephen Ladyman MP. He highlighted that there have been no negative effects caused by bikes in bus lanes and that unless there is any special reason Local Authorities should be permitting and encouraging this practical and safe use of bus lanes. Bikes in bus lanes can have a positive impact on road safety and that unless there are any reasons, on the grounds of unsuitable road surfacing or other special reasons, then Local Authorities should follow the logic of this debate and be more pro-active in allowing access to bus lanes for bikers. The Transport for London study which is evaluating the use of bus lanes by motorcyclists in the city has, in their provisional report, found that it reduces the vulnerability of riders without affecting the vulnerability of other road users such as pedestrians and cyclists. To lobby Councillors in Hampshire please send a personal email supporting bikes in bus lanes to the councilors covering your local area :- North Hampshire Transport Stratergy Panel yynhts@hants.gov.uk Central Hampshire Transport Stratergy Panel yychts@hants.gov.uk New Forrest Transport Stratergy Panel yynfts@hants.gov.uk Solent Transport Stratergy Panel yystsp@hants.gov.uk |
The 3rd Licence Directive (3DLD)
For information on possibly one of
the worst thought out pieces of legislation to come out of Europe
concerning Motorcycles please click on the image opposite