The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG), the UK’s leading voice for riders’rights, has raised major concerns about a ridiculous new ‘tax on biking’ in the county’s capital city.

An ‘Ultra Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ),’ will impose the same daily tax of £12.50 on riders of non-compliant PTWs as car drivers.

Dr Leon Mannings, MAG’s Policy and Campaigns Adviser, has been in extensive talks with the ULEZ team leaders in Transport for London (TfL). However, and despite explaining that all types of PTW are a vital element in solving London’s congestion and pollution problems, the current plan is to impose new taxes on motorcycles as if journeys by PTWs cause as much pollution as cars or vans that are often stationary in jammed traffic.

‘What the authorities fail to recognise,’ explains Leon, ‘is that taxing motorcycles is counterproductive and in MAG’s view is totally unjustified. As TfL’s own study of PTW emissions in 2011 clearly showed, trips by all types of motorcycle produce far less CO2 and NOx compared to cars when emissions from the same real-time journeys are compared. PTWs do not cause congestion whereas cars and vans do – no matter how energy-efficient they are claimed to be.’

Contact MAG at 01926 844 064 or central-office@mag-uk.org

 

Over recent days, many media stories have echoed MAG’s concerns regarding the emphasis on the construction of segregated cycle lanes. In a Daily Mail article by Tom Rawstorne (entitled ‘Cycle lanes lunacy! More and more are being built across Britain, causing gridlock and pollution. But the maddest thing of all? They’re often EMPTY’), he highlights the issues relating to the cycle lane agenda.

‘The trouble is that it is only now, with many of the changes finally being implemented, that other road users are starting to fully feel their impact’ writes Mr Rawstorne.  ‘Gridlocked streets bordered by cycle lanes that seem virtually empty outside the rush-hour.  Partly as a result, the capital is said to be the world’s most congested city, with the average driver spending 101 hours in traffic last year, according to transport experts INRIX.’  Rawstorne adds that ‘traffic delays are up, while average vehicle speeds in Central London have fallen to 7.4mph — slower than a horse-drawn carriage in the 18th century.’
‘We’ve been raising these issues for years because we saw this crisis coming,’ confirms MAG’s Chair, Selina Lavender.  ‘The massive increase in cycle lanes is not based on any objective calculation of danger. The already limited London road space has been squeezed further by
dedicating swathes of it to cycle lanes which are under-used. Cycle lanes that have been built with huge amounts of taxpayers money for the benefit of a very few. Even many cyclists, it seems, never wanted them.’

MAG believes the negative reaction to cycle lanes is set to increase. ‘We’re working with authorities to bring some common sense to the debate.  The current approach is based on fashion, not logic or any sense of proportionality regarding bikers and other road users who are suffering gridlock for the sake of the cycling agenda.  That’s bad business, bad environment policy and a terrible way to treat the 97%+ road users who aren’t cyclists.’

See also: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-3822518/Cycle-lanes-lunacy-built-Britain-causing-gridlock-pollution-maddest-thing-empty.html#ixzz4MIVGzvpv

 

 

 

As I write this I have been home from Hungary less than 48 hours, and I am still buzzing from the International Rally. What an awesome week! There were 12 from WIMA GB, including 2 guests, and we represented you in every aspect – on the bikes, in the pool, on the dance floor, in the bar, bull riding, tethered football, eating, on the parade ride, winning raffle prizes, raising money for MOR, and at the National Presidents’ meeting. It was a “full on” week, in temperatures around 30C each day, apart from Thursday, when we had some drizzle, and Saturday, when we returned the hire bikes, riding to Budapest in torrential rain. What a good job I practised for this riding home from Disserth!

On the adage that “pictures speak a 1000 words”, and that guest editor Jan Salihi is waiting for this, here is a pictorial report, click on an image and scroll through the selection to see the captions.

 

 

 

Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) Press Release

Blanket ban on pre-1999 bikes in Paris ‘makes no logical sense:’ MAG

The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) has hit out against Paris authorities which have announced plans to outlaw all motorcycles manufactured before June 1 1999 between 8am and 8pm from the city.   The measure, scheduled to begin on July 1 2016, will be enforced with a €35 fine from 1^st October.  The ban was agreed by the Minister of Environment, the City of Paris, and the transport authorities.

 

The new policy contains some glaring contradictions, and the level of pollution generated by vehicles does not seem to be the key consideration.  Vehicles in Paris already require a coloured badge to show the emissions group they belong to.   Yet pre-1999 bikes will be banned regardless of the colour of the badge.  That means that, even if a bike is ‘clean,’ it will be excluded from the city solely on the basis of age.

 

MAG Chair, Selina Lavender, has strongly rejected what she regards as an unfair and counter-productive scheme.  ‘Whatever problems Paris has with air quality aren’t going to be fixed by a blanket ban on older bikes.  For one thing, even an aging scooter has a tiny environmental footprint compared to most new cars.  So what’s the logic of banning a ‘good’ form of transport on the basis of what looks like political dogma?  Also, the total amount of road traffic made up of older bikes and pre-1997 cars – which will also be banned – is less than 10%.  Of that, a miniscule proportion is bikes and scooters.  So it makes no logical sense to ban this two-wheeled section of road traffic – as there’s going to be no measurable difference to air quality.  It’s a discriminatory, badly thought out move which will make Paris hugely unattractive to thousands of owners of older and classic bikes.’

 

London is considering an ‘ultra-low emissions zone’ by 2020, which would introduce heavy charges for vehicles that do not meet stringent emissions standards.  MAG has repeatedly raised the same concerns about this move as it is about the Paris ban.  ‘MAG is happy to work with the authorities to find sensible solutions to common concerns,’ adds Selina.  ‘What we won’t tolerate is the systematic exclusion of one of the most eco-friendly forms of powered vehicles ever invented, just because the decision-makers haven’t bothered to take a strategic – and sane – look at the consequences of what they’re doing.’

New Pictures from the 2016 WIMA Rally that took place on the 12th-13th of June in Diserth, Wales have been uploaded to our gallery. Take a look and come back soon for the written account of the WIMA exploits which will be posted soon along with more pictures.

 

As a group of motorcycle enthusiasts who have had a great deal of pleasure from bikes and the biking community over the years we try to give a bit back by supporting our local bike charity.

We stick to the price we offer you and we collect your motorcycle for free at your convenience anywhere in the UK. We always make sure the funds are in your account before we take the bike.

We have over sixteen years experience in the motorcycle industry and offer a professional service to all our customers regardless of your motorcycle’s age, condition or value.

We don’t just want to buy your motorcycle, we want you to sell us your motorcycle and tell all your friends how easy and straight forward it was.

With this goal in mind we try to make the process of selling your motorcycle as quick and pain free as possible. You get a free, accurate & instant on-line valuation (we are the only bike buying website that does this) which gives you the best price for your motorcycle on any particular day. For more information please do visit our website.

We just learned that one rider a month does not survive the twisty, mountainous road from Ronda to San Pedro. Just as well we didn’t know that a few days earlier when Liz and I rode that exact road….in the wet! However that day, we’d had our ‘sensible heads’ on and, however much the temptation was to twist the throttle and look up at the amazing views, we went gingerly and carefully on the slippery roads. We also rode a bit and then stopped properly, at viewing points, to take in the full, sweeping vistas over the coast
of Malaga and looked at the sparkling sea, hundreds of metres below.

Today, however, the sky was blue and the roads dry. I’m riding a BMW 650GS and Liz is riding a BMW F800 R, hired from BMWMotohire.com. The bike tyres were warm, as we’d just blasted forty minutes or so, from our mountain base in Teba, to the mountains of Parque Natural, just west of Ronda. Turning off the A374 main road, we started on the gentle twists and turns, through cherry trees about to blossom and cork trees stripped of their bark, towards the pretty little mountain village of Grazelema where we stopped for coffee. We probably sat warming ourselves in the spring sun a little too long, because gradually, quite few tourist buses spilled their passengers out into the square of this quaint little town, disturbing our peace and quiet enjoyment.
Climbing higher, to over 1200 meters, we wound our way, twisting and turning, mostly in second gear, up to the top of Mount Prieto. From there, we looked down from our lofty perch, for miles and miles over the turquoise reservoir known as the Embalse de Zahara. It was really, really, turquoise, as if painted by a child, exaggerating the deepness of the colour. Somehow, it just didn’t quite look real!

There were few cars, but several super fit cyclists, puffing their way to the top. So we had to be careful not to cut blind corners and to keep to the correct side of the narrow D road we now found ourselves on. The road down to the lake was steep, first gear steep in places, so we carefully used a lot of engine braking and rear brake to complement the squeeze on the front brake. At one point, we caught up with a nervous car driver, also in first gear, jumping on and off the brakes in full panic mode. It took a bit of careful
negotiation, not to scare them even further, by getting too close to make an overtake, without them feeling pressured into going faster and making a serious mistake. The metal Armco barrier on the steep bends, had mostly given way to solid blocks of two-foot high, white painted concrete, castellating the side of the road. I wondered if they would be more effective (or not) than the Armco, in trying to prevent anyone from going over the vertiginous drop over the side of the mountain? Either way, I didn’t want to put them to the
test! I concentrated hard, looking for the vanishing point at each bend , watching for it to move away, close up, or just stay still, before making my decision to slow down or speed up. I worked the throttle, brakes and clutch briskly and carefully, knowing my life probably depended on each tiny little decision.

The road from Grazelema to Zahara is spectacular if you have a head for heights and you know what you’re doing on a motorbike. It was described by a journalist of a famous biking magazine as ‘a road so perfect, yet so challenging, that riding it is as close as he has come to having a transcendent experience’.

After the intense concentration of the tight mountains bends, it was a joyful relief when we reached the lake and started on the flat, wide-open, sweeping bends of the road that followed along beside the water. Liz now took the lead and spurred us both on with a fast change of pace. At last, we found the sixth gear that had eluded us in the mountains and thoroughly enjoyed tipping the bikes over from side to side, riding fast into and out of each curve. It was thrilling to ride fast with such an experienced and safe rider, who closely matched my own riding ability. Adding to the thrill, I hurried and cajoled on the small underpowered 650cc bike, in an attempt to catch up Liz on the 800cc…..Not a chance!

Liz and I had come to Andalucia to ride some of the most beautiful mountain roads in Europe. We both also wanted to achieve a longhand ambition to see the Alhambra in Grenada. It took us about two hours, in the early cold morning, zapping fast along the motorway to get to Grenada from Teba, but the journey was well worth the effort. If you’re ever in this area of Spain, you just have to put the Alhambra on your ‘must see’ list. The ancient walled city and palace is one of the most important architectural structures of the Middle Ages and the finest example of Islamic art in the Western world. It also contains the most elaborate gardens, with ponds, waterways and beautiful fountains. There are shady, hidden courtyards, balconies and ingenious methods of catching the cool breezes definitely needed in the heat of an Andalucian summer, but not at this time of the year!

Liz is extremely knowledgeable about plants and could correct my poor memory and names for plants and flora and was therefore an excellent trip buddy not just for the motorcycling, but also for the visit to the Alhambra. It really is a rather special place!

For anyone who fancies a few days away biking in the Spanish mountains, all that’s needed is a low cost return flight to Malaga and a booking with www.bmwmotohire.com. They can provide accommodation in Teba, a range of different motorcycles to hire and transport to and from Malaga airport. There are plenty of little restaurants within 15 mins walk from the accommodation and for those travelling in the summer, the accommodation includes a lovely swimming pool and the most stunning views over the mountains, that I have ever seen anywhere in Spain.

I understand that Liz might be in the process of making a short video clip of our adventures for anyone that might be interested.

Meanwhile, if you fancy giving a ‘mini adventure’ like this a go and would like further information about how to do it, please do drop me a line at suebarnes@ntlworld.com

MAG has announced that one of the leading campaigners for motorcyclists’ rights, Neil Liversidge, is resigning as Director of the organisation. Neil, who was one of the key leaders as MAG restructured itself into a proactive, politically energetic movement, said ‘I wish MAG, the staff and all of you personally all the well in the world, and I exhort you to support your Board and in particular the National Chair who is doing a great job which I admire very much.  MAG has never in my experience had a better team than it has today.   You are doing a great job and can be proud of yourselves.’

MAG’s Chair Selina Lavender has praised Neil’s contribution to the riders’ rights agenda across many years.  ‘Neil is MAG through and through.  He’s tirelessly contributed to our work at the cost of his health, his work and his family.  No-one could have done more than Neil to help the organisation become the foremost voice for bikers in the UK and also in Europe.  The Board and the National Committee wish to take this opportunity to formally thank Neil and acknowledge his dedication to the organisation.  We all wish Neil well and look forward to seeing him at our events in the future.’

As a result the Board now has two Director vacancies, one of which is a financial role. Anyone interested in these positions should contact the Board via central-office@mag-uk.org

Contact MAG at   central-office@mag-uk.org   and    01926 844 064

Link to Neil’s statement https://wiki.mag-uk.org/images/f/f4/Liversidge_statement_official_2016_06_14.pdf

Ride to Work Week 2016 is on between Monday 20th and Sunday 26th June.

The campaign aims to raise the profile of commuting by motorcycle or scooter and to highlight the main benefits which include:

. Time saved – less time in traffic means more time in bed!
. Money saved – save on petrol spend more on you
. Easy parking – motorcyclists get into the smallest spaces
. Road skills improve riders who drive are better car drivers too
. It’s just more fun – you’ll turn up to work with a smile on your face

Special content will be shared during the week via social media, using the hashtag #commutehappy and Facebook page

. Riders can share their own pictures and Ride to Work Week content via the Facebook page and Twitter in order to show the rest of the UK why their mode of transport is so enjoyable.
. Events will be held across the UK for the public and for employees at motorcycle friendly businesses. These range from ‘bikers breakfasts’ to VIP parking and free CBTs for non-riding staff.
. The Ride to Work Week team will also put on a programme of events and Get On free ride opportunities in Northamptonshire, where the County Council is the first in the UK to actively encourage a modal shift towards motorcycling.
. Special offers, promotions and giveaways will be available throughout the week. Watch the Facebook page for details. These usually include free commuter cover from insurers, and offers on top brands for clothing and accessories as well as prizes!

Here is the latest pics and video from the Off-Road week end organised by WIMA’s Liz Robinson and the Black Desert Training School. Another weekend will be organised soon.

 

 

We are delighted that Steph Jeavons will be joining us on Thursday 7th July at 7pm to discuss her trip (so far) around the world on a Honda CRF250L. Many of our customers will already know Steph as she worked at Colwyn Bay Motorcycles for several years, so we are thrilled that she would like to share her adventures with us. As a solo female rider she is attempting to become the first Brit to ride to all 7 continents, whilst doing the longest journey on a 250cc motorcycle. Steph has already been riding for 26 months and has covered 52,000 miles across 40 countries and 6 continents.

 

Steph doesn’t have a big inheritance, a fat trust fund or even corporate sponsorship. What she does have, however, is an authentic curiosity and genuine sense of wonder that characterizes not just this particular adventure, but her life in general. Steph lives with open hands and an open heart and while she cheerfully admits that she’s no stranger to fear, she’s determined to let her imagination and her dreams”determine her reality.  Throughout, Steph has been committed to connecting with people who are passionate about riding, or eating, or drinking, or music, or cars, or dreams”indeed, people who are passionate about living. These consequently find themselves connected not by language or politics; but by a thread of hope attached to a Honda CRF 250 that left the Ace Cafe in London on March 23, 2014.

ONE STEPH BEYOND AT COLWYN BAY MOTORCYCLES

A dedicated supporter of Rally 4 Life, Steph has spoken internationally at a wide variety of events and venues. Join us and Steph on the final half of her journey around the world, do not miss this unique opportunity to be inspired to remember your dreams. You can follow Steph at One Steph Beyond and meet her at Colwyn Bay Motorcycles on Thursday July 7th.

• Date: Thursday 7th July
• Time: 7pm
• Venue: Colwyn Bay Motorcycles, 4 Groes Road, Colwyn Bay, LL29 8PU

 

 

 

Key London Mayor Candidates Share Motorbike Views with MAG

Britain’s leading riders’ rights movement, the Motorcycle Action Group (MAG), has secured statements from the two front running candidates in the race to become Mayor of London.  Sadiq Khan MP (Labour) and Zac Goldsmith MP (Conservative) shared with the Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) their thoughts and plans for the capital’s hundreds of thousands of qualified motorcycle and scooter riders – and both have expressed their appreciation of the importance of powered two wheelers as part of the London transport mix, promising to work to ensure their needs are taken into account.  MAG is including links to their original text.  Sadiq Khan’s statement link: https://wiki.mag-uk.org/images/a/a6/Sadiq_Khan_MP_2016_03_26.docx has appeared in the organisation’s magazine, The Road.  Zac Goldsmith’s statement, link: https://wiki.mag-uk.org/index.php/File:Zac_Goldsmith_MP_2016_04_18.docx which arrived after publication of the magazine.

MAG’s Chair, Selina Lavender, is very encouraged by their responses.  ‘MAG is not party political, we engage with members of all parties with a view to assisting riders in making an informed decision between leading candidates.  As either Zac or Sadiq are tipped to win this election, we invited them to outline how they see motorcycles in the context of London Transport policy (as neither had done so prior to our involvement). We’re sharing their statements to enable motorcyclists and scooter riders to make an informed decision about who they’d like as Mayor.’

Selina claims riders haven’t always felt they’ve enjoyed a level playing field with other road users.  ‘Hundreds of millions of Pounds have been spent on making cycling safer. All we’re asking for is consideration for our needs too – and recognition of the importance of motorbikes and scooters in our ever more congested city.  I’m heartened by the responses of both these front-running candidates. MAG can and will work with the winner. We leave it to the motorcycle and scooter riders of London to vote to decide who that should be.’

For more information contact 01926 844064 and central-office@mag-uk.org

WIMA Events 2016

25th – 26th April 2016 – Off roading in Wales – Check out the Black Desert website for more details. They have specific days for ladies and you must mention WIMA to get a discount.

1st May 2016: Weekend in Wales – Details TBC

21st May 2016:  WIMA Women Bikers Skills Day in Weymouth, Dorset.

10th – 12th June 2016: the National Rally will be held in Dyserth, Wales

August Holiday week-end in Hayling Island – More info soon.

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Other Events & Upcoming Shows

1st May 2016 10: 30am – 4:00pm Motorcycle show at Withington Village Hall, Hereford HR1 3PP FREE entry, all proceeds from the raffle and sale of refreshments in aid of Breast Cancer Haven Hereford and Midlands Air Ambulance.

17th June – 4th July 2016: Ladies in Ladakh with Tiffany Coates. look at the HC Travel website for more information.

26th – 29th August 2016 The Overland Event Oxford, tickets on sale January 2016

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International Rallies

11th – 15th  July 2016: Hungary, Estezgan, (near Budapest)

17th – 22nd July 2017: Estonia

30th July – 3rd August 2018: Finland in Moominland

2019: Curaçao and UK

2020: Germany

Check the WIMA World Website for more information on international rallies.

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Regular UK Regional Meetings

Regular UK Regional meetings are also held in London, Birmingham, Glasgow, Sussex and Dorset – see below.  If there is no meeting in your area, you are welcome to set up your own with help from the regional liaison or contact the President: president(at)wimagb.co.uk

The Northern Liaison covers North Wales, Midlands, Northern England & Scotland.
The Southern Liaison covers South West; South East; South Wales; London & Home Counties and Anglia.

Monthly Meetings Agenda

Region	Time and Date	Details
W. Mids: Birmingham	10:00 am. 1st Sun of the month (except January)	Meet for a ride out, weather permitting, at Manor House Tea Rooms, Earlswood Craft Centre, Wood Lane, Earlswood B94 5JH. If you want to eat prior to the ride they serve breakfast from 9.00am with prices starting from £3.00. Contact: Julie Walpole.
E.Mids, Lincolnshire North Lincs	8:00pm on the 4th Thursday of the month	Contact Paula Clayforth for the venue. Also Ride Out on the first Sunday in the month: contact Paula.
London & South East	7:00­pm for a 7:30pm start on the 2nd Wednesday of the month	Ace Cafe, Ace Corner, North Circular Road, Stonebridge, London NW10 7UD Contact: Denise Gilvear Monthly ride outs/ins on Sundays in summer months.
North West: Cheshire, Merseyside, Manchester	7:30pm on the 1st Monday (or 2nd Monday if Bank holiday falls on the 1st.)	The Bear’s Paw, Main Street, Frodsham, Cheshire WA6 7AF. Contact: Jane Wright
North East: Yorkshire	8:00pm on the 2nd Wednesday of the month	Barge & Barrel, Park Rd, Elland, Halifax HX5 9HP, including short ride out when nights are light. Monthly ride, 2nd Sunday each month, meeting same place at 11:00am Contact Ann Dower Tel: 07810 683787
Southern: Sussex	10:00 for 10:30 start on the 2nd Sunday of the month.	Mayberry Garden Centre, 7­17 Old Shoreham Rd (A270), Portslade, Sussex BN41 1SP Contact Sue Barnes in advance.
Scotland	Contact Katy O’Rourke (Glasgow)	Contact Katy O’Rourke (Glasgow)
Lancs	Contact Jan Fell	2nd & last Thursday each month, at 7-7.30pm Alison Arms, Preston Road, Coppull. PR75DU
Wales, North	Contact Jane Wright	1st Monday, 7.30 pm [or 2nd Monday if Bank Holiday]: The Bear’s Paw, Main Street. Frodsham, Cheshire WA6 7AF.

Proposed ride-outs

On any Sunday

Just as there are many motorcycle events on any given Sunday, so there are a range of meetings on Sundays – even Saturdays!

Each area where members gather, rideouts, ride-ins or just riding together happens and we rely on members giving us information about where and when they happen. Of course there are many opportunities to see details of these on our Facebook page, but there is more information available to members in our regular newsletter. An example appears below just ot give you an idea of the spread of meeting places:

• Abergavenny Bus Station, Monmouthshire. Car park & Café
• ACE Café  North Circular, London
• Greys Court National Trust Cafe, Henley-on Thames
• Hindhead Commons and Devils Punchbowl, Hindhead
• Cat and Fiddle Pub, Buxton Road, Macclesfield A537
• Owl’s Nest Tearooms Llandovery A4069 to Llangadog
• Newlands Corner Through Ewhurst to Shere A281
• The Halt, on the A271 which runs the length of Wales!

Also check out  non-WIMA events and upcoming shows.

Below are suggestions in addition to the regular regional meets.

The list below are just ideas so, if any members are interested, they can suggest dates check the Members’ newsletter for more details, or get in touch with Denise Gilvear

Rhayader to Aberystwyth A44

Elan Valley There are super places to stop including the Red Kite Feeding Station where you can see up to 35 birds being fed at the same time!

Piece Hall – Halifax. Home to craft and independant shops

Sowerby Bridge – A58

Steel Horses Bikers Café

Sammy Miller Museum – between Southampton and Bournemouth

The Emmaus, Portslade Garden and Cafe, Very Peaceful!

Shoreham Locks

Glastonbury, Somerset