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Activists Newsletter February 2007

Written submission to House of Commons Select Committee - Enquiry into implementation of the Governments Motorcycling Strategy - Portfolio held by Department of Transport

Dear Sir/Madam

I am pleased to forward to you the following submission in connection with the above enquiry.

Written submission by;

David Short B.Sc, MIRM

Campaigns Manager for the Motorcycle Action Group and member of the National Motorcycle Council

Contact details;

This submission is also a joint view of the motorcycling community and members of the National Motorcycle Council (NMC).

For the information of the committee, David Short would be prepared to provide oral evidence at the subsequent enquiry.

David Short B.Sc, MIRM

Campaigns Manager

Motorcycle Action Group

Part 1

Executive Summary

1. The Motorcycle Action Group and the original National Motorcycle Council (NMC) were delighted when the government established the Governments Advisory Group on Motorcycling (GAGM) in 1999. It appeared that for the first time, motorcycling was being taken seriously by government. Through meaningful consultation between motorcycle interest groups, agencies and other parties a truly joined up strategy to mainstream motorcycling and to consider its application into an integrated transport strategy could, at last be achieved.
    
2. At the heart of the issue is the recognition of the freedom of consumers to choose their preferred mode of transport. Freedom of choice is one of the cornerstones of British Society, a freedom which needs to be exercised responsibly and within the law.
    
3. Motorcyclists welcome this opportunity to be recognised as a vehicle user group who are able to demonstrate environmental benefits, reduced traffic congestion and a contribution to the growth of the UK economy by providing a low cost, efficient means of mobilising the workforce. This is especially relevant in rural areas where public service transport is not readily available to match the demands of the workplace. ‘Wheels to work’ schemes in North Yorkshire are excellent examples of where affordable mo-ped and scooter transport is made available to young people through partnership schemes to enable them to travel to and from work. This has positive benefits in that it engages young people in the benefits of employment, bringing with it social responsibility and a diversion from anti social behaviour and a life of crime.
    
4. Notwithstanding the potential benefits motorcycling can bring, there is a recognition that motorcyclists are vulnerable road users and that road casualty reduction is a commendable government objective. Motorcyclists, irrespective of where the blame lies in the event of collisions, will always be ‘second best’. Nevertheless motorcyclists often perceive that casualty reduction measures focus too heavily on motorcyclists themselves rather than tackling the root cause which is often carelessness and lack of consideration on behalf of others. Motorcyclists recognise they are vulnerable but are able to make those choices on a balance of benefits which they as individuals derive from riding a motorcycle.
    
5. The motorcycling community welcomes the publication of the Government’s Motorcycling strategy which was a direct outcome of the Governments Advisory Group on Motorcycling. It provides a very positive way forward to engage motorcycling into a fully integrated transport strategy which will play its part in contributing to the expansion of the UK economy, the environment and provide fulfilment for those who make the choice to ride motorcycles.
    
6. The Strategy, published in February 2005, outlined 44 actions. The implementation of the strategy is being progressed by the National Motorcycle Council, (NMC), in partnership with the Department for Transport, who became members of a restructured NMC in late 2005. The NMC is made up of representatives from the motorcycle interest groups, the motorcycle industry, DfT, other agencies and organisations who can make a positive contribution to the delivery of the strategy.
    
7. The 44 actions have been grouped into the following areas. Task forces manage each area:

(a). Traffic Management, Planning & Transportation

(b). Technical, Engineering and environment

(c). Training, Testing & Licensing

(d). Road Safety & Publicity

1. Timescales for the delivery of the strategy range from ‘Already implemented’ to ‘2-5’ years.

Part 2

Brief Introduction to the Submitter

1. David Short is a member of the NMC. He is full time employee of the Motorcycle Action Group in the capacity of the Campaigns Manager. He has been in post since October 2006.
    
2. David Short retired from the police service in March 2006 having completed over 30 years service. He retired in the rank of Chief Superintendent and was the senior officer in charge of the ‘Eastern Area of North Yorkshire, one third of England’s largest County. Mr Short is a life long motorcyclist and during his police service he initiated the ‘Bike Safe’ casualty reduction scheme. He was awarded the Prince Michael of Kent Special Road Safety award in 1998 for his innovative approach to road casualty reduction. Bike Safe is now a National police motorcycle casualty reduction education programme.
    
3. David Short was a member of the team which compiled the Association of Chief Police Officer, (ACPO), Road Deaths Investigation Manual. He has been the Senior Investigating officer in a number of high profile fatal collisions involving police officers. David Short represented ACPO on the Government Advisory Group on Motorcycling. He holds a B.Sc in the Social Sciences and is a member of the Institute of risk management.

Part 3

Factual Information

1. In relation to specific actions allocated to the motorcycle interest groups, i.e. the Motorcycle Action Group and the British Motorcyclists Federation, there are two.

Action (iii). 

A campaign led by the motorcycle industry, retailers and rider user groups to encourage riders to keep their machines road legal for noise.

Action (xli).

Engage with the press to discuss how they can work with us so that irresponsible riding which endangers the riders themselves and other road users, is not encouraged.

1. In relation to (iii) above the MAG, BMF and MCI are working with the Federation of European Motorcyclists Associations, (FEMA), to produce guidelines which will be reviewed by the Technical , Engineering and Environmental sub group for implementation in the UK. In addition, letters of support have been sent to one of the motorcycle magazines which has been encouraging quieter exhaust systems. The NMC recognise the negative impact of noisy exhausts, especially when compounded by irresponsible riding. The appointment of a new Campaigns Manager to the MAG will present an opportunity to develop a national campaign to address this issue. This will involve manufacturers, retailers and trading standards.
    
2. In relation to (xli) above, regular meetings have been established with editors of motorcycle magazines to try and persuade a more responsible editorial and features. This appears to be having some positive effect, as outlined in 2 above. It would however be a fair observation that the irresponsible elements of the motorcycle media are little different from other periodicals in other walks of life. The ‘laddish’ culture pervades in some Mountain Biking, motoring and ‘lifestyle’ magazines such as Zoo, Nuts and Loaded magazines.
    
3. It is fair to say that given the relatively recent publication of the National Motorcycle Strategy, February 2005, and the complexity of many of the recommendations, much of the implementation is medium to long term and still ongoing. Attached to this report is a power point presentation made by each of the sub groups in September 2006 which outlines progress to date.

Part 4

Recommendations for action

1. Whilst significant progress is being made on the implementation of the strategy there are areas of concern. Most evident is the slow pace and in some areas an apparent reluctance to consider motorcycles with in the Local Transport plans of Unitary and local authorities. Despite the best efforts of motorcycle interest group activity some LA’s do not seem to be entering into the spirit of the strategy which specifically recommends that motorcycles should receive appropriate attention in future reviews of planning guidance and documents, Action (vii) and Action (viii), to continue to encourage local authorities to give proper consideration in their LTP’s to appropriate provision for motorcyclists.
    
2. It is recommended that Regional Government take a more proactive stance in holding LA’s accountable for the implementation of these actions.

Conclusion

The Government’s Motorcycle Strategy is a milestone in the integration and mainstreaming of motorcycling into society. I know I speak on behalf of the Motorcycling community when I say that we will work diligently and tirelessly with the government, agencies and organisations in delivering the actions.

David Short B.Sc MIRM

Campaigns Manager

MAG- UK

NB Attached to this report is a power point presentation made by each of the Task Forces and outlines progress to date in each of the actions within the strategy.