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GENERAL SECRETARY REPORT - NATIONAL COMMITTEE MEETING – 8TH DECEMBER 2007
The period after the last NC meeting in October started off with the sad news of the death of Ian Philips aka “Bald Eagle”. Those that knew Ian will need no explanation of his character and commitment, in his own inimitable way, to MAG and riders’ rights. I attended his funeral with others from MAG which was a sad and moving day.
The rest of the period has seemed to drag towards this weekend’s NC meeting, which I will not attend because I will be in Brussels at the FEMA Executive meeting.
The MAG office had Neil Stevenson “entrenched” in its bowels (warehouse) for the period of the NEC Show and I was “conscripted” for the donkey work of setting up and breaking down of the stand at the show, as well as a couple of days “off” for the press and trade day.
Apart from the NEC show, a lot of time was spent out of the office at meetings, including a view of a quarter mile radius of Geneva airport and hotel at a Eurorap meeting for FEMA.
However Janet (in the office) and Jane managed to replace Ian Jones, who after eight years with MAG has moved on to a new job.
I must admit it has been a long and tiring two months and I’m looking forward to some Christmas and festive cheer.
International Motorcyclist Tour Club (IMTC)
Fergus O’Connell and I attended the International Motorcyclist Tour Club (IMTC) to give a presentation and it looks like the club will affiliate to MAG. This is an important “catch” for MAG and I had a member of the club ring me to congratulate MAG on its progress over the last year. The club reported in its news letter that the committee were recommending its affiliation to MAG. My presentation to the club is available if anybody’s interested – it concentrates on FEMA and European issues.
BIKESURE
I had two trips on the bike to Kings Lynn in this period. The first to Bikesure with Ian Mutch and David Short to visit the Bikesure “operation” and go through the deal that was being offered which includes discounts to MAG members and donations to MAG from insurance policies sold as agreed at Octobers NC meeting.
As you will have seen and reported by David the “deal” has moved forward with leaflets produced at no cost to MAG, which were handed out at the NEC and are being inserted in members’ packs to promote the deal. The details are also up on the MAG website and at www.maginsurance.co.uk We are waiting for a dedicated part on the Bikesure website so that quotes are available online.
Banners and links where sent out to the NC for Regional and local Group websites.
We are also looking with Bikesure for a better deal on PLI for ourselves and the affiliated clubs.
MAG Sport – Moto KL
The second trip to Kings Lynn was to attend the Moto KL end of season race day for the mini moto project. MAG Sport Juniors and MAG Energy teams were involved.
It was an excellent but cold day watching over seventy under 17 riders “compete” for honours. MAg Sport sponsored all the trophies and a full report is in the next issue of The Road and on the MAG Sport website at http://tinyurl.com/377td2
MAG WEBSITE
The new look website was finally launched in time for the NEC with a few tweaks and upgrades to complete before moving it over properly to the MAG server.
It was no mean task for the web design people at QT Creative to complete and we still need to archive over 600 pages which spans back to 1999.
Thanks for the feedback so far, any ‘gliches’ will be sorted out as I am still waiting for full access.
MAG Sport is now the only MAG “national” website that needs put over into the new format, however the MAG Sport logo/colours were reviewed as per the “MAG Plan” and these have been revised. The North West Region and Blackpool MAG have replicated the new look website.
MAG TOURING
The Discounted Accommodation page has been changed from a long list of discounts to the newly named “MAG Touring”.
MAG Touring offers a list of motorcycle friendly accommodation at discount rates for MAG members who show proof of a valid MAG membership card. You will also find travel information and links to useful discounts for your travels and touring.
Two new additions were Bestbiking Roads.com and a discount ferry deal for MAG members (which was sorted by Reading MAG member Steve Steadman), with Transeuropa Ferries who operate between Ramsgate and Oostende.
A new travel insurance deal is still in progress as there are some questions on rider restrictions – engine size – age we are aiming for a launch in the New Year.
(Now at http://benefits.mag-uk.org)
0870 NUMBERS
As mentioned at the last NC meeting regarding the excessive charges for 0870 – 0844 – 0800 numbers, we have moved to a new provider. All our 0870 numbers for reps – officers – employees stay the same, we have a range of 0844 numbers in place if/when Ofcom start charging us for people to ring the 0870 numbers and a range of 0800 numbers.
After some complaints from members who were unhappy about why they should have to ring an 0870 number to talk to “MAG” or to join as a member, we started putting out the “real” office number 01788 , this is now included in letter heads and as contact in the The Road and on the website. With regards to the 0800 numbers, one is on the website which is used for people to join MAG “for free”, the rest to be used in adverts and promotional literature when needed. We can track how many calls come in through these numbers. Farmyard Party, ITV and Yorkshire Pudding have 0800 numbers for their ticket line sales.
Basically we are saving money and on the 0800 numbers offering people a “free” service to join MAG and buy event tickets.
OFFICE IT
Our office systems were gradually “fading” the last example was the print server refusing to work, I was having problems with emails and we had not had a “health check” for the network, main server and data base in over a year. Plus with the new member of staff on board we needed “tweaks” on her computer and emails.
After some discussion about approaching companies and to avoid all the rigmarole of sourcing unknown companies I have used a new company whose people worked with our previous providers. Six hours in the office and everything is now up and working.
MBNA
The “MAG” credit card, work is ongoing, as in my August report, it is hard work getting decisions from them.
New card has been designed with new logo – a new advert for The Road in place (designed by myself) - correct text for the carrier sheet for the MAG membership cards – updated reference numbers.
Ongoing – a new design for the web space for applying online – a new banner for the MAG website still ongoing.
MAG RESCUE
New leaflets have eventually arrived. Paid by MAG Rescue, these were ready for the NEC and are being inserted in members’ packs.
TECHNICAL ENGINEERING AND ENVIRONMENT GROUP (NATIONAL MOTORCYCLE COUNCIL – NMC)
The rider survey report on Braking knowledge (survey) - Tyres (survey) - Mirrors (survey) is now complete and has been published. http://tinyurl.com/2rqcpp which goes a long way to dispel any myth that riders who buy tyres/brakes on line are not mechanically competent to fit these items or if not especially tyres get these professionally fitted. The survey highlights issues with vibrating mirrors and lack of vision especially on sports bikes.
Noise: A new UK initiative to encourage riders to keep noise to a minimum is to be launched in March 2008 with press releases, targeted meets and sports meetings. Stickers will be produced and applied to new and used models in dealers. A draft logo has been prepared and the initiative was seeking some financial support for promotional material.
The initiative is supported by MRA, BMF and MAG – David Short is working on this.
Some riders cause a nuisance by riding on public roads with the baffles from approved exhausts removed. It was agreed that the new Regulation 41 should address this issue with the suggestion of an approval mark to be added to the baffle to reduce tampering.
Emissions: A considerable improvement in emission performance had been achieved due to the good work of motorcycle manufacturers in meeting the latest regulation, but it is believed that the press should give more publicity.
This is especially pertinent with the report from the Transport committee earlier this year “slating” emissions of motorcycles.
Motorcycle Assessment: Discussion in the group was based on the draft motorcycle assessment document that had been prepared by the DfT.
The idea would be to give riders/potential riders a list of features on motorcycles that would be rated thus helping riders to choose the right bike for them. It was agreed that security features would also be included.
The DfT is to continue with a feasibility study and to evaluate the benefits offered by the proposed assessment features.
Daytime Running Lamps: The DfT reiterated that the UK was still the only member state to oppose the mandatory introduction of DRLs. Assuming ratification in Europe, the UK would be seeking compromises where possible e.g. the inclusion of an on/off switch. The outcome of voting on this item is due within the next month and as in the FEMA section below we have now achieved a tremendous success.
Visibility of direction indicators tell tales: It was suggested that indicators were often inadvertently left on and that this could confuse other road users. The DfT to review accident data to investigate instances of indicators inadvertently left on, which might have contributed to accidents.
Helmet Fitting: DfT provided an update on the status of the helmet test / consumer information programme. The initiative, which will raise awareness of helmet safety performance and promote improved protection, is to be launched at the NEC Motorcycle together with a website to include advice on helmet fit. See http://sharp.direct.gov.uk
Motorcycle Clothing: Minimal progress has been made with the section involving motorcycle clothing, (protection and conspicuity). This action should be held over until the next meeting. We have been asked to consider how to deal with the action “Motorcycle retailers to raise awareness with riders on the importance of the right clothing to reduce injury and improve conspicuity.” We certainly will have a reply on this one.
A-Pillars: DfT stated that they were not planning any further specific research on this action at present. This followed an initial study, 1 year ago, where the outcome regarding potential risk was inconclusive. It was agreed that rider and driver education was the best approach (e.g. highway code) concern was expressed about the rolling blind spot that was applicable to all road users.
This issue of A pillars and conspicuity may be covered in a DfT project looking at car driver skills and attitudes to motorcyclists. DfT will continue to collect evidence on this issue and keep it under review. We will try to keep this high on the agenda.
Diesel Spills: Stephen Edwards, the Kill Spills representative updated the group on the current status:
- For the next 6 months, they were targeting the top 10 hauliers by writing to them and circulating the warning leaflet. (200,000 available);
- Tesco had agreed to fix large warning signs to the rear of their trucks;
- Killspills had successfully placed press releases in the in house trade magazines of certain diesel users;
- The petrol retailers were showing reluctance to co operate.
The group congratulated Stephen Edwards for his continued good results and the DfT gave an undertaking to continue to support the Killspills activity.
Anti Theft: The DfT introduced this topic and suggested that the solution to the issue of motorcycles required additional measures [than those employed by cars] to prevent them from being lifted away. Following recommendations at the third meeting the Traffic, Management, Planning and Transportation Group has been asked to progress measures for secure parking.
It was reported that the Stakeholder Crime Group and Transport For London were also active on this topic. There were complaints that some scooter wheels could not be fitted with chains – however there is an issue that when secure parking is provided riders are not using the facilities..
It was proposed that “Security features” are included in the Motorcycle Assessment initiative.
Promotion of alternatives to sports bikes: During general discussion, it was commented that the problem lay with the rider, and not with the type of motorcycle. Also, that there was a recent trend away from Sports and towards dual purpose and mid sized models.
This action is also allocated to the Road Safety and Publicity Group.
MOTORCYCLE STRATEGY ROAD SAFETY & PUBLICITY GROUP (NATIONAL MOTORCYCLE COUNCIL – NMC)
Statistics: The DfT reported that they where waiting for the publication date for the rider fatigue report; the matching On The Spot and MAIDS data reports were still awaiting clearance but should be published early next year.
The Compendium of Motorcycling Statistics is due for publication in December and a supplementary document to the compendium, which would include regional data, would be placed on the DfT’s website.
The DfT informed the group that the motorcycle casualty rate per 100 million vehicle kms had actually risen in 2006. That the numbers of motorcycle KSIs had gone down slightly although traffic had gone up;
A meeting has been arranged to consider areas for new research.
Safety Publicity: The DfT’s motorcycle Academy activity http://www.thinkmotorcycleacademy.co.uk was unlikely to expand beyond British SuperBikes. However the DfT would raise the possibility of motorcycle safety publicity at the TT races with the Isle of Man authorities.
The DfT will be looking to develop a new TV campaign, they would be looking to revamp the current campaign “Take longer to look for bikes”, and also enhance and develop supporting materials
Speed Awareness Courses: It was reported that the Speed Awareness Courses, which were not specifically aimed at motorcyclists, were up and running. These courses would change slightly in April.
A remit from the Transport Select Committee was to revise the motorcycling strategy within five years, so it would need to be published early in 2010. The NMC would need to start considering this around mid 2008 with the aim of completing a draft strategy by mid-2009. This should then be put out to public consultation in 2009 in order to ensure publication of the new strategy in early 2010.
EU THIRD DIRECTIVE MOTORCYCLE WORK STREAM
I feel I always have to apologize when reporting progress on the implementation of 3rd European Driving Licence after the lobby in Europe over the last few years, but it is an important long term issue towards the implementation in 5 years time for new riders.
The group explored individual objectives.
Improved knowledge of the directive
- Road Safety issues
- Impact on Industry (manufacturers / trainers etc)
- Avoid gold plating
- Cost Implication for riders and training
The staged age access to a licence was discussed it was noted that the age restrictions would impact police recruitment who are currently recruiting through direct access at 21, this changes to 24 years in the directive.
To gain access to tricycles the tests need to be taken on 2 wheel vehicles (bikes), however, an exemption to this clause exists for mobility access for disabled people.
I asked if (a1) covered modified tricycles. The MWS group discussed this point and concluded that the definition of tricycle is identified in directive; the status is dependant on various different factors including engine size and width of the wheels. A separate book or category exists to cover licence to drive modified vehicles.
It was asked if older drivers with B licences would be required to retest. It was explained that provision is made in the directive for drivers already on the road with acquired rights. The new regulations will apply to new riders.
It was explained that retaining category (b1) covering Quads is optional under the directive. He explained that only 106 tests were conducted in this category last year and that Quads were never meant to be road vehicles. Currently some quads are taxed as category F [farm machinery]. and there was concern that people could just put an L plate onto their quad and set off on the road. I commented further that quads were a serious safety issue and reported on an increase in the use of quads seen in Sweden had resulted in a dramatic rise in the number of accidents and casualties. All (b1) could be moved to (B) and could be consulted on.
The group discussed the impact on access to modified 4 wheel vehicles under the (b1) for disabled people. The directive would allow provision to be made under other categories such as (B). Disabled people will not be disadvantaged by removal of (b1). It was explained that DSA wanted to invite a representative of the disabled motorcycle group to the meetings. I have contacted Rick Hulse from NABD to contact the group.
It was explained that the test vehicle (MTV – Minimum Test Vehicle) for use in training and testing proposals under the 3rd directive cannot be changed until 2009, although the reasons why changes are required can be developed now.
It was explained that the MTV legislation in the directive does not align with the bikes available on the market. In 2009 the inconsistency can be taken to Brussels and a request for reasonable adjustments can be made (made under least disruption clause). It was highlighted that the manufacturers need to know as soon as possible as the change would impact production. It was explained that the decision would impact the training industry and would dictate if new bikes were needed by the industry to meet the requirement, having to purchase new bikes to meet the cost would have obvious cost implications.
I will stop here as the group delved in-depth into the issues which included issues around:
- Quality assurance for training
- Has to enhance road safety
- Cost of training
- High speed riding needs testing / motorway tests. It was acknowledged that the directive has a minimum requirement for driver training and testing for motorcycles. Point 6.3.6 states - Approach/exit of motorways or similar (if available) joining from acceleration lane, leaving on deceleration lane. This would be an issue for some areas of the country.
- How is DVLA going to be informed of passes / cost of issuing licence.
- Space on licence / microchip limitations / police implications / knock on effect including chip not being readable abroad.
- Training for the test / candidate trains to pass a test rather than addressing real road safety issues.
- 7 hours of training as stated in the directive between licence categories should assure what riders can do and concentrate on weakness using an assessment of riding skills rather than a test.
- This targeted training would lend itself to a road safety as ‘real world riding.’.
- Some flexibility to the manoeuvres needed to pass the training may be required for the different categories. An example given was cited as DSA ‘gold plating’ where the requirement to walk the bike backwards in a horseshoe to show the rider ability to handle the vehicle un-powered. It was felt that this practice currently discriminates against women, and noted that this would be exponentially so for larger bikes. There was some agreement on this, and it was explained that flexibility is important, for example the MET police had already adopted policy to allow the use of side stands for mounting 1200cc because the previous policy had discriminated against shorter riders.
- It was explained that the project structure and governance, which demonstrates the governance, assurance and checking process attached to the project. This process involves both scrutiny from government assurance bodies and engagement with grass roots industry. The objective being to ensure the legislation is implemented smoothly and to the benefit of all affected. Importantly it was highlighted the need to avoid un-necessary gold plating, or any work which was out of the spec or out of the scope of the directive that could hinder the successful delivery of the directive in the UK.
FEMA (FEDERATION OF EUROPEAN MOTORCYCLISTS ASSOCIATIONS)
DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS
FEMA reported that The European Commission (EC) has decided not to call for the use of daytime dipped-beam headlights by all vehicles in Europe.
The EC proposal to harmonise the use of daytime dipped-beam headlights in Europe has been abandoned.
Although the Commission still supports the view that daytime dipped-beam headlights could increase the safety of car drivers and reduce the number of car accidents and fatalities, it recognized that too little information is yet available about the impact of this measure on other road users.
This has taken over a year since we replied to the European Commissions consultation in 2006. It’s been a long haul with meetings in Europe to put MAG’s position across and representation at the United Nations level through FEMA.”
This is a fantastic success or and certainly one that we/MAG were fundamental in achieving.
http://www.network.mag-uk.org/dec06p4.html
http://www.network.mag-uk.org/jan07p1.html#drl
http://www.network.mag-uk.org/dec06p4.html
However as usual with these issues a constant watch is required, as the safety and car lobby are very strong in Europe, so through FEMA and representation in Europe to the European Commission and in Geneva at the UN level.
EURORAP
I attended two meeting as a representative of FEMA at Eurorap regarding a project and eventual report to be written regarding vehicle restraint system (Cash Barriers) and now these effect motorcyclists.
Also to look at motorcycle friendly crash barriers, although we and FEMA and National Organisations in FEMA have been working on the issue especially surrounding the EN standards the Eurorap report will be an addition to move the issue forward, especially giving the presence in the group of “experts” from across Europe and the report to look in depth on accident statistics.
Scottish authorities have already done this and a report is due out in December.
As Stu Chivers mentioned in his regional report we have members concerned regarding the continued fitting of Wire Road Restraint systems in the UK, this to be followed up.
OIL AWARENESS CAMPAIGN
FEMA as part of the The MotorCycle Community in Europe (MCC) has launched a European-wide awareness campaign promoting the use of synthetic oil for Powered Two Wheelers. The campaign is supported by the European Commission.
The objective of the campaign is to inform the owners of two-stroke “conventional” pre-Euro1 Powered Two Wheelers the contribution to Particulate Matters reduction of up to 50% by using synthetic oil. Which will contribute to a better and cleaner environment. The campaign is also intended to safeguard the mobility of two-stroke engine users in congested city centres, where “conventional” pre-Euro1 vehicles are increasingly faced with issues related to air quality. The MCC also wishes to increase the awareness of the urban mobility advantages of motorcycles and scooters in comparison with cars.
The website is at www.usesyntheticoil.info
MANHOLE COVERS
I assisted FEMA in replying to the EU consultation on manhole covers.
A response was submitted by the Traffic Management, Planning and Transport Policy sub-group of the National Motorcycle Council, and was countersigned jointly by the British Motorcyclists Federation (BMF); the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA); the Motorcycle Action Group (MAG); the Institute of Highway Incorporated Engineers (IHIE); and the Royal Automobile Club Foundation for Motoring (RAC F).
The response by the stakeholder group stated that the current European Standard on manhole covers, EN 124, which does not specify minimum grip levels in use. The covers are designed for durability in terms of mechanical stability, i.e., they do not break, deform, or displace, not for adequate and sustained levels of skid resistance.
FEMA’s response can be found at http://tinyurl.com/2k4ntf
Trevor Baird - General Secretary MAG UK
Email: general-secretary@mag-uk.org
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