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Public Affairs Director Report - MAG UK National Committee Meeting – 9th June 2007
A comprehensive report for June some of the items are duplicates from previous reports but there are some updates to report and a reminder of where the issues are located.
The report includes items from FEMA (Federation of European Motorcyclists Associations).
I attended a stakeholder event on the 3rd European Driving Licence Directive, National Motor Vehicle Crime Conference, KillSpills Rally at Donington Park, Into The Valley Rally – worked on the MAG stand, an Ebike Track Day at Rockingham building up contacts with California Superbike School and a FEMA meeting in Spain.
Apart from the usual nitty gritty day to day requests to the office on everything from, how the smoking ban effects MAG Rallys to advice to councils on secure parking, a lot of my time has been taken up with the “relaunch” of MAG, especially regarding the various MAG websites, rather than being seen as the font of all knowledge, my thanks to all those that have the answer to hand or are only a phone call or email away.
I was able to send a draft document I am preparing on motorcycle filtering to a crash investigator which assisted a rider in winning his case.
I am continuing work on the idea of a “Handbook” for politicians.
There has been lots of liaising with the Campaigns Manager David Short, regarding campaigns and press releases and using the “mechanics” of our external communications to get the issues out.
Finally a request, if you have pictures, or on your travels can take pictures of the good and bad regarding the road infrastructure would you forward them to myself. This could be a pot hole, cracks in the road, badly positioned street furniture, lampposts or signs for example. It could be a motorcycle friendly crash barrier, motorcycle parking bay, a bike in a bus lane etc. Digital high resolution pictures are better, these are to be used as a library for MAG/FEMA to use in reports and documents.
Congestion Charging Manchester
As I write this piece I am looking at the consultation regarding Road Price Charging in Manchester which according to the motorcycle press initially includes the charging of motorcycles.
Recent reports in the motorcycle press and local papers that the proposed congestion charging scheme for Manchester, to be submitted to Government later this year, has initial plans to charge motorcycles.
One quote from the above mentioned publications is, "A spokesman for the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities (AGMA) and the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority said today: “Motorbikes will be charged. It will be less than cars but it’s still to be decided how much less.”
A quote from the, Manchester City News June 4th 2007 says, "Manchester will become the first city to charge motorcyclists for using the city's roads under initial plans proposed to the government by transport chiefs.
Motorbikes have been exempt from London's congestion charge scheme since it was introduced in 2003 due to their low carbon emissions and also because they are not blamed for causing traffic jams.
Other city congestion charging proposals have generally made an exception for two-wheeled vehicles because they do not contribute to jams.
The Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority confirmed that motorbikes would be charged under the initial plans for a pay-as-you-drive system submitted to the government.
Chairman Coun Roger Jones said: "Over the past few days, I have received many emails from people who are not happy about the prospect of motorbikes being charged.
"We are currently in the process of carrying out a consultation about the proposed congestion charging scheme and now is the time for people who drive motorbikes or low emission vehicles to lobby us.
"A firm decision about whether to charge these two categories of motorists has still to be finalised and personally I think that they have a good case not to be charged."
It would appear that Manchester is against the norm, not only in the UK but in the rest of Europe.
I have written to the Greater Manchester Authorities preparing the consultation for confirmation of the charges as motorcycles are not referenced in their documents.
Tony Cox North West Regional Rep is aware and as soon as we get any further details we let you know. Also thanks to those who forwarded the details and press reports.
In the meantime some details are at http://www.gmfuturetransport.co.uk
3rd Driving Licence Directive
In May I attended a stakeholder event regarding the implementation of the directive in 2013.
The event was intended to “kick off” a process of informal discussions over a period of 15 to 18 months before a formal consultation on options on implementing the directive in the UK.
The event was split into three sessions, an overview with questions and answers, “Break Out” Groups, - Motorcycles and Mopeds – Cars and Light Vans – Licence Security and Entitlements – Driving Examiner Qualifications and Training and a closing session of a summary of the issues raised in the break out groups.
Although the first session was chaired by a Helen Morris from the Driver and Vehicle Licence Operators (DVO) and attended by Driving Standards Agency (DSA) and Department of Vehicle Licencing Agency (DVLA),Fred Hackman from the Department of Transport (DfT) appeared to be leading the discussion.
Attending from the European Commission was Alexander Von Campenhausen.
I was able to ask a question during the first session outlining MAG UK’s concerns and although receiving, in my opinion some defensive answers, the Commission representative, on the issue of assessment or testing between licencing categories, commented that the Commission was not concerned on what format the training or “instruction” took. However, as discussed later in the second section workshop the stakeholders made it clear that the training for testing or assessments should be of a certain standard.
Also worrying was the Commission’s representative comment that the power of bigger motorcycles made them more dangerous.
The second session within the break out group on Motorcycling and Mopeds naturally raised more questions that answers.
Suggestions from the Motorcycle and Training Industry where made on two routes to take.
Either to implement the Directive in the UK starting in the Stepped Access regime of AM at 16 years and A1 Licence Light Motorcycle at 16 years. Although still raising the present UK access to an A2 licence to 18years and not the present 17years.
Or if a rider takes the direct access to A1 or A2 this would qualify the rider for a “provisional” licence for the next category. E.g. Take an A1 licence test the rider could ride an A2 category motorcycle. Provisional licence would mean that the rider could not take a passenger.
This was seen as complementing the commissions stepped access regime, giving young riders an incentive to move through the categories to a full A licence.
It was commented that only a 100 people take a full moped test in the UK and that in today’s traffic riding a moped can be “risky” because of their small size and power. Letting young riders have access to slightly larger machines would be an advantage, with the correct training, bearing in mind that riders in the UK must take a Compulsory Basic Training Course (CBT) (practical test) before further training or testing.
The UK will be reviewing its CBT for a more comprehensive course which perhaps include a better understanding of the Highway Code. Comment was made that the Highway Code should be “taught” in schools before young people are the age to ride /drive a vehicle.
The DSA who will lead on the implementation of the Directive would be looking for training/assessment between the licence categories and NOT a test. As the requirements in the directive are for a minimum of 7 hours the DSA would look for a specific training course perhaps over a two day period.
Regarding the minimum test vehicles that driving schools would have to use the motorcycle and training industry raised concerns as the directive as it stands would suggest that the training schools would have to equip (buy) a new fleet of motorcycles.
The reply was that annex regarding this and the commitology process would not take place until 2009. From my understanding the two industries would like to see a simple change on the engine sizes (CC) to reflect current models available.
With the complexities of the directive regarding vehicles and riders outside the “common” range of the directive questions were raised on disabled access to the implementation of the directive including testing required in the 2nd Licence Directive, categories and testing for Trikes – Quads.
It was commented that the implementation of the directive in 2013 and thus the understanding by the general public of what licence they require for what vehicle will not be easy, never mind law enforcement agencies (police).
MAG UK flow chart on Licence categories is still available http://tinyurl.com/fjzel pdf
2nd European Driving Licence
To highlight the introduction of the new testing procedures in 2008 Motorcycle rider trainers will get their first opportunity to try out the new bike test for themselves ahead of its introduction in October 2008, as the Motorcycle Rider Trainers Association (MRTA) puts on a special trial event this summer.
Organised in conjunction with the Driving Standards Agency (DSA), the day will enable rider trainers to use an officially laid out test circuit to try out the off-road manoeuvres that will be included in the new two-part test:
slalom
figure of eight
slow ride
swerve and stop
emergency stop
wheeling the bike
This will be the first Event Day to be open to the public as well as the trade. More than 4,000 people are expected to attend.
Meanwhile the Motorcycle Industry has launched its campaign ‘Now’s The Time To Get Your Motorcycle Licence’ to encourage people to take up motorcycling and get their full licence.
“Over the coming months, we plan to raise awareness about the 2DLD legislation and promote the benefits of getting on two wheels in order to motivate those who don’t have a full motorcycle licence to get one now.”
For more information www.takeyourbiketestnow.co.uk
Driving Standards Agency website on the New 2008 Test: http://tinyurl.com/2svymu
Link to Test Diagrams http://tinyurl.com/2ma736 pdf
"Safe Motorcycling Through Work" RoSPA
A Guide for employers on how to encourage staff who ride motorcycles (for work, commuting or leisure) to take part in rider assessment and training.
It highlights the scope and business case for employers to promote and/or help to deliver motorcycle safety initiatives.
It is a practical resource designed which is probably most suitable for someone who can act as a 'safer motorcycling champion' within an organisation.
This person may be at any level within the company, but will probably be a keen motorcyclist.
The Guide provides:
facts and arguments to motivate key decision makers; ideas and suggestions on how to engage riders;options for promoting the safer motorcycling message; useful website links, both locally and nationally; information on safer motorcycling schemes; advice on how to get started and how to evaluate success; and case studies demonstrating 'what works'.
Download the Document http://tinyurl.com/2pl9po 819kb pdf
Brunstrom - Should He Stay Or Should He Go - Now!
MAG UK has fully supported the family of Mark Gibney, the motorcyclist fatally injured in a tragic accident, whose images were disclosed to journalists by North Wales Chief Constable Richard Brunstrom.
Such a crass and insensitive tactic to sensationalise a 'road safety' message without the consent and support of the family can never be justified under any circumstances.
The public have become used to a certain degree of shock tactics where the police, with full consent of families disclose images to the press to demonstrate the potential consequences of some accidents, drug abuse and other social ills. However, to do so without any consideration of the feelings of the families and loved ones demonstrates a catastrophic lack of judgment and ethical conduct.
MAG UK have been inundated with telephone calls and e-mails from MAG members expressing disgust at the Chief Constables actions, demanding that action should be taken. This abhorrence is also reflected in the wider motorcycling community.
The campaign is managed by David Short - MAG UK Campaigns Manager.
MAG UK set up a poll for motorcyclists to vote Brunstrom and to email MAG using the Feedback Form to register your concerns. MAG UK has written to HMIC, Police Authority and IPCC.
The “family” of Mark Gibney organised a protest ride which took place on Saturday 2nd June at Llandudno.
Campaign website is http://tinyurl.com/2q2ssm
The Good and The Bad - Transport Select Committee Report on the Governments Motorcycle Strategy
MAG UK gave a cautious welcome to the Parliamentary Transport Select Committee’s report on the Governments Motorcycle Strategy published on Thursday 29th March 2007.
Although the report endorses various aspects of the Governments Motorcycle Strategy, MAG UK has severe reservations about the ill informed proposals to review speed limits and power outputs for larger motorcycles in a vain effort to reduce casualties.
MAG UK says that there is no hard evidence to support the notion that curbing power outputs will impact casualty rates.
MAG UK will continue to engage with reasoned debate, on this issue to ensure motorcyclists are not disadvantaged in having their choice of machine limited by ill informed policy.
The committee were clearly swayed by ill informed elements of the more strident road safety lobby on casualty rates, curbing power, motorcycle engine sizes and levels of motorcycle engine emissions.
The recommendation by the committee that Government should commission research to, in their words, stimulate a sensible debate, will ensure that we have a proper opportunity to debunk a lot of the myths peddled by some elements of the road safety lobby.”
Critical of the levels of emissions from larger motorcycles, the report urges the industry to work with government to reduce levels of pollution. However the committee did not take into account the congestion beating benefits of motorcycles over cars. No matter how economical a car is, when it is stuck or crawling along in a traffic queue it is doing no miles to the gallon with modern motorcycles meeting the latest European standards.
MAG will continue to promote motorcycling and defend the rights of riders to choose motorcycles as their preferred choice of transport. Motorcycles are the answer to social mobility, traffic congestion, and reducing damage to the environment.
Managed by David Short – MAG UK Campaigns Manager who gave evidence at the Select Committee.
The MAG “Hands Off Our Bikes” Campaign is http://tinyurl.com/e5jgt and the Transport Committee Report
http://tinyurl.com/2x5yhb
Bus Lanes - Motorcycling in the Right Lane
MAG UK has welcomed the Government’s Traffic Advisory Leaflet in which it expresses support for facilitating motorcycling as a choice of travel within a safe and sustainable transport framework.
The document lists all the positive points that MAG UK has repeatedly made about the advantages of motorcycling to society in general and now revises former guidance that was biased against the principle of access to bus lanes by motorcyclists.
While final responsibility for bus lane access remains with local authorities, the shift in Central Government advice could prove critical in opening all bus lanes to motorcycles.
View Traffic Advisory Leaflet 2/07 The Use of Bus Lanes by Motorcycles http://tinyurl.com/2pm6sn (PDF 542kb)
Off Road Vehicles (Registration) – Bill
On Friday 3rd March parliament debated the Off Road Vehicles,(Registration) Bill. This is a private members bill brought by Graham Stringer MP for Manchester Blackley. The Bill passed its second reading and has been passed to committee stage.
The Bill has been brought in specifically to tackle the nuisance caused by the irresponsible, anti social and dangerous use of mini-moto motorcycles.
This activity is already illegal and there are sufficient powers to deal with the problem which is highly localised and usually in areas of social deprivation. It is not a nationwide problem; it does not affect all communities.
However, this legislation would adversely affect all off road activities which are properly managed by governing bodies such as the Auto Cycle Union.
It would place bureaucratic burdens on law abiding people who have a social responsibility and yet it would make no difference whatsoever on those who currently flaunt the law. It is a very blunt instrument, ill thought through, put forward to deal with a very specific problem.
MAG UK are concerned that this bill will fail miserably to achieve its objectives and at the same time create a nightmare for bone fide motorcyclists engaged in off road events.
The Bill received its second reading on Friday 2nd March 2007. The bill was voted through to the committee stage by a significant majority.
A wide ranging group of organisations from all walks of life, which includes the Motor Cycle Industry Association, the National Farmers Union, the Agricultural Engineers Association, the RAC Foundation, the Land Access and Recreational Association, the riders groups MAG and BMF and the Auto Cycle Union have come together in a coalition to lobby against a Parliamentary Private Members Bill.
The MAG UK campaign against this bill is being managed by David Short – MAG UK Campaigns Manager.
You can view the campaign http://tinyurl.com/35y98u
SpillsKill
MAG UK continues its full support of the Kill Spills campaign and KillSpills is sponsored by our colleagues in the BMF.
For 2007 KillSpills held a completely different event on the 26th May at Donington Park race circuit which coincided with Future Publishing’s Bikefest UK event.
In summary, the KillSpills 2007 rally at Donington Park involved the following:
KillSpills dedicated area with sponsors, supporters, and the manufacturers of diesel spill products;
The annual KillSpills / BMF Award for “Achievement in reducing diesel spills”
A world record attempt for the most bikes riding around Donington Park
Police escorted ride from Number 10 Downing Street TV news stations Fleet Street up the M1 to Donington Race Track
New KillSpills Diesel Leaflet a Great Success!
200,000 copies of our diesel safety leaflet (funded and supported by the Department of Transport) have been printed and will be distributed across the UK in the next few weeks.
The leaflet was launched successfully at this year's KS event the 617Ride at BikeFest UK 2007.
Download the leaflet and the KillSpills Annual Report to Government http://tinyurl.com/3btrgk
Award
The Highways Agency won the KillSpills / BMF Award for Achievement in Reducing Diesel Spills 2007 in recognition of the work they are undertaking to promote the dangers of diesel spills and motorcycle road safety.
KillSpills said, “Their Heavy Good vehicle video is an inspiration, the anti diesel spill stickers they have distributed to the road haulage community through various police forces is a welcome and very important strategy. Their Great Rides Great Roads video promotes responsible riding and their work with the likes of Handle It or Loose It and the Shiney Side Up partnership does the same. These reasons alone, make the Highways Agency very worthy winners of our award.”
www.heavygoodvehicle.com
There were several awards and acknowledgements at the KillSpills event and none better to Harold Ross who distributes high quality materials that have been thoroughly tested, resulting in products that provide the most cost effective way to clean, absorb, treat and dispose of used oil, gas, grease and other petroleum based products.
Harold promotes the use of “Oil Sponge” and has developed a “Spill Station”. In MAG’s opinion all garage forecourts should have a “Spill Station” which cleans up spillage with a minimum of fuss and is superior in every aspect to any amount of sand thrown down.
View “Oil Sponge” at www.rossenvironmental.co.uk
After this years rally and the inclusion of the KillSpill team on the relevant sub groups of the National Motorcycle Council delivering the Government’s National Motorcycling Strategy.
The team are now seen as the legitimate voice of riders on diesel spills.
Further information - up-to-date news - information - latest report to government go to www.killspills.org.uk
Invincible or Invisible?
MAG UK has involved in the delivery of the Department for Transports (DfT) latest Think! road safety campaign.
The campaign DfT makes a good pictorial point about the limits of a car’s mirrors, but goes on to make some worrying noises about what we should be wearing.
“The second thing is something you should take into account before you start your engine – your clothing. Wearing helmet to heel in black might suit your style, but it makes it much harder for other drivers to spot you. Headlights, reflective gear or a vibrantly coloured helmet could make all of the difference to when other road users see you.”
However the overall message to motorcyclists is favourable, “First up, make safety your primary concern and ride with the expectation that you won’t be seen – the majority of motorcycle incidents happen at road junctions, 65% of these often fatal incidents occur when a driver fails to notice a bike, so if you’re unsure that another motorist hasn’t spotted you, steer on the side of caution.”
“Decent gear and awareness at junctions are clear signs of a good rider. Other road users may be a lot less impressed by speeding and overtaking.”
The campaign also advises to take further training or rider assessment programmes.
Download the poster http://tinyurl.com/2w879g pdf
MAG Comment
MAG UK policy has always been opposed to the idea of compulsion on clothing standards, not that is being proposed here of course but historically, the success of voluntary use campaigns has been followed by legislation.
Few things are more dangerous than feeling safe, yet anecdotal evidence suggests that riders do feel they are safer when using headlights in daytime and wearing bright clothes.
Believing you’re invisible seems like the most realistic attitude to adopt.
The empty mirror would still be empty if the out of shot rider was dressed like a clown.
The Perpetual Learners
MAG UK’s Regional Rep in Scotland, Steve Wykes gives a perspective on the “peak” of Killed and Seriously Injured (KSI) that are presented especially in the press at the start of the biking season.
What can be done to reduce this problem?
Part of the solution has to be to ensure that those that are perpetual learners, due to laying off their bikes, use their bikes more frequently minimising the time that they are off the road.
This requires positive measures to encourage use though out the year for commuting and other trips, rather than just for a sunny Sunday blast.
Perhaps a little controversial here, but a possible solution for those who continue to lay their bikes up might be a refresher course at the start of the season.
If this could be encouraged on a voluntary basis with help from the training industry i.e. free or heavily subsidised so that cost is minimal then this could reduce the early season “carnage”.
Think! Motorcycle Academy
MAG UK has been involved through the National Motorcycle Council (NMC) with the ideas and setting up of this years Think! Motorcycle Academy.
The Academy attends at the British Superbike rounds with an interactive mobile road safety unit which motorcycling fans can visit to meet their racing heroes and receive advice about road safety from experts.
The academy website offers advice to riders and has a video section including a video on “Hazard awareness urban hazards highlighted LIVE ACTION”.
The website is at www.thinkmotorcycleacademy.co.uk
Fill It In
As reported in MAG UK’s Februarys report to FEMA, MAG UK has launched its report a road hazard website
http://fill-it-in.mag-uk.org
The website pulls together all the reporting facilities in the UK on Road Faults.
The Highways Agency and Local Councils have signed up to take part in the “Handle It Or Lose It -Report a Road” facility
From their website;
Do you ever come across a situation where you feel that the road is particularly hazardous to you as a motorcyclist?
Perhaps you’ve had a crash, near-miss, or scary moment where you feel that, even riding carefully and sensibly, there was an issue with the road that you felt was a factor in your incident.
Ever felt that no-one in the Highways Authorities is listening to you as a rider?
Well, now’s your chance to make a difference.
The Highways Agency and local Councils have signed up to take part in our “Report a Road” facility.
They want to hear from you, as a rider, about roads where you feel there is a design or maintenance issue that particularly affects motorcyclists.
Why?
Because two-wheelers have specific needs that many other vehicles don’t have, and the information-base for highways engineers about how bikes are affected by road conditions is fairly small.
They want you to tell them exactly where there is a problem, and exactly why it may be a problem for riders. Your information could make for a speedier response and solution, and it could also make for a cleverer solution
Report a road http://tinyurl.com/2uuevv
30th BRUM DEMO
MAG UK’s West Midlands Region is organising its 30th Brum Demo and MAG National Demo on 7th July 2007.
In association with “The Heart Of England Rally” MAG UK is asking riders to:
Join us in campaigning against the monumental threat of road pricing and all it stands for.
New schemes such as EVSC and Driving Licences, Traffic measures, Congestion charges in most cities, the lack of secure parking, Stalling on bus lane usage, Multi occupancy car lanes.
These and more are all proposed for the very near future.
The message is to make Councils and Government see that motorcycling is a viable alternative.
West Midlands Eddie Lowe is looking for volunteer marshals. If you can help give Eddie a call on 07970 303528
Federation of European Motorcyclists Associations (FEMA)
Since my last report regarding FEMA I have attended a FEMA Executive Committee meeting in Brussels and the FEMA “spring” meeting hosted by our colleagues Asociacion Mutua Motera www.mutuamotera.com at Granada in Spain.
MAG UK is planning to host the FEMA “spring” in 2007. Next year will be the 20th Anniversary of FEM/FEMA and some special events are being planned to celebrate.
The FEMA secretariat or to be more precise FEMA’s General Secretary – Aline Delhalye, Campaigns Officer – Virginie Peters, Administration Officer - Christina Gesios continue to represent riders’ interests to the fullest extent in Europe and providing knowledge on the issues that ultimately affects motorcycling in the UK.
Joining the “team” is Elaine Hardy as FEMA’s Research Officer, Elaine was until recently MAG UK’s Research Officer. As FEMA's Research Officer, her task is to actively involve FEMA in EU (European Union) research projects. The aim of this involvement is to strategically place FEMA within these EU projects to ensure that the views of riders are considered and respected. The objective is to position FEMA as a leader of the motorcycle research community and as a point of reference within the EU institutions.
Perhaps part of this involvement should be to “educate” individuals regarding motorcycles within these research projects, for example did you know that a motorcycle has a “steering wheel”
The FEMA General Secretary has moved forward regarding an issue that I brought up at meetings several times, that is FEMA’s external communications to politicians and EU Institutions, this will include the relaunch of FEMA’s newsletter.
Aline has also started an internal communication document to FEMA’s National Organisations (NO’s) called “Newswire”, I have inserted some of items below and added MAG UK comments, which are for the public domain and includes links to FEMA documents and some issues that NO’s are facing.
NOTE: Regional Reps if you require a copy, to view the more detailed aspects of the work that FEMA is preparing the groundwork, please email me.
As they say in Spain - muchas cervezas por favour
Directive Infrastructure - Lobby at the Parliament to support the Directive
A strong opposition was raised in the TRAN Committee against the Directive on Road Infrastructure Safety Management, particularly from the Group of the EPP (conservatives) which simply wanted to reject it all together.
FEMA representatives and NOs contacted several MEPs and lobbied at the European Parliament to support the Directive. A FEMA position paper has been developed and sent to MEPs. FEMA (together with other stakeholders) managed to delay the decision to beginning of June.
Swedish MEP Inger Segelström (Rapporteur for the Committee of Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs), proposed a series of amendments underlying the importance of the Directive, especially for more vulnerable road users. Unfortunately, they were not accepted.
The lobbying platform Mobility for Prosperity in Europe (MPE) set up by Ari Vatanen, organised an event on the issue in the European Parliament on 14 May. FEMA was invited to present motorcyclists’ views. FEMA hopes that the Directive will be accepted, even with a revised and least satisfactory text.
White Paper on Transport - Lost cause for Motorcyclists
The Mid-Term Review of the White Paper on Transport was adopted in the TRAN Committee on 8th May: 31 votes to 4 with no abstention.
FEMA disapproves that the Review does not take motorcycling into account.
The deadline for proposing amendments was 1st March 2007. Positive contacts had been established with MEP Inés Ayala Senders (Socialist) in order to propose an amendment mentioning motorcycles.
MEP Dieter-Lebrecht Koch (PPE) proposed an amendment mentioning motorcycles. FEMA office got in touch with him in order to show its support. However, the amendment was not accepted.
Green Paper on Urban Transport: Better integration for PTW’s in cities?
The fourth and last Technical Workshop which took place on 16th May in Brussels marked the end of the preparation phase of the Green Paper (GP) on Urban Transport. FEMA actively took part to the consultation.
A position statement underlying the many advantages of PTW’s (Powered Two Wheelers) has been developed and sent to the European Commission. FEMA regards the preparation of the GP as an opportunity to integrate PTW’s and to recognize their role and importance in European cities.
The Commission will be writing up the Green Paper in June-July 2007, for adoption in autumn. It will be followed by a new consultation phase during winter 2007/08-spring 2008. FEMA will ensure that motorcycling is taken into account.
Blind Spot Mirrors: TRAN Committee adopts retrofitting of mirrors to HGVs
The Directive covers heavy lorries in operation since 2000. Light goods vehicles and buses are not covered by the directive but MEPs called for this question to be reviewed in future.
The deadline for retrofitting is set to 31st March 2009.
FEMA welcomes the directive of the Commission which is aimed at improving the safety of all road users and specifically the most vulnerable ones
Third Driving Licence Directive (3DLD): Time to act at national level
Following the adoption of the 3DLD end of last year, Member States have already started preparing the implementation of the directive at national level. FEMA NO’s – SMC (Sweden), MAG NL (Netherlands) and MAG UK informed the FEMA secretariat about preliminary contacts with road authorities and parliaments.
The EC is still supposed to provide MS (Member States) with guidelines on how to best implement the directive. negotiations with national road authorities’ experts under the commitology procedure are supposed to start soon.
FEMA will try to adapt the training scheme based on the results of the IRT project (Initial Rider Training).
Guardrails: A complex issue and ways forward still to be defined
From recent contacts with LIER’s General Director (INRETS Road Equipment Test Laboratory of France uses state-of-the-art technology to accredit road-safety devices), FEMA’s Secretary General learnt that both Spanish standard and French protocol were complementary rather than opposite.
Aline was also told that a second important aspect of the problem was lying in the fact that the dummy (Crash Test) used by both (and any other) tests did not comply with motorcyclist characteristics.
Conclusion to be drawn: whatever the test, as long as the dummy used does not represent a motorcyclist, no sound resolution should be supported as being the solution for motorcyclist protective guardrails.
Several research projects and research proposals are working on various aspects of the motorcycle guardrail problem FEMA is trying to coordinate the work undertaken in order to have useful data to be introduced at CEN level (CEN, the European Committee for Standardization http://www.cen.eu).
FEMA will attend first CEN/TC226 in June.
Noise: Time for the whole motorcycle community to get involved
Motorcycle riding, whether in everyday use or in sports, is under increasing pressure in many countries, especially in areas with a high population density.
The sound produced by some motorcycles is perceived as noise by a lot of people, among whom legislators who are calling for stricter type-approval regulation, which will affect both the design and the cost of future motorcycles.
In addition, because of PTW noise, motorcycling progressively becomes socially unacceptable. The noise problem raises once more law makers’ attention towards motorcycling “problems”, generating even more negative messages towards the general public.
Stricter type-approval regulation will not provide a solution.
The motorcycle community therefore agrees about the need to address the motorcycle noise problem as soon as possible and raise awareness about the real challenges to reduce noise levels and not motorcycle sound.
Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS): Better with us than without
New intelligent transport technologies are being developed and will be applied to all motorised vehicles in the future.
It is therefore vital for motorcyclists to be part as soon as possible and closely follow these developments in order to provide data and ensure that the views of riders are considered and respected.
To this end, FEMA is following the e-safety forum and monitoring its main conclusions. Besides this, FEMA is actively involved in research projects where FEMA will be able to define riders’ needs and ensure that new ITS developments for motorcycles correspond to FEMA’s main principles.
INTELLIGENT TRANSPORT SYSTEMS
FEMA calls for the needs of motorcyclists to be taken into account during the design, development and implementation of ITS-based traffic management systems to ensure that motorcycles are not excluded by default.
We oppose any ITS which takes control from the rider.
We support the development of ITS-based information systems suitable for motorcycling applications.
We oppose the use of ITS for the purpose of unwarranted surveillance.
http://www.fema.ridersrights.org/mission.htm
MAG UK Campaign “EVSC - ISA - No To Throttle Control - No To Control” - http://tinyurl.com/e5jgt
Tunnel Safety: Not at the expense of motorcyclists’ right to use them!
FEMA was alerted by FFMC (French NO) about the A86 tunnel to be prohibited to motorcyclists.
A conference organized at the European Parliament by EuroTAP to promote tunnel safety was a unique occasion for FEMA GS to “feel the temperature” and make sure that tunnel safety key contacts were aware of the fact that, if this was to become common practice, this would not be tolerated by FEMA.
Most of them found the idea rather illogical and did not understand the arguments provided as justifications by French tunnel authorities. ASECAP (European professional Association of operators of toll road infrastructures http://www.asecap.com) promised to introduce its French member to FEMA at their next conference to further discuss the issue.
More info on: http://www.eurotestmobility.com/eurotappub.php
Research
After receiving the approval from its Member Associations (February Committee Meeting), FEMA actively looked for practical solutions to ensure FEMA’s strategic involvement in motorcycle-related EU Research Projects (7th Framework Programme).
The aim of this participation is to place the organisation within these projects to ensure that the views of riders are considered and respected.
The objective is to position FEMA as a leader of the motorcycle research community and as a point of reference within the EU institutions.
The EU 7th research framework programme was launched early February 2007. With this framework, the EU gives new guidelines for the research work to be undertaken by the whole research community – comprising not only research institutes and academics, but also the private sector and civil society organizations, such as FEMA.
Framework programmes are major milestones in EU policies as they define priorities to the research sector according to the various objectives the EU tries to reach.
As far as transport is concerned, it is clear that the EU is financing more and more research towards intelligent systems which would help them to fight congestion, improve road safety and reduce all environmental costs (emissions, noise, and other nuisances).
Aware of the challenges and the general trend to either include motorcycles in what‘s being designed for 4-wheelers or to develop new technologies that do not take motorcycle characteristics and motorcyclists’ needs into account, the FEMA committee agreed that it was of political interest to be part of as many motorcycle-related research projects as possible to try to influence at best their outcomes.
To this end, FEMA has been participating to the preparation of 5 proposals
Mobility for Prosperity in Europe event
Focusing on Road Safety: “The Integrated Approach to Road Safety”, the event expanded participants' knowledge about issues of road safety and tried to offer solutions to undertake concrete actions to reduce the number of fatalities on European Roads.
It was a unique opportunity to defend the Directive on Road Infrastructure Safety and Management discussed in the Parliament.
The FEMA General Secretary was invited as a panellist and offered a brief but convincing presentation on the need to improve road infrastructure to reduce motorcyclists’ accidents.
The TV crew which followed the FEMA team for a report on lobbying was present at the event.
More info on: http://mobility.demo2.emedia.fi/en/activities/news_and_events
FEMA presentation:http://tinyurl.com/36k3es
FEMA Recent Position Statements/Press releases
DRL – 3 April 2007 http://tinyurl.com/2mqno9
Infrastructure – 19 April 2007 http://tinyurl.com/35v79j
Green Paper on Urban Transport – 30 April 2007: http://tinyurl.com/2uzxuq
MEP Ride
The preparations for the 11th MEP are well underway.
MEPS from Germany and Sweden have already accepted to be patrons of the event and we are waiting for a response from MEPs in the UK and Portugal.
A special MEP Ride Logo has been developed, preparation of the poster is evolving and a MEP Ride website will be available by 25 June.
Where: Strasbourg
When: Wednesday 5 September 2007 - Ride starting at 7pm
Main themes:
Green Paper on Urban Transport
European Agenda for Motorcycle Safety
Key “lobby” moments:
Before departure: Message on driving licence
Arrival at the restaurant: advantages of motorcycling
Cocktail: Power Point Presentation on Infrastructure problems
If you are interested in taking part in the ride, representing MAG UK and to find out what will be involved please contact myself
Trevor Baird Director Of Public Affairs (MAG UK)
Tel: +44 (0)1788 570065
Fax: +44 (0)1788 570052
Email public-affairs@mag-uk.org
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