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MAG National Committee Meeting 12th February 2005 Masonic Hall, Rugby
Present: As at RAMS meeting unless stated in apologies
Meeting commenced 14:00 Hrs
Apologies
Shan Tedder (East Anglia), Mike Baker (South West), John Thomson (Southern), Gary Olphert (Secretary Northern Ireland), Rick Phillips (Thames Valley), Simon O’Connor (Essex & Herts).
Removal of any item not deemed by NC to be appropriate or related to Regional Reps
No items were identified for removal.
Minutes of last Meeting
After some minor amendments the minutes were accepted.
Proposed Ian Mutch, seconded Paul Turner
Vote unanimous
Matters arising
1. Ian Mutch reported that a company has been sourced that can distribute excess copies of Streetbiker at a cost of £70 for 2000 copies. It was requested that if excess copies were to be distributed in this manner then their distribution should be delayed to allow normal distribution to bike shops and members to be completed
2. A request for information from MAG UK had been complied with.
3. A response to the Road Safety Bill was being formulated.
Action - Trevor Baird
4. Possible amendments to the MAG Foundation memorandum had been investigated. No changes were considered to be necessary at this time.
Appointments and Resignations
Elaine Hardy was nominated as a Trustee and member of the board of directors of the MAG Foundation.
Proposed Ian Moore, seconded Alan Waldron.
Archi Hipkins had been co-opted into the role of National Network Communications Officer
These appointments were ratified unanimously by the NC.
National Officer Reports
National officers presented reports. Ian Moore said that after a period of declining membership, we had turned a corner with both membership and the number of groups expanding again. Existing groups were also getting stronger and finances were improving. While there was no room for complacency and much work still remains to be done, we could look to the future with renewed optimism. He thanked all those involved for their efforts so far and every success in continuing the good work.
Ian Churchlow said that he was pleased to see the improvement in MAG’s position, but that if we wanted to see this success continue into the future, we had to consider succession planning and mentoring for new officials.
He had attended the Northern Ireland AGM as an observer and was pleased to that 40 members had taken the trouble to attend. Gary Olphert had given an excellent presentation which was capped by the news that membership had increased by 22% in Northern Ireland.
Ian had also been able to give a presentation to Welsh HOG members, which had been well received and hoped that with support from groups such as this the position in Wales could be reversed in a similar manner to that of Northern Ireland.
Justine Travis was pleased that the increase in membership and activity was being reflected in an improved financial situation with increases to the Fighting Fund and income exceeding expenditure. In order to maintain this desirable situation support and input from the Finance Working Group would be necessary and Justine requested e-mail details of all regional Treasurers.
Action - Regional Reps.
Alan Wooley indicated that he had been busy contacting clubs, some of those attending Western Region AGM feet that they were not getting support. He also noted that the Club affiliation packs still required to be updated to remove WMS from the list of premier events and include the revised price for clubs with between 1 and 25 members. Alan to liaise with Ian Jones regarding updates to club packs.
Action - Alan Wooley
Anji Sewell gave a presentation about MAG products and the arrangements that have been made to sell the former MAG Stall stock and re-vamp the MAG product range.
MAG Products would trade as a stand alone company. Donate 10% of all profits to MAG UK and provide a 10% discount to MAG Groups and regions ordering stock.
Reps were urged to let people know what was on offer, which as well as offering existing stock was set to introduce new lines as finances allow. A ticketing service was also being offered for events which would enable groups wishing to obtain credit card sales to do so at competitive prices.
Currently three events were being promoted, including Into the Valley, The Farmyard and the Yorkshire Pudding Rally. A T-shirt supplier had also been contacted and dependant on design T-shirts could be supplied at typically £4 each cost-price on orders of 50.
Groups were encouraged to source any T-shirt requirements through Anji to maximise economies of scale.
A web site was under construction which would facilitate on-line ordering as well as displaying the services and products on offer. Though until its launch MAG Products can be contacted by e-mail at anji@imageincentives.co.uk or by phone on 0870 225 8352 or 07793 207119.
Anji was given a vote of thanks by the NC for her efforts in getting MAG Products back into a position where trading can resume.
Action - Regional Reps to publicise MAG Products
PUBLIC AFFAIRS DIRECTOR POLITICAL REPORT
Trevor presented his report indicating involvement on the following issues;
DfT Continuous Enforcement of Motor Insurance Requirements
A response to the consultation has been sent and members are encouraged to use the action document posted on the MAG UK web-site when contacting MP’s. Elaine Hardy has lobbied the chairman of the All Party Group (APG) on motorcycling on this matter.
Trevor thanked Alan Waldron and Mark Shaw for their input and raising the issue on the East Midlands web-site.
IHIE (The Institute of Highway Incorporated Engineers)
The IHIE will be launching a document in April “IHIE Engineering Guidelines for Motorcycles” which lays down best practice guidelines for Local authorities in catering for motorcycles.
MAG UK through Tony Carter from South East Region has been involved in the drafting of this key document.
Improving Road Safety Leaflet Highways Agency
The Highways Agency as part of its communications strategy is to develop specific safety leaflets for its customer groups. Trevor attended initial discussions on the leaflet for motorcyclists and was able to continue discussions on crash barriers data sharing and diesel spills.
Crash Barriers
Discussions have taken place with the Highways Agency concerning crash barriers. Information has been requested concerning testing of exposed barrier posts and from the makers of two types of barrier. Responses are awaited.
Wim Taal and Nico Park from MAG Netherlands have advised MAG that Briffen the manufacturers of wire rope barriers are using MAG’s name and logo to “prove” that riders have no significant problems with wire rope fences. Contact with the manufacturer to be established.
MAG UK, MAG Netherlands and NMCU of Norway are setting up a working group to produce a paper on crash barriers which will allow cost effective analysis. This analysis would be used as a lobbying tool throughout Europe.
To move this forward we need to review our position statement for all crash barriers including wire rope.
Action – Feedback required from regions on MAG’s position statement.
Local Transport Plans LT’s and Local Implementation Plans (London)
Gerard Livett has prepared an excellent CD for presentation to councils as they prepare to launch their LTP’s. A data base of council contacts has also been prepared. Local transport authorities are expected to show that they have considered their services and facilities for all users of transport including motorcyclists.
An action document is in preparation.
Young Pillion Riders (BAN)
Nigel Waterson has introduced a Ten Minute Rule Bill seeking to tighten legislation in relation to young pillion passengers. Attempts to contact the MP have failed to elicit a response and MP’s are to be lobbied prior to the second reading of the bill on March 18th.
BAV (Bikers are Voters)
A database is held at MAG Central of current MPs and details of additional candidates will be added when known. The same campaign structure will be used as in previous year, with action documents available at http://bikersarevoters.mag-uk.org Effort from local and regional reps and their political officers will be required to co-ordinate on which candidates have been contacted and which have replied.
A revised list of questions is to be fielded and a Database of constituencies needs to be tied in with regions and local groups. Information is available at http://www.parliament.uk/directories/hciolists/alms.cfm and http://www.parliament.uk/directories/hciolists/alcm.cfm details of MPs can also be obtained from http://www.faxyourmp.com by typing in relevant postcodes.
National Motorcycling Strategy
The GAGM (Governmental Advisory Group on Motorcycling) final report is with David Jamieson and a decision is awaited on whether further consultation will be required before publication of the National Motorcycling Strategy.
FEMA
The Third European Driving License Directive (DLD)
FEMA have commented on the outcome of the vote, highlighting the limitations of the approach and indicating that:- “the motorcycle community would welcome a more balanced and realistic solution, which should address the real safety concerns and take into account the benefits of motorcycling in terms of mobility and economic contribution. Should the positions of the Council of Ministers and the European Parliament not meet these expectations, the motorcycle community would advocate maintaining the existing legislation (2nd DLD 2000/56/EC)
Spare parts
FEMA Campaigns Officer Filippo Marino has drafted a document on Design Protection and MAG is assisting in providing prices on a basket of spares from manufacturers and independent suppliers to help show that prices are higher where design protection is still granted. There is a possibility of a study on the differential of spare parts prices; Elaine Hardy is liaising on this.
Motorcycle Noise regulation developments
The issue will be discussed at the next UNECE working party 29 meeting, and is related to the work carried out by ISO on the measurement of motorcycle noise. The assistant general secretary will then be able to advise the committee if this requires closer attention.
MAIDS (Motorcycle Accident in depth Study)
A presentation was made to FEMA concerning the scientific and political aspects relating to the MAIDS report.
The committee agreed to support MAIDS with the objective of improving the final report through communication with ACEM.
It was also agreed that at a future FEMA meeting there should be a debate on the principles of FEMA.
Initial Rider Training Project
The project has started and the web-site ( www.initialridertraining.com ) is available for opinions or support from member organisations. Feedback will be welcomed by Bob Tomlins the co-ordinator of the project.
Sidecars
Following the Assistant Secretary General’s representation on this issue, the matter will be followed at the British level, through amendments to the national single vehicle type-approval regulations. MAG and the BMF will be consulted and asked to bring their contribution to this.
MAG Sport
MAG continues to support the concept of MAG sport racing. The intention is to diversify MAG’s recruitment drive and target sports bike/race rep and other non-committed leisure oriented riders and persuade them to join MAG.
Alex Gault will be competing in the 125 British Superbike Rounds while Duncan Baillie and Mark Castle will be completing in national rounds in their respective classes as well as the TT, Manx GP and Road Racing in Ireland.
Trevor also proposed that in order to assist on consultations and policy a political and technical think tank should be set up. This proposal was seconded by Derwen Hinds and was approved by the NC.
Board Report
1. iMAGe
MAG products the board agreed to accept Anji Sewells proposal in return for 10% share of the profits. With the accounts to be reviewed 6 monthly.
2. Marquees
Two quotes for new marquees obtained. One 3x3 and one 6x3 marquee to be purchased for £2820 plus VAT and anchorage. Guidance to be provided on erection and dismantling. With Marquees to be booked through MAG central.
3. Appointments and Resignations
Cheryl has left MAG central, replacement postponed until work load increases.
4. Feedback from Contractors
MBNA - the royalty has reduced since we stopped providing the introductory gifts. Dave Elrick is meeting MBNA to investigate how we can improve the deal or find a way forward. MAG gets a percentage of money spent on the cards each month. A decision is required before December 1st or we are tied to the deal for another year.
MAG Direct – meeting arranged for next week
Editorial and Advertising – BSH and 100% approved for “I’m not a member of MAG because” advert.
Membership is slowly rising again with best results from members converting to Standing Orders. Agreed to send out SO mandate with renewals in pre paid and gummed with postage only paid on those returned.
A free membership pack for training schools is to be created and sent out to training centres. Discussion about distribution to be held with MCIA.
New members pack to include details of local regional groups.
Corporate memberships – packs require to be revamped to take account of organisations that want to join. Sol to prepare a corporate member presentation.
RAT – Riders Association of Triumph The possibility of a camping weekend for them is being explored by Dave Elrick. Pete Walker is investigating MAG running a hotel/holiday camp weekend.
StreetBiker – consideration given to offering a number of Streetbikers to advertisers with the option of selling them to recoup the cost of advertising.
Speed ferries deal – Ian Moore has details.
Foundation Report
The end of year accounts for the Foundation have been finalised.
Premier Events
Eddie Lowe pointed out that although listed as a Premier event The Heart of England Rally did not seem to get the full backing that such an event merited. A discussion followed in which the concept of premier events was debated. Following the debate the following proposals were put forward.
The concept of separate MAG Premier events should be discontinued, instead all MAG events prepared to offer a discount to affiliated clubs and MAG members should be listed as a MAG Max event. To clearly identify which events provide benefits to affiliated clubs and MAG members. A default tick box being provided on the events listing
Proposed Steve Wykes seconded Robin Straughan - carried unanimously
Action - R Reps to provide a listing of such events to Ian Jones
Survey
The member’s survey had provided a number of points, areas and ideas where members believed MAG could improve. Several methods and ideas for promoting MAG could be drawn from the comments. Members also felt that MAG needed to get a greater public awareness to combat pre-conceived ideas and help spread the message. It was also felt that information to training schools should be targeted as a means of introducing new riders to the concept of MAG. While efforts should be made to get articles in the local press to reach a wider audience and publicise our successes at a local level.
Tony Cox indicated that he had received complaints that by the time StreetBikers were distributed to dealers the cover date was already passed and suggested that the next issues should be May/June etc. to keep the publication more up to date. This was agreed.
There was also a suggestion that dealers who give a MAG discount could be given “Discount available to MAG members here” stickers, though reps were asked to get feedback from dealers to see whether they would be happy to display these stickers.
Action - Regional Reps to review survey and feedback comments
Helmet Stickers
Andrew Davies asked if the NC thought that the distribution of the “Do Not Remove Helmet” stickers through helmet manufactures or distributors would be advantageous. After discussion it was agreed that the principal of letting the rider decide on the pros and cons of the stickers should apply and that StreetBiker should cover the issue.
MAG Stand
Derwen Hinds asked the NC for guidance on the presence of the MAG stand at non-revenue raising events. It was felt that the stands presence at such events would be very much dependent on the nature and prestige of the event in question. For instance presence at the National Bikesafe launch in Cheltenham would be appropriate, giving MAG’s backing of the scheme and the importance of the event.Though attendance at other events might not be so beneficial.
Action Trevor Baird – Derwen Hinds and Alan Waldron to Liaise
Web Group
The web group mailing list had been set up and steps were in hand to organise a web workshop. It was agreed to cover the cost of hosting the web workshop.
AOCB
MAG direction signs had now been produced and it was agreed that they should be available to groups from MAG Central for a deposit of £1 per sign refundable on return.Central to be advised to chase up free membership for a year for Eddie Lowes’ son for producing the signs.
With the release of the IHIE guidelines, supplies of Road-hazard cards need to be checked to ensure enough are available to provide some cards to the IHIE. A web link for reporting road hazards on regional web sites was also suggested.
Action - Regional Reps to ensure web link established
Tony Carter to prepare an article on the IHIE guidelines for StreetBiker
Steve Green had been suggested as a Keynote speaker for the AGC. It was agreed that he would make a suitable speaker.
Meeting closed at 5:30pm
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