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DAVID SHORT – NEW CAMPAIGNS MANAGER – MAG UK
 Time flies when you are having fun, so they say! One minute I am a serving cop writing for MAG under the banner of ‘Peelers Patch’, then, as a retired cop the banner changes to ‘Beyond the Law’.
What next? Blimey, an employee of MAG, as Campaign’s Manager!
I can’t say how proud I am to be serving you, the membership, of MAG in this challenging and exciting role.
I have always been a keen biker, as you will have picked up from my articles in ‘The Road ‘ and always had motorcyclists interests at heart, even when in the business of law enforcement!
This was one of the reasons I started the Bike Safe Campaign, actually involving bikers in the process of policy making on safety and enforcement.
Now I am in a role which suits me down to the ground. I know how the minds of the decision makers work in the mysterious corridors of power and I will use all my negotiating, net working, diplomacy and assertiveness where necessary to secure the interest of motorcyclists.
I have been in the post now for a fortnight and it has been a steep learning curve to say the least.
Fortunately I have an excellent line manager in the form of Trevor Baird who has been keeping me right and bringing me up to speed with the many issues impacting on the freedom to ride motorcycles.
I can’t think of a time when the creeping paralysis of legislation has posed such a threat to motorcycling, whether it’s the 3rd Driving licence directive, daytime riding lights or the new road safety bill.
All these, if we are not careful will suppress the demand for motorcycles, reduce the collective strength as an interest group and make us more vulnerable to further legislation. It’s a vicious, self perpetuating circle.
This is why it is so essential to capitalise on the real strengths of MAG, the enthusiasm and dedication of the membership, the underpinning philosophy of the right to enjoy motorcycling being two of the most fundamental principles on which the organisation is based.
The opportunities facing us need to be grabbed.
There is a strong governmental drive towards a green agenda, reducing carbon emissions, traffic congestion and generally the negative environmental impact of motor vehicles, (it isn’t just me that loathes four wheeled drive battle buses which are not honest hard working farmer’s land rovers).
We should capitalise on these opportunities, boost membership, increase lobbying power, highlight the real environmental benefits of motorcycling secure better protection against punitive and ill thought through legislation.
Over the next few weeks Trevor and I will be drawing up a strategy which will address campaigning at the many different levels.
European
UK
Regional
Local
This will include how we can empower and support Regional Reps at the local level.
Examples of what I have done so far in the last fortnight include;
Taking part in the consultation on the North Yorkshire Local Traffic Plan and securing agreement to include dedicated and secure parking for motorcycles, a review of road side furniture and signs and to replace cobbled perimeters of mini roundabout with coloured scotch grip.
Writing a column in the North Yorkshire County Council newspaper flagging up the need for drivers to ‘Think Bike’. Thanks to Alison Lowndes, Yorkshire Region, for raising this important issue.
Writing a draft strategy for the Motorcycle Crime Reduction Group to reinvigorate the group so that it delivers tangible solutions for bikers.
Liaison with Deputy Chief Constable David Griffiths who is the ACPO portfolio holder for Motorcycle Safety, with a view to ensure ethical enforcement in line with an agreed ACPO enforcement policy.
In closing may I say I am looking forward to meeting as many of you as I can. I am only a phone call away or on e mail.
If there is anything you are thinking about, planning, want help or support then just get in touch.
David Short
Campaigns Manager MAG-UK
campaigns-manager@mag-uk.org
Tel: 01347 822214
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