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Public Affairs Director Report - MAG UK National Committee Meeting – 11th August 2007
A varied report for the period of June to August which includes reports from meetings on:
Motorcycle Strategy Road Safety And Publicity Sub Group – part of the National Motorcycle Council (NMC) – Department for Transport (DfT) – delivering the National Motorcycle Strategy.
Safe Motorcycling Group – as in my last report this is a new “stakeholder” group chaired by the DSA (Driving Standards Agency) looking at the delivery of the 2nd European Driving Licence Directive in 2008 the 3rd European Driving Licence Directive and all issues relating to training and testing.
Lobbying and Communication, attending the Farmyard Party, the Brum Demo and The Heart of England and a meeting regarding the MAG website.
Thankfully I missed most of the floods apart from the very wet and muddy Farmyard Party.
Lobbying & Communication
Lobbying - Congestion Charging Manchester
I prepared and launched the lobbying material against motorcycles being charged in the proposed congestion charging scheme in Manchester.
This included a response to the Manchester Authorities, a lobby document, webspace with all relevant material on the campaigns website, communication of the lobby document to the Email Army, article in Network and press release to the Info List.
Liaised with David Short and Tony Cox (North West Regional Rep) on the lobby and setting up a meeting with the Manchester Authorities. David is progressing this with other stakeholders and although the Manchester Authorities have submitted their bid to Government there is still a need to lobby the authorities in Manchester.
Our position is being reported in the non motorcycle press http://tinyurl.com/3x5be5
The details are at http://tinyurl.com/2ezvav were you can sign the MAG petition. There is a paper version of the petition which you can download for events you attend or simply at your local meetings. Excellent job by North Cambs who have been collecting signatures.
Communication
Communicating MAG’s issues to the “outside” world takes the form of information posted on various MAG websites and posted out to the various email lists. Info – Press releases, Email Army and Network.
These take time and effort to produce, naturally Archi as Network Communication Officer puts together Network for posting out and Press Releases are written using the PMT (Press Management Team) consisting of Ian Mutch, David Short, and myself.
The basis of this is that one person may write a press release but it must be checked by one other person of the PMT, the Chairman to be included if no one else is available.
Since June communication has included:
Press Releases
Scotland Gets Motorcycle Guidance
Drink Driving Menace to Motorcyclists
Off Road Registration Bill Withdrawn
Motorcycling to Face Congestion Charges
MAG – 7000 Souls Defy Rain
Government Responds and Listens to Motorcycling
Network – Including Website - July Issue - August Issue
Email Army
Congestion Charging Lobby
A new logo? A new Website? Reasons for Change.
Also on the MAG website we carry some news from the “motorcycling” world, not general news but of interest to riders rights and hopefully MAG members and those viewing the site.
If your Region our Local Group has some news about themselves or how issues are affect you in your area please forward these to myself general-secretary@mag-uk.org
Motorcycling News for June and August has included:
A Day Out in Devon - Bikers should be seen and heard says road safety team
Peak Protection for Motorcyclists
MAG RELAUNCHES NOW
THINK! Motorcycle Academy Attracts Big Name Riders And Fans!
Now's The Time' To get Active In National Motorcycle Week
Hopefully with the new website coming online getting information on the website will be much easier without relying on a second party to upload information.
Motorcycle Strategy Road Safety And Publicity Sub Group
As the title suggests this subgroup deals with safety and publicity.
The DfT reported that the rider fatigue and matching OTS (On The Spot) and MAIDS (Motorcycle Accident In Depth Study) data reports were to be circulated to circulated to all group members.
BSB Think! (British Superbikes) Sponsorship Activity was continuing and was proving successful a presenrtation was given.
A presentation was given on the contributory factors in motorcycle accidents a full list of accident contributory factors is available http://tinyurl.com/2wfs7m
It was asked if whether more information could be provided on loss of control accidents, such as left hand bends, as that information could help with focussing training.
Provisional casualty figures for 2006, which were published in May, showed a 2% reduction in KSIs and a 7% reduction overall. Final figures were due to be published on 28 June.
Thanks was given to all those who had helped with the Transport Select Committee (TSC) inquiry into the Motorcycle Strategy (The TSC published their Report at the end of March) and the DfT had sent the Committee its response to the Report. http://tinyurl.com/28jfr3
It was reported that the TSC had recommended that, the motorcycle strategy should be reviewed 5 years after publication i.e. by 2010. Most of the of the actions in the action plan had been completed and that the plan now needs to be refreshed with a view to rewording and possibly reordering the actions; new actions may need to be added. It is expected that the whole of the action plan should be refreshed by the end of 2007.
I consider this as good news, the strategy will not grow stale.
It was reported that the DfT the 2007/08 advertising plan was being reviewed with consideration on how to reach urban motorcyclists. Once a firm plan had been established it would be circulated.
There had been a request for a course to complement rider improvement for low level offences. Devon & Cornwall and Lancashire CC had looked at courses and had now jointly developed a course called “Ride”. It would run as a pilot and be evaluated, which could take two years. It could be run as an interim course from April 2008, and financed as necessary. It would be up to individual police force’s discretion to introduce the course, or continue to prosecute offenders.
I raised the issue that those who choose to go to court that are convinced of their “innocence” and subsequently found guilty/convicted of offences are not being offer a course were they are available. A response was that there was a possibility that a course could be developed for those convicted of offences in future.
It was reported that there was a slow take up of the National Enforcement Strategy from ACPO, which was circulated in October 2006 but that it appeared that overall the strategy was working well. There was inconsistency as to how forces dealt with number plate offences but this was to be reviewed in the Autumn.
It was reported that the regulations on continuous insurance were still being drafted. It was expected that the scheme would be introduced in early 2008. The roadside survey of Vehicle Excise Duty evasion planned for November/December will also look at insurance and possibly MOTs. North Wales police had been contacted, to see whether there would be a re-run of the national compliance roadcheck during 2008, which involved random stops of vehicles to check roadworthiness.
Safe Motorcycling Group
CBT & DAS Review
A report was given on the review of DAS and CBT main headings were identified which were being worked on: Instructor qualification process, size of training sites, training ratios, CBT syllabus, Regulations, log book, quality assurance.
I will deal only with the items that affect motorcycling with regards to MAG.
CBT Syllabus
It was generally accepted that there was favour of the current syllabus, however it was suggested that there should be a pre CBT theory test requirement and that this could be tied in to the national curriculum.
Using a query raised from members in the North East I said that the highway code element should be a more important element. It was asked if it should be in the CBT syllabus or an additional requirement. Answers included that: it should be tied in with other DfT education work - suggested a theory test “Lite” for pre CBT trainees – a view that the theory test should not be before CBT but that it should be part of the curriculum and that the CBT should contain an element of testing highway code knowledge – it was pointed out that any significant addition to the CBT would probably result in it taking more than one day to complete – extending the CBT over two days was not wanted.
It was asked what took place now – it was stated the trainee’s knowledge and ability was currently evaluated, those with very poor knowledge didn’t progress through the course – it was suggested that there could be pre CBT course highway code learning with a highway code test as part of CBT.
It was raised what was the difference between machines used for CBT with manual and automatic transmission - suggested good schools already trained those riders using automatics how to ride manual machines and that promoting good practice was the solution - twist and go auto scooters were big business, there were very few manual scooters although auto to manual upgrades do take place - a simple process is needed and that recording upgrades would create an administrative burden, there was broad support for the type of machine used to be reflected on the DL196 certificate.
It was asked could cornering to be included in CBT in element C.
I asked what was the opinion of including counter steering/natural steering, this from a previous DSA meeting several years ago on whether DSA should be included in CBT. This meeting conclusion and MAGs position at the time was that it should not. I wanted to find out if opinion had changed.
Following a discussion the opinion was that - counter steering should remain as in the DSA MC manual – it should only be introduced if appropriate to the trainee’s needs and by suitably qualified trainers.
It was asked if the on road element E duration was appropriate, should it be one, two or three hours long – answers were - two hours was about right, trainees were more likely to experience fatigue and rush hour traffic congestion beyond that. Retraining riders who needed to repeat CBT took less time but it was simple to use the opportunity to raise their level of competency – the use of a the retraining opportunity to raise standards of riders above CBT standards - favour of the two hours - CBT was good when delivered properly.
Link to CBT Training Information http://tinyurl.com/2rr4hp
Supervision and Quality Assurance
It was stated that in response to the 3rd EU directive there would be a preference for training and therefore supervision to be used between licence categories in preference to a testing regime.
Only one sentence but an important one.
Other Issues
Information was given on the “To Die For?” and “Bare Bones” campaigns for young scooter riders. The campaigns provided goody bags which helped to promote good practice and emphasised the need for the correct clothing. Information on a website, a DVD and posters in support of this initiative were given.
MPTCs – Multi Purpose Test Centres
These are the new “super-centres” that will be needed to conduct the off road element of the new 2008 motorcycle test.
There are concerns that these will not be ready and that there will not be enough of them within easy travelling distance of training schools.
Steve Wykes has raised the issue for Scotland and Jez Dodington for Southern Region regarding the Isle of Wight.
There is an item on the issue in the August NC meeting.
I have prepared a document on the issue which sets out the issues and requirements for the test.
Right Hand Side Car Ban
This an ongoing issue to lift the right hand side car ban for combination permanently registered in the UK.
Liaising with Fergus O’Connell (National Clubs Officer) and MAG Affiliated club Cossack Owners Club to get the issue restarted and resolved with the DfT.
Motorcycle Guidelines – Scotland
Excellent job by Steve Wykes, with the publication of the guidelines after two and a half years work.
As Steve said, ”Still the wait has been worth it as they have been endorsed by the Scottish Executive, have now been sent to all 32 Local Authorities and Regional Transport Partnerships.”
FEMA – Federation of European Motorcyclists Associations
A quite time at FEMA over the holiday period in the European Institutions and since my last in depth report.
Usually my reports tie in with reports from FEMA from committee meetings which happen before an National Committee meeting unfortunately this is not the case this time., however the work continues by the FEMA secretariat with the focus on the forthcoming MEP Ride in September.
Details of the ride and request for volunteers was in my last report and the July issue of Network, unfortunately there has been nobody forthcoming.
Full details of the ride are available on request and the event can be viewed at www.mep-ride.eu
The themes of this years ride will focus on the Commission’s Green Paper on Urban Transport – which will be presented in autumn 2007 - and the role Power Two Wheelers can play in urban areas to address pollution, congestion, infrastructure and social inclusion.
The event will also be the opportunity to present FEMA’s revised European Agenda for Motorcycle Safety, which will provide in-depth motorcyclists’ views on the issue. It will also draw attention to motorcycle road infrastructure needs in the light of the Directive Infrastructure that was initially rejected by the TRAN Committee, to the surprise and regret of many road citizens’ organisations. After an intense lobby activity from the different stakeholders, the European Parliament decided during the last plenary session to send the text back to TRAN for further discussions, due to start in September.
I will be contacting MEPs next week to get them along to the ride and setting up meetings in Strasbourg to discuss the themes of the ride.
The last few issues of Network have had feature articles on FEMA and I produced an article for the August issue which was also used to present MAG’s role in FEMA to a perspective affiliated club.
Documents
Filtering
I circulated a draft document on Filtering with only a couple of comments back both being positive.
Stu Chivers (South East Region) requested a copy and the report from the motorcyclist cleared of carelessness when filtering.
The document is nearly finalised and I will circulate this shortly. (see article on Filtering on page 8)
Crash Barriers
A document from New Zealand on crash barriers and motorcycles, carriers some quotes and reference from MAG and FEMA (Federation of European Motorcyclists Associations) documents relating to crash barriers.
The document appears to be a review of previous research and New Zealand accident statistics.
Like previous documents on the topic there is reference to a lack of research on wire rope barriers being a major cause of motorcyclists injuries.
However there are quotes from other documents including, "Association des Constructeurs Europeans de Motorcycles (ACEM). Guidelines for PTW - Safer Road Design in Europe. The Motorcycle Industry in Europe. Brussels, Belgium. 2006" “limited research done so far does not warrant the conclusion that cable barriers are more hazardous than other types of barrier.
There is a general agreement that more research is required on the effects of different types of fence on falling motorcyclists. This also applies to the posts that are common to all designs. They inflict the most serious injuries to motorcyclists crashing into a safety fence.”
FEMA is continuing working on research through its National Organisations and CEN committee
The document can be found at http://tinyurl.com/2kto5m
Through FEMA we and other FEMA National organisations where contacted by Australian Motorcycle Council re the position of the European highways agencies regarding claims in Australia by some motorcycle organisations that WRB (Wire Rope Barriers) is no longer being used in many European countries, and is indeed being removed in some. This because in one of their states, Tasmania, the Government is about to implement WRB dividing opposing traffic lanes with no median strip.
“UK the Highways Agency has previously stated that any central reservation vehicle restraint systems (which would include Armco and wire rope systems) fitted on UK roads, that they maintain, will, when in need of replacement, be replaced with concrete barrier systems.”
The answer was yes that this is what the Highways Agency have stated and shows that the world is a small place with riders organisation across international boundaries facing the same issues.
MAG Documents – Web
With the introduction of the new logo and related imagery and colours I have not only been changing documents such as the MAG Affiliated Pack, downloadable membership and standing order form but scouring the web for our “supporters” websites and sending them copies of the new logo for their use.
These include Lock 2 Lock www.lock2lock.co.uk and London.com who are carrying MAG Press releases
www.londonbikers.com as you can imagine this will take time and easing this is the MAG Visuals website
www.network.mag-uk.org/magvisuals with copies of logos for web use. If you require a higher resolution copy please contact me. Copies of the CD with all the visuals are available.
I have also put up “holding” pages for regions without webmasters at http://east-midlands-region.mag-uk.org and
http://www.south-west-region.mag-uk.org
Stop Press
Other regions without webmasters
http://mag-cymru.mag-uk.org
http://herts-essex-region.mag-uk.org
Also liaised with David Short and Creo marketing for graphics for the company who will be producing the MAG membership card and the carrier sheet. A draft to be presented to the board and National committee.
MAG in a Box – MAG in a Bag
Prepared a document on costs and development for the idea presented to the National Committee meeting on the 9th June 2007.
“Philly gave details of an idea he had been looking at to help new groups and reps with the logistics of putting on stalls/promoting MAG.
The concept of MAG in a box is to create a portable resource pack containing all the essential recruitment material, membership forms, CD rom of MAG logos etc., flyers, leaflets copies of the Road, the 8 pager, temporary memberships etc.
A contents list detailing what is contained and which leaflets are current would facilitate restocking and ensuring that the box/bag was kept up to date.
Reps would sign for the box and provide contact details so that periodic updates of material can be provided from Central office.
Boxes being returned via the regional rep in the event of Groups folding or reps stepping down.”
The National Committee agreed that the concept was seen as being worth exploring further and it was agreed to discuss and refine content on line prior to the August NC.
An item on this weekends NC agenda.
Events - Out & About
Farmyard Party
I attended and assisted in running the MAG stand at the Farmyard Party as mentioned a very wet and muddy event and standing on Friday morning looking out at the rain from the MAG stand there was a wonder if anybody was going to turn up.
A few people had phoned the MAG Office asking if the event was cancelled or they had heard that all the roads around the event had been closed by the police. A quick call by David Short confirmed that the roads were opened and an assurance that the site was well above any water levels.
The MAG stand staff, all volunteers, ran the stand in the usual efficient manner, well, swan like, all smooth on the outside but paddling like crazy underneath.
Membership was up, members clutching beer tokens made their way to the bar and a roaring trade was done on MAG fleeces and sweat shirts.
The new logo was dotted about the site on banners, the main stage and presentation material on the MAG stand.
People at the MAG stand stopped, looked, tilted their heads, pointed and asked about the new logo and presentation posters, some joined and some renewed their membership, some bought the new polo shirt with the new logo, smiled, gave a thumbs up and went off to the bar clutching their beer vouchers.
Brum Demo & Heart of England
I assisted Eddie Lowe (West Midlands Regional Rep) regarding the Brum Demo – National MAG demo, which consisted of phone calls discussing the marshalling and an on site visit to the Old Hare & Hounds, the start point to have a chat with the new landlord and we only drunk coffee!
The demo attracted over four hundred riders and on the day with the main theme being congestion charging issue which tied in nicely with the Manchester Charging lobby. The demo attracted local newspapers, with a good spread in the local press and Brian Tarbox from Motorcycle Monthly.
At the demo start I was handed a megaphone by Eddie Lowe which I put to good use to project instructions to the assembled riders and marshals.
A big thanks to the police for their excellent marshalling to Centenary Square in Birmingham and a thumbs down to the DVLA (Driving and Vehicle Licensing Standards Authority), who had one of their ANPR number plate reader vehicles, which check for untaxed bikes, on the route.
Helped Vic at the Heart of England on the MAG stand and Ian Wild the ex West Midlands products officer who was just looking in, apparently and ended up on the stand for several hours.
This was the 30th Brum Demo and the Heart of England Rally soldiers on as a “small and perfectly formed” rally but needs a lot more support.
“Commercial”
I have been able to spend quite a lot of time to MAG discount dealers, reviewing and dealing with new interests.
Ebike Insurance
Separate report sent to the National Committee to be discussed this weekend.
MAG Rescue
Waiting for word back on use of new logo – advertisement in The Road – website application on top of joining over the phone – cover for trikes – advertising leaflets – details of cover for members before they buy.
Dealing with complaints from members regarding the operating of the scheme when a breakdown occurs, especially for the European cover.
Also looking for other cover.
Travel Insurance
Waiting for word back on the travel insurance with Heath Lambert. Regarding advertisement in The Road – website application on top of joining over the phone - advertising leaflets – reinvesting the restriction on age.
Especially after a very fit 71 year old member wanted to know why there was a restriction and offered Ian Jones in the office a race with kayaks.
When the deal was ended with Coverwell and we returned to using the Heath Lambert ad in The Road (for one issue) and on the website we were informed by a third party that we do not get a revenue stream from them.
This statement does not appear to hold up as we have just received a payment for the period from Jan to June.
Enough to keep Fergus in Jelly babies for six months and not to be sniffed at for only having one ad in The Road over this period and on the website from March.
MBNA – MAG Credit Card
Working with new contact in MBNA to redesign credit card – new advert for The Road as the present one is out of date – new design for the web space for applying online – new banner for the MAG website – correct text for the carrier sheet for the MAG membership cards – updating reference numbers - telephone numbers.
PRIVATE MEDICAL INSURANCE - Hospital & Medical Care Association (HMCA)
Hew deal in place for a range of private medical plans: Dental Plan - Hospital Sickness & Injury Cash Plan - Term Life Plan - Personal Accident Plan - Income Protection Plan.
Commission is paid to MAG for every member who enrols in one of the plans at the rate of 5% of the first years subscriptions.
Audicator Ltd - Innovative British products for motorcyclists
10% discount for MAG members purchasing their products on line using the code MAG 007
Products include: microprocessor controlled, audible alert, which warns riders that they have left their indicators on after their turn manoeuvre
BrakeText is a versatile, multi function product which fits simply to the rear of your vehicle. The robust, moulded plastic mounting plate fits discretely behind the number plate, and wiring to the vehicle is very straight forward.
Using modern LED lighting technology BrakeText provides an additional high intensity brake light with a hi-tech scrolling message facility. 5 messages, each of up to 250 characters can be stored, programmed using the full function alpha numeric remote control.
Kids Rock
Waiting for confirmation on offer of a 25p donation for every garment sold. (Now Confirmed)
“Kids Rock” produces clothing for babies and children aged 0-5 years.
The clothing is aimed at filling the gap in the market for cool/ edgy kids/ baby clothes.
Mainly an internet company, “Kids Rock” also have a trade stall for various events and enjoyed their first event with MAG at the Farmyard Party in 2007 - as muddy as it was.
The company ethos is in some way to support biker related organisations.
With this in mind ”Kids Rock” are supporting MAG by donating 25p from the sale of every garment.
Visit the “Kids Rock” website at www.kidsrock.co.uk
BestBikingRoads.com
Contacted by and talking to BestBikingRoads.com to involve MAG in the site which offers a fairly comprehensive knowledge base of UK and European Motorcycle Roads for Motorcyclists. With thoughts of involvement of FEMA and the National Organisation.
This would tie in with the discounted accommodation page and the new website coming online.
All these deals are or will be put in the benefits section of the MAG website and liaising with Ian Mutch for coverage in The Road.
Fiscal
The rest of the period has been used replying to MAG members queries ranging from motorcycles in bus lanes in London, bad road surfaces to new congestion cameras in London.
Management at the MAG Office and general duties.
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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