Wakefield MAG August 2016 Newsletter

Dear Wakefield MAG Member,

Welcome to the Wakefield MAG e-newsletter. If you can't attend our Wednesday meetings regularly, it's the next best thing to keep you up to date with what we are up to.

CONTENTS

1) Memorial Rideout to Whitby
2) WYCA Consultation
3) New MAG Vice Rep
4) RIP Stuart Gething
5) Trike Helmet Law Success for MAG
6) Oakdene Cafe Incident - Stinger Device Concerns
7) August Rideout No.1
8) August Rideout No.2
9) West Yorkshire MAG 'Flaming Rose Treffen'
10) Bingo Night
11) Forthcoming Events (for August and beyond)

1) Memorial Rideout to Whitby

Check out the Rideout Report: Here

2) WYCA Consultation

As you may know, the three West Yorkshire MAG groups (Huddersfield, Leeds and Wakefield) have been working, tirelessly, for over 18 months to get the bikers of West Yorkshire a deal comparable with the other sections of vulnerable road users.

When was the last time you saw a cycling initiative? When was the last time you saw a pedestrianisation scheme? And when was the last time you saw a motorcycle initiative?

Now we have the chance to redress the balance.

The West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) has published a consultation this week that has three motorcycle related concessions in it. These are that:

  1. All highways engineering projects must take into account the safety of motorcycles;
  2. All motorcycling parking will be unified throughout West Yorkshire (pricing, security and availability);
  3. Motorcycles will have unrestricted access to bus lanes throughout West Yorkshire.

The full consultation document can be found at: www.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/uploadedFiles/Content/Transport/Transport_Plan/Transport-strategy-full.pdf and the pages of relevance for motorcycles are pages 11, 34, 39 and 55.

We need as many bikers in West Yorkshire (and anyone who rides in West Yorks) to copy and paste this link and fill in the survey www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/transtrat2i

This is a massive 'win' for us as motorcyclists but we can't let other, more vocal / active lobbying groups, dilute what we've achieved, so it's imperative that ALL bikers fill this in, in a positive and sensible way.

So, to the survey ... there are a lot of tick boxes and it's not mind blowing or rocket science, so it should only take a few minutes to fill it in.

Towards the end there is a free text box inviting comments and this is the most important part of the survey for us bikers.

We are deliberately not giving you a form of words to copy from.

Why?

Simply that we have taken advice from the survey organisers and they tell us if they get a number of very similar responses they have to count it as a petition and not as an individual response (which is what we need).

Please take time to fill it in, it's very, very important (perhaps one of the single most important initiatives for bikers in West Yorkshire) and will help these initiatives become a reality in the near future.

Please ask your biking friends and colleagues to fill it in too and explain the importance.

If you all filled it in and got one pal to do it too the response would be huge and would help our Campaign enormously. Ten minutes each from you backing up the four years of work Leeds MAG Rep Manny started way back on your behalf.

The only cause for concern is the 'phased implementation' of bikes in bus lanes, one council at a time; would we be fined for straying into a bus lane in a different authority? Surely full implementation across the board would be better.

If this consultation turns into reality, we'll have one the most motorcycle friendly counties in the country, so now is the time to back up your hard working MAG reps and help us turn this consultation into reality.

Feel free to share this survey in any local motorcycle related groups and forums as this will affect ALL bikers.

If you want to do more reading about the consultation and the transport strategy, see: www.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/stp-survey/

3) New MAG Vice Rep

The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG), the UK's leading voice for riders' rights, has elected a new Vice-Chair, and he's a carrot - Andy Carrott to be precise. Andy takes over from Dave Hammond, who has stepped aside for the time being for health reasons.

Andy, who has been riding motorbikes since 1977, has actively campaigned for riders' rights since the 1980's. Andy's choice of motorcycles has ranged from Bultaco to Ural - "I've not quite done the whole alphabet but I'm working on it."

Andy said of his appointment, "none of us are glad to learn of Dave Hammond's health issues, but I know he's absolutely right to get those sorted out - it's clearly the sensible thing to do. MAG is hugely grateful for his contribution and I know he'll be back soon enough to continue with that. For me, to be a part of the Motorcycle Action Group at such a dynamic time in the movement's history is a tremendous honour. Our Chair, Selina Lavender, has defined the role of MAG as a campaigning body in a very clear way. I don't think anyone could have hoped for better and more focussed leadership."

Andy regards his role as centred on supporting the Chairman and strengthening MAG by growing the membership and building on the organisation's increasingly influential political success - both nationally and locally. "I'm really looking forward to getting on with the job. Most of it isn't glamorous or dramatic - but it's all important. MAG is the voice of riders' rights. I'm proud to serve as the Number 2 in the most effective bikers' group in the UK - and possibly Europe."

Selina Lavender added, "there are infinite possibilities for wordplay thanks to Andy's surname. However, this carrot's roots are firmly planted in motorcycling. He's a priceless addition to the team - and given Dave Hammond's need to focus on other matters right now, I can't think of anyone better to fill the important position of Vice Chairman. Exciting times for Andy - exciting times for MAG."

Andy lives in Lincolnshire, and currently rides a Moto Guzzi.

4) RIP Stuart Gething

It is with great sadness that we report the death of Stuart Gething (Scarborough MAG Rep), who passed away on Sunday 31st July, after losing his battle with cancer. Check out Stuart's obituary Here.

5) Trike Helmet Law Success for MAG

Authorities in Northern Ireland were all set to implement a law forcing trike riders to wear helmets despite no evidence to show that trike riders were over represented in accident statistics or were at risk.

Following a meeting on 29th July between MAG's Lembit Opik and the Minister responsible MAG can announce that the law is not being implemented. This is a fantastic success for MAG's team in NI and everyone who wrote letters and emails to the minister and lobbied against the law. If enacted it could well have set an unpleasant precedent for trike riders in the rest of the UK so this is a great result.

6) Oakdene Cafe Incident - Stinger Device Concerns

MAG has been in contact with Kent police following the appearance of a worrying film clip on YouTube suggesting that police might be using a stinger device to stop motorcyclists indulging in anti social behavior outside the Oakdene Cafe in Kent.

MAG Chair Selina Lavender explained "The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) is very clear that our mission is to defend riders' rights, not anti-social behaviour. It is regrettable that some who choose to ride motorcycles and scooters choose to behave in manner that MAG and the general biking community find unacceptable as do the general public. We do not condone this behaviour and support the police in protecting the safety of the public whilst bringing the perpetrators to justice."

However, utilising a device which if used on a speeding motorcycle will almost certainly result in the serious injury or death of the rider, is perhaps a step too far, whatever the criminal nature of the riding offence.

Kent police have responded immediately to MAG's enquiry explaining that the stinger that appeared in the film clip would not be used in anything but the most extreme circumstances.

The police have agreed to meet MAG representatives and a meeting is expected shortly. MAG will publicise the results of this Meeting.

7) August Rideout No.1

Our first Rideout in August will be held on Saturday 13th August, and will be following a scenic learner friendly route (bathed in 10,000 acres of sunshine and clear blue sky naturally) to Barrow Hill Roundhouse, Chesterfield. The former steam roundhouse located at Barrow Hill near Chesterfield, is a unique example of 19th century railway architecture. It is the last surviving operational roundhouse engine shed in Great Britain. Entrance to Barrow Hill is only a pound. www.barrowhill.org/

Barrow Hill is also home to the Deltic Preservation Society's maintenance depot and museum, adjacent to the Roundhouse. thedps.co.uk/. N.B. The DPS depot and museum is only open on Saturday's, hence the Saturday rideout visit.

Usual Rideout rules apply. Meet 8:30am (leaving at 09:00am) at Redbeck Cafe, 339 Doncaster Road, Crofton, Wakefield, WF4 1RT. Hope to see you there.

8) August Rideout No.2

Our second Rideout in August will be held (on the day after the first one - see above) ... on Sunday 14th August. The destination is the Beech Hotel, Burton-on-Trent in Staffordshire, who are hosting a Biker Breakfast day. thebeechhotel.co.uk/. Your genial rideout leader will be Terry Scott.

Terry Scott

Usual Rideout rules apply. Meet 8:30am (leaving at 09:00am) at Redbeck Cafe, 339 Doncaster Road, Crofton, Wakefield, WF4 1RT. Hope to see you there.

9) West Yorkshire MAG 'Flaming Rose Treffen'

As covered in last months newsletter, we have now firmed up the details of our West Yorkshire MAG camp over to galvanise the political work we've all done over the last 18 months (see The Road magazine if you've missed it). It's not particularly aimed as a fundraiser, but more a celebration and get together of the great friendship we share across Wakefield, Leeds and Huddersfield MAG Groups. Oh, and a jolly good excuse to sample many of the fine foaming ales on offer in our hosts magnificent licenced establishment, the Green Dragon pub, in the glorious Yorkshire Dales. See the flyer for details.

Flaming Rose Poster

The en-suite rooms are all now sold out but there are still places available in the bunkhouse from £18pppn and camping from £8pppn.

All the West Yorkshire members and elected officers are duly invited. And, if the timing is right, it could be a celebration of bus lane success with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority. If it all goes well, we could hold it as an annual event.

Hope to see you there.

10) Bingo Night

Due to popular demand, we are hosting another Bingo night. Eyes Down for another Fun Filled Night of Bingo !!! Cash and Prize Bingo, and lot's of hilarity guaranteed. All profits to the MAG Fighting Fund. This will be our 4th Bingo Night, and if the previous three are anything to go by, a cracking night is in store. The excitement starts at 20:00 at the Grey Horse, Kirkgate, Wakefield, on Wednesday 19th October.

Bingo flyer

11) Forthcoming Events (for August and beyond)

Friday 5th August - Sunday 7th August 2016 - Yorkshire Pudding Rally (YPR)

Tickets now SOLD OUT (Try friends for an elusive unused ticket ... or eBay if you are desperate).

www.yorkshirepuddingrally.co.uk

Saturday 13th August - Wakefield MAG Rideout (Destination: Barrow Hill, Chesterfield)

See Above. Usual Rideout rules apply. Meet 8:30am (leaving at 09:00am) at Redbeck Cafe, 339 Doncaster Road, Crofton, Wakefield, WF4 1RT.

Sunday 14th August - Wakefield MAG Rideout (Destination: Beech Hotel, Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire)

See Above. Usual Rideout rules apply. Meet 8:30am (leaving at 09:00am) at Redbeck Cafe, 339 Doncaster Road, Crofton, Wakefield, WF4 1RT.

Friday 2nd - Sunday 4th September - NE MAG's 26th Stormin' The Castle Rally

Witton Castle Country Park, Witton-Le-Wear, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, DL14 0DE. Ticket Price: £30; Saturday only tickets (pre-book only) £20.

www.storminthecastle.co.uk

Sunday 4th September - Wakefield MAG Rideout (Destination: TBA)

Usual Rideout rules apply. Meet 8:30am (leaving at 09:00am) at Redbeck Cafe, 339 Doncaster Road, Crofton, Wakefield, WF4 1RT.

Friday 16th - Sunday 18th September - Spat out of Hull / at the Tsunami Rally

Quality food and beer, bands on Friday and Saturday, rock DJ both nights. Trade Stands. Held down the dale at Duncolme Park, Helmsley (The old Farmyard site). Ticket Price: £20.00 (Pre-Book only - a few tickets are still for sale and will be available in the MAG Products Tent at the Yorkshire Pudding Rally). http://east-yorks.mag-uk.org

Sunday 9th October - Wakefield MAG Treasure Hunt (Branch Rideout with a difference !!)

Meet 8:30am (to get clues/instructions) at Redbeck Cafe, 339 Doncaster Road, Crofton, Wakefield, WF4 1RT (Treasure Hunt will leave at 09:00am prompt). £1 per entrant (to cover cost of prizes). Arrive with a full tank of petrol. It's not a race, so ride at your own pace and within your own abilities. The first one back wont necessarily win as it's a test of reasoning, route planning and clue finding, hence why it's the thinking riders rideout !!!

Wednesday 19th October - Wakefield MAG Bingo Night

See Above. Eyes Down for a Fun Filled Night of Bingo !!! Cash and Prize Bingo, and lot's of hilarity guaranteed. All profits to the MAG Fighting Fund. 20:00 at the Grey Horse, Kirkgate, Wakefield.

See the events page for further details and more !!!

That's all for this month, and I hope to see you all soon.

Ride Safe .. Ride Free
Steve Travis
Chairman (since the early Carboniferous Period)
Wakefield MAG
0772 078 4734

Wakefield MAG meet at the Grey Horse, Kirkgate, Wakefield at 8:30pm every Wednesday. New (and Old) faces are always welcome.