Wakefield MAG January 2020 Newsletter

Happy New Year from Wakefield MAG

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.

I hope everyone had a brilliant Christmas and has a fantastic and biking filled New Year. In addition to getting some Christmas pressies that you really wanted, hopefully you also got some that you gladly want to give away !!!! WHY ? ....... because the Wakefield MAG Post Christmas Auction is only a few weeks away (See below for details).

CONTENTS

1) New Years Resolutions
2) West Yorkshire MAG Fred Hill Run
3) MAG starts the New Year determined to make a difference
4) New Euro5 environmental standard for motorcycles and mopeds to enter force in 2020
5) Post Christmas Auction
6) Wakefield MAG Annual General Meeting
7) Christmas Raffle
8) Christmas Do Report
9) Biker Boris
10) Forthcoming Events (for January and beyond)

1) New Years Resolutions

Hands up how many people have made a New Years Resolution or two? Give up the fags .. drink less .. exercise more .. lose weight .. get out on the bike more, whatever the weather? How many can honestly say that they will be able to keep it up for the whole year .... probably not many.

Want a New Years Resolution that is easy to keep, will make you feel better about yourself, and your contribution to others, will save you money & make the world a better place? Sounds too good to be true? Almost, but not quite ....

One of the best NY resolutions you can possibly make is to join a non-member to MAG this year (or join yourself if you are not a member, rejoin if you have recently lapsed, or ensure you maintain your own membership throughout the year if you are already a member !!!).

This resolution is dead easy to keep (just £27 will guarantee that), you will be positively contributing to the on-going maintenance of your chosen lifestyle, both for you and everyone who rides a bike, you are joining a union of 10,000 like minded souls, and best of all, you will be able to save money by taking advantage of the many benefits and deals only available to MAG members.

You can join MAG at:

Join (or renew) by Direct Debit, then you'll never again have to remember to renew as it will be done automatically for you: http://www.mag-uk.org/files/Renewal_DD-1_page.pdf.

Membership fees are: Single Membership - £27.00; Joint Membership (two adults) - £40.50; Family Membership - either single or joint adult membership with children added to the membership at £5.00 per child. New members between the ages of 16 and 25 years old receive a £5 discount on first year of MAG membership.

Make this one New Years Resolution you will honestly say you have been able to keep ... Don't put it off ... Join (or rejoin) MAG now !!!

2) West Yorkshire MAG Fred Hill Run

Fred Hill (during one of his many arrests)

The West Yorkshire MAG groups are hosting the annual Fred Hill Memorial Run for those living in the West and Northern parts of God's own county of Yorkshire (there is a sperate event for those in the East Riding, being hosted by East Yorkshire MAG).

Meeting on Sunday 9th February from 10.00am (to leave at 11.00 prompt) at Squires Cafe, Newthorpe Lane, Sherburn in Elmet, LS25 5LX. The run will take us through the fabulous North Yorkshire countryside ending at The Sun Inn, Brame Lane, Norwood HG3 1SZ. www.thesun-inn.com

If you don't know who Fred Hill was, or why MAG holds him in such high esteem, check out his obituary Here. Although Fred's protest was against the mandatory helmet law, introduced in 1973, it must be remembered that the helmet law in itself is NOT the issue. The issue was, and still is, the individuals right to freedom of choice. MAG's central ethos of Let the Rider Decide is as relevant now as it ever was.

Please note these runs are very subject to the weather, and may be cancelled at short notice (for very sensible safety reasons). It is advised to check the Leeds MAG Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/groups/306110975566 and/or web site: leeds.mag-uk.org/ before setting off.

For those wishing to travel in from Wakefield, you can meet at Redbeck Cafe on Doncaster Road, where we will be leaving at 10:00am, for the ride over to Squires to join up with the rest of the run participants.

3) MAG starts the New Year determined to make a difference

The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG), the UK's leading voice for riders' rights, is looking forward to driving the agenda for riders' rights in 2020: here's how.

MAG is gearing up to a new year of activities defending riders' rights and contributing to the decision-making process at national and local governmental levels. Selina Lavender, the Chair of MAG, stated that whilst there had been substantial challenges during 2019, MAG's personnel are refreshed and ready to work just as hard during 2020. "We have engaged with Local Authorities, Government and Transport for London, to name only a few, to represent motorcycling and the positive contribution it brings to the table. We have already contacted both new and returned MPs following December's General Election and look forward to working with them on behalf of motorcycling and riders' rights throughout the year ahead."

MAG will continue to engage with Government and Local Authorities wherever a need to protect riders' rights is identified and looks forward to building on the relationships forged during the past year and developing new ones too.

MAG invites riders, dealers, mechanics and manufacturers to join MAG and help create a united voice for the common good of the riding community.

4) New Euro5 environmental standard for motorcycles and mopeds to enter force in 2020

As of 1 January 2020, all new type-approved motorcycles and mopeds sold in the European Union (EU) and the European Free Trade Area (EFTA) will have to meet the new Euro 5 environmental standard that will replace the current Euro 4 specification. For existing moped and motorcycle models type-approved before the 1 January 2020, Euro 5 will become mandatory as of the first day of 2021. This brings the pollutant emissions of L-category vehicles (i.e. mopeds, motorcycles, tricycles and quadricycles) to the same level as Euro 6 cars.

Technical innovation in the motorcycle industry has played a key role in progressively lowering vehicle emissions. Since the introduction of the Euro 1 standard for motorcycles and mopeds in 1999, pollutant emissions have been drastically reduced. Combined emissions of hydrocarbons (HC) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) have gone down by 96.6%, whilst carbon monoxide (CO) emissions have been reduced by 92.3%.

Under the new Euro 5 standard, tailpipe emissions of mopeds, motorcycles, tricycles and quadricycles will not be allowed to exceed 1,000 mg/km of carbon monoxide (CO), 100 mg/km total hydrocarbons (THC), 68 mg/km non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHC), 60 mg/km of oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and 4.5 mg/km of particulate matter (PM). These Euro 5 tailpipe pollutant emission limits are the same as those of Euro 6 for cars. The new Euro 5 standard that will replace the previous one (Euro 4) will become mandatory for all new type-approved motorcycles and mopeds as of 1 January 2020. Some niche segments (i.e. enduro and trial motorcycles, three-wheeled mopeds designed for utility purposes and light quadrimobiles) have been granted additional lead time. These niche products will have to comply with the new Euro 5 tailpipe emissions limits as of 1 January 2024.

Another important innovation is the progressive introduction of a second stage on-board diagnostic (OBD), allowing advanced identification and flagging of malfunction and deterioration of emission control systems. Antonio Perlot, ACEM Secretary General, said: "From a supply side perspective, vehicle technology has been instrumental in improving the environmental performance of motorcycles. ACEM members have invested heavily in research and product development to develop Euro 5 compliant motorcycles equipped with technologies such as 3-way catalysts with oxygen sensor controls, complex electronic engine management systems, advanced fuel injection and variable valve timing and lift technologies. As a result of this, the environmental performance of Euro 5 motorcycles will be equivalent to that of Euro 6 cars. ACEM sees this fitting within the vision of the recent European Green Deal of achieving less polluting transport, especially in cities, and further enabling the contribution of our range of vehicles to a multimodal transport system".

ACEM Press release - New Euro 5 environmental standard: Press release New Euro5 environmental standard

5) Post Christmas Auction

2020 Auction

Our 16th Post Christmas Auction will be held on Wednesday 29th January 2020. The idea is you donate all your unwanted Christmas presents, together with other stuff you no longer want, or have the room for, to the Branch and we auction them off to the highest bidder .... with the proceeds split 2/3 to MAG and 1/3 to charitable causes. We are already accumulating lots of auction items and we still have a few weeks to collect even more !!!!.

The auctions are always hugely entertaining and there are always some real quality items donated, and hence, some real bargains to be had.

I hope to see you there. Be there early, with viewing from 07:00 onwards, and the auction starting at 08:00 prompt (and don't forget to bring your unwanted Christmas pressies !!!).

6) Wakefield MAG Annual General Meeting

The Wakefield & District Motorcycle Action Group Branch AGM will be held in the Grey Horse, on Wednesday 15th January 2020, starting at 8:00pm (prompt). All members are invited to attend this special meeting, so please try to attend if you can. At this meeting there will be a review of the year, elections for the branch committee and the prize giving for our branch heroes. Meeting Agenda:

2019 AGM Agenda

As this meeting is effectively a MAG political meeting, it carries with it a whopping 75 branch points for everyone who attends (a normal branch meeting only carries 5 points). As all the points are tallied at year end and go towards the branch heroes presentation, points really do mean prizes !!!! What better boost to your branch heroes tally for the new year !!!

The Annual Wakefield MAG mailshot has been emailed or posted to all eligible Members last month, i.e. current MAG members with a WF postcode, to formally place notice for the meeting. The mailshot letter is also available Here

The meeting is also advertised in the events section on the main MAG website (http://www.mag-uk.org), and on our website events page.

Last years AGM minutes are available Here.

N.B. Motions for the AGM should be submitted the week before the AGM (Wednesday 8th January 2020).

7) Christmas Raffle

Our Grand Christmas Raffle was drawn on Wednesday 11th December. The winning numbers were:

The top prize of the Luxury Christmas Hamper was won by West Yorkshire VJMC's Peter, who came along to our meeting on Wednesday 18th December to collect his prize:

The top prize of the Luxury Christmas Hamper was won by West Yorkshire VJMC's Peter

We still have three prizes still to be claimed for winning ticket numbers: 0418 (Wine), 0393 (Mr Kipling Cakes) and 0241 (Crackers, Ham and Jam). We have contacted the winners but they have yet to get back to us to claim their prizes - if you hold one of the 3 winning tickets (0418, 0393 or 0241) please get in touch with us so we can get your prize to you!!!

The Christmas Raffle ticket sales netted £386.00, so after deducting the cost of the ticket printing (£34.50), made a hefty profit of £351.50, all of which goes to the MAG fighting Fund - A huge thank you to everyone who bought and sold tickets!!!!

8) Christmas Do Report

Check out the event report Here

9) Biker Boris

The General Election, held on 12th December 2019, has delivered the most decisive result in an election for over a decade. The Conservatives were elected to run the country, with a majority of 80 seats. That's enough to give them a good chance of power for around five years. The Labour Party had a very bad night, with big losses across the country. The Liberal Democrats did even worse, with their own leader, Jo Swinson, failing to hold her seat in Scotland, where the Scottish National Party virtually swept the board. MAG doesn't take a party political line and will work with any Government duly elected, whatever that Government may be.

Three things are useful in the current situation. Firstly, a big majority leads to stability. We know whom we have to deal with and that is likely to assist us in doing our job. Secondly, we are likely to be able to create lasting relationships with the ministers, because they're not going to change every two years. Thirdly, we can develop a political 'narrative' with the Government, and that can be productive with the agenda we have for riders' rights.

The Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, is an unknown quantity. Is he for or against motorcycling? We don't know yet, but as he allegedly got a 125cc trial bike for Christmas, we can hazard a guess and say he's for, anyway, we will find out and keep you posted. Lembit, who knows Boris quite well, is optimistic. He reckons that biking is the sort of thing Boris could really get behind.

In 2020, we're going to be engaging with MPs in an active way. We are already in a good place with many of the key decision makers. You can help get us further. Find out who your MP is and ask to meet them at what's called a constituency surgery. The questions to ask are:

  1. Do you agree that shifting from cars to motorbikes is sensible because it reduces congestion, pollution and cost?
  2. Do you support motorbikes in bus lanes?
  3. Can we get your help to get secure motorcycle parking, so motorbikes don't get stolen and used for crime?
  4. Will you join MAG?
  5. Can we have a photo with you for our magazine, The Road, and for the local paper?

Add any specific local issue you may have as well. Let us know the answers you get and call MAG HQ if you need any further advice on 01926 844 064. Remember to send us the photo too!

10) Forthcoming Events (for January and beyond)

Wednesday 8th January 2020 - First Wakefield MAG meeting of 2020 !!!

Back to normal after our Christmas and New Year break, with the first meeting of 2019 being on Wednesday 8th January, normal time of 20:30. This is also the last date to submit any motions for our AGM the following week - See Above.

Wednesday 15th January 2020 - Wakefield MAG AGM

See Above.

The 18th Wakefield & District Motorcycle Action Group Branch AGM will be held on Wednesday 15th January 2020. All members are invited to attend this special meeting, so please try to attend if you can. At this meeting there will be a Review of our achievements in 2019, Officers Reports, Election of Branch Officers for 2020, Plans for 2020 & a Presentation to our Branch Heroes of 2019. Current MAG Membership Card required to vote. 19:30 for a prompt 20:00 start in the Grey Horse, Kirkgate, Wakefield, WF1 4EJ.

Wednesday 29th January 2020 - Wakefield MAG 16th Post Christmas Auction

See Above.

Sunday 9th February 2020 - West Yorkshire MAG Fred Hill Run

See Above.

Saturday 14th March - An Evening with Steph Jeavons

Leeds MAG is proud to present their 6th annual talk, An Evening with Steph Jeavons. 'First woman to ride on all 6 continents'.

20:00 at Squires Cafe Bar, Newthorpe Lane, LS25 5LX. Tickets £10 plus postage (also includes free camping) from leeds.mag-uk.org/

Friday 1st May - Sunday 3rd May - Into the Valley (ITV) Rally

www.intothevalley.co.uk

Friday 19th - Sunday 21st June - Farmyard Party (FYP) Rally

www.farmyardparty.co.uk

Friday 31st July - Sunday 2nd August - Yorkshire Pudding Rally (YPR)

www.yorkshirepuddingrally.co.uk

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

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

Ride Safe .. Ride Free
Steve Travis
Chairman
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.