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) Wakefield Hospice 10K Race Marshalling
2) Matlock Bath Rideout Report
3) Draconian EC Proposals (last chance to contact your MEP)
4) More Anti-Tampering Madness
5) Wakefield MAG Bike Show
6) Leeds MAG Demo Run
7) FYP Marshals
8) May Rideout
9) Bikers Dream Raffle
10) Rally Tickets
11) Fred Rides Again Rideout
12) Survey
13) Forthcoming Events (for May and beyond)
1) Wakefield Hospice 10K Race Marshalling
Check out the Marshalling report and photos Here
2) Matlock Bath Rideout Report
Check out the Rideout report and photos Here
3) Draconian EC Proposals (last chance to contact your MEP)
This summer, the European Parliament votes on whether you should be allowed a bike modified to suit you.
Fight for your right to choose what to do with your bike:
It’s your choice - keep it that way.
Major demos are being organised by the Motorcycle Action Group (the first two in Leeds (see below) and Birmingham) to oppose the introduction of further restrictions by the EU.
You can make a difference before the crucial vote in Brussels on 4 May. Contact your MEP NOW and ask them you support the Motorcycle Action Group (UK) positions (detailed below):
MAG(UK) is OPPOSED to some of Mr Van Der Camp’s key recommendations to the IMCO committee, namely:
1. Mandatory ABS
The Commission’s internal Impact Assessment admits that the data on the effectiveness and costs of compulsory ABS is weak. MAG opposes the removal of choice in principle. Where riders choose bikes with ABS the rider must be able to turn the system off when riding on loose surfaces such as gravel.
2. Mandatory Automatic Headlight-On
The Commission’s internal Impact Assessment admits that the data on the effectiveness of AHO is also weak. MAG is opposed in principle to removing control over vehicle lighting from the rider who is best placed to judge whether using a headlamp in daylight conditions might put them at risk through blending in to a bright background or confusing other road users. Environmental and road safety objectives are not well served by permanent lighting.
3. Tough-line on 'Anti-Tampering'
The Commission’s internal Impact Assessment admits that the data on the effectiveness of Anti-Tampering is also weak. The perceived problem is said to be that young riders should be prevented from tuning low-power bikes beyond the performance limits allowed by their driving licence. This is an issue about enforcement of licencing, the ability of qualified riders to de-restrict or otherwise tune their vehicle should not removed. MAG does not accept that individual riders’ modifications to the drive train will lead to significantly worse emissions, fuel consumption and safety across the total population of motorcycles. Riders must retain the ability to make modifications to suit their own situation as well as maintain and repair their vehicles.
4. Regular random spot-checks at road side.
MAG believes that targeting motorcycle riders for random detention at the road-side is an unacceptable restriction on their rights of free-movement.
MAG(UK) asks for a more rider-friendly stance in some of the other recommendations to the IMCO committee, namely:
5. Mandatory On-Board Diagnostic equipment
OBD equipment to monitor emissions performance should not be designed to interfere with the stability or capability of two-wheeled vehicles or to monitor the movements of individuals. MAG proposes that the operation of OBD equipment should preclude limp-home/disable modes triggered by emissions and that there should be safeguards on the extent of data-logging permitted.
6. Small-series and Individual Vehicle Approvals
The ability of new entrants to the motorcycle market should not be restricted by the reduction of the present upper limit of 200 vehicles for small-scale production exemption from the proposed regulations. The ability of individuals to import or build individual vehicles should not be further restricted. The proposals in Article 42 and elsewhere are far more draconian than the present system for member states to approval individual vehicles.
MAG(UK) fully supports Mr Van Der Camp’s other recommendations to the IMCO committee, including the following proposals:
Your MEPs for Electoral Area Yorkshire & the Humber are as follows:
Edward McMillan-Scott
Boston Lodge
42 High Street
Boston Spa
North Yorkshire
LS23 6EA
Telephone: 01937 583 699
Email: edward.mcmillan-scott@europarl.europa.eu
Website: www.emcmillanscott.com
National Political Party: Liberal Democrats
Linda McAvan
Labour Constituency Office
79 High Street
Wath-upon-Dearne
South Yorkshire
S63 7Q
Telephone: 01709 875665
Email: lindamcavan@lindamcavanmep.org.uk
Website: www.lindamcavanmep.org.uk
National Political Party: Labour Party
Godfrey Bloom
108 Main Street
Wressle
Selby
North Yorkshire
YO8 6ET
Telephone: 01757 630778
Email: gbloom@ukip.org
Website: www.godfreybloommep.co.uk
Website: www.ukip-ynl.org.uk
National Political Party: UK Independence Party
Diana Wallis
PO Box 176
Brough
East Yorkshire
HU15 1UX
Telephone: 01482 666898
Email: diana@dianawallismep.org.uk
Website: www.dianawallismep.org.uk
National Political Party: Liberal Democrats
Timothy Kirkhope
Beechwood Farm
Main Street
Scotton
Knaresborough
North Yorkshire
HG5 9HY
Telephone: 00 322 284 7321 EU Office
Email: timothy.kirkhope@europarl.europa.eu
Website: www.kirkhope.org.uk
National Political Party: Conservative Party
Andrew Brons
PO Box 116
Leeds
LS27 9WW
Telephone: 01924 820946
Email: andrew.brons@europarl.europa.eu
Website: www.andrewbronsmep.eu
National Political Party: British National Party
4) More Anti-Tampering Madness
Draconian Anti-tampering legislation is being proposed (see above). Have you ever wondered how it would actually be implemented in practice ?. Well, if you don't know, you are certainly not alone. The Transport Research Laboratory have no idea either, so they have launched a competition for ideas as to how to implement anti-tampering, with a cash prize of 500 Euros up for grabs, for the best idea.
The competition can be found at this link: http://l-cat.trl.co.uk/index.php/tampering-competition/
Proof indeed that the lunatics are truly running the asylum !!!
The Wakefield MAG Bike Show is being held on May Day Bank Holiday Monday (2nd May), at the Wakefield Hospice May Day Gala. The show is completely Free to enter (although a donation to the Hospice will be most appreciated). There are multiple show categories up for grabs so come along with your bike / trike / scooter / combination / moped. There are lots of attractions at the gala so you'll have something to do whilst waiting to see if your pride and joy has won. The show / gala is being held in the Clarence Park Arena, Clarence Park, Wakefield. Entry to the show from 9:30am, the show officially starts at 10:00am and the prize giving will be at 3:00pm.
We look forward to welcoming you and your pride and joy on May Day !!!
The Annual Leeds MAG Demo run is on Saturday 28th May. The demo this year is against the proposed EU anti-modification laws (see above). The demo ride assembles at 11:00 at Gotts Park Golf Club, LS12 2QX, where a speech will be made by MAG General Secretary Nich Brown, prior to the police escorted ride through Leeds City Centre & back. Wakefield MAG will meet at our usual location (Grey Horse, Kirkgate, Wakefield) at 09:30, leaving at 10:00, for the ride over to the demo start point.
Demo's are the ACTION in the Motorcycle Action Group, are very effective at getting the message across to the general public, and are also tremendous fun. Having a police escort through Leeds City Centre, packed with Saturday shoppers is also an awesome experience and not one to be missed.
Really hope you can make it and as an added incentive, 75 branch points will be awarded to all Wakefield MAG members who attend.
The call has gone out for marshals to help run this years 25th Farmyard Party Rally (and just when you thought it was safe to turn on your PC again !!!). This rally, the biggest biker only rally in Europe, and one of MAG's biggest fund raising events, simply couldn't run at a profit without our volunteer marshals, and all the profits made go towards the MAG fighting fund to protect rider’s rights.
Wakefield MAG exclusively marshal the Blues Tent at the FYP, which is widely recognised as one of the best places to marshal at the FYP.
The Thank You package for marshals is excellent and consists of:
All marshals also have the exclusive use of the showers and a secure marshals camping area. Entry onto the site free of charge on Thursday evening is also a perk for FYP marshals.
Marshalling can be great fun so if you have never given it a go, why not consider volunteering your services. Let us know if you would like to volunteer and we will give you further details and put your name(s) forward.
Closing date for FYP marshal registration is Sunday 29th of May.
The Wakefield MAG May Rideout will be to the Lake District.
Meet at 09:30 (leaving at 10:00) at the Grey Horse, Kirkgate, Wakefield on Sunday 15th May. And, by popular demand, hot drinks (Tea / Coffee, at the bargain price of 50p) will be available at the Grey Horse prior to our departure. Proceeds, after deducting the cost of the drinks, will be donated to the MAG fighting fund.
Our good friends at Colne Valley MAG are running a 'Bikers Dream' raffle. There are multiple top prizes on offer including a spectacular 1st Prize of a Ron Haslam Intermediate and Elite Track Day, worth a whopping £658.00!
The full Prize list reads as follows:
Tickets are £1.00 each and the draw will take place on the evening of Saturday 6th August at the Yorkshire Pudding Rally. Proceeds go to MAG UK and Yorkshire Air Ambulance.
We have a batch of tickets for sale at the Wakefield MAG meetings so if you want one (or more), let us know.
Colne Valley MAG would like to thank the following Raffle Sponsors for their huge generosity:
Earnshaws Motorcycles Huddersfield, Cobb and Jagger Triumph and Ducati Shipley, Allan Jeffries BMW Baildon, Colin Appleyards Bikes/Cars, Ron Haslam Track Days, Honda Leeds, Motostrada Shipley, Harley Davidson Leeds, DCs Motorcycles Huddersfield, David Browns Gear Systems Huddersfield, Beowulf Performance Products Halifax, trackdays.co.uk, Tony Archer Huddersfield, Bolster Moor Farm Shop, Rose and Crown Golcar.
Our Into the Valley tickets have been returned but we still have Farmyard Party and Yorkshire Pudding Rally tickets for sale at the branch meetings.
Farmyard Party. FYP is on Friday 17th - Sunday 19th June at Duncombe Park Estate, Helmsley. Tickets are £25.00 if you buy them in advance or £35.00 on the gate.
Yorkshire Pudding Rally. YPR is on Friday 5th - Sunday 7th August at Hesley Wood Scout Camp, Chapeltown, Nr Sheffield. Ticket are £15 (advance sales only).
All of the above rallies offer concessions for MAG members. Get your tickets at the branch meetings before we sell out !!! If you can't make the meetings but still want tickets in advance, drop us an email or give me a ring (0772 078 4734) with your requirements and we will get back to you.
We are hosting a special rideout in June, dedicated to the memory of Fred Hill. Most Fred Hill memorial runs are held in February to honour Fred’s untimely death in Pentonville prison. This run is being held in June to coincide with the anniversary of the passing of the helmet law in June 1973. This date is hugely significant as it was this legislation which inspired Fred in his anti-helmet law campaign. Coincidentally, it was also the reason the Motorcycle Action Group was formed 38 years ago.
Meet 9:30am (leaving at 10:00am) on Sunday 12th June, at the Grey Horse, Kirkgate, Wakefield, WF1 4EJ. From Wakefield, we will head over to Squires, leaving Squires at 11:00, then head over to Bridlington, leaving Bridlington at 13:00 for our final destination, which is Scarborough. As this run is a Yorkshire MAG event, there are lots of options for every Yorkshire MAG Group, to join up with the run, at a point most convenient to them.
Put this date in your diary and really hope you can make it
In association with the EU Regulation into Type Approval and all the new electrikery being proposed by those who believe they know better than someone who actually rides (See Above), a survey has been launched which runs until 15th May.
The online-survey is part of the EU-project '2BeSafe' (Link: http://www.2besafe.eu/). The main objective of the project is to improve the knowledge of motorcyclists’ behaviour, and thus to propose scientifically based measures to enhance the safety of motorcyclists. In order to be able have a better understanding of road difficulties encountered by motorcyclists we (the 2BeSafe Project) believe in the importance to ask the affected community - motorcyclists themselves. To learn more about your needs we are interested in different aspects of your driving experience and driving behaviour, as well as your attitude towards rider assistance systems.
It is quite a long survey, comprising about 40 questions. Interestingly many of the questions are phrased in such a way as to establish most riders as habitual law breakers and I urge you to read them carefully. Others have an introductory scenario to set the scene where electronics would obviously help - like the one where opening and closing the throttle is done automatically to keep you a certain distance from the car infront. Everything is included here: compulsory ABS and traction control, curve speed control, a system to stop lane splitting, heads up displays, and it's interspersed with questions which blur motorcycling with irrational road use. How often do you undertake, or ride on a pavement? What about the wrong way down a one way street and do you not bother with road laws because they are complicated? I urge you to complete this survey as this will make a difference to the justification used for foisting more unnecessary controls upon us. Please spend the time and forward the link to anyone you know who rides. Thanks and remember we only have until 15th May.
The survey is available at this link: https://www.soscisurvey.de/2BeSafe_en/
Please watch how some of the questions are worded as there seems to be a desire to paint two wheel users as habitual criminals.
13) Forthcoming Events (for May and beyond)
Friday 29th April - Sunday 1st May - Into the Valley Rally
Dalton Estate, South Dalton, East Yorkshire. £15 Pre Book; £20 OTG.
May Day Bank Holiday Monday 2nd May - Wakefield MAG Bike Show
See Above. Wakefield MAG Bike Show at the Wakefield Hospice May Day Gala. This is a free to enter bike show (although a donation to the Hospice would be most appreciated), with multiple show categories up for grabs. We look forward to welcoming you, and your moped / bike / trike / scooter / Combination on May Day.
Location: Clarence Park Arena, Clarence Park, Wakefield. Entry into show from 9:30am. Show starts at 10:00am
Did we mention it was FREE !!!!
Sunday 15th May - Wakefield MAG Rideout
See Above. Meet 9:30am (leaving at 10:00am) at Grey Horse, Kirkgate, Wakefield, WF1 4EJ.
Saturday 28th May - Leeds MAG Demo Run
See Above. Demos are the ACTION in the Motorcycle Action Group. They are also great fun. The demo run is also a rare opportunity to ride in a huge group of fellow bikers, right through Leeds City Centre, packed with Saturday shoppers, all with closed roads and a police escort. What a great incentive to get out on your bike and make your presence felt !!! Meet 9:30am (leaving at 10:00am) at Grey Horse, Kirkgate, Wakefield, WF1 4EJ.
Friday 3rd - Sunday 5th June - Edinburgh MAG Ag Ol Anns An Achadh Rally
Who needs to cross the sea to enjoy a rally in another country !!!! Wakefield MAG’s favourite rally, back on again due to popular demand, at the same site at West Torphin Farm, Harburn, West Calder, Edinburgh, EH55 8RT. Tickets £15 pre-book. We are pre-ordering our tickets in advance so if you would like to come along, do let us know and we’ll order your ticket(s). Alternatively, tickets can be bought on the gate, for £20.
Sunday 12th June - Fred Rides Again Memorial Rideout
See Above. Meet 9:30am (leaving at 10:00am) at Grey Horse, Kirkgate, Wakefield, WF1 4EJ.
Friday 17th - Sunday 19th June - 25th Farmyard Party
Duncombe Park Estate, Helmsley. Tickets are £25.00 if you buy them in advance or £35.00 on the gate. Tickets available at the branch meetings.
Saturday 2nd July - Wakefield MAG’s 2nd Mid-Summer Mayhem Party
All the usual MAG party night attractions including live music from local band (and MAG members) Justice Rising, Silly Games, Raffle, Fancy Dress (optional, but prize for the best outfit) and lots more. Duke of Wellington, 220 Horbury Road, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF2 8RE. 7pm till Late. £5 (Pre-Book Tickets only). All proceeds to the MAG Fighting Fund.
Sunday 10th July - Yorkshire Heroes Sponsored Rideout
Wakefield MAG Sponsored rideout to York Racecourse, Knavesmire in aid of The Yorkshire Regiment Charitable Trust (1114624). There will be numerous displays and attractions at the racecourse when we get there, including the Yorkshire MAG stand, and of course the heroes of the Yorkshire Regiment. Sponsorship forms are available at the Branch Meetings or you can sponsor us on-line, via PayPal, on our website. Meet 9:30am (leaving at 10:00am) at the Grey Horse, Kirkgate, Wakefield, WF1 4EJ. We will stop at Squires en-route to York, to collect other riders / sponsorship.
That's all for this month and I hope to see you all soon.
Ride Safe Wakefield MAG meet at the Grey Horse, Kirkgate, Wakefield at 8:30pm every Wednesday. New (and Old) faces are always welcome.
Steve Travis
Chairman
Wakefield MAG
0772 078 4734