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Dear Wakefield MAG Member,
Welcome to the Wakefield MAG e-newsletter, as all meetings are currently suspended until further notice due to Covid-19, this is THE ONLY WAY to keep up to date with what we are up to, in these quite surreal times.
CONTENTS
1) MAG's work continues during country's lockdown
2) Yorkshire MAG Rally Update
3) MAG calls for a weight-based Vehicle Excise Duty system
4) RIP Panos Englezou
5) Motorcyclists are a danger to themselves (so claimed Oxfordshire County Council)
6) MAG makes initial comments on the Transport Decarbonisation Plan
7) Wakefield Hospice 10K Race Marshalling
8) MOTs for cars, vans and motorcycles due from 30 March 2020
9) CBT renewals during Lockdown
10) Ride to Work Day
11) Wakefield MAG Easter Egg Collection
12) Mega Raffle
13) Forthcoming Events (for May and beyond)
1) MAG's work continues during country's lockdown
During these unprecedented times, the Motorcycle Action Group (MAG), the UK's leading voice for riders' rights, will still have its foot on the gas working for motorcycling, due to the support of its amazing members.
With many fundraisers, plus the Yorkshire MAG premier events, cancelled (ITV) or postponed (FYP), there is the unfortunate potential to lose over 50% of our funding, so our members are even more valuable than ever before.
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We know that many members renew their memberships at rallies such as Into the Valley, so we would like to encourage them all to still go ahead and renew, either by visiting our website or by calling the office on 01926 844 064. Our membership administrator, Carol, is still working and looks forward to hearing from you.
We are also mindful that the lockdown may well be affecting members finances too, so we are pleased to be releasing the option of a new monthly Direct Debit payment scheme: MAG Monthly DD. It is charged at a slightly higher rate per month to cover the additional costs of managing the scheme, but is still only £3.00 per month for an individual membership and £4.12 per month for a joint membership.
If you are already a member and would like to transfer to this new scheme, just complete the direct debit mandate and we will start collecting at your renewal date.
Our annual direct debit payment option is available at: MAG Annual DD.
Please complete either mandate, and then send it to the office address below:
MAG
Unit C13 Holly Farm Business Park
Honiley
Warwickshire
CV8 1NP
Please note that, unfortunately, MAG Central Office cannot accept direct debit instructions over the telephone.
If you are reading this newsletter and are not a current MAG member, please consider joining. As you can see, MAG is still very active fighting for Riders Rights, but unfortunately, this doesn't come free and costs money. MAG events do bring in a large proportion of MAG's income. With the large number of events having to be cancelled or postponed due to Covid-19, this will affect MAG's income stream. MAG Central are, of course, working to identify economies where possible, to limit recourse to reserves. However, if you feel that you could make a donation, however small, to support MAG at this difficult time, it would be very gratefully received. A donation button has been set up on the MAG website: Motorcycle Action Group.
Finally, a huge 'Thank You' to all of our members and supporters: we hope you all stay safe, stay well and follow government guidance.
You will no doubt be aware that the Into The Valley 2020 Rally has had to be cancelled for this year. Very recently, the MAP management committee have made the decision to postpone the Farmyard Party till late September this year (25th-27th Sept 2020). As it currently stands the Yorkshire Pudding Rally is still set to go ahead at the end of July.
After consultation with various authorities and advisors over the last couple of weeks we feel postponing the Farmyard Party to the 25th-27th September (24th for Thursday ticket holders) gives the rally a far greater chance of happening than if we were stick to its traditional date in June. Very little else will change, it will be the same venue, same bands, traders, caterers, fires and no fires field, Carry Nowt Camping, Great British Glamping, etc etc.
We do anticipate the rally may encounter some hurdles that we will have to overcome to go ahead in September, but we feel that they will be surmountable, and we do love a challenge. So, if we are allowed gatherings, it is safe to do so and you buy tickets then we will see you in September.
One of the immediate rules we have been advised to implement is that all tickets must be pre-booked, we have been told it is highly unlikely that gate tickets will be available or permitted.
Tickets can be booked now at www.magicactiononline.co.uk or by calling 0800 988 3199.
If you have already purchased tickets to Into The Valley or Farmyard Party this year then please read below for your options
As you'll be all too aware, the current Coronavirus restrictions are playing havoc with everyone's lives. MAG is far from immune from these problems and has already been hit financially due to the cancellation of many of its fundraisers. These events are the lifeblood of the organisation and without the income they may well have issues in the coming months. To try and avoid this we ask you to kindly consider donating your ticket(s) to MAG to ensure we will all be back next year fighting fit.
OPTIONS
This applies to
If tickets were purchased from a MAG rep or one of our outlets:
If tickets were purchased online with a debit or credit card or with a cheque via the PO Box:
This applies to
If tickets were purchased from a MAG rep or one of our outlets:
If tickets were purchased online with a debit or credit card or with a cheque via the PO Box:
* MAP EVENTS, PO Box 247, Beverley, HU17 6BB, please write your contact number on the back of one of the tickets.
All enquiries: 0800 988 3199 www.mapevents.co.uk
Thanks to each and every one of you for your support, take care till we see you in a field (hopefully sooner rather than later).
3) MAG calls for a weight-based Vehicle Excise Duty system
The Motorcycle Action Group has revealed its position on Vehicle Excise Duty. Proposing a universal system based purely on vehicle weight, MAG says it is promoting a system that meets all the goals of the Government whilst offering a long-term solution that addresses far more than just a single vehicle emission problem.
On 11th March 2020 HM Treasury published a call for evidence seeking views on moving towards a more dynamic system of Vehicle Excise Duty which recognises smaller differences in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
Speaking after the publication of a formal position statement, MAG's Director of Campaigns & Political Engagement, Colin Brown, explains the thinking behind MAG's position: "Motorcyclists have long felt that the current VED system is unfair. The existing system - based on engine capacity for motorcycles - sees many riders paying far higher levels of VED than most car owners. I own both a motorcycle and a car, yet pay around three times as much VED on my bike compared to my car, even though my motorcycle pollutes less than my car, causes less congestion than my car and causes less damage to the road infrastructure than my car."
In proposing a move to a purely CO2 emissions-based approach for all vehicle classes, there would be redress on this current situation. However, given that the Government wants to move to a purely electric vehicle fleet, they are clearly building in a limited lifespan for their revenue stream. When all vehicles are producing zero tailpipe emissions there will no longer be a basis to charge any VED. Not only will the revenue stream dry up, but many other issues will have failed to have been addressed. It is widely accepted that car use needs to be contained and reduced. A VED system based purely on CO2 emissions will have no impact on behaviour change once electric cars are the norm. Converting all cars to electric will not reduce congestion and will increase particulate matter generated from tyre and road surface wear.
It is clear that reduced vehicle weight translates to reduced emissions of CO2, yet current electric cars are, on average, 30% heavier than their traditional, internal combustion-engine equivalents. Regardless of motive power, more energy is required to move a heavier vehicle. More energy necessarily means more emissions, whether that be at the tailpipe or the electricity generation plant. However, maintaining the weight-based approach means that regardless of progress towards reduced CO2 emissions, the revenue stream remains intact. Vehicle weight cannot be cheated, and applies to all classes of vehicle, no matter how many wheels, axles, tracks or technology. The lighter vehicles are, the more sustainable they will be. A weight-based system future-proofs revenue, as well as guiding common sense with regards to how we use the planet’s finite resources.
MAG looks forward to discussing this approach to Vehicle Excise Duty with Ministers, but also calls on all other groups to back this position. From pedestrians and cyclists concerned about harm from overweight vehicles, to councils struggling with tight budgets to maintain the roads, and from the Motorcycle Industry Association to the Road Haulage Association, we believe that all parties will be able to see the sense in this elegant solution to maintaining a Government revenue stream whilst encouraging more sustainable transport behaviours.
Wakefield MAG are extremely saddened to report that on the morning of Tuesday 7th April, Leeds MAG life member, Panos Englezou was involved in an accident with a car whilst on his way to work on his KTM 690. Panos's obituary can be found Here.
5) Motorcyclists are a danger to themselves (so claimed Oxfordshire County Council)
Press Release from the 17th April:
MAG exposes 'blatant anti-motorcycle bias' in Oxfordshire County Council.
The Motorcycle Action Group has formally requested that Oxfordshire County Council withdraw part of its Local Transport and Connectivity Plan documentation after discovering 'jaw-droppingly inappropriate' accusations against bikers in their document.
In an email communication dated 8th April 2020, MAG formally requested that the Council urgently withdraw what it described as a 'highly biased and inaccurate document'. The document in question, entitled 'Connectivity: Motorcycles' is one of 28 documents published on the Council's consultations website as part of what is described as an engagement activity of Oxfordshire County Council's Local Transport and Connectivity Plan. The Council state that they would like survey responses before the full consultation of the Local Transport and Connectivity Plan, which will be out later this year. The Council will use the responses to the engagement to inform the content on the consultation.
MAG's Director of Campaigns and Political Engagement, Colin Brown, met Councillor Yvonne Constance, Cabinet Member for Environment at Oxfordshire County Council, along with Councillor Alex Hollingsworth, Cabinet Member for Planning and Sustainable Transport at Oxford City Council, in November 2019. This meeting was facilitated by Councillor John Broad of Cherwell District Council. Cllr Broad is a MAG member and regularly corresponds with Colin. At the meeting Colin and Cllr Broad were able to present MAG's Pathways for Progress document which lays out a sensible and balanced view of motorcycling and how the transport mode can be better integrated into transport policy.
Colin Brown commented "Despite a somewhat terse opening from Cllr Constance, I felt that the meeting went well and the points we made were generally welcomed and found to be of value. This makes the blatant anti-motorcycle bias displayed in the consultation document hard to understand. For the Council to allow a document to be published in its name that accuses motorcyclists of being a 'danger to themselves' and alludes to 'places showing drops in collisions once motorised two wheelers have been banned' is jaw-droppingly inappropriate. The document even goes as far as to state MAG's position that motorcycles are the most sustainable form of private motorised transport and then immediately claim that 'This is not the same as being sustainable'. They may as well have just said 'MAG has a position, but we don't agree and nor should you'."
MAG asked Cllr John Broad to give his opinion on the document. He said: "Having noted that the previous Local Transport Plan 4 only had one mention of motorcycling and that was the accident rate I was determined not to let the same happen to the new Plan 5. The intention of the final document is to produce plans and policies to integrate all forms of transport around Oxfordshire. The other sections of this early document do attempt to debate how this can be achieved for each subject but the Motorcycling Section 28 is just a blatant attempt to ban these vehicles from the roads! During our discussions with the Councillors and Officers I pointed out how cycling is morphing into motorcycling via e-bikes and small commuter bikes and how these can resolve many of the issues around congestion and parking with new electric motorcycles coming onto the market to reduce pollution. Safety should be part of the road infrastructure by design and not by trying to ignore any recognised form of transport. It is extremely disappointing that after such a positive start in discussing motorcycling that some Councillors and Officers have attempted to use the County Transport Plan to try to un-invent this long-established transport system of Powered Two Wheelers".
MAG's President, Ian Mutch, described the document as 'amateurish' whilst MAG Director, Ian Churchlow, commented "I've seen some biased papers on motorcycling before but this one is right out there."
MAG has received many comments from members and a response from a senior Oxford City Councillor who has expressed his shock at how the motorcycle section has been written.
MAG asked Oxfordshire County Council for comment, and we received the following statement:
I thank the Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) for raising comments on the Local Transport and Connectivity Plan Motorcycle Topic paper. I am sorry that they feel that it is biased in its outlook as this was not the intention but accept that it was construed this way. This paper is one of the papers on different aspects of transport and set out to give a relatively short overview of motorcycle matters in Oxfordshire today. The paper included information on levels of motorcycle usage, highlighted some of the likely benefits and disbenefits of motorcycling, as well as using some information and data to provide context. The overall goal of the Local Transport and Connectivity Plan engagement survey is not to set out firm positions on transport but to welcome the views of residents. I'm aware that MAG has asked for further detail on the data referenced in the paper, particularly that on accidents, and I have asked officers to get back to them on this as soon as possible. I also look forward to receiving the full MAG response to this engagement exercise, which I'm sure will help us develop our Local Transport and Connectivity Plan and its policies, including those related to motorcycling, over the coming year.
MAG encourages all motorcyclists to take a look at the Oxfordshire County Council document for themselves, draw their own conclusions and then respond. Colin said: "On their website the Council point out that 'any inappropriate or offensive language will not be considered acceptable, and your response will not be submitted' - strangely this is the only consultation with that warning. The document asks 'what do you think?'. I hope that all bikers will take the time to politely let this Council know that they will not accept this kind of bias".
MAG stands ready to work with Oxfordshire County Council, to help it develop a transport policy position that makes the most of all transport options. But MAG will vigorously defend motorcycling against all poorly informed bias.
Press Release from the 22nd April:
The Motorcycle Action Group praises Oxfordshire County Council for revising motorcycle proposals following feedback from MAG.
In a major motorcycling breakthrough, MAG has welcomed a rethink by Oxfordshire County Council following significant input from MAG and local bikers about blatant anti-motorcycle bias regarding their Local Transport and Connectivity Plan.
MAG challenged sweeping statements in the Council's document that were not backed by evidence. These showed a biased and discriminatory attitude against motorcyclists. Top of the list of claims that MAG objected to was the stunning statement that motorcyclists are 'a danger to themselves.'
Communicating directly with the Council, MAG secured a promise that the Council would supply the evidential basis for the document and ensure that the document reflected the references 'appropriately.' On the 21st April, MAG received confirmation that the review had been completed and the document amended.
MAG's Director of Campaigns & Political Engagement, Colin Brown, said: "MAG gives credit where credit is due. Oxfordshire County Council has accepted comments we made, plus those of many others who responded to the survey. The amended document - published today - no longer contains references to motorcyclists posing a danger to themselves; nor does it contain the incredible statement that motorbikes make a disproportionate contribution to noise pollution. We still disagree with elements of the document. However, the Council's rethink, based on our feedback, means we can have a productive conversation to create an informed and balanced policy. Motorcycles are legitimate and legal - and for many a vital mode of transport. The Transport Policy must cater for this transport mode in a reasonable way. The amendments have averted large, spontaneous demonstrations by bikers against the Council and Councillors identified with the original document. We welcome the opportunity to work closely with the Council to develop a good policy position. This has always been our sole motivation and we will continue to do all we can to ensure motorcyclists are fairly treated."
The revised topic paper is now available on line at https://consultations.oxfordshire.gov.uk/consult.ti/ltcp.engagement/consultationHome
MAG thanks all who have already responded to the online survey. Colin stresses that the need remains for all local motorcyclists to have their say and provide sensible and productive suggestions.
The specific questions the survey asks are:
The survey remains open until 17th May 2020.
6) MAG makes initial comments on the Transport Decarbonisation Plan
The Motorcycle Action Group has given its initial reaction to the lowkey launch of Grant Shapps' Transport Decarbonisation Plan, asking why the Department for Transport continues to ignore motorcycles as a separate and crucial mode of transport.
On 26th March the Government quietly published a document stating the current challenges and steps to be taken when developing a transport decarbonisation plan. In the Ministerial Foreword, Grant Shapps stated "Climate change is the most pressing environmental challenge of our time. There is overwhelming scientific evidence that we need to take action, and doing so is a clear priority for the Government."
The Government will publish the final plan in Autumn 2020. MAG's Director of Campaigns and Political Engagement, Colin Brown, and Director of Communications and Public Affairs, Lembit Opik, were asked for their initial reactions to the 'Setting the Challenge' document.
Colin said: "Once again we see a policy document that singularly fails to recognise the fact that motorcycles are not cars. This continued blind spot exhibited by policy makers is something that MAG unfailingly points out at every opportunity. It is hard to grasp why this message is not sinking in. Opportunities are being missed by failing to properly consider the benefits that motorcycles and scooters have to offer. It is time for the Government to properly consider the role of what is undeniably the most sustainable form of private motorised transport that exists."
Lembit said "MAG has repeatedly called for proof from environmentalists to explain the rationale behind ignoring motorbikes and pinning all hopes on electric motive power. Electrification only cuts emissions with a 'clean power grid.' Wind can't do it, and the last UK nuclear power station to open was in 1995. So electricity does pollute - even ignoring the ecological damage from batteries. We know efficient petrol machines, like motorbikes, create few emissions. Either the Government backs modal shift to lighter vehicles like motorbikes, or they're doomed to make things worse."
There will be a program of engagement with stakeholders and the public over the coming months. The Motorcycle Action Group has immediately expressed its interest to being involved as a stakeholder group in the conversation, and will be repeating the message that motorcycles and scooters are a solution, not the problem.
The Government document can be found at www.gov.uk/government/publications/creating-the-transport-decarbonisation-plan
7) Wakefield Hospice 10K Race Marshalling
The 25th Wakefield Hospice 10k race was due to be held on Sunday 29th March 2020, but like many events, has been a victim of the Covid-19 lockdown. The hospice have set a new date for the Wakefield Hospice 10k which is now Sunday 20th September. Obviously, mass gatherings may still not be permitted by this date but it's a good few months away, so, fingers crossed.
Wakefield MAG have helped to marshal this popular event for more years than we care to remember, and our role is as mobile race marshals, looking after those competitors at the tail end of the race. The roads will only be closed for an hour maximum, and although the bulk of runners will be finished whilst the road is still closed, a good number of runners (walkers !!!) will still be on the course, hence the requirement for mobile marshals (that's us !!) to ensure their safety, once the road is re-opened to traffic. We are generally the last 'officials' remaining on the course, and hence play a vital role.
We generally need around 6 marshals, although the more the merrier. We'll be asking for volunteers nearer the time.
More details of the event here: www.wakefield10k.org.uk
8) MOTs for cars, vans and motorcycles due from 30 March 2020
Just in case you missed it, the government announced MOTs for cars, vans and motorcycles due from 30 March 2020 were to be automatically extended by 6 months, as a Coronavirus (COVID-19) preventative measure. I'm pleased to announce this has been processed seamlessly as my Honda MoT was due in April and is now due in October - you can check the MoT status of your bikes (and cars) here: www.gov.uk/check-mot-status
More details can be found at this link: www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-mots-for-cars-vans-and-motorcycles-due-from-30-march-2020
9) CBT renewals during Lockdown
MAG are making enquiries with the DVSA about CBT renewals during the lockdown. Currently critical workers can apply for an emergency driving test, but you cannot use this service to apply for emergency compulsory basic training (CBT). The DVSA have told MAG: "We do understand there is a lot of uncertainty at the moment in relation to both expiry dates of CBT certificates and the delivery of CBT courses, in particular delivering the training to essential workers. This is something that is being discussed by the Department for Transport (DfT) and we will respond with clear advice as soon as this becomes available."
We do understand a number of motorcycle training organisations are still delivering CBT's to key workers, so if you are in this position, contact your local trainer and see what they can offer. CBT's can easily be conducted whilst adhering to the safe distance guidance.
There has been no official announcement regarding the planned Ride to Work Day, set for 15th June. However, there is no reason it can't still go ahead for key workers and those who simply cannot work from home and have not been furloughed. The event will undoubtedly be far more low key than was originally planned, but if you are still travelling to work, why not go to work on the bike on the 15th June.
11) Wakefield MAG Easter Egg Collection
We were already in lockdown with suspended meetings prior to the advertised collection date of 1st April for our Kidzaware Easter Egg Collection 2020. However, we had some already collected prior to this so Chas was able to deliver these to the Kidzaware charity (albeit, a few less than we would have normally delivered). A huge thank you to everyone who had already donated Easter Eggs, and those who intended to, but 'outside factors' prevented this. Kidzaware were absolutely delighted with what we were able to donate to them !!!
Our Mega Raffle to win a basic service for your motorcycle at Not Your Average Bikes in Ossett, was supposed to have the Winning ticket drawn at our meeting on Wednesday 8th April. Obviously, as meetings were suspended by then, this didn't happen and the raffle is still 'live'. We are still selling tickets (at £5 and the lucky winner gets a voucher for a basic service (worth circa £100) at NYA Bikes (notyouraveragebikes.com).
If you would like to enter, send £5 to the Wakefield & District MAG Account (Acc No. 50288799 Sort Code: 40-41-57) and drop us an email confirming this, together with your name and phone number to: wakefield-rep@mag-uk.org. We'll then mail you back with your Raffle Ticket No.
The revised raffle ticket draw date will be announced as soon as we have a firm steer as to when MAG meetings will be able to recommence. At the moment, NYA Bikes (notyouraveragebikes.com) are still offering servicing but this is currently restricted to key workers bikes only and their showroom is shut.
Good Luck in the draw !!! ... and a huge Thank You to our very good friends at NYA Bikes for donating such a fantastic prize !!!
13) Forthcoming Events (for May and beyond)
Apologies Folks, 2020 is not going to be a cracking biking year, although hopefully, we may still be able to get some events in.
#### CANCELLED #### Friday 1st May - Sunday 3rd May - Into the Valley (ITV) Rally
#### CANCELLED #### Sunday 3rd May - Wakefield MAG Bike Show at the Wakefield Gala
Watch this space for details of when this is to be rearranged
#### CANCELLED #### Sunday 17th May 2020 - West Yorkshire MAG Fred Hill Run
Watch this space for details of when this is to be rearranged
Friday 31st July - Sunday 2nd August - Yorkshire Pudding Rally (YPR)
Currently still on. See Above. www.yorkshirepuddingrally.co.uk
Sunday 20th September 2020 - Wakefield Hospice 10K Race
See Above. www.wakefield10k.org.uk
Friday 25th - Sunday 27th September - Farmyard Party (FYP) Rally
#### RE-SCHEDULED FROM 19th - 21st June ####. See Above. www.farmyardparty.co.uk
See the events page for further details and more !!!
That's all for this month, hope to see you all soon.
Stay Safe
Steve Travis
Chairman
Wakefield MAG
0772 078 4734
Although MAG meetings are currently postponed until further notice, once we are permitted to, Wakefield MAG will resume meeting at the Grey Horse, Kirkgate, Wakefield at 8:30pm every Wednesday. New (and Old) faces are always welcome.