Dear Wakefield MAG Member,
Welcome to the Wakefield MAG Newsletter. If you can't attend our Tuesday meetings regularly, it's the next best thing to keep you up to date with what we are up to.
CONTENTS
1) Fight Motorcycle Theft - Hull Event
2) Riders want a licence to ride
3) AGC Award for Chas Milner
4) 2024 Rally Tickets
5) Remembrance Sunday
6) Wakefield MAG Christmas Do
7) Biker Quiz Nite
8) Fight Motorcycle Theft - Leeds Event
9) Kidzaware Christmas Toy Collection
10) Forthcoming Events (for November and beyond)
1) Fight Motorcycle Theft - Hull Event
The Fight Motorcycle Theft - Hull Event was held on 21st October, and was the fifth in a series of meetings being organised by the Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) around the country. A turnout of over 40 riders at the meeting saw some honest opinions being expressed about the fear and intimidation faced by local motorcyclists. Many expressed their unwillingness to continue riding into the city due to the level of criminal activity targeted at them. Riders expressed a desire to feel safe when riding and parking in the city. Emotions were high with perceptions around insufficient police response and fears that Operation Yellowfin is an operation 'in name only'.
Both the PCC and CI Hussain stressed the importance of fully reporting crimes, intimidation and suspicious activity, if necessary through Crimestoppers, an entirely anonymous reporting channel. Attendees were also encouraged to sign up to Humberside's My Community Alert to receive real-time messages about incidents happening in their neighbourhood.
The offer made by CI Hussain and fully supported by the PCC in the meeting was to form a focus group to enable better lines of communication, and a route for the riding community to ensure that their concerns are being taken seriously and leading to a robust response.
Speaking after the meeting Jonathan Evison said: "These engagements are always important because we haven't got all the answers. There was a very, very passionate response from the people in the room, a lot of passion within the questions and a lot of information. I have a perception, and the participants in the discussion had a perception and it wasn't the same, so we need to work out how we actually can come together on that. There were some good suggestions that came out from the floor and also from the panel and I think we can move on very positively from this.
If you want to know what the problem is, and also what the solutions are, you need to talk to the people who have the lived experience in these areas. I come from industry so the people you talk to are the people that are actually doing the jobs. In this scenario it's the actual bikers, they know what the problem is, and often they know what the solutions are as well. Now, if those solutions are not palatable, because they are quite a robust group of individuals, we have to find a workaround or do something different, but a lot of them are common sense and we need to listen to that, and we need to implement that. And collectively, we're going to form a group to be able to do that."
Chief Inspector Hussain, speaking about the meeting said: "Absolutely fantastic, you got a really good group of people, I think about 40 to 45 attended. We had a really honest conversation to understand the feeling of being a victim of crime. My view is you have got absolute commitment from Humberside Police. I have exchanged quite a few contacts already, we're going to set up a focus group together, and we're going to start really working together to build up the confidence again that we need to see."
The next Fight Motorcycle Theft event is in Leeds - see Below.
2) Riders want a licence to ride
'Riders want a licence to ride' is the comment from MAG regarding the MCIA's 'Licence to Net Zero' framing. The actual priorities of motorcyclists - not the Net Zero agenda - should inform reform of the motorcycle licensing regime. MAG has long called for reform but seeks to ensure that the interests of riders remain the real priority.
Earlier this week the MCIA called for reform of the motorcycle licensing regime in the UK, describing their proposals as 'a licence for Net Zero'. The campaign is supported by the Zemo Partnership and the National Motorcyclist Council.
MAG points out that, as the largest representative body for motorcycle licence holders in the UK, they were not invited to help draft the campaign framing or its proposals, which has resulted in the organisation expressing concern about the framing.
MAG opposes Net Zero being framed as the primary driver and goal for motorcycle licence reform and has long been calling for licence reform for the benefit of new and potential riders. MAG can demonstrate that these new riders are not motivated by Net Zero goals.
Focus group research into the motivations of new riders conducted by the University of Nottingham and MAG showed that the primary motivations mentioned by riders do not include a desire to 'be green'. Referring to the key motivators, the research report states: 'It appears that a key driver for wanting to ride PTWs as an adult is early, positive exposure to motorcycling or scootering in childhood. Several of our participants cited contact, in their early years, with relatives who rode as a key influence. Others cited the desire for a practical (and cheap) form of commuting, learning new and challenging skills, the sociability of the bike and scooter scene, and just having fun and a sense of freedom on the road.'
Research released by MAG in November 2022 concluded that the current licensing regime is suppressing the numbers of individuals riding motorcycles. Additionally, it is having an adverse impact on young rider safety. The report recommended a full review of the motorcycle licensing regime and that the review goal should be to increase 'the conversion rate from CBT to full motorcycle licence holders.'
MAG is also expressing concern that the current licensing regime disincentivizes progression into legitimate and responsible riding as a full licence holder. This may actually be pushing some individuals towards anti-social riding behaviour and even criminality.
MAG is therefore calling for reformed licensing to promote better safety and to create a welcoming pathway for new riders wanting to enter the legitimate and responsible road riding community. The current system creates a barrier that is a potential driver of antisocial behaviour and petty criminality.
MAG's Director of Campaigns & Political Engagement, Colin Brown, said: "We all want reform of the motorcycle licensing regime. Our priority is achieving the best outcome for new and potential riders - nothing more and nothing less. We do not want to see any other priority leading the decision-making process. The riders' voice should be the most influential guide in generating any proposals, not other interest groups. Reform of the licensing regime is not predicated on the green agenda. It was needed before Net Zero became a thing. It is not needed now simply because Net Zero targets have been set. We want reform that works for new riders today and in the future. That has little if anything to do with carbon emissions. We have not had time to gather feedback on the MCIA proposals yet, but we will be doing that. What we can say at this stage is that the MCIA framing is disappointing."
Notes
MCIA Licence for Net Zero press release: www.mcia.co.uk/posts/licence-to-net-zero-press-release
Joint University of Nottingham and MAG research into new rider motivations, aspirations and barriers to progress: wiki.mag-uk.org/images/e/e1/New_Riders_of_Motorcycles_and_Scooters_-_Motivations%2C_Aspirations%2C_and_Barriers_to_Progress.pdf
MAG report on motorcycle and car licence holders: wiki.mag-uk.org/images/1/1b/Motorcycle_and_Car_Driving_Licence_Holders_Age_Demographic_and_GB_Regional_Comparison_FINAL.pdf
As covered in the October Newsletter, Wakefield MAG member, ex-Deputy Rep and legendary fundraiser Chas Milner, won the prestigious Fred Hill Freedom Award at MAG's Annual General Conference in September.
Chas didn't attend the AGC so it was accepted on his behalf by the Yorkshire Regional Rep. It was with great pleasure that I was able to present Chas with his award at a recent Wakefield MAG meeting.
Well done Chas, thoroughly deserved !!!!
You can watch the highlights of September's MAG AGC here
Confirmed dates, venues and ticket prices for the 2024 Yorkshire MAG rallies have been announced and are:
TICKET PRICES HELD FOR ALL 2024 EVENTS
On Sale now (Online and Telephone) and from your local MAG branch early in the new year (Remember, if you buy your tickets directly from your local MAG branch, you save on the on-line booking fee (which are per ticket not per transaction !!!) and postage .... more money in your pocket = more beer money .... what more of an incentive could you possibly want !!!).
There are also a couple of discount schemes that have just been announced for the Yorkshire MAG rallies, which you may want to take advantage of if you qualify:
Young Riders Discount
23 AND UNDER? RIDE A MOTORBIKE OR MOPED? PASSED YOUR MOTORBIKE TEST/ HAVE A VALID CBT CERTIFICATE?
DID YOU KNOW YOU QUALIFY FOR 25% DISCOUNT ON OUR TICKET PRICES TO ALL OF OUR EVENTS (claim cashback (voucher) at the event, for terms see below)- NO CATCH
TO QUALIFY YOU MUST BE 23 or UNDER AT THE EVENT START DATE AND HAVE PRE-BOOKED YOUR TICKET ONLINE OR THROUGH ONE OF OUR OUTLETS. TO CLAIM YOUR 25% CASHBACK (VOUCHER), PRESENT YOUR DRIVERS LICENCE SHOWING MOTORCYCLE ENTITLEMENT/ VALID CBT CERTIFICATE TO EVENT CONTROL. ALL CLAIMS MUST BE MADE BEFORE 6PM ON THE SATURDAY OF THE EVENT.
Clubs Discount
ARE YOU IN AN OWNERS CLUB or LOCAL MCC?
If you are, you're in luck. Book your tickets through your club, in bulk and receive ... FREE TICKETS!!!! Buy 20 and receive 2 free, buy 30 and receive 3 free etc etc
Why not use one of our events for you to hold a social, an AGM or even better use it to promote your club and attain new members. Tickets need to be purchased through one central point and in one transaction to qualify, this can either be done online or via BACS.
For further details of these rally discount schemes, call 0800 988 3199 or visit www.mapevents.co.uk
For those wanting to pay their respects at the Wakefield Remembrance Sunday Memorial Service, this is being held at 11:00 on Sunday 12th November, at the War Memorial on the Corner of Rishworth St and Bond St, Wakefield, WF1 2HW.
Following this, there is an invitation from the Royal British Legion Riders Branch to take part in the parade and service in nearby Mirfield - The role of the motorcyclists, is to lead the procession through Mirfield, with the marching bands, service personnel, cadets, veterans, and everyone else following on behind. The remembrance parade culminates in an afternoon service at Mirfield War Memorial. The parade start point is on Station Road, Mirfield, WF14 8PT. Meet up from 13:30 ready for the 'off' at 14:00, followed then by the service at Mirfield War Memorial. As a thank you for attending, food is laid on afterwards at the Old Colonial pub, Dunbottle Lane, Mirfield, WF14 9JJ, by landlord Tim.
N.B. The above menu is from last year as the Thatched House hasn't printed it's Christmas menu for 2023 yet, but it will be along similar lines.
Our Christmas Do is being held on Saturday 2nd December at our HQ, the Thatched House. We are meeting from 12:00 onwards, eating from the Christmas Menu at 13:00, then (if we still have room), following on with several more goblets of foaming ale. You can come for the meal, or meet us afterwards for drinks in the Thatched House, or do both ... the choice is yours. Wakefield MAG Christmas Do's are always highly memorable .... Check out the event report(s) if you don't believe me !!!
Christmas hats and reindeer antlers strictly optional. Hope to see you there.
If you do intend to come for the meal, please let us know in advance and let us know your menu choices (once the 2023 Christmas Menu is printed), as we need to pre-book with the pub.
The legendary and hugely popular annual Wakefield MAG Bikers Quiz Nite is this month !!!
The quiz will be held at 20:00 on Tuesday 28th November 2023 at the Thatched House, 434 Aberford Road, Stanley, Wakefield, WF3 4AA. 60 questions, 30 of which will be motorcycle related and 30 will be general knowledge. The quiz is hotly contested throughout Yorkshire and the prestigious roll of honour is:
Who will win in 2023 ? .... Leeds Again Probably !
Open to All. £1 entry fee p.p. Team (Max. 5) or individual entry. Great prizes for the winners (1st, 2nd & 3rd), plus booby prize for the least number of correct answers.
And just for a change ....... All proceeds to the MAG Fighting Fund ;-)
8) Fight Motorcycle Theft - Leeds Event
The Fight Motorcycle Theft roadshow comes to Leeds this month !!!
The rescheduled Leeds Fight Motorcycle Theft event is being held on Saturday 11th November (13:00 - 15:00) at the Royal Hotel, 30 Station Street, Pudsey, Leeds, LS28 8PR.
Motorcycle theft in the West Yorkshire Police area continues to increase. According to PNC data, bike thieves were 16% more active in the first half of 2023 compared with the same period in 2022. West Yorkshire has seen double the national average increase.
Fight Motorcyle Theft is MAG's campaign to reduce motorcycle theft on a local and national level. MAG are hosting a series of meetings across the UK in an attempt to combat motorcycle theft. These hustings style meetings bring together local police, local Politicians and local councils to give the public their chance to make suggestions about what can be implemented to tackle the problem. MAG has already delivered 5 successful public meetings aimed at raising the profile of the fight against motorcycle theft. Gillingham in Kent, Birmingham, Hertfordshire, Manchester and Hull have seen meetings earlier this year with riders given the chance to hold the authorities to account. The previous meetings have seen tangible outcomes, and the hope is that the next meetings will be equally effective.
The meetings are free to attend and open to all. MAG encourages as many riders as possible to attend. We need to push home the message that we want to see the tide turn against this increasing criminality.
9) Kidzaware Christmas Toy Collection
We are hosting another Christmas Toy Collection for Kidzaware, for Christmas 2023. We are collecting toys and presents (age range: A few months to early twenties) which we will deliver to this very worthwhile local charity in early December.
Please bring along any toys / presents (unwrapped at this stage) to any Tuesday Wakefield MAG meeting, up to and including Tuesday 12th December. If you can't make a meeting but would still like to donate some toys / presents, please let us know, and we'll arrange to collect them from you. Thank you in advance for supporting this most worthwhile Wakefield based charity.
10) Forthcoming Events (for November and beyond)
Saturday 11th November - Fight Motorcycle Theft LEEDS
See Above. 13:00 - 15:00 at the Royal Hotel, 30 Station Street, Pudsey, Leeds, LS28 8PR.
Sunday 12th November - City of Wakefield & Mirfield Memorial Sunday Parade & Service
See Above.
Tuesday 28th November - Wakefield MAG 19th Annual Bikers Quiz Nite
See Above. 20:00 in the Thatched House, Stanley, Wakefield. £1 p.p (to cover cost of prizes)
Saturday 2nd December - Wakefield MAG Christmas Do
Meeting from 12:00 onwards (meal at 13:00) at the Thatched House, Stanley, Wakefield. £19.95 for the 4 course Christmas meal (Traditional Christmas Dinner, Salmon or Vegetarian Pasta). Come for the meal, or meet us after for drinks, or do both ... the choice is yours. Christmas hats and reindeer antlers strictly optional.
Tuesday 12th December - Deadline for Kidzaware Christmas Toy Collection Donations
See Above. 20:00 in the Thatched House, Stanley, Wakefield.
Tuesday 16th January 2024 - Wakefield MAG 22nd Annual General Meeting
19:30 for a prompt 20:00 start in the Thatched House, Stanley, Wakefield
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 Thatched House, Stanley, Wakefield at 8:00pm every Tuesday. New (and Old) faces are always welcome.