Word from the Chair
Chairman Jane provides an overview of MAG's progress
From time to time I meet people who say 'but what's MAG doing for me now? We don't seem to be so visual, what about the demos? What about the petitions and signatures? What about us banging on the doors of parliament?'
I was talking to Blue from Back Street Heroes at Stormin the Castle and totally agreed with her in her synopsis that the threats to the freedom of choice we want to enjoy in our riding come from many safety boffins who have become covert in their attacks on us. I believe that MAG really does have its finger on the pulse in promoting and protecting the rights of motorcyclists today.
MAG has Trevor Baird sitting on the FEMA Commitee (Federation of European Motorcycle Associations, a body which provides a continental early warning system for threats coming our way.
MAG also has David Short sitting on and chairing several influential groups, like:
- PACTS - Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety.
- Motorcycle Crime Reduction Group (MCRG) which he chairs.
- Transport for London (TFL)
- Motorcycle Strategy Policy Board.
- Local Transport Forums in North Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, Derbyshire and Lancashire.
Tireless work progresses our position and raises our profile in areas of:
- Local Transport Plans.
- Congestion Charging.
- Bikes access to bus lanes.
- Secure Parking.
- Road surfaces.
- Crash Barriers.
- Off road use of motorcycles.
- Driving Licences.
- Multi Purpose Test Centres.
- Non slip man hole covers
- and many others.
Yes we do take physical action and a reactive stance where appropriate as our National Demonstration in Birmingham against road and congestion charging showed. Most of the work goes on behind the scenes however, nipping things in the bud as they arise and also, more importantly making a proactive stance to raise our profile and include ourselves automatically in the transport plans for the next decade to ensure our future.
In addition to David leading from the front on campaigns in this country, we are anxious to work with you on your own ground, as only you will know the full impact of issues in your area. To this end we have some strategies to help support you.
The first is training. Training sessions take place early in the New Year before the rally season starts. There will be a Southern Training session in early March 2008 and there may be a Northern one like last year if demand and time permits. Look out for details coming in the next issue of The Road and Network or call Central Office 01788 570065.
Secondly Campaigns Manager David Short is keen to visit each MAG Region to work with Regional and Local Political Officers. He is building up a vast amount of experience and information which he can then share with you. So if you haven't seen him yet ask your Local Rep to contact your Regional Rep who can then set a date.
Third The email army is always open for recruits.
Fourth ask for a copy of Network to be sent to your home or be e mailed to you. Many of you may know that most of my riding this summer was wiped out after having had an operation on my back - most frustrating and taking an eternity to get back to full health - however I did manage to get out and about to some events closer to home.
The Farmyard Party 2007 must have been one of the wettest rallies I've ever attended. Despite National Flood warnings to stay at home and numerous road closures, around 7000 bikers swam through the elements to attend one of the best organised Farmyard Parties. Great efforts were made by Pete Walker and his team, supported by Yorkshire people and helped by MAG members from other regions around the country. Moral was unbelievably high from both player and workers and the wet stuff definitely did not dampen any spirits [thank to Chris and Yogi from York for the spiritual support in the MAG tent on Saturday afternoon]. It was a heart warming reminder of the MAG spirit - 'Where there's a will there's a way'.
Stormin the Castle enjoyed glorious weather and the magical combination of entertainment by top class bands, and a superb bike show.
I made 'Spat out of Hull' a smaller event by East York's MAG which profited from Rick Hulse and his Comedians who entertained us on Saturday afternoon. A great bash.
The Yorkshire Pudding Rally on the first weekend in August was sold out months before the event. So book early if you want to go next year. There are several contributing factors to its popularity, a picturesque site, surrounded by woods and with its own secret open air chapel, hot showers and flushing toilets, the middle of summer, excellent bands, beer, food, a ride out, silly games and a bike show. We were graced with the presence of a visit from the local Mayor of Barnsley, this year with his daughter. I'm always delighted but worried when these dignitaries come with last minute request of wanting to ride pillion around the rally site eeek! Thanks to the bloke from Hull who obliged, didn't kidnap her and returned her in one piece! Mind you this year she was a spirited lady who insisted riding helmet less so that she could feel the breeze blowing through her hair - a woman after my own heart and potential MAG member I feel.
Jane Chisholm
Chairman MAG UK
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