Letters
Your thoughts, opinions & adventures
Big Brother grows bigger
Did you see BBC2's Money Programme on surveillance? We have more cameras per person than anywhere else in the world. But it's not going to stop there unless society decides it's had enough. The Money Programme showed where we are headed.
In a Dutch nightclub members have a chip inserted under the skin. Entry payments are automatically debited from their account and they are scanned when they buy drinks. In America a hospital is already chipping patients - only their basic details are accessed - at the moment...
Supermarkets are experimenting with tags on products that can be traced anywhere within the store. At the moment you can deactivate the tags as you leave, otherwise they could track them anywhere -at the moment.....
If you use a card to pay for your shopping, supermarkets are already recording what you buy. In Germany a store has taken this one stage further with trollies that remind you what to buy as you walk around the store. Choose what product you would like on a screen and a light comes on at the shelf where its kept. Pick up some shampoo and a screen immediately starts an advert for that product. Put it down and pick up another and a new advert commences. It all sounds very clever but why bother? Just let me do my shopping in peace!!
Your mobile phone can already be tracked anywhere you go. All email activity is stored automatically to monitor and control our lives - the ultimate goal!
External vehicle control systems are not pie in the sky stuff. It's here, now. It's only a matter of time before its imposed unless we fight it all the way.
An EU "think tank" is proposing that in order to reduce transport energy use we should all be restricted to single cylinder 650 automatic 4-strokes. What starts life in a think tank may not stay submerged.
When will enough of the British public decide enough is enough, say give us back our freedom and do something about it?
And if you're a non-MAG member who is reading this, join now if you want to stay free!
Andy Carrott Life Member
A World of Fools
Many of the letters and discussion in The Road can be summed up by a quotation from the 19th century, from Herbert Spencer (1820 - 1903): The ultimate result of shielding men from the effects of folly is to fill the world with fools. So this is hardly news, though politicians have short memories.
Rod Dalitz (Life Member) (IAM)
Licensing Directive
I refer to the article, Brigadier's Briefing, carried in the last issue of The Road, (ref Licensing Directive aka 3DLD).
I found myself agreeing throughout with Craig's comments. Everyone must do what they can to oppose or contain the 3DLD.
Regrettably, those in power may dismiss Craig's comments as being those intended to defend the industry association. However, his stance is a very valid one bearing in mind that the industry employs a large number of people and we do not want a repetition of the effects of the 1981 Transport Act. (huge reduction in motorcycle sales)
This legislation will do little, if anything, to make motorcycling safer. It is a crude, jaundiced approach that attempts to cure an ill-perceived problem in an ignorant fashion and is unworthy of the Brussels administration. As far as I am aware, the 3DLD does not similarly restrict access to car driving licences. An errant rider usually kills only themself. Young drivers frequently cause the death of innocents others.
The second laudable point made by Craig is our questionable image. I am at a loss to know how this problem can be addressed but it is essential that it is. I am repeatedly forced onto the back foot by people who state that they hate motorcyclists. I am appalled by the wickedness of their attitude. A driver sharing the dinner table at a guest house in France told me, with considerable venom, that she would force a motorcyclist down a precipice if she thought she could get away with it. I pointed out that this could leave my 12 year old son, also sitting at the table, without a father. She replied that it is my fault for riding a motorcycle.
It begs the question, what do we do that provokes such evil in our fellow road users? Whatever it is, we must stop it before others stop us. The 3DLD proves that I am not being alarmist.
Roy Buchanan
BA(Hons) IENG FIDiagE Principal Road Safety Officer
London Borough of Sutton
Headlight switches
Fantastic! someone else with a brain and a spine! I wouldn't buy a vehicle without an on/off light switch. In fact when I first heard of the new rule I couldn't quite believe it, so I went into a local bike dealer (Webbs of Lincoln) and asked if I bought a new bike would it have an on/off light switch. They confirmed that it wouldn't. The conversation went as follows:
"All new bikes now have to be compulsory hard wired on." "Well could you fit a switch for me".
"No!"
"Well I wouldn't buy a car that I couldn't turn the lights off would I"?
"Well Volvo's have their lights wired on permanently".
"Exactly!" I said.
I like having the choice to do what I want and get sick and tired of legislation and proposed legislation by non bikers who think we need protecting, or is their hidden agenda just to piss us off?
There's a whole host of other measures to address safety for bikers that are not taken but they cost. It's much cheaper to impose legislation on us as we either pay for it or have choices removed!
Next thing the Eurotwats will have all new cars permanently lit anyway, and then we're back at square one again, so having lights switched off as an option on bikes will be good as we can stand out!
Bikers who just buckle and agree to all legislation thrown at us or can't quite think for themselves perhaps better give up riding and go Morris dancing instead!
Gary Clarkson
Lincoln
Ed: there is no UK requirement to use daytime headlights, the hard wiring is a manufacturer's initiative and a damn silly one at that. If we all complained we might get some action, but the trouble is most riders don't give a stuff and think that daytime headlights help them.
Parking headaches
I tried to park in South Kensington but all the bays were full so I gave up. I did notice however, three scooters with Italian plates, two with parking tickets on their screens. They looked as if they were abandoned. I find this often and it makes me angry because it is depriving us of the opportunity to park. Surely these things should be taxed and converted to UK plates?
Name evaporated
Dangerous gloves!
A traffic police officer in the vicinity of Biggin Hill, pulled a very steady friend of mine over just for a check. He was in dayglo vest, full face helmet, bikers boots and overtrousers. He was told that his chrome leather, unlined, wrist length gloves were not suitable, and he was not getting a NIP this time, but would in the future if found by the same constable. He, being uncertain of all the legalities, accepted the advice, and came to me thinking something is wrong. It is. There is nothing that I know of that controls what riders wear on their hands. Helmets and visors are enough! The police handed him a slip with details of who to call in the event of any query which was Catford Traffic Bike Safe. This is tantamount to infringement of our civil rights and an abuse of Police authority. Needs more exposure methinks. Peter
Ed, This is madness, there are no legal requirements to wear any type of gloves, can you get in touch again Peter I don't have your email address now.
Weaving about
I was very interested in the motion camouflage elimination tactics that were being discussed a couple of issues ago. I feel so safe while weaving from side to side as possible side road users are more aware of me. In fact I have been swerving all over the place for quite some time now. At times there is no justifiable reason, at others there is. In Bristol it is a necessity because of all the pot holes, except on the M5 going south where the new road surface is as smooth as a silken jock strap. Of course I can only imagine what it is like to ride on a silken jock strap.... I think I should shut up now.
Rod Lawless
Thank you
Fankew love the new mag.
cheers Bri
A turning point?
I hear that the Royal Society for Prevention of Accidents is suggesting that play areas that put safety uppermost can be too unchallenging, leading children to seek stimulation elsewhere, like on building sites and railway tracks. It is calling for more exciting and stimulating play areas to discourage children going off to play in such dangerous places.
Could this be a turning point I wonder? Does this mean that the Risk Compensation Theory is at last being taken seriously? Here's hoping it's
the first significant move away from the total nanny state we appeared to be heading towards. Maybe I'll get to legally ride with the wind in my hair before it all disappears!
Peace, love & joy, Mike
Daytime headlights
Regarding the potential Euro madness of having to drive with headlights on all the time; the law makers have lost the plot yet again.
In Scandinavia, where this all started, there is a good reason at certain times of the year to ride / drive with headlights or daylight running lights and that is when the sun is low on the horizon. This far north, this occurs for many months of the year and to enable vehicles to be identified by drivers who have the sun in their eyes, the lights are an excellent idea. You may wish to emulate this logic in this country just after dawn and just before dusk if the sun is low, by putting your headlight on when the sun is behind you. Note that it is only needed when the sun is behind you to allow the drivers coming towards you with the sun in their eyes to pick you out from the dazzle. It is pointless when the sun is in front of you as the vehicle is beautifully illuminated already by the bright sun.
My SAAB 900 had daylight running lights built in. These extra bulbs were 21 watts, same as the stop lamp power.
The other time that daylight running lights are useful in Scandinavia is when travelling through the dark forests that cover vast tracts of these wonderful countries.
Having headlights on down south in the Mediterranean regions with the sun high in the sky most of the time, is just pointless!
I wouldn't be surprised if they noticed that aircraft have strobe lights on the wing tips to make them easier to spot in the sky and they will have us all fitting these to our helmets!
If the Euro rule -makers put some logic into their arguments we just might consider agreeing with them but knee jerk reactions just make us all angry!
Regards from John L Broad
BMW R100RT
Camouflage
I am all for freedom of choice (within reason), but just imagine the court proceedings in a "sorry mate didn't see" you case. Judge- "So what were you wearing at the time of the accident"? Injured biker - "City camouflage combat jacket and trousers your honour".
See page 17 Trade News Road issue 5. I rest my case!
Eddie Sheppard
Dorchester Dorset
Pompous, Moi?
You are giving out totally the wrong message in your magazine. You attempt to make heroes out of people who don't wear crash helmets, you are against high visibility clothing, and you give space to the opinion of Bill Bryson who rails against the use of headlights. These views are quite irresponsible. Any serious biker will tell you that one real value of headlights is that they alert drivers as to who is overtaking them.
Bill Bryson may be a best-selling author and it is an indication of the poor taste of the general public that this is so and you should know better than to quote him. What indeed does he know about motorcycling? On the basis of what I have seen in the two issues of the ROAD that you have sent me, I do not wish to be associated with your organisation and ask that you strike my name from your records.
Richard Tripp
Norfolk
Ed: I make it a general principle to resist taking the micky out of those who have taken the trouble to write to The ROAD but your letter is priceless. I fear you may have rung the wrong number?
Speaking as an author ahemmm, I have to defend Bill Bryson, who is one of the most entertaining and astute observers of human nature in print today. Some people even reckon he's as good as me.
The following address may be of value to you: RoSPA, Head Office: RoSPA House, Edgbaston Park, 353 Bristol Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B5 7ST, UK
French speeding
A warning to anyone planning on taking their bike to France. I got 'zapped' on my 1200 Bandit by a Gendarme with a laser speed gun last week (2 days into a 6-day holiday) in the Auverne area.
They clocked me at 175kph in a 90kph limit when I whizzed past a line of traffic on a dead straight road with no houses/turnings/pedestrians etc.
For this, they relieved me of my licence (posting it back to my home address) and 750 Euros (approx £500) Not funny! No more riding for the remainder of my stay...
Luckily the friend whose house we were staying in was down for a Motocross meeting with his van and took my bike back to the UK for me. I had to go pillion with my 2 friends.
Doc out
Tax payers against surveillance
We are fast approaching a line where the law cannot be broken even to the point of a misdemeanour. Loss of license and liberty will follow when all this technology is linked. You get banned from driving in a 500 yard stretch. You could collect thousands of pounds in fines in the days leading to your first Notice of Prosecution without even realising it. Then if you can't pay the fines, it's off to jail. But hey, injury accidents could be reduced by up to 20% not counting the accidents caused by trying to overtake a car doing 25mph in a 30mph zone. Can you start a new club for LATPAIS.That's Law-abiding tax payers against intrusive surveillance, whilst there are still some of us left?
I guess by now I agree with you, the law cracks down on the soft targets and we keep putting up with more and more. Well even soft target's pockets are only so deep.
R Tiplady
Ed I think MAG is that 'club'.
No mpg figures?
I'm currently considering buying a new bike. Why are bikes never advertised with fuel consumption figures?
Mike Mason
Ed: I guess the marketing boys don't reckon the market is interested. At the time of writing, fuel is about as cheap as it's ever been in real terms. Gordon Brown axed the fuel escalator in response to public outrage, but world events and shortage will probably push it sky-high soon and then you might see a change. I think the ROAD should take a lead on this though, take note anyone submitting a 'My Bike' column.
Privatised justice
While I don't agree with evasion, records can be wrong, as DVLA have fairly recently admitted (up to 30% accurate).
DVLA are only committing to updating 95% of registration records within 12 days - this leaves 5% outside the seven day window - a very worrying figure indeed. Also, the DVLA don't quote a percentage within 7 days, so the number of registrations which may be incorrect within the 7 days may be far higher!
The most worrying aspect about this is that an agency (DVLA) has taken it upon itself to ask a private firm (NCP) to mete out summary justice by both policing and punishing. Surely this far exceeds DVLA's remit of keeping records and collecting taxes! I would also have thought NCP were on very dodgy legal ground by accepting the contract. I thought only the criminal justice system was allowed these sort of powers after going through due process.
The most serious part of this is only giving 7 days notice. If you were away on holiday for a fortnight, your car/bike can be taken and scrapped long before you get back, with no opportunity to object.
So the big question is, if something goes wrong with record keeping or ANPR, and you get clamped/crushed, who is liable? DVLA, NCP or the government - who is underwriting the claims against incorrect confiscation? Will you be entitled to compensation? This all sounds like it hasn't been properly thought out.
Mark Young
Southampton MAG
Political neutrality
I understand why MAG is politically neutral but I cannot see why we cannot advise our members to vote against the political party that has :
- introduced thousands of Gatsos;
- seen motorcyclists jailed;
- reduced police road patrols;
- attacks innocent tax payers
- and exercised many other wilful misuses of power.
If some of our members have never voted before, then we must exhort them to vote this time to kick out Gordon Brown and his revenue-collecting thugs.
Richard Howells
Ed. Hmmm I think your first line provides the answer to be honest Richard. This is sticky territory. MAG will criticise any government's actions if we think they are wrong, but in taking sides in the way you suggest, we would alienate not only possible support from good people in parliament but many of our members also. Much road safety is driven by the road safety lobby rather than party ideologies.
I wish to protest
I wish to protest strongly about the content of the latest issue. First, you show a rider on the cover wearing an illegal crash helmet - naughty.
Then, on the back cover, you carry an advertisement for a camouflage jacket, and you compound the felony by promoting it on page 17. Camouflage is supposed to make the wearer difficult to see. In fairness, you could see this guy coming at about five miles, but the principle is there.
Inside, on page 31, you show a dog being ill-treated. Finally, please stop telling us that Dave French is Irish. Any fule no that French is an Irish surname, in fact a guy called Percy French wrote 'The Mountains of Mourne'.
And another song called 'Abdul the Bulbul Amir', which it might be best, in these sensitive times, not to mention.
Seriously, good magazine again, great read. Keep up the good work.
Disgusting of Walton-on Thames.
aka Jim Peace
ps The editor owes me a pint. I read 'Looking for America' all the way through, every word. Actually, I really enjoyed it, particularly reading about places I'd been to myself. Good stuff.
Ed. Thanks Jim, Naturally we've reported the Goldie rider to the police, who will doubtless be on his case with full resources as most stolen vehicle units have now been disbanded to deal with priority cases like this. I can assure anyone who was genuinely disturbed by the picture of Pink Floyd that this hound was not being mistreated. He just had his jowls lifted and it looks a bit scary.
Left out
I have been a member of MAG for quite a number of years now and was honoured and priveliged to receive Honourary Life Membership at this year's Annual General Conference (which was omitted from the AGC report in the last issue of The Road). Over the years I have been to a lot of meetings, rallies and demos and whilst there have been countless thousands of faces that have come and gone (and without whose support MAG could not survive), there are many that can be seen time and time again, hard at work for MAG. You all deserve Honourary Life Membership! Please accept a slap on the back from one lucky volunteer.
Andy Carrott
Mid Lincs MAG
Brum demo
I enjoyed the Brum demo 06. A smooth-run triumph for Birmingham MAG. Enjoyed the opportunity to hear The Editor speak and must say he is spot on. If we don't stand up to the 'one more death on the road is one too many' brigade we are going to end up with a very sterile, boring existence.
Peter
BSE MAG
The Tentspotter writes!
So good to see the extras from 'Brokeback Mountain' in the last issue finally enjoying themselves after a traumatic morning seeking the best advice as to what canvas to purchase. After an anxious few hours they were finally able to contact me on the helpline and I was able to advise a 'Hobo Bouquet Eightman,' which they were able to purchase from the town. Anyone in need of advice please contact me at: www.allinfergshead.co.uk
Gary (tentspotter) Edwards
eBike and mini motos
You published my letter about one broker declining me insurance on a modified bike. I eventually went back to a major insurance underwriter and am pleased to report that I have just renewed my policy; this time with eBike and they offered me a policy at two thirds of the underwriter's price.
Yesterday I went to a local residents' meeting with the community police officer. It seemed that more than half of those there were complaining about the nuisance of kids on mini-motos. I noticed that those present were not readily able to see the difference between law-abiding bikers and anti-social teenagers.
I pointed out that the local press are still carrying adverts for traders who sell the machines without any notice about their legality and intended use. I hasten to add the sellers are not bona fide motorcycle dealers, but discount warehouse and market traders. But the police suggested they had no powers to stop the sale and even Trading Standards had little power. So I thought, If the public can't discriminate between what is legal and what is not, might the Government be using crime and accident statistics that are flawed? Could it be that accident statistics are being swelled by 'silly kids fooling about?'
Furthermore, is there anything that MAG or the motorcycle industry can do to stop the sale of mini-motos?
Tim
Ed, Not our job really, limited resources I'm afraid - it's a police matter or a Trading Standards issue.
Critique of correspondents
Many thanks for the magazine, I always look forward to it dropping through the door. I read the letter from 'Snapper' with interest and agree that something should be done about driving standards, but his idea of using ex-examiners is a non-starter. I've just retired from the DSA after 27 years as a driving examiner and do not want to go out on 'patrol' as he suggests. It would take a big shake-up in the present laws to enable such people to stop vehicles.
Ref. Glen Comiskey's idea of re-testing is an old chestnut and I agree to some extent, however, as you rightly say, the logistics would be impossible. What would make sense is for magistrates to order more traffic offenders to re-take a test before being allowed to resume driving unaccompanied. The legislation is in place but it's seldom used. Jump on wrong-doers not the innocent.
Now I have heard that drivers and riders are going to be required to take a reaction test when they reach 75 years of age. Firstly, is there any evidence that older people have or cause more accidents? I don't think so.
Then there's Mr Sugg who seems to have a bee in his bonnet doesn't he? I can't see why he thinks you are right wing. I would like to see criminals locked up for much longer, with no TVs or other luxuries. Why not follow America, 3 strikes and you're out? I do agree that not so many people should be in prison, we should have kept capital punishment, that would keep the numbers down wouldn't it? Murderers and paedos would qualify along with those who nick bikes.
Finally I've just heard that it will soon be legal to camouflage cameras. If ever proof was needed that these are just to make money that must be it.
Barrie W Farnell
Could do better
The ROAD is a good magazine, it could easily be a great one. Why so little news regarding actual riders rights? I for one would like to be kept informed on the helmet law situation in the USA. After all, they actually get lid laws repealed/amended and should be an inspiration to us all. The repeal of the UK helmet law is fundamental to MAG, it's the original piece of nanny state anti biker legislation after all. I am proud to be a MAG member, but would leave the day the helmet campaign is forsaken. I wonder what happened to simple direct action? ie actually riding lidless as a protest? I personally can no longer obey the lid law and so have taken to riding trikes and quads. Have I given up? Well sort of I suppose, but the act of dumping my helmets in the recycling bin left me grinning for hours!
What happened to the news on the government's enquiry into risk legislation? There is currently too much coverage of bike rallies/events: do we really have to know that Big Dave got so pissed that he couldn't find his tent? Or that Litttle Tracey also got pissed enough to find him attractive? Sorry if I sound like an old moaner.
Adam Chandler
Ed. I'm with you 100% on the helmet law Adam. MAG has faced, and continues to face criticism from those who would have us throw away our core principle for credibility with the masses. I guess MAG will never be fully mainstream as long as we put principle above popularity. I would rather be part of something principled however, than part of a mass movement of oafs which is why I'm typing this at 1am rather than watching a bunch of slappers and morons bawling at each other on Big Brother. The Better Regulation Commission has sadly decided not to use the helmet law as a test case for evaluating the limits of Government interference. I spoke to their office and discovered that the MAG member who worked there has moved on and those remaining are anxious about the contentious nature of using such a provocative issue. Bugger! They are inviting public input however so please go to www.brc.gov.uk/ and give them some. Better Regulation Commission Secretariat, Cabinet Office, 6th Floor, 22 Whitehall,London, SW1A 2WH 020 7276 2143 commission@cabinet-office.x.gsi.gov.uk
I take your other points on board Adam, though I think if you add up all the news, the campaigning section and comment columns, there is more politics than ever.
The biker movement in the USA is an inspiration to me too, which is why I'm going over again to Sturgis this year to experience some more lid-free riding. People may like to criticise Uncle Sam, but American bikers value freedom and never give up on the pursuit of it.
I'm looking at the balance of content in the magazine more and more carefully and members' input does help guide me in that respect. That said, I have to say I think I've mentioned my inability to find my tent at the Farmyard and all I drank was tea.
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