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05/11/05 - Aberdeenshire MAG Toy Run.
Aberbeenshire will be holding their annual Toy Run on 11th December. Meet at Aberdeen Beach Boulevard at 12:30pm for a 1:30pm departure. More
details available from their website.
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06/10/05 - Save money and fun MAG.
From 1st October 2005, MAG have entered into a business agreement with a new supplier of quality, low-cost insurance for motorcycles, e-bike.
All you have to do is log onto their website (click on the link on the main MAG UK site) and e-bike will make a donation to MAG's fighting
fund for every policy written! Simple. These are great deals and there are all sorts of goodies which come free with your policy. Give it a
try, what have you got to lose!!
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01/10/05 - MAG Scotland AGM.
The MAG Scotland AGM will be held on Sunday 23rd October at 1:30pm in the Pitlochry Festival Theatre.
Full details available here
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21/09/05 - European Licence Demo.
The Motorcycle Action Group and the British Motorcyclists Federation are co-operating with Motor Cycle News in the organisation of a protest
gathering and ride in Brussels on Saturday 1st October in response to the EU proposals on motorcycle licensing.
We feel that the risk posed to the future of motorcycling by these draconian regulations is considerable as it is likely they will severely
discourage new riders from taking to two wheels. In all probability millions of potential riders will take to cars instead as access to them
will be far easier by comparison.
This is bad for the future of the riders’ movement as it diminishes the pool of potential support as well as reducing the percentage of total
traffic that we represent.
The regulations would appear to have been designed simply to discourage people from taking to motorcycles as a crude means of reducing the
gross numbers of motorcycle accidents, a policy which will be resisted totally by the riders’ movement.
MAG's Director of Public Affairs, Trevor Baird says, "If Governments or non democratic institutions wish to introduce these regulations
they should produce evidence justifying these proposals and not bring about extra and unnecessary regulation, in the name of safety."
The intention of the demonstration is simply to attract media and political attention to the issue in order to bolster the negotiations that
have been on-going for some time.
The provisional plan is to meet at the Atomium in Brussels at 1pm on Saturday October 1st and after a few brief speeches, to ride past the
Parliament buildings in order to provide a photo opportunity for the media.
There is no organised rally or social dimension to this event however details of a campsite and telephone numbers for accommodation will be
posted on the MAG and BMF websites and in MCN.
We apologise for the short notice of this demonstration which has been prompted by the sustained intransigence of EU institutions under the
banner of harmonisation.
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09/09/05 - REYNOLDS RIDES IN TO UNVEIL HIZZY MEMORIAL.
Steve Hislop Commemorative Statue Unveiling – Hawick – Saturday 1st October 2005
Triple British Superbike Champion John Reynolds will lead a cavalcade of bikers into Hawick on Saturday 1st October before unveiling the
bronze statue of his friend and former rival Steve Hislop who was tragically killed in 2003.
Created by sculptor David Annand, the event combines the annual Steve Hislop Memorial Run whereby fans are welcome to join the "ride in"
from various points as detailed below before the ceremony which takes place at Wilton Lodge Park, Hawick at 1pm.
Friends of the late, great "Hizzy" including organisers Alan Duffus and Jeff Henthorne will conduct formalities before Rizla Suzuki
ace "JR" and BSB pit lane reporter and long term confidant of Hislop, Larry "Scoop" Carter, say a few words also.
Afterwards, fans are welcome to visit the Steve Hislop Commemorative room in Hawick to see many of Steve’s trophies and racing memorabilia,
or to visit the memorial cairn at the crash site as well as the Jimmy Guthrie rooms at Wilton Lodge Park.
To join this historic ride, enthusiasts and fans can meet at the following points before the ride to Jedburgh whereby all parties will meet
for a 12.00 noon departure from Woollen Mill Car Park -
From the North:
- 07.45am (for 08.15 departure) Tay Road Bridge Car Park (Fife side)
- 09.00am (for 09.30 departure) Alan Duffus M/C, St Clair Street, Kirkcaldy
- 10.00am (for 10.15 departure) Forth Road Bridge (south side)
- 10.45am (for 11.00 departure) Fordell Filling Station (A68 south of Dalkeith)
then on to Jedburgh via A68
From the South:
- 11.45am (for 12 noon departure) Woollen Mill Car Park, Jedburgh (A68)
From the West:
- 09.00am (for 09.15 departure) Erskine Bridge East
- 10.00am (for 10.15 departure) Harthill Services East
- 10.15am (for 11.00 departure) Fordell Filling Station (A68 south of Dalkeith)
then on to Jedburgh via A68
Please ensure that you are on time and fully fuelled up as the schedule is very tight. Please be aware that whilst this event has the full
support and co-operation of the local police forces, they have insisted that all riders and their machines comply with the various Road
Traffic Acts at all times.
Further details available from Alan Duffus Motorcycles, 19-21 St Clair Street, Kirkcaldy, Fife. Tel: 01592 264135.
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06/09/05 - Stolen Bike.
Stolen Sunday 4th September between 4.00am & 7.00am, Livingston area.
Bike: Derestricted grey Aprilia RS50
Reg No: NV02 URT
VIN: ZD4SE00002S103817
Standard bike except for round front indicators, bent rear brake pedal, ball end of clutch lever missing and scratches on right-hand decal.
If you see or have any details of the whereabouts of this bike please call 07900 934730.
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20/08/05 - European Licence Fiasco.
MAG PRESS RELEASE
European Licence Fiasco - Barrel Load of Madness
Issued 16th August 2005
The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG UK) has launched its three pronged lobby to bring sense to the proposals contained in the European Unions
3rd European Driving Licence Directive.
MAG is asking riders to lobby their MEPs, MPs and the Secretary of State for Transport, Alistair Darling
The directive, due to be implemented in 2011, is an attempt to harmonize motorcycle licences across Europe all in the name of road safety. It
is a prime example of bewildering over-regulation in an effort to cut motorcycle accidents. The European Commission has now set itself an
accident reduction target of 50% as set down in its 3rd Road Safety Action Plan.
The directive also contains sections on weight limits on trailers, age limitations and renewals of licences, eye sight tests, medical checks
and the inclusion of chips or biometric strips on licences.
Before this directive is imposed, the UK will see the introduction of the 2nd European Driving Licence Directive in 2008, which will
implement a more stringent test regime with the introduction of a two stage test, one part being "off road." This will be a super
CBT test with a brake and swerve manoeuvre included requiring the provision of enhanced test centres, as many current ones cannot accommodate
this test.
By 2011 the cost of obtaining a motorcycle licence will be out of the reach of young riders and the contribution that motorcycles can make to
the reduction of congestion and environmental protection will be reduced.
The flawed directive includes proposals for:
- Minimum age of access to all types of motorcycles larger than 125cc rises from 17 to 19.
- Minimum age for Direct Access to larger motorcycles rises from 21 to 24.
- Stepped licence system between licence categories requiring riders to complete further testing or training between steps.
- Flexibility that empowers individual European countries to introduce age requirements which really makes a mockery of the whole
concept of a European harmonized motorcycle licence.
The directive in the past year has seen several compromise amendments, with the main thrust of the European motorcycle
communities' position ignored.
Motorcyclists now face a mere rubber stamping of the directive in the European Parliament.
MAG's Director Of Public Affairs Trevor Baird says, "The whole process of the directive can be seen as a philosophical approach that
tougher testing and training will reduce accidents simply by reducing the numbers of motorcyclists."
This will deny riders the right balance between safety, mobility and access to Powered-Two Wheelers while at the same time, failing to
address the real issues of motorcycle safety.
The UK Government is now "in charge" of the directive and MAG calls on the government to use its Presidency well, not to ignore the
evidence from Europe or from the Department for Transport that shows that the most common type of accident resulting in motorcycle user
casualties is one that also involves a car.
The motorcycle community is involved in the delivery of the government's national motorcycle strategy for a sensible, practical and
deliverable package of measures to make a positive difference for motorcycling, and make sure that motorcycling takes its proper place in the
transport mainstream as a safe, affordable means of transport.
As a Riders' Rights organisation, MAG has a real interest in the future of motorcycling and the freedom to ride. MAG believes that there are
fundamental issues concerning behaviour and attitude that need addressing and that this is specifically related to the lack of training not
only of young car drivers but also for young PTW riders. Training and testing are not the same. A test is a one off event and demands basic
skills, training implies progression and the development of skills.
We are approaching the stage where the motorcycle community may have to say to Europe "enough is enough", we will not compromise
further on our position, and call for the removal of the motorcycle part of the directive.
To put it bluntly those legislators and politicians who act on the European citizens' behalf must take note of the motorcycling community's
concerns and recognise that they will be held accountable for their actions.
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23/06/05 - Farmyard Party Marshals Flood Appeal.
MAG PRESS RELEASE
Farmyard Party Marshals Flood Appeal.
Issued 22nd June 2005
"On behalf of MAG UK and the Farmyard Party (FYP) Marshals I would like to thank you all on the various web forums for the
concern shown for the safety and welfare of the marshals in the aftermath of the flood that hit the Farmyard Party site on
Sunday evening at Duncombe Park, Helmsley.
Due to your concerns and requests, MAG are setting up a FYP Marshals Flood Appeal.
As you can imagine the site clearance is still on going and the marshals are stretched to the limit under the difficult
conditions.
Health and safety is a big issue at present with heavy machinery moving on site and raw sewage now stagnating
in the standing water.
The marshals, who are all volunteers and even pay for their tickets to attend the event, have the experience
and professionalism to cope. Lead by Pete Walker the "come down" when the adrenaline and work is finished will hit
hard as many have lost ten days stock of clothes and many personal possessions, while bikes have been badly damaged and days
lost from work.
All those who were there have a story to tell, the pictures in the national papers do not reflect the damage
caused to the site or the drama of events as they unfolded on Sunday evening.
A big word of thanks to the emergency services, Lord and Lady Feversham, the staff at the Primary School in
Pickering, the extreme sandwich maker, Johnsons of Leeds, those who kept our spirits up and all the offers of help.
There have been some cheerful moments the best of which was when a teddy bear of huge sentimental value was
reunited with his owner Lynn Sygrove after being found lodged in the riverbank downstream.
For lost property enquiries please call 0870 225 8352 from Friday 24th June onwards.
While insurance to cover the event was taken out, the extent to which it will compensate is limited. The
personal losses are expected to be considerable and those who have already sacrificed most in order to make the event a success
are currently the biggest losers.
You can donate by ringing MAG UK on 0870 444 8448 and asking for FYP Marshals Flood Appeal with credit card
details or post cheques payable to "MAG UK Ltd" to MAG UK, PO BOX 750, Rugby, CV21 3ZR marked "FYP MFA".
MAG relies heavily on the financial injection from Farmyard profits so the organisation could have to cut back
on the range of it's activities as a result of this disaster. For those who are not MAG members but who have always meant to
join - there has never been a time like the present!
Ian Mutch
MAG President
NOTES
If anyone wants to lend a hand to help us clear the FYP site you are more than welcome.
We need folk who are prepared to work picking up all manner of stuff - you will need strong boots/wellies/waders
- gloves - your dinner - drinks etc - this is not glamorous work but hard graft and no pay but a thank you.
Folk with 4 wheel drives and trailers would be a big help.
Camping is now possible but there are no facilities other than fresh water, please come with everything you
need for as long as you intend to stay.
No sightseers please.
If you are up for if please turn up at the site between 8-9am from Thursday 23rd to Sunday 26th
June.
Contact
for further details.
Issued by
Trevor Baird
Director Of Public Affairs
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11/06/05 - MotoBrio discount
Kelso based motorcycle clothing and accessories business Motobrio have contacted us to offer MAG members 10% discount on any
item over £10 bought online from their website.
They have only been trading for a year, and with customer service their No.1 priority, they stock HJC helmets, the full range of
Oxford Products, Held gloves and boots, as well as the SMUG and RS Performance range of leather and fabric clothing. Check out
their website for more details. They sell well below list prices across the board and the
additional 10% discount offers outstanding value for money.
Please quote Discount code: ScotClubs001 when ordering.
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10/06/05 - Glasgow Museum of Transport Parade of Wheels
Glasgow's Museum of Transport will be having a Parade of Wheels through Glasgow on Sunday 26thJune. The parade will go
from Glasgow Vintage Vehicle Trust’s Bridgeton Bus Garage through the city to the Museum of Transport car park. This year the
Parade will stop on Glasgow Green at 12.20 and at the SECC at 1.00 so that the public get an extra opportunity to admire your
vehicle on it's way to the Museum of Transport. It will include all types of wheeled transport from vintage cars to rollerblades
and they would like some motorbikes/trikes/scoots along too so please fill out the registration form
and join in the fun. Entry is free with entertainment and refreshments being provided.
Assemble at Bridgeton Bus Garage at 11.00 for 12 noon departure.
Call the Museum of Transport on 0141 287 2720 for further details.
The Museum of Transport have supported us on our Easter Egg Run the last couple of years by generously offering free tea/coffee to
all attendees and providing an overspill car park so we would encourage you to support their event.
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03/06/05 - Edinburgh & District MAG Demo Run
STOP PRESS - At half past two Wednesday afternoon, we received notification that the DEMO run would not be allowed to
proceed along Princes Street this year. Due to an oversight the Council had not obtained a waiver to temporally suspend the
traffic order which prohibits all vehicles except buses, cycles and taxis from using Princes Street between 7am and 8pm. Due to
the notices required for such a waiver and given the very short timescale of the notification of this problem it will not be
possible to obtain a waiver this year.
The Traffic Division were as a consequence unable to grant access to Princes Street, unless the run is escorted and they have
indicated that they will not be providing an escort during the run.
This appeared to be contrary to our permission from the Council which had granted permission for the run to use Princes Street and,
while not specifically indicating a police escort, had indicated that the police would provide assistance with the demo.
After extensive discussions and meetings with the police and council we have been granted permission to divert via Leith Street,
York Place, Queen Street, North Charlotte Street, Charlotte Square and South Charlotte Street, before rejoining the original route.
Though still without a police escort.
While this will be a disappointment to many participants, we believe that at this late stage we have little option other than to
comply with the proposed diverted route in this instance.
We have been given assurances from the council that now that this problem has been brought to their attention, they will be taking
action to ensure that the traffic order is amended to permit processions and demonstrations to be granted the necessary waiver in
future.
At the very least to prevent the same problem that has affected us to be resolved for the many other processions and demonstrations
which contain prohibited vehicles.
I know that many of you will be outraged that our legitimate right to protest has been diluted as a result of this problem and hope
that you can join with us to express our dissatisfaction to the powers that be in this discriminatory treatment.
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01/06/05 - Edinburgh & District MAG Demo Run
Please be advised that this years motorcycle demo run scheduled for Saturday 4th June will assemble at the East end
of Regent Road at 12 noon for a 12:30pm departure for an escorted run along Princes Street.
The theme of this years demo is to ensure that the council provide adequate secure motorcycle parking in the proposed extension
to the controlled parking zone. In addition we are calling on the council to carry out the necessary repairs to the roads
network within Edinburgh, which is vital for the safety and efficiency of all modes of transport, with the exception of rail,
and is of particular concern to two wheeled modes. The continued failure to devote adequate resources to repairs, is counter to
the Council's stated aim of encouraging alternative modes of transport to the car to reduce congestion and is a considerable
disincentive to those contemplating using two wheeled transport.
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05/05/05 - Run to Berwick Quayside Motorcycle Show
Join Edinburgh and West Lothian MAG members for a run to the Berwick Quayside Motorcycle Show on Saturday 21st May.
Round trip of approximately 120 miles.
No motorways on route so suitable for novices and learners.
PLEASE FILL UP BEFORE DEPARTURE to minimise petrol stops.
Meeting Points
- A1 Service Station at the East end of the Edinburgh City Bypass (A720) 10:30am for 11:00am departure.
- Shell station adjacent to Lizzy Brice's Roundabout, Livingston off the A899/A71 at 9:30am for 10:00am departure.
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05/05/05 - Edinburgh MAG run to Number 1 Rally
Join Edinburgh MAG for a run to Middlesbrough MAG's "Number One Rally"
Whether you're an old hand or new to the bike scene you're welcome to join us for a run to the Number 1 Rally. A rally with a
traditional feel on the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors. As well as the usual bands, food, drink and stalls on the Friday and
Saturday nights, the rally features a Demo run on the Saturday after which we will be exploring some of North Yorkshire’s finest
scenery.
We will be meeting at Fordell Services on the A68 (South of Dalkeith) at 1.00pm for a 1:30pm departure on Friday 13th
May, returning Sunday 15th May.
For more details please phone 0131 553 7307 or
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07/04/05 - Bikers Are Voters 2005
The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) is harnessing it's members and bikers nationwide to remind politicians that more than ever - bikers
are voters.
Past efforts to send this message to parliament have resulted in the formation of the Government Advisory Group on Motorcycling,
which has brought MAG to the table with good results.
The exemption of motorcycles from congestion charging, the bus lane access trials and the enhanced parking provision in city
centres are all examples of a preferred transport status option for which MAG has argued.
The group now wishes to see those initiatives rolled out nation-wide with full central government backing.
Besides the pro-motorcycling initiatives aimed at enhancing the usefulness of motorcycles as a means of addressing our congestion
and environmental problems MAG seeks an end to the negative portrayal of motorcycling.
Detractors in influential positions are still misrepresenting data in an effort to marginalise a form of transport that is enjoying
increasing patronage by all classes, sexes and age groups.
MAG is urging it's members to send MAG’s manifesto plus a list of questions to candidates in an effort to identify where support and
opposition lies throughout the political spectrum. It is also hoped that candidates who hold no views on our issues will be
encouraged to look at the arguments we are presenting and support motorcycling.
MAG’s Public Affairs Officer Trevor Baird said, "In 1997 Labour promised to put motorcycling at the heart of transport policy.
MAG remains politically neutral but we have no problem insisting that whoever wins the General election adopts that pledge and acts
on it."
MAG’s President Ian Mutch emphasised that motorcycles can help achieve the environmental and mobility challenges of the 21st
century, we want to see all parties accept the simple logic that bikes make sense.
For more information on how to get involved and how to quiz the candidates, view the following document -

Here's a list of the candidates for the Scottish consitiuencies -
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05/04/05 - Edinburgh & District MAG Mystery Run
On Sunday 17th April Edinburgh & District MAG will be holding a "Mystery Run"
This will consist of a round trip of approximately 110 miles, with no motorways so will be suitable for novices and learners. All
attendees are advised to fill up before departure to minimise petrol stops.
Meeting points on the run are:
- BP service station, south end of Forth Road Bridge 10:00am for 10:30am departure
- BP service station, Dalgety Bay 10:15am for 10:45am departure
- Dunfermline Motorcycle Training School, departure 11:00am
Further information from 0131 553 7307 and 01383 726617.
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02/04/05 - Local MAG Group Changes
- Edinburgh & District MAG - As of this month, Edinburgh MAG will be meeting at the Meadow Bar in Buccleuch Street, Edinburgh.
Meetings will be held there on 1st and 3rd Mondays of the month at 8:30pm.
For more details phone 0131 553 7307 or 07973 660684.
- West Lothian MAG - This new group will be meeting at 8:30pm on the 2nd Monday of the month at the Dovehill Arms in Main Street,
Uphall.
For more details phone 01506 830030.
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08/03/05 - Simon Milward Tragically Killed in Africa
It is with great regret that we must tell you that Simon Milward, the former General Secretary of the Federation of European
Motorcyclists Associations (FEMA) has died in a road accident in Africa while on a round the world charity fund-raising motorcycle
ride.
Simon, who set out on what he called The Millennium Ride at the beginning of 2000 was raising funds for charities providing medical
assistance via motorcycles in poor countries.
He had reached the West African state of Mali in West Africa on his way back to Europe when the accident occurred.
Details from the authorities are minimal at present but we shall post more on MAG's website as information becomes available.
Initiatives have been made to repatriate his body and we shall post bulletins on the website to advise of further arrangements.
Anyone wishing to recognise the selfless work Simon so enthusiastically committed himself to, may like to visit his website for
details regarding donations to his charities.
www.millennium-ride.com
All of us at MAG UK wish to express our sympathy to Simon's family and his many friends around the world. His loss leaves a huge
gap in all our lives.
Ian Mutch
MAG President
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23/02/05 - Road Safety Minister David Jamieson announces publication of first National Motorcycling Strategy
The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) welcomes the Road Safety Minister David Jamieson's announcement of the publication of the first
National Motorcycling Strategy (NMS)
designed to ensure the "mainstreaming" of motorcycling as a means of transport.
MAG has worked relentlessly over a five year period with the rest of the motorcycle community to complete the Advisory Group on
Motorcycling recommendations to Government and to advance these towards a national motorcycle strategy.
Motorcycling now has the opportunity to represent itself at the very top seat of mainstream transportation with recognition from
Government that an increasing number of people are turning to motorcycles and scooters in order to beat congestion as well as
riding bikes just for the sheer fun of it.
The strategy aims to ensure that:
- motorcycling is recognised as a "mainstream" mode of transport.
- transport planning and infrastructure decisions fully take motorcycling into account.
- motorcycle design continues to improve.
- the attitudes and behaviour of both drivers and motorcyclists is focused on looking out for each other.
- pre-test and post-test training continues to improve, making it attractive to riders.
- the motorcycle test is reviewed, including a review of the delivery of the Direct Access Scheme.
Road Safety Minister David Jamieson said, "This is the first national motorcycling strategy and clearly
demonstrates the Government's commitment to addressing the concerns of bikers, ensuring that the needs of motorcyclists are fully
considered when making future decisions."
Trevor Baird, Director of Public Affairs, MAG said, "It is the moment of truth for motorcycling, this has not been megaphone
diplomacy but steady work in partnership to set out a clear programme of action for the future of motorcycle policies in the UK"
The NMS provides a keystone for motorcycle policies but the main issues of immediate concern for MAG are the acceptance by
authorities of the benefits of motorcycles in Bus Lanes, provision of adequate Motorcycle Parking, the danger of Diesel spills,
Crash Barrier design and the promotion and funding of Bikesafe.
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17/02/05 - URGENT LOBBY Third European Driving Licence Directive
The motorcycling community in the UK has united to voice their deep concerns to UK MEPs about the proposals put forward by the
European Parliament Transport Committee in relation to the draft Third European Driving Licence Directive.
Since the draft directive was proposed in 2003, the motorcycle community in the UK have been present at Department for Transport
and Driver Standards Agency meetings to raise concerns about the approach of the directive which aims to harmonize motorcycle
licences and reduce accidents.
In Europe, riders have been represented in the European institutions and parliament by FEMA (Federation of European Motorcyclists'
Associations) which has a coordinated approach with FIM (Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme) and ACEM, the Motorcycle
Industry in Europe.
We need you to write to your MPs about the directive and the concerns it raises. More details about the directive and how you can
help are available here
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15/01/05 - MAG Scotand Easter Egg Run
Sunday 27th March at Kelvin Way. Meet 12:00 noon for a 12:30pm start. Bring along an Easter Egg for the
kids in the hospitals and/or a donation for Yorkhill Children's Foundation. Riders of all types of motorbikes, scooters,
trikes and mopeds and all levels of experience are welceom. Please note, Kelvin Way will be a one-way street on the
day with access being at the University Avenue end.
Phone 0870 774 3569,
for more info or visit the website.
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13/01/05 - Aberdeenshire MAG 13thStri Son Saorsa Rally
22nd - 24thApril at a venue in the heart of Aberdeenshire. Tickets cost £12 pre-book,
£18 on the gate (Discount on gate with valid MAG membership card). Ticket applications should be sent with a
stamped self addressed envelope to Aberdeenshire MAG, c/o 6 Braecroft Drive, Westhill, Aberdeen AB32 6FF with a
cheque made payable to Aberdeenshire MAG.
Phone 01224 749304 or 01779 813061 for more info or check out their website.
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13/01/05 - Aberdeenshire MAG Easter Egg Run
Aberdeenshire MAG will having their Easter Egg Run on Sunday 20thMarch. Meet at 12:30pm for a 1:00pm start
at Aberdeen Beach Boulevard and bring along a chocolate egg for the kids. Tel: 01224 663342 for more details.
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20/12/04 - Xmas Toy Run
Thanks to everyone who turned up in the freezing cold. We managed to raise £320 for the Hospital and cheered up an
awful lot of kids. More details and pictures can be seen here
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03/12/04 - Glasgow MAG Xmas Toy Run
Due to the recent demise of Glasgow MAG the annual Xmas Toy Run to Yorkhill requires a new club to organise it. Any club who
is interested please contact MAG Scotland as soon as possible. The MAG Scotland Easter Egg Run co-ordinators will provide them
with assistance in the organisation of the run. A provisional date of Sunday 19th December has been set for the
run.
UPDATE - This run will be going ahead after all under the MAG Scotland banner. Please meet in Kelvin Way at 10:30am
for a 11:00am start. Yes we know it's early but these things can't be helped!.
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03/12/04 - Glasgow MAG & Reivers MAG suspended
For various reasons both Glasgow MAG and Reivers MAG groups have been suspended until further notice. Look for these groups
to be relaunched sometime in the New Year.
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25/11/04 - MAG Scotland AGM minutes
The MAg Scotland AGM was held on Sunday 24th October in the Glenfarg Hotel, Glenfarg, Perthshire.
The full minutes can now be viewed here.
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15/09/04 - Aberdeenshire MAG Toy Run
Aberdeenshire MAG will be holding their annual Toy Run on Sunday 12th December. Meet at the Beach Boulevard at
12:30pm for a 1pm start. Please bring a wrapped present with a note boy/girl/age. Phone 01224 894971 (evenings) for more
info or check their website
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10/09/04 - MAG Scotland AGM
MAG Scotland will br holding it's AGM on Sunday 24th October at 1:00pm in the Glenfarg Hotel, Glenfarg, Perthshire.
Please visit the webpage for more details.
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09/09/04 - BikeSafe funding
The Motorcycle Action Group is delighted with the news that Britain’s bike industry has stumped up the cash to invest
in the nationwide Bikesafe initiative while slamming the Government for failing to put it's money where it's mouth is.
MAG has supported Bikesafe since it’s inception in 1997 in Yorkshire driven then by Chief Superintendent David Short.
Bikesafe, acting as a conduit combines rider assessment, road safety discussion and assisted motorcycle riding to
identify areas where riders could benefit from further advanced motorcycle training.
The MCIA found £37,500 to inject into Bikesafe which will see the initiative keeping up to speed until April
2005. MAG agrees with the bike industry that while the Government claims reducing bike accidents is important to it,
pressure needs to be placed on ministers to find a way of funding Bikesafe from the cash collected by speed cameras.
Bikesafe, which is police run, has a proven track record and public support according to the MCIA and believes the
programme has helped with the 8% decrease in bike accidents in London in 2003. Figures presented to MAG at the London
Motorcycle Working Group from Transport For London support motorcyclists’ view that other vehicle users cause
motorcycle accidents. With the introduction of congestion charging, which motorcycles are exempt from, motorcycle use
has increased and other vehicle use has decreased.
MAG’s Director of Public Affairs says, "This does not mean motorcyclists need to be complacent, there is always
the need to hone your riding skills. Riders should "bite the bullet", take a Bikesafe assessment course and
introduce themselves to advanced training, you’ll be surprised at what you don’t know."
Industry spokesman Craig Carey-Clinch, said; "Government seems to expect that a scheme it has already indicated
it supports, can run on good will, private sector cash and fresh air and in the process reduce the number of
motorcycle accidents about which it claims to have so much concern. The refusal of Ministers to consider speed camera
funding is short sighted and exasperating to say the least."
"Speed cameras are so unpopular partly because there is a public perception that cash for cameras disappears into
the black hole of safety camera partnerships never to be seen again. Public acceptability of speed cameras would
improve if some of the revenue raised was ploughed back into a scheme which the public can see helps to improve road
safety in an area of particular public concern - motorcycle accidents."
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21/06/04 - Fife Community Offroad Motorcycle Club, Cardenden, Fife - track extended
More work has been completed extending the main track to 1.7 miles with a good long straight to get up the gears on. Lots of jumps and
tabletops. Kids track has been refined and includes quite a few jumps as well. Separate Trailer and Spectator Parking and an enclosed
area for single kiddies practice.
For £2 per head you won't find a better SACU track anywhere. Covered by SACU Permits and SACU authorised officers.
Opening Times Sat-Sun: 11am till 6pm (or dark time). Wed: 5pm-8pm (or slightly later)
Requirements is that you take a membership out (which still seems cheaper than other tracks) at £11 Youth, £16 adult and
£21 Family.
Portaloo, Burger Van and Dave Grieve Motorcycles Stall on Site.
Sessioned according to class and ability (15-20 mins each session)
From the A92 Lochgelly Junction take the road signposted Auchtertool, pass the Auchtertool turn off and head towards Cardenden/Kirkcaldy
on the Shawsmill/Torbain rd. Pass the Dundonald turnoff through the sloping S bend and about 1/2 a mile on you will see signs for FCOMC,
take a left up the forestry rd entrance and follow the dirt track till you come to the track.
Contact: James Richardson, Chairman 01592 722664 or Janet Miller, Secretary on 01592 784179 for further details.
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21/06/04 - Kingdom Offroad Motorcycle Club, Methil, Fife - new indoor track
The first indoor off-road motorcycle track in Scotland is gearing up for it's grand opening in Levenmouth on Saturday.
Kingdom Off-Road Motorcycle Club has turned the former Glencast foundry in Methil into a temporary motocross arena and club officials
believe the site, which was occupied until 2002 by engineering firm, ABC-NACO Europe Ltd, will provide a safe venue for enthusiasts to
enjoy their pursuits responsibly – and hopefully go a long way to removing the menace of illegal bike riding from Levenmouth's streets.
Kingdom Off-Road Motorcycle Club committee member Henry Henderson said: "It is all about the community and giving the kids
something to do so they won't be a nuisance. We haven't had any problems from residents and we have the full support of Fife Council and
the police."
Three times Scottish motocross champion Jamie Duncan is also impressed with the facility. He said: "It's brilliant. It's an
all-weather track and you can ride even when it gets dark. It keeps the bikes off the streets and it's very safe with marshalls
everywhere."
Methil councillor Irene Connelly said: "There have been hold-ups and we have waited long enough for this. It will provide a new,
safe scene for the younger ones and we, as councillors, have to look forward. I haven't received complaints from residents and you can
hardly hear the bikes outside. The police can now put nuisance riders in the direction of the track and will have more powers to deal
with them. There are no excuses now."
Newly appointed Levenmouth community officer Constable Steven Mackay also backed the facility, stating: "Hopefully, this will
encourage young people to take more positive steps and the whole project is an example of partnerships working."
Kingdom Off-Road Motorcycle Club only has the use of the Methil site until September and it will then be on a month-to-month contract.
In the long-term, it hopes to create a purpose-built track and discussions are under way over how that could be funded.
The track will be open on Saturday from noon to 8 p.m. The club aims to open the track three nights a week and on Saturdays and Sundays.
For more information visit their website.
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09/06/04 - Glasgow Museum of Transport Parade of Wheels
As part of it's 40thAnniversary celebrations Glasgow's Museum of Transport will be having a Parade of Wheels around Glasgow's West End
on Sunday 27thJune. The parade will include all types of wheeled transport from vintage cars to rollerblades and they would like some
motorbikes/trikes/scoots along too so please fill out the application form and join in the fun. Entry is
free with entertainment and refreshments being provided. Call the Museum of Transport on 0141 287 2720 for further details.
The Museum of Transport supported us on our Easter Egg Run earlier this year by generously offering free tea, coffee and soup to all
attendees so we would encourage you to support their event.
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08/06/04 - North Lanarkshire Scramble/Quad Bike Track
North Lanarkshire has opened a new scramble and quad bike facility at Balbeckie in Harthill.
Believed to be the first biking facility in Scotland – and possibly in the UK – to be developed in conjunction with a local authority,
the Balbeckie project has been taken forward thanks to an innovative partnership between North Lanarkshire Council, Strathclyde Police,
the Scottish Auto Cycle Union and North Lanarkshire Scramble and Quad Bike Club (NLSQBC).
The Balbeckie tracks give young people the opportunity to enjoy biking in a safe and supervised environment. The site includes a
beginners’ track and another for more experienced riders and will serve as a temporary biking facility until a permanent centre of
excellence can be established within North Lanarkshire.
For further information on North Lanarkshire Scramble and Quad Bike Club, contact Bob Reid on 01698 402090 or check out the club's
website www.nlsqbc.20m.com
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07/06/04 - Edinburgh MAG Website
The Edinburgh MAG website has moved to a new location and can now be found at edinburgh.mag-uk.org
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01/06/04 - Edinburgh MAG Demo Run
The Edinburgh MAG Demo Run will take place this year on Saturday 5thJune. Meet at 12:00 for a 12:30pm start at Leith Links, Edinburgh.
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28/05/04 - Bikers Are Voters
The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) and the motorcycle lobby needs riders to act urgently on targeting individual election candidates in
the forth coming European Elections.
The "Bikers Are Voters" campaign is vital in not only seeking their views on biking issues but also helps form the views of
the candidates by demonstrating the strength of feeling of the voters that ride bikes.
Every candidate should know about MAG, know about motorcycling and realise that riders expect firm specific answers to the questions
asked.
MAG has made the task easy by launching the Bikers Are Voters website. Each campaign
section on the website explains and gives information on carrying out the task.
As time is short replies may not be received until after the elections but MAG can use this information for future reference and will
conduct a follow up campaign for those candidates who successfully take up office.
MAG has used the launch of this concerted lobbying campaign to call for a Minister For Motorcycling. MAG’s Director Of Public Affairs,
says, "The need to elect our own minister to promote motorcycling, to represent riders within legislative government has never been
greater than it is today."
Political parties will be requested to field a candidate and a motorcycle manifesto. Riders will be able to decide who their political
motorcycling champion would be by voting for the best candidate and as such this would give MAG the opportunity to call for an official
Ministerial position within government.
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07/05/04 - Aberdeenshire MAG AGM
Aberdeenshire MAG will be holding their Annual General Meeting on Thursday 20thMay 2004, at 8 pm in the Dutch Mill Hotel, 7 Queens Road,
Aberdeen.
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03/05/04 - Council launches training scheme for new motorcyclists
Perth & Kinross Council has launched a new road safety initiative to encourage new motorcyclists to take additional training after
they have passed their motorcycle test.
Bike Plus, a subsidised course open to new licence holders of all ages
who have passed their test in the last 12 months, is designed to increase hazard perception, improve motorcycle control skills at low and
high speed as well as on motorways and at night or in poor weather.
The Bike Plus course is an extension of the Council’s Pass Plus scheme, which since it was launched in December 2002 has benefited 130
newly qualified car drivers. Enquiries from newly qualified motorcyclists interested in the idea of additional training prompted the
Council to devise an extended programme in partnership with the two DSA approved motorcycle training bodies in the Council area.
Bike Plus training, available from Tuesday 20 April, consists of a one day course available from GMTS Ltd. Rider Training
and John R.Weir Motorcycle Training. In line with the current subsidy offered for Pass
Plus the council has agreed to subsidise participants in Bike Plus for up to 50% (to a maximum of £55) of the cost.
For further details and information on this new initiative or any other road safety issues within the Council area contact Mr Bob
Morrison at Perth & Kinross Council Accident Investigation and Prevention Unit on 01738 476516.
Councillor Alexander Stewart, Convener of the Community Safety Committee, said, "I am pleased that Perth & Kinross Council has
been able to launch this training scheme at a time when recent figures have revealed that the accident rate for motorcyclists in this
area is higher than it should be. I am convinced that with the help of our partners in delivering this scheme we will be able to make a
significant contribution to motorcycle safety."
Simon Howlitt, of John R. Weir Motorcycle Training, said "National statistics show motorcyclists are a vulnerable group of road
users and as such it is entirely sensible to offer further training to those 'new riders' who have recently passed the practical
motorcycle test. Perth & Kinross Council have made it possible, through the Bike Plus scheme, for all new motorcycle licence holders
to obtain additional training at an affordable cost. We see Bike Plus as an effective way to deliver critical knowledge and skills, which
will be of great benefit to the new rider and fully support the initiative in it's efforts to improve the personal safety of the newly
licensed motorcyclist."
Douglas Barker, Director GMTS Ltd. Rider Training, added, "We designed this course to concentrate on the practical skills required
to ride motorcycles of all sizes. Riding motorcycles brings feelings of freedom and fun but also brings increased vulnerability. When
newly qualified riders can get on to modern mid-sized or large motorcycles, a "little knowledge can be a dangerous thing" and
the current DSA test is widely regarded as being insufficient to cover all aspects that are required for these types of machines. Bike
Plus goes a long way to encourage new licence holders of ALL ages to do it right. Perth & Kinross Council are to be congratulated
with this unique and positive initiative in road safety that is likely to be emulated by others around the U.K."
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28/04/04 - Survey for DfT on Motorycle Usage
If you remember last year MAG supported and were involved in a bid by Marcus Wigan to the DfT on a study to investigate motorcycle
usage, particularly in urban areas, and how this may change with increasing congestion.
Of special interest are users of both public transport and motorcycles in commuting trips how they change their travels and the
price they would be willing to pay for secure parking.
If you could please take the time to complete the survey on the website.
The survey is a bit long winded but will give an understanding to the DfT on usage.
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29/03/04 - Motorcycle racing at Edzell
The following mail has just been received from Bon-Accord Motorcycle Club:
Hello all you bikers out there!
We are the Bon-Accord Motorcycle Club from Aberdeen and we have just come to an agreement with the new owners of the former USAAF base
at Edzell near Brechin. We are to run a number of National Motorcycle Road Races and Super-Moto races on the newly laid out track.
As you can see in the web site www.edzellracing.com the track plan is very exciting - the
track is a bit longer than Knockhill, quite a bit wider and as a result the average speeds will be higher.
Also in the web site is the calendar of events and you will see that all the Nationals are 2 day events over the weekend. This was not
done by accident, we want to have fun at these races and have people staying over the Saturday night, there will be camping facilities on
the site. It is early days yet but eventually we would like to lay on dances, big bands, rallies.... a gathering.
We need the help of every biker in Scotland to make Edzell a success, there is a need for a focal point like this in the North East of
Scotland. The Edzell site is huge and with the help of all the bikers in Scotland we can make this a huge event.
Can you have a look at our calendar of events and see if you could arrange any of your rallies or bashes around these dates so you can
come and give us a visit or spend the night. The greater the numbers the better the atmosphere.
If you would like some more info about the events drop me an
and if you can manage to come, let us know so we have enough facilities laid on.
The competition dates are-
- 22nd and 23rd May ROAD RACING
- 7thand 8thAugust SUPER-MOTO
- 21st and 22nd August ROAD RACING
- 25thand 26thSeptember SUPER-MOTO
Best regards,
Ken Whittaker
Bon-Accord Motorcycle Club
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05/03/04 - Aberdeenshire MAG Easter Egg Run
Aberdeenshire MAG will having their Easter Egg Run on Sunday 4thApril. Meet at 12:30pm for a 1:00pm start at Aberdeen Beach Boulevard
and bring along a chocolate egg for the kids.
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29/03/04 - Steve Hislop print
£5.00 from every print sold will go to the Steve Hislop Memorial Fund.
The print shows Steve Hislop on the Virgin Yamaha R1 displaying the number 1 plate which he earned by winning the 2002 British
Superbike Championship. Sadly, it was the last bike he rode competitively in the 2003 championship before his tragic death.
The print is 297mm x 210mm (A4), printed on 400gsm paper and signed by the artist.
Price : £10.00 +P&P*
Web Page
Contact: Kevin Webster, Craigavin, Golf Course Road, Blair Atholl, Pitlochry, Perthshire, PH18 5TG, Scotland.
Telephone: +44 (0) 1796 481535
* Postage and Packing: £1.00 - U.K.; £2.00 - Rest of World
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04/03/04 - Easter Egg Run Awards
More businesses have come forward and donated more items for us to give away to the clubs and individuals who raise the most cash at
our Easter Egg Run this year. Click to find out more.
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28/11/03 - Personal Injury Solicitors
Every year many motorcyclists are injured in accidents where the fault is someone else’s, and claim for injuries or losses
using personal injury solicitors. MAG want to know about your experiences with companies within Scotland. We don’t need all
the details but we would like to know:
- When the accident happened?
- What was the name of the firm of Solicitors you used and who was the individual solicitor that handled your claim?
- Did the case need to go to a civil court to win damages?
- Were your solicitors successful in winning damages for you?
- How did you feel you were treated?
- Did they handle your case promptly?
- Did they keep you informed of progress?
- Did their fee come from your damages or was it charged directly to the other insurer?
- Would you use them again/recommend them?
Please forward any comments by 10 December to us via
This information will remain confidential but will allow us to see who gives a good service in Scotland and who does not.
What we find will be of benefit to MAG members in Scotland in the near future.
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26/11/03 - Congestion charging consultation
The Scottish Executive has opened a consultation to the general public regarding draft regulations on road user charging
schemes – “congestion” charging to you and me.
The draft regulations state there will be certain groups of people, classes of vehicles and types of activity that will be
exempt from all road user charging schemes and these will be the national minimum exemptions. However, local authorities
will still be allowed to set exemptions over and above that.
The draft regulations have listed the following as the national minimum exemptions:
- Any vehicle being used in the discharge of the functions of a fire authority.
- Any vehicle belonging to, and being used for the purposes of, a police force for any police area, and any other vehicle
being used by a police officer acting in the execution of his duty.
- Any ambulance or other means of transport provided under section 45 of the National Health Service (Scotland) Act
1978(5).
- Any vehicle belonging to Her Majesty’s Coastguard and being used as an emergency vehicle in the exercise of Her
Majesty’s Coastguard primary role.
- Any vehicle displaying a badge issued by a local authority in exercise of it's powers under section 21 of the Chronically
Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970(6) and conveying, either as driver or passenger, the disabled person in respect of whom
such badge was issued.
The consultation is seeking the public’s opinion on what should and/or shouldn’t be included on that list.
To get motorcycles, scooters and/or mopeds (PTWs) included in this list then please respond to the consultation letting the
powers-that-be know. If PTWs are included in the national minimum exemptions then we won’t be subject to the whims of the
local authorities when it comes to congestion charging.
The consultation closes on 13thFebruary 2004 and can be found online at
www.scotland.gov.uk/library5/enterprise/ruch-00.asp and your responses can be
too.
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25/11/03 - MAG Scotland mailing list transition
The MAG Scotland mailing list has been transitioned to a new server. To subscribe/unsubsribe click here
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18/11/03 - Aberdeenshire MAG 12thStri Son Saorsa Rally
16th- 18thApril at Thainstone Centre, Inverurie as usual. Tickets cost £12 pre-book, £15 on the gate (£2;
voucher refund at gate for MAG members with valid membership card). Ticket applications should be sent with a stamped self
addressed envelope to Aberdeenshire MAG, c/o 63e Rose Street, Aberdeen AB10 1UH with a cheque made payable to Aberdeenshire MAG.
Demo run campaigning for bikes in bus lanes will leave from Thainstone Mart at 2:30pm on Saturday 17th.
Phone 01224 639276 for more info or check out the website.
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18/11/03 - MAG's response to GAGM
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11/11/03 - Glasgow MAG Toy Run
On Sunday 21st December Glasgow MAG will be holding a Toy Run in aid of the Royal Hospital for Sick Children at Yorkhill.
The run will leave Kelvin Way at 12 noon. All welcome. For more info contact Scott Hamilton on 0141 641
9893, Lesley on 0772 070 7578 or
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31/10/03 - MAG Scotland AGM Summary
The MAG Scotland AGM was held in Perth on 25thOctober. Steve Wykes was duly elected as Regional Rep for another year,
together with Kenny McGill as Treasurer and Moira Turner as Secretary. Steve gave a report on MAG's progress through the
last year, and Stuart Regan, MAG Scotland Webmaster, also gave an interesting report on what the site offers, what is needed
and what we want it to do for MAG.
New ways to promote MAG in Scotland were discussed such as a programme of visits to affiliated clubs, run outs for less
experienced riders (Wobbler Runs) and a MAG Scotland newsletter. To achieve any of this assistance is required from
volunteers - anyone interested in helping with regional matters should contact Steve Wykes.
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27/10/03 - Bikes in Bus Lanes - Ten Minute Rule Bill
MAG would like to thank all those who responded to the Activist Email Army request to contact their MP through the
Political Wizard on the introduction of a bill to allow access for motorcycles in Bus Lanes across the UK.
The Ten Minute Rule Bill was introduced to the House of Commons by Mr Bill Wiggin (Conservative, Leominster) on Wednesday
22nd October:
The bill was supported unopposed by Mr. Don Foster, Angela Watkinson, Mr. Mark Todd, Mr. Stephen Pound, Peter Bottomley,
Dr. Brian Iddon, Mr. Robert Key, Mr. Adrian Flook, Mr. Bill Tynan, Mrs. Jackie Lawrence and Mr. Roger Gale.
ACTION dpa.util.mag-uk.org/buslanes241003.html
MAG now needs you to turn up the heat on the issue by asking your MP for support.
The bill will now receive a second reading in the House of Commons on Friday 21st November 2003.
Full Details of the introduction of the bill dpa.util.mag-uk.org/prbuslanes241003.html
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24/10/03 - automatic liability rejected
The EU has voted against the proposal to effect automatic compensation to cyclists and pedestrians in the event of accidents
with other road users. To those of you who don't know, this would have meant any accident involving a pedestrian or cyclist
with a motor vehicle would have resulted in the driver/rider of the motor vehicle being "at fault" as regards the
insurance claim regardless of the circumstances of the accident. Be warned - the proposal may not have gone for good though.
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21/10/03 - Henry Marks resigns
The Motorcycle Action Group announces that Henry Marks has resigned from his post of Chief Executive to pursue fresh
challenges.
Henry was recruited at the end of 1998 and rapidly fulfilled his primary task of bringing MAG’s administration systems up to
the required level of modernity and efficiency. A part of this involved managing the move of MAG’s operating base from
Birmingham to Rugby.
Henry left MAG for one year at the end of 1999 to work for Amba Rescue, returning to employment with MAG from the beginning
of 2001. Since that time Henry has worked on a number of financial projects for MAG and has also lobbied effectively and
vigorously in the interests of motorcyclists.
MAG Director Neil Liversidge who, as National Chairman recruited Henry said:
“I am certainly sorry to see Henry go but it is fair to say that Henry had achieved all his main aims and I can understand
him wanting to seek out new and more rewarding challenges. Henry is an incredibly talented and hardworking individual. I
feel that our greatest joint achievement was the welding together of FEM and EMA to form the pan-European riders’
organisation FEMA, which is commonly acknowledged as the most effective non-business lobbying force in the European Union.
I hope that Henry will maintain his involvement in the Riders’ Rights movement in general and with MAG in particular.”
MAG will be reshaping it's secretariat to better cope with the new challenges facing MAG in the years ahead. This will
involve reinforcing our specialist research and lobbying capability with another lobbyist based in Rugby to work under the
direction of Public Affairs Director Trevor Baird. MAG invites applications from Members interested in this post.
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20/10/03 - Bikes in Bus Lanes - Ten Minute Rule Bill
If bus lane access for motorcycles interests you then you can help MAG turn up the heat on this one by asking your MP to
support a “Ten Minute Bill” on the subject.
Transcript of MP Bill Wigan's
speech (even if he does only thank the BMF!).
More information on our Local Groups page.
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20/10/03 - THE MAG FOUNDATION
History
Many years ago, turning MAG into a charitable organisation was deemed to be a good idea. The new laws governing Charities
gave tax revenue advantages along with savings on expenditure. However, due to MAG's political activities it was found to be
impossible and the idea was dropped.
In 2002 the Idea was revisited by Henry Marks, with the possibility of setting up a charitable arm or foundation, separate
from MAG but connected with it. Other political bodies had done this, notably "Green Peace" and so plans were made. It was
decided at the beginning that absolute secrecy was needed as we did not want word getting out that we were applying.
In strictest confidence a poll was taken in selected groups of ordinary members and then run by the NC. Patrons were
approached, and the feed back was very positive. All being in favour of the move, the plan was implemented and on the 17th
of April 2003 the MAG FOUNDATION Ltd. was incorporated. Then the long process of applying to the Charities commission
started. We were plagued with hold-ups, the Charities Commission closing down one of their major offices did not help, but
finally we are on the verge of receiving our Charter.
Structure
MAG UK will carry on as normal, though overheads and outgoings will be greatly reduced.
Membership monies will continue to fund the now mean lean fighting machine.
The MAG FOUNDATION will be funded by donations, covenants, corporate sponsors and the inland revenue.
The purpose of the foundation is to undertake research into safety, security and education pertaining to PTW use.
The publication and perhaps sale of this research will be of interest to many sectors, including government and can be used
by MAG UK to further some of it's political projects.
Patrons and Trustees
The Patrons of a charity are "high profile personalities" who support the charity by lending their name only.
We are Lucky and privileged to have Chief Superintendent David Short, and Head of Road Safety for Cheshire County Council,
John Moss, as our patrons.
The trustees of the charity see that the charity is run according to it's aims, and are held legally responsible for this.
They are the board of directors of the MAG FOUNDATION Ltd. and are responsible and accountable to the NC of MAG UK and
thereby, by democratic process, to the ordinary members.
Benefits
Apart from the financial benefits already mentioned, there are many others.
Any group organising a fund raising event, can now say that it is for charity, and thereby save substantial costs.
Obtaining licences, insurance, venues etc. will all be easier and cheaper.
Any member who pays income tax and who makes regular donations to the Foundation can sign a form, and the Inland Revenue
will automatically pay the Foundation the tax back.
Companies can do the same and get tax relief.
Members money will go further i.e "they will get a bigger bang for the buck".
Most important of all. The work that the Foundation will be doing may save the life of a biker one day!
Thank you for taking the time to read this, I hope you now understand where we were coming from and where we are going with
this.
Ian Moore Vice Chair MAG UK Chairman MAG FOUNDATION.
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16/09/03 - MAG Scotland AGM
The MAG Scotland AGM will be held this year on Saturday 25thOctober at the New County Hotel, 22-30 County Place, Perth,
PH2 8EE.
The meeting will start at 2:00pm.
In order to attend the meeting you must present either a current full or affiliate MAG membership card. Voting will be
limited to full members only.
Nominations and Proposals to MAG Scotland P.O. Box 23078, Edinburgh EH6 7YN by 19thOctober 2003. Information from 0131
553 7307,
, www.scotland.mag-uk.org/Events/AGM2003.php
In conjunction with the AGM a rock disco will be held at the Hotel in the evening. Entry to this will be free to those
attending the AGM and a nominal £2 to any others wishing to attend.
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04/09/03 - Edinburgh & District MAG Rock Night
Edinburgh & District MAG are holding a rock night on Saturday 20thSeptember in the Terrace Bar of Teviot Row Student
union from 8:00pm till late. Featuring "Little Wolves" and a rock disco. Only £4 on the door and a bar at student
prices what more could you want! Further details on 0131 553 7307 or 07973 660684.
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04/09/03 - Daytime Running Lights raised in Scottish Parliament
The following motion on Road Safety was tabled in the Scottish Parliament by Stewart Stevenson (SNP, Banff & Buchan
Constituency) on 10thJune 2003
S2M-125 Stewart Stevenson: Road Safety - That the Parliament believes that the cause of road safety in Scotland would be aided
by vehicles keeping their lights on at all times in order to aid visibility and asks that future road safety campaigns
include this as a sensible contribution that all drivers can make to the reduction of accidents.
MSPs currently recorded as supporting the motion are as follows:
- Robin Harper (Green Party, Lothians Region)
- Adam Ingram (SNP, South of Scotland Region)
- Kenny MacAskill (SNP, Lothians Region)
- Michael Matheson (SNP, Central Scotland Region)
- Stewart Maxwell (SNP, West of Scotland Region)
- Bruce McFee (SNP, West of Scotland Region)
- Margaret Ewing (SNP, Moray Constituency)
- Nora Radcliffe (SNP, Gordon Constituency)
MAG's letter of
reply, along with MAG's position statements on this issue, which has been sent to all MSPs and responses are now being
received. An update on those responses will be published shortly.
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29/08/03 - Perthshire & District MAG
Stewart Bowman has recently decided to stand-down as rep for Perthshire & District MAG.
Stewart has done a lot of good work for the group, and MAG in general, over the years and we would like to take this
opportunity to thank him for all his efforts.
Would anyone else be interested in taking over the position of Perthshire & District MAG rep?
If so, please contact MAG Scotland rep
for more details.
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28/08/03 - BikeSafe Scotland Evaluation
The Scottish Executive has published an evaluation of the BikeSafe Scotland scheme, which has been running now for the past
3 years. The evaluation gives a good indication on how the scheme works, how it has been perceived by a variety of
interested parties and how it may progress in the future.
The evaluation can be heavy reading at times, mainly during the parts where all the statistics are presented, but for those
who have never heard of BikeSafe and for those who have been considering taking part it is an ideal way to find out what
it’s all about and what you can get out of it.
Motorcycle registrations in Scotland have risen steadily for the past 7 years and, unfortunately, so have motorcycle
casualties. MAG, BMF and all 8 Scottish Police Forces started BikeSafe Scotland in the hope of decreasing this casualty
rate. It’s in all our interests to reverse this trend by taking action ourselves (we can’t just keep pointing the finger at
car drivers, etc) or you can be sure our increasingly nanny-like state will try and do something for us – and it won’t be
pretty! Having our riding skills re-assessed by expert riders in schemes such as BikeSafe is just one of the things we can
do and I would encourage all motorcyclists/scooterists to take part.
Please remember BikeSafe is FREE to all participants – except of course for the petrol you use on your assessed ride!
The Scottish Executive’s BikeSafe Scotland evaluation can be obtained from their website at
www.scotland.gov.uk/cru/resfinds/eobs-00.asp
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11/08/03 - Aberdeenshire MAG AGM
The Aberdeenshire MAG Annual General Meeting will be held on Thursday 18thSeptember 2003 at the Dutch Mill. The meeting
will start at 8pm and all members are invited to attend. Anyone wishing to vote must have their MAG membership card with
them.
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04/08/03 - Steve Hislop funeral arrangements
Steve Hislop's funeral will be held this Thursday (7thAugust) at 12.30pm at Teviot Church in Steve's hometown of Hawick in
the Scottish borders.
The church is in Hawick town centre adjacent to the high school and car park, plus there is ample car and bike parking in
the town and surrounding fields. Steve's funeral will be followed by an interment at Southdean Cemetery, near Bonchester a
few miles away.
All Hizzy fans are welcome to attend the funeral and everyone is welcome to meet afterwards at the Horse and Hounds,
Bonchester for refreshments but please note it is family flowers only please.
A memorial fund has been set up and donations towards it can be collected at the church or sent to:
Steve Hislop Memorial Fund
c/o Cartersport
PO Box 150
Northallerton
North Yorkshire
DL6 3WZ
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31/07/03 - Steve Hislop dead
Reigning British Superbikes champion Steve Hislop has been killed in a helicopter crash in the Scottish
Borders. Our condolences to all his family and friends.
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24/06/03 - Handheld mobile phone use
The government has announced that, as from 1 December 2003, driving while using a hand-held mobile phone will
be a specific offence (subject to parliamentary approval).
“Initially offenders will be subject to a £30 fine, which can be increased to a maximum fine of
£1000 if the matter goes to court. The Government is planning to legislate to make it an endorseable
offence, so that drivers will get three points on their licence each time they are caught holding a phone.”
Read the full story on the DfT website here
Although I welcome the move in principle I seriously doubt that a £30 fine and 3 penalty points is going to be
much of a deterrent. We’ll see.
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19/06/03 - Gilroy - Handheld mobile phones
Tue, 17 Jun 03 House of Commons - Oral Question Summary
In response to a question from Linda Gilroy concerning the use of handheld mobiles whilst driving, Transport
Minister David Jamieson referred to the government’s consultation on the issue, telling MPs they ‘wont have to
wait very long’ for it's publication.
Linda Gilroy further revealed one in four drivers admit to using phone or texting whilst driving , stressing this
was a ‘matter of urgency’. The Minister revealed the government was concerned on this matter, which was ‘a very
great matter of public concern’.
Linda Gilroy (Plymouth, Sutton): What action is he taking to tackle road safety issues arising from drivers using
mobile phones.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Mr. David Jamieson): We consulted last year on a
proposal to ban the use of hand-held mobile phones by drivers. We plan to make an announcement on the way forward
as soon as possible.
Linda Gilroy: I am sure that my hon. Friend is aware that the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents says
that one in four drivers admits to using a mobile phone or texting while driving. May I urge him to bring those
proposals forward as a matter of urgency? In the mean time, will he join me in congratulating the police in
Plymouth and Devon on the campaign that they ran last month, using existing powers to crack down on inappropriate
phone use? Does he agree with Plymouth’s road safety officer, PC Duncan Russell, that ‘missing a call won’t kill
you, but having an accident may.’?
Mr. Jamieson: I thank my hon. Friend. She will be pleased to know that we share her concerns. I pay tribute to the
work that she has done on the matter. She said that one quarter of people admitted to using a mobile phone at
some time for making a call or texting. We know that at any one time, one in 40 people are using a mobile phone
while they are driving, and putting themselves and others at risk. I applaud the efforts being made by Devon and
Cornwall police using the current law. My hon. Friend will not have to wait very long before the Government make
an announcement on the matter, which is of great public concern.
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19/06/03 - Inverness City Centre motorcycle parking plans
There is a proposal on the table at the moment by Highland Council to pedestrianise Inverness City Centre and
remove the motorcycle parking. This will be relocated to an old, dark, insecure multi-storey car park some
distance form the centre.
They say it will be upgraded, but to what standard?. We need to try and ensure any bike parking is secure and
meets the requirements laid down in the Traffic Advisory Leaflet on Motorcycle Parking.
The full details of the proposal can be found on their website
Please help us to achieve adequate secure parking in the area by contacting the council with any concerns you may
have over this scheme.
Further details of secure parking guidlines can be found on
Traffic Advisory Leaflet 02/02: Motorcycle Parking
It would also be very helpful if you could forward any correspondance on this matter to
with subject Inverness M/C Parking or Post to MAG Scotland, P.O Box 23078, Edinburgh EH6 7YN.
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16/06/03 - NE fatalities & other accidents
This weekend 3 motorcyclists were killed and a further 9 injured in the North-East of Scotland. The following are the
statements issued by Aberdeenshire MAG and Steve Wykes on behalf of MAG Scotland about these accidents after requests from
the press:
Aberdeenshire MAG
"MAG-Aberdeen does not wish to make any comment at this time, concerning the accidents that occurred over the weekend of
14-16 June 2003, in the Aberdeen area, until Police have completed their investigations.
We extend our sympathies to all persons involved and affected by these accidents.
MAG supports the Police initiative to increase road safety for all road users and works closely with Police in promoting
BikeSafe-Scotland, which provides a number of intitiatives aimed at increasing motor-cycle safety and awareness and MAG
welcomes all actions that may be taken to improve safety for all road users."
On a personal note, I would add my best wishes to those who have been injured and my condolences to the families, where
fatalities occurred.
For and on behalf of MAG-Aberdeen.
Steve Wykes (MAG Scotland)
"Sunny and dry weather always brings motorcyclists out in larger numbers. Unfortunately, such large numbers of bikers on
the roads gives a higher potential for accidents.
MAG work closely with the Police and support BikeSafe-Scotland, a scheme aimed at improving rider safety and
encourageing futher training, and we welcome the Police statement encouraging motorists to be more vigilant for
bikes.
Obviously, not all accidents are the fault of the motorcyclist, and we would welcome the comments of Grampian Police. It is
very sad and every loss of life on the road, whether it be car or motorbike, is to be regretted."
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04/06/03 - Aberdeen bus lanes
Aberdeenshire MAG have issued a statement to Aberdeen Council Environment & Infrastructure Committee about a
proposal to allow motorcycles into bus lanes. See our Local Groups page for more info.
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28/04/03
Our Easter Egg Run in Glasgow attracted roughly 1500 machines, donated a huge amount of
Easter Eggs and raised over £3800. View more details here
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24/03/03 - Aberdeenshire MAG meetings
Aberdeenshire MAG now meet at Dutch Mill, 7 Queens Road, Aberdeen.
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27/02/03 - Edinburgh & District MAG's 12thAg Ol Anns an Achadh Rally
Edinburgh MAG have announced details for their rally this year. The 12thAg Ol Anns an
Achadh Rally will be held on the weekend of the 13th- 15thJune at it's usual site in West
Calder and you can get more details by visiting their website.
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12/11/02 - MAG Scotland Easter Egg Run 2003
We will be holding our annual Easter Egg Run in Glasgow this year on Sunday 20thApril (Easter Sunday
surprisingly enough). Meet at Kelvin Way at 1:00pm for a 1:45pm start and bring along an Easter egg for the
kinds and/or a donation for the hospitals (cheques payable to 'Glasgow Egg Run'). More details
here.
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31/01/03 - Diesel Spills motion in Scottish Parliament
The Motorcycle Action Group is behind Brian Adam, Member Scottish Parliament (MSP) call for a road safety campaign to
highlight the dangers of diesel spills to motorcyclists.
The MSP for North East Scotland has tabled a motion to be debated in the Scottish Parliament that highlights the danger of
diesel spills on roads and asks for immediate action to investigate all means to reduce diesel spills on roads so that
serious accidents can be averted.
Brian invited MAG members in Scotland to join him at the Scottish Parliament to highlight the dangers.
Commenting on his motion Mr Adam said: "Diesel spills cause bikers a great deal of problems and unfortunately many
serious accidents have occurred because of fuel patches on our roads. My motion calls upon the Scottish Executive to mount
a road safety campaign to highlight the dangers of diesel spills to motorcyclists and urge lorry drivers and other diesel
vehicle drivers not to overfill their tanks, as this is the main cause of spillage.
In response to the motion Scottish minister Lewis Macdonald indicated that the Parliament would continue to liaise with the
UK Government on the relevant issues and to look for ways of reducing the number of motorcycle accidents.
MAG's Director of Public Affairs Trevor Baird says, "There have been various localised campaigns highlighting the
dangers of Diesel spillage to motorcyclists. A nation wide safety campaign would cut down the risk of accidents involving
riders"
The major spillage of diesel from leaking tanks or fuel caps is a safety worry for riders but the hidden danger of a steady
builD up of diesel on poorly maintained urban roads at roundabouts and petrol station entrances is a concern raised by the
police and can catch riders out.
Note:
Brian Adam's motion reads as follows:
Brian Adam: Safety Campaign on Diesel Spills - That the Parliament notes with regret the distressing number of motorcycle
accidents and fatalities caused by diesel spills and believes that the Scottish Executive should run a road safety campaign
to highlight the dangers of over-filling diesel tanks and introduce other measures to reduce diesel spills.
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21/01/03 - Aberdeenshire MAG Easter Egg Run
Aberdeenshire MAG are holding their Easter Egg Run on Sunday 6thApril. Please meeet at Aberdeen Beach
Boulevard at 12:30pm for a 1:00pm departure. Bring along a chocolate egg for the kids.
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17/01/03 - Aberdeenshire MAG 11thStri Son Saorsa Rally
The biggest MAG rally in Scotland will be held on the 18th- 20thApril at Thainstone Centre, Inverurie
as usual. Tickets cost £10 pre-book, £15 on the gate with the first 300 getting a badge.
(£2 voucher refund at gate for MAG members with valid membership card). Ticket applications should
be sent with a stamped self addressed envelope to Aberdeenshire MAG, PO Box 11922, Westhill, Aberdeen
AB32 6GY with a cheque made payable to Aberdeenshire MAG. Demo run campaigning for bikes in bus lanes will
leave from Thainstone Mart at 2:30pm on Saturday 19th.
Phone 01464 841462 or 01224 639276 for more info.
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17/01/03 - MAG Scotland AGM 2002 minutes
I have finally been given the minutes of our AGM which was held last October (cheers Steve) and you can
view them here.
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16/01/03 - Edinburgh & District MAG run to MAG Scotland Easter Egg Run
Edinburgh & District MAG are organising a run which will go to the MAG Scotland Easter
Egg Run in Glasgow. The run will leave Harthill Services on the M8 at 12 noon prompt. For
more info contact
or phone Steve on 0131 553 7307.
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16/01/03 - Edinburgh & District MAG rock night
On Saturday 22nd March Edinburgh & District MAG will be holding a rock night at The Counting House,
The Blind Poet, West Nicolson Street, Edinburgh. It runs from 8pm til late and you can boogie along to
Bluefinger and Trog's disco. Entry is £5 and all profits will go to charity. For more info contact
or phone Steve on 0131 553 7307.
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16/01/03 - Glasgow & District MAG Saints and Sinners rock night
On Saturday 8thFebruary Glasgow & Distrct MAG will be holding a rock night at Sloans, 62 Argyll
Arcade, 108 Argyll Street, Glasgow. Fancy dress optional but preffered. Tickets cost £4. More info
from
, Scott on 0141 641 9893, Lesley 07720 707578 or Tam 07810 615297.
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10/12/02 - Edinburgh & District MAG Toy Run and rock night
On Saturday 14thDecember Edinburgh & Distrct MAG will be having a toy run in aid of
Barnardos. Assemble Toys'R'Us Newcraighall 1.30pm for 2.00pm departure for run through the
city to Barnardo's St Johns Road. Please bring toy's, toiletries etc. suitable for
handicapped kids up to age 16.
That night from 8:00pm the Edinburgh group will also be holding a rock night at Bannermans
in the Cowgate. There will be a live band, "scooby" and a DJ. Admission £3.
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12/11/02 - MAG Scotland Easter Egg Run 2003
We will be holding our annual Easter Egg Run in Glasgow next year on Sunday 20thApril (Easter Sunday
surprisingly enough). Although some of the details are still to be confirmed we can tell you that we
have come to the conclusion the run has now outgrown it’s original meeting place of Blythswood Square
and our new meeting place will be Kelvin Way. The plan is to meet there at 1:00pm for a 1:45pm start and
will still end up at Yorkhill Sick Childrens Hospitals about 30 to 40 minutes later. More details will
be posted as they become available. Hope to see you all there. web page
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10/11/02 - New MAG Scotland Committee
At our AGM on the 26thOctober a new committee was elected. Steve Wykes is the new Scottish
Regional Rep and he will be aided and abetted by Kenny MacGill(Treasurer) and Scott Hamilton
(Secretary). More details of the AGM will be published on this site once the minutes have
been passed to me.
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29/10/02 - Glasgow MAG Toy Run
On Sunday 22nd December Glasgow MAG will be holding a Toy Run in aid of Yorkhill Sick
Childrens Hospitals. The run will leave Kelvin way at 1pm with a Police Escort. All riders
welcome just bring a toy or a donation. For more info contact Scott Hamilton on 0141 641
9893 or
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09/10/02 - MAG Chairmanship change
Motorcycle Action Group Chairman Nicky Basset-Powell has stood down from the post to which
she was elected at the group's Annual Group Conference earlier this year.
Vice Chairman Aine Gale has assumed the Chairman's role pending elections at MAG¹s next
AGC in April 2003.
Aine has been involved with MAG from it's earliest days in 1973, and as the organisation's
Western Regional Rep, brings a wealth of experience to the demanding role of steering the
country's leading rider organisation. Aine has extensive experience of chairman's duties
having chaired the Women's International Motorcycle Association (WIMA) for eight years.
On her departure Nicky Basset-Powell commented:
"I have served the organisation with deep pride and could not have managed in recent months
without the support of our Vice Chair Aine. I know that she is absolutely the best person
to manage the organisation until the next AGC and recognise that she enjoys universal
support."
Aine Gale:
"I have assumed the role of Chairman at a crucial time in MAG's history with challenging
issues and exciting opportunities ahead. I intend to work with all parties to take the
organisation forward to new levels of achievement of which I am confident our present
team is capable."
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21/09/02 - Edinburgh & District MAG website
Edinburgh & District MAG have launched their new website. It can be found
at www.edinburgh-mag.org.uk
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16/09/02 - Halloween Disco
On Saturday 2nd November Glasgow MAG together with Mercury MCC will be holding a Halloween
Disco at Sloans in the Argyle Arcade, Glasgow. Entry is £5 and your first drink before
9pm will be free. Contact
for tickets.
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12/09/02 - MAG Scotland AGM
On Saturday 26thMAG Scotland will be holding it's AGM at the New County Hotel in Perth.
Click here for more details.
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04/09/02 - Annual Survey of Motorcycle, Moped and Scooter Theft
MAG is conducting an annual survey of riders on Motorcycle, Moped and Scooter Theft over a
three-year period. This will be carried out on behalf of a University in the Midlands.
The purpose of the survey is to understand, from the riders' perspective more about theft,
security and the implications it has on insurance and on their way of life.
MAG is querying the latest motorcycle and scooter theft figures, the means of collecting
them and the interpretation of these statistics.
The survey is completely anonymous, some personal information has been asked for, however
the intent is to obtain clear understanding about bike and scooter theft and all details
will remain confidential.
The survey can be found here
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30/08/02 - Edinburgh MAG Rock Night
Edinburgh MAG are holding a rock night on the 21st September at The Blind
Poet in Edinburgh with a DJ and band, Thunder Road. It all starts at 8:00pm
going on to the wee small hours and the entry fee is £4.00 for MAG members
/£5.00 for everyone else. All welcome.
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20/08/02 - Mobile Phones and Driving
The Department For Transport has launched a consultation paper seeking our
views on a proposal to introduce a specific offence banning the use of any
hand-held mobile phones whilst driving. Please read the consultation and
send in your replies - I, for one, would love to see mobile phone use while
driving banned. It's totally unacceptable. The consultation closes on the
25thNovember and the paper can be found
here
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04/08/02 - Raffle winner found
The winner of the MAG raffle for a Fazer 1000 has eventually been located.
Apparently since buying his ticket at the NEC last year he moved house and
changed his mobile number. Handy eh?
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21/07/02 - Aberdeenshire MAG AGM
The Aberdeenshire MAG Annual General Meeting will be held on Sunday 1st
September 2002 at The Broadstaik Inn, Westhill. The meeting will start at
3pm and all members are invited to attend.
A number of committee places will be vacated at the AGM as a result of
present committee members standing down and they are looking for members to
volunteer their services. The vacant places are as follows:
- Secretary - Duties include preparation of events letters, newsletters
and other secretarial items.
- Treasurer - Duties include banking of monies, payment of bills and the
up keep of the Aberdeenshire MAG accounts.
- Rally Secretary - Duties include organising the annual Aberdeenshire MAG
rally.
- Social Secretary - Duties include organising social events and booking
of bands for the rally.
- Publications Secretary - Duties include production of posters, adverts,
flyers and the up keep of the Aberdeenshire MAG website.
Without members willing to stand for election and take an
active role in the organisation of Aberdeenshire MAG the branch may be
forced to disband which is something that we are certain the majority of
members would not wish to see.
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20/07/02 - Glasgow & District MAG AGM
Glasgow & District MAG are holding their AGM on the 22nd July in the
Gairdners Airms where their regular meetings are held. Anyone wishing to
vote must have their MAG membership card with them.
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28/06/02 - Edinburgh congestion charging consultation
Good news for two wheeled users who live in or travel to Edinburgh city centre!
The proposed congestion charging scheme for Edinburgh is to operate as shown below:
Disabled people, buses, emergency vehicles, motorcyclists and moped riders would not pay
the charge.
As this is a consultation everyone is allowed to make their views known and there may very
well be people who object to motorcycles and mopeds being exempt so please respond to the
consultation and make your own comments in support of the proposal for bike exemption.
Q18 of the consultation will allow you to do this. The consultation closes on Wednesday
31st July and is available via the council's website,
, phoning 08000 322 323 or by writing to 'Have Your Say', City of Edinburgh Council, PO Box
12470, 1 Cockburn Street, Edinburgh EH1 1ZF.
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19/06/02 - MAG Is Missing One Careful Owner
How careless of us, we seem to have lost the winner for our 2002 raffle!
The winning ticket for the brand new 2002 Yamaha FZS 1000 Fazer worth £7,500 was
picked out by World Stunt Champion Kevin Carmichael at the Welsh National Motorcycle
Show held over the Golden Jubilee Bank Holiday weekend at the Royal Welsh Showground,
Builth Wells on Monday 3rd June 2002. But where's the winner disappeared to?
MAG’s Director Of Public Affairs, Trevor Baird, says "Selling the £1 raffle tickets
for such an awesome bike was the easy part alas tracing the winner is proving to be
more difficult. Hopefully we can find the winner before launching the 2003 raffle
for a Yamaha YZF R1 at this year's British Grand Prix at Donington Park in July."
The winner supplied a postcode in Scotland and mobile telephone number, their surname
is Campbell and the ticket number is 34038. The individual could have moved to
anywhere in the UK or even abroad hence the mobile phone credit not being topped up!
If you know of this person they can phone MAG on 0870 444 8 448 and ask to speak to
MAG's Chief Executive Henry Marks or Director Of Public Affairs Trevor Baird.
We reckon he might be an oil rig worker off shore for a month at a time hence the
phone being out of range and turned off.
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17/06/02 - Brian Williams retires
He'll love that heading - should make him feel nice and old. Brian has quit as North
of Scotland Regional Rep and has taken a position wthin the MAG(UK) board of
directors. Brian has done a lot of work during his time as the North of Scotland
rep, as a stand-in East of Scotland rep and a general jack-of-all trades so our
thanks go to him for all the work he's done. This now leaves Scotland with NO regional
reps - a dubious distinction.
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09/06/02 - MAG's Fazer Raffle
MAG's Yamaha Fazer 1000 Raffle was drawn last weekend at the Welsh Bike Show by World Stunt
Champion Kevin Carmichael and the lucky winner was John Campbell of Aberdeen. At last the
raffle has been won by someone from Scotland!
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31/05/02 - Noord-Holland Treffen
MAG-NL have announced that their Treffen (rally) on 28th- 30thJune is a
FEMAX event meaning that foreign members of a FEMA affiliated organisation
(e.g. MAG) get free access by holding a valid passport for thier native
country and riding a bike displaying a number plate from their country of
orgin.
Edinburgh MAG's Ag Ol Anns an Achadh Rally is a FEMAX event too.
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20/05/02 - Snobbie
On the 16thMay 2002 Snobbie from the Saints & Sinners MCC was killed in a
motorcycle accident while in Northern Ireland for the NW200. Snobbie was a real
character and will be sorely missed by all his family and friends. The MAG
Scotland group's sincerest condolences go to his family and loved ones.
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16/05/02 - DVLA Tax Disc Consultation
The DVLA has launched a public consultation asking bike owners to help in the
drive to combat motorcycle road tax evasion. According to their figures a
staggering 24.8% of motorcycles currently on the road are unlicensed, despite
being the cheapest vehicles to tax.
A consultation paper outlining the scale of the problem, which currently
costs the Government £11.3m per annum in lost revenue, has been released as
part of the public consultation programme.
The consultation paper pins down some of the reasons for tax dodging by
motorcyclists and asks for public feedback on a series of proposals to help
combat the problem. Recommendations include the introduction of a specified
location on the bike for the display of tax discs, a sticky label type of
licence you stick on your number plate and for a licence to be laminated
inside the plate. It also asks,in the wake of hundreds of off-road bike thefts
and the nuisance use of them by children and criminals whether we would like
off-road bikes to be registered (but not taxed) in a bid to record VIN numbers
so that stolen recovered bikes can be returned to their owners.
The consultation is open until Friday 9 August 2002 and is available to view
and respond to here.
on the DVLA's website.
To order a hard copy of the document, telephone 0870 6001016 leaving your name
and address. Completed forms should be sent to - Debra Harris, Motorcycle
Enforcement Consultation, Enforcement Business Planning, Driver and Vehicle
Licensing Agency, Swansea Vale 2, Sandringham Park, Swansea SA7 OEU.
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01/05/02 - Government's new safety campaign
Road Safety Minister David Jamieson today launched a new publicity campaign aimed at
improving the safety of motorcyclists.
"The Government’s road safety strategy, Tomorrow’s Roads – Safer for Everyone,
includes a package of measures designed to make motorcycling safer by improving training,
testing, instruction and engineering standards. This publicity campaign will complement
that by increasing awareness of the vulnerability of motorcyclists."
View more info about the campaign here
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30/04/02 - Success in taking bikes off EU-US Steel Dispute List - FEMA
The Commission decided not to include motorcycles in it's proposal concerning the list of
US products on which additional duties would be levied in the event the dispute over
steel didn't get solved. This happened thanks to the letters that were sent by riders to
Trade Commissioner Lamy and the Member States representatives within the Article 133
Committee, which underlined the consequences that would derive from such a gesture to
users/consumers.
The Commission carried out over the last weeks a consultation within it's different
Directorate Generals on the different items to be included in the retaliation list. DG
Enterprise was consulted on the inclusion of motorcycles and FEMA also wrote a letter
voicing the same arguments to the official dealing with the matter.
When Mr. Lamy met the Industry and External Trade Committee of the European Parliament
on the 16thof April, Swedish MEP Mr. Hans Karlsson asked the Trade Commissioner whether
the Commission had a full understanding of the implications for riders coming from an
inclusion of motorcycles in the retaliatory list. Mr. Karlsson, a motorcyclist himself,
asked this question on behalf of FEMA and underlined the cost implications for the user.
Mr.Lamy's reply acknowledged that several letters underlining this concern had been
received, and that the point of view of the user would be "carefully considered", in
particular if any "serious cost problem" was to be identified for riders.
As a result of these actions, motorcycles were not present in the proposal for heavier
duties published by the Commission. The Secretariat wishes to thank the numbers that
contributed to this result.
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23/04/02 - Glasgow MAG move
Glasgow & District MAG will now be holding their meetings at The Gairdners Airms, 232
Paisley Road West, Glasgow G5 8RB. Go to our Local Groups page to get a map for this new
meeting place. You can now also contact the group by
.
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21/04/02 - NFL Statement
MAG's ex-chairperson Neil Liversidge has issued a statement thanking people for their
support and also about his new role within MAG. Click the link below to view the
statement.
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17/04/02 - 2002 budget good for PTW's!
In today's budget Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown pleased a lot of bikers/scooterists
by announcing new VED bands for PTW's that give most of us a saving. As from 1st May 2002
the riders of some machines will save £35 a year on their road tax.
As our own Mr.Mutch said "In common with our colleagues in the motorcycle community we'd
love to see a zero tax rate for all bikes, but as real world options go this isn't bad and
represents a testimony to persistent lobbying, meaningful dialogue and co-operation."
| Engine size |
New cost |
Old cost |
Saving |
up to 150cc |
£15 |
£15 |
nil |
151cc - 250cc |
£30 |
£40 |
£10 |
251cc - 400cc |
£65 |
£35 |
401cc - 600cc |
£45 |
£20 |
over 600cc |
£60 |
£5 |
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14/04/02 - New MAG Chairperson
Yesterday at MAG's AGC Nicky Basset-Powell was elected as the new Chairperson of MAG. Nicky
defeated her opponent, Neil F. Liversidge (chairperson for the last 12 years), by 137 votes
to 122. No doubt this will mean some changes to MAG over the coming months and we will do
our best to keep you informed of them.
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02/04/02
Edinburgh MAG have announced details for their rally this year. The 11thAg Ol Anns an
Achadh Rally will be held on the weekend of the 14th- 16thJuly at it's usual site in West
Calder and you can get more details by going to our events page.
On the Saturday of that weekend you can also go along to Edinburgh MAG's demo run
through Edinburgh city centre. Meet at Leith Links at 12:00 for a 12:30pm start
Reiver MAG are having a quiz night on the 5thApril. More details on our events page.
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01/04/02
Our Easter Egg Run in Glasgow attracted roughly 800 machines, donated a huge amount of
Easter Eggs and raised over £1650. View more details here
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26/03/02 - The Breakfast Club
The Breakfast Club is a new initiative created by Biketec and Aberdeen & District Advanced
Motorcyclists with the aim of reducing the number of motorcycle deaths in the North East by post-test
training and offering motorcyclists low cost tuition to get the most out of their bikes.
Visit the website or
for more details.
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25/03/02 - DTLR Motorcycle Visors Consultation Paper
On Friday 22nd March the DTLR started it’s consultation on the future of motorcyclists’
visors. This is exploring whether visors with a light transmission of less than 50%
should be allowed on the road. The consultation follows the completion late last year of
research which looked at the benefits and disadvantages of darker visors.
The consultation paper is available on the DLTR’s website at
http://www.roads.dtlr.gov.uk/consult/visors/index.htm
So it’s another chance to let the powers that be know what your opinions on the subject
are.
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17/03/02 - 1st Rampant Lion Rally
MAG affiliated Clyde Valley MCC is holding it's 1st Rampant Lion Rally at an
historic site near Edinburgh.
The rally will be held on the weekend of the 26th- 28thApril.
More details can be found on their website.
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