MAG NEWS
MAY 6th SEES A NUMBER OF ELECTIONS (ORIGINALLY SCHEDULED FOR MAY 2020) TAKING TEST, PLACE – THE FIRST SINCE THE COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS, OF HOW THE NATION FEELS POLITICALLY.
OUR REGULAR COLUMN BY THE MAG CHAIRNON GENDERSPECIFIC PERSON
Ihope you’ve taken the time to ask those standing in your area their feelings on motorcycles? Whether you ‘do’ politics or not, it’s elected officials that have a great deal of say on shaping transport policy in this country, and I’m not just talking politicians, but also Mayors and Police Crime Commissioners (PCC). Often they come to post with their own project or view of the future, wanting to put their own stamp on their local area, and MAG’s Election Handbook’s been rewritten and released not just for these elections, but also to support anyone looking for support to get involved with candidates at any election. Remember to let us know if you find a rider-friendly MP, Mayor or PCC, or if we can help by supplying further information to one of your candidates (email central-office@mag-uk.org). The world of transport is changing, and we mustn’t let motorcycles get overlooked simply because they’re not as commonplace as other modes of transport.
Following the UK National Census on March 28th, we received quite a few messages both directly to Central Office and via Facebook, relating to two of the questions: ‘In total, how many cars or vans are owned, or available for use, by members of this household?’ An option for motorcycles was missing from this question and, if you read the notes to assist you in completing the census, it specified ‘Don’t include – motorbikes, trikes, quad bikes or mobility scooters’. However, in another question, ‘How do you usually travel to work?’ there was an option to select ‘motorcycle’ (motorcycle, scooter or moped). The Office for National Statistics (ONS) is responsible for the census, which is repeated every decade. Whilst we appreciate there’s a limit to the data collected by any census, we’ll be taking up members’ concerns in good time before the questions for the next census are finalised. A number of riders informed us that they’d added their own comment regarding the ‘omission’ to their completed census submission.
I’m pleased to inform you that MAG’s Greater London branch appears to be making headway with Transport for London (TfL). At a recent online meeting, a MAG delegation met TfL experts to discuss rider safety, and the impact of traffic management schemes on riders. The meeting specifically looked at four locations: Hyde Park Corner, the junction of Liverpool Road and Holloway Road, Farringdon Road, and Old Street. Cathy Phillpotts led the MAG delegation, having extensive knowledge of London’s road network and the way changes have impacted on riders. The meeting was very business-like, and we look forward to bringing you details of positive changes as they filter through.
Cathy reminds me that she’s still looking for a rider contact in every London borough and parliamentary constituency, so if you are a London resident, and you’d be happy to be a rider contact, do get in touch. Don’t worry, she’s on hand to guide and support you through the process, and you can get in touch with her via email cphillpotts@ mag-uk.org for further information.
If you’d like to get involved with MAG in London, they have weekly Zoom meetings on Thursdays at 7pm. Contact Spen via greaterlondon-region-rep@mag-uk.org
Not everything you read is an ‘April Fool!’ no matter how far-fetched it may seem. Autonomy has been creeping into our daily lives for years, and that includes transport, with the use of autonomous vehicles on our roads moving at some pace. Understandably, riders are concerned about the ability of a vehicle fitted with sensors detecting a motorcycle, but there are other concerns too.
There’s still a lot of legal chat about liability should an autonomous vehicle be involved in an accident, and I’m sure you’ve all seen the clips online of autonomous vehicle crashes. Of even more concern is how these vehicles’ll be allowed access to the road network, and whether that’ll mean ‘autonomous only’ lanes. The road network in the UK is already under a lot of pressure, and narrowing or reducing lanes further’ll have a negative impact for all riders. If you hear of a trial near you, or are involved in any way, then please do get in touch.
This year sees the 30th anniversary of Ride to Work Day, on June 21st, which coincides with England’s roadmap out of lockdown when the majority of restrictions should come to an end (at time of writing). If you already ride to work, that’s great, but the aim of the day is to encourage those who don’t to do so. We had great plans for last year to ramp up the social media side of Ride to Work Day in the UK, but the pandemic put paid to that. If you enjoy being in the limelight, and you want to share your ride to work experience with us, then this could be your opportunity to do so. We’re looking for people who are prepared to make a short video clip of themselves with their motorcycle outside of their place of work, telling us why they’ve ridden to work.
If that sounds like you, drop Colin an email to let him know you’re interested at cbrown@mag-uk.org
To accompany the campaign, we’re delighted that, thanks to the efforts of Jane Carrott (aka The Lady Rootveg), and Weeble of Weeble’s World fame, there’s a brand new Filter Friendly sticker. These’re available in two sizes, so suitable for your bike or car, and if you’d like to buy a sticker, or any other MAG merchandise, visit our online shop at www.mag-uk.org/shop
I look forward to restrictions lifting and bike events returning. Ride free.