The latest press releases from the Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) which works on behalf of motorcyclists across Britain. MAG is a voluntary organisation, drawing membership from across the whole spectrum of motorcycling. The releases contain news about the cancellation of the Isle of Anglesey Motorcycle Show, a study undertaken on behalf of the Department for Transport about the benefits of allowing motorcyclists to use Advanced Stop Lines (aka. cycle boxes) and a new law to punish careless drivers.
Isle of Anglesey Motorcycle Show - Cancellation
The cancellation of the Isle of Anglesey Motorcycle Show, due to take place on August Bank Holiday Weekend, is the latest in a worrying series of cancellations that have marred the summer of 2008.
The show organisers have stated that the cancellation was forced by North Wales Police fears of a 'heightened risk of serious public disorder and criminality'. Another event due to be held in Builth Wells was cancelled earlier this year in almost identical circumstances.
Ian Mutch, President of the 50,000 strong Motorcycle Action Group, MAG, said today that they are deeply concerned that the threat of closure may spread to other bike shows and rallies in future.
Sending a message of sympathy for the organisers, traders and thousands of visitors who were all wet to enjoy another successful Isle of Anglesey Motorcycle Show, Mr Mutch called on the authorities to rethink the way they respond to threats against legitimate events.
"In today's changing world, where the threat of violence appears to be growing all around us, any responsible event organiser must put public safety first. However, the sacrifice of two well-established, popular and trouble-free events purely on the basis of 'information received' raises serious questions" said Mr Mutch.
"If the public are to trust the judgment of local police and public officials there can be no question of crying wolf; if the authorities genuinely believe there is a serious threat of disruption they must be prepared to back them up with sufficient resource to protect these events, not to simply assist in their demise".
"MAG will be making representations to ensure that future shows and rallies are not jeopardised. By working closely with the police, local authorities and communities to ensure that public and community safety are not compromised, MAG events have enjoyed a good record for being trouble free and this summer has been no different".
MAG has been in touch with the Anglesey Motorcycle Show event organisers and is offering all available support and advice to overcome the problems they have encountered in the hope that the Welsh National Motorcycle Show and the Anglesey Motorcycle Show can go ahead in 2009.
Visit the Welsh Motorcycle Show website at
welshmotorcycleshows.co.ukMAG calls on Local Authorities across the UK to take part in TRL research into allowing motorcycles to use Advanced Stop Lines at junctions.
TRL is conducting an experimental study on behalf of the Department for Transport into the effects of permitting motorcycles to use Advanced Stop Lines (ASLs)- at present only bicycles are permitted to use them. This research project aims to realise the implications of allowing such practice and will also help to inform new government guidance on this topic.
The study will involve a three day video survey, beginning in September, which will observe the interactions between motorcyclists and cyclists at existing ASL sites. The study will also consider how the ASL space is currently used and respected by other road users. The junctions will then be modified to permit motorcycles access to the ASL.
TRL intend to survey 12 ASL sites across the country with a variety of different characteristics. ASLs at junctions where there are high flows of both motorcycles and cycles and relatively high turning proportions are of particular interest. It is also desirable that the motorcycles and bicycles use the junction at the same time and need to travel in different directions. This will ensure that any conclusions drawn from the study are widely applicable to ASLs throughout the country and assist in developing general guidance that will be published by the Department for Transport.
MAG Campaigns Manager, David Short:
" A major factor in motorcycle safety is creating space between motorcyclists and other road users. The major successes in getting motorcycles in bus lanes is one such example and this study into allowing motorbikes to use advanced stop lines is a further example of how seriously the Department of Transport is taking motorcyclists views on how to improve road safety. MAG urges those local authorities who have introduced advanced stop lines at junctions to take part in this study and make a positive contribution to road safety.
MAG welcomes new laws to punish those who cause deaths by their careless driving.
Motorists who drive without paying due attention will face prison under new driving legislation which came into force on Monday the 18th of August.
Drivers who cause deaths due to avoidable distractions such as using a mobile phone or applying make up will face new penalties, including up to five years for causing death by careless driving, and up to two years for driving whilst uninsured, unlicensed or disqualified. Prior to the introduction of the new laws, the maximum sentence for those convicted of death through careless driving was a £5,000 fine and licence points.
Motorcyclists are vulnerable road users and the risks they face are compounded by motorist's inattention to their driving whilst they are distracted by other things going on in the protective cocoon of their car.
MAG Campaigns Manager, David Short:
"Motorcyclists have to put up with dodging cigarette ends, litter and empty drinks cans being thrown out of cars which is in itself down right irresponsible but when that compromises the safety of motorcyclists it is unforgiveable.
The nature of motorcycling means that you don't have the same distractions as in a car and so you are more attentive and therefore safer. In a car it is too easy to use the mobile phone, mess about with make up, consume food and drink or simply meddle music sytems.
All of these distractions take up concentration which should be focused on driving. Its about time motorists faced up to their responsibilities towards other road users and this new law should make examples of those who don't and in turn reinforce the importance of road safety".
MAG website: mag-uk.org
