Do you have proof that MAG etc. had any effect of any of the above, was a 100 bhp limit ever a serious thing, bikes aren't legally allowed in most UK bus lanes and leg protectors were never a real proposal.
IIRC it was a European-wide campaign, possibly co-ordinated by FEMA, not just MAG.
Also IIRC there was already a 100bhp limit in France, the proposal was to introduce it across the EU. And it didn't happen. That's the nearest I can get to 'proof'
But it was ages ago and I don't think you actually care, so I won't try and break Google trying to find evidence for you
Before MAG's campaign, bikes weren't allowed in any bus lanes.
DefTrap wrote: ↑Mon Aug 21, 2023 9:59 am
Have any of these bike lobby groups ever genuinely succeeded in changing anything?
100hp limit, bikes in bus lanes, Peter Bottomley's leg protectors?
I think their main, long-term, achievement has been to be an 'awareness' for decision-makers to know that they're likely to be challenged. Not something that would get headlines, but very necessary.
Do you have proof that MAG etc. had any effect of any of the above, was a 100 bhp limit ever a serious thing, bikes aren't legally allowed in most UK bus lanes and leg protectors were never a real proposal.
MAG might as well say they stopped the Klingon Invasion of 2003
The leg protectors were definitely tested by (I think) TRRL.
I saw a bike once in the queue at Sonning bridge with them fitted and asked the guy riding if they were of any use.
You used to have to pay for Dartford Crossing until MAG organised a demo ride across with everyone stopping & fumbling for their £1. Small gains admittedly. Not all bus lanes in London are open to motorbikes - I should know I got fined for riding in one last year.
Dickyboy wrote: ↑Tue Aug 22, 2023 7:57 am
You used to have to pay for Dartford Crossing until MAG organised a demo ride across with everyone stopping & fumbling for their £1. Small gains admittedly. Not all bus lanes in London are open to motorbikes - I should know I got fined for riding in one last year.
It was independently reported that three people turned up for it. Ian Mutch, a journo, plus one.
Re London bus lanes, all TfL bus lanes are open, others are on a council by council basis. Absolutely essential to read the signs.
Can't recall the last time I saw a press release from BMF apart from the 'leaving FEMA' one.
Half the problem with MAG is fighting for 'rights' which most riders aren't bothered about.
If they want a cause, how about the poor condition of the UKs roads, it's something which effects the safety of all UK road users including motorcyclists.
Le_Fromage_Grande wrote: ↑Tue Aug 22, 2023 3:21 pm
If they want a cause, how about the poor condition of the UKs roads, it's something which effects the safety of all UK road users including motorcyclists.
It's almost like you looked at the MAG website
It was independently reported that three people turned up for it. Ian Mutch, a journo, plus one.
By whom, given how many people MAG mustered for other demos at the time I'd be amazed if that were true.
ZRX61 wrote: ↑Wed Aug 23, 2023 2:26 am
I just remembered that other shower of shit... United Bikers... Whatever happened to that circus?
Weren't they a patch club? Used to be referred to as United Biscuits round our way on account of the biscuit factory of the same name in the town. Patch clubs really are the pits.
DefTrap wrote: ↑Mon Aug 21, 2023 9:59 am
Have any of these bike lobby groups ever genuinely succeeded in changing anything?
I think their main, long-term, achievement has been to be an 'awareness' for decision-makers to know that they're likely to be challenged. Not something that would get headlines, but very necessary.
Seems these groups are not generally admired on here
Horse's comment touches on what I was trying to get at, namely, if their value is to act as a challenge to decision-makers, but the base of those they represent is dwindling, their influence is going to wane commensurately. Eventually they'll be ignored.
From MCN:
Richard Addison, spokesman for the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions. He said: ” They do have influence. They’re an integral part of the Government’s Advisory Group on Motorcycling. We have a good relationship with the BMF and they are of notable influence in policymaking. The same would apply to MAG. ”
Dickyboy wrote: ↑Tue Aug 22, 2023 7:57 am
You used to have to pay for Dartford Crossing until MAG organised a demo ride across with everyone stopping & fumbling for their £1. Small gains admittedly. Not all bus lanes in London are open to motorbikes - I should know I got fined for riding in one last year.
It was independently reported that three people turned up for it. Ian Mutch, a journo, plus one.
Don't know about that one, but there was an attempt to have several protest rides across the country on the same Saturday. 12-14 years ago?
Horse wrote: ↑Mon Aug 21, 2023 2:42 pm
I think their main, long-term, achievement has been to be an 'awareness' for decision-makers to know that they're likely to be challenged. Not something that would get headlines, but very necessary.
Seems these groups are not generally admired on here
Horse's comment touches on what I was trying to get at, namely, if their value is to act as a challenge to decision-makers, but the base of those they represent is dwindling, their influence is going to wane commensurately. Eventually they'll be ignored.
From MCN:
Richard Addison, spokesman for the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions. He said: ” They do have influence. They’re an integral part of the Government’s Advisory Group on Motorcycling. We have a good relationship with the BMF and they are of notable influence in policymaking. The same would apply to MAG. ”
That quote looks like it's been cut short and continues ".... if they weren't so..." (hazard a guess at the rest yourself.)
Le_Fromage_Grande wrote: ↑Tue Aug 22, 2023 3:21 pm
If they want a cause, how about the poor condition of the UKs roads, it's something which effects the safety of all UK road users including motorcyclists.
I used to work with a lady called Cathy Phillpotts who was something to do with the BMF. She was always raising awareness of TFLs plans and the distinction and bias of PTWs against cyclists and how the BMF were actively defending bikers rights. I was surprised at how active the BMF were in things and always felt their efforts were underpublicised and i suppose pretty thankless in some ways? IIRC I even joined for a year as i was so impressed by her and the BMFs efforts in things I previously had no idea was even going on.
Also, wasn't MAG and the BMF successful in defeating the ridiculous leg protector bill thing? I think they probably do serve a good purpose and aren't all grubby wax jackets and campsites...
Dickyboy wrote: ↑Wed Aug 23, 2023 8:16 am
Weren't they a patch club? Used to be referred to as United Biscuits round our way on account of the biscuit factory of the same name in the town. Patch clubs really are the pits.
The only ones I remember were wannabes with Honda Wetdreams etc.
What have they ever done to get VAT exemption from PPE like air jackets/vests, the things that, through MotoGP, WSB etc, have proved that they will prevent injuries.
Whysub wrote: ↑Wed Aug 23, 2023 7:30 pm
What have they ever done to get VAT exemption from PPE like air jackets/vests, the things that, through MotoGP, WSB etc, have proved that they will prevent injuries.
AFAIK the only VAT exempt items are the legally obligatory stuff like seat belts and crash helmets.
