Interview with Colin Brown of MAG Sun 27 Sep 11am

[The Spin Doctor]

Tomorrow (Sunday 27 September) over on the www.facebook.com/survivalskills page, I'll be running an interview I recorded yesterday with Colin Brown of MAG.

As you'll probably know, I've been writing the rider safety column in 'The Road' - the journal of the Motorcycle Action Group - since 2002. And in tomorrow's edition of Elevenses, Colin Brown of MAG and I get together, to talk through a bunch of questions of importance to all bikers, whether you want to get involved in the political side of riding or not.



In the interview, recorded on Friday afternoon, we discuss Colin's job title, his role within MAG, and the broader aims of MAG within motorcycling. We look at projects and concerns that MAG are involved with right now, including 'decarbonisation' of the roads, e-scooters and how they should be fitted into the current road framework, parking, crime, and the current Highway Code review (and more on that issue from me, tomorrow).

I also ask Colin some questions about issues I consider important.

We look at the welcome rise in sales of small motorcycles and scooters during the pandemic, but given the almost inevitable rise in PTW casualties as a result of increased numbers of inexperienced road users, I ask if MAG will push for a more thorough CBT course.

And if we survive the trip to work, what about bike parking?

Noise is a particular gripe of mine. Many riders believe that noise = character. I find it bloody annoying, and that's the attitude of many non-bikers, particularly when their homes are alongside heavily used biking routes, as the current debate about the use of the quayside parking area at Rye shows - it's triggered heated reactions on both sides of the divide. How can MAG encourage riders to ride within the law on this issue?

And finally, with the COVID-19 pandemic rapidly spiralling out of control once more, how can group riding - an activity central to many riders enjoyment of two wheels - be reconciled that the restrictions? How can MAG encourage riders to adapt?

And lastly, I know MAG's funding has been hit by the cancellation of their big rallies and even local meetings, so how can riders get to support MAG?

Tune in SUNDAY 27 SEPTEMBER at 11AM to see the interview.

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[Skub]

I thought the helmet law had MAG beaten.

[Claude]

What has MAG ever done for me?

Genuine question.

[Claude]

Highway Code revision.
“We are calling on the department to immediately revise the wording of the announcement to include motorcyclists, and then to develop meaningful discourse on what amendments can be made to the Highway Code to help improve the safety of riders“
Should the MAG not be offering revisions I mean surely they are best placed to recognise what changes could be implemented.

I’d do more but I need to get kitted up. Intercom test time!

[Horse]

What has MAG ever done for me?

Depending on where you live, they led a lot of the bus lane access campaigns. Bristol and Reading, for example.

[The Spin Doctor]

What has MAG ever done for me?

Depending on where you live, they led a lot of the bus lane access campaigns. Bristol and Reading, for example.

And are still working on that one.

[The Spin Doctor]

What has MAG ever done for me?

Genuine question.

The trouble is that it's hard to say "this did / didn't happen thanks to MAG" but they are there constantly pushing for rider rights. But two examples...

Remember Martin Bangemann?

They also got behind BikeSafe and helped make it the success it is today.

[Skub]

Mag and the BMF (are they still around?) are easy targets,I've been guilty of sniping in the past.

However,I reckon it's better to have someone yapping at the heels of the lawmakers,rather than no one at all.

So,the new me says,power to their collective elbows.

[The Spin Doctor]

Mag and the BMF (are they still around?) are easy targets,I've been guilty of sniping in the past.

However,I reckon it's better to have someone yapping at the heels of the lawmakers,rather than no one at all.

So,the new me says,power to their collective elbows.

BMF are still around, even though their membership imploded some years back.

[Bigjawa]

Mag and the BMF (are they still around?) are easy targets,I've been guilty of sniping in the past.

However,I reckon it's better to have someone yapping at the heels of the lawmakers,rather than no one at all.

So,the new me says,power to their collective elbows.

BMF are still around, even though their membership imploded some years back.

I'm not surprised with stuff like this....

https://www.bmf.co.uk/news/show/motorcy ... 9-pandemic

They've managed to make a valid point seem so condescending and antagonistic I'd be surprised if more members didn't immediately decide to have nothing more to do with them.

[Claude]

Mag and the BMF (are they still around?) are easy targets,I've been guilty of sniping in the past.

However,I reckon it's better to have someone yapping at the heels of the lawmakers,rather than no one at all.

So,the new me says,power to their collective elbows.

BMF are still around, even though their membership imploded some years back.

I'm not surprised with stuff like this....

https://www.bmf.co.uk/news/show/motorcy ... 9-pandemic

They've managed to make a valid point seem so condescending and antagonistic I'd be surprised if more members didn't immediately decide to have nothing more to do with them.

Noise camera? Wait what??

[Skub]

I'm not surprised with stuff like this....

https://www.bmf.co.uk/news/show/motorcy ... 9-pandemic

They've managed to make a valid point seem so condescending and antagonistic I'd be surprised if more members didn't immediately decide to have nothing more to do with them.

They probably know all the 'noisy pipe' clan are with MAG anyway. If not,they likely are now.

[The Spin Doctor]

I'm not surprised with stuff like this....

https://www.bmf.co.uk/news/show/motorcy ... 9-pandemic

They've managed to make a valid point seem so condescending and antagonistic I'd be surprised if more members didn't immediately decide to have nothing more to do with them.

To be honest, I made much the same point in the interview. I suppose there's a difference between holding an opinion and appearing holier than thou.

[Supermofo]

Noise camera? Wait what??

My brother who works for a Herts council was talking about these. There is talk of installing noise cameras. Like a speed camera, but for for noise and you get a fine. Seems a few European countries are looking at them.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new- ... l-vehicles

[Claude]

Noise camera? Wait what??

My brother who works for a Herts council was talking about these. There is talk of installing noise cameras. Like a speed camera, but for for noise and you get a fine. Seems a few European countries are looking at them.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new- ... l-vehicles

Hence my decision to swap back to std.

[IOU0]

Here's a silly question re noise cameras.
Bikes are tested a specific rpm at a specific distance from the test gear.
How does the camera know what gear you are in and then be used in evidence against you.
Btw it's Austria and France who have been using these new toys (possibly others)

[Claude]

Here's a silly question re noise cameras.
Bikes are tested a specific rpm at a specific distance from the test gear.
How does the camera know what gear you are in and then be used in evidence against you.
Btw it's Austria and France who have been using these new toys (possibly others)

Interesting points, I looked up the MOT notes and got the following;

8.1.1. Exhaust noise
If possible, you should assess the exhaust noise by revving the engine to approximately half the maximum engine speed. The engine should be warm before you carry out this check.

It is not possible to rev the engine on twist and go type motorcycles.

The exhaust system and silencer should be in such condition, or of such a type, that the noise emitted from the motorcycle is not clearly unreasonably above the level expected from a similar motorcycle with a standard silencer in average condition.

Defect Category
(a) Exhaust noise levels in excess of those permitted Major
(b) Any part of the exhaust system:

(i) insecure
(ii) likely to become detached

Major
Dangerous

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/mot-inspect ... aust-noise

[Claude]

A quick search the UK Noise camera comes up with the following.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publicati ... technology

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new- ... l-vehicles

[IOU0]

Here's a silly question re noise cameras.
Bikes are tested a specific rpm at a specific distance from the test gear.
How does the camera know what gear you are in and then be used in evidence against you.
Btw it's Austria and France who have been using these new toys (possibly others)

Interesting points, I looked up the MOT notes and got the following;

8.1.1. Exhaust noise
If possible, you should assess the exhaust noise by revving the engine to approximately half the maximum engine speed. The engine should be warm before you carry out this check.

It is not possible to rev the engine on twist and go type motorcycles.

The exhaust system and silencer should be in such condition, or of such a type, that the noise emitted from the motorcycle is not clearly unreasonably above the level expected from a similar motorcycle with a standard silencer in average condition.

Defect Category
(a) Exhaust noise levels in excess of those permitted Major
(b) Any part of the exhaust system:

(i) insecure
(ii) likely to become detached

Major
Dangerous

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/mot-inspect ... aust-noise

When i said 'tested', i actually meant for the little plate (homogulation) on the headstock of the bike, not the MOT.
There will have to be a huge leeway to allow for background/white noise before issuing a ticket.......if one is ever issued.
Over here, if you get a tug, it is quite common for them to have noise measuring equipment with them.
But then again, there is a significant police presence in France unlike the UK.

[The Spin Doctor]

There will have to be a huge leeway to allow for background/white noise before issuing a ticket.......if one is ever issued.

The microphone is apparently highly directional.

But yes, I think they'll be targeted at the daftest exhausts.