The IAM is calling for changes to British Summer Time (BST), to give us more daylight hours in the evening.  

Bringing the British time zone forward by an hour in both winter and summer, would mean lighter evenings, when crashes are more likely. Figures from the Department for Transport show that changing the daylight hours could prevent about 80 deaths and at least 200 serious injuries on our roads each year.It would also align the hours of daylight to the waking and working hours of the vast majority of the population.  

Road casualty rates increase with the arrival of darker evenings.

In 2011:  

• The number of pedestrians killed or seriously injured in November was 14 per cent more than the monthly average.

• The number of cyclist casualties was 5 per cent higher.

• The rate of motorcycle casualties per vehicle mile was 28 per cent higher.1  

IAM chief executive Simon Best said: “Making evenings lighter would save lives.  While an extra hour of daylight would help to make the commute home much safer for all road users, children, cyclists and motorcyclists would benefit most. We want to see a three-year trial of the new daylight system. If the trial period proves the new daylight hours have a positive effect on road safety, it is clear that it is the system we should keep. With convincing evidence of the potential benefits, it is only right that we pilot a new system.”    

www.iam.org.uk

Over breakfast on one of our rideouts we came up with a crazy idea to help our chosen charity Neurosupport. 

So after lots of work and planning twenty of us brave bikers, girls and boys stripped naked for a charity calendar (tastefully done, nothing can be seen). Each month is a funny theme including lots of bikes but all for a serious cause as Neurosupport (Registered Charity Number: 1114999) support people with neurological conditions along with their families and carers and as we found out that includes many bikers.  

www.openairriders.co.uk

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Over breakfast on one of our rideouts we came up with a crazy idea to help our chosen charity Neurosupport. 

So after lots of work and planning twenty of us brave bikers, girls and boys stripped naked for a charity calendar (tastefully done, nothing can be seen). Each month is a funny theme including lots of bikes but all for a serious cause as Neurosupport (Registered Charity Number: 1114999) support people with neurological conditions along with their families and carers and as we found out that includes many bikers.  

www.openairriders.co.uk

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The Isle of Man Government Department of Economic Development has confirmed the identity of its new Motorcycling event. The event, which runs from Saturday 17th August to Sunday 1st September 2013, will be called 'The Isle of Man Festival of Motorcycling' and replaces the Manx Grand Prix Festival.

The festival's schedule will feature the newly developed Classic TT Races, the Manx Grand Prix Races, the Vintage Motor Cycle Club Rally and Festival of Jurby and the Classic and Two Day Trials. In addition, the fortnight's motorcycling celebrations will include period events, exhibitions of exotic classic racing motorcycles, chat shows and autograph sessions with legendary riders, parade laps, air displays and family entertainment.

A new retro inspired logo that features the iconic three legs of Man triskelion, motorsport wings in tribute to the Mercury Trophies and a traditional chequered flag has been created for the Isle of Man Festival of Motorcycling. This will be used in all collateral and communication for the festival and will form the basis of the festival's commercial programme. The newly devised 'Classic TT' event has also had its own evocative logo developed, featuring historic iconography.

A new website www.iomfom.com, which will carry information about the festival, will shortly be launched. The new site will host links back to the sites of each of the organising bodies involved in the festival events with the Classic TT information being housed inside the official Isle of Man TT web site at iomtt.com.

Geoff Corkish, MBE, MHK, Political Member, Department of Economic Development commented:

“The new event has been developed to capitalise on the Isle of Man's position in the international motorcycling community. We are confident that we have created a schedule and identity that will appeal to race fans, the media and potential commercial partners as we look to develop new revenue streams for the event as well as attracting potential visitors to the Isle of Man."

Fines for drivers of all motor vehicles - including motorcyclists, - who are caught without a breathalyser kit, will be implemented in France from March 2013, according to the IAM. The fines were due to be enforced from 1 November 2012.   All drivers in France, including motorcyclists, are now required to carry a breathalyser kit and the €11 fine is will be applicable to all road users, except for those on mopeds. 

Single-use breathalyser kits will satisfy the requirement.  The legal limit in France is 50 mg per 100 ml of blood, lower than in the UK (the UK limit is 80mg). They cost between £1 and £2 and they will be available at ferry and tunnel terminals for crossings to France. It is intended that people will be able to test themselves to check whether or not they are over the French limit. 

Anyone driving in France is already required to carry a warning triangle and a fluorescent safety vest to use in an emergency. Additionally UK motorists and motorcyclists must display a GB plate. 

IAM director of policy and research Neil Greig said: “The new French rule is a genuine attempt to reduce the number of alcohol-related accidents. France’s lower limit means it’s very easy to be over the limit the morning after as well. As always, the best advice for road users is not to drink and drive at all.”

www.iam.org.uk