Category: Organisations

1. NW200 – Do It Safely

   Posted on 12:00am Friday 13th May 2011

   Police are urging motorcyclists travelling to and from the North West 200 next week to use all their road craft to stay safe and stay alive on roads across Northern Ireland.

   Motorists can expect increased number of traffic patrols on our roads across the North Coast area during race week, with the aim of ensuring the safety of all road users.

   Inspector John Millar, Road Policing officer, explains: “In recent years a number of people lost their lives while either travelling to or from this sporting spectacular, or to one of the many events that take place throughout race week. This is something that all bikers need to take note of, and is why road safety has got to be everyone’s number one priority.

   “It is very easy to get caught up in all the excitement that the races bring, and it is this excitement, and the anticipation of seeing professional racers do their thing on closed roads that supporters and enthusiasts need to suppress if they want to stay alive when travelling on open roads.

   Do not try to emulate any of the riders taking part in the North West 200 as it is simply not feasible or safe to do so.

   Don’t think that you can get away with just driving safely on roads around the race circuit.

   You must drive safely at all times whether you are en-route to the North coast from Armagh, Ballymena, Belfast, Carrickfergus, Derry, Enniskillen, Limavady, Portaferry, Newry, or indeed anywhere else in Ireland.

   “I would also remind motorists that there will be more motorcycles out and about during race week, and that they need to be more alert to the presence of bikes on the roads, and particularly at junctions…THINK BIKE.

   “Motorcyclists have a major role to play when it comes to road safety.

   Use dipped headlights day and night, and consider sounding your horn to alert others to your presence as necessary.

   Ride responsibly and don’t take foolish chances.

   You only get one life; make sure it doesn’t come to an untimely end…BIKESAFE and STAY ALIVE,” concluded Inspector Millar.

   Ride It Right Comments

   Ride It Right the motorcycle safety initiative says all good sound advice for riders and drivers.

   However regarding using dipped headlights: All bikes produced by the major manufacturers have since 2002 had their dipped headlight hardwired so that they come on automatically, there is no switch to switch on or to switch off the headlight. So although you may think your headlight is on, remember to physically check that it is.

   Also do not rely on other vehicle drivers seeing you because you have your headlight on or you are wearing reflective or bright clothing.

   Also don’t think that having your full beam on will make you more visible, you may make it harder for other vehicle drivers to calculate your distance and speed as you approach.

   You may even “mask” the rider behind you, especially if you have fitted more powerful bulbs or High Intensity Discharge Xenon headlights (HID-Xenon) that can cause glare and dazzle other road users.

   Meanwhile if you get the time book into one of the Bikesafe assessments that are on offer during race week.

   www.rideitright.org.

   Bikesafe

   Police are encouraging motorcyclists of all ages and abilities to take part in their ‘Bikesafe’ assessed ride-outs during the NW200 race week.

   The ride-outs will be held at the start/finish area of the North West 200 motorcycle races situated on the coast road between Portrush and Portstewart from Tuesday 17 until Friday 19 May. Assessment slots can be booked on-line at www.bikesafe.co.uk.

   Bikesafe paddock opening times will be:

   Tuesday 17 May 10.00am to 5.00pm

   Wednesday 18 May 9.30am to 6.00pm

   Thursday 19 May 3.00pm to 9.00pm

   Friday 20 May 9.30am to 9.00pm

   There is £10 administration fee, payable on-line, for the Bikesafe ride-outs and they are operated on a first come first served basis. Motorcyclists are provided with a unique opportunity to have their riding and road craft assessed by an advanced police motorcyclist. During the ride-out, the advanced police motorcyclist assesses machine knowledge, hazard awareness, junctions, cornering, overtaking and security. The assessment is not a test, nor is it training, it provides advice and an assessment of a rider’s capabilities, and it is open to all, from the complete novice to the experienced motorcyclist. STAY ALIVE – ‘BIKESAFE’.

2. BMF Warns On Future Bike Parking Charges

   Posted on 11:30am Wednesday 20th Apr 2011

   The British Motorcyclists Federation is warning of the possibility of countrywide parking charges being introduced for motorcycles following the failure in the Court of Appeal to overturn a High Court decision that backed the parking charges traffic order implemented by Westminster City Council in January 2010.

   The ‘No To Bike Parking Tax’ campaign (NTBPT), a campaign group supported by the 80,000 strong BMF, had brought the appeal but three senior judges today ruled there was "nothing in the grounds of appeal" and dismissed their case.

   Warren Djanogly, who led the NTBPT campaign, said: "We are hugely disappointed, but it is not over yet. We are now thinking of taking our case to the European courts where we expect to get a fairer hearing."

   The BMF, whose members helped in raising the money required for the bringing of the appeal, say that cash-strapped Local Authorities across the country have been watching the situation closely and with the loss of the appeal, motorcyclists could now be faced with the threat of a nationwide rollout of parking charges.

   A strong supporter of the ‘No To Bike Parking Tax’ (NTBPT) campaign from its inception in August 2008 the BMF say while the campaign gained massive rider support in London, many councils across the UK, possibly starting with Birmingham and Manchester, were also considering bringing in similar Pay by Phone charges for motorcycles and it was only the Westminster legal case that was preventing them doing so.

   If parking charges were to be introduced, the Tax Payers Alliance have calculated that annually, it would cost the UK’s motorcycling community a staggering £93,000,000 in parking charges.

   BMF Chairman, Anna Zee, who has taken part in most of the big anti-tax demonstrations together with a number of other BMF members, said she was deeply disappointed at the verdict. “The use of motorcycles and scooters in urban environments can contribute greatly to easing congestion and anything which discourages such use is to be deplored.”

   Commenting on the ruling, the BMF’s Government Relations Executive Chris Hodder, said: “This is disappointing and is a blow to everyone involved in the campaign, but more than that, the ruling that Westminster’s parking charges for motorcycles are legal could well signal the end of free parking for motorcyclists across the UK.”

   The BMF will now be asking members of its regional network to carefully monitor Local Authorities for any signs of plans to implement motorcycle parking charges.

   www.bmf.co.uk.

3. Get On Your Bike as British Summer Time Begins

   Posted on 12:00am Saturday 2nd Apr 2011

   As British Summer Time starts, with the clock change at the weekend, so does the unofficial beginning of the riding season, as we all benefit from the longer, lighter days and warmer weather.
   
   There are about 1.3 million licensed motorcycles in Great Britain, which according to the latest Government statistics were ridden over 5 billion kilometres at the last count.
   
   As riders prepare for the warmer weather it is important that bikes and scooters that have been locked up over the Winter are also fully prepared for the roads.
   
   Preparing for a season of riding requires riders to undertake a thorough inspection of their bike, and we would recommend that inspection be carried out by one of the country's network of dealers.

   Kit should be checked as the spring opens up many more opportunities whether riding for purely pleasure or practical purposes.
   
   Bike Preparation - This will depend on what you did prior to putting your bike in storage. However, over the winter months bad weather can cause some problems so it is important that you give your bike a number of checks, such as looking for corrosion, checking the oil and brake fluid and brake pads.
   
   Get in touch with your nearest dealer as mentioned, get them to check out your bike as the season begins. Be ready to enjoy safe riding, always remembering that regular maintenance is essential and will also help to prolong the life of your motorcycle
   
   Washing and applying a fresh coat of wax to your bike not only keeps it looking good, it can also prevent rust and corrosion.
   
   Kit - In addition to your bike, you should give your motorbike gear and any specialist clothing some careful attention. If you've just pulled out a helmet you wore years ago or have been wearing the same one for a few years check that it's still safe enough and have a chat with your local supplier. If it has been stored in sunlight, the lining is compressed, the strap is stretched or frayed or the visor is scratched it's probably time to buy yourself a new one.
   
   There are plenty of alternatives to leathers too. You can now get jeans reinforced with Kevlar and similar materials. Whether you go for leathers or textiles, look out for armour at vulnerable points like knees, hips, elbows and shoulders. It should be CE approved. Again try the Get On website at www.geton.co.uk/kit.
   
   Get On - Anyone who is interested in enjoying all of the cost-saving benefits of a bike or scooter can dip their toe into the world of bikes with a free one-hour taster session with a local trainer
   
   Steve Kenward CEO of the MCI said "Getting on a bike as the warmer weather approaches brings many benefits to the individual and other road users.  It is a fun leisure activity that brings together people from all walks of life as well as providing a cost-effective commuting alternative.
   
   Anyone who hasn't got a licence, but is interested in life on two wheels can now have the chance to have a FREE one-hour experience as part of the industry's Get On campaign"
   
   For more information about life on two wheels and choosing your motorcycle kit go to the website www.geton.co.uk

4. LEARNER RIDERS NEED TO MOVE ON

   Posted on 12:00am Wednesday 30th Mar 2011

   Motorcycling road safety initiative RideSafe BackSafe is seriously concerned about the number of learner riders who are riding illegally, having failed to renew their CBT (Compulsory Basic Training) certificate.

   A CBT certificate is valid for just two years at which point a moped or motorcycle rider is required to retake their CBT course; unless they have  passed both parts of the test to acquire their full motorcycling licence, or moved on to driving a car instead. 

   Road Safety Adviser and RideSafe BackSafe team member, Rob Winn, explains; “If you do nothing, your CBT expires after two years and by continuing to ride on public highways you are committing a road traffic offence. This would also mean that your moped or motorcycle insurance is no longer valid, which is another offence that can result in your bike being seized by the Police and possibly crushed. What makes this all the more alarming is the fact that your CBT is a basic, ‘entry level’ introduction to riding on the roads and really should be seen as a short-term stepping stone to other training and safer travel“.

   Recent figures issued by Transport Statistics show that the number of people riding mopeds and motorcycles has increased dramatically and the motorcycle population as a whole now travels in excess of five billion kilometres per year.

   Although moped and motorcycle riders only make up about one percent of all road traffic, they still account for about 20% of all collision casualties and 16 to 24 year old riders are at greatest risk.

   Rob Winn continues, “With the cost of fuel and insurance going up dramatically, many people are living on a tighter budget and this may cause some learner riders to simply not bother renewing or ‘moving on’ from a CBT certificate, some may even just forget. RideSafe BackSafe is keen to highlight the fact that no reminder is issued when the two year time limit has expired. Casualty statistics also tell us that riders who do take additional training are less likely to be involved in road traffic collisions, so we are encouraging inexperienced riders in particular to develop their riding skills, as well as remaining road legal“.

   More information can be found at www.ridesafebacksafe.co.uk. – and learner riders can join the bikers forum through the website to ask for advice and guidance from motorcycling experts and enthusiasts.

   The Driving Standards Agency (DSA) also provides an informative leaflet on the subject entitled ‘Routes to motorcycling'.

5. Good and Bad in Northern Ireland Road Safety Strategy say BMF

   Posted on 12:00am Sunday 27th Mar 2011

   The British Motorcyclists Federation have today given a mixed reaction to the publication of the Northern Ireland Road Safety Strategy to 2020.
    
   While the BMF welcomes the setting up of a user forum and especially the dropping of earlier proposals for lower speed limits for motorcycles, it maintains its objection to a proposed ban on unaccompanied riding by learner motorcyclists. This is a premature proposal say the BMF given that Compulsory Basic Training has not yet been implemented in Northern Ireland.
    
   The new strategy* follows a wide ranging consultation process in which while motorcycling was recognised as a key part, it was seen more as a victim of circumstances and not as is often the case, the sole cause of casualties.
    
   In submitting its views the BMF supported the setting up of a user forum and is pleased to see that this has been included in the strategy. It has also welcomed the fact that a proposal it objected to, the introduction of differential speed limits for motorcycles, has been dropped.
    
   Amongst many other measures the BMF supported and are now included in the strategy, is the consideration of motorcycling in the design of new roads, installing motorcycle ‘friendly’ barriers, the development of a motorcycling safety strategy for Northern Ireland and an approved motorcycle instructor register.
    
   Commenting Chris Hodder, the BMF’s Government Relations Executive said: “We are pleased that many of our comments have been accepted, but the ban on unaccompanied learning is unnecessary and will be disastrous for the small bike market. It shouldn’t even be considered until the CBT system has had a chance to play out.”
    
   The BMF will now play a full part in the new forum and be pressing home its views, particularly on the learner rider aspects.
    
   *The strategy document can be found here: