Category: Organisations

1. The Motorcycling Minister Says Yes To Motorcycling

   Posted on 12:01am Tuesday 24th Jan 2012

   In an exclusive interview conducted for the BMF’s membership magazine, Motorcycle Rider, Mike Penning MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport, reveals himself as a motorcyclist keen to tackle the issues facing motorcycling today.

   The wide-ranging interview, conducted by the BMF’s Government Relations Executive Chris Hodder, covered rider testing, the red tape challenge, type approval regulations and Britain’s strength in Europe.

   The Minister, having first started riding motorcycles as an Army despatch rider, currently owns a 900cc Ducati Monster and a Royal Enfield and despite his own riding being limited these days, said he saw motorcycles as “an enormous benefit for the environment because of their ability to keep moving, give off less emissions and cause fewer traffic problems than a car.” He was however concerned at the “number of riders inappropriately dressed for riding” and that was one of the reasons that he was passionate about training and educating riders.

   Tackled over the thorny problem of rider testing and licensing, the Minister said that he fundamentally disagreed with the previous administration’s knee-jerk reaction to the European legislation on testing. “I keep referring to a single test and I still think that’s the best idea. We have to create a test that gives people the skills to enjoy their future riding and ensure that they are safe with other people on the road” he said.

   On the test itself Mr Penning said that while he was frustrated at how long it has taken to get to the present revisions, “getting it wrong would be devastating to the industry, motorcyclists and, indeed, Britain. It’s not so much about getting people on to two wheels, but rather getting people to stay on two wheels – and stay safe,” he said. “In fact, one of the only television advertising campaigns I’m doing this year is focused on motorcyclists, because I’m committed to their safety” he added.

   Tackling red tape had also been a priority he said and streamlining the SORN arrangements by removing annual renewals was just a start, adding that his red tape challenge (www.redtapechallenge.cabinetoffice.gov.uk) makes it easy for people to submit suggestions.

   On European issues he said he had permission from the Prime Minister to “push back as strongly as possible” on anything he didn’t like and on the Commission’s latest Type Approval legislation he said he would do just that.

   Questioned on our standing within Europe since the finance veto, the Minister said that all that will happen is that the European Parliament will realise that when we say no we mean no. “I get on very well with my European counterparts, but they know exactly where I stand” he said.

   Note:  Mike Penning is the Member of Parliament for Hemel Hempstead. After the May 2010 election he was appointed as Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Transport. He was born in North London in 1957 and educated in Essex at Appleton and King Edmund Comprehensive Schools.

   Note 2: Motorcycle Rider is the BMF’s quarterly membership magazine sent to all Individual Members and officials of affiliated clubs.

2. French Hi Viz

   Posted on 12:01am Saturday 7th Jan 2012

   Last year over a 100,000 motorcyclists, coordinated by the French riders group The Fédération Française des Motards en Colère (FFMC – French Federation of Angry Bikers), demonstrated in France against their government’s plans to introduce a raft of road safety policies.
    
   The proposal to make the wearing of high visibility fluorescent vests mandatory and the introduction of fines for non-compliance seemed to be the main focus of the French demonstrations. This was reported on and commented on by riders in the UK and Ireland.
    
   After the demonstration, (which saw piles of high viz vests burned in protest by riders), French Government Officials claimed that bikers had totally misunderstood the proposed obligation for all to wear a fluorescent high visibility yellow vest!
    
   Officials stated that it has never been a question of wearing that vest but rather to propose (not impose) to bikers that they wear a little yellow strap around their arm so that they can be better seen by motorists.
    
   However FFMC now report that a new decree (NOR: IOCA1126729D No. 2012-3) on road safety has entered into force.
    
   It was published on January 3rd 2012 and entered into force on the 4th January (2012).
    
   French Decree
    
   The decree provides that drivers and passengers of motorized two-wheelers (2WD) of more than 125 cm3 from 1st January 2013 must wear a retro-reflecting device with a total surface area of at least 150 cm ².
    
   If riders fails to comply with the law they will be subject to a fixed fine of €68 which automatically leads to the reduction of two points from their driver’s licence. There is no mention of what the passenger faces for non-compliance, perhaps just a fine?
    
   FFMC say that, “bikers already have four retro-reflective stickers on the helmet and they ride with the headlights on. In addition, a retro-reflecting device is useless in daylight … We also know that the issue of visibility is not a problem of lighting or colours of clothing, but a problem of inattention of drivers inadequately trained to coexist with PTWs which is more and more prevalent. Finally, why are only bikers of than 125 cm3 included? They are the best equipped of all PTW users.”
    
   This year the political elections are due in France and “noises” coming from FFMC suggests that they are not finished with this issue.
    
   Right To Ride Comment
    
   At Right To Ride we wonder if riders visiting France will have to wear a reflective device; where riders will be able to purchase these; how much these reflective devices will cost and who will make a huge profit from selling these to 3.5million registered PTWs in France (Powered Two Wheelers – Motorcycles – Scooters – Mopeds – 2009 ACEM).
    
   Meanwhile in the Republic of Ireland, MAG Ireland has published interesting preliminary results of their survey on Hi Viz. These results suggest that riders are very aware of their own mortality and that the majority take necessary precautions.
    
   Perhaps the French (and Irish) authorities should spend more time consulting riders instead of mandating ridiculous arm bands (or vests).
    
   When a government starts interfering with the clothing of a minority group, there may be trouble ahead.
    
   Read the full article on Right To Ride EU

3. BMF Welcomes Red Tape Cut

   Posted on 12:01am Tuesday 27th Dec 2011

   The British Motorcyclists Federation have welcomed the Department for Transport’s announcement that it is to cut the requirement for annual renewal of Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN).

   In its submission on the DfT’s consultation, ‘Road Transport Red Tape Challenge’, the BMF had pointed out that for many motorcyclists with either classic bikes or other motorcycles undergoing renovation, they have had to renew their SORN every year even though the machine in question may not even be roadworthy. Now, once owners have notified the DVLA that their vehicle is covered by a SORN, they will no longer have to renew it.

   Other cuts to red tape announced by Transport Secretary Justine Greening cover scrapping the regulation (by 2015) requiring motorists and motorcyclists to hold a paper counterpart to their driving licence and more controversially, the removal of the need for an insurance certificate.

   In a previous consultation the BMF said it was concerned that under the new Continuous Insurance Enforcement Rules there would be sole dependence on the Motor Insurance Database (MID), a database that had proved less than reliable in cases of multi-vehicle insurance policies. However the Department for Transport says it will now work with the insurance industry on removing the need for insurance certificates.

   By using the MID system the DfT say this will also remove the need for owners to prove they have insurance when taxing on-line because this will be checked against the registered keeper details held by the DVLA.

   Commenting, BMF spokesman Jeff Stone said: “It makes a pleasant change these days to have less red tape and we know from our members that the removal of the annual SORN requirement will be particularly welcome.”

   In the light of pending EU regulations, the BMF also welcomes the fact that the Motor Cycles (Single Vehicle Approval) Regulations 2003 are to be retained. These are regulations that provide motorcycle special builders and personal importers with a cost effective way to obtain type approval for one-off machines.

   See full details.

4. BMF in Back Off Brusells Protest

   Posted on 8:54am Friday 25th Nov 2011

   Despite the unseasonable time of year, Tuesday saw the BMF amongst the hundreds of riders from all over Europe who converged on the European Parliament building in Brussels to protest at the latest raft of motorcycle related Type Approval Regulations emanating from the European Commission.

   Organised by Motor Cycle News, about 200 riders, mostly from the UK, assembled at the Parc du Cinquantenaire to take part in the ‘Back Off EU’ protest ride. Before the start of the ride they were addressed by MCN’s Senior Reporter Steve Farrell, the British Motorcyclists Federation’s Government Relations Executive Chris Hodder, British MP Mike Weatherly and the Motorcycle Action Group’s President, Ian Mutch.

   A ride-past the European Commission offices ended at the European Parliament at the Place du Luxembourg where UKIP MEP Marta Andreason also addressed the riders, emphasising that she had been previously campaigning with bikers across the UK and with MCN to ensure that ‘this needless legislation is thrown on the scrap heap.’

   Although there are a number of issues of concern say the BMF, the principle one is of the anti-tampering regulations. These have the effect of preventing any changes to a machine from its standard specification which, given the independence and individuality of owners, is an anathema to many motorcyclists say the BMF.

   Speaking afterwards MCN’s Steve Farrell said: "People can question whether protests like this make a difference, but we can be certain that nothing will be achieved by sitting at home. 

   Supporting this line, Chris Hodder of the BMF said: “At times it’s important to visibly show solidarity and demonstrate the strength of feeling there is when debating items like this with politicians and civil servants.”

   The BMF’s EU Type Approval Briefing document

5. BMF Concentrates Resources and Outsources its Shows

   Posted on 9:03am Monday 7th Nov 2011

   Following a thorough review of its activities, the British Motorcyclists Federation is to outsource the organisation and administration of its portfolio of popular shows.

   Event specialists the Mulberry Group, organisers of all BMF outside events since September of 2009, will now take on all administration for the BMF Show, BMF Kelso Bikefest and the BMF Tailend Show.

   The decision follows an analysis of BMF activities and the resources currently available. Although the organisation of BMF events has been outsourced since 2007, certain aspects of the administration and finance have remained in house and it is these that will now be included within the new arrangement.

   Speaking on the announcement, Peter Laidlaw, BMF Director of Member Services said: “Our events have always been a means to an end, raising funds to support our primary role of representing the road rider and with Mulberry proving themselves to be a reliable and enthusiastic partner, this new arrangement will allow us to concentrate on that primary role.”

   The Mulberry Group’s Managing Director Martin Chick said: "Since day one we have been committed to making the BMF’s shows a success and are delighted to have now been entrusted with the BMF’s whole event management package. As a motorcyclist, I want to see the BMF succeed in its role of representing motorcycling and we will do everything we can to assist them in fulfilling that aim by putting on top quality BMF events.”

   www.bmf.co.uk