IAM’s head of riding standards, Peter Rodger, is advising on riding with pillions.

• Before carrying a pillion, adjust your tyre pressure and suspension.
• Make sure that your passenger has a suitable helmet and clothing.
• Arrange a signal so that they can tell you if they’re uncomfortable.
• If they haven’t ridden on the back of a motorcycle before, it is a good idea to give them advice of what they could expect and what you expect from them.
• Carrying a pillion will affect your acceleration, balance and braking. Allow extra time in judging gaps and overtaking.
• The extra weight on the bike will affect the speed and way it manoeuvres.   Rodger said: “Riding with a passenger takes getting used to. Take precautions and remember your passenger is your responsibility.”

www.iam.org.uk

The fastest Diesel vehicle in the world, JCB Diesel Max, can now be seen as part of the “Motoring Record Breakers” exhibition at the Heritage Motor Centre.

The exciting new exhibition, which runs until the 2 September, presents the best of motoring record breakers including some of the fastest British cars, together with more wacky record breakers such as the cheapest and the smallest.

JCB Diesel Max is a 'streamliner' car designed for the purpose of breaking the land speed record for a diesel-engined vehicle.  It holds the world record, having been driven to over 350 miles per hour (560 km/h) by Wing Commander Andy Green in 2006.

Other exciting cars on display include the Sunbeam 1000hp (the first car ever to set a land speed record of over 200mph), the steam car 'Inspiration' (which holds the land speed record for a steam car), the 2009 Jaguar XF-R Bonneville (the fastest Jaguar at 225mph), a 1964 Peel P50 (the world’s smallest production car), a 2011 Tata Nano (the world’s cheapest car), a 1922 Ford Model T (for many years the world’s best-selling car) and MG record cars EX135, EX179 and EX181 (EX181 is the fastest MG ever).

Tim Bryan, Head of Collections at the Heritage Motor Centre stated “We’re delighted that the JCB Diesel Max has joined our exciting collection of amazing vehicles which we are thrilled to be exhibiting. This exhibition really is a must for everyone and not just car fans!”

The HMC is continuing with its record breaking theme at Easter from 31 March – 15 April, with a family quiz and some record breaking egg-citing fun activities. There are special Craft days on Thursday 5 & 12 April where children can make and race their own egg car. Normal museum admission prices apply and children can take home what they make.

There is no extra charge to see the Motoring Record Breakers Exhibition as it is included in the standard Museum entry fees. Museum prices are: Adults £11, Child £8 (5-16 years) under 5 free, Concessions £9 & Family £34 (2 adults & up to 3 children).  Motoring Record Breakers is just one of many exciting and unique events to take place at the Heritage Motor Centre in 2012.

www.heritage-motor-centre.co.uk

From July motorcyclists as well as drivers must carry breathalyser in France
 
Latest advice from European motoring body the FIA says that drivers of all motor vehicles, including motorcyclists, will have to carry a breathalyser kit in their cars when travelling in France.
 
The IAM previously reported that from 1 July this year all drivers would need to carry a breathalyser kit, as French drivers will have to, but new information dictates that this €11 fine is applicable to all road users including motorcyclists, but excluding mopeds.
 
With a start date for the new measure of 1 July 2012, the rules will apply to anyone travelling to or through France by motor vehicle in the summer holiday season, even just for a day trip. This measure won’t actually be enforced until the 1 November 2012, giving road users time to prepare for the change.
 
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.
 
The IAM is advising all road users travelling in France to have at least two breathalysers at all times, so that if one is used you still have one to produce for the police if you are stopped.
 
Anyone driving in France is already required to carry a warning triangle and a fluorescent safety vest to use in an emergency. Motorcyclists should carry extra bulbs. Additionally UK motorists and motorcyclists must display a GB plate, and cars should have their headlights adjusted to the right.
 
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 

For the second consecutive year, Ace Cafe London is to be a part of the annual ACU (Auto Cycle Union) National Road Rally, to be held over the weekend of Saturday 30th June and Sunday 1st July 2012.
  
First held in 1933, it's the UK's longest running such event, with over 500 entries.  It is also the largest motor sport event run on the public highway.
 
There are categories for every type of two or three wheeler motorcycles and entries are welcome from beginners to seasoned adventurers.
 
Volunteers are needed for various "checkpoints", including at the Ace.
 
If you are interested in either volunteering or taking part, contact:
John Riches, ACU Rally
[email protected]

www.nationalroadrally.co.uk

Hanging Out -Youth culture then and now - 7th May -  4th September 2012

Full Spectrum Productions presents “Hanging Out - Youth culture then and now” in the Sackler Centre at the Victoria and Albert Museum.  Funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, this free display includes a selection of work created at the Hanging Out project’s volunteer training activities, oral history workshops and events since October 2010. The display will focus on youth culture during 1950’s and 1960’s London under the sub themes of fashion, film, music, sport, protests and entertainment.

The display will feature a wall mural produced by sixth form pupils at the Haverstock School in Camden, of an authentic 1950’s Café, based on the legendary Ace Cafe London.  They will use a variety of mediums to create the mural and include photographs by Frank Monaco.

There will be a 1960’s garment display which will present garments from Laurence Corner, the famous army surplus retailer, such as The Beatles Sergeant Pepper style jackets and a 1960’s press cuttings book. 1950’s style garments made by the project’s volunteers will also be shown.

To be viewed on video monitors, there will be a selection of short films by London Film Academy students, a film by Simon Friedberg about the closing of the Laurence Corner shop, music performed  by the Hanging Out project’s volunteers and photographs by volunteers from the Creative Editing Workshop which was held at the Museum of London.

A collection of work from the ‘Images of Protest’ exhibition, held at the Rich Mix Gallery in January 2012, will form part of the display, featuring such icons as Muhammad Ali, Angela Davis and Che Guevara, alongside protest t-shirts designed and printed by the project’s volunteers at the V&A screen-printing workshops.

As well as the display, the opening night at the Victoria and Albert Museum will feature the premiere of the Hanging Out project’s documentary and the launch of its publication. Two monologues, based on oral history interviews, will be performed by young people within the Ace Cafe mural.

www.hangingout.org.uk