MAGLink, April 2004
A monthly update from the Irish Motorcyclists Action Group.
The progress reported below in promoting and protecting motorcycling has been possible because of your support.
MAG Ireland : Representing Riders
Index:
1. Updates
2. National Events Calendar, *UPDATED FOR APRIL 2004*
3. MAG Calendar
4. MAG Benefits
5. MAG Products
6. MAG Advertising
7. MAG Contacts
8. Disclaimer
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1. Campaigns
CAMPAIGNS REPORT
The following is a brief summary of some of the work undertaken within the Campaigns and Media portfolios during March 2004. Regular reports on the topics mentioned are also available through Roadrunner magazine and on the MAG website www.magireland.org. Any comments or questions to campaigns@magireland.ie or telephone 01 453 07 97 (MAG Office).
BIKERS ARE VOTERS
Bikers Are Voters leaflet
With the date for European and Local Elections set for June 11th draft questions for the Bikers Are Voters leaflet are currently being prepared. With no suggestions for new questions received, it is assumed that the issues remain largely the same as for the 2002 General Election. At Local level, issues such as provision of training, road conditions, bus lane access and secure parking will be the subject of questions for candidates. European issues will be VRT, VAT, Licensing and a single market for insurance.
Visits to TD Clinics
As part of the campaign and to raise awareness of MAG Ireland and motorcycling
issues among political representatives, Local Groups are asked to organise
members to attend their local TDs' clinics on a regular basis. A significant
impact could be made with only one visit per month to discuss the range of
issues of concern to bikers. Letters to TDs, County Councillors, Local and
National Newspapers, etc. Members can also help put pressure on public representatives
and highlight issues of concern to motorcyclists through letter writing as
private individuals to their TDs, MEPs and County Councillors, telephoning
current affairs "open forum" programmes on local and national radio
and letters to local and national newspapers. Guides and templates for letter
writing can be found on the Reps CD and on the MAG website. Please remember
however, that members cannot claim to represent the views of MAG Ireland without
prior approval from the Board.
BUS LANES
Great news for the campaign to gain access to bus lanes for motorcycles is that bikers in Northern Ireland will be allowed to ride in bus lanes from March 22nd 2004! Bikers in the North will be allowed in selected bus lanes on an experimental basis for a period of eighteen months. Motorcyclist and MAG member Ian Paisley Jnr of the Democratic Unionist Party campaigned vigorously to ensure that MAG NI achieved their objective. In a statement, he also committed the DUP to ensuring resources for the continuation of Road Racing in the area and said that MAG would have the DUP's full support on the issue of secure motorcycle parking.
Surely now, the Irish government's stubborn refusal to allow access to bus lanes looks even more unfounded. The developments on this issue north of the border can only serve to strengthen the case for allowing access to bus lanes for motorcyclists on grounds both of safety and of traffic management.
DRL (Daytime Running Lights)
South Dublin County Councillor John Hannon is proposing a motion calling on the Council to consider adopting a "lights on" policy for all vehicles in the SDCC area. A MAG member from the area spotted this in a local publication and has written to Cllr Hannon putting the case against DRL. I reproduce his email below and have written to Cllr Hannon, enclosing the FEMA report on DRLs in support of Alan's letter.
Dear Cllr John Hannon,
Thank you for your recent 'Report' which was circulated to residents in my area Woodstown Village, Knocklyon.
I am contacting you to provide feedback on one of the issues mentioned in your report, namely 'Lights On Policy'.
Your report stated:
"John is proposing a motion calling on the Council, in the interest of road safety, to consider the adoption of the "lights on" policy for all vehicles in South Dublin County and that suitable signage and publicity be put in place so as to encourage its implementation. If you have a view on this let me know."
I want to bring to your attention the potential negative effects on vulnerable road users (pedestrians, pedal cyclists, motorcyclists) that Daytime Running Lights (DRL) can cause.
I have included a paragraph at the bottom of this email from the Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) website stating their policy on this issue. I have also CCed this email to the MAG campaigns officer who may be interested in your proposal.
If all vehicles use DRL the conspicuity of vulnerable road users drops drastically. Motorcyclists will no longer stand out as the lone shining light in a sea of fast moving metal, they will become a twinkle in a blurred light saturated procession. [Ref. Finding 7 from the Hurt Report at bottom of this email] And think how much more indistinct the pedal cyclist and the pedestrian will become. Just as millions of stars are not visible in the daytime because of the relative brightness of the sun, many vulnerable road users will be hidden from view by the procession of shining vehicular lights. Pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists need more protection, but DRL reduces all of our safety.
Thank you for asking for opinions, I hope that mine has helped.
Best regards,
Alan Cowap
INSURANCE
The recent Motor Insurance Cost Survey may have brought good news for car drivers, with savings of between 30% and 50% being reported in some cases, but motorcycles were omitted from the survey despite the recommendations of the MIAB report concerning the cost of motorcycle insurance. I have contacted the IFSRA to bring this to their attention and it will be interesting to hear whether they plan to conduct a similar cost survey on motorcycle insurance. The survey on car insurance is available on the ISFRA website: www.ifsra.ie
Hibernian are currently allowing a discount of 10% to car drivers without penalty points on their licences. We have had reports however, that the same discount is not being offered to motorcyclists. Hibernian have been contacted to establish if the discount is to be offered to both car drivers and motorcyclists.
ROAD HAZARDS/ROAD SAFETY
Wire Rope Safety Fencing
Further letters issued recently to all relevant parties on this issue. We to date have still not received a proper reply from the NRA to any of our correspondence on this matter. In the meantime, the wire barriers continue to be erected on various stretches of road including M7 and M9.
In Cork, with regard to the installation of barriers on the N20, County Councillors are keen to support MAG position – the N20 barrier plans are at Area Committee consideration stage and MAG's objection is being considered.
It has been observed that the barrier on the M4 at Mullingar has three horizontal ropes unlike WRSF on M7/M9 where two of the cables are twisted around each other. The M4 posts also seem to be at a higher level. I will be investigating this with a view to establishing whether the M4 barrier is fully compliant with EN1317 and I will attempt to establish the reasons behind the installation of this apparently different type of barrier on the M4.
Non-Slip Manhole Covers
A new TUV approved non-slip type of manhole covers manufactured by Marotech (German company) has come on the market. If further inquiries show this to be suitable for use on Irish roads, I will be contacting the NRA and local authorities to inform them. As we all know, encountering the usual metal type of manhole cover on a wet or icy road (usually on the apex of a bend!) is a hazard we would all like to see removed.
OTHER
MAG failed to win at the Irish Road Safety Endeavour Awards. This year's lucky winners in the categories we entered were:
Education/Councils and Organisations & Overall – Galway County Council "Go nÉiri an Bóthar Leat"
Open Award – Hibernian General Insurance "Ignition Project"
2. National Events Calendar, 2004
MAG Ireland encourages event organisers to support motorcycling by offering
a discount of one euro to holders of current MAG membership cards at their
events in 2004.
April 2004
3/4th April Desmond M.C.C.Rally - 061-397067.
10-11th April Rooters M.C.C. Rally - Easter Weekend, Killeshin, Carlow Phone
056-7751990 10/11th April Vintage Show, Carlow. 11th April Benefit Night run
by Viking M.C. - Rugby Club, Carlow, Ph 087- 7624808 after 6pm 11th April
Easter Egg Run - Easter Sunday leaving Nutgrove Shopping Centre Rathfarnham,
Dublin 1.00pm in aid of Focus Ireland, run to Beehive Pub - phone Frank at
087 2458910 for more details. 17/18th April Heat Seizers M.C.C. 10th Anniversary
Annual Rally at the Glenview, Aughnacliffe, Co. Longford Contact Jason Corcoran
@ 087- 6707894, , Bands, Burn Outs, tattoo artists etc .... 24/25th April
Orion M.C.C. Rally - venue to be confirmed - ph 086- 3155403 24th April Marauders
M.C.C. Rock Night at The Forge, off the old Dundalk/Newry road ph: 087-7686180
May 2004
May 5 - 7, 2004 Cork, Ireland - Ducks Custom Bike Show
and Rally
Our bike show and rally is 14yrs old this year. All are welcome. We have a
bike show on Sunday and live music on Saturday and Sunday. Loads of camping
available. This is a custom and classic bike show, and a rally as well. Normal
cost is 12 euros for the weekend. This is the May bank holiday in Ireland.
For more information call 0868348174
May 28th - 28th Name: DAVID WEIR, Club: ENKALON MCC,
Locality: ANTRIM, Contact Phone: 07808362029, Event Location: MODULE ROAD&RACE
Event Date: 30 MAY 2004, Event Description: POKER RUN&BARBECUE
May 28th -31st The Welsh National Motorcycle Show 28th - 31st May 2004 With over 6000 square metres of indoor exhibition space the Royal Welsh Showground at Builth Wells is the ideal venue to show off the diversity of motorcycling in 2004 with a total of £5000 in prize money up for grabs this years show Spread over 5 halls the show will contain a full programme of entertainment from stunt shows to children's entertainers on Saturday, Sunday and Monday for day visitors and a top line up of bands will be taking part in the evening entertainment on Friday, Saturday, Sunday nights for the campers. Ticket prices have been frozen at 20 in advance or 25 at the gate and are available from March 1st by calling 0870 774 3541. MAG members save a further 5 by picking up your beer vouchers from the MAG Stand (on production of a valid full membership card and ticket) Day tickets are 10 available at the gate and accompanied under 16's are free of charge. For trade stand application forms and bike show entry forms please contact Gary on 01656842628 or email steve.bennett1@t... Welsh Motorcycle Shows Ltd, PO Box 5, Bridgend, CF32 7YR
June 2004
25th - 27th Midland Motorcycle Club, 5th Annual Fun Run, 2004. In Aid of St Lukes Hospital For Cancer Care and Research. Dublin. This is three-day event with hundreds of bikes in attendance. Friday 25th June, Moate Co Westmeath to Wexford. Saturday 26th June, Wexford to Navan. Sunday 27th June, Navan to Athlone. (Party afterwards) For further details and information on sponsorship cards etc, Contact Loretta on 087 7913460. Email lukethebiker @ eircom.net
31st Name: Spud, Club: Unlimited, Locality: Castlebar, Contact Phone: 087-2326390, Event Location: Venue to be confirmed, Event Date: Unlimited Frenzy ,Saturday 31 June - Sunday 1 August
July 2004
10th - 11th Name: Chris Monahan Club: Rogues MCC.Locality: Cootehill, Contact
Phone: 086 6041949, Event Location: Traynors Lisnagear, Cootehill, Co. Cavan,
Event Date: 10th & 11th of July 2004, Event
Description: Run on Saturday the 10th starting from Tullyvin Tavern, Followed
by Rally. Rock Bands, camping, Bon-Fire.
23rd - 25th Name: ger fox Club: DRUIDS M.C.C.Locality: newbridgeContact Phone: 045 432710Event Location: DRUIDS M.C.C. 13th RALLY O'BRIEN,S NURNEY Co KILDAREEvent Date: 23-24-25/JULY 2004
31st - Name: Spud Club: Unlimited, Locality: Castlebar, Contact
Phone: 087-2326390, Event Location: To Be Confirmed Event Date: July 31st
- Aug 1stEvent Description: Unlimited 9th FRENZY
FOR FREE LISTING OF YOUR EVENT SEND IN DETAILS ASAP.
The above information is correct to our knowledge and belief as we got to press but MAG Ireland cannot guarantee its accuracy. Thanks also to Aggie for information from the Bikers Bible. Details of any additional /revised events should be advised to the MAG office office@m... or directly to maglink@m...
MAG UK events can be seen online at the MAG UK website www.mag-uk.org BMF events www.bmf.co.uk
3. MAG Calendar 2004
Board meetings
1st Wednesday every month, 7:30pm MAG Office, Dublin.
MAG Local Group meetings
MAG Carlow: 3rd Tuesday of the month, Sheriff O'Hara's, Brown St. Carlow.
MAG Donegal: 1st Tuesday of each month at 8pm, Road House Bar, Ballybofey
MAG Dublin: 1st Tuesday of each month 8.30pm Strawberry Hall, Lucan, (contact Jimmy Kenny, 01 4502330)
MAG Limerick: Meets on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month in Gus O'Driscolls Pub, Corbally. http://maglimerick.pitas.com/
MAG Tipperary North/South Offaly. Every last Thursday of the month at 'The Mill House', Birr Road, Roscrea. Contact Keith Leaver at kleaver@g... for further details.
MAG Cork: Tuesday nights in an Cruiscin Lan, on Douglas Street at 8.30pm. We are usually in the snug!
MAG Wexford - last Tuesday of every month at Ballycarney Inn, Ballycarney, Co, Wexford, Co. Wexford from 8.30pm. A second meeting also takes place on the 2nd Tuesday of each month, at a venue announced at the previous Ballycarney meeting.
E&OE. Changes should be advised to the MAG office
office@m...
or Gearoid O'Byrne maglink@m...
Publication Deadlines - RoadRunner: February 15th, May 15th. August 15th, November 15th, Letters and articles welcome, articles with pictures very welcome. Send submissions roadrunner@m... or to RoadRunner c/o MAG Office.
4. MAG Benefits
Member Benefits
* A nationwide organisation representing your interests as a rider
* RoadRunner Magazine
* BikeShop Discounts, Full list in RoadRunner or on website www.magireland.org
* Motorcycle Insurance
* Local Groups - Social Activity and Local Representation
* Information Service, (Info sheets, MAGLink and advice)
* MAG Products
* Training discounts
* Discounts on the entry fee to participating motorcyclist events
* Route Planning Service
* Discounts on VHI Health Insurance, Ferries, Accident Insurance and Breakdown
Cover.* MAG Credit Card. Competitive credit facility which also makes a small
donation to MAG with each transaction.
The discounts alone will save you much more than the membership fee every year. Membership costs € 30 per annum, with reductions for young riders, partners and for payment by standing order. To join now ring the MAG Office on (01) 4530797. Credit cards accepted.
* Events Advertising
As an additional benefit to affiliated clubs only, MAG are offering substantial
discounts to advertise their rally in Roadrunner. Roadrunner is Ireland's
largest circulation motorcycle magazine and goes out to over 4000 Irish motorcyclists
every quarter. See below for details
Club affiliation costs €30 per annum.
Information Sheets & Reps Resource Kit MAG currently has information sheets on:
Accidents a Legal Perspective, Anti Theft, Member Benefits, Bike Promotion, Bike Rental, Discount Shops, Drink Driving, Driving Test, Events Insurance, FEMA, Group Riding, Importing a Bike, Irish Touring, Licence Regulations, Long Distance Riding, MAG History, New Member, Ride Safely, Local Groups, European Lobbying. Training, Motorcycle Awareness, Type Approval, MAG Structure, What is MAG, Perception of Motorcycles as Unsafe, Consumer Rights for Motorcyclists
MAG's Information Sheets can be found at the MAG website.
MAG also issues a computer CD which contains the reps handbooks, info sheets, local group report template and useful forms such as road hazard reporting and membership. There's also a very wide selection of research and motorcycle promotion material useful when lobbying and for background information. Copy one from your local group or contact the MAG Office.
5. MAG Products
ZIPPO lighters = € 25.40 (Brass with MAG LOGO) LAST FEW LEFT!!!! Premium
T- shirts = € 12.70 each (Black with MAG logo) Nectectors = € 12.70
each (Red or Black tubular
neckwarmers)
Baseball Caps = € 12.70 each (Black cloth, with MAG
logo)MAG
EIRE, RIDE FREE Patches = € 3.80 each
Flourescent "Do Not Remove This Helmet" sticker = €1.00
RIDE FREE Adhesive stickers = € 1.80 each
1999,2000, 2001,2002 Members' Metal Badges = € 2.56 each
2003 Saffron (?!) Green Enamel badge = € 3.80 each
MAG embossed Leather Keyfob = € 2.56 each
BOOKS
Motorcycle Roadcraft = € 17.00 each
NEW PRODUCT!! MAG Fleecies - €35 - heavy gauge, navy, with "MAG
Ireland" embroidered on front.
All items are including postage by ordinary post. These exclusive products are available from your local Group, direct from the MAG Office, or from our MAG Products Outlet Shop, Kilkenny Camping & Water-sports Centre, U24 The Arcade, High Street, Kilkenny. Save postage by shopping locally.
Profits from the sale of MAG Products goes directly to campaigning for Riders Rights.
6. MAG Advertising
Roadrunner is Ireland's largest circulation motorcycle magazine and is mailed directly to over 4000 Irish motorcyclists every quarter. If you want the Irish motorcycling world to know about something (your shop, your sale, your club, your product, your event.....) then advertising in RoadRunner is the way to tell them.
Contact the MAG Office for details of our advertising rates.
7. MAG Contacts
MAG Board (Composed of elected and co-opted officers and responsible for the day to day running of MAG) Eoin Kirwan: Chairman, IT & Transport: 087 6166207 Mailto: chair@m... Linda O'Loideoin: Treasurer, Roadrunner Editor mailto:roadrunner@m... Jimmy Kenny: Product and Process Officer 01 4502330 Gearóid O Byrne: Local Groups Liaison & MAGlink mailto:maglink@m... David French: European Liaison, Safety Officer mailto:davidfrench@m...
National Council and Local MAG Group Contact Details
The National Council (NC) is composed of elected county representatives and
responsible for the overall running of MAG. Unless a county position of "NC
representative" is elected, the county chairperson is on the NC.
MAG County Groups
MAG Carlow:
Chair: Eric Geaney (086-3091138) eric.geaney@o...
MAG Donegal
Chair: Marty Boyle 087 - 6557414 martyboyle@u...
or magdonegal@y...
Or Michael McNulty mnulty@m...
MAG Dublin
Chair: Jimmy Kenny 01 - 4502330 (South Dublin contact Mark Newman 086
8472746)
MAG Limerick
Chairman - Don Moloney. moz@i... 086-8123858
Secretary - Alec Quinn. ajquinn@e...
Treasurer - Mark Hackett. haket@h...
NC Rep - Vinny White. vwhite@e...
PRO - Sharon Curtin. yamxv250@h...
Clubs liason officer - Karl Murphy. crashtestdummy@o...
Local Authority liason officer - John Mullin.
MAG North Tipperary and South Offaly
Paul O'Dwyer 086-2686091 froggieod@y...
Keith Lever kleaver@g...
MAG Cork
Chair - Ger Donnolly
Treasurer - Martin O'Driscoll martdris@g...
MAG Wexford
Chair - Martin Sills 087 - 6628595
Treasurer - Mick Rice sago@o...
Unelected local representatives invited to National Council meetings by MAG
Board
Leitrim - Christine Cann christinecann@e...
The remaining counties are currently not represented on the National Council. If you are interested in assisting, either as volunteering as a local representative or in relation to founding a MAG Group in your area, please contact the MAG Office or the Local Group Liaison Gearóid O'Byrne at maglink@m...
MAG Office
1b Ring Terrace, Inchicore, Dublin 8.
Tel: 01 453 0797
Fax: 01 453 3643
Karen Kiely: National Campaigns Officer - 086 8632444 roadrunner@m... Liz
Keane Office Assistant office@m...
Before ringing the MAG office please consider if it wouldn't be better ringing
your MAG representative, the DOE Driver Testing Section, your local motorcycle
dealer or the Yellow Pages first. The MAG Office will help with your queries
where possible but doing so reduces the time available to administer MAG for
everyone's benefit.
Website: www.magireland.org
Webmaster: Joe Lennon webmaster@m...
8. Disclaimer
MAGLink is provided free of charge as a service to motorcycling in Ireland.
MAG Ireland cannot accept any responsibility or liability for any errors or
omissions MAGLink March 2004, compiled by Gearóid O Byrne maglink@m...
(c) Copyright : MAG Ireland
MAG Ireland website: http://www.magireland.org
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