MAGLink, December 2002
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.
1.
CAMPAIGN UPDATES... 1
2. MAG Calendar....... 3
3. MAG Benefits........ 4
4. MAG Products...... 5
5. MAG Advertising. 6
6. MAG Contacts...... 6
7. Disclaimer 8
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Daytime Running Lights
(DRL)
On foot of our recent representations to Dublin City Council, regarding their ill-advised “Lights on Daytime” campaign, a delegation from MAG Ireland has been invited to attend the next meeting of the Traffic and Transportation Strategic Planning Committee in December. This gives us a welcome opportunity to formally present our case to Dublin City Council and will help raise awareness of the dangers to motorcyclists, pedestrians and cyclists posed by cars using DRLs.
MAG Ireland took an active part in the recent FEMA-led opposition at European level against the inclusion of DRLs for cars in EU legislation aimed at a better protection of vulnerable road users in case of a collision with a car. The European Union’s decision to undertake thorough research on this issue and not to include DRLs in the proposed legislation also resulted in the United Nation’s working group dealing with this matter to stop the discussions which had been taking place world-wide on this subject.
We also successfully opposed the inclusion of a DRL requirement during the winter months as an amendment to the recently enacted Road Traffic Bill. The use of DRLs is often seen as a cheap and easy “quick fix” solution to road accidents, but as research shows, the causes of accidents are complex and while the use of DRLs may decrease collisions between cars, the changes of collisions involving the most vulnerable road users increases.
Driver Testing and
Licensing
The latest Bulletion of Vehicle and Driver Licensing Statistics (2001) shows another increase in the numbers of motorcycles on the road, from 30,638 in 2000 to 32,913 in 2001, which is an impressive 7.43% increase. Perhaps the most significant statistic is that as a percentage of all new vehicles motorcycles have increased from 2.5% in 2000 to 3.34% in 2001. Honda remains the most popular make for Irish motorcycles (11,506), with Suzuki (6,600) and Yamaha (5,774) in the runner up positions. Harley Davidson is the least represented manufacturer of motorcycles in the figures. Dublin city and county has by far the largest number of motorcycles (12,928) followed by Cork city and county (4,088), with County Kildare in third place (1,613).
The numbers of Provisional licence holders in all categories has dropped by 34,869 from 497,002 in 2000 to 462,133 in 2001 with the greatest number of Provisional licence holders in the Dublin area (137,461). Separate figures for Provisional motorcycle holders are not available. Candidates for testing in the A and M categories would appear to be the best prepared, with a pass rate of 75.3% and 81.8% respectively, well in excess of the pass rate for candidates for the B (car) test at 54.3%. Candidates for the A1 category test had a pass rate of 51.9%. With the vast majority of candidates taking the A category test (2,566 of 3,367 taking tests in categories A, A1 or M), these figures would indicate that the skills brought to the test by candidates in the motorcycle categories are generally greater than those of candidates for car driving tests.
Events
The Second Stage reading of the Licensing of Indoor Events Bill, 2001 took place recently. This Bill, when enacted will have serious implications for all clubs and associations holding events, both indoor and outdoor. Promoters and organisers will have to demonstrate in advance to fire authorities that they can run an event safely. Fire officers will be empowered to inspect and if necessary stop an event at any stage. While measures to improve safety are always welcome, this legislation, together with the current Public Liability insurance situation must have serious and far-reaching implications on the Irish rally scene. For more information go to: http://www.gov.ie/debates-02/13Nov/default.htm
Insurance
Hibernian have finally
launched their Ignition scheme with a mailshot requesting volunteers to participate
in a one-day training course and riding assessment. Volunteers are required to hold current insurance
with Hibernian or Aon BikeCare and have a motorcycle licence (full or provisional)
for not more than five years. Participants
use their own bike and receive Bonus Bonds (Gift Vouchers) to the value of
€ 75 for their time. Whilst we are
aware that most of our members have insurance with Carole Nash, we would appreciate
feedback from any members who have taken part in this course and would like
to hear from you whether or not you feel you have benefitted from this course.
Call 1850 235 435 for the Ignition scheme Details.
We have had a number of queries from members who have purchased machines such as 3-wheeled, roofed commuters and motorised scooters, e.g. Go-Ped and subsequently had trouble getting insurance. We would urge people considering buying any vehicle to establish availability and costs of insurance and licence requirements BEFORE buying rather than after. This also is applicable to younger motorcycle and scooter riders considering purchasing machines through finance arrangements where the first year’s insurance is included. We have had many calls from people who have found that in the second year, their premiums are exorbitant despite having no claims during their first year’s insurance.
For those considering buying their insurance cover from abroad, perhaps via the Internet – BEWARE! When you go to tax your bike, the motor tax office may not accept your Insurance Certificate. The legislation followed by the Motor Taxation Department state that insurance certificates must be issued under the Road Traffic Act 1961. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment issue a list of approved insurers to the motor tax offices which is updated periodically.
Road Hazards/Road Safety
We are currently seeking a meeting with Minister Martin Cullen to discuss the current hazards faced by motorcyclists using non-national roads. Among the topics for discussion are consideration of needs of motorcyclists when designing and improving roads (e.g. road surfaces, siting of manhole covers and drains, cambering), dangers at roadworks and from incomplete or inadequate repairs.
The penalty points system, together with increases in fines for traffic offences came into force on October 31st 2002. At the moment, according to Garda sources the points system is only being applied to speeding and other offences, such as use of Bus Lanes by motorcyclists will not be subject to the new penalties for the time being.
The Final Report of a project undertaken by the International Driving Licence Examiners’ Organisation (CIECA) was presented on 23rd October 2002 in Brussels. The Report makes recommendations for advanced driver/rider courses and proposes the development of a voluntary European Quality Label for advanced courses. The report concentrates overwhelmingly on car drivers, and according to FEMA (Federation of European Motorcyclists’ Associations), the solutions proposed for car drivers may be imposed on motorcyclists despite being wholly inappropriate. The Project promotes compulsory post licence training as has been introduced in Luxembourg. FEMA opposes such developments on the grounds that there is no evidence to show any road safety benefit and that to address Advanced training with the problems currently being experienced with basic rider training across Europe is premature.
VAT on Helmets
At our request, Olivia Mitchell, T.D. has raised a Parliamentary Question asking Minister McCreevy if he will consider reducing the rate of VAT chargeable on motorcycle helmets and other safety clothing. Once again, the Minister insists that it is out of his hands and that he has no interest in requesting that helmets or other motorcycle safety equipment be added to the list of items subject to a reduced rate of VAT.
We have requested copies of the periodic reports of the European Commission’s committee on this issue and await same with interest. We have written to Irish MEP’s in order to enlist their support and assistance in bringing pressure on the Council to allow these items of safety equipment onto this list.
=============================================
1st Wednesday every
month, 7:30pm MAG Office.
National Council meetings (All local groups to be represented)
Date and place of next
National Council meeting to be decided.
Watch the MAG website www.magireland.org directions and further details.
MAG Carlow: 3rd
Tuesday of the month, Sherrif 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 Dublin: 3rd
Tuesday of each month 8.30pm Four Provinces, Ranelagh,
(contact Mark Newman
086 847 2746. mnewman@tramway.ie)
MAG Kerry: 1st Tuesday
of each month 9.00pm alternating between Flaherty’s in Ardfert,
Katie Nolan’s in
Lissleton and the Golden Nugget in Killarney.
Ring Baerbel Ott to
get the correct venue (087) 297 7992
MAG Kildare: Last
Wednesday of the month, The Railway Bar, Eyre Street, Newbridge
MAG Limerick: Meets on
the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month in Gus O'Driscolls Pub, Corbally.
23/01, 06/02, 20/02,
06/03, 20/03, 03/04, 17/04 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@gofree.indigo.ie
for further details.
MAG Cavan, Galway,
Kildare, Innishowen, Longford, Mayo, Venue changes. To be confirmed. Ring rep
for correct details. (See Contacts)
MAG Westmeath - meet
8pm 1st Wed every month Dolphin Bar, Edgeworthstown, Co. Westmeath
E&OE. Changes
should be advised to the MAG office office@magireland.org or
Gearoid O’Byrne at 087-2607747, maglink@magireland.org
For further details of
anything on the MAG calendar contact maglink@magireland.org
( or during office
hours MAG Office at office@magireland.org)
RoadRunner: February
15th, May 15th. August 15th, November 15th,
Letters and articles
welcome, articles with pictures very welcome.
Send submissions roadrunner@magireland.org or to RoadRunner c/o MAG Office.
MAG Ireland's Events Calendar, 2002
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 2002.
December 2002
16th December
Clondalkin MCC Toy Run, CONTACT Martin Convery 086 8598960
18th
December, Coasters MCC Toy Run, Contact Ger 041 6861756
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. Details of any additional /revised events
should be advised to the MAG office office@magireland.org or
directly to maglink@magireland.org
MAG UK events can be
seen online at the MAG UK website www.mag-uk.org.
BMF events www.bmf.co.uk
* 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 € 25.39 per annum, (€30 from 01/01/03) 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 Insurance
Due to circumstances affecting the insurance underwriting industry at present,
please contact the MAG office for information on the availability of events
insurance.
* 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
€
25.40 per annum.
Information Sheets & Reps Resource Kit (June 2002)
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.
------------------------------------------------
ZIPPO lighters = € 25.40 (Brass with MAG LOGO)
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
Members’ Metal Badges = € 2.56
each
2002 Green Enamel
badge = € 3.80 each
MAG embossed Leather
Keyfob = € 2.56 each
BOOKS
Motorcycle
Roadcraft = € 17.00 each
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.
Roadrunner
is Ireland's largest circulation motorcycle magazine and is mailed directly to
over 5000 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.
(Composed of elected
officers and responsible for the day to day running of MAG)
Eoin Kirwan: Chairman,
IT Officer, Transport: 087 6166207 mailto:chair@magireland.org
Linda O’Loideoin:
Treasurer, Roadrunner Editor mailto:roadrunner@magireland.org
Jimmy Kenny: Product
and Process Officer 01 4502330
Gearóid O Byrne: Local
Groups Liaison & Maglink mailto:maglink@magireland.org
David French: European
Liaison, Safety Officer mailto:davidfrench@magireland.org
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) sner@oceanfree.net , magcarlow@oceanfree.net
MAG Donegal
Chair: Marty Boyle 087 – 6557414 martyboyle@unison.ie
or magdonegal@yahoo.com
MAG Dublin
Chair: Jimmy Kenny 01
- 4502330 (South Dublin contact Mark Newman 086 8472746)
MAG Kildare
Chair: Dave Keeley 087
2692180 davkee@esatclear.ie
Secretary: BJ Martin
086 4006279 thedok@cyberdude.com
Treasurer: Joe Kerwin
Events Secretary: Ivor
Hemmingway 086 8150410
MAG Limerick
Chairman - Don
Moloney. moz@iol.ie 086-8123858
Secretary - Alec Quinn.
Treasurer - Keith
McGlynn. keg_zl750@yahoo.co.uk
PRO - Sharon Curtin. yamxv250@yahoo.co.uk
Clubs liason officer -
Karl Murphy. crashtestdummy@oceanfree.net
NC rep - Don Moloney.
MAG North Tipperary
and South Offaly
Paul O’Dwyer
086-2686091 froggieod@yahoo.com
Keith Lever kleaver@gofree.indigo.ie
MAG Local Representatives
Westmeath
Contact: Greg
Lennon 0902 72578 gregorylennon@hotmail.com
Kerry
Contact: Baerbel
Ott 087 2977992 baerbel_ott@hotmail.com
Sligo
Contact: Eoin
Lappin 071 43758
e_lappin@hotmail.com , mailto:Sligo_mag@yahoo.co.uk
http://www.geocities.com/sligo_mag
Leitrim
Contact: Christine
Cann christinecann@eircom.net
Longford
Contact: Pat & Debbie mbike@eircom.net
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 & Clubs Liaison
Gearoid O’Byrne at 087-2607747, maglink@magireland.org
MAG Office
1b Ring Terrace,
Inchicore, Dublin 8.
Tel: 01 453 0797
Fax: 01 453 3643
Karen Kiely: National Campaigns Officer - 086
8632444 roadrunner@magireland.org
Liz Keane Office
Assistant office@magireland.org
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@magireland.org
Bank Standing orders are by far the easiest
way for MAG members to pay their subscription. They are also much cheaper and
quicker for the MAG office to process.
MAG is now passing these savings onto its members. As well as offering
three months free membership for members who take out a standing order, MAG has
decided to introduce a “fiver back” promotion - any MAG member who gets a
friend to sign up for a standing order will get a fiver (€6.35) back in cash.
This means that if all
the members of a club of twenty people decide to support MAG with bank standing
orders and name their treasurer as recruiter then the club will receive one
hundred pounds (128 Euro) from MAG.
Full details,
conditions and bank standing order forms are available from the MAG office.
MAGLink is provided free of charge as a service to
motorcycling.
MAG Ireland cannot
accept any responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions
MAGLink December
2002, compiled by Gearóid O Byrne maglink@magireland.org
© Copyright : MAG Ireland