A monthly update from the Irish Motorcyclists Action Group. MAG
is not a bike club it's a lobbying group. The progress reported
below in promoting and protecting motorcycling has been possible
because of your support.

Download MAGLink in Microsoft Word RTF format from:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/IMAG_INFO/files

National Campaigns : Main Updates 2
Carole Nash Insurance situation 2
Buslane: Meeting with DTO 2
Direct Access 3
Insurance 3
M50 Upgrade 3
Bike Tax Bands 3
Herb Finnegan steps down as Chairman to focus on MAG campaigns3
Local Group Update 4
MAG Kerry 4
MAG Cork : Motorcycle Parking: Great progress. 4
Membership discount. Three months free. 4
International Update 4
Bright isn"t always right 4
UK: Swindon Council plans to Open Bus Lanes to Motorcycles! 5
Motorcycle Emissions - Rapporteur Lange supports waiting for
the new test cycle 5
Phillipines : Tollways Ban on Motorcycles Struck Down by
Courts 6
MAG UK urges bridge protest 6
FFMC "CALMOS" halts for motorcyclists on their way to the Bol
d'Or 7
Vacancies 7
Treasurer 7
Campaigns Officer 7
Press releases 7
Main Actions and Decisions 7
NEC(Board) May 5th 7
National Council 8
MAG Calendar 8
NEC meetings 8
National Council meetings (All local groups to attend) 8
Annual Group Conference: 8
MAG Local Group meetings 8
MAG Events 9
Publication Deadlines 9
MAG Ireland's Events Calendar, 2001 9
MAG Benefits 10
Member Benefits 10
Affiliated Club Benefits 10
Information Sheets & Reps Resource Kit (June 2001) 11
MAG Products 11
MAG Contacts 12
National Executive Council 12
National Council and Local MAG Group Contact Details 12
MAG Office 13
General News Items 13
Ireland to have second car-free day 13
FEMA Benefit weekend in Belgium 14
Getting MAGLink and passing it on 14
Disclaimer 14

National Campaigns : Main Updates

Carole Nash Insurance situation

I have just learned from Carole Nash that the PPB have now
accepted that their responsibility extends to the Irish
motorcyclist's Emerald policies. They will cover 100% of any
third-party claim and 90% of any first-party claim (e.g. bike
damage). Carole Nash have signalled that they will pay the
balance of 10% on such qualifying first-party claims. Riders who
have an Independent Emerald policy should hold on to it. It is
perfectly legal under Road Traffic Act 1961, and 100% indemnity
is there for all claims, as indicated in the previous sentence.

What is to happen with the Independent policies (whether it is
planned to cancel them, or transfer in bulk to another insurer)
is not worked out yet. Carole Nash will inform all affected
policy holders.

Riders who cancelled their Emerald policy (effectively repudiated
it) by taking out a new policy with another insurer are entitled
to PPB protection also and should qualify for return of some or
all of the unused premium paid to Independent. It is likely that
refund of premiums will be in accordance with the terms of the
Emerald policy, which states that refund is made less an amount
for 'time on cover'. This would seem to mean that a pro-rated
amount would be calculated for the time remaining on the policy.
The exact mechanism for refunding policy holders has to be worked
out. It cannot be done as it was in UK, where everyone en-block
was switched to a new insurer and PPB paid the premiums to the
new insurer; thereby no 'refund' of premium actually came into
the hands of policyholders. Carole Nash are working with the PPB
on the mechanism for the refunds. We already know that Carole
Nash will not be taking their normal 20% charge on such cancelled
policies.

While there is good news in these latest developments, we cannot
rely fully on them until such time as our DETE have full and
complete written confirmation from the PPB (or, in their case,
the regulating Financial Services). It is MAG's advice to
consider this good news for the moment and await full and final
confirmation and details.

In our close working relationship with Carole Nash, MAG expects
to be able to announce the latest developments through this forum
and on website, MAGLink, etc.

Herb Finnegan

This information, and any opinion herein, is provided as a
service with warranty to MAG members and non-members who have an
interest in the subject.

Buslane: Meeting with DTO
Following the raft of emails to the DTO from disgruntled
motorcyclists and the various letters from MAG Dublin and MAG
Chairman, Herb Finnegan, the MAG office received a call from the
DTO asking for a meeting with the chairman.
The meeting was set quickly and Herb, Eoin Kirwan (NEC Transport
Officer) and Jimmy Kenny (Chairman MAG Dublin) went along to meet
Michael Ahern on 20 June.
This is just a very brief summary of the meeting. The meeting
was cordial, and both parties frankly spoke their case.
The DTO did express a view that they are " not convinced of the
merit of encouraging this mode of transport over other vehicles,
by facilities such as permission to drive in bus lanes", and that
"encouraging or permitting
other vehicles into [the QBC] network is not proposed at
present", and that motorcycle riders are encouraged "into erratic
behaviour and manoeuvres not appropriate to congested roads and
streets, such as filtering between
(moving) lanes of traffic, driving along the hard shoulder,
driving on the outer side of a lane of traffic, near or over the
centreline, making sudden changes in speed or direction etc."
This view was one that was composed to
give to Minister Molloy to answer a Dail question.
The DTO now states that following the Ministers statement that
"arrangements for considering the feasibility of pilot tests in
this country.........are being addressed in consultation with the
Dublin Transportation Office and
other relevant bodies", the DTO are fully prepared to look at the
feasibility and to fully engage with MAG Ireland in the matter.

Next steps?
We have already given the DTO a very comprehensive publication
from the Motorcycle Industry of the UK, which deals with all
aspects of PTWs in modern planning. MAG will come up with a firm
proposal on the operation of a pilot scheme. We have to
participate in statistical analysis of the situation prior to the
pilot and after it. We have to address all the parameters
surrounding the practical aspects of the pilot (signage,
publicity, extent of pilot - what routes?, etc.).
A further meeting is set for week of 13 August.
A three pronged approach is envisaged: a. educate DTO and other
bodies about value of PTWs; b. get the pilot running; c. look at
other issues like secure parking, theft, accident statistic
gathering.
We are invited to participate in the group comprising Gardai,
planners, Dublin Corporation, IBEC, Bord Gais, ESB, etc. who are
convened to look at co-ordinating all aspects of traffic
management and infrastructure works in
the greater Dublin area.
Bottom Line:
We have a place at the DTO table and through discussion and
putting forward our information and research, we will be able to
progress the case for the PTW as "part of the solution" to
Dublin's traffic problems. The DTO are open to the case.

Direct Access
Following the NC meeting of May 26th the restoration of Direct
Access has been made a main campaign aim of MAG. Representations
at TD clinics will be organised first in Limerick and will also
be coordinated in the rest of the country. The aim is simple, to
get the Direct Access option of the European driving licence
directive implemented in Ireland.

MAG has applied, under the Freedom Of Information Act, for
information on the developments and participation of Ireland in
the 2nd. EU Directive on Driver licensing. Our application has
been responded to. Some information
does not qualify to be released, as it is information that
existed BEFORE the FOI Act. We have paid our fee to have the
other information and we have written again to the DoE. The FOI
approach is to ensure we have the
necessary information available to us and to signal to the DoE
that this issue is not going away.

Insurance
Wrote to request MIAB investigate motorcycle insurance. They
are. Wrote
Treacy to request position on MIAB for MAG. Followed up with
another more
urgent letter. Also same request to chair of MIAB. Planning
meeting with CN
and Hibernian to cover range of matters: U-25's, funding
theftline campaign,
discounts for training. We have received acknowledgement of our
request;
but no decision has yet been received by us.

M50 Upgrade
Submissions to national Engineering bodies involved in program,
local authority and NRA, regarding barriers. Also submission to
local authorities on pre-printed form that tolls should be free
to motorcycles.

Bike Tax Bands
Submission made by on change in bands. Letter from DoE saying
would be considered next budget. We are responding to this, and
asking for a meeting to discuss the matter and make sure the
bands do actually get
considered for next budget. We are folloing up on a petition
that was launched, and wil use the petition as further evidence
that mnotorcyclists are not happy with the new tax bands. This
also becomes a budget submission issue.

Herb Finnegan steps down as Chairman to focus on MAG campaigns

18 July, 2001. Herb Finnegan, in his third year as chairman of
MAG Ireland, has resigned so that he may concentrate on MAG
campaigns. Catherine Donnelly, vice-chair, steps into Chairman
position.

MAG Ireland has not had success in finding a campaigns officer,
so far. Due to the number of issues that are important to
motorcyclists and the critical need to have someone working
actively on the campaigns, Herb Finnegan has been asked to take
the position of National Campaigns Officer by the National
Executive Council. This is on a temporary basis while the NEC
continues its advertising campaign to locate a full-time
campaigns officer.

To avoid a conflict of interest, and so that the National
Campaigns Officer may properly be managed by and accountable to
the National Executive Committee, Herb Finnegan resigned his
chairmanship.

Herb knows MAG Ireland very well, having served on the NEC for a
year before being elected chairman almost three years ago. He is
acquainted with the issues and is well placed to work in the
campaigning position in the short-term.

As well as reporting on campaign activities to the NEC, the NC,
the yahoo group and the MAG Local Groups, the web site will be
used to lay out the campaigns and all the actions running from
them so that members with internet access can keep abreast of the
activities.

Readers are encouraged to assist in the ongoing search for a
permanent campaigns officer.

Local Group Update

MAG Kerry
MAG Kerry is working hard on organising the Stop the Rot rally in
August. MAG members are encouraged to call in and give it some
support.

Motorcyclists living in Kerry are encouraged to support the local
group meetings. MAG Kerry is currently without an email address
so any help with that also appreciated. Ring Baerbel at (087) 297
7992 for further info.

Local Groups: Please advise the Group & Clubs Liaison Officer of
your activities and events. There is a report template in the
Reps Resource Kit. Contact Catherine Donnelly at (01) 457 0634,
maglink@m...

MAG Cork : Motorcycle Parking: Great progress.
Cork Corporation already have one MC parking area allocated
together with signs saying Motorcycles Only. Cars that park in
the area get tickets. The corporation are working on rails for
chaining bikes to. They are also setting aside space in two car
parks, and there wil be accompanying lockers for stowing
helmets. All county councils have been contacted with some
positive results.

MAG Cork also held a succesful AGM. Ger Donnelly re-elected as
Chair, Mark O'Driscoll as Treasurer and David Robinson as a
member of the committee. Catherine Donnelly (MAG chair) was the
outside representative as required by MAG rules.

Membership discount. Three months free.
MAG members paying by standing order now receive three months
free membership. Paying membership by standing order ensures you
always have a current membership. Current membership is necessary
to claim MAG discount, to participate in insurance or other
special deals or if you want to vote in elections to your local
group or at the AGC. Please contact the office for a standing
order form or download from the MAG website http://www.mag.ie

International Update

Bright isn"t always right
The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) is greatly concerned by the
latest European development on daytime vehicle lighting. The
European vehicle manufacturers association ACEA has reached a
voluntary - therefore unquestionable - agreement with the
European Commission to provide for all cars to be manufactured
with Daytime Running Lights from 2002.

MAG's concerns are:

1 - The efficacy of day running lamps in reducing accident rates
is totally unproven. In Australia for example, regulations
requiring daytime riding lights for motorcycles were dropped when
it was found they did not reduce accident levels.

2 - The attention given to this tactic diverts attention from the
real cause of accidents which is poor roadcraft.

3 - The effect of automobile day running lamps on vulnerable road
users such as cyclists, pedestrians and motorcyclists, could be
negative as their relative conspicuity would be diminished
further.

4- Daytime lights pose significant negative implications for the
environment as their use will increase fuel consumption and CO2
emissions.

5 - MAG is deeply concerned by the way in which manufacturers and
the un-elected European Commission have proceeded with this issue
in the face of such strong opposition and in the absence of
overwhelming empirical evidence to support their initiative.

UK: Swindon Council plans to Open Bus Lanes to Motorcycles!

After many years of 'behind the scenes' activity Swindon
Motorcycle Action Group has finally convinced their local council
to allow motorcyclists access to the bus lanes.

In a historic decision the council has been advised by its
transport planners to allow motorcyclists free access to every
bus lane in the city. This will allow bikers to 'filter past' the
traffic congestion as normal, but without having to face
dangerous oncoming traffic or vehicles turning right into their
path.

This change in policy may actually lead to a reduction in
accidents, which is why the council has promised to monitor the
scheme and report the results to the Department of Transport.
Depending on its success riders should see similar bikes in bus
lane schemes adopted elsewhere.

With areas such as Bristol, Birmingham, Reading, Colchester and
Hull already allowing free bus lane access in the wake of local
MAG campaigns, it came as no surprise when the good news was
announced by Swindon MAG rep Julian Maull.

"We contacted our local councillors about 12 months ago and found
some friendly faces in their ranks. They supported the bikes in
bus lanes proposals wholeheartedly, so we then informed the
entire contingent of about 50 representatives. The decision to
make this scheme permanent will still hinge on a council vote so
we urge riders to be sensible"

The scheme is not expected to come into force until 2002 as this
is part of a package of measures designed to improve local
transport. Similar bikes in bus lane schemes are already planned
in London, Glasgow and other towns and cities.

Motorcycle Emissions - Rapporteur Lange supports waiting for the
new test cycle

(7th June 2001), A meeting took place between FEMA and Bernd
Lange MEP, Rapporteur in the European Parliament's Environment
Committee for the proposal on the next stage of reducing
emissions of motorcycles. Mr lange stated that he would recommend
that the European Parliament should wait for the world motorcycle
test cycle before setting mandatory limit values for Euro III
(2006).

The position of the Rapporteur was welcomed by FEMA as sensible
and logical. The new world motorcycle test cycle on the basis of
which the 2006 limit values should be determined, is now expected
to be finalised early next year. The EU legislative procedure has
been delayed, with the common position of the Member governments
being adopted later than expected. Therefore it is indeed common
sense to wait until the Euro III limit values are set.

FEMA always argued in favour of this approach. We were unhappy
with the position taken by the European Parliament at the First
Reading. FEMA wants cleaner bikes, but thinks that this should be
achieved by taking
into consideration the particularities of these vehicles and not
setting unrealistic limit values that would be difficult to meet
with current technologies, and incurring high costs that would
inevitably be borne by the rider as the consumer.

The other positive outcome of the meeting was that Mr Lange
favoured FEMA's suggestion to quantify the Euro III limit values
as percentage reductions to the Euro II ones instead of specific
figures. FEMA also underlined the importance of accurate
correlation factors to be set in the directive, in order to avoid
further hidden reductions when changing test cycles.

The Common Position from the Council of Ministers is expected by
the end of June. The EP's Environment Committee will then
consider and adopt its position in September 2001, followed by
the European Parliament vote at
Second Reading before the end of the year.

FEMA is pleased with these developments and will continue to
ensure that the interests of the riders are recognised.

Phillipines : Tollways Ban on Motorcycles Struck Down by Courts
13 July 2001 Press Release

Motorcycle riders are now allowed on the tollways. In a writ of
preliminary injunction issued today, the Makati Regional Trial
Court, Branch 147 ruled that motorcyclists have the legal right
as licensed motorists to use the tollways. In the 5-page
decision, Judge Teofilo L. Guadiz, Jr. said that respondent Toll
Regulatory Board (TRB) has no power or authority to ban
motorcycles on expressways and "therefore, the ban in the
expressways on motorcycles is void and illegal". The judge also
cited the predicament of the motorcyclist-petitioners who are
forced to use the more dangerous side roads in their travels as a
result of the motorcycle ban.

Several motorcycle clubs, directly representing over five
thousand active members, initiated the court action against the
TRB-imposed motorcycle ban last January. The petitioners have
alleged that the ban is illegal under existing law and,
moreover, that it threatens public safety by forcing all
motorcyclists onto alternative roadways that are clearly not as
safe as the tollways, which by design are free of the many
hazards or obstructions that most often contribute to vehicular
accidents (e.g., high-traffic intersections, road islands,
opposing traffic, poorly designated PUV passenger loading and
unloading zones, and pedestrians). By removing the ban, the
likelihood of motorcycle-involved accidents, already less than
one percent of total vehicular accidents in 1999 based on TMG and
LTO statistics, is expected to be reduced even further.
Nationwide, motorcycles constitute nearly one-third of the total
registered motor vehicle population and are a vital means of
transportation for millions.

A central argument in the case is the fact that Republic Act No.
2000, also known as the Limited Access Highway Act, only
authorizes the exclusion of trucks, buses, and other commercial
vehicles from the tollways. However, the petitioners have pointed
out that the Toll Regulatory Board has outlawed only motorcycles
on the tollways even though no such authority to do so exists
under the law. As further proof of their claims, the petitioners
describe the Philippines as the only country in the world that
ban all forms of motorcycles from expressways

MAG Ireland was the first organisation to respond to the
Philippines riders appeal for international support to their
campaign and are pleased to hear of their recent success.

MAG UK urges bridge protest

Toll bridge bosses at Dartford Crossing have recently increased
the price from 30p to 40p for motorcyclists, it should be noted
that car tolls have NOT increased. With riders regularly holding
up traffic by struggling to find loose change and fighting to
remove gloves whilst battling to retain balance of their bikes,
the authorities flatly refuse
us free passage.

In an effort to remind Blair, Prescott & pals that we still exist
MAG UK is urging riders to protest by turning up en-masse at both
7.30am and 7.30pm on Thursday 31st May and paying with 20 pound
notes.

Similar schemes have caused chaos at the Skye Bridge in Scotland
and Itchen Bridge in Southampton. A recent protest took toll
workers three hours to get 50 bikers across then another three
hours when they immediately turned around and came back across.

MAG's Phil Neale said: " With the amount of disruption
motorcyclists create for toll workers a 40p fee is not really
worth bothering with and we can get it scrapped. It's a matter of
people getting off their backsides and doing something about it.
Even if riders are unable to join us with this demo we urge them
to protest individually until these fees are scrapped"

Only Dartford, Skye and Southampton Itchen bridges charge
motorcycles to cross. All others are free of charge.
Riders are urged to protest peacefully against Dartford toll
charges on 31st May at both 7.30am and 7.30pm and whenever they
visit thereafter.

Large denomination notes are not appreciated by bridge staff as
they create delays in finding change.
Replacing wallets, waterproofs and gloves can take an undue
amount of time and hold up traffic.
Please explain to car drivers why they are being delayed. They
usually understand and are supportive.
Riders should always ask for a receipt.

Ride Free!

FFMC "CALMOS" halts for motorcyclists on their way to the Bol
d'Or

The FFMC (French Motorcyclists' Federation) is organising, again
this year, "CALMOS" halts for motorcyclists on their way and from
the Bol d'Or, which will take place on 14-16th September 2001.

Mainly located on motorways, these halts offer various facilities
such as hot drinks, technical assistance. If you are planning to
attend the Bol d'Or, do not hesitate to stop at these convivial
and regenerating halts. Most of the facilities are offered free
of charge as an incentive for riders to have a safer more
enjoyable trip.

Vacancies

Treasurer
MAG Ireland needs to fill the position of Treasurer.
Competence with standard accounting software (such as Quicken)
required.
Please contact:
Treasurer, MAG Office, 1b Ring Terrace, Inchicore, Dublin 8
(or by email : magsupport@m...)

Campaigns Officer
This previously advertised position is still open. Please send
CVs to the office.

Press releases
Numerous on the Carole Nash insurance situation.

Main Actions and Decisions

NEC(Board) May 5th
(omitted due to lack of space, copy available to members from MAG
office or from the MAGLink compiler)

National Council

Brief summary of NC MEETING ON 25/5/01

Present: David French, President. (NEC) Craig Carey-Clinch,
(Guest from M.C.I.A) Catherine Donnelly, Vice Chair MAG Ireland
(NEC)

MAG Carlow: Ger Fitzgibbons, Paul Fennell. MAG Dublin: Eoin
Kirwan (NEC), Maeve Roche (admin sec), Gearoid O'Byrne, (NEC) MAG
Kerry: Baerbel Ott. MAG Kildare: Joe Swords, Dave Browne MAG
Limerick: Don Moloney, Vincent White.

Update on campaigns officer, consitution review and Ride to Work
Day. Reps Resource Kit CD introduced and explained. A wide range
of issues affecting MAG and the NC were discussed including the
Red ribbon project publicity.
RoadRunner resizing was agreed on as was a MAG Limerick proposal
that "D.A is raised to the top of MAG Irelands campaigns list".
MAG Dublin will coordinate the "bikers are voters" photo shoot. A
useful discussion on the crucial role of the NC in MAG Ireland"s
work also took place.

(all minutes edited for length, full copy available to members on
request)

=============================================

MAG Calendar

NEC meetings
1st Saturday every month, 11am
Sept 1, Oct 6, Nov 3, Dec 1.

National Council meetings (All local groups to attend)

October, venue and date to be decided

Annual Group Conference:
October, venue and date to be decided

MAG Local Group meetings
MAG Cork: Every Tuesday at 8.30pm, Cruiscin Lan, Douglas Street
MAG Carlow: 3rd Monday of the month, Sherrif O'Hara's, Brown St.
MAG Donegal: 1st Monday 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@t...)

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, Grand Hotel, Newbridge.

MAG Limerick: Every 2nd Wednesday starting 30th May in Gus
O'Driscolls pub Corbally.
For June July August: 13/6, 27/6, 11/7, 25/7, 8/8, 22/8

MAG Sligo: Contact Sligo rep (see below) for new venue details.

MAG Cavan, Galway, Kildare, Innishowen, Longford, Mayo, Westmeath
Venue changes. To be confirmed. Ring rep for correct details.

E&OE. Changes should be advised to the MAG office or Catherine
Donnelly at (01) 457 0634, maglink@m...

MAG Events

August 18th,19th Stop the Rot Rally ,MAG Kerry at Baron's
Bunker, Causeway, Co. Kerry.

September 15th European Festival of Motorcycling, Kojkside,
Belgium

For further details of anything on the MAG calendar contact
maglink@m...
( or during office hours MAG Office at
magsupport@m... )
-----------------------------------------------------------

Publication Deadlines
RoadRunner: August 15th, November 15th, February 15th, May 15th.
Letters and articles welcome, articles with pictures very
welcome.
Send submissions to herb@i... or to RoadRunner c/o MAG Office

MAGLink: Second Wednesday in the month.