Jan 2001

MAGLINK
End JANUARY 2001

LOCAL GROUP CHAIRMEN & CLUB OFFICERS PLEASE NOTE THE NAMES AND PORTFOLIOS OF THE NEC OFFICERS ELECTED ST THE AGC:

National Executive Council
(Responsible for the day to day running of MAG)

Herb Finnegan Chairman,
Communications 087 679 0908 herb@iol.ie

Catherine Donnelly Vice-Chair,
Group & Club Liaison
01 457 0634 maglink@magireland.iol.ie.

Linda O'Loideoin, Treasurer
088 269 5861 loloideoin@yahoo.com

David French, President MAG Ireland
FEMA & EU Liaison,
+ 49 711 559 0512 dfrench@s.netic.de

David Gibson General Secretary,
Insurance & Government Relations
01 453 0797 gensec@magireland.iol.ie

Bill Heather, Products, Membership Development & Retention
087 418 3443

Jimmy Kenny, Rider Security & Safety
01 450 2330

Eoin Kirwan, Transport
01 702 0809

Marc O'Loideoin, Rider Education
01 402 4113 marcol@dit.ie

Alan P Toal, BL

MAG OFFICE
01 453 0797 Fax 01 453 3643
E magsupport@magireland.iol.ie
David Gibson General Secretary
Maeve Roche Administration Sec
Liz Keane Office Assistant
Web: www.iol.ie/~maglink
National Council
(Responsible for the overall running of MAG with the members of the NEC)
MAG Carlow Pat Conlon 086 855 6013
MAG Cavan Declan Brady 049 864 0030
MAG Cork Ger Donnelly 087 235 4820
MAG Donegal Danny Bonner 086 875 1398
MAG Dublin Jimmy Kenny 01 450 2330
MAG Galway John Brinn 093 24 694
MAG Innishowen Andy Robinson 077 76 054
MAG Kerry Baerbel Ott 087 297 7992
MAG Kildare Joe Swords 045 434 240
MAG Limerick John Suckling 061 384 342
MAG Longford Sean Mulroy 043 48 698
MAG Louth & Meath JA Finnegan 041 9833 853
MAG Mayo Robert Gibbons 087 259 9193
MAG Sligo Eoin Lappin 071 43 758
MAG Westmeath Greg Lennon 0902 72 578

============================
Campaigns

ONE SMALL SUCCESS
Road Conditions Campaign: Continued lobbying of local authorities using the Hazard forms printed in RoadRunner or available from the Office has resulted in the Government introducing the Communications (Regulations) Bill which will require all telecom companies to obtain written consent from Local Authorities to close roads or disrupt traffic. Hazards caused by telecom work and every other reason will still exist, and it is important that MAG members continue to monitor and report defects timely and repeatedly on the roads they daily travel. Limerick, Cork, Sligo, Carlow and Dublin Groups will experiment with direct lobbying of receptive staff at the local Roads Depots.

Dublin Bus Lanes: MAG Dublin Member Joe Fitzgerald is spearheading the campaign. The MAG Office is supporting his effort with a further letter to Bobby Molloy TD, Minister of State. In the Dail debate of 26 October 2000 he said "consideration might be given by the appropriate authorities to the possibility of practical pilot tests in this country with particular regard to the safety aspects of the proposal." The safety aspects of allowing motorised cycles and motorcycles to use buslanes are obvious. There are many instances where the introduction of buslanes has resulted in the remaining lanes being narrowed or removed, and the result is that motor-cyclists who had an opportunities to filter in safety, now cannot, while buslanes are underused by infrequent bus and taxi.

Dedicated Motorcycling Parking: MAG Groups in Cork and Limerick members have spoken to their respective Councils and Corporations. They also monitor planning applications for shopping malls to ensure that motorcycle parking is available. MAG Dublin submitted a list of locations to Dublin Corporation. The MAG Office has sight of the reply 17/1/01 "….half of the locations are suitable … We have forwarded the recommended sites to the Director of Traffic for his approval."

Direct Access: On this issue the DoE persists in playing the 'safety card' despite overwhelming reasons to be positive. This is from Dempsey's reply to John Browne TD Wexford. " The provisions have already been explained in correspondence and meetings to MAG Ireland…The arrangements in Ireland are considered desirable in the interests of road safety and against the background of the dispropor-tionately high accident/fatality rate of motorcyclists particularly in the 18 to 24 age group. MAG have to break this continuing circle.

Driver Testing: We have seen the IMPACT (the Driver Tester's Union) submission to the review of Driver Testing. Their proposal is that with better management and training, waiting times could be reduced to 4 weeks. That enforcement of existing driving laws will raise standards. By raising the Test Fee, applicants for the test will be better prepared and not regularly repeat a test to extend a Prov-isional Licence. Regular re-training of instructors will achieve more equitable tests.

DEVELOPMENT IN IRTA: Because IRTA is still dependent on DoE and commercial funding to train rider instructors, there is a conflict of interest. It has come to a head in that the DOE negotiators on Direct Access and Driver Testing are the same people who authorise political support for IRTA. Changes will happen shortly to allow each group campaign independently for the common good.

CAMPAIGN OBJECTIVES FOR 2001 ARE:

TRANSPORT GENERAL
Bus Lanes Campaign
PTW Usage in 21st Century Booklet
Transport Law
Direct Access
Lobbying of local representatives at clinics

SAFETY
Road Conditions Campaign
Lobbying of local representatives at clinics
Meeting with Minister
PowerPoint presentation to Councils
National Safety Council
Think Bike Campaign
Your Bike incorporated with The Right Way
Oppose DRLs

LOCAL GROUPS
New Groups
Issue Reps KIT on diskette

RIDER TRAINING
Identify other training aspects than IRTA

OFFICE
Membership data base modifications
Improve working conditions

BENEFITS
Conclude Series of Info Sheets
FEMA
How To Set Up A Local Group
Drink Driving

MEMBERSHIP
Development
Incentive for member recruiting
Forms in Bike shops
Advertise
Clubs
Have stand at major events
Retention

SECURITY
Secure parking locations in major cities

LEGAL
Incorporate MAG Ireland

INSURANCE
Low rates for young riders
Regular meetings with insurers
Insurance advisory panel

RESEARCH
Analyse '97, '98, '99 NRA statistics

COMMUNICATIONS
Web site 'stream'
Consolidate press-release mechanics

POLICIES
Policies Booklet
Diesel spillage from Buses
Speed limit inconsistencies
Excessive road painting
Policies approve by NC
Submission on VRT
Budget submission on helmet VAT

PRODUCTS
Plan for 2001

ROADRUNNER
New editor
Advertising

FINANCE
Budget
Appoint independent auditor

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

PRODUCTS

MAG has some great products for motorcyclists

ZIPPO lighters (with MAG LOGO)= £20.00 ea
(Bronze)
Hooded Sweatshirts = £20.00 each
(Black, Zipped - MAG logo, Fruit of the Loom)
Premium T- shirts = £10.00 each
(Black with MAG logo - Fruit of the Loom)
Nectectors = £10.00 each
(Red or Black Tubular neck-warmers)
Baseball Caps with MAG logo = £10.00 each
(Black cloth)
Yellow Visibility Waistcoats = £12.00 each
(Branded MAG Ireland or IRTA)

MAG EIRE, RIDE FREE Patches = £3.00 each
RIDE FREE Adhesive stickers = £1.50 each
1999,2000 Members' Metal Badges = £2.00 each
2001 Blue Enamel badge = £3.00
MAG embossed Leather Keyfob = £2.00 each

BOOKS
Pass Your Advanced Driving Test = £10.00 each
Motorcycle Roadcraft = £13.40 each

There is a Mail Order packing & postage charge of £3.00 on the Hooded Sweatshirts & of £1.00 on the waistcoats. All other items are including postage by ordinary post. These exclusive products are available from your local Group Quartermaster, direct from the MAG Office, or from our new MAG Products Outlet Shop, Kilkenny Camping & Water-sports Centre, U24 The Arcade, High Street, Kilkenny. Save postage by shopping locally.

Remember - all profits from the sale of MAG Products goes directly to campaigning for Riders Rights.

MADE WITH PRIDE ……IN GENEVA.

The Palace of Nations in Geneva is hardly the place you'd expect to see the next generation of motorcycles designed, but negotiators from the US and 14 other nations are doing just that. "Global technical regulation on wheeled vehicles" is what it is called and the negotiators from 15 nations heed many voices. Some voices advocate extreme and in some cases, extremely dangerous measures, like motorcycle leg protectors which, in some collisions all but pin riders to their bikes and increase the severity of the injury. Other s demand that motorcycles be equipped with mandatory "anti tampering devices" (like shear bolts designed to break off if consumers attempt to upgrade exhaust systems or whatever). Some want horsepower limits other stringent noise limits that will all but ban the air-cooled V-Twin engine.

FEMA, and its national member organisations (incl. MAG Ireland), realise that Transport issues discussed by governments at the International level will greatly affect motorcyclists. For some years now, FEMA is taking part in the different Working Parties dealing with Transport within the United Nations (UN). One of them has been given the responsibility to set up the construction standards for the "World Bike", the other one is establishing a world-wide Road Safety strategy. With the Multi-Directive, the "Euro Bike" standards had been established. FEMA was in the front line to make sure that that bike was one that motorcyclists would enjoy riding. And with success! Now, we have to make sure that the "World Bike" will be free from unnecessary restrictions.

CRASHING THE BARRIERS.

Lacing virtually every major road and bypass are crash barriers designed to control a crash by a car or truck by slowing momentum to minimise damage and lessen injury. Unfortunately virtually every crash barrier in Ireland is dangerous to motorcycles. Their very design and construction - with exposed sharp-edged metal posts and angular supports: the height: profile: design and composition of guard rails: proximity to the roadway could not be more hazardous to a motorcyclist making contact with them, even if they had been designed with that grim purpose in mind.

Whatever about road hazards from poor maintenance, crash barrier design is specified at the very early stages of new road design. FEMA produced a report on crash barriers that should be in every rep's armoury. MAG has copies
BUYING A SECOND-HAND BIKE

If you are not sure about the bike you may be buying. Why not phone this company who will run a credit check for you.
For Ireland:
HPI: 01 2600905
For UK registered bikes:
Until 8pm: 0044 1722 412164
After 8pm: 0044 1722 422422
Many thanks to Jimmy Whelan from the Clondalkin MCC who rang in with further numbers for after hours.

WESTLINK TOLL BRIDGE DEVELOPMENTS

Thanks to JoJo <wizzard2000@hotmail.com>
who sent in this info on the 'Eazy Pass' toll system on the West Link. MAG opposes any general use of road tolls in this country however implemented believing them to be an anachronistic, inefficient means of financing road, maintenance, detrimental to traffic flow and fundamentally unacceptable. However the Eszy Pass system seems to offer partial relief to frequent users of the Westlink. Remember the EastLink is toll free to motorcycles and must not change.

"Those West Link peeps have included Motorcycles
in their plans for the Easy Pass transponder token..
Below is the mail I got back from them after enquiring about bikes:
Here is some information about Eazy Pass that I hope you will find helpful. By opening an account with Eazy Pass with a initial payment, (in the case of a motorbike, this would be £20.00) you then pick a credit low amount, the minimum being £5.00. Every time you account reaches this amount you can automatically top up by direct debit, automatic credit card, or manually by cheque, cash or credit card. You will know when you have reached you credit low as a amber light will appear as you are passing through the plaza.
Upon opening your account you will receive a trans-ponder Tag which in the case of motorbikes you may carry. Each lane at both East Link and West Link is fitted with a beacon. When you enter the lane, provid-ing your account is in credit, the barrier will lift, you will get the green light and you toll will automa-tically be deducted. Eazy Pass is being launched on a phased basis and our next launch is April 2001 please contact us on our low call number 1890 67 67 68 if you would like to register. When you top up your account by credit card, users receive a 3% monthly discount, topping up by Direct Debit receives a monthly discount of 5%"

OVERSEAS RALLIES

Event Title: Moto Guzzi Old-timer & Classic Weekend Description: Meeting for Guzzi Motorcycles Pre 1986 Place: Perk Belgium (near Vilvoorde) Date: 11-12-13 / 05 / 2001
Info: http://www.motoguzzi.be
ouwekelafdeling@motoguzzi.be
Tel+Fax +32 16 46 08 16

Event Title: 20' Annual International Moto Guzzi Rally Belgium MGCB 20' Anniversary
Description: International Rally (Treffen)
Place: Kerkhoven Belgium (near Lommel)
Date: 17-18-19 / 08 / 2001
Info: http://www.motoguzzi.be
info@motoguzzi.be
Tel+Fax +32 16 46 08 16

Moto Clube de Faro
Faro continues to grow.. The popularity strategically placed between the city, the airport and the beach of this rally is shown by the 24.000 that were enrolled in the year 2000. On the stage - bands were alternating with several erotic shows. An approved "recipe" amongst the many thousands spectators. This year don't miss the rally on the 20-21-22 of July 2001. Visit our news page on the web site http://www.motoclubefaro.pt/ukpages/concuk.ht.
Travel details from Bill Heather.

BIKE FOR SALE

1995 Honda CBR900RR Fireblade. American Spec. Private import. Immaculate Condition. One-off Paint job IR£6,000- ono Phone 086 4016 454.

LOCAL GROUP CHAIRMEN & CLUB OFFICERS PLEASE NOTE THE PORTFOLIOS ALLOCATED TO THE NEC OFFICERS ELECTED AT THE AGC:

National Executive Council
(Responsible for the day to day running of MAG)

Herb Finnegan Chairman, Communications 087 679 0908 herb@iol.ie

Catherine Donnelly
Vice-Chair, Group & Club Liaison
01 457 0634 maglink@magireland.iol.ie.

Linda O'Loideoin, Treasurer
088 269 5861 loloideoin@yahoo.com

David French FEMA & EU Liaison, President MAG Ireland
+ 49 711 559 0512 dfrench@s.netic.de

David Gibson General Secretary, Insurance & Government Relations
01 453 0797 gensec@magireland.iol.ie

Bill Heather Products, Membership Development & Retention
087 418 3443

Jimmy Kenny Rider Security & Safety
01 450 2330

Eoin Kirwan Transport
01 702 0809

Marc O'Loideoin Rider Education
01 402 4113 marcol@dit.ie

Alan P Toal, BL

MAG OFFICE
01 453 0797 Fax 01 453 3643
E magsupport@magireland.iol.ie

Maeve Roche PRO & Membership
Liz Keane Office Assistant
Web: www.iol.ie/~maglink

National Council
(Responsible for the overall running of MAG with the members of the NEC)

MAG Carlow Pat Conlon 086 855 6013
MAG Cavan Declan Brady 044 66 346
MAG Cork Ger Donnelly 087 235 4820
MAG Donegal Danny Bonner 075 46325
MAG Dublin Jimmy Kenny 01 450 2330
MAG Galway John Brinn 093 246 94
MAG Innishowen Andy Robertson 077 760 54
MAG Kerry Baerbel Ott 087 297 7992
MAG Limerick John Suckling 061 384 342
MAG Longford Sean Mulroy 043 48 698
MAG Louth & Meath JA Finnegan 041 9833 853
MAG Mayo Robert Gibbons 087 259 9193
MAG Sligo Eoin Lappin 086 833 4700
MAG Westmeath Greg Lennon 0902 72 578

============================
Campaign Update

Budget Submission: MAG asked Minister Charlie McCreevy to drop VRT on motorcycles, to lower excise duty on petrol, and to propose in the EU Council of Ministers that VAT on mandatory safety equipment, like helmets, be zero-rated.

Dublin Bus Lanes: Letter to Minister Dempsey requesting access for motorcycles pointing out that PTWs are congestion & pollution-busters.

Road Hazards: This is a permanent campaign targeted at the Road Engineers and Maintenance Depots in County Councils. We need members travelling on regular routes to report hazards to their local council, and keep reporting these hazards every few weeks, until they are corrected. We have reports that Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown Council is responding. The MAG Office will get the Hazard Form printed in bulk and copies distributed to Groups for further distribution to members.

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

An Automated emailing list for Members

David French, MAG President, has set up an IMAG_INFO list on http://www.topica.com/and the 400 subscribers of MAG-IRL-INFO are now on it. The 350 email addresses in the membership database will be added. But it is upto each member to subscribe.

David has send out an invitation to subscribe to all members who have advised us of their email address. YOU MUST REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE TO ACTIVATE THIS ADDRESS FOR YOUR ACCOUNT. www.topica.com

Products

MAG has some great products for motorcyclists that will help to keep you warm on the road during the winter months.

GIFTS FOR CHRISTMAS

ZIPPO lighters = £20.00 each
(Bronze metal with MAG logo)
Hooded Sweatshirts = £20.00 each
(Black, Zipped - MAG logo, Fruit of the Loom)
Premium T- shirts = £10.00 each
(Black with MAG logo - Fruit of the Loom)
Nectectors = £10.00 each
(Red, Black or Navy Blue Tubular neck-warmers)
Baseball Caps with MAG logo = £10.00 each
(Black cloth)
Yellow Visibility Waistcoats = £12.00 each
(Branded MAG Ireland or IRTA)

MAG EIRE, RIDE FREE Patches = £3.00 each
RIDE FREE Adhesive stickers = £1.50 each
1999,2000 Members' Metal Badges = £3.00 each
MAG embossed Leather Keyfob = £2.00 each

Books
Pass Your Advanced Driving Test = £10.00 each
Motorcycle Roadcraft = £13.40 each

MAG thanks all motorcyclists who attended the Memorial Service for the life of Joey Dunlop on 18th November. It was a very moving occasion and MAG thanks Fergus Finn for organising the event.

Because of the impressive number of motorcycles in attendance, the Garda motorcycle escort did not take the Skerries Ride-Out via the RDS. Riders who were unable to make a donation to the Romanian Orphanage Appeal may donate money through the MAG Office and we will pass donations on.

MAG Office Christmas Hours

The MAG Office will close at 5.00pm (17h00) on Wednesday 20th December and remain closed until 9.30am on Thursday 4th January 2001. During the Christmas holiday, redecoration and re-equipping of the Office will take place. Urgent messages can be made to 086 832 5780.

MAG Groups

As I write this, a meeting of members of the National & Executive Councils has been arranged for 2nd December to discuss 'house-keeping' issues, campaigns, and actions for 2001. Speak to your Group Reps for the early story.

MAG Donegal will be holding their AGM in Heeneys Bar, Ballybofey on Saturday, the 17th February 2001 at 8pm sharp, Rock Music Late opening Bar. All Welcome.

MAG Cork held an EGM to elect new officers on 19th November 2000. They agreed an open nomination forum and a secret vote.
Chair: Ger Donnelly elected.
Secretary: Rose Burns elected
Treasurer: Martin O'Driscoll elected.

MAG Kildare: a Group will start, initially, under the chairmanship of Joe Swords, with the inaugural meeting scheduled for December or January.

Toy Runs

2nd Dec - Toy Run (Kildare/Kilkenny) Druids & Rooters MCCs Rick Dawson 086 - 8146234

3rd Dec - 11.30am - Duke St, Dublin - Dublin Cruisers MCC - Damian 086 813 4227

16th Dec - MAG Limerick - Vinnie White 087 - 290 6519

16/17 Dec - MAG Mayo - Robert Gibbons 094 22118

17th Dec - 1pm Wellington Monument, Phoenix Park - Clondalkin MCC - Martin 086 891 4983