MAGLink, July
2003
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.
MAGLink, July 2003
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
1. Updates
2. MAG Calendar 2003
3. National Events Calendar, 2003
4. MAG Benefits
5. MAG Products
6. MAG Advertising
7. MAG Contacts
8. Disclaimer
To receive MAGLink every month by email (free) send a blank message to
imag_info-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
1. Updates
STOP THE ROT Rally
First things first - the unashamed plug! MAG Ireland is holding it's famous
Stop The Rot Rally on Saturday/Sunday the 16th/17th of August at the
Portlick Inn, Glasson, Athlone Co. Westmeath. Site of the 2000 Stop the Rot
Rally, we expect this year's event to be even bigger and better after an
absence last year due to insurance difficulties. Well known rally band
Powertrippin' are heading the bill. This is a major fundraiser for MAG's
work, and whether you're a rally virgin or a seasoned rally goer, strap
your tent on the back of the bike and come on down for a great night's
entertainment.
Hibernian "Ignition Scheme"
We were advised by a Hibernian representative on the 15th of July last that
they would not be having an official "launch" of the Ignition scheme
as
they considered it to be simply an extension of the pilot scheme into the
scheme proper. Current Hibernian clients who have had their full license
for five years or less are being contacted by Hibernian when their policy
comes up for renewal with the offer of a place on the scheme. AON (a
subsidiary of Hibernian) will be sending out information to their clients
in their own mailshot. Brokers are being informed. As Ignition is offered
only to existing Hibernian/AON policyholders it is not intended as a sales
generating exercise but a safety initiative. The discount figures to be
quoted on their flyer include the discount for holding a full license and
Hibernian hope that this discount will provide an incentive to the 70% of
their clients who currently hold a Provisional license.
Hibernian and substitution or transferring cover between motorcycles:
Since Norwich Union ceased offering the Rider Policy some years ago,
Hibernian have not offered the kind of "open" Third Party cover
that Carole
Nash do. MAG recently queried Hibernian as to their policy in relation to
substitution or transferring cover between motorcycles. The following is a
summary of Hibernian's position:
* Hibernian does allow temporary substitution.
* The motorcycle does not have to be separately insured by the owner.
* The insurable interest of the policyholder comprises of the
policyholder's liability to the owner of the motorcycle once he/she becomes
responsible for the motorcycle.
* The insurer is only obliged to quote for cover to the client for a
vehicle owned by the client.
* The insurer will not provide temporary substitution where there is a
change of driver also.
* Problems with substitution may arise if there is a possibility of
permanency or if there are substantial differences between power or value
of vehicles.
If anyone has experienced problems with obtaining temporary substitution
i.e. precise types of circumstances where substitution was refused, please
let the MAG office know and we will take it up with Hibernian.
Tolls
The Drogheda Bypass opened recently and has already run into difficulties
in relation to the operation of the Toll Plazas.
The Toll Booth on the South-bound exit off the motorway just after crossing
the new bridge is closed from 8pm to 6am. NTR, the company responsible for
operating the tolling system (who also operate tolling on the East and West
Link bridges say that they are testing new equipment. Local reports
indicate that the volume of traffic using the new bridge is such that it is
not financially viable for the company to employ an operator for the Toll
Booth during the night hours.
NTR have requested details of motorcyclists who have experienced
difficulties at Toll Booths, such as barriers closing too quickly etc. If
you have had this sort of problem please contact Karen Kiely at the MAG
office (01 4530797 or campaigns@magireland.org ) as otherwise we cannot
proceed with representations to NTR to make Toll Plazas safer and less
inconvenient to motorcyclists.
Road Hazards/Road Safety
We have been informed that Carole Nash are favorably disposed to giving
financial support to a new edition of The Right Way. We await confirmation
in writing of this. The preparatory work for the new edition is almost
complete.
CBT
Recent newspaper reports and information from Hibernian indicates that the
introduction of CBT is scheduled to take place by the end of the current
year and it almost certainly will apply to motorcyclists only. MAG
understands that at least one meeting has already taken place between the
Department of Transport, Hibernian and IRTA representatives amongst others
to discuss methods of implementation. Whilst MAG would have every faith in
IRTA to represent the best interests of motorcycling, the Board of MAG
feels strongly that MAG Ireland as the only group representing bikers as
consumers should also attend these meetings. We are still seeking a further
meeting with the Minister to discuss these proposals and are urgently
seeking an invitation to these meetings also. In this regard, I have
attached to the end of this MAGlink a copy of the Chairman of MAG's recent
letter in this regard to the Minister's office. It remains MAG's position
that the introduction of CBT for all mechanized road users is essential to
minimize accidents and fatalities amongst road users. If CBT is to be
introduced in respect of bikes only it must be reasonable in cost, and
practical in implementation, and we will still lobby for it's application
to all to minimize death and injury to motorcyclists.
Miscellaneous
In regard to a report of a member who had been refused Theft cover and
concerns that Carol Nash are not providing Theft cover in the Dublin area,
CN have confirmed that they continue to provide Theft cover in the Dublin
area as long as the motorcycle is garaged overnight.
FEMA news: PRESS RELEASE 10th July 2003
Last Wednesday (2nd July 2003), European motorcyclists met with their
elected representatives at the European Parliament in Strasbourg to enjoy
a
motorcycle ride through the beautiful Alsatian region. This 7th event of
the MEP Motorcycle Ride in Strasbourg celebrated the 15th Anniversary of
motorcyclists being active in Europe. Organised by the Federation of
European Motorcyclists' Associations (FEMA) and the Strasbourg section of
its French affiliate FFMC since 1997, the MEP Motorcycle Ride has become a
traditional event that nobody wants to miss. FEMA national member
organisations from all over Europe enjoyed this great opportunity to have
closer contacts with their elected representatives at the European
Parliament (EP). Participants included the following MEPs:
Ward BEYSEN Belgium Passenger (historic bus)
Mogens CAMRE Denmark Rider - H-D Fat Boy 1340cc
Bernd LANGE Germany Rider - BMF 850RT
Karsten KNOLLE Germany Rider - Honda VFR800
Carlos BAUTISTA OJEDA Spain Rider - Triumph Speed Four600
Hans KARLSSON Sweden Rider - Own motorcycle
Roger HELMER United Kingdom Rider - Peugeot Elystar 125cc
Malcolm HARBOUR United Kingdom Rider - BMW C1 125cc
Elizabeth LYNNE United Kingdom Rider - Suzuki Intruder 125cc
Weird news of the month (and you thought MAG meetings were exciting stuff)
:-
CANADIAN RIGHTS GROUP RAIDED BY POLICE
The Bikers Rights Organization (BRO) of Ontario recently had its monthly
meeting stormed by heavily armed officers who stuck machine guns in the
faces of members, allegedly over a false tip. BRO is a registered
non-profit group formed in 1982 that lobbies for bikers rights in the
Canadian province. But at their April meeting, about 30 law enforcement
officers participated in the raid, roughed up BRO members and ransacked the
meeting room, reports the August issue of Biker Magazine. According to a
newspaper article on Cnews, "Police got excited when they found an
ammunition clip in a corner. Then police realized it belonged to them."
No
charges have been filed.
2. MAG Calendar 2003
Board meetings
1st Wednesday every month, 7:30pm MAG Office, Dublin.
National Council meetings
Next meeting - Saturday 6th September 2003, Crank House Hostel, Banagher.
Annual General Meeting
Date - Saturday 18th October 2003.
Watch the MAG website www.magireland.org for further details.
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@gofree.indigo.ie 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 Freddy's Bar, Screen, Co.
Wexford 8.30pm.
E&OE. Changes should be advised to the MAG office office@magireland.org
or Gearoid O'Byrne maglink@magireland.org
Publication Deadlines - 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.
3. National Events Calendar, 2003
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 2003.
July
9/10th Superbike School (Keith Code) is coming to Mondello on the 9th/10th
July - cost 369 per day to book contact www.californiansuperbikeschool.com
- European page
12/13th Rogues MCC, yearly bash. Traynors Pub, Lisnagear, Cootehill.
Co.Cavan 3 Live Rock Bands, Marquee, Camp site, Hot Food, Bonfire. Usual
Prizes. After Live Bands have finished, All nite DJ starts. Phone:
086-6041949, Chris Monahan
19/20th The BSB series will debut at the County Kildare venue on July 19th
& 20th 2003 for what should be the biggest motorcycle event of the 2003
Irish calendar. The hugely popular British series has been long awaited by
the legions of Irish motorcycle racing fans and is sure to set new
attendance records for Mondello Park.
See http://www.mondello.ie/online_book/online_book.cfm
for more details
19th Slippy Clutch MCC Savage Session Rally 19th July 2003
The Cush Inn (Kildangan House), Kildangan, Co Kildare.
Contact Joe at 045 529022 or 086 8431576
25/27th Druids M.C.C. Farmyard Rally 12, in O'Brien's Pub, Nurney, Co.
Kildare, Ireland. Music Friday, Saturday and Sunday with bike show on
Sunday morning. 45min from Dublin. Phone 045/432710 or 045/86456
August
1-4th 29th Riders Rally - The Riders Rally is open to motorcyclists and
their passengers riding all types of motorcycles authorised by road traffic
regulations. The event is a point to point navigation ride of about 650
miles with camping and limited B&B at 3 sequential venues. Entries taken
at
the 1st checkpoint. 1st checkpoint opens at the Wellington Arms Hotel, Trim
Co. Meath from 4 pm to 9pm Friday 1/8 and from 8am to12 noon Saturday 2/8
. The fee is €35 per driver and €? for pillions. The
benefits of the
include:- maps and route cards for each stage of the ride; camping and
evenings entertainment at 3 sequential venues :badges , souvenirs, games
and awards. contact Hazel Casey 086 856 1103
2nd Unlimited Club, Castlebar, Darby's Carrowkennedy, Westport, Co. Mayo.
UNLIMITED 8th FRENZY August Bank Holiday Weekend, Damian Murphy 0872326390
2/3rd Vikings M.C. Ireland present The 18th Irish Custom Classic and
Vintage Motorcycle Show, The Kilkenny Arena, Wallslough Village,
Bennetsbridge, Co Kilkenny. August Bank Holiday Weekend, Saturday 2nd and
Sunday 3rd.
Website www.alliancemcireland.com
10th Two Ton Run, Enjoy a 200-mile ride through some of the most beautiful
countryside in Munster, and raise money for Crumlin Children's Hospital,
while you are having fun. See http://twotonrun.pitas.com/ for more details
15/16th Harley Davidson Club of Ireland Rally. Date: 15th & 16th August
2003 Venue: Stradbally G.A.C. Stradbally, Co Waterford. (Near Dungarvan).
Contact: Carlo Ustiani, Tel: 0877 626262, Email: secretaryhdci@ireland.com
16/17th MAG Ireland presents the Stop The Rot Rally at The Portlick Inn,
Glasson, Athlone, Co. Westmeath - camping, bands, disco, hot food, all the
usual fun! The latest on this event is that up and coming rock band
Powertrippin' will be the lead act for the event.
23rd Exiles MCC, 2nd annual rock night, food, drink, craic, camping,
security, and top rock bands 23 of August 2003, in Beehive, Mountbolus
Co.Offaly, Chris 086 377479 & Aidan 086 8041555
September
6th Clondalkin Motor Cycle Club are having their annual rally. Contact
Wayne O Neill 086-6785818 for more details
October
November
December
13th Clondalkin Motor Cycle Club are having their annual Toy Run, meeting
Phoenix Park 12.30. All Welcome. Contact Wayne O Neill 086-6785818 for more
details
14th Middleton to Cork city Toy run, Details to follow closer to said date.
Contact Stevo at 0868895472
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
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
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 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) eric.geaney@oceanfree.net
MAG Donegal
Chair: Marty Boyle 087 - 6557414 martyboyle@unison.ie
or magdonegal@yahoo.com
Or Michael McNulty mnulty@mcmenaminsteel.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
thedok@bastardbrothers.org
Treasurer: Joe Kerwin
Events Secretary: Ivor Hemmingway 086 8150410
MAG Limerick
Chairman - Don Moloney. moz@iol.ie 086-8123858
Secretary - Alec Quinn. ajquinn@eircom.net
Treasurer - Mark Hackett. haket@hotmail.com
NC Rep - Vinny White. vwhite@eircom.net
PRO - Sharon Curtin. yamxv250@hotmail.com
Clubs liason officer - Karl Murphy. crashtestdummy@oceanfree.net
Local Authority liason officer - John Mullin.
MAG North Tipperary and South Offaly
Paul O'Dwyer 086-2686091 froggieod@yahoo.com
Keith Lever kleaver@gofree.indigo.ie
MAG Cork
Chair - Ger Donnolly
Treasurer - Martin O'Driscoll martdris@gofree.indigo.ie
MAG Wexford
Chair - Martin Sills 087 - 6628595
Secretary - John le Roche
Treasurer - Mick Rice sago@oceanfree.net
Unelected local representatives invited to National Council meetings by MAG
Board
Leitrim
Christine Cann christinecann@eircom.net
Longford
Pat & Debbie mbike@eircom.net
Louth
Lenny McManus leonard@netscape.com
Mayo
John Bourke john.bourke@cedar.com
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
Cash for MAG Recruiters
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.
8. Disclaimer
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 July 2003, compiled by Gearóid O Byrne maglink@magireland.org
(c) Copyright : MAG Ireland
Text of letter 21st July - MAG Chairman to Ministry of Transport:-
Mr Liam Dolan
Minister's Office
Department of Transport
Kildare Street
Dublin 2.
21st July 2003
Re: Motorcycle Compulsory Basic Training -
MAG Ireland request for representation on working group
Dear Mr. Dolan,
It has recently been brought to my attention that discussions concerning
the possible implementation of Compulsory Basic Training (CBT) have been
taking place between your Department, IRTA, Star Rider and Hibernian
Insurance. This follows the submission from Hibernian Insurance to
Minister Brennan regarding motorcycle rider licensing and training.
MAG Ireland would greatly welcome the introduction of CBT for motorcycle
riders as part of an overall strategy of reform of the provisional driver
licensing system for all classes. However, I am concerned that discussions
on CBT have commenced without any representation of the interests of
motorcyclists as consumers.
Should compulsory training be introduced, not only must it be delivered to
consistently high standards, but it must also be delivered at venues
readily accessible to riders nationwide, and without lengthy waiting lists.
If riders will not be permitted to ride their own machine to the CBT
venue, training bikes will have to be provided. A mechanism of funding
will have to be put in place which will ensure that the cost of CBT to the
end user will not be prohibitive, especially bearing in mind the extremely
high insurance costs facing younger riders.
The discussions concerning CBT have, to date, involved training
organisations and an insurance company, all of whom have a financial
interest in the outcome. The interests and concerns of the consumer have
not been voiced. It is my wish that your Department will see fit to
rectify this and allow MAG Ireland to participate fully in the consultation
process. I am sure that our involvement will contribute ultimately towards
the introduction of a successful system of training, which will have
positive benefits for motorcycle safety.
Finally, following Hibernian Insurance's submission to the Minister, MAG
Ireland have twice made a written request for a meeting with Minister
Brennan to discuss the proposals put forward by Hibernian, as well as other
issues concerning motorcycle safety. While our requests have been
acknowledged, no definitive reply has yet been forthcoming. CBT,
licensing, age limits and the other matters raised by Hibernian are of
great concern to our membership, which consists of over 4,000 motorcyclists
nationwide. We would be pleased to have the opportunity to discuss these
concerns with the Minister at an early date.
I may be contacted at any time at 087 6166207 to discuss the points I have
raised, or to arrange a meeting.
Thank you.
Yours sincerely,
___________
Eoin Kirwan
Chairman,
MAG Ireland - The Irish Motorcyclists' Action Group Ltd.
Telephone: 087 6166207
E-mail: chair@magireland.org