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

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1. Latest News…..

There are two major events I want to talk about in this months Maglink, the MAG Ireland AGM on Saturday the 18th of October and the National Pro Bike Demonstration of Saturday the 1st of November next

Firstly the MAG Annual Group Conference – It’s on Saturday the 18th of October at the Crank House Hostel, Banagher, Co, Offaly, from 1.00pm onwards. Notice of the meeting was published in the last edition of Roadrunner, thus fulfilling the minimum notice period of 28 days required by the Constitution. All members are welcome to attend, but bring your membership cards as only those with current membership cards will be admitted. Note: we will NOT be taking membership renewals at the meeting, so join/renew beforehand if you wish to attend! Proposals and nominations must have been communicated in writing to the MAG Office at least 14 days in advance of the AGC to be validly included on the agenda. The AGC reviews the work of the Board over the past year, sets policy, reviews the annual accounts and elects the Board for the coming year. All MAG members are welcome to attend and the Board look forward to meeting you there on the day.

Secondly, a National Pro Bike Demonstration will be held in Dublin on Saturday the first of November 2003, gathering at Mountjoy Square East from 1.00pm and moving in convoy down O’Connell Street and round Stephen’s Green, finishing at Molesworth Street where a petition will be handed in to a representative of the Department of Transport. This is a major opportunity for you to show your feelings about the direction biking is taking in this country and I ask you to turn out in force for the event. Posters and petitions have been distributed to many bike shops, and an online petition is also available at http://www.petitiononline.com/magpet1/petition.ht

Bikers will be attending from all over Ireland, including a group from MAG Northern Ireland, so I hope you are all planning on coming along too! The more the merrier as they say, whether MAG members or not, as long as you're on 2 (mechanised) wheels, you're welcome.

I'm sure all of you are aware of the Minister of Transport’s press statements over the past few months, concerning the rise in motorcycle deaths at a time when the overall road death rate is dropping. This will result in the coming months in decisions concerning compulsory basic training, L plates, compulsory fluorescent jackets/bibs etc, all of which are under discussion at present. MAG is seeking to influence the course of these discussions in meetings with the relevant parties, so as to ensure that whatever changes are introduced are fair and reasonable and we will continue to do so. However it has been felt for some time that MAG members and ordinary motorcyclists, moped users etc should have an opportunity to come out and show the Government and the media that we are a force to be reckoned with. I don't want to see motorcycling in Ireland suffer "death by a thousand cuts". Biking can be safe, fun and hugely entertaining. And if we can get a good turnout on the 1st of November next, that support, coupled with good media coverage, will enhance our ability to get a fair deal for motorcyclists in the months to come. So be there and be counted….

Campaigns issues during September 2003:

Bikers Are Voters

Aim: To raise the profile of motorcyclists, motorcycling issues and of MAG Ireland as a representative group for Irish motorcyclists among politicians.

With the European Parliamentary Elections and Local Elections to take place in June 2004, draft questions for a new Bikers Are Voters leaflet are currently being prepared. If there are any issues you would like to see highlighted in the leaflets, please email campaigns@magireland.org with your suggestions.

Direct Access & Driver Testing & Training

Despite numerous requests for a meeting with Minister for Transport Seamus Brennan to discuss the issue of Compulsory Basic Training (CBT), none has been scheduled at time of writing. However, Liam Dolan of the Department of Transport met with MAG representatives Eoin Kirwan, Gearóid O’Byrne and Linda O’Loideoin on 16th September. During this productive meeting it was agreed that MAG should have a seat on the Working Group which has been formed to discuss the implementation of basic training.

Insurance

On foot of a member’s query regarding Hibernian’s Legal Costs Cover charges when quoting for insurance cover, we have contacted George Ketteringham for clarification as to whether or not this Cover is optional.

We have received a lengthy response from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment to our letter to the Tánaiste regarding insurance premium levels for motorcyclists in which we raised the question as to whether plans existed to amend the Road Traffic Act 2001 to allow the speedy implementation of an EU Directive (due to be implemented January 2005) to allow consumers to easily source insurance cover from companies in other member states. The three page letter outlines the “progress” which has already been made in reducing premiums as a result of the Tánaiste’s current reform programme. In regard to future amendments to the RTA, the Department has forwarded a copy of my letter to the Department of Transport.

Road Hazards/Road Safety

The National Safety Council launched its Annual Review of Activities 2002 at a media briefing on 18th September. The Review, which is basically a report on the campaigns run by the NSC during 2002 identifies the main causes of death and injury on Ireland’s roads as speeding, drink driving and non-wearing of seatbelts. The motorcycle safety leaflet issued through the Motor Tax offices with Tax renewal forms as a result of MAG’s meetings with NSC, was distributed in 2003 and so does not appear in the Review.

The Motorcycle Accident in Depth Study (MAIDS) Final Report was due for publication in Autumn 2003 – we have written to ACEM to inquire as to expected publication date and await their response.

Tolls

As appeared in previous reports 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 the MAG office (01 453 07 97 or campaigns@magireland.org) as otherwise we cannot proceed with representations to NTR to make Toll Plazas safer and less inconvenient to motorcyclists. We have to date received only one report of a problem at a Toll booth.

Motorcycle Theft

A query has been raised by a number of our members in regard to identification of recovered motorcycles where the registration number is missing. It was suggested that in some cases, motorcycles are not being reunited with their owners if thieves have removed the registration plate, whether or not the frame and engine numbers had been removed.

When contacted, the Garda Stolen Vehicles Unit said that they can identify motor cycles from either the frame number and or the engine number. It is also possible to identify a motor cycle using a partial frame number. In cases where Gardaí have difficulty in identifying a motorcycle they have recovered, contact is usually made with the SVU for their assistance in the identification. Unfortunately a number of motorcycles recovered by the Gardaí have had engine and frame numbers erased by grinding down the metal where these numbers are located. This makes it difficult to identify and necessitates a chemical treatment on the area ground down in order to restore the original numbers.

When we asked if we should advise members to supply details of engine and frame numbers when reporting a stolen motorcycles we were told that all motorcycles registered in the Republic of Ireland show details of engine and frame number so it is not necessary for MAG members to quote these numbers to the Gardaí as they are already on the Garda Vehicle data base. However we have been asked to advise members who report motorbikes which are not registered ( off road bikes ) or are foreign registered to supply details of frame and engine numbers. These details are not on the Garda database. If they are supplied they will then be entered on the Garda stolen database. This will make it easier for the Gardaí to identify the motorbike a lot quicker and return it to its rightful owner.

2. MAG Calendar 2003

Board meetings
1st Wednesday every month, 7:30pm MAG Office, Dublin.

Annual General Meeting
Date - Saturday 18th October 2003. See above…

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 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@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.

October

3rd
It's ON, the popular NI Peace Ride 7and supporting Carrickfergus 'Bike' Show organised by NI Mc Tours Team. East Antrim Moto Show Downshire Community High School (just off A2 coast road) CARRICKFERGUS, Co Antrim Fri' 3rd October 5-10pm £4, Concession £3, Kids £2, Primary Kids Free (Traders, NB; Downshire
School Kids Free if accompanied by a parent) Classics, Customs, Cruisers, Supermotos, Sales, Stands Expected Guest; Richard 'Milky' Quayle: Isle of Man TT & Manx GP winner N I Peace Ride 7 Castle Carpark, CARRICKFERGUS
Sat' 4th Oct 03 Leaving 11am sharp for NW Area (Classic Bikes leaving slightly before 11am) £5 per bike including sticker badge www.nimototours.co.uk, tt@nimototours.co.uk Affiliated to the BMF Uel, 028 9338 2797

18th
Name: Philip Ryan Club: Falcon M.C.C.Locality: WaterfordContact Phone: (087) 7927672, Event Location: Saratoga Inn, Woodstown, Co. Waterford, Event Date: 18th October 2003, Event Description: Locked Solid Session 2003

26th
MAG Wexford Sponsored Ride out in aid of the Paediatrics ward Wexford
General Hospital entrance fee cash & toys on Sunday 26th October 2003 all
participants must produce valid insurance on the day contact mick rice 086
817 3845

November

1st
MAG National Pro-Bike Demonstration. Saturday 1st November 2003 Meet at Mountjoy Square East, Dublin - 1:00 pm. The ride-out will travel to Molesworth Street to hand in a petition to the Department of Transport If you care about your freedom to ride.....THEN BE THERE !
Change is coming and our voice needs to be listened to
ALL RIDERS WELCOME
SIGN OUR ONLINE PETITION AT http://www.petitiononline.com/magpet1/petition.html

7th - 9th
The 30th Way west Rally - 7-9 november 2003 - hotel invitations and
application forms will be posted in September, Contact Hazel Casey
086 8561103

14th
MAG Limerick, Benefit night 14th November Devin Arms Ennis Road To raise money for toy run. Starts at 9pm

15th
The Annual Veteran, Vintage & Classic Bike ShowAutoJumble & Classic Bike Show Taney Parish Centre, Taney Road, Dundrum, orgainised by the Irish Veteran & Vintage Motorcycle Club Admission 4 Euro. For further details contact Ray Byrne Ph. 01 2980045 086 314 3115

28th -30th
(Friday, Saturday, Sunday) The Irish Motorcycle & Superbike Show, Kings Hall, Belfast. www.roadracingireland.com

December


13th
Clondalkin Motor Cycle Club are having their annual Toy Run, meeting Pheonix Park 12.30. All Welcome. Contact Wayne O Neill 086-6785818 for more detail

13th
Toy run 13th Decenber Kilmurray Lodge Dublin Road . Meet at 11.00, Starts
at11.30 Sharp!!!!!!

14th
Middleton to Cork city Toy run, Details to follow closer to said date. Contact Stevo at 0868895472.

27th
Club: Tramore MCC, Contact Phone: 0861020752, Event Location: Poker Run, Event Date: Saturday 27th December 2003, Event Description: Tramore MCC,
4th Annual Christmas Poker Run.Leaving Murphys Pub the Quay Waterford at 2pm,Cash Prizes and Spots.

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 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
Treasurer - Mick Rice sago@oceanfree.net

Unelected local representatives invited to National Council meetings by MAG Board

Leitrim
Christine Cann christinecann@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

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 in Ireland.
MAG Ireland cannot accept any responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions
MAGLink September 2003, compiled by Gearóid O Byrne maglink@magireland.org
(c) Copyright : MAG Ireland