A Brief Overview of MAG Ireland
Throughout this year in particular never has a day gone past without someone, invariably spurred on by the prospect of more realistic insurance, 'phoning the MAG office and, in the course of the conversation asking "What is MAG" - often after they've joined! To those of us who've been MAG members, those of us concerned about safeguarding our rights and freedoms as motorcyclists, and those who've bored the pants of every motorcyclist we've ever met telling them about MAG it's come as a surprise that, after almost 13 years an awful lot of motorcyclists don't know what MAG is, indeed many still don't know MAG exists at all! Mainly for the benefit of those who've recently joined - over 800 new members so far this year - here goes:
MAG Ireland is the short name for "The Irish Motorcyclists' Action Group". By "motorcycle" we mean anything the law calls "a motorcycle", a mobylette, a moped, a scooter, an orthodox motorcycle, a motorcycle combination or a tricycle. Essentially if it's got two (or three) wheels and an engine - its a motorcycle - and the person who rides it is "a motorcyclist". You don't even have to be a motorcycle owner - if you simply have "an interest" in motorcycles or things motorcycling you can be a member.
MAG Ireland aims to represent the interests of Irish motorcycling and to promote and protect motorcycling in Ireland.
This involves working in a consultative role on motorcyclist issues with concerned parties and direct lobbying; contact with the government, insurance companies, importers, dealers and European legislative bodies. Local MAG groups have been established in some parts of the country - more are needed - to deal with specifically local issues; national issues being handled by the National Office.
We maintain strong links with riders' rights organisations world-wide, especially at European level, which is vital since so many problems are not just Irish ones.
MAG Ireland is politically neutral, we have no affiliation with any political movement whatsoever. We are a 100% voluntary, non-profit organisation funded primarily by motorcyclists through their subscriptions, donations and support for MAG fundraising events. We are not state funded nor would we accept any state funding or any other 'strings attached' finance. Membership benefits include a quarterly newsletter sent by post free to every member, discounts at a growing number of bike shops and, substantial insurance savings for those who qualify - something we hope can be increased and expanded in the future.
We promote the greater use of any form of powered two-wheeled transport as part of the solution to today's traffic problems and so campaign for the elimination of luxury VAT on safety gear and the reduction of VRT on all bikes, new and second-hand. We are also campaigning for legal and secure parking places; and to be allowed to use bus lanes.
MAG totally opposes the imposition of unproved, untested and inadequately researched so-called 'safety measures', such as leg protectors, airbags etc., insisting that prevention is a better solution than technological gimmicks and that motorcyclists should not become the guinea pigs for road safety experiments.
MAG actively discourages the practice of driving or riding whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
MAG is a founder member of FEMA, the Federation of European Motorcyclists' Association, which maintains an office in Brussels.
Over the years, apart from being largely instrumental in a second insurer's appearance in the market, we have negotiated a major reduction in Irish Sea ferry fares for all motorcyclists, helped defeat the proposed 100 bhp limit (1994), started a local group network (1996), defeated the flawed European 3-stage driving licence scheme, organised the longest ever 'Bigger than Borders' demo in 1995, as well as campaigned on a whole raft of issues such as noise regulations, anti-tampering, design protection, daytime headlights and compulsory clothing.
MAG remains constantly vigilant at national and European level to ensure that Irish motorcyclists do not wake up and find themselves landed with any more restrictive regulations just because no one was watching.
Many ordinary members who simply enjoy riding their machines would find that a great deal of MAG's really important work is about as stimulating as watching paint dry! Dealing with some bureaucrats (there are honourable exceptions!) is not what any of us would be doing for choice - we'd rather be out there riding our bikes - but it is absolutely vital that we keep tabs on everything that the powers that be are not only doing but even thinking of doing....
MAG has an essentially 'volunteer' culture, the work demands the commitment and dedication of just about every kind of expertise you can think of and we can never get enough help from motorcyclists who in addition to helping fund MAG through their subscriptions and donations are prepared to give of their time and talents. No volunteer has ever been turned down!
Recently one, obviously very happy member rang our National Office to say "Without MAG I wouldn't be riding a bike". MAG stands for your right to ride a bike, in freedom and enjoyment! MAG is here to help you, as a motorcyclist in any way we can (within reason!) Our strength lies in our numbers.
There are still lots of motorcyclists out there who have already benefited from MAG's work who still are not members. Some may not have even heard of MAG. We ask all members to encourage their motorcyclist friends to join them in supporting MAG Ireland. Remember, MAG is for owners of vehicles with "two or three wheels and an engine", and is there in the hope that your children and grandchildren can also enjoy biking as we know and love it.