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 the MAG
website: http://www.iol.ie/~maglink

National Campaigns : Main Updates 2
Insurance 2
Direct Access 2
Insurance 2
Bikers Are Voters 2
Bus Lanes 3
Daytime Running Lights 3
Diesel Spill Stickers 3
M50 Upgrade 4
MBNA Credit Card 4
Road Pricing (TOLLS) 4
Secure Motorcycle Parking 4
Theft Reward Scheme 4
Driver Theory Test Review 4
Budget Submissions 4
Car Free Day 5
Local Group Update 5
MAG Kerry 5
Membership discount. Three months free. 5
International Update 5
UK : Dartford Bridge abolish bike tolls 5
Vacancies 6
Treasurer 6
Campaigns Officer 6
Main Actions and Decisions 6
NEC(Board) May 5th 6
National Council 6
MAG Calendar 7
NEC meetings 7
National Council meetings (All local groups to attend) 7
Annual Group Conference: 7
MAG Local Group meetings 7
MAG Events 7
Publication Deadlines 7
MAG Ireland's Events Calendar, 2001 8
MAG Benefits 8
Member Benefits 8
Affiliated Club Benefits 9
Information Sheets & Reps Resource Kit (September 2001) 9
MAG Products 9
MAG Contacts 10
National Executive Council 10
National Council and Local MAG Group Contact Details 10
MAG Office 11
General News Items 11
FEMA Festival Succesful 11
Getting MAGLink and passing it on 12
Disclaimer 12

National Campaigns : Main Updates

Insurance
Independent Insurance
Since the news of Independent Insurance trouble in June, MAG has
worked tirelessly to protect Irish motorcyclists against
potential financial loss. Make no mistake about it - MAG is in
there with government and the insurance industry fighting your
corner. That's what we are here for - protecting your rights.
If you hear someone saying MAG is doing nothing, or if you think
that yourself - WRONG. No one, but no one, has done more than
MAG.

The latest news is that Department Enterprise Trade & Employment
(DETE) and Carole Nash company indicate that UK Policyholders
Protection Board will cover the Irish policy holders - first-
party claims at 90% and third-party at 100%. This also looks
good for the return of unused premiums for those who cancelled
their policies or those who will yet cancel their policies -
either voluntarily or because requested to do so as part of the
clean up.

However, not even our DETE (think of it - our government body
controlling insurance) has official confirmation of this. It
cannot be fully confirmed until in writing and announced by DETE.
Until then, and even if this does not come about as predicted,
MAG will continue to fight for the motorcyclist's interest.

Direct Access
Legal assessment of EU Directive vs. Irish law is underway. We
requested and received some DoE documents under FOI Act. The
only thing that is revealing in them is that the EU was ready in
1999 to take action against Ireland for not implementing the
directive. We have had communication with DoE asking their
interpretation of the EU Driver Licensing Directive. Theior
answer indicates they have interpreted the directive incorrectly.
We have now written to the EU Commission making a complaint that
Ireland has mis-interptreted the directive and thus have failed
to implement it fully. We are waiting response to this. We also
wrote to the Irish Equality Authority, claiming discrimination on
basis of age. They have written back, saying we (as an
organisation) cannot make a complaint. It has to come from an
individual. There is a process the individual must follow. He
must write to the authority which he believes discriminated
against him/her within two months of the alleged incident and a
certain format must be used. If not satisfied with the response,
he can then raise the complaint with the Equality Authority.
HOWEVER, if an action by a public service body [that is perceived
by a person to be discrimination] and that act (by the public
service body) is required by an Act of the Oireachtas or a EU
Law, that action is outside the scope of the Equality Act. We
have to take a test case. MAG now wants a +21 year old to apply
for an A license and get refused. Contact Herb Finnegan
herb@i... if you want to be the test case.

Insurance
Wrote to request that MIAB investigate motorcycle insurance.
They are. Wrote Noel Treacy to request position on MIAB for MAG.
Followed up with another more urgent letter. Also same request
to chair of MIAB. Noel Treacy's office wrote back saying he did
not consider it necessary to have MAG added to the MIAB at this
stage. We have written back asking for a review of this
decision. We have also contacted Nora Owen of Fine Gael telling
her of the response we received. We have received a copy of a
statement that Nora Owen issued on the subject, deploring the
Minister's exclusion of MAG from a seat on the MIAB and calling
his action "irresponsible". We have written to Carole Nash and
Hibernian asking for a meeting to cover a range of matters: U-
25's, funding theft-line campaign, discounts for training,
satellite tracking, direct access, insurance protection fund,
secure motorcycle parking. We have followed up with both
companies which indicate a readiness to meet, but it will not be
for a couple of weeks.

Bikers Are Voters
Seven professions have been identified by MAG Dublin with view to
completion of photographs by end September, flyer complete end
October, launch campaign before end November. Campaign to
involve set of questions for all political candidates. Meantime,
we have written to all political parties to obtain their policies
on biking issues. Acknowledgements received from FF, FG, Lab,
PDs. Nothing from Sinn Fein or Greens (whom we know are
imminently appointing a leader, as they have none). Olivia
Mitchell of FG has written with some measure of support and
asking some questions on Direct Access and Tolling. These
questions have been responded to. FG has, obviously, been
quickest off the mark. Next step is to focus (pardon the pun) on
getting the photographs done.

Bus Lanes
MAG representatives met with DTO on June 20. Due to vacation
period and need to prepare material, the next meeting was set for
29 August. We gave an interview to Sunday Tribune and a short
article was published in the Sunday 19th edition of the paper.
Met with DTO on 29 September, as planned. Following is a brief
of the meeting, and we have written back to DTO requesting them
to facilitate next steps on each one.
MAG will get to consult on the origin/destination survey end
October. This study will give a better idea to all of us as to
the movement of PTWs, and will give impetus to treatment of PTWs
in strategy.
We need to get into DTO's policy document. It's finished now and
we are in no more better or worse shape - as far as consideration
goes - than cyclists, HGV's, pedestrians. The models on which
they are trying to operate simply don't include those modes (or
motorcycles). Just cars! To get into the policy, we have to
convince a wider audience than Michael Aherne. It will extend to
politicians, the minister, Gardai, NRA, NSC - the lot of them.
To help with this, we have compiled the material presented to DTO
into a web site which can be distributed on CD to anyone we need
to. It will be a living presentation, being updated with new
information and resource material, and specifically directed at
officialdom.
We have now written to the QBC chairman, John Henry, asking a
meeting to give a presentation to the QBC committee. We will
have to do some convincing at that presentation, which will
possibly be in mid-October. This will be a first step.
It is also suggested we get on deck to have motorcycles
considered for NEW buslanes. The one from city to airport is
suggested. Generally, due to DTO overall desire to 'separate'
vehicle modes, the approach should be to identify bus lanes which
would be OK to have PTWs in. We do have the opportunity to get
PTWs accepted on the airport busway. There is also possibility
to get PTWs accepted on other busways on national routes - such
as the N3 approaching the M50.
The DTO strategy is to manage through Demand Management and
Infrastructure Improvement. Demand management simply means to
limit journeys. Not just car journeys; but structure 'the
community' in such a way that people don't have to travel. The
Demand Management Study has just commenced. It will take 7-8
months. We have asked for a meeting with the study group, and
our intention will be to get PTWs excluded.
There is a Safe Ways to School study - due out November. It
seeks to understand students' aspirations to driving - car,
moped, motorbike (etc.) with a view to planning for parking,
safety considerations, training, lockers, etc. We will get a
look at the results and we will have an input. If we have any
intelligence from other nations, they would welcome it.
DTO will approve and allocate money/resources to implement PTW
parking in Dublin. We need to get a proposal into DTO as soon as
possible - to include locations, type of locking device, all
relevant considerations. They should be able to do something
this year (before end December). MAG Dublin will assist in this.

Daytime Running Lights
The UK authorities are moving a step closer to DRL and the
European auto makers have volunteered to fit DRL by 2002.
The matter has been discussed directly with a high ranking Garda
on High Level Group for Road Safety. We have written, laying out
MAG's concerns, to all members of the high level group, as well
as to Ministers Dempsey and Molloy, to the chair of NRA and to
Dublin Corporation. MEPs have also been written to.

Diesel Spill Stickers
The objective is to get 20,000 stickers printed and paid for by a
sponsoring oil company and to distribute the stickers to
appropriate bodies to have them distributed to individual vehicle
owners. Quotes for supply of 20,000 stickers received and one
supply company has been selected. Letters sent to Texaco, Shell,
Statoil, Esso, Tedcastles, Maxol and BP Duckhams inviting
sponsorship of cost. We have been following up with all the oil
companies and Statoil are first to give a thumbs down. Irish
Shell are unlikely, claiming "we wouldn't do it because Texaco
did it in UK." Reasoning that it was a different country did not
have effect. The others are being followed up. Members will be
able to make their mind up about oil companies when the results
are in on this one.

M50 Upgrade
Submissions have been made, regarding barriers, to the national
engineering bodies involved in the program, to the local
authority and to the NRA.

MBNA Credit Card
We have concluded an agreement with MBNA on the introduction of a
MAG Ireland credit card. An announcement is contained in this
RoadRunner. All members will receive a mail-shot from MBNA.
Members are reminded that switching to MBNA VISA will bring a
financial benefit (i.e. hard cash) to MAG's finances. Contact MAG
for details.

Road Pricing (TOLLS)
We have written objections to tolling national routes.
Specifically, we have objected to An Bord Pleanala on the M1 Toll
Plaza proposal on Drogheda bypass. We wil object on each of the
other eleven schemes.

Having written to Dempsey, Molloy and NRA about our opposition to
tolls, we have acknowledgement from Molloy and Dempsey's offices
and a letter from Michael Tobin, NRA. he states:

"It is proposed to charge tolls for motorcycles on [these] roads.
Motorcyclists wil have the choice of an alternative toll-free
network if they do not wish to pay the charges. They charges
have been set at a low level for motorcycles. Expoected to be
[57p for Waterford bypass], [85p for Kilcock/Kinnegad]. The
Authority considers that these are modest charges for the quality
of service provided. Tha application of tolls wil enable the
accelerated development of the National Road Network in order to
meet the transportation needs of the country."

Secure Motorcycle Parking
Great progress has been made in Cork by Rose Burns. Other
counties are being worked on. Due to meeting with DTO, we will
now make a distinct proposal on motorcycle parking in Dublin to
the DTO by early October.

Theft Reward Scheme
We have the bones of a scheme designed and we expect to meet the
Garda Stolen Vehicle Squad soon to discuss. Funding for the
reward scheme will have to come from somewhere, and this subject
is on the agenda for our meetings with insurance companies in a
couple of weeks.

Driver Theory Test Review
Goal: To ensure motorcycle awareness is treated adequately.
Review of the new Driver Theory Test book has been done and
several matters of concern have been identified. The most
dangerous is an wrong meaning that could be taken by a casual
reader of the book as to the amber and green
lights of traffic signals. There are a couple of other
inconsistencies, in MAG's view. We have accordingly written to
the Department of Environment & Local Government and we await
response.

Budget Submissions
We have made a Budget Submission to the Minister for Finance to
get elimination or reductions on Vehicle Registration Tax and VAT
on helmets. We have also made submission on more realistic road
tax bands and pricing and we have requested the 2% insurance levy
be applied to an Insurance Protection Fund.

Car Free Day
MAG Ireland will have stands in Dublin for Car free day 22/9/01
and Motorsport International 16-18/10/01. As always we need
volunteers for those days if you think you can help please phone
01 4530797 or email magsupport@m...

Local Group Update

MAG Kerry
MAG Kerry hosted an enjoyable "Stop the Rot" rally in August.
Full report in RoadRunner.

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...

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.

International Update

UK : Dartford Bridge abolish bike tolls
Following a string of protests by Motorcycle Action Group UK the
Highways Agency has indicated in a consultation document that the
Dartford Bridge toll is to be dropped. But only for bikers!

Since the issue was raised during the run up to the election many
thousands of riders have turned up at Dartford, Southampton,
Plymouth, Newcastle and similarly tolled crossings to reinforce
MAG's message
that we should not be scrabbling about removing gloves for loose
change, holding up larger traffic, or putting themselves at risk
of dropping machines - just for a few measly pence.

To emphasise these problems, and to 'raise the ante' riders had
been urged to offer large denomination notes when using tolled
crossings and to take time replacing gloves, wallets, helmets and
waterproofs. Fortunately, all unduly inconvenienced motorists
were supportive once the reasons behind the protest were
explained.

MAG's Director of Public Relations Phil Neale
"A measly ten pence price increase was neither here or there.
However, when you realise that most motorcycle commuters will be
better off by 80 pence each and very day, œ4per week, this is a
significant factor
that will make motorcycling more attractive to the average
commuter and lead to greater use."

"Coming on top of Ken Livingstone exempting motorcycles from his
œ5 per day congestion charging scheme most riders will have the
spare œ20 cash to join MAG before the end of the first week!"

Tolls are expected to be abolished for motorcycles by January
2003.

- MAG raised the issue of bridge tolls during the General
Election campaign in May 2001.
- Riders were urged to turn-up and offer large denomination
notes, to take time removing and replacing helmets, wallets and
gloves.
- Several en-masse protests have been made at Dartford,
Southampton, Plymouth, Skye and Newcastle.

Further information Phil Neale (Office) 0870 444 8 448 or
(Mobile) 07802 356040

LIST OF REGULATED TOLLS FOR MOTORCYCLES AND CARS

As at August 2001

Tolled Crossing Motorcycle Toll Car Toll
Aldwark Bridge Nil 15p
Bournemouth-Swanage Ferry 80p œ2.20
Cleddau Bridge - Pembroke 35p 75p
Clifton Suspension Bridge 20p 20p
Dartford Crossing 40p œ1
Dartmouth-Kingswear Ferry 70p œ1.70
Dunham Bridge 10p 20p
Erskine Bridge - Glasgow Nil 60p
Forth Bridge - Edinburgh Nil 80p
Humber Bridge œ1.00 œ2.40
Itchen Bridge 20p 50p (60p
Peak hours)
Mersey Tunnel Nil(œ1.20 with sidecar)œ1.20
Rixton & Warburton Bridge 12p 12p
Severn Bridges (x2) Nil œ4.40
Shrewsbury Kingsland Bridge 1p 10p
Skye Bridge œ2.40(œ2.90 May-Sept.) œ4.70 (œ5.70
May-Sept.)
Swinford Bridge 2p 5p
Tamar Bridge Nil œ1
Tay Bridge - Dundee Nil 80p
Tyne Tunnel 20p œ1
Whitchurch Bridge Nil 8p
Whitney-on-Wye Bridge 10p 50p

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.

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
(omitted due to lack of space, copy available to members from MAG
office or from the MAGLink compiler)

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

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
Registration form at the MAG website.

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

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

Publication Deadlines
RoadRunner: November 15th, February 15th, May 15th. August 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.

MAG Ireland's Events Calendar, 2001

SEPTEMBER
14,16, Kick Ass Rally (Upstate New York), Celtic MCC New York,
Ger Curtin
14,16,Hairy Ass Rally (Cross, Co. Clare), Hairy Ass MCC, Bren,087
- 2485305
15, European Festival of Motorcycling (Belgium), MAG Office, 01 -
453 0797
21,23, Isle of Anglesey M/C Show (Wales), MAG Cymru, Gary, 01286
830331
22, Annual Bash, Black Widows Irl, Fiona Cormican, 087 - 226 9212
22, ,Joe O'Neill Run, Blackchurch RA, 01 - 837 4752
27,29, Iron Butt Rally (Germany), Roadrunner 1000 MCC, John
Wheeler, 086 - 813 9033

OCTOBER
6, Vintage Run, West Cork MCC, 028 - 218 56
7, Hardship Run, Leinster CMCC, 056 - 299 56
13,14 Fir Bolg Rally (Lisdoonvarna), Fir Bolg MCC, Rags, 068
44506
19,21, Garden of Ireland Rally, IVVMCC, 087 - 250 1195
20,21, Locked Solid Rally (Woodstown, W'fd), Falcon MCC, Patrick
Moran, 087 - 289 5425
27,28, Autumn Run, Blackchurch RA, 01 - 837 4752
27,28, Dolmen Rally, Banner MCC, Mark, 086 - 824 5630
28, Rock Night, Slippy Clutch MCC, Joe Higginbotham, 045 - 529
022

NOVEMBER,
17, Taney Autojumble & Show, IVVMCC, 01 - 298 0045

DECEMBER
8, Toy Run, (Kildare - Kilkenny), Druids & Rooters MCC's, Pat
Conlon, 087 - 959 8430
16, Toy Run (Dublin), Clondalkin MCC, Martin Convery, 01 624 6113

All Events in italics have been notified by the Vintage & Veteran
Committee.
The above information is correct to our knowledge and belief as
we got to press but MAG Ireland cannot guarantee
its accuracy. The next update will be issued along with the next
issue of RoadRunner, due out soon.
The Events Calendar is also sent out monthly to all local MAG
Groups and affiliated clubs and is posted on our web-site.
Details of any additional /revised events should be advised to
the MAG office or directly to
Catherine Donnelly, Clubs Liaison Officer at (01) 457 0634,
before 15th August, 2001.

MAG UK events can be seen online at the MAG UK website
http://www.mag-uk.org .
BMF events http://www.bmf.co.uk

MAG Benefits

Member Benefits
* RoadRunner Magazine
* BikeShop Discounts, Contact office for list or
http://www.iol.ie/~maglink
* Motorcycle Insurance
* Local Groups - Social Activity and Local Representation
* Information Service, (Info sheets, MAGLink and advice)
* Products
* Route Planning Service
* Discounts on VHI Health Insurance, Ferries, Accident Insurance
and Breakdown Cover.

The discounts alone will save you much more than the membership
fee every year.
Membership costs œ20 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.

Affiliated Club Benefits
* Events Insurance
Public Liability Cover for your rally or event. Currently cover
stands at under IR 60 for a one-off event of up to 5 days such as
a rally. Please contact office for the information sheet on
events insurance.

* Monthly MAG Events Calendar Update by Post

* 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 5000 Irish motorcyclists
every quarter. The reduced rates for one issue are as follows:
Full Page Colour - IR 250, Full Page B&W - IR 200, Half Page
Colour - IR 125, Half Page B&W - IR 100, Quarter Page Colour - IR
63, Quarter Page B&W - IR 50

Club affiliation costs IR 20 per annum.

Information Sheets & Reps Resource Kit (September 2001)
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,
IrishTouring, 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 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.
------------------------------------------------

MAG Products
ZIPPO lighters = IR 20.00 ea (Brass with MAG LOGO)
Hooded Sweatshirts = IR 20.00 each (Black,Zipped,MAG logo)
Premium T- shirts = IR 10.00 each (Black with MAG logo)
Nectectors = IR 10.00 each (Red or Black tubular
neckwarmers)
Baseball Caps = IR 10.00 each (Black cloth, with MAG logo)

MAG Ireland Yellow Visibility Waistcoats = IR 12.00 each

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

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

There is a Mail Order packing & postage charge of IR 3.00 on the
Hooded Sweatshirts & of IR 1.00 on the waistcoats. All other
items are including postage by ordinary post. These exclusive
products are available from your local Group, 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.

Profits from the sale of MAG Products goes directly to
campaigning for Riders Rights.

---------------------------------------------------

MAG Contacts

National Executive Council
(Composed of elected officers and responsible for the day to day
running of MAG)

Catherine Donnelly: Chairwoman, Group&Clubs Liaison,01 4570634
maglink@m...
David French: European Liaison,+49 711 5590511
davidfrench@b...
Jimmy Kenny: Rider Security & Safety, 01 4502330
Eoin Kirwan: Transport: 087 6166207 eoin@b...

Co-opted NEC members:
Gear¢id O Byrne: geobyrne@i...
Rose Burns: Safety, Transport W.G. rose_burns66@h...

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 Carlow
Ger FitzGibbons 087 6781688 sner@o...

MAG Cavan
Chair: Declan Brady 049 8640031

MAG Cork
Chair: Ger Donnelly 087 2354820 donely@e...
Treasurer: Martin O'Driscoll
Committee member: David Robinson

MAG Donegal
Contact: Marty Boyle martyboyle@u...

MAG Innishowen (region within Donegal)
Chair: Andy Robinson 077 76 054

MAG Dublin
Chair: Jimmy Kenny 01 4502330
Secretary: Maeve Roche 01 4530797

MAG Galway
Chair:John Brinn 093 24694 (JJ Finn 086 8182188)

MAG Kerry
Chair: Baerbel Ott 087 2977992

MAG Kildare
Chair: Joe Swords 086 8974259 joeswords@t...
Secretary: BJ Martin 086 4006279 thedok@c...
Treasurer: Dave Browne 087 6523582
Information Officer Dave Keeley 087 2692180 davkee@e...
Events Secretary: Ivor Hemmingway 086 8150410
Road Hazards Officer: Karen Kieley 086 8632444

MAG Limerick
Chair: John Suckling 061 384342
NC Rep: Don Moloney moz@i...

MAG Mayo
Chair: Robert Gibbons 094 22118 smartart@i...

MAG Sligo
Chair: Eoin Lappin 071 43758 e_lappin@h...
AGM: February

MAG Westmeath
Chair: Greg Lennon 0902 72578

The remaining counties are currently not represented on the
National Council. If you are interested in assisting please
contact the MAG Office or the Local Group & Clubs Liaison
Catherine Donnelly at (01) 457 0634, maglink@m...

MAG Office
Herb Finnegan: National Campaigns Officer, Communications,
087 6790908 herb@i...
Maeve Roche Administration Officer
Liz Keane Office Assistant

1b Ring Terrace, Inchicore, Dublin 8.
Tel: 01 453 0797 Fax: 01 453 3643
magsupport@m...

Before ringing the MAG office please consider if it wouldn't be
better ringing a 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: http://www.iol.ie/~maglink

General News Items

FEMA Festival Succesful
The FEMA Festival in Koksijde, Belgium was a major success. With
a very different and more open format to a regular rally the
event was both a fundraiser and public relations success.
Hawtossers MCC from around Limerick represented Ireland on the
Belgian coast.

Getting MAGLink and passing it on
To receive MAGLink every month by email (free) send a blank
message to imag_info-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

It costs MAG almost 10 pounds a year of member's money to have
someone on the postal list and that money can be better spent
fighting for riders rights. If you can get MAGLink by email
instead then please do so and tell us.

Please forward your copy of MAGLink to other motorcyclists and
please print out a few copies to drop into your local dealer /
pub / friends without email.

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 September 2001, compiled by David French,
(davidfrench@b... )
¸ Copyright : MAG Ireland

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. 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

News and Information for Local MAG Groups and MAG member clubs.

End

1 ROADRUNNER: went out on 3rd September to everyone with a membership expiring up to and including "end August, 1998". Anyone joining MAG after 31st August, 1998 will get their first copy in early December, 1998. We may have a few spare copies in the office if anyone wants one. Best to phone first to see if there are any left.

2 GROUP CONFERENCE: If you plan on being there please make sure you phone the MAG office any evening after 6.00pm; leave your name and MAG No on the Voicemail. So far only 3 members have bothered to tell the MAG Office that they are going to be at the conference, despite the fact we know that as many as 200 have mentioned they are coming. That way your number goes into the hat for the draw for one of the three cash prizes on offer at the Conference. It also helps us know how many folk to cater for the FREE eats before and after the Conference itself. If you don't tell the office you are coming it is impossible to make proper arrangements - expect to go hungry!

3 ACCOMMODATION: B&B or Camping space must be booked direct with Middleton Hall and not with MAG.

4 SOCIAL EVENING: Being organised by MAG Longford-Westmeath; bands booked so far are Four Play and Father Fran. A modest charge will be made to break even on the evenings entertainment.

5 NOMINATIONS: still time to get in your nomination for your own Regional Representative; contact the General Secretary before 8th October.

6 NORWICH UNION: Members report getting nowhere when they ask Norwich Union for a letter confirming No Claims. The answer is to send a FAX direct to Brian Sherwin on 01 671 0751; that alone seems to get the desired results.

7 TOURING DIRECTORY: is now on the Internet; the full listing can be found if you go to:
http://dredd.meng.ucl.ac.uk/www/mag/irl/touring.html

8 MEDIA MENTIONS
At long last, after nearly always being totally ignored by the Irish media, or worse presented in a stereo-typical Hollywood Hell's Angel fashion, MAG has notched up several media successes; more in a week than we'd got in the previous 12 months!

Letters to the Editor, Irish Times
Wednesday 16th September, 1998.

Sir,

I read your editorial "Rash of Road Deaths", 11th September, 1998, with interest.
It may baffle you, as it does me, that a national motorcycling organisation with over 2,300 individual members and 30 member clubs is never consulted nor invited onto relevant safety planning committees. We are the recognised body for road going motorcycling.

Our record in promoting motorcycling safety is well known; producing the safety booklet "The Right Way" and organising its free issue to every Irish motorcyclist; fostering the provision of quality, accessible and affordable rider training nation wide. Very soon we will be launching a high profile, hard-hitting, poster campaign. In this year alone we have done far more to promote safety issues than any other roads user group.

As vulnerable road users we are very conscious of the need to improve road safety. In two thirds of accidents in which a motorcycle is involved, the primary cause is the other vehicle. We do not like visiting our members in hospital or burying them. Yet when we approach State bodies concerned with roads safety months can go by before we receive any reply and then it is the traditional "thank you for your letter which is receiving attention".

If the powers that be really are seriously interested in tackling our roads accidents and safety issues, it is time they recognised the fact that all road users have to be involved. We have a serious problem; together much can be done to tackle it. The time for ritual hand wringing in Dail Éireann and lofty sound bites from safety guru's is long past.

Yours, etc.,

In case you are wondering what lies behind this, it is par for the course, every time one writes to a state body or government department never to get an actual reply to a letter. It's a good day to even get an acknowledgement, rarely is anything further ever heard. This is absolutely unacceptable. Judging by the feedback we've had to this letter we are far from alone. The appearance of that letter could well have prompted the next item:

Pat Kenny's Today radio show
Friday 18th September, 1998.
Pat read out an e-mail we'd sent him several days earlier following discussions about urban congestion:

Powered two wheeled vehicles (PTW's) - that is mopeds, scooters and motorcycles have a greater potential to help reduce Dublin's traffic congestion than any of the measures we have heard advocated:
FACT The Irish PTW fleet is 1.76% of the total vehicle fleet.
FACT The European average PTW % of the vehicle fleet is 14.6%
FACT 17 out of 20 vehicles in our rush hours carry ONE person
FACT Those 17 vehicles take up the road space of 55 PTW's in motion.
FACT They need as much parking space as 85 PTW's
FACT Unlike pedal cycles PTW's don't hold up buses in bus lanes
(NB Many European Cities permit PTW's in Bus lanes)
FACT You don't have to be in peak physical condition and/or in the full
bloom of youth to ride a PTW.
FACT PTW's make a minuscule contribution to pollution compared with a
car.
FACT PTW travel, even on a 500cc machine is cheaper than buses.
Ever wondered by the police and couriers use PTW's?
So, what's stopping us?
1 Perceptions fostered by an ill-informed media that motorcycles are dangerous. So too axes, carving knives, shotguns and cars!
2 Lack of SECURE parking facilities, 10 000 car park spaces constructed with tax benefits ALL for cars - there is not one single, legal parking space for a motorcycle in the entire State.
3 Lack of encouragement to consider PTW's from the State, e.g.: in the 12 months to end April 98 the State collected a mere £ 1, 506,000 in VRT from 6727 new and used motorcycles. Elimination of VRT would make PTW's more attractive alternatives (if only to the 2nd car)
4 Safety Gear: crash helmets required by law; VAT charged at the 21% luxury rate!
5 Lack of quality rider training facilities - something that MAG Ireland and the Irish Rider Training Association hope to improve very soon.
It is a constant source of amazement to anyone who rides a motorcycle that any sane person, faced with a single-person journey into and out of town, is happy (seemingly) to spend 5 - 10 times longer on their journeys.
Would very much welcome the opportunity to put the PTW case properly.

It was intended that an interview would follow later in the programme but a sudden appearance by Dolly Parton meant Pat ran out of time. However we got passed on to:

Rodney Rice's Saturday View programme on
Saturday 19th September, 1998.

This report is based on the notes I took at the time because I feel it is important to note some of the views held by the various participants who were:

Noel Dempsey TD, Minister for the Environment
Brendan Howlin TD, former Minister for the Environment
Pat Costello, CEO of the National Safety Council
Michael Horan, Insurance Federation
Tommy Gorman, RTE's European Correspondent
John Wheeler, MAG Ireland

Theme was on safety, Dempsey opened the batting by admitting that his department "recognised there was a problem 12 months ago"!!. A High Level Group has been formed (with no motorcyclists represented) which resulted in the government's recently announced Strategy for Road Safety. Dempsey said that this concentrated in 3 things; Speed, Alcohol and Seat Belts.

Howlin said that the downward accident trend which had been decreasing "suddenly" started to increase 2 years ago and they had no idea why! (Like massive increase in car numbers / total vehicle kms being driven etc.!!) He reckoned that the need was for more enforcement.

Costello: a cultural change was needed, we are now seeing road rage emerge; need for a multi-agency approach

Dempsey: will soon be a written test. NO evidence that the younger drive was more likely to have an accident and that the younger people are more responsible regarding alcohol and speed.

Costello: mentioned that there will be a major Road Safety Conference at the Royal Hospital on 29th October with over 100 people there. (This is, of course, the first MAG has head of this)

Howlin: pointed out, with regard to vehicle testing, only 1% of accidents are attributed to vehicle defects.

Horan: said that the government's strategy was excellent, the insurance industry was interested in the Speed, Alcohol and Seat Belts points and added they were NOT interested in anything else!!!!!!!
He added there was no strong statistical evidence that provisional licence holders were more prone to have accidents (So why the hell a 20% surcharge?????) and that the requirement for being accompanied by an experienced driver was not a priority. (God help us)

Howling: pointed out that Roads Engineering needed to be improved.

Dempsey: questioned the need for such wide hard shoulders on many stretches of N roads, and agreed that a further gradation of speed limits was necessary. As regards engineering solutions £ 6M had been allocated to National Roads and £ 800M to non-national ones.

Costello: spoke of their Road Safety Together groups targeting the 17-25 age group.

Tommy Gorman: Ireland in the middle of the league per 1M inhabitants. Overseas alcohol limits much more severe. Speeding, 30k above the limit = loss of licence for 1 month, other societies frown on drink, speeding etc. Most learners have to do a minimum of 20 hrs on dual control vehicles; our provisional licence situation was "unique" (such diplomacy)

MAG was only brought I at the bitter end of the 'debate' and we had to listen on the line to all this going on without the chance to intervene (most trying!), when invited in we had very little time, not enough to address all the points raised but we did get in:

* An abysmal lack of Roadcraft right across the board, all road users, Pedestrians who step out without looking, Cyclists who consider themselves immune to traffic lights, traffic flows (wrong way riding), Cars making no allowance for vulnerable vehicles such as motorcycles and cycles.

* Speed limits arbitrary: too high for some conditions (night), far too low in others and where unrealistically low they will NOT to obeyed; need for sanity.

* Training: rider training, MAG trying to get highest standard rider training established nation-wide.

* Need for visible policing, citing the fact that the mere presence of patrol cars patrolling (not checking tax disks) has a very calming effect; that its possible to drive/ride 200 mls in this state without seeing a single patrol car and you can't do 10 mls in the UK:
That our marvellous fleet of Pan European motorcycles is only visible for:
Clinton Visits
Tour de France
Escorting prisoners form Portlaoise Ministerial escorts

There was no time to make any other points, nor expand on those made, not for the rest of the panel to react.

Interesting to note that during a commercial break and thus not heard on the air Dempsey observed that all the interest would be over within a week to 10 days. Difficult to tell if he said this with regret or relief.

9 BUDGET SUBMISSIONS
This is of course the time of year when everyone makes budget submissions as we have done in every previous year: this is what we are asking for:
VAT ON MOTORCYCLISTS CRASH HELMETS

Currently VAT is charged at the highest (21%) rate on motorcyclists' crash helmets.

· Wearing a crash helmet is a compulsory, legal requirement.
· Unlike any other item of "motorcyclists' clothing" such as jackets, trousers, boots &
Gloves, a crash helmet can,. By no stretch of the imagination be considered either
Dual purpose (it does not substitute for a hat or cap), nor is it a fashion accessory.
· Greater use of "motorcycles" (i.e.: any form of powered two-wheeled vehicle) is an important
Part of the solution to urban congestion.
· Typically the effect of VAT on crash helmets "fines" the rider £ 29

MAG Ireland submits that there should be NO VAT chargeable on motorcyclists' crash helmets.

VRT CHARGEABLE ON MOTORCYCLES

The imposition of VRT on motorcycles (i.e.: any form of powered two-wheeled vehicle) effectively discourages car owning commuters from switching over to more efficient transport better suited to our increasingly suggested urban conditions. This tax must be one of the most expensive and least efficient fiscal measures. In the period May 1997 - April 1998 the total amount of VRT collected was:
New motorcycles 3720 machines produced a total of £ 1,010,000
Used motorcycles 3007 machines produced a total of £ 496,000
Total amount charged £1,506,000

Given the massive cost to society of urban congestion any measure which would encourage car owners to use powered two wheel transport should be encouraged.

The fact that the smaller, more efficient and more suitable vehicles for urban use - machines below 350cc are charged at £ 2 per cc - whilst those above 350cc are charged at £ 2 on the first 350cc and £ 1 on cc's from 351cc upwards is, effectively, penalising the most suitable smaller machines.

MAG Ireland submits that the elimination of VRT on all motorcycles would be an important and highly cost-effective contribution towards reducing urban congestion.

STAMP DUTY CHARGED ON MOTORCYCLE INSURANCE POLICIES

The cost of motorcycle insurance in Ireland is grossly excessive. Until 1st January 1998 when, due to MAG Ireland efforts, a second insurer entered the market (but only for riders over 25 years old and machines over 250cc - in effect benefiting only 25% of Irish motorcyclists) Irish motorcyclists have had a "choice" of just one company. Three-quarters of Irish motorcyclists still have that one company "choice"! Any fiscal measure which reduced, however modestly, the high cost of insurance would be extremely popular. It is virtually certain that the cost of collection of this tax is uneconomic.

MAG Ireland submits that stamp duty on motorcycle insurance policies should be abolished.

PROVISION OF FUNDING FOR MOTORCYCLE RIDER TRAINING.

The experience ion other comparable countries where high quality, accessible and affordable motorcycle rider training is established has shown that a reduction in motorcycle related accidents in excess of 50% can be achieved. Taking the NRA's figures for the cost of accidents, and applying this to the 1996 (latest currently available) accident statistics means that a 50% accident reduction would be worth, in terms of savings to society £ 96,000 per day.

In an effort to ensure the provision of appropriate motorcycle rider training facilities nation-wide MAG Ireland has assisted the formation of the Irish Rider Training Association which requires £ 90,000 in order to fund its development over its first three years, after which it would be self-financing.

Therefore £ 90,000 over 3 years can help produce savings of £ 35,000,000 annually

The most significant and immediate benefit to the State would be a marked decrease in the cost to the Health Service.

We note that, through COSPOIR, off road motorcycle sport has received, over many years State funding of some £ 100 000 pa.

MAG Ireland submits that, consistent with the Government's Strategy for Road Safety, adequate but very modest funding should be made available for motorcycle rider training.

MAG Ireland requests that the Minister for Finance agrees to meet with a small delegation of Irish motorcyclists at an early date in order to discuss these submissions more fully.

Now, I would not hold your breath. Most such submissions, not just ours, tend to get binned, but if we don't make them the government can assume that we are totally happy. Given that funding for IRTA would cost less in its first two years than the annual cost of the Taoiseach's permanent stand-by make up consultant (Yep, you and I pay £ 750 a week for that if media reports are accurate!) we may as well make our demands known.

10 INSURANCE
Two underwriting groups, one of whom we were in discussion with over 3 years ago are now showing positive interest in the Irish market. We are specifically talking to them in relation to younger riders and smaller machines. This appears to be a very positive and encouraging development, perhaps the best so far but celebrations would be premature. It can take underwriters a long time to make up their minds and I have yet to meet any with the sort of entrepreneurial spirit we really need.
At the General Conference we will be announcing some very good news from Carole Nash which will be much welcomed by all members. I am meeting their top management on 9th October, if you have any matters you'd like me to raise, call me straight away.

11 MAKING OUR PRESENCE FELT
Consistent with out policy of constantly putting the motorcyclists agenda forward right now we have requests in for meeting with:

Noel Dempsey, Minister for the Environment; regarding provision of funding for rider training.

Mary O'Rourke, Minister for Public Enterprise: regarding LUAS.

Charlie McCreevy, Minister for Finance regarding our Budget Submissions.

We are meeting next week with the Chairman and CEO of the National Safety Council who, at long last (it took them just 2 ½ months) got around to replying to us. Two previous letters were neglected.

Thanks to the intervention of the Taoiseach our offer, made on 6th May, to provide local tax offices with copies of the Right Way for issue to first time provisional licence applicants has been taken up (again after a 4 month wait for a reply and numerous chase-ups).

12 LETTER WRITERS
We appealed for letter writers, ideally but NOT essentially, folk we can contact on e-mail (because its quicker and cheaper), the response has been encouraging but, despite that only 1% of MAG members have agreed to help in this way. If you can write a letter - MAG NEEDS YOU!

13 REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVES
So far we have not yet received one single nomination for the position of Regional Representative in the entire country! Make sure your region is not without representation. Get your nomination to the MAG Office as soon as possible- the deadline is 8th October.

14 MAG LINK
The aim is to get MAG Link out on the next to last Wednesday of each month, so it reaches all MAG ahead of their next meeting. If you have anything you would like mentioned, tell me in good time.

Ride Safe and Free

John Wheeler.

LOCAL GROUP CHAIRMEN & CLUB OFFICERS PLEASE NOTE:
CLUBS LIAISON, EVENTS & SOCIAL: Catherine Donnelly. Contact Catherine on 01 457 0634 or email: maglink@magireland.iol.ie.
LOCAL GROUPS (Development & Issues): Jim Fisher 043-71230, mbike@eircom.net or contact MAG Office 01 453 0797, Mobile 086 832 5780, or email gensec@magireland.iol.ie
ADMINISTRATION (membership, club insurance, products): Maeve Roche, Admin Secretary, Contact MAG Office 01 453 0797 or email: magsupport@magireland.iol.ie.
General Secretary: David Gibson. Contact MAG Office 01-453 0797; Mobile 086 832 5780, or email gensec@magireland.iol.ie
Communications (RoadRunner, Website): Herb Finnegan, MAG Chairman 087 679 0908 herb@iol.ie

Annual Group Conference

This is the BIG meeting. Six hours to save the world. This is your chance to meet with us and help make the roads safer for motorcycling. Show the 'cagers', media & politicians that motorcycle road-users are real people, voters with clout!

Guest speakers will be Mr Bobby Molloy TD, Minister of State at the Department of Environment & Local Government, and Ian Mutch, experienced UK biker and political activist. Let Bobby Molloy hear your concerns from the floor on Driver Licence & Test Reform, Bus Lanes, Toll Roads, etc. Learn from Ian Mutch how MAG UK is getting the message across to Local Authorities & Central Government. Attend & show YOU care!

To find the Backstage Theatre in Longford Town head off the by-pass into the triangular one-way system by Market Square. Turn left along Earl Street, past the railway station, over the bridge and take the first right after the Greyhound Track. The Theatre is beside Slashers GAA Club, with plenty of parking.

Date: Saturday14th October

Venue: Backstage Theatre & Arts Centre,
Farneyhoogan, Longford Town

Registration from 11.30. Register to claim your vote. The Conference is open to non-members of MAG Ireland. Tea, coffee, & soup free to early arrivals.

12.00 > 14.30 Formal Sessions & Elections

14.30 > 15.00 Refreshment break

15.00 Guest Speakers

Mr Bobby Molloy T.D. Minister of State,
Department of Environment & Local Government
Mr Ian Mutch, MAG UK PR & Govt. Relations,
Editor - StreetBiker

17.00- 18.00 National Council Meeting
Workshops

A 'Rock & Roll' evening will be held in 'The Dolphin Bar', Edgeworthstown after the Group Conference.

Camping is arranged on Jim Fisher's farm, 7 miles from Edgeworthstown. Enclosed are lists of local, low-cost B&Bs. Rural taxis/Minibuses available to ensure good night (you'll need a local taxi to find Jim's place at night).

Make a statement for Riders Rights - Attend the AGC, Stay overnight and enjoy the evening!

Individual members have 1 vote each, affiliated clubs have 2 votes each to be held by the recognised representative of the club
Note to members submitting proposals or nominations:
2.3.ii Nominations for officers to be elected by the annual group conference shall be received in writing by the General Secretary not later than seven days prior to the conference.
2.3.iii Proposals and nominations will only be accepted from paid-up individual members
2.4.iii All resolutions and nominations shall state the name and membership number of the proposer and seconder.

The following nominations have been received:
Chairman: Herb Finnegan
Vice-Chairman: Jim Fisher
Treasurer: Linda O'Loideoin
FEMA & EU affairs: David French
Club Liaison: Catherine Donnelly
Rider Training: Marc O'Loideoin
Group Liaison: Jimmy Kenny
Legal Officer: Alan Toal

MAG LIMERICK: would like to invite all to their first ever POKER RUN. It will be held on the Sunday of the October Bank Holiday weekend (29-10-00). Our goal for this run is to raise much needed funds for Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind.
To finish off the day, pints and music at a local bike friendly venue. Budget accommodation can be arranged for people who need it.
Contact Vinnie at vwhite@eircom.net

Events Insurance for Affiliated Clubs.
With regret, we have to put up the cost of the events insurance by 50%. This is due to the strength of sterling and the cost of foreign bank charges. Please realise that we make no profit whatsoever on events insurance, we actually have been taking a loss for the last while to try and see if sterling would improve. Sadly it hasn't. The price increase will take place from 30/9/00. Obviously we will monitor sterling and if any changes occur we will review the situation. New prices: 5 Day £53.97. Annual £ 123.36.

Bus Lanes:
This issue is hotting up with Dublin Corporation throwing its weight behind a proposal by
Labour TD Derek McDowell that motorcycles be allowed use bus-lanes. Owen Keegan Asst City Manager told MAG if Minister Dempsey devoted 10 minutes of his time the issue could be resolved. The DoE position is untenable as more and more UK local Authorities promote motorcycling as a way to beat gridlock.

Daylight Running Lights:
Dublin Corporation advises that the campaign has been deferred until early 2001. It will run over a three-month period in three two-week segments. Its effectiveness will be measured primarily by the increased use of DRL. As Herb Finnegan has said: "It really is infuriating that these civil servants come up with ridiculous schemes like these that skirt around the issues. They come up with every little shifty scheme to make it look like they are doing something, when in fact nothing comes of them. Why don't they tackle the appalling driver training and licensing system, and enforce the existing laws."

Car Free Days:
The MAG stall in the Alternative Vehicle Area on Custom House Quay, Dublin was a popular site. Thanks to Cotter Motorcycles for the loan of a tasty Suzuki scooter, Martin Crowe for his classic Honda 550-4 and Bernard Edwards for his Goldwing 1500-6.
Minister Dempsey was in his Office across the road, but was "too busy" to join us for 'photos'.

Winners MAG Monthly Draw

August: - Number 5060 Clive & Hazel Free

European Young Rider 2000
The 2000 edition of the Young Rider of the Year Competition took place in Gandia, Valencia, Spain, from 13th-16th September. 30 young motorcycle riders from all over the European Union (Germany excepted) and Tcheque Republic participated in the European Finale. The Danish finalists, Tina Pedersen and Christian Jensen, finished first after a set of 4 riding events. Netherlands and Finland followed respectively at 2nd & 3rd places. First prizes were a Honda Transalp & a Yamaha Fazer. The Irish team had a ball.
Bob Tomlins, European co-ordinator says: " this event is most important for road safety as it develops awareness to safe riding amongst young motorcyclists all over Europe. It also gathers young riders from different cultures, sharing their enthusiasm for motorcycles, and developing a European identity".
The event was co-organised by ACEM, FEMA & FIM and supported by the Directorate General for Energy and Transport of the European Commission.

Wanted: Shaft-driven bike for trike project for disabled driver, 1000cc minimum. Must be in good condition and reasonably priced. Phone: 086 - 855 6013

Sale: Motorcycle City, 24/25 Blessington Street, Dublin 7 are having a massive open weekend clear out. There are used and new parts, most makes and models available. Everything must go. 3-day sale only. 26/27/28 October 2000. Contact Johnny Hanraty. Ph: 01 8303000. Fax: 01 830 1664.

SPECIAL OFFERS AVAILABLE ON PRODUCTION OF VALID M.A.G CARD.

A monthly update from the Irish Motorcyclists Action Group.
MAG Ireland : Representing Riders
The progress reported below in promoting and protecting motorcycling
has been possible because of your support.

Index:
1. Campaign Updates
2. National Motorcycle Events Calendar, *LISTING FOR OCTOBER 2004*
3. MAG details and contact numbers
4. Disclaimer

To receive MAGLink every month by email (free) send a blank message
to imag_info-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

**************************************************************

SPECIAL EVENTS

MAG Ireland's Annual Group Conference will be held this year at the
Commercial Rowing Club, Islandbridge, Dublin on Saturday the 9th of
October 2004 starting 1.30pm - we welcome as many members as are
able to attend - this is your organisation and we need your input,
please attend if you can.

A Bike Insurance Demonstration was held in Dublin on Saturday the 25th
of September last calling to the offices of HIbernian, Carol Nash and
the Ministry of Transport complaining about the ridiculous premiums
charged to motorcyclists. Many thanks to those who attended - we
intend to repeat the exercise in a few months time.

Martin Cullen has taken over from Seamus Brennan in the Ministry of
Transport following the recent reshuffle. We will be writing to him to
request a meeting as soon as possible.

1. CAMPAIGNS

CAMPAIGNS REPORT

The following is a brief summary of some of the work undertaken
within the Campaigns portfolio during SEptember 2004. Regular reports
on the topics mentioned are also available on the MAG website
www.magireland.org and in Roadrunner. Any comments or questions to
campaigns@m... or telephone 01 453 07 97 (MAG Office).

BUS LANES

After several months delay Northern Ireland's motorcyclists were
finally granted access to many of the country's bus lanes on an
experimental basis. The eighteen month experimental period started on
Tuesday 1st June 04 and will be reviewed at six months, twelve months
and eighteen months at which time it will either be made permanent or
abolished.

MAG Ireland has made a submission to the Quality Bus Network Project
on allowing access to bus lanes for bikers - (letter atached at end of
Maglink)

HIBERNIAN

In regard to a number of queries raised by members having problems
with cover for multiple bikes, George Ketteringham of Hibernian
confirmed recently that there has been no change to Hibernian policy,
i.e. it is not the case that a full premium has to be paid for each
bike.

We have contacted AON Bike Care to arrange a meeting to discuss the
entry of AXA to the motorcycle insurance sector here and the
possibility of extending their client base beyond the dealer network
as at present.

A reply was received from IFSRA in response to request for inclusion
of motorcycle insurance in next insurance cost survey:

(i) Fieldwork has been completed for next cost survey.

(ii) ISFRA will consider including motorcycle insurance on next
survey, but due to small number of insurers they question the consumer
benefits of inclusion and would like our views on same.

(iii) Competition Authority currently examining non-life insurance
market including measures to improve market transparency.

In response to the article in Irish Times (07/07/2004) in which it was
reported that the IFSRA are seeking members for

consumer panels to replace the MIAB later this year, Eoin Kirwan MAG
Chairman emailed the IFSRA to request MAG's inclusion on any such
panels. At time of writing, I am not aware if he has received a reply
to this request.

Mary Harney's Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment have
contacted us in response to our correspondence urging the Tánaiste
to
ensure that the motorcycle sector is not overlooked during her current
efforts to encourage competition in the Irish motor insurance market.
They assure us that the Tánaiste is aware of the limited number of
companies currently offering motorcycle insurance in the State. The
letter also refers to the joint DETE/Competition Authority study set
up to examine barriers to entry and limitations on rivalry in the
insurance marketplace.

RIDER & DRIVER TRAINING

Linda O'Loideoin continues to represent MAG Ireland on the Working
Group to discuss the introduction of Compulsory Basic Training.

Eastlink

A complaint was received that bollards had been installed on the
motorcycle/bicycle toll free laneway at the East Link Toll Plaza.
However, when MAG visited the site on Thursday 12th August to
establish the exact nature of the hazard no bollards were in place on
the lanes in either direction and we observed motorcycles using the
lanes without problems over some time. These included some tourists
with full luggage including side panniers. We were able to talk to
some of the bikers using the plaza - including some couriers who use
the laneways regularly and none of them could recall bollards in
place. Some traffic cones were in place marking the boundaries
between the car lanes but these were not in the vicinity of the
motorcycle/bicycle laneway. Despite the fact that no hazard was
observed, the visit was a useful one from a PR point of view as the
bikers I spoke to were interested to hear about MAG Ireland's work!

Non-Slip Manhole Covers

I have provided information on Marotech, manufacturers and suppliers
of the non-slip manhole covers mentioned in a previous report to
Cavanagh Foundries, who are considering providing such a product in
Ireland. Cavanagh have been made aware that this does not constitute
an endorsement or recommendation of this product. They will keep me
informed of developments. It would be great to see a non-slip
alternative installed in place of the traditional metal-type cover
-
which as we all know can cause havoc particularly in wet or icy
conditions.

Luas

We have contacted Ger Hannon (Luas) and Hamid Foroughi (Design
Manager, RPA) regarding the design of the Luas stop at the Naas
Road/Bluebell junction. Copies of my letter to the RPA have also been
sent to Gay Mitchell, TD and David Maher of the Dublin Cycling
Campaign who may support us on this issue.

Road Hazards

When reporting a hazard involving debris, mud, oil etc on the road it
may be helpful to be aware of the appropriate legislation:

Roads Act, 1993

II 13 (10)

(a) A person who, without lawful authority or consent of a road
authority -

(iv) (I) places or deposits any material or thing on a public road,
(II) permits dung or urine from any animal owned by him or any
material or thing which falls from a vehicle owned or used by him, to
be left on a public road, or
(III) does any other thing such that the material, thing, dung or
urine or the doing of such thing is a hazard or potential hazard to
persons using a public road or obstructs or interferes with the safe
use of a public road or the maintenance of a public road, shall be
guilty of an offence.

VI 67 (2) (b)

"It shall be the duty of a person using a public road to take all
reasonable measures to avoid damage to property owned or used by him
or by any other person using the public road."

According to this same piece of legislation, the Local Authority may
remove the hazard and recover costs from the offending party.

*******************************************************************

2. NATIONAL MOTORCYCLING EVENTS CALENDAR, 2004
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 2004.

October 2004

9th MAG Ireland's Annual Group Conference will be held this year at
the Commercial Rowing Club, Islandbridge, Dublin on Saturday the 9th
of October 2004 starting 1.30pm - we welcome as many members as are
able to attend - this is your organisation and we need your input,
please attend if you can.

16th - Falcon MCC - 9th Locked Solid Session to be held on Saturday
16th of October 2004 at the Saratoga Inn, Woodstown, Co. Waterford.
Contact Ted (087) 7927672 for more details. Thanking you in advance

19th Locality: Carrick on Shannon Contact Phone: Danny 086-6017449 or
Kenny 086-1531193Event Location: Leitrim / DonegalOther Information:
All welcome, EUR10 per person. All proceeds to Ann Marie and KynaEvent
Date: 19th September, 2004Event Description: Memorial Motorbike Run
for the late CONAN DUIGNANmeet 12.pm at Coffeys, Carrick on Shannon,
Co Leitrimvia. Drumshanbo, Enniskillen, Bundoran, Dromahair, approx.
100 miles

24th Name: mick rice Club: MAG WEXFORDLocality: WEXFORD Contact Phone:
08698173845 Event Location: WEXFORD Other Information: REGISTRATION
@9AM @WEXFORD GENERAL HOSPITAL VALID INSURANCE MUST BE PRODUCED.ALL
WELCOME AND TELL A FRIEND min.fee 20.00euro per person sponsorship
cards available Event Date: 24.october 2004 Event Description:
sponsored rideout in aid of childrens ward wexford hospital covering
120 miles all around wexford county. various stops and coffee breaks
finishing in farmers kitchen with music and fingerfood

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. Thanks
also to Aggie for information from the Bikers Bible. Details of any
additional /revised events should be advised to the MAG office
office@m... or directly to maglink@m...

MAG UK events can be seen online at the MAG UK website www.mag-
uk.org
BMF events www.bmf.co.uk

****************************************************************

3. MAG Calendar 2004

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

MAG Local Group meetings:-

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@g... 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@m...
or Groad O'Byrne maglink@m...

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

MAG 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.

MAG Products
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, 2001,2002,2003 Members' Metal Badges = ? 2.56 each
2004 MAG Enamel badge = ? 3.80 each
MAG embossed Leather Keyfob = ? 2.56 each
MAG Fleecies - ?35 - heavy gauge, navy, with "MAG Ireland"
embroidered on front.
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.

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.

MAG Contacts

MAG Board (Composed of elected and co-opted officers and responsible
for the day to day running of MAG)
Eoin Kirwan: Chairman, IT & Transport: 087 6166207 Mailto:
chair@m...
Linda O'Loideoin: Treasurer, Roadrunner Editor
mailto:roadrunner@m...
Jimmy Kenny: Product and Process Officer 01 4502330
Gearóid O Byrne: Local Groups Liaison & MAGlink
mailto:maglink@m...
David French: European Liaison, Safety Officer
mailto:davidfrench@m...

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 Donegal
Chair: Marty Boyle 087 - 6557414 martyboyle@u...
or magdonegal@y...
Or Michael McNulty mnulty@m...

MAG Dublin
Chair: Jimmy Kenny 01 - 4502330

MAG Limerick
Secretary - Alec Quinn. ajquinn@e...
Treasurer - Mark Hackett. haket@h...
NC Rep - Vinny White. vwhite@e...
PRO - Sharon Curtin. yamxv250@h...
Clubs liason officer - Karl Murphy. crashtestdummy@o...
Local Authority liason officer - John Mullin.

MAG North Tipperary and South Offaly
Paul O'Dwyer 086-2686091 froggieod@y...
Keith Lever kleaver@g...

MAG Cork
Chair - Ger Donnolly
Treasurer - Martin O'Driscoll martdris@g...

MAG Wexford
Chair - Martin Sills 087 - 6628595
Treasurer - Mick Rice sago@o...

Unelected local representatives invited to National Council meetings
by MAG Board - Leitrim - Christine Cann christinecann@e...

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 Liaison
Gearóid O'Byrne at maglink@m...

MAG Office
1b Ring Terrace, Inchicore, Dublin 8.
Tel: 01 453 0797
Fax: 01 453 3643
Karen Kiely: National Campaigns Officer - 086 8632444
roadrunner@m...
Liz Keane Office Assistant office@m...

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@m...

4. 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 end September 2004, compiled by Groad O Byrne
maglink@m...
(c) Copyright : MAG Ireland

LETTER RE BUSLANE ACCESS:

Attn: Project Manager
Quality Bus Network Project Office
4th Floor, MCI Worldcom Building
Erne Street Lower
Dublin 2

27th August 2004

Proposals for South Clondalkin Quality Bus Corridor

Dear Sir/Madam,

MAG Ireland (Irish Motorcyclist's Action Group) was set up in 1985 and
represents the interests of Ireland's almost 40,000 motorcyclists,
scooter and moped users. MAG Ireland is involved with various issues
of concern to Irish motorcyclists including road safety, training,
road conditions, technical harmonisation, motor tax, consumer issues
affecting riders, licensing and insurance.

For some time we have been making representations to government to
allow access by motorcyclists to bus lanes, in common with taxis and
cyclists. In a meeting last year, the Minister for Transport has told
us that we have made a strong case for this measure on both safety and
traffic management grounds and that he is considering the possibility
of such access being allowed when additional QBCs are opened.

As you may already be aware, mopeds, scooters and motorcycles (Powered
Two Wheelers or PTWs) are currently successfully sharing bus lanes in
European cities such Barcelona, Rome and Stockholm. In the UK, since
Bristol first introduced PTW access to bus lanes in 1995, Reading,
Bath, Birmingham, Colchester, Hull, Swindon, and the M4 have followed
suit. Trials are currently underway on London's A41 with two
further
pilot schemes to follow on the Brixton Road and on the A13.

Nearer to home, the Department of Regional Development Northern
Ireland opened a large number of bus lanes to PTWs on 1st June this
year. The scheme will take place on an experimental basis for a
period of eighteen months and will be reviewed at six months, twelve
months and again at the end of the eighteen month period when the
scheme will either be made permanent or discontinued.

The recently published report of the Motorcycle Accidents in Depth
Study (MAIDS) says that "PTWs continue to provide a valuable
contribution to mobility in Europe. Their relatively small size and
low cost enable them to blend efficiently into the traffic flow while
needing less space compared to other vehicles. However, PTW riders
form one of the most vulnerable groups of road users and road
accidents involving injuries to them are a major social concern. It
is therefore essential that all parties work together to understand
and further improve the safety of this valuable mode of
transport."

To summarise MAG Ireland's position on allowing motorcyclists to
share
bus lanes:

1. Safety

Motorcyclists, like cyclists and pedestrians have been identified as
vulnerable road users. In 75% of accidents involving a PTW and
another vehicle, the other vehicle is at fault. Motorcycle riders,
like cyclists are currently competing for road space in an
increasingly busy environment with much larger vehicles and are
further disadvantaged in adverse weather conditions or when road
surfaces are compromised.

2. Sharing Bus Lanes

Motorcycles, unlike other vehicles, can much more easily and
efficiently leave the bus lane and re-enter the traffic flow in other
lanes to allow emergency vehicles or buses to pass. Motorcyclists
share many of the problems experienced by cyclists, such as other
vehicles failure to give sufficient room when passing, vulnerability
to poor or slippery road surfaces and are usually more aware of the
vulnerabilities of this road user group than other road users may be.

3. Traffic Management & Environmental Issues.

Motorcycles are more energy efficient than single occupancy cars and
take up less roadspace and less parking space. In conjunction with an
integrated public transport system, they can make a valuable
contribution to reducing traffic congestion and should be encouraged
as an alternative to the private car.

I look forward to hearing your thoughts on the above,

Yours sincerely,

Karen Kiely
National Campaigns Officer.

MAG Ireland website: http://www.magireland.org

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 the MAG website: http://www.iol.ie/~maglink

National Campaigns :. 1

New Campaigns Officer...... 1

Local Group Update......... 1

MAG Kerry 1

Membership discount. Three months free................ 2

International Update......... 2

The Danger of Crash Barriers for Motorcyclists................ 2

MAG UK challenge London Parking zealots..... 3

Main Actions and Decisions 3

NEC(Board) October 3th,17th... 3

National Council.... 3

MAG Calendar...................... 3

NEC meetings.. 3

National Council meetings (All local groups to attend)..... 3

Annual Group Conference (AGC):..... 3

MAG Local Group meetings.. 4

MAG Events..... 5

Publication Deadlines 5

MAG Ireland's Events Calendar, 2001.......... 5

MAG Benefits 6

Member Benefits... 6

Affiliated Club Benefits... 6

Information Sheets & Reps Resource Kit (October 2001)........ 6

MAG Products...................... 7

MAG Contacts...................... 7

National Executive Council.... 7

National Council and Local MAG Group Contact Details..... 7

MAG Office.................. 8

General News Items............. 9

M&P difficulties 9

Getting MAGLink and passing it on 9

Disclaimer.... 9

National Campaigns :

After the major update in the September MAGLink the national campaign update is much lighter for October as our Campaigs Officer has taken a well-earned holiday.
New Campaigns Officer

Karen Kiely has now taken up the post of MAG Campaigns Officer. Herb Finnegan will be assisting with the handover.
Local Group Update
MAG Kerry

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@magireland.iol.ie

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.

International Update

The Danger of Crash Barriers for Motorcyclists

Commissioner Loyola De Palacio wants actions in Spain and Europe

PRESS RELEASE : 28th September 2001

"The continuous work starts now to show very positive results. Finally, the European Commission admitted that crash barriers are very dangerous for motorcyclists. Now we start seeing adequate lateral protections for "every" road user. Besides, the sector is aware of the problematic and seems to be supporting our initiative. This feeling gives us energy to continue our work. From now on, let's open the throttle towards a design standard and the fitting of crash barrier protectors on European roads." This declaration from Mr Carlos Bautista Ojeda MEP followed a meeting held with the Vice-President for Transport and Energy last July.

This meeting was organised at the initiative of Mr Carlos Bautista in order to express the widespread concerns of motorcyclists about the danger of existing crash barriers. This was organised following a demonstration held last June in Madrid, and supported by thousands of riders, in protest against these dangerous devices.

In the course of the meeting, FEMA reminded the Commissioner of the project that had been undertaken by FEMA with the support of the European Commission in 1999 "Crash Barriers and Motorcyclists". The final report of this project proposes alternatives to existing devices that could be promoted in all countries of Europe.

Mrs De Palacio was concerned about the problem and assured that immediate actions would be advised to the Spanish authorities. A correspondence would also be sent to all Member States. FEMA offered its assistance in the drafting of these letters.

On the European front, the Commissioner declared that a point referring to the need of improving the safety of crash barriers would be included in the EU Road Safety Programme 2002-2010. Another commitment made by Mrs De Palacio was that, during the Spanish Presidency of the European Union, particular attention would be given to the matter, by setting up a Working Group (WG) with all interested parties, including representatives of the European Commission, FEMA representing European Motorcyclists and the CEN (Committee of European Standardisation). One of the main objectives of this WG will be to define a crash barriers' standard in order to make them safer for all road users, motorcyclists included!

FEMA welcomes this commitment and sees it as a very good opportunity to continue with its work on making crash barriers safer for riders.

Campaigns are already underway in Austria, France, Germany, Luxembourg and Portugal where FEMA's national organisations are promoting and fixing protectors to make crash barriers safer for riders.

FEMA is looking forward to the beginning of next year, when Spain will hold the EU Presidency, and to the co-operation with the European authorities to coordinate actions all over Europe.

Issued by FEMA

http://fema.ridersrights.org

Note: MAG Ireland is a founding member of FEMA (Federation of European Motorcyclists Associations)

MAG UK challenge London Parking zealots

MAG in London is pursuing a test case to challenge Westminster Council's zealous ticketing of parked motorcycles.

London MAG rep Cathy Philpotts has deliberately parked on a private forecourt in the borough where work colleagues' motorcycles were being ticketed and duly received three tickets in one day.

Cathy is challenging the legitimacy of the tickets on the grounds that the pavement area is privately owned as indicated by clearly visible notices to that effect.

Parking where she and her colleagues do, does not impede the public footpath and the inference drawn by those who have been issued with tickets, is that Westminster Council's enthusiasm for ticketing is driven by profit rather than the public interest.

Parking attendants had told PTW (motorcycle) users that they (the attendants) had been specifically instructed by Westminster Council to ticket bikes in that area. Some property owners have been threatened that their own bikes on their ownforecourts will be towed away.

nb: MAG has been campaigning strenuously for increased parking allocation for motorcycles to accommodate the increasing numbers of motorcycles now commuting to Central London.

Main Actions and Decisions
NEC(Board) October 3th,17th

(omitted due to lack of space, copy available to members from MAG office or from the MAGLink compiler)
National Council

(none since previous MAGLink)

=============================================
MAG Calendar
NEC meetings

1st Wednesday every month, 7pm
National Council meetings (All local groups to attend)

27th October, Abbey Court Hotel, Nenagh 5.30 – 6.30 pm

Annual Group Conference (AGC):

Annual General Conference will be held on 27th October in the Abbey Court Hotel in Nenagh, Co. Tipperary from 12.30 to 5.30pm. Registration starts at 11:30

See the MAG website http://www.iol.ie/~maglink/ for directions and further details.

Agenda:

Annual Group Conference 27/10/01. 12.30pm-5.30pm.

Venue: Abbey Court Hotel, Nenagh, Tipperary.

Organisation: MAG Office and MAG Limerick.

Registration: 11.30am onwards:

Hospitality: Abbey Court Hotel.

Marshalls: MAG Limerick.

Chairperson of Meeting: Catherine Donnelly

Top Table: NEC Members

Agenda:

12.30pm-5.30pm: Formal sessions and Elections.

Approximate running times:

11.30 onwards: Registration.

12.20-12.30: Delegates assemble

12.30-12.45: Chairperson’s Welcome

12.45-01.15: Treasurers Report

01.15-02.15: Officer Reports

02.15-02.30: Nominations for NEC.

02.30-03.00: Elections.

03.00-03.30: Refreshment break. Soup/Sandwiches.

03.30-04.00: Election Results.

04.30-05.30: Chairperson’s address/Plans/Proposals from floor.

05.30: Conference Closes.

Order of speakers & timings can change.

05.30-06.30: NC Meeting with Chairperson & newly elected NEC.

(Seperate Agenda)

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@tramway.ie)

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@magireland.iol.ie

MAG Events

For further details of anything on the MAG calendar contact maglink@magireland.iol.ie

( or during office hours MAG Office at magsupport@magireland.iol.ie )

-----------------------------------------------------------
Publication Deadlines

RoadRunner: November 15th, February 15th, May 15th. August 15th

Letters and articles welcome, articles with pictures very welcome.

Send submissions to herb@iol.ie or to RoadRunner c/o MAG Office

MAGLink: Second Wednesday in the month.

MAG Ireland's Events Calendar, 2001

OCTOBER

20,21, Locked Solid Rally (Woodstown, W'fd), Falcon MCC, Patrick Moran, 087 - 289 5425

27,28, Autumn Run, Blackchurch RA, 01 - 837 4752

27,28, Dolmen Rally, (Aherne’s, Newport) Banner MCC, Mark, 086 - 824 5630

28, Rock Night, Slippy Clutch MCC, Joe Higginbotham, 045 - 529 022

29,Poker Run (O’Driscoll’s, Corbally), MAG Limerick, Karl, 087 – 617 9931

NOVEMBER,

17, Taney Autojumble & Show, IVVMCC, 01 - 298 0045

DECEMBER

1st, Toy Run, (Kildare - Kilkenny), Druids & Rooters MCC's, Pat Conlon, 087 - 959 8430

16, Toy Run (Dublin), Clondalkin MCC, Martin Convery, 01 624 6113

All Events in italics have been notified by the Vintage & Veteran Committee.

The above information is correct to our knowledge and belief as we got to press but MAG Ireland cannot guarantee

its accuracy. The next update will be issued along with the next issue of RoadRunner, due out soon.

The Events Calendar is also sent out monthly to all local MAG Groups and affiliated clubs and is posted on our web-site.

Details of any additional /revised events should be advised to the MAG office or directly to

Catherine Donnelly, Clubs Liaison Officer at (01) 457 0634, as soon as possible.

MAG UK events can be seen online at the MAG UK website http://www.mag-uk.org .

BMF events http://www.bmf.co.uk

MAG Benefits
Member Benefits

* RoadRunner Magazine

* BikeShop Discounts, Contact office for list or http://www.iol.ie/~maglink

* Motorcycle Insurance

* Local Groups - Social Activity and Local Representation

* Information Service, (Info sheets, MAGLink and advice)

* Products

* Route Planning Service

* Discounts on VHI Health Insurance, Ferries, Accident Insurance and Breakdown Cover.

The discounts alone will save you much more than the membership fee every year.

Membership costs £20 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.

Affiliated Club Benefits

* Events Insurance
Public Liability Cover for your rally or event. Currently cover stands at under IR 60 for a one-off event of up to 5 days such as a rally. Please contact office for the information sheet on events insurance.

* Monthly MAG Events Calendar Update by Post

* 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 5000 Irish motorcyclists every quarter. The reduced rates for one issue are as follows: Full Page Colour - IR 250, Full Page B&W - IR 200, Half Page Colour - IR 125, Half Page B&W - IR 100, Quarter Page Colour - IR 63, Quarter Page B&W - IR 50

Club affiliation costs IR 20 per annum.
Information Sheets & Reps Resource Kit (October 2001)

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, IrishTouring, 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 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.

------------------------------------------------
MAG Products

ZIPPO lighters = IR 20.00 ea (Brass with MAG LOGO)

Hooded Sweatshirts = IR 20.00 each (Black,Zipped,MAG logo)

Premium T- shirts = IR 10.00 each (Black with MAG logo)

Nectectors = IR 10.00 each (Red or Black tubular neckwarmers)

Baseball Caps = IR 10.00 each (Black cloth, with MAG logo)

MAG Ireland Yellow Visibility Waistcoats = IR 12.00 each

MAG EIRE, RIDE FREE Patches = IR 3.00 each

RIDE FREE Adhesive stickers = IR 1.50 each

1999,2000 Members’ Metal Badges = IR 2.00 each

2001 Blue Enamel badge = IR 3.00 each

MAG embossed Leather Keyfob = IR 2.00 each

BOOKS

Pass Your Advanced Driving Test = IR 10.00 each

Motorcycle Roadcraft = IR 13.40 each

There is a Mail Order packing & postage charge of IR 3.00 on the Hooded Sweatshirts & of IR 1.00 on the waistcoats. All other items are including postage by ordinary post. These exclusive products are available from your local Group, 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.

Profits from the sale of MAG Products goes directly to campaigning for Riders Rights.

---------------------------------------------------
MAG Contacts
National Executive Council

(Composed of elected officers and responsible for the day to day running of MAG)

Catherine Donnelly: Chairwoman, Group&Clubs Liaison,01 4570634 maglink@magireland.iol.ie

David French: European Liaison,+49 711 5590511 davidfrench@bikerider.com

Jimmy Kenny: Rider Security & Safety, 01 4502330

Eoin Kirwan: Transport: 087 6166207 eoin@bikerider.com

Co-opted NEC members:

Gearóid O Byrne: geobyrne@indigo.ie

Co-opted NEC Working Group Members:

Rose Burns: Safety, Transport W.G. rose_burns66@hotmail.com

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 Carlow

Ger FitzGibbons 087 6781688 sner@oceanfree.net

MAG Cavan

Chair: Declan Brady 049 8640031

MAG Cork

Chair: Ger Donnelly 087 2354820 donely@esatclear.ie

Treasurer: Martin O'Driscoll

Committee member: David Robinson

MAG Donegal

Contact: Marty Boyle martyboyle@unison.ie

MAG Innishowen (region within Donegal)

Chair: Andy Robinson 077 76 054

MAG Dublin

Chair: Jimmy Kenny 01 4502330

MAG Galway

Chair:John Brinn 093 24694 (JJ Finn 086 8182188)

MAG Kerry

Chair: Baerbel Ott 087 2977992

MAG Kildare

Chair: Joe Swords 086 8974259 joeswords@tattoos.com

Secretary: BJ Martin 086 4006279 thedok@cyberdude.com

Treasurer: Dave Browne 087 6523582

Information Officer Dave Keeley 087 2692180 davkee@esatclear.ie

Events Secretary: Ivor Hemmingway 086 8150410

Road Hazards Officer: Karen Kiely 086 8632444

MAG Limerick

Chair: John Suckling 061 384342

NC Rep: Don Moloney moz@iol.ie

MAG Mayo

Chair: Robert Gibbons 094 22118 smartart@iol.ie

MAG Sligo

Chair: Eoin Lappin 071 43758 e_lappin@hotmail.com

AGM: February

MAG Westmeath

Chair: Greg Lennon 0902 72578

The remaining counties are currently not represented on the National Council. If you are interested in assisting please contact the MAG Office or the Local Group & Clubs Liaison Catherine Donnelly at (01) 457 0634, maglink@magireland.iol.ie

MAG Office

Karen Kiely: National Campaign’s Officer - 086 8632444

Herb Finnegan: RoadRunner Editor - 087 6790908 herb@iol.ie

Maeve Roche Administration Officer

Liz Keane Office Assistant

1b Ring Terrace, Inchicore, Dublin 8.

Tel: 01 453 0797 Fax: 01 453 3643

magsupport@magireland.iol.ie

Before ringing the MAG office please consider if it wouldn't be better ringing a 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: http://www.iol.ie/~maglink

General News Items
M&P difficulties

MAG UK have been informed that retail store outlet and mail order specialists M&P Motorcycle Accessories Limited have been taken into Administration. MAG's understanding is that the administrators are currently looking for a potential new owner for the retail giant. Further developments will be posted on MAG UK's website www.mag-uk.org
Getting MAGLink and passing it on

To receive MAGLink every month by email (free) send a blank message to imag_info-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

It costs MAG almost 10 pounds a year of member's money to have someone on the postal list and that money can be better spent fighting for riders rights. If you can get MAGLink by email instead then please do so and tell us.

Please forward your copy of MAGLink to other motorcyclists and please print out a few copies to drop into your local dealer / pub / friends without email.
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 October 2001, compiled by David French, (davidfrench@bikerider.com )

© Copyright : MAG Ireland

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 the MAG website: http://www.iol.ie/~maglink

National Campaigns :. 1

New Campaigns Officer...... 1

Local Group Update......... 1

MAG Kerry 1

Membership discount. Three months free................ 2

International Update......... 2

The Danger of Crash Barriers for Motorcyclists................ 2

MAG UK challenge London Parking zealots..... 3

Main Actions and Decisions 3

NEC(Board) October 3th,17th... 3

National Council.... 3

MAG Calendar...................... 3

NEC meetings.. 3

National Council meetings (All local groups to attend)..... 3

Annual Group Conference (AGC):..... 3

MAG Local Group meetings.. 4

MAG Events..... 5

Publication Deadlines 5

MAG Ireland's Events Calendar, 2001.......... 5

MAG Benefits 6

Member Benefits... 6

Affiliated Club Benefits... 6

Information Sheets & Reps Resource Kit (October 2001)........ 6

MAG Products...................... 7

MAG Contacts...................... 7

National Executive Council.... 7

National Council and Local MAG Group Contact Details..... 7

MAG Office.................. 8

General News Items............. 9

M&P difficulties 9

Getting MAGLink and passing it on 9

Disclaimer.... 9

National Campaigns :

After the major update in the September MAGLink the national campaign update is much lighter for October as our Campaigs Officer has taken a well-earned holiday.
New Campaigns Officer

Karen Kiely has now taken up the post of MAG Campaigns Officer. Herb Finnegan will be assisting with the handover.
Local Group Update
MAG Kerry

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@magireland.iol.ie

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.

International Update

The Danger of Crash Barriers for Motorcyclists

Commissioner Loyola De Palacio wants actions in Spain and Europe

PRESS RELEASE : 28th September 2001

"The continuous work starts now to show very positive results. Finally, the European Commission admitted that crash barriers are very dangerous for motorcyclists. Now we start seeing adequate lateral protections for "every" road user. Besides, the sector is aware of the problematic and seems to be supporting our initiative. This feeling gives us energy to continue our work. From now on, let's open the throttle towards a design standard and the fitting of crash barrier protectors on European roads." This declaration from Mr Carlos Bautista Ojeda MEP followed a meeting held with the Vice-President for Transport and Energy last July.

This meeting was organised at the initiative of Mr Carlos Bautista in order to express the widespread concerns of motorcyclists about the danger of existing crash barriers. This was organised following a demonstration held last June in Madrid, and supported by thousands of riders, in protest against these dangerous devices.

In the course of the meeting, FEMA reminded the Commissioner of the project that had been undertaken by FEMA with the support of the European Commission in 1999 "Crash Barriers and Motorcyclists". The final report of this project proposes alternatives to existing devices that could be promoted in all countries of Europe.

Mrs De Palacio was concerned about the problem and assured that immediate actions would be advised to the Spanish authorities. A correspondence would also be sent to all Member States. FEMA offered its assistance in the drafting of these letters.

On the European front, the Commissioner declared that a point referring to the need of improving the safety of crash barriers would be included in the EU Road Safety Programme 2002-2010. Another commitment made by Mrs De Palacio was that, during the Spanish Presidency of the European Union, particular attention would be given to the matter, by setting up a Working Group (WG) with all interested parties, including representatives of the European Commission, FEMA representing European Motorcyclists and the CEN (Committee of European Standardisation). One of the main objectives of this WG will be to define a crash barriers' standard in order to make them safer for all road users, motorcyclists included!

FEMA welcomes this commitment and sees it as a very good opportunity to continue with its work on making crash barriers safer for riders.

Campaigns are already underway in Austria, France, Germany, Luxembourg and Portugal where FEMA's national organisations are promoting and fixing protectors to make crash barriers safer for riders.

FEMA is looking forward to the beginning of next year, when Spain will hold the EU Presidency, and to the co-operation with the European authorities to coordinate actions all over Europe.

Issued by FEMA

http://fema.ridersrights.org

Note: MAG Ireland is a founding member of FEMA (Federation of European Motorcyclists Associations)

MAG UK challenge London Parking zealots

MAG in London is pursuing a test case to challenge Westminster Council's zealous ticketing of parked motorcycles.

London MAG rep Cathy Philpotts has deliberately parked on a private forecourt in the borough where work colleagues' motorcycles were being ticketed and duly received three tickets in one day.

Cathy is challenging the legitimacy of the tickets on the grounds that the pavement area is privately owned as indicated by clearly visible notices to that effect.

Parking where she and her colleagues do, does not impede the public footpath and the inference drawn by those who have been issued with tickets, is that Westminster Council's enthusiasm for ticketing is driven by profit rather than the public interest.

Parking attendants had told PTW (motorcycle) users that they (the attendants) had been specifically instructed by Westminster Council to ticket bikes in that area. Some property owners have been threatened that their own bikes on their ownforecourts will be towed away.

nb: MAG has been campaigning strenuously for increased parking allocation for motorcycles to accommodate the increasing numbers of motorcycles now commuting to Central London.

Main Actions and Decisions
NEC(Board) October 3th,17th

(omitted due to lack of space, copy available to members from MAG office or from the MAGLink compiler)
National Council

(none since previous MAGLink)

=============================================
MAG Calendar
NEC meetings

1st Wednesday every month, 7pm
National Council meetings (All local groups to attend)

27th October, Abbey Court Hotel, Nenagh 5.30 – 6.30 pm

Annual Group Conference (AGC):

Annual General Conference will be held on 27th October in the Abbey Court Hotel in Nenagh, Co. Tipperary from 12.30 to 5.30pm. Registration starts at 11:30

See the MAG website http://www.iol.ie/~maglink/ for directions and further details.

Agenda:

Annual Group Conference 27/10/01. 12.30pm-5.30pm.

Venue: Abbey Court Hotel, Nenagh, Tipperary.

Organisation: MAG Office and MAG Limerick.

Registration: 11.30am onwards:

Hospitality: Abbey Court Hotel.

Marshalls: MAG Limerick.

Chairperson of Meeting: Catherine Donnelly

Top Table: NEC Members

Agenda:

12.30pm-5.30pm: Formal sessions and Elections.

Approximate running times:

11.30 onwards: Registration.

12.20-12.30: Delegates assemble

12.30-12.45: Chairperson’s Welcome

12.45-01.15: Treasurers Report

01.15-02.15: Officer Reports

02.15-02.30: Nominations for NEC.

02.30-03.00: Elections.

03.00-03.30: Refreshment break. Soup/Sandwiches.

03.30-04.00: Election Results.

04.30-05.30: Chairperson’s address/Plans/Proposals from floor.

05.30: Conference Closes.

Order of speakers & timings can change.

05.30-06.30: NC Meeting with Chairperson & newly elected NEC.

(Seperate Agenda)

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@tramway.ie)

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@magireland.iol.ie

MAG Events

For further details of anything on the MAG calendar contact maglink@magireland.iol.ie

( or during office hours MAG Office at magsupport@magireland.iol.ie )

-----------------------------------------------------------
Publication Deadlines

RoadRunner: November 15th, February 15th, May 15th. August 15th

Letters and articles welcome, articles with pictures very welcome.

Send submissions to herb@iol.ie or to RoadRunner c/o MAG Office

MAGLink: Second Wednesday in the month.

MAG Ireland's Events Calendar, 2001

OCTOBER

20,21, Locked Solid Rally (Woodstown, W'fd), Falcon MCC, Patrick Moran, 087 - 289 5425

27,28, Autumn Run, Blackchurch RA, 01 - 837 4752

27,28, Dolmen Rally, (Aherne’s, Newport) Banner MCC, Mark, 086 - 824 5630

28, Rock Night, Slippy Clutch MCC, Joe Higginbotham, 045 - 529 022

29,Poker Run (O’Driscoll’s, Corbally), MAG Limerick, Karl, 087 – 617 9931

NOVEMBER,

17, Taney Autojumble & Show, IVVMCC, 01 - 298 0045

DECEMBER

1st, Toy Run, (Kildare - Kilkenny), Druids & Rooters MCC's, Pat Conlon, 087 - 959 8430

16, Toy Run (Dublin), Clondalkin MCC, Martin Convery, 01 624 6113

All Events in italics have been notified by the Vintage & Veteran Committee.

The above information is correct to our knowledge and belief as we got to press but MAG Ireland cannot guarantee

its accuracy. The next update will be issued along with the next issue of RoadRunner, due out soon.

The Events Calendar is also sent out monthly to all local MAG Groups and affiliated clubs and is posted on our web-site.

Details of any additional /revised events should be advised to the MAG office or directly to

Catherine Donnelly, Clubs Liaison Officer at (01) 457 0634, as soon as possible.

MAG UK events can be seen online at the MAG UK website http://www.mag-uk.org .

BMF events http://www.bmf.co.uk

MAG Benefits
Member Benefits

* RoadRunner Magazine

* BikeShop Discounts, Contact office for list or http://www.iol.ie/~maglink

* Motorcycle Insurance

* Local Groups - Social Activity and Local Representation

* Information Service, (Info sheets, MAGLink and advice)

* Products

* Route Planning Service

* Discounts on VHI Health Insurance, Ferries, Accident Insurance and Breakdown Cover.

The discounts alone will save you much more than the membership fee every year.

Membership costs £20 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.

Affiliated Club Benefits

* Events Insurance
Public Liability Cover for your rally or event. Currently cover stands at under IR 60 for a one-off event of up to 5 days such as a rally. Please contact office for the information sheet on events insurance.

* Monthly MAG Events Calendar Update by Post

* 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 5000 Irish motorcyclists every quarter. The reduced rates for one issue are as follows: Full Page Colour - IR 250, Full Page B&W - IR 200, Half Page Colour - IR 125, Half Page B&W - IR 100, Quarter Page Colour - IR 63, Quarter Page B&W - IR 50

Club affiliation costs IR 20 per annum.
Information Sheets & Reps Resource Kit (October 2001)

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, IrishTouring, 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 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.

------------------------------------------------
MAG Products

ZIPPO lighters = IR 20.00 ea (Brass with MAG LOGO)

Hooded Sweatshirts = IR 20.00 each (Black,Zipped,MAG logo)

Premium T- shirts = IR 10.00 each (Black with MAG logo)

Nectectors = IR 10.00 each (Red or Black tubular neckwarmers)

Baseball Caps = IR 10.00 each (Black cloth, with MAG logo)

MAG Ireland Yellow Visibility Waistcoats = IR 12.00 each

MAG EIRE, RIDE FREE Patches = IR 3.00 each

RIDE FREE Adhesive stickers = IR 1.50 each

1999,2000 Members’ Metal Badges = IR 2.00 each

2001 Blue Enamel badge = IR 3.00 each

MAG embossed Leather Keyfob = IR 2.00 each

BOOKS

Pass Your Advanced Driving Test = IR 10.00 each

Motorcycle Roadcraft = IR 13.40 each

There is a Mail Order packing & postage charge of IR 3.00 on the Hooded Sweatshirts & of IR 1.00 on the waistcoats. All other items are including postage by ordinary post. These exclusive products are available from your local Group, 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.

Profits from the sale of MAG Products goes directly to campaigning for Riders Rights.

---------------------------------------------------
MAG Contacts
National Executive Council

(Composed of elected officers and responsible for the day to day running of MAG)

Catherine Donnelly: Chairwoman, Group&Clubs Liaison,01 4570634 maglink@magireland.iol.ie

David French: European Liaison,+49 711 5590511 davidfrench@bikerider.com

Jimmy Kenny: Rider Security & Safety, 01 4502330

Eoin Kirwan: Transport: 087 6166207 eoin@bikerider.com

Co-opted NEC members:

Gearóid O Byrne: geobyrne@indigo.ie

Co-opted NEC Working Group Members:

Rose Burns: Safety, Transport W.G. rose_burns66@hotmail.com

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 Carlow

Ger FitzGibbons 087 6781688 sner@oceanfree.net

MAG Cavan

Chair: Declan Brady 049 8640031

MAG Cork

Chair: Ger Donnelly 087 2354820 donely@esatclear.ie

Treasurer: Martin O'Driscoll

Committee member: David Robinson

MAG Donegal

Contact: Marty Boyle martyboyle@unison.ie

MAG Innishowen (region within Donegal)

Chair: Andy Robinson 077 76 054

MAG Dublin

Chair: Jimmy Kenny 01 4502330

MAG Galway

Chair:John Brinn 093 24694 (JJ Finn 086 8182188)

MAG Kerry

Chair: Baerbel Ott 087 2977992

MAG Kildare

Chair: Joe Swords 086 8974259 joeswords@tattoos.com

Secretary: BJ Martin 086 4006279 thedok@cyberdude.com

Treasurer: Dave Browne 087 6523582

Information Officer Dave Keeley 087 2692180 davkee@esatclear.ie

Events Secretary: Ivor Hemmingway 086 8150410

Road Hazards Officer: Karen Kiely 086 8632444

MAG Limerick

Chair: John Suckling 061 384342

NC Rep: Don Moloney moz@iol.ie

MAG Mayo

Chair: Robert Gibbons 094 22118 smartart@iol.ie

MAG Sligo

Chair: Eoin Lappin 071 43758 e_lappin@hotmail.com

AGM: February

MAG Westmeath

Chair: Greg Lennon 0902 72578

The remaining counties are currently not represented on the National Council. If you are interested in assisting please contact the MAG Office or the Local Group & Clubs Liaison Catherine Donnelly at (01) 457 0634, maglink@magireland.iol.ie

MAG Office

Karen Kiely: National Campaign’s Officer - 086 8632444

Herb Finnegan: RoadRunner Editor - 087 6790908 herb@iol.ie

Maeve Roche Administration Officer

Liz Keane Office Assistant

1b Ring Terrace, Inchicore, Dublin 8.

Tel: 01 453 0797 Fax: 01 453 3643

magsupport@magireland.iol.ie

Before ringing the MAG office please consider if it wouldn't be better ringing a 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: http://www.iol.ie/~maglink

General News Items
M&P difficulties

MAG UK have been informed that retail store outlet and mail order specialists M&P Motorcycle Accessories Limited have been taken into Administration. MAG's understanding is that the administrators are currently looking for a potential new owner for the retail giant. Further developments will be posted on MAG UK's website www.mag-uk.org
Getting MAGLink and passing it on

To receive MAGLink every month by email (free) send a blank message to imag_info-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

It costs MAG almost 10 pounds a year of member's money to have someone on the postal list and that money can be better spent fighting for riders rights. If you can get MAGLink by email instead then please do so and tell us.

Please forward your copy of MAGLink to other motorcyclists and please print out a few copies to drop into your local dealer / pub / friends without email.
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 October 2001, compiled by David French, (davidfrench@bikerider.com )

© Copyright : MAG Ireland

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. Latest News…..

National Pro Bike Demonstration Saturday 1st November 2003 –
1.00pm Mountjoy Square, Dublin.

Are you going? Well have a read below and decided if these are
matters you want tackled on your behalf. If so, and if you can make
it, then be there, be counted and bring a friend!

Why pro bike?

In these days of traffic gridlock and sheer frustration at the
inability to use a four wheeled vehicle as it was intended, there is
positive benefit to using two wheelers in our cities. From eco-
friendly electric mopeds with nigh on zero maintenance, to super
scooters capable of a cross-country tour in comfort, to the latest in
cruisers and sportsbikes - many with ABS, fuel injection and even
catalytic converters. Bikes are not the dirty smelly noisy
contraptions the old image would have you believe. Yet all we hear is
the negative - never the positive reasons why riding a bike is such a
good idea. Bikes take less resources to make, use less fuel to run,
are more recyclable than cars, and take up less room on the road and
less when parked.

Modern bikes are more user friendly, easier to ride, mechanically
better than ever they were, quality training is available to ride
them and they are the most stress free and free-moving traffic on our
roads.

As bikes are an important part of the solution to our traffic
problems, we ask - why are they never included in transport planning?

Insurance Costs

MAG Ireland has campaigned for many years to try to reduce the high
cost of motorcycle insurance. We set up the Irish Rider Training
Association to ensure that bikers nationwide could avail of
affordable training. Unfortunately whilst many riders have availed
themselves of this training, and other schemes like Fingal County
Council's Star Rider, insurance companies have not seen fit to reward
riders by offering discounts.

We have heard a lot recently in the media how various insurance
companies are reducing car insurance by 10% following the
introduction of penalty points. Bike insurance has risen on
average by 40% and we have heard of cases in excess of 200% for this
year.

We demand that the Irish Government implement immediately the
findings of the MIAB report. Amend the Road Traffic Act to allow for
insurance companies outside the State to offer motorcycle insurance
here, in accordance with EU directives.

Licensing Issues

Irish riders have had to endure a two-tiered licensing system for
many years. In addition, since 1999 riders have had to endure being
restricted to motorcycles not exceeding 34 horsepower for two years
after passing their test, a restriction not placed on car drivers.

Despite repeated requests to allow for a "Direct Access" test, as in
all other EU countries, the Minister is now talking about placing yet
more restrictions on motorcycle licences. MAG Ireland calls for the
34hp limit to be abolished for riders who have taken additional
training.

Bus Lane Access

Bus Lane Access for motorcycles has been successfully introduced in
many UK cities in recent years. MAG is delighted to see that the
Minister is now reconsidering his previous refusal to allow
motorcycles into buslanes. For bikers this is a major safety issue in
our congested cities and allows riders to ride in a safer environment.

Toll Charges

MAG is opposed to the current system of road tolling, in addition to
the heavy tax burdens already endured by motorists. We demand an
overhaul of the way the NRA operates and that it be made answerable
to Irish taxpayers who fund them. Collecting cash tolls from
motorcyclists is inconvenient and slow. Tolls are doubly unfair for
motorcycles as they do not cause congestion, or wear to road
surfaces. MAG calls for tolls to be removed for motorbikes, which
will reduce delays at toll booths for all road users.

Road Safety

MAG calls for the rapid improvement of road surfaces to be given top
priority. Potholes, trenches, mud, gravel, etc. frequently place
riders at risk of an accident, even on major routes. MAG demands a
halt to the use of loose gravel for road resurfacing, which is
extremely dangerous for two-wheeled road users. Where the road has
been dug up to allow the utilities access, resurfacing must be of the
same quality as the road surface. The use of smooth metal plates at
roadworks is now illegal, but nevertheless still common, and this
also presents a particular risk to motorcyclists.

MAG calls for road safety to be pushed higher up the government
agenda and for theGovernment to introduce an overall road safety
strategy in conjunction with County Councils, the AA and all other
interested parties. Investment in road safety will pay handsome
dividends in terms of the horrific cost to society of road accidents.

Vehicle Registration Tax

MAG calls for the Minister for Finance to immediately abolish this
tax in line with the spirit of the European Single Market. VRT is
unjust and results in our motor vehicles being taxed twice (VAT and
VRT) before we add on the cost of road tax and fuel taxes.

Theft

MAG calls for secure motorcycle parking in all town and city centres,
tougher sentencing for bike thieves, and the end of charges for the
recovery of stolen vehicles.

Hope to see you there on the day…………..

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.

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

1st · Irish Women Riders Association Rock Night:Saturday
1st November - Cush Inn (Kildangan House) Kildangan, Co. Kildare
Featuring Rock Band 'Die Laughing'Admission 7 euro *discount for MAG
members with card*Camping and parking at own risk Foods on siteFunds
raised go to Martin Confrey Memorial Fund.

2nd · Hi All,While we are all stuffing our faces with
Turkey over the festive season, a lady who is now a new recruit to
the Rally Scene has decided to devote her Christmas to a worthy
cause. She will be bringing Santa to the Children of Chernobyl. To
raise funds for this worthy cause, she had decided to hold a Charity
Run. Meeting at Tullyvin Tavern on Sunday November 2nd. ( R188,
Between Cootehill Town & Cavan Town)Spot Prizes on the day.! All
Welcome, Please see attachment for full details to support this
worthy cause.If you need further information, Pls contact me,Chris
Monahan. 086-6041949 All The Best From, Rogues Mcc.
http://www.geocities.com/roguesmcc

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
ClubAdmission 4 Euro. For further details contact Ray Byrne

Ph. 01 2980045 086314 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 at 11.30 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

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 October 2003, compiled by Gearóid O Byrne
maglink@magireland.org
(c) Copyright : MAG Ireland

MAG Ireland website: http://www.magireland.org

To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
IMAG_INFO-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

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.

Download MAGLink in Microsoft Word RTF format from the MAG website: http://www.iol.ie/~maglink

New Benefit: MAG Credit Card.............. 1

NOTE to Local Groups and Affiliated Clubs:........... 2

National Campaigns :. 2

Bikers Are Voters...... 2

Bus Lanes 2

Direct Access.... 2

Daytime Running Lights...... 2

Independent Insurance 2

Insurance 3

Motorcycle Tax Bands 3

Road Pricing.................. 3

Local Group Update......... 3

MAG Wexford and MAG Tipperary 3

Membership discount. Three months free................ 4

International Update......... 4

MAG UK M4 Bus lane proposal.. 4

Main Actions and Decisions 4

Board October 3th 4

National Council.... 4

AGC......... 5

MAG Calendar...................... 5

Board meetings.. 5

National Council meetings (All local groups to attend)..... 5

Annual Group Conference (AGC):..... 5

MAG Local Group meetings.. 5

MAG Events..... 6

Publication Deadlines 6

MAG Ireland's Events Calendar, 2001.......... 6

MAG Benefits 6

Member Benefits... 6

Affiliated Club Benefits... 7

Information Sheets & Reps Resource Kit (November 2001)........ 7

MAG Products...................... 7

MAG Advertising. 8

Shops...... 8

Discounts: 8

Clubs....... 8

MAG Contacts...................... 9

Board....... 9

National Council and Local MAG Group Contact Details..... 9

MAG Office................ 10

General News Items........... 10

Getting MAGLink and passing it on 10

Disclaimer.. 10

New Benefit: MAG Credit Card

By now all members will have received application forms for a MAG credit card. This new benefit provides MAG members with exclusive access to a competitive credit card facility. (Compare the terms with your current credit card.) Each use of these cards also results in a small donation to promoting and protecting Irish motorcycling.
NOTE to Local Groups and Affiliated Clubs:

Underwriting difficulties with Irish insurance are affecting the MAG Ireland events insurance benefit. Please contact the MAG office for the current details if you are planning to hold an event under MAG Public Liability cover in the near future. MAG Ireland is currently looking at the insurance market place and welcomes any recommendations from clubs or other groups.

National Campaigns :

Report by Karen Kiely : Campaigns Officer
Bikers Are Voters

Further to our circulation of policy questionnaire to political parties, MAG met with Eamon Gilmore TD (Labour spokesperson on the Environment & Transport) to discuss Labour’s position on the issues raised. We have also received a communication from the Progressive Democrats indicating that the issues raised in our questionnaire will be considered for inclusion in their Manifesto currently being prepared. MAG will be contacting them to request a meeting.

Bus Lanes

The DTO continue to cite safety considerations as the basis for their opposition to the admission of motorcycles to Bus Lanes despite the fact that the Gardai and Dublin Corporation are amenable to the use of Bus Lanes by PTW. Documentation on European schemes is to be sent to the relevant bodies in support of such a scheme.

Direct Access

In response to T.D. Olivia Mitchell’s Parliamentary Question on Direct Access, Mr Molloy cited Safety considerations as the basis for Ireland’s non-implementation of the DA option. He stated that the situation would be kept under review in regard to accident & fatality rates and the impact of the I.R.T.A. training initiative. MAG will be contacting the UK Driving Standards Authority requesting a brief review of their positive experience of D.A. and I am preparing a detailed explanation of the current systems as it applies in the UK.

Daytime Running Lights

In response to MAG’s recent letters to MEPs outlining our opposition to the use of DRL we have received replies from Mary Banotti, Brian Crowley and Proinsias de Rossa. MAG is currently researching the use of DRL in other European countries and any research on the impact of use of same on conspicuity of motorcyclists and other vulnerable road users and will be submitting a document on same to MEPs, opposition party spokespersons on the Environment and DoE in due course.

Independent Insurance

We have received a letter from Malcolm Nash in response to a request for clarification on the matter of the IR£30 fee payable by Carole Nash’s Irish policyholders in order to transfer to cover with RSA. It explains that Carole Nash were unable to negotiate an en bloc transfer to another insurer as they were in the UK, hence the charge. Again, it does not explain why Carole Nash Ireland passed this charge on to their policyholders rather than absorbing it themselves. It also states that the errors on letters showing incorrect refund amounts have been rectified and he will look into individual cases of non-issue of letters of proof of NCB on receipt of details of same.

MAG will be raising these issues in the next meeting with Carole Nash.

Insurance

We await with interest the Final Report of the MIAB due in December, despite the fact that Nora Owen raised the issue of our exclusion from the board and stated “it is naïve of the Minister to say that car drivers on the Board… will understand the concerns of motorcyclists”.

The MAG office has received a significant number of calls from Hibernian policyholders who have been quoted ludicrously high premiums upon renewal, in the region of IR£2,500 to IR£4,000, despite being claims-free in the previous year or years. Many of the complaints come from riders who availed of insurance through their dealer when purchasing their motorcycle/scooter. We have had reports that Hibernian are now classifying the Honda NSR 125 as a Group 7 rating putting it in a similar category to much higher powered machines. We will be requesting a meeting with Hibernian to justify these exorbitant rises in premiums and to discuss other issues in relation to incentives for training, coverage for modifications etc.

MAG has contacted the Carole Nash UK office to express members discontent with the standards of customer service in their Dublin office and was assured that this will be examined. MAG will be meeting with Carole Nash Ireland to discuss this and other issues relating to members’ complaints regarding excessive quotes for renewals and instances of refusal of coverage for modifications, refusal of coverage on larger capacity machines despite restrictor kits being fitted etc..

Motorcycle Tax Bands

In a recent meeting with John Keenan (Motor Taxation Dept, DoE) MAG Ireland proposal on revised Tax Bands and Tax Rates for motorcycles were discussed. Mr Keenan was of the opinion that the rates proposed by MAG were unrealistic and had little chance of being accepted especially in the current economic climate and in light of the lack of increases in Motor Tax applied to motorcycles between 1983 to 1991 and the single rate of IR£20 applied in 1992, but undertook to submit same for consideration to the Minister. Mr Keenan was much more amenable to the revised Tax Banding structure proposed by MAG and assured me that our proposal is being closely examined in this regard.

Road Pricing

The Oral Hearing on the M1 Toll Plaza is scheduled for December 11th 2001 at the Fairways Hotel, Dundalk. The list of Objectors includes Louth/Meath No Tolls Group and the Irish Road Haulage Association.

An Bord Pleanala has written informing us that they do not adjudicate on matters regarding tolling and that this is solely the concern of the N.R.A., which raises the question of the value of objecting to new schemes on tolling grounds.

The AA has called on the government and National Toll Roads to raise the toll barriers on the Westlink bridge during peak times to alleviate traffic congestion. They say in light of the unexpectedly high revenues generated from the Toll bridge that both the government and NTR can afford to absorb the costs involved. When the deal with Westlink was first incepted in 1987, daily traffic on the bridge was expected to be 45,000 per day by 2001, with the government receiving IR£6,400 daily ex. VAT (VAT was not envisaged as being levied); at the present time daily traffic is 70,000 per day generating a revenue of IR£33,000 daily. MAG will be approaching the AA to explain our position on exempting motorcyclists from tolls at this and other schemes as a way of reducing congestion.

Local Group Update
MAG Wexford and MAG Tipperary

Contact Gearoid O’Byrne for details of new groups planning to set up in Wexford and in Tipperary.

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.

International Update

MAG UK M4 Bus lane proposal

In the wake of sustained campaigning by MAG, the M4 bus lane will be opened to motorcycles under proposals announced by Transport Minister John Spellar today.

Furthermore the speed limit for the bus lane section will be increased from 50mph to 60mph. The increased speed limit will improve road users' journey times on the stretch which runs from junction four to the elevated section of the M4 near Chiswick. The speed limit on the elevated section will remain at 40mph.

Mr Spellar told MPs in a written reply to a Parliamentary Question:

"The effectiveness of the bus lane is closely monitored by the Highways Agency. They report that it continues to alleviate peak congestion on this busy section of the motorway but they recommend that the scheme could be improved by raising the speed limit between junction 4 and the elevated section to 60mph and the use by motorcycles of the lane designated for buses and taxis. I have agreed that the Highways Agency should consult on these changes and this consultation will be launched today."

Highways Agency Project Manager Paul Harwood said:"Allowing motorcyclists to use the lane would help to make their journeys safer by keeping them clear of lane changes by other vehicles. The Agency will be monitoring this change carefully and the results will help inform decisions on whether there is a wider case for motorcyclists to be allowed to use bus lanes."

The Highways Agency will now consult road users, local authorities and other interested parties. If the proposals are accepted the Agency will make the necessary alterations to the metal and electronic signs and the changes will come into affect next summer.

MAG Spokesman Ian Mutch:

'This is great news and shows that persistent lobbying does work, London & Home Counties MAG and MAG's employed lobbyists are to be congratulated on this result. Let us hope that all riders appreciate the efforts being made on their behalf and lend MAG their support through joining us.'

Main Actions and Decisions
Board October 3th

(omitted due to lack of space, copy available to members from MAG office or from the MAGLink compiler)
National Council

(omitted due to lack of space)
AGC

(minutes to be included in the next MAGLink)

=============================================
MAG Calendar
Board meetings

1st Wednesday every month, 7:30pm
National Council meetings (All local groups to attend)

February 2002: Venue and Date to be announced
Annual Group Conference (AGC):

Last weekend in October 2002, Abbey Court Hotel, Nenagh,Co. Tipperary from 12.30 to 5.30pm.

Registration starts at 11:30

See the MAG website http://www.iol.ie/~maglink/ for directions and further details.

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@tramway.ie)

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 Gearoid O’Byrne at 087-2607747, maglink@magireland.iol.ie

MAG Events

For further details of anything on the MAG calendar contact maglink@magireland.iol.ie

( or during office hours MAG Office at magsupport@magireland.iol.ie )

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Publication Deadlines

RoadRunner: February 15th, May 15th. August 15th, November 15th,

Letters and articles welcome, articles with pictures very welcome.

Send submissions to herb@iol.ie or to RoadRunner c/o MAG Office

MAGLink: Second Wednesday in the month.

MAG Ireland's Events Calendar, 2001

DECEMBER

1st, Toy Run, (Kildare - Kilkenny), Druids & Rooters MCC's, Pat Conlon, 087 - 959 8430

16, Toy Run (Dublin), Clondalkin MCC, Martin Convery, 01 624 6113

2002

August 16th/17th Stop the Rot, Venue to be announced.

Welsh National Motorcycle Show

Due to the change in the 2002 bank holiday weekend the hugely successful Welsh National Motorcycle Show will now take place on the 31st May - 3rd June 2002 at the Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells, Mid Wales.

FEMA festival : Koksijde Belgian Coast. weekend of 20/21/22 september 2002

FOR FREE LISTING PLEASE SEND IN YOUR 2002 EVENT DETAILS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

All Events in italics have been notified by the Vintage & Veteran Committee.

The above information is correct to our knowledge and belief as we got to press but MAG Ireland cannot guarantee

its accuracy. The next update will be issued along with the next issue of RoadRunner, due out soon.

The Events Calendar is also sent out monthly to all local MAG Groups and affiliated clubs and is posted on our web-site.

Details of any additional /revised events should be advised to the MAG office or directly to maglink@magireland.iol.ie.

MAG UK events can be seen online at the MAG UK website http://www.mag-uk.org .

BMF events http://www.bmf.co.uk

MAG Benefits
Member Benefits

* RoadRunner Magazine

* BikeShop Discounts, Contact office for list or http://www.iol.ie/~maglink

* Motorcycle Insurance

* Local Groups - Social Activity and Local Representation

* Information Service, (Info sheets, MAGLink and advice)

* Products

* Route Planning Service

* Discounts on VHI Health Insurance, Ferries, Accident Insurance and Breakdown Cover.

* MAG Credit Card

The discounts alone will save you much more than the membership fee every year.

Membership costs £20 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.

Affiliated Club Benefits

* Events Insurance
Public Liability Cover for your rally or event. Currently cover stands at under IR 60 for a one-off event of up to 5 days such as a rally. Please contact office for the information sheet on events insurance.

NOTE: Underwriting difficulties with Irish insurance are affecting the events insurance benefit. Please contact the MAG office for current details.

* Monthly MAG Events Calendar Update by Post

* 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 5000 Irish motorcyclists every quarter. The reduced rates for one issue are as follows:, Full Page B&W - IR 200, Half Page B&W - IR 100, Quarter Page B&W - IR 50

Club affiliation costs IR 20 per annum.
Information Sheets & Reps Resource Kit (November 2001)

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, IrishTouring, 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 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.

------------------------------------------------
MAG Products

ZIPPO lighters = IR 20.00 ea (Brass with MAG LOGO)

Hooded Sweatshirts = IR 20.00 each (Black,Zipped,MAG logo)

Premium T- shirts = IR 10.00 each (Black with MAG logo)

Nectectors = IR 10.00 each (Red or Black tubular neckwarmers)

Baseball Caps = IR 10.00 each (Black cloth, with MAG logo)

MAG Ireland Yellow Visibility Waistcoats = IR 12.00 each

MAG EIRE, RIDE FREE Patches = IR 3.00 each

RIDE FREE Adhesive stickers = IR 1.50 each

1999,2000 Members’ Metal Badges = IR 2.00 each

2001 Blue Enamel badge = IR 3.00 each

MAG embossed Leather Keyfob = IR 2.00 each

BOOKS

Pass Your Advanced Driving Test = IR 10.00 each

Motorcycle Roadcraft = IR 13.40 each

There is a Mail Order packing & postage charge of IR 3.00 on the Hooded Sweatshirts & of IR 1.00 on the waistcoats. All other items are including postage by ordinary post. These exclusive products are available from your local Group, 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.

Profits from the sale of MAG Products goes directly to campaigning for Riders Rights.

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MAG Advertising

Roadrunner is Ireland's largest circulation motorcycle magazine and is mailed directly to over 5000 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.

Shops

Single Colour Advertising Rates -

Full Page, Front Inner Cover £375 (euro 481)

Full Page, Rear Inner Cover £375 (euro 481)

Full Page, Back Cover £390 (euro 500)

TWO CENTRE PAGES £553 (euro 709)

Full Page (8" x 11.5") £350 (euro 448.71)

¾ Page (8" x 8") £263 (euro 337.17)

½ Page (8" x 5.75") £175 (euro 224.36)

¼ Page (3.75" x 5.75") £88 (euro 112.82)

1/8 Page (3.75" x 2.75") £44 (euro 56.41)

Discounts:

Two issues 10%, three issues 15%, four issues 20%

MAG Discount shops: additional 10% discount.

More than four issues, contact RoadRunner for special rates.

Clubs

* Events Advertising
As an additional benefit to affiliated clubs only, MAG are offering substantial discounts to advertise their rally in Roadrunner. The reduced rates for one issue are as follows:

Full Page IR£ 200, (euro 256.41)

Half Page B&W - IR£ 100, (euro 128.20)

Quarter Page B&W IR£ 50 (euro 61.10)

---------------------------------------------------
MAG Contacts
Board

(Composed of elected officers and responsible for the day to day running of MAG)

Eoin Kirwan: Chairman, IT Officer, Transport: 087 6166207 eoin@bikerider.com

Linda O’Loideoin: Treasurer, Member Queries/Consumer Issues

Jimmy Kenny: Product and Process Officer 01 4502330

Gearóid O Byrne: Local Groups Liaison geobyrne@indigo.ie

David French: European Liaison, Safety Officer +49 711 5590511 davidfrench@bikerider.com

Herb Finnegan: RoadRunner Liaison herb@iol.ie

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 Carlow:

Ger FitzGibbons 087 6781688 sner@oceanfree.net

MAG Cavan

Chair: Declan Brady 049 8640031

MAG Cork

Chair: Ger Donnelly 087 2354820 donely@esatclear.ie

Treasurer: Martin O'Driscoll

Committee member: David Robinson

MAG Donegal

Contact: Marty Boyle martyboyle@unison.ie

MAG Innishowen (region within Donegal)

Chair: Andy Robinson 077 76 054

MAG Dublin

Chair: Jimmy Kenny 01 4502330

MAG Galway

Chair:John Brinn 093 24694 (JJ Finn 086 8182188)

MAG Kerry

Chair: Baerbel Ott 087 2977992

MAG Kildare

Chair: Joe Swords 086 8974259 joeswords@tattoos.com

Secretary: BJ Martin 086 4006279 thedok@cyberdude.com

Treasurer: Dave Browne 087 6523582

Information Officer Dave Keeley 087 2692180 davkee@esatclear.ie

Events Secretary: Ivor Hemmingway 086 8150410

Road Hazards Officer: Karen Kiely 086 8632444

MAG Limerick

Chair: John Suckling 061 384342

NC Rep: Don Moloney moz@iol.ie

MAG Mayo

Chair: Robert Gibbons 094 22118 smartart@iol.ie

MAG Sligo

Chair: Eoin Lappin 071 43758 e_lappin@hotmail.com

AGM: February

MAG Westmeath

Chair: Greg Lennon 0902 72578

The remaining counties are currently not represented on the National Council. If you are interested in assisting please contact the MAG Office or the Local Group & Clubs Liaison Gearoid O’Byrne at 087-2607747, maglink@magireland.iol.ie

MAG Office

Karen Kiely: National Campaign’s Officer and RoadRunner Editor- 086 8632444 karenkiely@eircom.net

Herb Finnegan: RoadRunner Editor - 087 6790908 herb@iol.ie

Liz Keane Office Assistant

1b Ring Terrace, Inchicore, Dublin 8.

Tel: 01 453 0797 Fax: 01 453 3643

magsupport@magireland.iol.ie

Before ringing the MAG office please consider if it wouldn't be better ringing a 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: http://www.iol.ie/~maglink

General News Items

Getting MAGLink and passing it on

To receive MAGLink every month by email (free) send a blank message to imag_info-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

It costs MAG almost 10 pounds a year of member's money to have someone on the postal list and that money can be better spent fighting for riders rights. If you can get MAGLink by email instead then please do so and tell us.

Please forward your copy of MAGLink to other motorcyclists and please print out a few copies to drop into your local dealer / pub / friends without email.
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 November 2001, compiled by David French, (davidfrench@bikerider.com )

© Copyright : MAG Ireland

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

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.

Joey Dunlop Memorial Service

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

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

Hibernian Insurance Report:

On Tuesday 6th May 2003, an article appeared in the Irish Independent outlining proposals for changes in legislation concerning motorcyclists contained in a report made to the Department of Transport by Hibernian Insurance. It was reported that if these changes in legislation were not implemented by the Minister, Hibernian would cease to take on new clients under 25 who were provisional licence holders from July 1st 2003. This would effectively have prevented any new young motorcycle riders taking to the road as Carole Nash do not quote to this group. Following an urgent meeting with Hibernian by way of clarification, the matters raised were discussed at the recent MAG National Council meeting and MAG adopted positions on them as follows:

HIBERNIAN PROPOSAL 1: Enact legislation the introduction of Compulsory Basic Training programme.
NC POSITION 1: MAG agrees to CBT for all road users and will campaign for this position. If introduction of motorcycle-only CBT becomes inevitable, MAG will seek to protect riders' interests as far as possible (cost, standards, location, waiting lists, etc.)

HIBERNIAN PROPOSAL 2: Change Road Traffic laws to require the display of an L-plate by provisional PTW licence holders.
NC POSITION 2: Agreed.

HIBERNIAN PROPOSAL 3: Change road traffic laws to require the wearing of high visibility jacket with L thereon by provisional licence holders.
NC POSITION 3: Opposed. Creates a 'target effect' much greater than an L-plate alone, and likely to discourage the voluntary use of high visibility clothing by experienced riders. Could set a precedent for the possible introduction of compulsory hi-vis or protective clothing for all PTW riders.

HIBERNIAN PROPOSAL 4: Change road traffic laws to require the use by motorcyclists of headlights during daytime.
NC POSITION 4: Opposed. Will cause breakdowns for riders of some machines, removes the responsibility for observing motorcyclists from other road users. Riders will be held partially to blame for accidents which are not their fault.

HIBERNIAN PROPOSAL 5: Introduce penalty points for non-compliance with 2, 3, and 4 above.
NC POSITION 5: Opposed to proposal 3 and 4. Supports penalty points for non-compliance with provisional licence rules (including L-plate rule and pillions) provided this also applies equally to other classes of road user.

HIBERNIAN PROPOSAL 6: Amend penalty points regulations to provide for transferability of penalty points from/between motorcycle licenses and other vehicle licenses where separate licenses held.
NC POSITION 6: MAG's understanding is that when the computerised penalty points system is introduced, there will be one record per person therefore points collected in all classes of license held are amalgamated together. MAG is not opposed to such amalgamation.

HIBERNIAN PROPOSAL 7: Raise the minimum age for holding a motorcycle driving license to 18.
NC POSITION 7: MAG is totally opposed to this proposal, a gross and unwarranted interference with riders' rights. This proposal would set a dangerous precedent for future increases in the minimum age, is discriminatory, and is likely in contravention of the EU licensing directive.

HIBERNIAN PROPOSAL 8: Amend Road Traffic Act regulations which compel insurers to provide compensation to injured pillion passengers where the rider holds a provisional licence.
NC POSITION 8: MAG would have concerns with this proposal. On the one hand, this may reduce Third Party premiums for law-abiding riders. However, on the other hand, innocent injured parties will suffer through lack of compensation. MAG calls for enforcement of the existing law prohibiting carriage of pillion passengers by provisional licence holders.

HIBERNIAN PROPOSAL 9: Improve capacity and funding required to eliminate the driver / rider testing backlog.
NC POSITION 9: Agreed. MAG has been calling for this for many years, in addition to modernising the motorcycle test into a pursuit format, and placing increased emphasis in the car driving test on observation and awareness of vulnerable road users.

MAG has asked the Minister for Transport for a meeting to discuss these proposed changes.

VAT on Helmets

MAG Ireland's Submission to the European Commission regarding VAT on motorcycle helmets issued on Tuesday, 13th May. Copies of the Submission are being sent to FEMA and the Irish MEPs. A Press Release on this topic issued on Thursday 22th May. A copy of the Submission has been sent to Minister for Finance, Charlie McCreevy.

Insurance

· Submission made to Joint Committee on Enterprise and Small Business on subject of motorcycle insurance. Letter received from Senator Noel J Coonan in response to same.

· The principle of "insurable interest" and matters relating needs to be highlighted among members as a matter of urgency. It may be the case that members who have read only their Certificate of Insurance and not their entire Policy document are falling foul of the clause where they are insured to ride another motorcycle as long as it does not belong to them or is not hired to them. It is in fact the case that this 3rd party cover is only effective if the motorcycle the rider is borrowing is itself insured by the owner of the motorcycle. MAG has spoken to Colin Clarke of Carole Nash on this subject and asked him why this clause is not stated more clearly on the Certificate. He said that the underwriters had said that it was not feasible to do so due to space constraints. MAG requested that he look further into the matter with a view to resolving the confusion prevalent among members. MAG is awaiting his response and will be contacting him again on this matter.

Direct Access & Driver Testing

On foot of several complaints received from members, MAG recently wrote to Mr. Liam Keane of the Driver Testing Section to bring to his attention the practice by some examiners of failing to allow candidates to take the test on their motorcycles as they were "over 650cc", despite the fact that these machines fulfilled the requirements with regard to the current restrictions on A licences, i.e. power limit of 25Kw/34bhp or power-to-weight 0.16Kw per kg (Directive 91/439/EEC). Mr Keane has replied indicating that he has passed our letter to his colleague Mr Declan Naughten for reply.

And finally….. WEIRD NEWS OF THE MONTH: JESUS IN TROUBLE FOR NOT WEARING A HELMET A man riding a motorcycle while dressed as Jesus to celebrate Easter in Colombia was almost fined for not wearing a helmet. The man was acting out bible passages near the church of Maria Goretti in the streets of Las Delicias neighborhood in Cartagena.

Parish priest Aristobulo Duque told El Tiempo newspaper that Jesus was supposed to be on
a donkey but it had been stolen during the night so he decided to use a motorcycle
instead. The police officer who tried to fine him said: "You can be Jesus but you are on
a motorcycle and are not wearing a helmet. I feel bad but I have to fine you."

Witnesses say when the policeman tried to fine 'Jesus' the crowd started to boo and the priest convinced him not to do it. The priest said: "Can't you see he is Jesus? And in Jesus? times there were no helmets how could he wear one?" The policeman agreed and 'Jesus' was not fined.

2. MAG Calendar 2003
Board meetings
1st Wednesday every month, 7:30pm MAG Office, Dublin.

National Council meetings
Provisional - Saturday 9th August 2003.

Annual General Meeting
Provisional 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 Dublin: 3rd Tuesday of each month 8.30pm Four Provinces, Ranelagh,
(contact Mark Newman 086 847 2746. mnewman@tramway.ie )

MAG Kildare: Last Wednesday of the month, The Railway Bar, Eyre Street, Newbridge

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 at 087-2607747, 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.

June

14th Chopper Club Ireland, Annual Custom and Classic Bike Show..Castlelyons, Co. Cork. Top live bands, Trophies to be proud of, tattooist, all the usual stuff with an excellent atmosphere. E-mail: ireland@chopperclub.org for more details

15th The Third 'Great Red Ribbon Ride Out' A Sponsored Ride out event for a Limerick based HIV/AIDS Charity.. All riders must raise 100 euro per-bike on sponsor cards which will be available beginning of April. Thats 100 per bike not riders, so pillions do not raise the same (unless they want too!) Places are limited so register early Contact: John Simons @ 061-314354. Run will be around Limerick and Mid West Limerick - see further details at end of MAGLINK..........

21st Phoenix MCC Rally. Landscape, Clonlara, Co. Clare. Same
venue as last year. 2 Live bands and DJ. Hot food and camp site available. 086-3903977 or 087-7651300

27/29th Trixxxters MCC welcome you to our 3rd XXX-Rated Rally on 27th - 29th June 2003..Just six miles from Castlederg on the Killeter Rd, Co. Tyrone. N. Ireland. Wet T-Shirt competition is sponsored by Esprit Magazine with a Cash Prize and an optional glamour modelling contract available to the winner. Spot prizes for Best Fetish Outfits. Bands, Disco, Hot food, Stalls, T-shirts, Tattoo Show, Tattooing, Body Piercing. Custom Show and trophies on Sunday Morning. Shower Facilities. Secure campsite with disabled facilities.Weekend price with bike is £10.00 first 500 recieve a free badge. No Bike / No Badge. ADULT FUN AND LOTS LOTS MORE.Come on, You know it's Dirty and you Want it!To find out more and check out last years fun go to www.trixxxters.com
Tel: Terry on 07761723943 for more info or e-mail: ginsin_trixxxters@yahoo.co.uk

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 poster is attached at the end of this MAGLink……

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 Martin Convery at 0868598960 for more details

October

November

December

13th Clondalkin Motor Cycle Club are having their annual Toy Run, meeting Pheonix Park 12.30. All Welcome. Contact Martin Convery - 0868598960

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 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 May 2003, compiled by Gearóid O Byrne maglink@magireland.org
(c) Copyright : MAG Ireland

The Third 'Great Red Ribbon Ride Out'
The third annual 'Great Red Ribbon Ride Out' 2003 will take place this year on Sunday 15th June 2003 in Limerick. This date is actually the official Irish AIDS Day and we therefore want to make it somewhat special. To this end we are planning not only the Ride Out itself, but we are going to hold a street festival with stalls, music, food and give aways , so we hope for good weather !
The details are as follow : Riders can begin to assemble and register from 11.00 in Cecil Street, Limerick city centre, there will be entertainment on an on-going basis. The Mayor of Limerick will officially launch the ride out at 14.00 and we then head on to Nenagh, Roscrea, Birr, where there will be a one hour 'splash and dash' stop. Then on to Portumna, Mountshannon, Scarriff, Killaloe, Birdhill and back along the N7 to where it all began and hopefully will be continuing !. After our arrival there will be refreshments, live entertainment etc to complete the day in style. Total distance is just over 130 miles, around Lough Derg and some beautiful scenery.
There are some differences this year. Due to the Limerick City Council and the Gardai, places are STRICTLY Limited to the first 125 riders who register in advance. Also we have to, for the first time set a mandatory minimum amount for sponsorship in order to participate on the day and that amount is €100 per bike, not per person as this would be unfair to riders with pillions. Some people have complained already about this amount, but that cannot be helped, the purpose of this event is to raise awareness of the issue of HIV/AIDS, which has not gone away, but also to raise funds for our project to continue working with those affected by the virus in the our area, so, No Apologies.This is of course a minimum amount, there is no maximum !. Sponsor cards are available now from the Red Ribbon Project. 9 Cecil St. Limerick. contact John Simons, Event Organiser at 061-314354 or 086-31430249 or e-mail at assagai1@hotmail.com
Come and help us celebrate the day !!!!!!!!!

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

National Campaign Updates

Petition on 110% road tax increase

MAG is distributing copies of the road tax petition to all bike shop, clubs and local MAG groups. If you have not seen a copy then please contact the office or download one from the MAG website or from http:// groups.yahoo.com/group/ IMAG_INFO/files

Please return the signed copies to the MAG office before June 30th.

Motorcycle Awareness

15,000 copies of MAG's motorcycle awareness info sheet have been produced for nationwide distribution during May (international motorcycle awareness month). Local MAG Groups are encouraged to distribute the info sheets to car drivers at busy junctions, shopping centres, pubs and church gates and to promote the distribution using the local press. MAG is lobbying for government funded printing and distribution.

A copy of the awareness info sheet can also be downloaded from IMAG_INFO. http://groups.yahoo.com/ group/IMAG_INFO/files or from the MAG website.

Road Hazards

35 road hazard forms are currently open and on file with MAG. Dublin Corporation has been the most responsive.

Note to all MAG members : MAG maintains a file of all open road hazard forms. If you have had an accident which was caused by a road hazard then it is possible that that hazard has been reported to the council responsible and a copy is on file with MAG.

Diesel Spills

MAG is currently awaiting responses on sticker sponsorship.

Local Group Update

MAG Dublin : Demo ( ALL riders welcome )

A demo on the road tax issue has been arranged for Friday 25th May, 4.30 to 5.30 pm. Please assemble at the Custom House. Further details available from MAG Dublin or the MAG Office. The buslane access and motorcycle awareness issues will also receive attention.

Work is continuing in MAG Dublin on the Bikers Are Voters brochure and a DOE meeting covering the buslanes issue has been confirmed for May.

MAG Kildare : First Meeting

Eighty five bikes turned up at the Grand Hotel, Newbridge on April 25th. Elections were held and there is now a Chairman (Joe Swords) plus a Secretary, Treasurer, Information Officer and two Hazards Officers. A very lively and useful debate was held and a wide variety of concerns were raised. One of the main issues identified in Kildare is that of road conditions. Meetings will be held on the last Wednesday of the month. The current venue is the Grand Hotel, Newbridge.

MAG Limerick : Direct Access

Errata : MAGLink April reported that MAG Limerick was concentrating on Road Tax in their planned meetings with TDs. That should have read Direct Access.

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...

International Update

Phillipine motorway ban

MAG Ireland has received a heartfelt thanks from a founder member of the Phillipines riders rights group (Freedom Riders) as we were the first organisation to respond to their request for letters from abroad protesting the national motorway ban for bikes. The group is fighting the ban on several avenues and currently awaits a court injunction against the ban. See http:// www.motorcyclephilippines.com /pages/freeways.html for more info.

FEMA wins on democratic input to globalisation

At a meeting with the European Commission's (EC) Directorate General for Enterprise held on April 23rd,FEMA was informed that the Commission will fully involve the European Parliament (EP) and ensure greater democratic approval in the global harmonisation process.

Prior to this meeting, FEMA had started to campaign in the EP on the democratic deficit in the legislative process of worldwide harmonisation of regulations, particularly on new issues under the United Nations' 1998 Agreement. FEMA is very satisfied with the statement from the EC in favour of the Parliament's involvement through the co-decision procedure for regulations developed by the United Nations (UN), allowing Europe's democratic body to have a real influence in these proposals.

Vacancies Campaigns Officer (PAID position $$$)

Vacancies : MAG Ireland Campaigns Officer

Do you think motorcycling deserves to be promoted and protected ? Are you annoyed at the way motorcycles are constantly ignored or portrayed as dangerous by government policy ? Does the stereotyped image of the "stupid biker" infuriate you ?

Here is your chance to make it different. The Irish Motorcyclists Action Group is seeking to fill the paid position of Campaigns Officer at a national level.

We need someone to get MAG's message across.

The successful applicant will be:

* Able to negotiate and lobby for MAG positions. * Familiar with motorcyclist issues and MAG policy. * Confident and articulate speaking with press or other bodies. * Self motivated, organised and capable of working under board direction * Capable of analysing, formulating and recommending policy and strategy to NEC/ board * Competent with Internet and standard Office applications * Professional in all dealings on MAG's behalf. * Presentable as a motorcyclist (not necessarily suit and tie)

Experience, job satisfaction and recognition will be high. Perhaps you want to take some time out and change the world then maybe this is the position for you.

Past experience in voluntary organisations or riders rights groups particularly helpful.

Please send your CV including relevant experience and references to: Campaigns Officer, MAG Office, 1b Ring Terrace, Inchicore, Dublin 8 (or by email : dathaif@y...) to arrive before May 20th, 2001. Interviews will be held in Dublin in late May or June.

MAG Ireland is an equal opportunities employer. 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...) RoadRunner Editor and Advertising Manager MAG Ireland needs to fill the position(s) of RoadRunner Editor and Advertising Manager Please contact: Roadrunner Editor, MAG Office, 1b Ring Terrace, Inchicore, Dublin 8 (or by email : magsupport@m...)

Press releases

Main Actions and Decisions

NEC(Board) April 4th

Attending: Herb Finnegan, Catherine Donnelly, Jimmy Kenny, Eoin Kirwan, David French Excused: Rose Burns, Mark Burns

Anti-Theft Campaign Agreed to implement anti-theft campaign. Action: Herb to meet with Garda representative.

Dealers Sell membership A project to get dealers to sell a MAG membership with every bike sold. Following discussion it was agreed to proceed with a pilot project using 20 to 30 shops. Action: David French to develop a prototype package and pass to Office for implementation.

Bikers Are Voters Flyer Action: MAG Dublin to produce.

Saturday NEC Meetings To facilitate those outside Dublin, especially as far away as Cork, meeting on Saturdays would be more suitable. Action: NEC meeting now re-scheduled to first Saturday of every month.

Resource CD for representatives Action: David French to give final version to Eoin for duplication.

Poll on Website Action: Herb to do web site adjustments for poll, Yahoo instead of topica and info sheets in RTF

Budget 2001 Approved Action: Herb to install in Office.

Membership Campaign A concentration on fundamentals including stands at major shows and effective distribution of membership forms to all bike shops was agreed.

IWR Awareness demo in Kilkenny Action: David French to meet organisers and offer MAG support.

Paid Campaigns Officer: Action: Herb to place ad in papers, David to organise interviewing.

MAG Treasurer required: Action: David put in MAGLINK, Herb put in RR and on web.

National Council

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

======================== ===================== MAG Calendar NEC meetings 1st Saturday every month, 11am May 5, June 2, July 7, August 4, Sept 1, Oct 6, Nov 3, Dec 1. National Council meetings (All local groups to attend) Saturday, May 26th at 1pm, Crank House Hostel, Bannagher, Co. Offaly To book overnight accomodation (£8.00 a night) contact (0902) 57561 Anne O'Brien.

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: 2nd Wednesday of the month at Gerry O'Dea's, Mulgrave Street MAG Sligo: 1st Friday of each month 8.30pm in Foley's Pub, Sligo

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.

Sept 15 European Festival of Motorcycling

For further details of anything on the MAG calendar contact maglink@m... ( or during office hours MAG Office at magsupport@m... ) ------------------------------------------------ ----------- Publication Deadlines RoadRunner: May 15th, August 15th, November 15th, February 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.

General Events Calendar

MAY 5/6, Galway Rally, Galway VMCC, 091 751 489 11/13, The Gathering, Devils Disciples MC, Secretary, 086 404 9056 12/13, Looper's Rally '01 (Coolmeen, Clare), West Coast MCC, Kevin Collins, 065 682 8160 12/13, Inchigeela Run, Munster C & MCC, 021 841 824 17-20, Slievenamon Rally, IVVMCC, 01 831 3371 19/20, Break for the Border Rally (Donegal), Northern Tribe MCC, 086 317 4382 20, Great Red Ribbon Ride Out (Lm'ick), Red Ribbon Project, John Simons, 061 314 354 25/27, Borders Rally, Berwick, Borders MAG, Yosemite, 01573 430249 25-28, Welsh National M'cycle Show, Welsh Motorcycle Shows, Gary, 01286 830331

JUNE 2/3 Cork Car & Bike Run ,Munster VMCC, 091 751 489 9, 10th Pack Rally, venue to be announced, Lone Wolf MCC, Ray Brady, 067 – 313 74 10, Blue Smoke Run,Leinster CMCC, 056 299 56 16, Custom & Classic Bike Show (C'lyons) Chopper Club Irl, Secretary, ireland@c... 17, Meeting of the Water Run, IVVMCC, 087 250 1195 17, Veteran Run, D & DMCC, 01 298 6383 21/23, Iron Butt Rally, Roadrunner 1000 MCC, John Wheeler, 086 813 9033 23/24, 1st Salty Saddle Bags Rally (Ck Rd, W'fd), Tramore MCC,Tony McGrath, 051 391 323 23/24, 10th Velocity Rally (Louth), Ironhorsemen MCC, Declan Lynch, 046 522 06 23/24, Phoenix Rally (Clonakenny, Tipp), Phoenix MCC, Steve Jordan stevie@g... 24, Ballinspittle Run, West Cork MCC ,028 218 56 30/1, Full of the Flagon Rally (Ballyconnell, Cavan), Highciders MCC, Paul Carroll, 087 966 6368 30/1, Blackhills Custom & Classic, Devils Disciples MC, Secretary 086 404 9056 30/1, X-Rated Rally (Blacktown Arms, Tyrone), Trixxxters MCC, 078 999 65024 pamskiuk@y...

JULY 6/8, 10th Anniversary Rally (Ross, Kilmeaden,W'fd)Harley D. O's Club I., Cancelled 7, Missin' Link Rally, (Kerry), South West MCC, Ita Pattman, adrian&ita@e... 7/8, National Rally, Leinster CMCC, 056 299 56 13/15, Heinkel Treffen, IVVMCC, 01 846 3213 21/22, 10th Anniversary Rally (Tipperary), Celtic MCC, Brian Downes, 061 362 083 21/22, Savage Session, Slippy Clutch MCC, Joe Higginbotham, 045 529 022 21/22, Faro Rally, Portugal, Bill Heather (see NEC contact details) 27/29, Farmyard Bash (Kildare), Druids MCC, Ger Fox, 045 432 710

AUGUST 3/5, Hairy Ass Rally (Cross, Clare), Bren, 086 248 5305 11, Rebel Rider's Rally 2001, Rebel Riders MCC, Liam Long ,086 845 0569 12, Dead Man's Run, Leinster CMCC, 056 299 56 18/19, Stop the Rot Rally (Causeway, Kerry), MAG Ireland, Catherine Donnelly, 01 457 0634 18/19, Full Bore Rally, Illegals MCC, Lynn Dinsmore, 073 - 32305 20/25, International Rallies, Munster C & MCC, 021 841 824

SEPTEMBER 1, Harp Rally, Clondalkin MCC, Martin Convery, 01 624 6113 8/9, Wild Rose Rally, Wild Rose MCC, Betty Kelly, 068 429 89 9, Delgany Run, IVVMCC, 087 – 250 1195 14/16, Kick Ass Rally (Upstate New York), Celtic MCC New York, Ger Curtin 15, European Festival of Motorcycling, Kojkside Belgium, Contact MAG Office. 22, Annual Bash (Curraghglas, Cork), Black Widows Irl, Fiona Cormican, 087 2806290 22 , Joe O'Neill Run, Blackchurch RA, 01 837 4752 27/29, Iron Butt Rally (Germany), Roadrunner 1000 MCC, John Wheeler, 086 813 9033

OCTOBER 6, Vintage Run, West Cork MCC, 028 218 56 7, Hardship Run, Leinster CMCC, 056 299 56 19/21, Garden of Ireland Rally, IVVMCC, 087 250 1195 27/28, Autumn Run, Blackchurch RA, 01 837 4752 28, Rock Night, Slippy Clutch MCC, Joe Higginbotham, 045 529 022

NOVEMBER 17, Taney Autojumble & Show, IVVMCC, 01 298 0045

DECEMBER 8, Toy Run (Kildare - Kilkenny), Druids & Rooters MCC's, Pat Conlon, 087 959 8430 16, Toy Run (Dublin), Clondalkin MCC, Martin Convery, 01 624 6113

E&OE. Details of any additional/ revised events should be advised to the MAG office or Catherine Donnelly at (01) 457 0634, maglink@m...

MAG UK events can be seen online at the MAG UK website http://www.mag-uk.org . BMF events http:// www.bmf.co.uk

Special Mention : BMF Show. 19th/20th May, East of England Showground, Peterborough http://www.bmf.co.uk/events/ 2001-events/bmf-show/index- show-01.html ------------------------------------------------ - MAG Benefits Member Benefits

* RoadRunner Magazine * BikeShop Discounts, Contact office for list or http://www.iol.ie/ ~maglink * Motorcycle Insurance * Local Groups - Social Activity and Local Representation * Information Service, (Info sheets, MAGLink and advice) * Products * Route Planning Service * Discounts on VHI Health Insurance, Ferries, Accident Insurance and Breakdown Cover.

The discounts alone will save you much more than the membership fee every year. Membership costs £20 per annum, with reductions for young riders and partners.

To join now ring the MAG Office on (01) 4530797. Credit cards accepted.

Affiliated Club Benefits * Events Insurance Public Liability Cover for your rally or event. Currently cover stands at under £60 for a one- off event of up to 5 days such as a rally. Please contact office for the information sheet on events insurance.

* Monthly MAG Events Calendar Update by Post

* 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 5000 Irish motorcyclists every quarter. The reduced rates for one issue are as follows: Full Page Colour - £250, Full Page B&W - £200, Half Page Colour - £125, Half Page B&W - £100, Quarter Page Colour - £63, Quarter Page B&W - £50

Club affiliation costs £20 per annum. Information Sheets & Reps Resource Kit (April 2001) MAG Office currently has information sheets on

Accidents a Legal Perspective, Anti Theft, Benefits, Bike Promotion, Bike Rental, BikesUnder25kW / 34bhp, Discount Shops, Drink Driving, Driving Test, Events Insurance, FEMA, Group Riding, Importing a Bike, IrishTouring, Licence Regulations, Long Distance Riding, MAG History, New Member, Ride Safely, Local Groups, European Lobbying. Training, Motorcycle Awareness

MAG's Information Sheets can be found at http://www.iol.ie/ ~maglink

MAG issues a computer CD (latest version April 2001) which contains the reps handbooks, info sheets, local group report template and useful forms such as road hazard and membership. There's also a very wide selection of research and motorcycle promotion material useful when lobbying and for background information. Future versions with more material on MAG issues are planned. Copy one from your local group or contact the MAG Office. ------------------------------------------------ MAG Products ZIPPO lighters = £20.00 ea (Brass with MAG LOGO) Hooded Sweatshirts = £20.00 each (Black,Zipped,MAG logo) Premium T- shirts = £10.00 each (Black with MAG logo) Nectectors = £10.00 each (Red or Black tubular neckwarmers) Baseball Caps = £10.00 each (Black cloth, with MAG logo)

MAG Ireland Yellow Visibility Waistcoats = £12.00 each

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 each 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, 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. ------------------------------------------------ --- MAG Contacts National Executive Council (Composed of elected officers and responsible for the day to day running of MAG)

Herb Finnegan Chairman, Communications, 087 6790908 herb@i...

Catherine Donnelly Vice-Chair, Group&Clubs Liaison,01 4570634 maglink@m...

David French European Liaison,+49 711 5590511 davidfrench@b...

Jimmy Kenny Rider Security & Safety, 01 4502330

Eoin Kirwan, Transport 087 6166207 eoin@b...

Co-opted NEC members: Rose Burns Safety, Transport Working Group rose_burns66@h...

Mark Burns Insurance Working Group 086 845 4750 mark.burns4@s... National Council (Composed of elected county representatives and responsible for the overall running of MAG)

MAG Carlow Ger FitzGibbons 087 6781688 sner@o... MAG Cavan Declan Brady 049 8640031 MAG Cork Ger Donnelly 087 2354820 donely@e... MAG Donegal Michael McCoskey 086 8752661 (sec. magdonegal@y... ) MAG Dublin Jimmy Kenny 01 4502330 MAG Galway John Brinn 093 24694 (JJ Finn 086 8182188) MAG Kerry Baerbel Ott 087 2977992 MAG Kildare Joe Swords 045 434240 joeswords@t... MAG Limerick Don Moloney moz@i... MAG Longford Sean Mulroy 043 48698 bikechic@u... MAG Louth&Meath JA Finnegan 041 9833853 herb@i... MAG Mayo Robert Gibbons 094 22118 smartart@i... MAG Sligo Eoin Lappin 071 43758 e_lappin@h... MAG Westmeath Greg Lennon 0902 72578

The remaining counties are currently not represented on the National Council. If you are interested in assisting please contact the MAG Office or the Local Group & Clubs Liaison Catherine Donnelly at (01) 457 0634, maglink@m...

Local MAG Group Chairpersons (where different from county NC rep) MAG Limerick John Suckling 061 384342 MAG Innishowen Andy Robinson 077 76 054

MAG Office Maeve Roche Administration Secretary and Media Relations Liz Keane Office Assistant

1b Ring Terrace, Inchicore, Dublin 8. Tel:01 453 0797 Fax: 01 453 3643 magsupport@m...

Before ringing the MAG office please consider if it wouldn't be better ringing a 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: http://www.iol.ie/ ~maglink ------------------------------------------------ ----- Classified Ads MAG's website ( http:// www.iol.ie/~maglink/ads.htm ) contains classified ads for Irish bikes. General News Items MAG Office closed for renovations The MAG office will be closed for a few days during May / June for renovations. If you experience difficulties getting through then send a letter or email rather than phoning. TT cancelled Due to the foot and mouth epidemic the Isle of Man TT races will not be held in 2001.

Motorist '70pc to blame' for bus lane crash with biker

A salesman, who was driving illegally in a restricted bus lane when he was knocked off his motorbike, has been awarded almost £10,000 damages for personal injuries against a motorist who cut across his path.

Judge Michael O'Shea said in the Circuit Civil Court that motorist Jennifer Smyth, of Barton Road East, Dundrum, Dublin, while turning left across the bus lane had an extremely high duty of care to check it out properly.

He told Mr Aidan Redmond, counsel for motorcyclist Jonathan Tuthill (21) of Turret Road, Palmerstown, Dublin, that responsibility for the accident did not rest fully with his client simply because he had been illegally using the bus lane.

Ms Smyth had not been entitled to assume that a "quick glance in the rear mirror" was sufficient to discharge all precautions incumbent upon a driver crossing a laneway. She should have made a proper check for buses, taxis or cyclists entitled to use the bus lane.

"If she took all proper precautions then I am at a loss to understand why she did not see any traffic on the bus lane prior to impact," said the judge.

Judge O'Shea held that while Ms Smyth had been driving in the proper lane on Northumberland Road, Dublin, in October 1999, she was 70pc responsible.

Irish Independent 24/4/01

New mandatory driver theory test for learners

People seeking a provisional licence after April 25th will first have to pass a driver theory test, the Minister of State at the Department of the Environment Mr Bobby Molloy announced. The mandatory theory tests are being introduced to encourage safer driving standards and behaviour, the Minister said.

The Driver Theory Testing Service will commence on June 11th after which date anyone applying for a provisional licence will first have to pass the test. In the meantime, provisional licences can be obtained for a 90 day period and the balance of the normal two years will be granted on passing the theory test.

Each test will comprise of 40 questions where 35 correct answers will be needed to pass. The theory test will be based on a bank of 743 questions which will be published by the Driver Theory Testing Service in book and CD formats. Queries to 1890 606 106

MAG welcomes this move by the DOE&LG and will be checking that the bank of questions contains sufficient coverage of motorcycle awareness for car drivers.

(Update: According to the DOE&LG we have to wait for the question list to be sent over from the UK.)

Irish Bike Theft Figures

In the first nine months of 1999 there were 137 larcenies of Irish motorcycles (this does not include unauthorised takings which are many times more). Of these 137 only 5 motorcycles were recovered. The 137 motorcycles (with an average value of 1555) comprised 17% of all vehicles stolen. Criminal proceedings were commenced in 9 cases resulting in zero convictions by end of September when all nine cases were still pending at district court level.

Source: Garda Annual Crime Report 1999.

eRiders Computer support for MAG

A team from the motorcycle- ireland eGroup (the eRiders) have volunteered to help MAG along by checking the computer systems are working and configured properly and keeping the virus and backup systems up to date. FEMA Benefit weekend in Belgium The weekend of September 15th the European Festival of Motorcycling will be held in Kojkside Belgium, Advance tickets entitle you to breakdown cover in Belgium and ferry discounts. The event itself will be near a beach and have a standard rally with decent bands plus competitions, drag races, test bikes, bike show. Amsterdam and all it's attractions is only up the road if you want to make a holiday out of it. More details will be in RoadRunner and there'll be groups heading over if you don't want to travel alone. Weekend advance tickets discounted to10 euros from MAG office. Buy a ticket anyway and support FEMA.

Contact MAG Office for advance tickets and info.

Getting MAGLink

To receive MAGLink every month by email (free) send a blank message to imag_info- subscribe@yahoogroups.com

It costs MAG almost 10 pounds a year of member's money to have someone on the postal list and that money can be better spent fighting for riders rights. If you can get MAGLink by email instead then please do so and tell us.

Download MAGLink in Microsoft Word RTF format from: http:// groups.yahoo.com/group/ IMAG_INFO/files (it is easier to read and looks better on paper than the email- friendly text version)

Please forward your email copy of MAGLink to other motorcyclists. 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 May 2001, compiled by David French, (davidfrench@b... ) © Copyright : MAG Ireland

LOCAL GROUP CHAIRMEN & CLUB OFFICERS PLEASE NOTE:

CLUBS LIAISON, EVENTS & SOCIAL: Catherine Donnelly. Contact Catherine on 01 457 0634 or email: maglink@magireland.iol.ie.

LOCAL GROUPS (Development & Issues): David Gibson - Contact MAG Office 01 453 0797, Mobile 086 832 5780, or email gensec@magireland.iol.ie

ADMINISTRATION (membership, club insurance, products): Maeve Roche, Admin Secretary, Contact MAG Office 01 453 0797 or email: magsupport@magireland.iol.ie.

ROADRUNNER: Ray Beach has taken-on the task of editing the next issues of the magazine. Suitable articles on subjects like Rider Profiles, Favourite Roads, Owners' Bike Tests, Motorcycle Maintenance are welcome. Manuscripts and adverts should be sent by email to: roadrunner@magireland.iol.ie. Photos & written material should be posted to the Office, 1b Ring Terrace, Inchicore, Dublin 8.

IRISH DEVELOPMENTS

Direct Access

Several postcards will be included in every copy of the June edition of RoadRunner. More are available from MAG Reps, motorcycle shops or the MAG Office. Please post it to Mr Noel Dempsey TD. Minister at the Department of the Environment.

During the Summer MAG will campaign on the following issues: Direct Access, Roads Maintenance, Motorcyclist Awareness and Insurance Choice. A National Day of Action is planned for Saturday 19th August. Our demand is very clear and very simple. Motorcyclists want parity with other road users

Powered-Two-Wheelers in the City, Parking, Bus Lanes & 'Quality Bus Corridors' Campaigns

Fingal Council and Superquinn are to be congratulated on establishing secure motorcycle parking bays in Swords and at the Sundrive Road store. MAG Dublin are working on a survey of where motorcycle parking is needed in the Dublin Corporation area. Contact Jimmy Kenny, Dublin Rep. Cork MAG and the Cork Echo paper are lobbying Cork Corporation. MAG Longford/Westmeath are active. Demand creates supply - Demand !!

EYROY 2000

O.K!. So obviously you haven't been nice enough or violent enough! At the closing date we had received a grand total of 2, yes 2 applications. So firstly we are extending the closing date to July 9th to give you all a chance to rush off and either send in your applic-ations, or encourage! others to do so. Secondly and in many ways of equal importance I've had no response to my appeal for prizes/sponsorship.

As an organisation MAG needs young people to join so as to carry on fighting for bikers' rights, if we don't encourage them after a few years they'll get fed up with the hassle, especially where licences are concerned, and go off and start driving cars. Secondly we need to raise public awareness about us so when we are fighting the government they are on are side and not indifferent or worse still against us. So come on help out get participants and or prizes/sponsors.

EVENTS INSURANCE

Clubs must be affiliated to MAG Ireland. Annual affiliation fee is £20- per club.

Public Liability: Club Insurance Scheme is, strictly, cover for clubs for their legal liability for third party injury or third party property damage arising from the organisation of their events. It covers Runs, BBQs, Rallies, etc. It does not take on risks insured under other policies, ie pub owners. Cover for hired-in plant (Marquees, generators, etc) is extra.

For a claim to succeed, the 3rd party would need to prove that their injury or property damage was caused by the negligence of the Policyholder. If the policy is extended to indemnify another party, such as a property owner, this would mean the Policy picking up claims which are purely due to the negligence of the property owner.

If the club hires a marquee and a rally-goer accidentally slips on a beercan and breaks an arm, then our insurer takes the claim. If the rally is in a pub or hall and somebody falls on a slippy floor, or a rock band hired by the club sets the pub's faulty wiring on fire which burns down the pub, then the pub-owner is at fault and any claim has nothing to do with the club. If there are claims being paid under this scheme which have nothing to do with MAG or our clubs, this could mean the premiums would increase due to other peoples' negligence and make the scheme too expensive for clubs. Where property-owners already have their own Public Liability Insurance, the practice of indemnifying property-owners will be stopped.

Club Liability Policy insurance rates @ £35.98 per event or from £77.10 per annum are unchanged for 2000. The first £250 in each claim is excluded. Call the Office in good time (min 5 days) for event or annual public liability insurance.

PRODUCTS:

If a club or local group wants inventory for a rally or meeting, they can obtain stocks by contacting the office in good time (5 days). Alternatively products may be purchased by visiting the Office, by phone, mail order or via e-mail.

Sew-on MAG Eire, Ride Free patches: 3.00
Ride Free stickers 2.00
Year 1999 Enamel badge Red 2.00
Year 2000 enamel badge Yellow 3.00
MAG Eire T-shirt 8.00
MAG Neckwarmer 10.00
MAG Baseball Cap 10.00
MAG Zippo lighter 20.00

NEW WEBPAGE

MAG Ireland has a new Web Site - please use the following address, where necessary & change your Favourites

www.iol.ie/~maglink.

INTERNET CLASSIFIED ADVERTS

A new facility for members: if you have a bike, or bits, or whatever, for sale, exchange or wanted, we can now offer FREE Internet classified adverts. Send details of your advert to the office, please.

IRISH RIDER TRAINING ASSOCIATION

Contact: IRTA Phone 01 453 0797 & we will give you a Driving Test Help sheet and a List of instructors and put you in touch with your nearest trainer:

Terry Cronin (N Dublin) David Gibson (S Dublin) Jim Fisher (Longford) Marc O'Loideoin (S Dub)
David McMahon (Athlone) Ray Murray (N Dublin)

RoSPA preparation of the successful wanabes has started, leading to inclusion in the Instructor Preparation Course. Everyone on our list should have been contacted by now. If not please tell the MAG Office.

RoadRunner and MAGLINK

Please keep the office fully informed of the date and venues of your regular meetings and of all other events and activities. News of events, insertion in the new Local Groups Calendar with if at all possible good quality photographs afterwards - most welcome. Advise the MAG Office All Club Events should be either notified directly to the Clubs Liaison Officer at 01 - 457 0634 or by e-mail maglink@magireland.iol.ie or sent to the MAG Office.

MISCELLANEOUS

The Motorcycling Marshals Association
is in urgent need of bodies to marshal the new racing season. Remember people - no marshals, no races. If you can spare a few hours, you get to see the races free! Phone Orla on 4930997 or Tony on 4947820.

Roll of Honour
Brian Swee'Pea Bolger R.I.P. 8th April 2000

Swee'Pea (Brian Bolger) of the Rooters MCC was tragically killed on the 8th April on his way to the Rising Sun Rally. It has been a grievous blow to the biking community to lose such a young, cheerful man who brightened the lives of those around him with his ready smile and sunny nature. Ironically, Swee'Pea was a finalist in the Irish heat of the European Young Rider of the Year Awards last year. He was involved in many charitable events and along with the Rooters had a special association with St. Patrick's Special School in Kilkenny. Over 500 bikers attended his removal and funeral to bid him a poignant farewell on his final earthly journey. For all of us who knew Swee'Pea - we will never forget you, ride free through the heavens forever.

DATATAG

Special MAG discounts with every unit sold. Protect your property against crime.

STOP THE ROT

Our Annual Fundraiser of the year - the MAG Benefit Weekend - Stop the Rot Rally will take place on 19th/20th August. The venue is The Portlick Inn, Glasson, Athlone. A lot of organisation is going in to ensuring this rally is a success and a memorable and enjoyable event for all concerned. Games have been organised and include: slow bike race - lancer - seesaw - grab the weeny - bungee run - reverse pillion obstacle course. We need the support of all local groups to help out and have called on our affiliated clubs to lend a hand with security. Local groups will be contacted in order to ascertain how many people will be available and rosters will then be prepared. The more people chip in with a couple of hours of their time, the less work there will be for all concerned, but we need to have definite numbers.

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. Campaign 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. Campaign Updates

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

· Meetings sought with Martin Cullen (Environment) to discuss non-national roads and motor tax issues. No date set as yet.

· Meetings sought with opposition spokespersons on Transport and Environment issues.

· Ongoing correspondence with politicians at local, national and European levels on various issues.

In light of the recommendations in the recent White Paper on European Transport Policy for 2010, it can reasonably be expected that greater consideration will be given to the needs and concerns of motorcyclists when formulating the Transport policies for individual member states. The positive response from Brussels can only aid MAG Ireland when negotiating with national government.

Key recommendations in the White Paper:

· The Third Road Safety Action Programme should focus on solutions to reduce high risks for motorcyclists.

· “for all safety systems requiring user intervention (helmets, safety belts) to be encouraged…”

· Support …improved mobility for…motorcyclists…through institutional investment, subsidies and legislation reflecting this preference;…”

Other recent campaigns correspondence:-

* Letter received from Dana supporting our position on VAT on Helmets
* Patricia McKenna (MEP) writing to Commission supporting MAG's position on VAT on Helmets
* Meeting being arranged with Denis Naughten (FG spokesperson on Transport)
* Submission to Joint Commission on Enterprise & Small Business being prepared on cost of motor insurance and recommendations of MIAB Report.
* NRA Bye Law hearing on Drogheda By Pass due shortly - have contacted NRA for date and await their reply.

Local Groups – following a successful first meeting on Tuesday the 25th March 2003 at Freddy’s Bar, Screen, Co. Wexford, a new local group has kicked off in the Wexford area. They will meet there on the last Tuesday of each month at 8.30pm – contact Martin Sills at 087 – 6628595 for further information.

2. MAG Calendar 2003

Board meetings

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

National Council meetings

Confirmed - Saturday 17th May 2003 Crank House Hostel, Banagher, Co. Offaly 1.00pm –

Provisional – Saturday 9th August 2003.

Annual General Meeting

Provisional 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, Sherrif 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 Dublin: 3rd Tuesday of each month 8.30pm Four Provinces, Ranelagh,

(contact Mark Newman 086 847 2746. mnewman@tramway.ie)

MAG Kildare: Last Wednesday of the month, The Railway Bar, Eyre Street, Newbridge

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 at 087-2607747, 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.

Urgent Note – the Rooters MCC Rally may not be going ahead due to Insurance difficulties – watch here and on the MAG Website for further details….

The Irish Motorcycle and Scooter Show was held at the RDS on the 7th – 9th March 2003. It was a great success for MAG Ireland whose stand generated about €5,000 in new and renewed memberships and products. Let’s hope the event will be held again next year and will be even bigger and better!

April 2003

13th

* MAG Cork, in association with the Wild Geese MCC Present the 4th Annual Easter Egg run in aid of the Leukaemia Fund. Sunday 13th April, 2003. 2:30 pm, Youghal Market Square to An Cruiscin Lan, Douglas Street.

19 -20th.

* Celtic Soul Scooter Club 5th Anniversary Rally at the Lakeside Hotel and Leisure Centre, Killaloe, Co Clare, April 19th and 20th.
* Leinster Classic Easter Show - April 20th and 21st - St Marys Academy, Carlow.

26th

* Slippy Clutch MCC and Reptile Racing, Savage Rocknight, 26th April 2003 The Cush Inn, Kildangan House, Kildangan, Co Kildare.Contact Joe at 045 529022 or 086 8431576

May

June

14th

* Chopper Club Ireland, Annual Custom and Classic Bike Show..Castlelyons, Co. Cork. Top live bands, Trophies to be proud of, tattooist, all the usual stuff with an excellent atmosphere. E-mail: ireland@chopperclub.org for more details.

15th

* The Third 'Great Red Ribbon Ride Out' A Sponsored Ride out event for a Limerick based HIV/AIDS Charity.. All riders must raise 100 euro per-bike on sponsor cards which will be available beginning of April. Thats 100 per bike not riders, so pillions do not raise the same (unless they want too!) Places are limited so register early Contact: John Simons @ 061-314354. Run will be around Limerick and Mid West Limerick – see further details at end of MAGLINK..........

21st

· Phoenix MCC Rally. Landscape, Clonlara, Co. Clare. Same
venue as last year. 2 Live bands and DJ. Hot food and camp site available. 086-3903977 or 087-7651300

27-29th

* Trixxxters MCC welcome you to our 3rd XXX-Rated Rally on 27th - 29th June 2003..Just six miles from Castlederg on the Killeter Rd, Co. Tyrone. N. Ireland. Wet T-Shirt competition is sponsored by Esprit Magazine with a Cash Prize and an optional glamour modelling contract available to the winner.
Spot prizes for Best Fetish Outfits. Bands, Disco, Hot food, Stalls, T-shirts, Tattoo Show, Tattooing, Body Piercing. Custom Show and trophies on Sunday Morning. Shower Facilities. Secure campsite with disabled facilities.Weekend price with bike is £10.00 first 500 recieve a free badge. No Bike / No Badge. ADULT FUN AND LOTS LOTS MORE.Come on, You know it's Dirty and you Want it!To find out more and check out last years fun go to www.trixxxters.com.Tel: Terry on 07761723943 for more info ore-mail: ginsin_trixxxters@yahoo.co.uk

July

12th & 13th

* Rogues MCC, yearly bash. Traynors Pub, Lisnagear, Cootehill. Co.Cavan
3 Live Rock Bands, Marquee, Camp site, Hot Food, Bon-fire.
Usual Prizes. After Live Bands have finished, All nite DJ starts.
Phone: 086-6041949, Chris Monahan

19th & 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.mcui.ie/circuit/BSBmain.htm 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

25th -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 045/864566.

August

2nd - 3rd

16th/17th

* 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

* MAG Ireland presents the Stop The Rot Rally at The Portlick Inn, Glasson, Athlone, Co. Westmeath.

September

6th

* Clondalkin Motor Cycle Club are having their annual rally. Contact Martin Convery at 0868598960 for more details

October

November

December

13th

* Clondalkin Motor Cycle Club are having their annual Toy Run, meeting Pheonix Park 12.30. All Welcome. Contact Martin Convery - 0868598960

14th

* Middleton to Cork city Toy run, Details to follow closer to said date. Contact Stevo at 0868895472
Other Information: Details to follow closer to said date.

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

Unelected local representatives invited 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 March 2003, compiled by Gearóid O Byrne maglink@magireland.org

© Copyright : MAG Ireland

The Third 'Great Red Ribbon Ride Out'

The third annual 'Great Red Ribbon Ride Out' 2003 will take place this year on Sunday 15th June 2003 in Limerick. This date is actually the official Irish AIDS Day and we therefore want to make it somewhat special. To this end we are planning not only the Ride Out itself, but we are going to hold a street festival with stalls, music, food and give aways , so we hope for good weather !

The details are as follow : Riders can begin to assemble and register from 11.00 in Cecil Street, Limerick city centre, there will be entertainment on an on-going basis. The Mayor of Limerick will officially launch the ride out at 14.00 and we then head on to Nenagh, Roscrea, Birr, where there will be a one hour 'splash and dash' stop. Then on to Portumna, Mountshannon, Scarriff, Killaloe, Birdhill and back along the N7 to where it all began and hopefully will be continuing !. After our arrival there will be refreshments, live entertainment etc to complete the day in style. Total distance is just over 130 miles, around Lough Derg and some beautiful scenery.

There are some differences this year. Due to the Limerick City Council and the Gardai, places are STRICTLY Limited to the first 125 riders who register in advance. Also we have to, for the first time set a mandatory minimum amount for sponsorship in order to participate on the day and that amount is €100 per bike, not per person as this would be unfair to riders with pillions. Some people have complained already about this amount, but that cannot be helped, the purpose of this event is to raise awareness of the issue of HIV/AIDS, which has not gone away, but also to raise funds for our project to continue working with those affected by the virus in the our area, so, No Apologies.This is of course a minimum amount, there is no maximum !. Sponsor cards are available now from the Red Ribbon Project. 9 Cecil St. Limerick. contact John Simons, Event Organiser at 061-314354 or 086-31430249 or e-mail at assagai1@hotmail.com Come and help us celebrate the day !!!!!!!!!

A monthly update from the Irish Motorcyclists Action Group.

MAG Ireland : Representing Riders

The progress reported below in promoting and protecting motorcycling has been possible because of your support.

New Member Benefit Free entry to Norway’s largest Motorcycle Rally............. 2

Update on last month’s freebie...................... 2

Campaign Updates....... 2

Local Group Update......... 2

North Tipperary/South Offaly MAG........ 2

MAG Limerick Update..... 2

General News Items............. 3

VRT reduced from 2002. 3

Main Actions and Decisions 3

MAG Calendar...................... 3

Board meetings.. 3

National Council meetings (All local groups to attend)..... 3

2002 Annual Group Conference (AGC):..... 4

MAG Local Group meetings.. 4

Publication Deadlines 4

MAG Ireland's Events Calendar, 2002.......... 5

Overseas events...... 5

MAG Benefits 6

Member Benefits... 6

Member Benefit: FREE entry to Farmyard Party in the UK............ 6

Special deal for MAG members going to Donington Park in July 6

Affiliated Club Benefits... 7

Information Sheets & Reps Resource Kit (March 2002)........ 7

MAG Products...................... 7

MAG Advertising. 8

Shops...... 8

Discounts: 8

Clubs....... 8

MAG Contacts...................... 8

Board....... 8

National Council and Local MAG Group Contact Details..... 9

MAG Office................ 10

Cash for MAG Recruiters.. 10

Members Classified:.. 10

Disclaimer.. 11

To receive MAGLink every month by email (free) send a blank message to imag_info-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

NOTE: MAGLink February was skipped as RoadRunner went out to all members in February.

New Member Benefit Free entry to Norway’s largest Motorcycle Rally

Responding to the free event offered by MAG UK, NORGESTREFFET (Rally Norway) offers free entrance to FEMA members! (ie incl MAG Ireland) NORGESTREFFET is Norway's largest motorcycle rally, with some 2-3000 participants. The rally is organised by NMCU (MAG in Norway) in cooperation with a member club.

This year's rally is hosted by Sandnes MC, a club from the south-western part of Norway. NORGESTREFFET 2002 will be held in Sandnes, near the city of Stavanger, on 13th - 16th June 2002.

To be eligible riders must present a current passport from their country of origin with a matching membership card for a national FEMA member organisation, such as MAG Ireland, SMOTO or SMC. They must also be riding a bike with a registration plate from their country of origin. More information will come on http://www.sandnesmc.com/ and http://www.nmcu.org/

Update on last month’s freebie

Further to last month’s announcement of FREE entry for MAG Ireland members to the Farmyard rally in Yorkshire find below the website for the event. http://yorkshire.mag-uk.org/farmyard_party.htm

Campaign Updates

See the February issue of RoadRunner for a comprehensive rundown on MAG’s campaigns progress Major thank to Karen Kiely for the work she is putting in as Campaigns Officer .

Local Group Update

North Tipperary/South Offaly MAG

A highly successful first meeting of the new North Tipperary/South Offaly MAG local group was held on Thursday the 21st February 2002 at the Mill House, Birr Road, Roscrea. About 40 people attended the meeting, (which, given the weather conditions prevailing, was an excellent turnout) Paul O'Dwyer was elected unopposed as Chairman of the new group and Camillus (sp?) similarily elected as NC Representative. The new group will meet on the 4th Thursday of each month at 8.30pm at the Mill House, Birr Road, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary and all are welcome.

Thanks also to those members of MAG Limerick who attended for giving their support.
MAG Limerick Update

24th February 2002.

Hello fellow bikers!

Another year – weather’s still bad, so what else is new? Still, for all you hardy bikers, that’s not going to stop us now, is it? Just got off the bike and I’m soaked but happy!

Firstly, following our AGM on February 6th, I’d like to say thank you to all those of you who came and voiced your opinions. All matters raised will all be taken up and addressed. Clare MAG members were invited to partake, however distance played a big factor in the low Clare turnout. It was suggested that Clare should set up their own MAG. If someone wants to grab the bull by the horns and start this up, we’re here to support you.

As you will see from the inside cover, we have elected a new committee for 2002.

Don Moloney (Moz – to you and me) is our Chairman and National Council Rep.

Keith McGlynn (Keg) decided that he liked the feel of money so we’re keeping him as our Treasurer.

Alex Quinn was volunteered to be our Secretary – hope he knows what he’s letting himself in for!

Karl Murphy has decided to remain on as our Club’s Liaison Officer.

Finally then there’s me, Shar Curtin, drafted in as P.R.O., and hoping to bring you all the news on MAG Limerick for the year – so bear with me till I get my brain in gear and try and live up to my title!

On the point of committees – I’m going to take this opportunity to say thank you to our outgoing committee. John Suckling and Andy Jordan – Chair and PRO, both of whom did a great job over the past year. Big biker boots to fill! We would like to wish them both well. Keep in touch boys!

Our Christmas Toy Run was a great success. Many thanks to all those of you who took time out to join in the fun and raise funds and toys for the Children’s Unit in the Regional Hospital, Bernardos, Childline, Adapt House and Share-A-Dream. It was wonderful to see the kids faces light up when Santy and his little helpers came to see them. Hope u can all join in again with us this year!

Finally some more good news.

On Thursday 21st February, the first meeting took place in Roscrea for North Tipperary/South Offaly MAG. We were invited to participate and made feel very welcome. We want to wish Paul O’Dwyer (Froggie) and his new committee every success. Anything you want to ask boys, ask us, we all had to start somewhere!

I should have more information on runs and meets for the next edition!

Nice to meet you all.

Ride safe.

Shar (yamxv250@hotmail.com)

P.R.O. M.A.G. LIMERICK.
General News Items
VRT reduced from 2002

Irish motorcycle VRT (Vehicle Registration Tax) has been reduced by 21%. Prior to the introduction of the euro the tax was £2 per cc up to 350cc and £1 per additional cc. Starting in 2002 it's 2 euro up to 350cc and 1 euro thereafter.

This is a reduction of 21%. On a 750cc motorcycle this represents a saving of 300 euro on the cost of a new motorcycle. MAG welcomes this change as a positive step towards encouraging motorcycling.

Main Actions and Decisions

(Minutes are summarised or omitted depending on resources, copy available to members from MAG office or from the MAGLink compiler)

=============================================
MAG Calendar
Board meetings

1st Wednesday every month, 7:30pm
National Council meetings (All local groups to attend)

Date and place of next National Council meeting to be decided.
2002 Annual Group Conference (AGC):

This is planned for the last weekend in October 2002, Abbey Court Hotel, Nenagh,Co. Tipperary

Watch the MAG website http://www.iol.ie/~maglink/ for directions and further details.

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

AGM February 9th

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@tramway.ie)

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, The Railway Bar, Eyre Street, Newbridge

MAG Limerick: Every 2nd Wednesday starting 9th January 2002 in Gus O'Driscolls pub Corbally.

23/01, 06/02, 20/02, 06/03, 20/03, 03/04, 17/04 http://maglimerick.pitas.com/

MAG Tipperary North/South Offaly. First meeting on Feb 21 2002 and every last Thursday of the month at 'The Mill House', Birr Road, Roscrea on Thursday 21nd February.. Contact Keith Leaver at kleaver@gofree.indigo.ie for further details.

MAG Sligo - MAG Sligo AGM will take place in Foley's Pub, Sligo on Friday Mar 1st at 8pm.

MAG Cavan, Galway, Kildare, Innishowen, Longford, Mayo, Westmeath

Venue changes. To be confirmed. Ring rep for correct details.

MAG Westmeath - meet 8pm 1st Wed every month Dolphin Bar, Edgeworthstown, Co. Westmeath

E&OE. Changes should be advised to the MAG office or Gearoid O’Byrne at 087-2607747, maglink@magireland.iol.ie

For further details of anything on the MAG calendar contact maglink@magireland.iol.ie

( or during office hours MAG Office at magsupport@magireland.iol.ie )

-----------------------------------------------------------
Publication Deadlines

RoadRunner: February 15th, May 15th. August 15th, November 15th,

Letters and articles welcome, articles with pictures very welcome.

Send submissions to herb@iol.ie or to RoadRunner c/o MAG Office

MAGLink: Second Wednesday in the month.

MAG Ireland's Events Calendar, 2002

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 2002.

March

17th Clondalkin MCC Poker Run

31st March/1st April (Easter Sunday/Monday) Leinster Classic Motorcycle Club Annual Show St. Mary’s Academy, Carlow. 0503-33247

April

May

June

June 14th Ride to Work Day Contact MAG for details

15th June Emerald MCC Rally Easkey Co. Sligo

June 15th Chopper Club Ireland Custom and Classic Bike Show at Master McGrath's Bar, Castlelyons, Co. Cork Further details and pictures of past shows at www.chopper-club.com/ireland or email at Ireland@chopperclub.org

Sat 29th/Sun 30th June Trixxxters MCC Rally, Co. Tyrone Pamela McIlwaine 028-71883438

July

British Grand Prix Donington Park 12th 13th & 14th July (see MAGlink)

August

August 16th/17th Stop the Rot, Venue to be announced. Contact MAG for details

September

7th September Clondalkin MCC Rally Cush Inn Kildangan Co. Kildare

21st September Black Widows Ireland Annual Charity Bash The Plough, Curaglas, Co. Cork Anne Keogh 087-2269212

October

November

December

16th December Clondalkin MCC Toy Run

FOR FREE LISTING OF YOUR EVENT SEND IN DETAILS ASAP.

Overseas events

Welsh National Motorcycle Show

Due to the change in the 2002 bank holiday weekend the hugely successful Welsh National Motorcycle Show will now take place on the 31st May - 3rd June 2002 at the Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells, Mid Wales.

The Farmyard Party will be held at Duncombe Park near Helmsley, North Yorkshire, on 21st - 23rd June 2002.

For more details contact the MAG UK press office on 0208 556 6495

Free entry for MAG Ireland members

12th 13th & 14th July Donington Park, Special deal for MAG members, campsite, bands, practice (for 25 pounds in advance). Ring +44 8701 696805 with your membership number.

FEMA festival : Koksijde Belgian Coast. weekend of 20/21/22 september 2002

All Events in italics have been notified by the Vintage & Veteran Committee.

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 or directly to maglink@magireland.iol.ie.

MAG UK events can be seen online at the MAG UK website http://www.mag-uk.org .

BMF events http://www.bmf.co.uk

MAG Benefits
Member Benefits

* A nationwide organisation representing your interests as a rider

* RoadRunner Magazine

* BikeShop Discounts, Full list in RoadRunner or on website http://www.iol.ie/~maglink

* Motorcycle Insurance

* Local Groups - Social Activity and Local Representation

* Information Service, (Info sheets, MAGLink and advice)

* 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

The discounts alone will save you much more than the membership fee every year.

Membership costs £20 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.

Member Benefit: FREE entry to Farmyard Party in the UK

Responding to the call by the MAG UK National Committee, the Farmyard Party management today announced that they would grant free admission to members of FEMA organisations (which includes MAG Ireland) outside the UK. To be eligible riders must present a current passport from their country of origin with a matching membership card for a national FEMA member organisation such as MAG Ireland or MAG Belgium. They must also be riding a bike with a registration plate from their country of origin.

The Farmyard Party will be held at Duncombe Park near Helmsley, North Yorkshire, on 21st - 23rd June 2002.

For more details contact the MAG UK press office on +44 208 556 6495 or check
www.yorkshire.mag-uk.org/farmyard_party.htm

Special deal for MAG members going to Donington Park in July

MAG UK's done it again - all the excitement of the British Grand Prix plus two days of practice, live bands and party Friday and Saturday night, exclusive MAG campsite and bar all for an amazing £25 sterling and this offer is available to MAG UK and MAG Ireland members.

Donington Park 12th 13th & 14th July Ticket Hotline call 00 44 8701 696805 and quote your membership number. (MAG UK or MAG Ireland). Tickets £25 in advance only (closes June 30th - no ticket sales on gate) subject to a booking fee

Further details of this and other MAG events at http://mag-uk.org/events

Affiliated Club Benefits

* Events Insurance
Public Liability Cover for your rally or event. Currently cover stands at under IR 60 for a one-off event of up to 5 days such as a rally. Due to circumstances affecting the insurance underwriting industry at present, please contact the

MAG office for information on the availability of events insurance."

* Monthly MAG Events Calendar Update by Post

* 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 € 25.40 per annum.
Information Sheets & Reps Resource Kit (March 2002)

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, IrishTouring, 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.

------------------------------------------------
MAG Products

ZIPPO lighters = € 25.40 (Brass with MAG LOGO)

Hooded Sweatshirts = € 25.40 each (Black,Zipped,MAG logo)

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 Ireland Yellow Visibility Waistcoats = IR 12.00 each

MAG EIRE, RIDE FREE Patches = € 3.80 each

RIDE FREE Adhesive stickers = € 1.80 each

1999,2000, 2001 Members’ Metal Badges = € 2.56 each

2002 Green Enamel badge = € 3.80 each

MAG embossed Leather Keyfob = € 2.56 each

BOOKS

Pass Your Advanced Driving Test = € 12.70 each

Motorcycle Roadcraft = € 17.00 each

There is a Mail Order packing & postage charge of € 3.80 on the Hooded Sweatshirts & of € 1.28 on the waistcoats. All other items are including postage by ordinary post. These exclusive products are available from your local Group, 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.

Profits from the sale of MAG Products goes directly to campaigning for Riders Rights.

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MAG Advertising

Roadrunner is Ireland's largest circulation motorcycle magazine and is mailed directly to over 5000 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.
Shops

Single Colour Advertising Rates -

Full Page, Front Inner Cover € 481

Full Page, Rear Inner Cover € 481

Full Page, Back Cover € 500

TWO CENTRE PAGES € 709

Full Page (8" x 11.5") € 448.71

¾ Page (8" x 8") € 337.17

½ Page (8" x 5.75") € 224.36

¼ Page (3.75" x 5.75") € 112.82

1/8 Page (3.75" x 2.75") € 56.41

Discounts:

Two issues 10%, three issues 15%, four issues 20%

MAG Discount shops: additional 10% discount.

More than four issues, contact RoadRunner for special rates.
Clubs

* Events Advertising
As an additional benefit to affiliated clubs only, MAG are offering substantial discounts to advertise their rally in Roadrunner. The reduced rates for one issue are as follows:

Full Page € 253.95

Half Page B&W - € 126.97

Quarter Page B&W € 63.49

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MAG Contacts
Board

(Composed of elected officers and responsible for the day to day running of MAG)

Eoin Kirwan: Chairman, IT Officer, Transport: 087 6166207 eoin@bikerider.com

Linda O’Loideoin: Treasurer, Member Queries/Consumer Issues

Jimmy Kenny: Product and Process Officer 01 4502330

Gearóid O Byrne: Local Groups Liaison maglink@magireland.iol.ie

David French: European Liaison, Safety Officer +49 711 5590511 davidfrench@bikerider.com

Herb Finnegan: RoadRunner Liaison herb@iol.ie

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 Carlow:

Ger FitzGibbons 087 6781688 sner@oceanfree.net

MAG Cavan

Chair: Declan Brady 049 8640031

MAG Cork

Chair: Ger Donnelly 087 2354820 donely@esatclear.ie

Treasurer: Martin O'Driscoll

Committee member: David Robinson

MAG Donegal

Contact: Marty Boyle martyboyle@unison.ie , magdonegal@yahoo.com

MAG Dublin

Chair: Jimmy Kenny 01 4502330

MAG Galway

Chair:John Brinn 093 24694 (JJ Finn 086 8182188)

MAG Innishowen (region within Donegal)

Chair: Andy Robertson 077 76 054

MAG Kerry

Chair: Baerbel Ott 087 2977992 baerbel_ott@hotmail.com

MAG Kildare

Chair: Joe Swords 086 8974259 joeswords@tattoos.com joe@bastardbrothers.org

Secretary: BJ Martin 086 4006279 thedok@cyberdude.com thedok@bastardbrothers.org

Treasurer: Dave Browne 087 6523582

Information Officer Dave Keeley 087 2692180 davkee@esatclear.ie bear@bastardbrothers.org

Events Secretary: Ivor Hemmingway 086 8150410

Road Hazards Officer: Karen Kiely 086 8632444

MAG Limerick

Chairman - Don Moloney. moz@iol.ie

Secretary - Alec Quinn.

Treasurer - Keith McGlynn. keg_zl750@yahoo.co.uk

PRO - Sharon Curtin. yamxv250@yahoo.co.uk

Clubs liason officer - Karl Murphy. crashtestdummy@oceanfree.net

NC rep - Don Moloney.

MAG Leitrim

Conan Duignan conan99@eircom.net

MAG Longford

Sean Mulroy

MAG Mayo

Chair: Robert Gibbons 094 22118 smartart@iol.ie

MAG Sligo

Chair: Eoin Lappin 071 43758 e_lappin@hotmail.com , Sligo_mag@yahoo.co.uk

AGM: February

www.geocities.com\sligo_mag

MAG Tipperary North/South Offaly. Keith Leaver at kleaver@gofree.indigo.ie

MAG Westmeath

Chair: Greg Lennon 0902 72578 gregorylennon@hotmail.com

MAG Wexford

Paul O’Dwyer 086-2686091 froggieod@yahoo.com

Keith Lever kleaver@gofree.indigo.ie

The remaining counties are currently not represented on the National Council. If you are interested in assisting please contact the MAG Office or the Local Group & Clubs Liaison Gearoid O’Byrne at 087-2607747, maglink@magireland.iol.ie

MAG Office

Karen Kiely: National Campaign’s Officer and RoadRunner Editor- 086 8632444 karenkiely@eircom.net

Herb Finnegan: RoadRunner Editor - 087 6790908 herb@iol.ie

Liz Keane Office Assistant

1b Ring Terrace, Inchicore, Dublin 8.

Tel: 01 453 0797 Fax: 01 453 3643

magsupport@magireland.iol.ie

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: http://www.iol.ie/~maglink

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.

Members Classified:

Offered - R6 1998. Blue, 2,800 miles. Full set of R's Leathers, boots, gloves and helmet to match brand new. Phone: 087-919531 Longford area.
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 March 2002, compiled by David French (dfrench@s.netic.de) © Copyright : MAG Ireland