Category: Organisations

1. MOT - Save Our Stands

   Posted on 12:00am Friday 24th Jun 2011

   Over on the NIBikers.com forum riders have voiced their concerns regarding the practice, at MOT test centres, that  testers are lifting bikes fully onto their side stands to test front and rear wheels and bearings.

   It was reported that one rider who complained about their bike being lifted in this manner had his bike failed the MOT and is apparently appealing on the grounds that the test centre is not equipped with adequate stands to do the job properly or safely.

   While side stands on bikes may seem robust, concerns were raised that side stands are not designed to support the weight of the bike in this manner and could snap or bend the frame and side stand mounting.

   One rider commented that the side stand on his KTM is bolted to the engine case, with many owners buying a relocation kit to take the pressure away from this point.

   While as a rider, you may be capable of carrying out this manoeuvre, it is your responsibility if something happens, e.g. you drop the bike.  However would you let a total a total stranger do it? Who's at fault as they would claim they had your permission.

   At Right To Ride, we do what we do and have fired of a letter to DVTA (Driver and Vehicle Testing Agency) to highlight riders concerns that, “Motorcyclists pay a fee to have their motorcycles tested and would expect that the items on the motorcycle that require to be tested are tested in a safe manner, both for themselves and your staff and there is no risk that damage could be caused to their machines.”

    Our main question was, “What is the policy for MOTing a motorcycle that by design and is fully type approved, that does not have or indeed is not required legally to have a centre stand fitted”?

   The DVTA sent a prompt response, “We appreciate that you have brought to our attention the practice of using the motorcycle side stands to raise the road wheels off the ground to assist in the inspection of components.”

   They went on to say, “Lifting devices have been provided to raise motorcycles that have no centre stands fitted, however it is recognised that such devices are not suitable for lifting all types of machines.

   Where motorcycle road wheels cannot be raised safely from the ground, the examiner is limited to a visual inspection and assessment of components. The annual inspection is in the main a ‘visual inspection’, without any dismantling of vehicles or involving cumbersome processes, therefore there are a few types of motor vehicles and motorcycles which cannot be raised from the ground during the annual inspection.

   The inspection of motorcycles is due to be reviewed and it is anticipated that new and improved procedures and methods of inspection will be implemented.

   DVA Health & Safety Section has now been made aware of this practice of using the motorcycle side stands to raise the road wheels off the ground and Test Centres have been informed that such a method cannot be used.”

   Although the MOT test and issued certificate confirms that your vehicle at the time of its test (as far as can be reasonably determined without dismantling) met the minimum acceptable environmental and road safety standards required by law, it doesn’t mean that the vehicle is roadworthy for the life of the certificate and isn’t a substitute for regular maintenance.

   With the promise of a review and new and improved procedures and methods of inspection to be implemented for motorcycles, at Right To Ride we look forward to a test that gives motorcyclists value for money for our test fees (Full Test £22.00 – Retest £14.00), will pick up any faults, without the risk of damaging our bikes or us or them! In other words a proper job!

   Right To Ride would like to thank the DVTA for sorting out this issue and riders at NIBikers.com for raising and discussing the issue.

   www.nibikers.com

2. Angry In France

   Posted on 12:00am Thursday 16th Jun 2011

   FFMC - the Fédération Française des Motards en Colère (The French Federation of Angry Bikers) are getting hot under the collar, in fact they are getting very angry.

   The reason is that their government is planning to introduce a raft of legislation in the name of safety that will not only affect motorcyclists in France, but other French road users as wells as riders and drivers visiting France. The reasons given by the French government is to reduce the number of road accidents.

   Motorcycle journalists and organisations in the UK have focused on the issue in the proposed legislation for the mandatory wearing of fluorescent (day-glo) jackets and reflective clothing involving motorcyclists and how (according to them) these proposed French regulations could spread across Europe.

   The Motorcycle Action group (MAG UK) have just launched a Facebook page ‘Say No To Day Glo’ supporting the French riders “who are lobbying vigorously against this intrusive proposal and will fiercely resist any moves to make high visibility clothing mandatory in this country.” MAG as sees this issue as open season on bikers, not just in France but in the UK.

   Within the French government’s plans are other issues, including the fitting of much larger than normal registration plates and making filtering in congested traffic illegal.

   FFMC report that after many unsuccessful attempts to turn the situation around, including meeting with the Minister of the Interior, Claude Guéant, they have decided to cut all communication channels with the French government and have already organised protests in all cities and towns nationwide, for example 4,000 motorcyclists protested in Paris in May.

   They have used these protests to express their anger and disgust at their government’s inability to introduce effective measures to increase safety and motorcycle awareness among all road users.

   Riders in France also face the prospect of the possible prevention of access to eight French cities to two-wheelers produced before 2004.  Announced by their Minister of Ecology, to preserve the quality of air in these cities, which would exceed the pollution limits decreed by the European Union. However these motorcycles not only meet the standard of Euro3 Emissions since 2003, but as we know, regardless of year of manufacture, motorcycles help alleviate the impact of emissions in congestion due to their ability not to be stuck in traffic.

   However the raft of regulations does not only affect motorcyclists, the legislation and action of the French Government includes:

   All electronic devices, even smart phones and GPS systems, will be banned if they are able to warn of radar speed checks. Sanctions are draconian and might go up to 30.000 Euros or 2 years prison for the sale of such devices, while its usage will be punished by a fine of 1.500 Euros plus the loss of 6 points of the French traffic account system. 4 million speed detection devices have been sold in France over the last few years.

   The removal of speed trap warning signs.
   Immediate jail terms for those caught doing more than 30mph (50kph) over the speed limit.

   The French, who appear to be very good at organising demonstrations, have announced nationwide demonstrations, under an umbrella organisation for all road users, “The Union des Usagers de la Route” on Saturday the 18th June 2011, to denounce the road safety policy of the government and law enforcement as inadequate and unfair

   This association is calling government to demand the respect of drivers and citizens; a real road safety policy; refocus priorities and come to a constructive and intelligent long-term road safety solution.

   The Union des Usagers de la Route no longer supports the increasing criminalization of ordinary citizens and refuses to be treated as such and reject the constant threat of disproportionate penalties. Their representatives state that they do not want to be treated like children when all road users are punished for the irresponsible actions of a few and consider that the government has failed to take into account the real causes of road accidents.

   Could these regulations from France reach our shores and cross our borders? The French government could pressure the European Union for the introduction of mandatory Hi-Viz. The European Commission as proposers of European regulations/legislation could propose mandatory Hi-Viz across Europe Member States. Closer to home and only a European Border away, we responded http://www.righttoride.co.uk/?page_id=976. to a consultation in 2009 by Irelands Road Safety Authority (RSA). The consultation contained a proposal to introduce regulations for the mandatory wearing of sleeved high visibility upper body clothing for rider and pillion passenger.

   So all things are possible this is why we must be vigilante not just at home and while presenting seasoned and rational arguments combined where necessary with action, which is why we support the general action and arguments of riders and their organisations in France.

   So if you happen to be heading to France this weekend and see a few thousand bikes riding down the road you may wish to join in.

   Full lists of the demonstrations are available on the “The Union des Usagers de la Route” website and for riders coming to the UK the closest would appear to be “Demonstration 59” near Lille organised by FFMC59 www.ffmc59.org

3. ELECTRIC MOTORSPORTS FOUNDER GETS A SHOCK!

   Posted on 12:00am Saturday 11th Jun 2011

   The British Motorcyclists Federation has today congratulated Azhar Hussain the founder of the zero carbon, clean emissions TTXGP motorcycle race, on being honoured in The Queen’s Birthday 2011 Honours List with an MBE for services to motor sport. 

   Speaking on the announcement, Azhar said: "This was a shock at first but I am honoured at the recognition. In truth the award belongs to the teams, suppliers, tracks, governments, and many others such as the BMF, who have stood with TTXGP and believe we can all make a difference. Competition not only provides great challenge and entertainment but also improves the breed; we hope that TTXGP will come to be seen as a milestone in bringing new transportation technology to the world of motor sports and beyond.”

   Businessman and entrepreneur, Azhar, 38, the founder and CEO of TTXGP, the eGrandPrix, the world’s first formally sanctioned zero carbon, clean emission motorcycle race, is also the CEO of Mavizen, the producer of the Mavizen TTX01 and TTX02 electric race bikes and of the skills development project LEO.

   Speaking for the BMF, Chris Hodder, Government Relations Executive, said: “Azhar deserves this recognition. He has worked tirelessly to get the TTXGP project off the ground and as the BMF’s aim is, and always has been, to promote, protect and safeguard the future interests of motorcyclists, events such as the TTXGP provide an exciting test-bed for clean-technologies that will enter the mainstream market in the future."

   Launched on the Isle of Man TT in 2009 as the TTXGP, the eGrandPrix has quickly become an international race series providing a high profile platform for the development of electric vehicles. It is from this perspective that the BMF, normally concerning itself solely with the road riding aspects of motorcycling, has given its support to the TTXGP eGrandPrix from the beginning.

   Now with races in seven countries and over 30 teams worldwide taking to the track in 2011, TTXGP is the leading global electric race series and at the forefront of motorsport technology.

   Fully aware of the environmental impact of traditionally fuelled vehicles, the BMF sees cleaner propulsion methods as essential in promoting wider use of the motorcycle and scooter and in February ’09, Chris Hodder, the BMF’s Government Relations Executive, was the first to try the Mavizen TTX01 on the road, a 130 mph motorcycle built to demonstrate the potential of electric power for sports bikes.

   For more information see www.egrandprix.com and www.mavizen.com
   

4. NW200 – Do It Safely

   Posted on 12:00am Friday 13th May 2011

   Police are urging motorcyclists travelling to and from the North West 200 next week to use all their road craft to stay safe and stay alive on roads across Northern Ireland.

   Motorists can expect increased number of traffic patrols on our roads across the North Coast area during race week, with the aim of ensuring the safety of all road users.

   Inspector John Millar, Road Policing officer, explains: “In recent years a number of people lost their lives while either travelling to or from this sporting spectacular, or to one of the many events that take place throughout race week. This is something that all bikers need to take note of, and is why road safety has got to be everyone’s number one priority.

   “It is very easy to get caught up in all the excitement that the races bring, and it is this excitement, and the anticipation of seeing professional racers do their thing on closed roads that supporters and enthusiasts need to suppress if they want to stay alive when travelling on open roads.

   Do not try to emulate any of the riders taking part in the North West 200 as it is simply not feasible or safe to do so.

   Don’t think that you can get away with just driving safely on roads around the race circuit.

   You must drive safely at all times whether you are en-route to the North coast from Armagh, Ballymena, Belfast, Carrickfergus, Derry, Enniskillen, Limavady, Portaferry, Newry, or indeed anywhere else in Ireland.

   “I would also remind motorists that there will be more motorcycles out and about during race week, and that they need to be more alert to the presence of bikes on the roads, and particularly at junctions…THINK BIKE.

   “Motorcyclists have a major role to play when it comes to road safety.

   Use dipped headlights day and night, and consider sounding your horn to alert others to your presence as necessary.

   Ride responsibly and don’t take foolish chances.

   You only get one life; make sure it doesn’t come to an untimely end…BIKESAFE and STAY ALIVE,” concluded Inspector Millar.

   Ride It Right Comments

   Ride It Right the motorcycle safety initiative says all good sound advice for riders and drivers.

   However regarding using dipped headlights: All bikes produced by the major manufacturers have since 2002 had their dipped headlight hardwired so that they come on automatically, there is no switch to switch on or to switch off the headlight. So although you may think your headlight is on, remember to physically check that it is.

   Also do not rely on other vehicle drivers seeing you because you have your headlight on or you are wearing reflective or bright clothing.

   Also don’t think that having your full beam on will make you more visible, you may make it harder for other vehicle drivers to calculate your distance and speed as you approach.

   You may even “mask” the rider behind you, especially if you have fitted more powerful bulbs or High Intensity Discharge Xenon headlights (HID-Xenon) that can cause glare and dazzle other road users.

   Meanwhile if you get the time book into one of the Bikesafe assessments that are on offer during race week.

   www.rideitright.org.

   Bikesafe

   Police are encouraging motorcyclists of all ages and abilities to take part in their ‘Bikesafe’ assessed ride-outs during the NW200 race week.

   The ride-outs will be held at the start/finish area of the North West 200 motorcycle races situated on the coast road between Portrush and Portstewart from Tuesday 17 until Friday 19 May. Assessment slots can be booked on-line at www.bikesafe.co.uk.

   Bikesafe paddock opening times will be:

   Tuesday 17 May 10.00am to 5.00pm

   Wednesday 18 May 9.30am to 6.00pm

   Thursday 19 May 3.00pm to 9.00pm

   Friday 20 May 9.30am to 9.00pm

   There is £10 administration fee, payable on-line, for the Bikesafe ride-outs and they are operated on a first come first served basis. Motorcyclists are provided with a unique opportunity to have their riding and road craft assessed by an advanced police motorcyclist. During the ride-out, the advanced police motorcyclist assesses machine knowledge, hazard awareness, junctions, cornering, overtaking and security. The assessment is not a test, nor is it training, it provides advice and an assessment of a rider’s capabilities, and it is open to all, from the complete novice to the experienced motorcyclist. STAY ALIVE – ‘BIKESAFE’.

5. BMF Warns On Future Bike Parking Charges

   Posted on 11:30am Wednesday 20th Apr 2011

   The British Motorcyclists Federation is warning of the possibility of countrywide parking charges being introduced for motorcycles following the failure in the Court of Appeal to overturn a High Court decision that backed the parking charges traffic order implemented by Westminster City Council in January 2010.

   The ‘No To Bike Parking Tax’ campaign (NTBPT), a campaign group supported by the 80,000 strong BMF, had brought the appeal but three senior judges today ruled there was "nothing in the grounds of appeal" and dismissed their case.

   Warren Djanogly, who led the NTBPT campaign, said: "We are hugely disappointed, but it is not over yet. We are now thinking of taking our case to the European courts where we expect to get a fairer hearing."

   The BMF, whose members helped in raising the money required for the bringing of the appeal, say that cash-strapped Local Authorities across the country have been watching the situation closely and with the loss of the appeal, motorcyclists could now be faced with the threat of a nationwide rollout of parking charges.

   A strong supporter of the ‘No To Bike Parking Tax’ (NTBPT) campaign from its inception in August 2008 the BMF say while the campaign gained massive rider support in London, many councils across the UK, possibly starting with Birmingham and Manchester, were also considering bringing in similar Pay by Phone charges for motorcycles and it was only the Westminster legal case that was preventing them doing so.

   If parking charges were to be introduced, the Tax Payers Alliance have calculated that annually, it would cost the UK’s motorcycling community a staggering £93,000,000 in parking charges.

   BMF Chairman, Anna Zee, who has taken part in most of the big anti-tax demonstrations together with a number of other BMF members, said she was deeply disappointed at the verdict. “The use of motorcycles and scooters in urban environments can contribute greatly to easing congestion and anything which discourages such use is to be deplored.”

   Commenting on the ruling, the BMF’s Government Relations Executive Chris Hodder, said: “This is disappointing and is a blow to everyone involved in the campaign, but more than that, the ruling that Westminster’s parking charges for motorcycles are legal could well signal the end of free parking for motorcyclists across the UK.”

   The BMF will now be asking members of its regional network to carefully monitor Local Authorities for any signs of plans to implement motorcycle parking charges.

   www.bmf.co.uk.