Along with other stakeholders, the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCI) is disappointed with the outcome of the Motorcycle Test Review, announced by the Department for Transport.

Although some access improvements have been made with more examiners, the implementation of an online booking system and some additional test centres, the UK still has nowhere near the level of test centres before 2DLD was introduced.

Steve Kenward, Chief Executive of the MCI commented:

“Our disappointment chiefly lies with the fact that a genuine desire to try to work with the DSA and its stakeholders - to improve the 2DLD process - has not generated a better result. We remain concerned that the time and effort expended by all has not moved the testing regime forward.  Instead, it serves to reinforce a testing regime that MCI believes was poorly implemented at the outset”.

“We were willing to try to make 2DLD work, and we thought this review would help to refine its implementation, but a lack of progress raises a bigger question about whether the specific requirements of 2DLD should now be challenged. MCI remains concerned about the safety of a test which is considered too dangerous to be carried out on a road, yet qualifies the rider to use the road afterwards.  We remain passionate about rider safety, and especially the safety of those new to motorcycling and will continue to work with the DSA and other stakeholders to advance this”.

The British Bikers Association (BBA) has launched a 'pothole campaign' with a difference. With evidence compiled straight from the smartphones of its members, the UK's newest biking community aims to show local councils that evading their responsibilities is no longer an option.

Picture the scene. You're riding along enjoying yourself and engaging all your faculties in the safe observance of the laws of the land then - without warning - you hit a pothole. What happens? Well, if you're a motorcyclist you'll know the sickening feeling of losing control as you try and recover your balance and ride on. Frankly, that's the least offensive scenario - for many riders, hitting a yawning chasm in the road can spell serious injury and perhaps even death.

A casual glance at the statistics bolsters the case: motorcyclists may only account for a mere one percent of road users, but they account for 20 percent of all fatalities - a figure that's 61 times greater than the figure for car drivers. By anyone's measure that is a significant disparity in mortality rate. But, predictably, the very organisations that should be working to protect bikers from these kinds of numbers seem to be content to play the percentages. Take the recent news about the Highways Agency imposing speed limits on roads with surfaces more akin to the surface of the moon than a properly maintained public highway. The move - a result of introducing 'less prescriptive' maintenance contracts has seen vast sections of major routes such as the M11 become subject to speed restrictions - a genuine case of the tax payer stumping up cash to bankroll slower journey times and little in the way of improvements. At local council level the story is equally dispiriting. The coalition government's decision to let councils abandon their road improvement targets has led to miles of poor surfaces and a general trend of neglect. The Department for Transport's own figures tell a potent story: data compiled from polling 89 councils in 2010/11 shows that 38 per cent recorded deterioration in minor roads during this period. Major roads fared little better, with 40 per cent of councils recording a similar decline.

It would be funny if it wasn't so serious - and the crowning irony is that councils themselves are aware of the urgent need to deal with this in short order. Recent information released by the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) revealed that councillors' top priority was dealing with the desperate state of the roads and yet, despite the message filtering to where it should, we still seem to be in a situation where potential death traps lurk round every corner.

It's not something that can be allowed to continue; but sadly, with 20 years' experience of fighting for the rights of bikers everywhere, the BBA's staff have bitter experience of the biking community's voice getting lost in the static. Yes, recent campaigns such as the BBC's Watchdog expose have made a dent in the public consciousness, but where's the motorcycle angle in all of this? Well, the good news is that it's right here and it's ready to start fighting back.

The British Bikers Association's Pothole Reporter feature offers everyone in the biking fraternity the chance to get the inside track on the location of potholes. Easily accessed with a couple of swipes of the 'Bikers Voice' app, this information can travel anywhere, allowing bikers on the move to access a complete inventory of all the potholes that have been reported to the site - and all from the convenience of their smartphones. That in itself is an incredibly useful resource, but Bikers Voice does more than that. Registered members get to take the next step in 'naming and shaming' local authorities into taking their duty of care seriously. With the 'Report Pothole' feature, they can take a picture of the offending surface and add a further two for good measure if required. The app will then overlay this on to Google maps for location information and the whole 'package' can be beamed straight to BBA to inform members browsing the 'campaigns/report a pothole' section of the website.

Whilst this is the type of innovation that's geared to make our councils think twice about lax - or non-existent - maintenance schedules, gathering evidence is only part of the equation. As a committed campaigning organisation, the BBA is using this information to head off the first - and last - resort of the wily council - the Section 58 defence. To offer a brief explanation, Section 58 of the Highways Act is supposed to require a local authority to take reasonable care of the road. However, should a pothole be reported and a biker go down, the council has recourse to all kinds of ways of removing the burden of responsibility from its shoulders. Many bikers will be familiar with the white spray around a hole that the council has hastily decided is 'scheduled for maintenance'; but as motorcyclists everywhere know, Section 58 defence is no moral defence in the wake of serious, preventable injury or a fatality.

It's a situation that can't be allowed to prevail, so the BBA is tackling this issue head-on by placing councils on 14 days' notice of potholes that have been uploaded to our website. If nothing has been done to deal with the problem after this period has elapsed, then we will contact their insurers with the details. In effect this has two outcomes: firstly if a biker goes down after the pothole has been reported, then the Section 58 defence no longer applies; secondly insurance companies looking after councils' policies will want to advise their clients of potential problems before they hit - and that should provide the extra motivation to get that pothole filled.

Speaking about the campaign, BBA founder Colin Mahoney was in a defiant mood: "The current situation on our roads is absolutely inexcusable. In effect motorcyclists and other roads users are paying to subsidise a regimen that allows the cracks, gaping holes and uneven surfaces that make riding out a real lottery. It's absolutely amazing what we can find to spend public money on; but when it comes to something that we are forced to use on a daily basis that has the potential to cause serious injury and even death, the cash and the political will to sort it out just doesn't seem to be there. The BBA is putting this issue to the forefront of the campaigning agenda and with our 'report a pothole feature' on the 'Bikers Voice' app (android version with Apple version to follow) and our willingness to get our hands dirty with the people that matter in this, we're not going to stop until it's something that's placed squarely at the top of councils' priority lists."

The British Bikers Association is the UK's freshest non profit motorcycling organisation. Founded by bikers for bikers, it's the ultimate resource for news, views and comment from in and around the world of motorcycling. For more information, including how to join, the benefits of membership, and further details about the 'Bikers Voice' app, log on and join the debate.

In April 1981 in Surrey, Service by Emergency Rider Volunteers (SERV) was set up to supply a quick and reliable means of Transporting Emergency Blood and Blood Products to the hospitals and medical facilities at night and weekends. This is the service we now wish to emulate and offer in our area.

Prior to SERV the only means available to hospitals, doctors and other medical establishments for the transport of emergency blood supplies at night were the following:

• Taxi • Ambulance • Police • Courier • Transfusion service vehicle

Each of these options had good and bad points:

Taxis: The advantage of these was that there were plenty of them. The disadvantage was reliability and cost. The cost to hospitals would range from £30 - £60 or more depending on location. The hospital also had to wait for one to be available and it was not guaranteed how long it would take to deliver.

Ambulance: Fast and able to respond quickly. The disadvantage was it removed a much-needed emergency vehicle from service during the transport time.

Police: Fast and able to respond quickly. The disadvantage was it removed a much-needed emergency vehicle from service during the transport time.

Courier: Limited availability during the night. High cost for service

Transfusion Service: Own vehicles are used during the day. Availability during the night was limited and hospitals were charged for the service.

NWBB MERSEYSIDE supplies this service FREE of any charge, thus freeing up much-needed funds for improved patient care and other needed facilities within the hospital and allows the hospitals to strive to make the financial cuts the government are demanding.

Future

With the existing services in the Manchester area and in the Lancs & Lakes area, it is now time to expand our Merseyside operations So as to cover the whole of Merseyside and therefore WE NEED YOUR HELP NOW!

With the ever-increasing need for the health service to save much needed funds, but to ensure good patient care, the demands upon the charity grow each year.

NWBB MERSEYSIDE Aims:-

• To supply a safe, quick, and reliable service to local hospitals and doctors for the transport of Emergency Blood and Blood products and Baby milk. • To transport emergency medical equipment, drugs, and maybe donor organs if requested to do so. • To provide our service free of any charge so this will release more money for patient care. This service is provided between the hours of 7pm and 6am weekdays and all weekend, 365 days a year. • To supply 24hr cover over the Christmas and New Year Bank Holidays.

Help Us

NWBB MERSEYSIDE is a charitable organisation that delivers blood products to the emergency and accident hospitals across Merseyside at night free of charge when official Health Service transportation services don't operate, as well as working other similar organisations to cover the UK if required.

If you own or are part of a company, you could DONATE a sum of money for a specific purchase, such as, insulated blood bags or reflective jackets and NWBB MERSEYSIDE would have your company's name printed on them. Or you could always provide Corporate Sponsorship, which would ensure that NWBB MERSEYSIDE would have a regular amount each year.

Maybe you belong to a Local Club or Group who are looking for a charity to help. Then please consider this one. All donations are welcome and you never know who might need the service. As explained, NWBB MERSEYSIDE is being asked to expand but to do so it needs the financial support to maintain it. Even small amounts all help to keep this service running, from just a few pounds to a few thousand it all helps and you can feel that even your little bit has helped towards saving a life. But not only does NWBB MERSEYSIDE need the financial support, but also the support of the medical establishments in the areas already covered, to use the service to its full potential. For without the calls the charity will fold in these areas through lack of use.

If you wish to become a volunteer yourself and would like to know more then please email us using [email protected] or any questions please ring Norman on 07794 030182 or if you get the answerphone please leave your message, your name and your phone number so we can ring you back.

www.nwbb-mers.org

Road racing legend and television star, Guy Martin, once again encouraged motorcycle riders and tea drinkers around the country to back the charity Spinal Research over the May Bank Holiday.

Overall the Big Brew 2013 raised a fantastic £12,500 including a contribution of £2,500 from the sale of Guy Martin’s 2013 calendars. This is double last year’s total and there is still money coming in for life changing research funded by Spinal Research. Supporters all over the country brewed kettles, made tea, baked cakes, held fundraising events and generally had a great time.

Happy Days Leisure raised the most money making £2000 and special thanks also to Wessons Café who also raised a whopping £700 – the two most successful fundraisers. Thanks to their stirling Big Brew efforts, they will get to meet Guy later this year, along with Stuart Tansley, whose name was drawn from all those that joined in and had a cuppa at their local Big Brew event organised by the Arlesey Motorcycle Club.

Guy’s sideburns competition saw ‘sidies’ created in every way imaginable and even those who couldn’t grow them joined in on the action using glitter tattoo sideburns, amongst other things! Rosewood Farms also got in on the act and donated 10% from the sale of packs of their mutton chops to support the Big Brew. Top marks for creativity! Check out all the fabulous mutton chops entries here www.guymartinbigbrew.org

Of course King of the mutton chops himself, Guy Martin, had great fun choosing the lucky winner, who is John Mallett and wins a fantastic Focused Events track day.

Of the many Big Brew events held around the country, special thanks must go to the ‘growers’ at The Parks and Greenspaces Team in Merseyside, who cultivated some spectacular sideburns and raised even more money by selling cream teas too. Also, Fulton Vehicle Specialists on the Isle of Man, held their own special TT trivia quiz, with all proceeds going to the Big Brew and Spinal Research.

The Big Brew fun day at City School of Motorcycling had something for everyone including a climbing wall, mini motos, skilled balance riding competition, stunt rider display, raffle, barbecue, teas and delicious cakes donated by Greggs.  The Big Brew action continued in Scotland as Hein Gericke Edinburgh supported the day.

Special motorcycle ride outs that took place to celebrate the Big Brew included a ride out along the Cornish TT and the Hastings Bike 1066 Spring Opener where Cooper Tunbridge Wells held a Big Brew event on their stand.

It’s an exciting time for Spinal Research as they are working towards clinical trials that will transform the lives of people living with paralysis, improving sensation, movement and their quality of life. The charity has a dedicated campaign specifically for motorcyclists called Ride Out and The Big Brew is one of the key events in their biking calendar.

It’s not too late to make a donation, or if you want to discuss a fundraising idea then Spinal Research would love to hear from you.  Visit www.spinal-research.org or call Isabel on 01483 898786.

“I’m putting my support and tea drinking enthusiasm behind The Big Brew, taking part and fundraising can make all the difference to people living with paralysis.  I hope you enjoyed the 2013 Big Brew and hope even more of you will join us in 2014.”

Guy Martin, Ride Out for Spinal Research Ambassador

For this summer, Ducati UK has launched a realm of affordable TriOptions PCP offers spread throughout the model range from the iconic entry level Monster 696 through to the flagship Superbike 1199 Panigale.

Ducati has constantly reacted to customer needs by not only producing market challenging products but also by making its motorcycles more affordable. This has been done by reducing service costs and extending service intervals and by offering a range of Ducati finance options that make the dream of owning a Ducati a reality.

Ducati UK’s latest TriOptions PCP offers range from as low as £85 per month for a Monster 696 up to £199 for the award winning 1199 S ABS Panigale and with competitive finance APR levels ranging between 2.7% - 6.5%. The full range of Monsters is included in the promotion with a deposit level set at just 20%. The top of the range Monster 1100 Evo is available on the PCP deal at just £119. The 1100 Evo combines the renowned styling of a model celebrating its 20th anniversary with such features as Ducati Safety pack which includes both Traction control and ABS.

The most recent new Ducati model, the irresistible Hyperstrada, is also included in the campaign. This compelling mix of Motard and practicality is available on the PCP offer at an enticing £115 per month.

Another model often described as compelling is the Diavel. Its heady mix of blistering performance and cruising genetics accompanies the rest of the range in being part of this inviting PCP promotion. Price per month across the Diavel family range is from £139 per month for the Dark, to £169 for the new Diavel Strada, and on to £189 for the range topping Carbon model.

Finally the beloved 848 Superbike range completes the collection of PCP offers with a tempting £119 for the 848 Evo and just £125 per month for the 848 Evo Corse Special Edition.

All prices quoted are for an agreement duration of 37 months. Deposits, APR and fixed interest rates vary depending on model. The promotion runs from now until the end of September 2013. For further details of this PCP offers contact your local dealer or visit www.ducatiuk.com