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Now in its 50th year, delegates to the bmf’s AGM on Saturday heard that while the bmf finds itself operating in difficult times, the structure is sound and measures are now in place for a bright future.
Held at the Burton Caribbean Association, Burton-On-Trent, chairman Anna Zee said of all her five years in the job, this year had been the most difficult, but she added, the bmf had an important role to play in fighting for rider’s rights and this must continue. She said that her job, and that of the team, had been primarily to ensure that the bmf was fit for that purpose.
While not standing for re-election, Anna nevertheless said she would stay on to help the bmf implement the action plan that was announced earlier in the year; streamlining operations, outsourcing some administration and using the best technology in order to concentrate on the bmf’s primary purpose of representing the road-riding motorcyclist.
On this theme, Chris Hodder, the bmf’s Government Relations Executive and Director of Lobbying for FEMA, (the Federation on European Motorcyclists), outlined a busy year of activities from work on the Riders are Voters campaign, through representations on the driving licence test fiasco to the latest European Framework Directive.
On membership, Member Services Director Peter Laidlaw said membership was holding steady at nearly 80,000 members and plans were in place to increase it still further, but the bmf, like many similar organisations, cannot operate on membership income alone and that is why the bmf’s portfolio of events is so important to its operations.
When it came to the events report, Martin Chick, MD of the Mulberry Group, the bmf’s event organisers, admitted that 2010 had been a very steep learning curve. He had come in at a time when it was acknowledged that bmf events had lost a lot of their originality and sparkle and stabilising the situation, let alone developing the events, had been difficult.
This had not been helped by bad weather at the Kelso and Tailend shows he said, but despite these downsides, the revitalised shows had been generally well received by the public and traders alike. Martin added that he had also been encouraged by the support that he had had from bmf marshals and the trade. “People want to us to succeed, the bmf’s brand is sound, we’ve learnt a lot and we are now looking forward to 2011” he said.
Outgoing director of Public Relations and Communications Dorian Burrows said that modern methods of communication were key to the bmf’s future and outlined the steps taken for a new website, a new magazine and a new platform for email communications with members.
Reporting on Finances, Director of Finance Howard Anderson echoed Chairman Ann Zee’s feelings on 2010. It had been a tough year he said, but the bmf had weathered the storm and he firmly believed that with the measures feeding through from the new action plan, coupled to an upcoming year of rejuvenated events, the bmf was in a good place to build on its role as the UK’s leading rider’s rights organisation.
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The Riders Are Voters campaign organisations have called for Mass Lobby of Parliament on Monday 8th November 2010.
The Mass Lobby is not a street demo, it is a rare opportunity for riders from across the UK to gather at Parliament and tell the politicians how best they can serve the riding public.
There is plenty for the riders to say to their elected representatives and the governing parties:
• The cost and bureaucratic complexity of getting a licence is spiraling out of control, while DSA has slashed the number of driving test centres.
• Road conditions are worsening - road design and repair must become bike-friendly if cuts in public spending are not to result in avoidable danger to riders.
• The UK Parliament must resist European proposals to restrict rider choice - current proposals for a new 'Multi-Directive' threaten to restrict riders carrying out basic maintenance task or modifying their own bike to suit their needs. Mandating the use of expensive anti-lock brakes and electronics will add further cost and complexity to biking. Mandating permanently lit headlamps on all new bikes may do more harm than good.
• Riders are paying too much for too little in return - many bikes pay higher amounts of road tax than do less fuel-efficient cars.
• The Bike industry has been left to sink or swim as Government bail-outs for the Car industry and public money to develop more environmentally-friendly vehicles are not available for two-wheelers.
• Many Bus Lanes are still closed to bikes despite the advantages of opening them.
• Motorcycle Sport is under pressure from agricultural policies that deter landowners and planning rules that threaten to close circuits.
Taking part in the Mass Lobby is very easy and free of charge, but you must register your details with Riders Are Voters if you want to attend.
You can register by emailing MAG at [email protected] or Phoning the Riders Are Voters office on 0800 9883193 (rider registration is being co-ordinated by MAG on behalf of the RAV campaign organisations).
You will need to tell us:
• Your name and home address including the postcode (we will need to check details for your constituency and MP).
• Your e-mail address and telephone contact details (we will need to confirm your registration and may need to tell you about final arrangements for the day).
• Which motorcycle organisations you are a member of, if any (RAV is a coalition of groups working for a better deal for riders).
RAV will send you further information about arrangements for the day, including travel information.
Riders who are not able to take part in the Mass Lobby at Parliament can still support the campaign by making an appointment to see their MP at one of their local constituency ‘surgeries’ - ideally before the 8th of November.
www.ridersarevoters.org
or phone 0800 9883193 for further information.
This is your opportunity – meet your MP where they work for you.
Hear what lies ahead for biking in the UK - Say what should be done.
Be a part of it, let your voice be heard.
www.maguk.org
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After months of speculation and spy photography the long wait is almost over, the Diavel will make its first public appearance at the EICMA International Motorcycle Show in Milan 2-7 November.
Officially announcing the new model’s name ahead of the official presentation, the famous Italian manufacturer is about to turn another dream into reality, using the local Bolognese dialect word for “devil” in naming their new model Diavel – pronounced Dee-ah-vel.
The idea for the name was born early in the development process of the bike, when the prototype was assembled and wheeled out in front of a group of Ducati engineers and technicians for the first time. One person looking from the rear of the bike saw its silhouette and exclaimed in Bolognese dialect: “Ignurànt comm’ al diavel!” Meaning: “Evil, like the devil!”
From then on, Diavel became the internal nickname for the project, which Ducati now makes official as it approaches the upcoming unveiling in Milan. Reminiscent of how the “Monster” was named 20 years ago, the Diavel is now destined to follow the same Bolognese tradition, shaping the future of motorcycling while staying faithful to its heritage.
Built to have a commanding presence, though lightweight and agile like all Ducatis, the Diavel will take the man-motorcycle relationship to the next level in absolute comfort. For connoisseurs of technology, ABS, Ducati Traction Control and Ducati Riding Modes will deliver a confidence-inspiring sophistication while stunning looks, the Superbike-derived Testastretta 11° engine and 207kg (456lb) of authentic Ducati performance will drive a comfortable sport lifestyle that could only be dreamt of until now.
The Diavel will make its UK debut at Motorcycle Live from the 27th November to the 5th December.
The DIAVEL is on its way….
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Cologne, Germany - 5 October 2010
With an impressive exhibition presence of approximately 400m2, stand D-040 in hall 8 of Cologne's INTERMOT 2010 show now plays host to exciting new arrivals in the Superbike family in addition to new colours and updates for both the Streetfighter and Monster range. With new models, accessories and apparel, the Italian motorcycle manufacturer from Bologna is showing a wide range of new 2011 products at this major international show.
“We decided to consolidate our presence here in Cologne because we believe in the importance of this exhibition event, which opens the European motor show season," stated Gabriele Del Torchio, President of Ducati Motor Holding, during the opening press conference. "Our presence at the show is proof of our commitment to customers in Germany and northern Europe, and underlines our aim to expand in Germany, which is the second most important market in Europe for Ducati. For this reason we decided to preview here some of the new products scheduled for 2011, such as the new additions to the Superbike family with the 848EVO and 1198 SP, and new liveries for the Monster and Streetfighter models.”
Gabriele Del Torchio also commented on the results of the first eight months of 2010: “Despite a shrinking global motorcycle market, we have used Ducati’s product policy and the quality of its distribution network to improve both our market share, now at 8.5%, and also to increase our sales by 5% compared to this period 2009.”
A huge attendance is expected at the German show and visitors to the Ducati stand are sure to admire the innovative and ground-breaking Multistrada 1200, which made an immediate impact on the market upon debut in March 2010. The current model will not undergo any changes for 2011, confirming its proven design and high standard of quality. INTERMOT is also the first European event to celebrate the Multistrada's victory at the “Pike’s Peak International Hillclimb”, the famous annual race held high in the Colorado mountains, where riders have to quickly adapt to changing road surfaces. The Multistrada on which American, Greg Tracy, took victory has been specially flown in to Cologne from the US so that fans can share in this major celebration and see further proof of the Multistrada 1200’s incredible versatility.
Important additions to the Ducati Superbike family are on show in an exclusive preview of the 2011 range, including the new 848EVO which boasts 140hp and is equipped with Brembo Monobloc callipers and steering damper. The performance-enhanced model celebrates the INTERMOT show by revealing a stunning new “arctic white” livery with sporty red wheels and red frame.
The standard 1198 is also ready to satisfy an ever more demanding market, with the addition of Ducati Traction Control (DTC), the Ducati Data Analyser (DDA) and the brand new Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) fitted as standard equipment on all versions. For 2011, the improved 1198 is joined by the exciting new 1198 SP, which enhances the previous 'S' version by rolling out equipped with DTC, DQS, DDA, Ohlins TTX rear suspension, slipper clutch and aluminium fuel tank in addition to the usual Ohlins front suspension, forged Marchesini wheels and lightweight carbon fibre components.
The 2011 Streetfighter is presented with a new arctic white colour scheme while the Streetfighter S looks impressive in its new colour schemes of red with red frame or diamond black with racing black frame, both with black wheels. A black radiator cover on all versions completes the Streetfighter's aesthetic updates.
Enhanced comfort and safety, in addition to new colour schemes, headline the main updates to Ducati's naked icon, the Monster. The entry level 696 gets new 43mm Marzocchi forks and enhanced ergonomics, including 20mm higher handlebars and a new rear sub-frame designed to accept the user-friendly passenger grab-rail kit available as a Ducati Performance accessory. The Monster 696 presents the two new colour schemes of “dark stealth” and “stone white”, perfectly complementing the new matte chrome handlebar finish. The Monster 796, which was launched in April 2010 as an early entry model year 2011, also adopts Marzocchi front suspension and continues its incredible success. Along with the Monster 1100, the 696 and 796 complete the 2011 range, confirming the family's status as a style and design icon, backed-up by 17 years of Ducati Monster heritage.
INTERMOTwill be open to the public until Sunday, 10 October.
Ducati will also be displaying these new additions in the UK during Motorcycle Live at the National Exhibition Centre which runs from the 27th November until the 5th December.
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As a part of the Transport for London (TfL) trial assessing the suitability of motorcycles in bus lanes, the Motor Cycle Industry Association (MCI) is calling on all road users, particularly car drivers to act responsibly and be aware of motorcycles and bicycles in bus lanes. ~
In partnership with TfL, the MCI is also launching an updated Code of Conduct for motorcyclists who use bus lanes. The Code offers sound advice on how to use bus lanes and the update covers the etiquette that riders should observe in order to protect themselves and respect cyclists, pedestrians and other road users. An earlier 18-month experiment was carried out to see if motorcycles could use bus lanes permanently, in order to improve accessibility for motorcycle users, tackle road safety and reduce congestion. The trial found benefits for motorcyclists using bus lanes, including shorter journey times and reduced emissions. Unfortunately motorcycle casualty rates increased during the course of the trial and an analysis by the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) revealed that this was primarily due to cars pulling out of side turnings on bus lane roads, or turning across bus lanes. This was combined with excessive speed by some riders, who were then unable to avoid cars which crossed their paths. The problem appears to insufficient car driver attention being paid to the presence of vulnerable road users in bus lanes, as, as the TRL research also revealed that the same problem experienced by motorcyclists is occurring for cyclists, with a number of cycle collisions taking place with cars. Cycle collisions were not attributed to the presence of motorcycles in bus lanes and half of all cyclists support having motorcycles in bus lanes. 80% of cyclists said that motorcycles in bus lanes made no difference to their journey choice. The MCI and TfL are now working to make car drivers more aware of motorcyclists in bus lanes as part of the new experiment, which began in July. Steve Kenward, MCI's CEO said: "Allowing motorcycles to use bus lanes is a positive step towards improving transport accessibility for London citizens. Access to bus lanes helps to increase accessibility on the overall road space and improve their visibility. "Cycling has been shown to coexist safely with motorcycling in bus lanes, but now there is a different issue to address, namely the interaction of car users with bus lanes and their effect on cycle and motorcycle safety. "However, it cannot be denied that many collisions could have been avoided if riders who were involved had moderated their speed and ridden more defensively while in bus lanes. Once again, we are faced with a shared responsibility issue - the need for cars to look out for bikes and for motorcyclists to be more aware of their speed choice and the road environment around them. "MCI is delighted to be working with TfL on the issue of motorcycles and bus lanes and looks forward to continuing to develop and support best practice policies in relation to motorcycling in London." Lilli Matson, Head of Modal Policy at Transport for London, said: "TfL is happy to support the revised Code of Conduct. Improving safety is a key issue for the new trial and it is important that motorcyclists get the message that they need to look out for road safety hazards far more than they do at present. It is also equally important that other road users look out for motorcyclists and cyclists in bus lanes." www.tfl.gov.uk
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