Introduction

2. Introduction Presentation by [enter your name here] [enter your MAG position here] (e.g. Madeupplace Regional Rep)

3. What is MAG? MAG is a libertarian civil rights group dedicated to influencing political and social attitudes for the benefit of motorcycling. MAG is not a club (but it knows how to party!)

4. Origins The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) was formed in 1973 in response to a new law making it compulsory to wear a crash helmet, even though almost 90% of riders already did so voluntarily. MAG’s manifesto was for “freedom of choice”. Other groups also campaigned against the law but when that failed, a disparate group of riders ranging from tweed-wearing traditional motorcyclists to long-haired, leather-clad bikers got together to form MAG.

5. What does it do? • MAG celebrates motorcycling in all its forms and the freedom of independent travel it brings. • MAG endeavours to influence politicians, ministers and officers at all levels – local, national, and in Europe - to get the best deal for users of powered two- and three-wheeled vehicles (PTWs). • This is achieved by local volunteers and MAG officers lobbying the relevant decision-makers and influencing policy. • For some key issues, MAG organises demonstrations to raise the profile of its campaigns.

6. Past successes • Defeated proposed ban on motorcycle trailers • Defeated 100 bhp limit • Defeated compulsory leg protectors • Introduced first “Bikes in Bus Lanes” scheme in Bristol in 1996 and continues to do so elsewhere today • Helped create BikeSafe • Influenced EU policy on anti-tampering, “super MOTs”, 3rd driving licence directive, etc • Removed motorcycles from tolls on many bridges and also from London congestion charge • Secured motorcycle parking in many towns and cities • Resolved Fourth Road Bridge fiasco for learners

7. Misconceptions MAG is anti-helmets MAG is anti hi-vis Neither statement is true! Old MAG slogan: “Helmets Yes-Compulsion No!” MAG is for everyone: whatever you ride, whatever you wear.

8. Organisation • National Chair • National Committee • Regions • Branches • Individual Members • Affiliated clubs • Corporate members The Chairman and other National Officers are elected annually at the Annual Group Conference (open to all members). The National Committee is made up of Regional Reps, Directors and other elected officers.

9. The Motorcycle Action Group Ltd MAG operates a limited company to manage the day to day running of the organisation including: • Membership services • Paying the bills • Paying wages Directors are elected on a rotation at the company AGM (open to all members) so there is continuity in management of the business side of the organisation. Members liability is limited to £1

10. Funding • Membership fees - individual and club affiliations • Proceeds from rallies • Fund-raising by branches: parties, quiz nights, bike nights, etc • Donations • Corporate sponsorship THE MORE MONEY THERE IS, THE MORE MAG CAN ACHIEVE

11. Lobbyists Director of Communications and Public Affairs LembitÖpik Former MP and Lib Dem, Lembit is a libertarian and great believer in freedom of choice. As a former MP he has free entry into the House of Commons – he literally opens doors for MAG! Transport Policy Advisor Dr Leon Mannings Leon has a PhD in Transport Politics, has an analytical approach and is a former Chairman of a rider’s organisation, so he knows about transport and understands riders rights from the inside.

12. Lobbying and Liaising MAG works with the following organisations: • Parliamentary Advisory  Council for Transport Safety (PACTS) • Department for Transport (DfT) Motorcycle Stakeholder Group • London Roads Task Force • Transport for London (TfL) Motorcycle Safety Working Group • TfL Design Review Group • Plus road safety, parking, theft and industry groups.

13. Demonstrationswhen major issues require a bigger profile

14. MAG is a founder member of FEMA MISSION STATEMENT •FEMA’s purpose is to promote, protect and preserve motorcycling. •FEMA’s mission is to promote riders’ interests and defend riders’ rights throughout Europe and globally.

15. 5 Pathways to Progress MAG has developed 5 Pathways to Progress to: Reduce congestion Improve mobility Cut casualties Promote motorcycling in all its forms Every council should be considering mopeds, motorcycles, sidecars, trikes, and scooters.

16. 5 Pathways to Progress • Critical Review of Road Furniture & ‘Road Safety’ Schemes There is an urgent need for a review of road furniture and safety schemes to identify and eliminate elements that have potential for adverse impacts on PTW rider safety.

17. 5 Pathways to Progress 2. Lifting bans on PTWs in all with- flow bus lanes Motorbikes and scooters successfully use bus lanes in an increasing number of UK cities, towns and boroughs. Now is the time for “Bikes in Bus Lanes” to be introduced nationwide. Motorbikes in bus lanes reduce bicycle accidents!

18. 5 Pathways to Progress 3. Parking provision for PTWs on a par with bicycles PTWs should be treated on a par with bicycles, with secure parking close to the centre of urban retail areas. Motorcycles and bicycles help solve problems created by cars so neither should be charged to park. Parking policies vary across the UK. Now it is the time for a universally fair approach.

19. 5 Pathways to Progress 4. Parity of consideration for PTW rider safety Ensure that PTW riders’ safety is considered as much as other vulnerable road users such as pedestrians & cyclists, in all road scheme consultations. ? Motorcycling Walking Cycling

20. 5 Pathways to Progress 5. A Motorcycling / PTW officer in all Local Transport Authorities (LTAs) Currently, every LTA in the UK has a Walking and Cycling officer but very few have an officer with specific responsibility for PTW riders. VRU= + +

21. Recent Successes • Welsh Govt. advisory bodies recommend Bikes in Bus Lanes and guidance against “Armadillos” after talks with MAG • West Midlands: MAG alone persuades the largest urban area outside London to adopt all key points of “Pathways To Progress” in 20-year transport policy • West Yorkshire: consults MAG on evidence for Bikes in Bus Lanes • Not all good news: despite new highways guidance for PTWs in London, carriageway widths are being cut to create cycle only lanes which has adverse impacts on safe filtering and increases the risk of conflict with vehicles in traffic lanes and road furniture.

22. So what doyou get? • First and foremost a voice in the UK’s Parliament, the Dft, Local Authorities and Brussels • Social side: rides out, bike nights, rallies • Vouchers at major MAG events • Bi-monthly magazine “The Road” • Monthly online campaign newsletter “Network” • Discounted insurance • Discounted breakdown cover

23. Join MAG:Make a difference Individual membership £27.00 per annum Joint membership £40.50 per annum We also offer: Family membership Life membership Club affiliation Corporate membership

24. How to join It’s easy to join: • After this presentation. • Online. • By telephoning Central Office. • At MAG events. • At MAG regional and branch meetings.

25. Contact Details Membership: 01926 844064 Membership email: membership@mag-uk.org Office Email: central-office@mag-uk.org Office Address: Central Office Unit C13 Holly Farm Business Park Honiley Warwickshire, CV8 1NP Telephone: 01926 844064

26. Local contact details [Put you local details here (then delete this instruction!!!!)] • Your region name • Your region contact details • Your Branch details – including meeting place and time, contact details, etc

27. Thank you ‘We look forward to welcoming you as a new member’ ‘See you on the road’ “Never in the field of human transport have so many been represented by so few” Fergus O’Connell (1962 – 2012) biker, wit, raconteur, MAG activist and Freedom Award Winner