Lockdown - Excitement!

Tesco home delivery this afternoon......  Can't wait..... The excitement is building.....

MAG - Coalition of Motorcycling Organisations reports progress and growing support

Coalition of Motorcycling Organisations reports progress and growing support. 

This version: 2020-05-21        

Following the submission of its Ride COVID Safe White Paper to the Secretary of State for Transport, Grant Shapps, last week, progress has been made and support is growing.

Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Motorcycling Group, Chris Law MP, said: “I very much welcome this initiative and the partnership between the organisations which created it. Motorcycling does have an enormous role to play in any transport policy if we are to see a long term reduction in congestion and pollution, and the Parliamentary Motorcycle Group has long advocated this. The riders’ code announced last week provides invaluable advice to those using motorcycles during the Covid19 crisis, and I urge all motorcyclists to take it into account and ride safe during these extraordinary times. As Chair of the APMG I strongly urge Ministers and the DfT to fully recognise motorcycles as a transport mode”

In a written response to a Parliamentary Question raised by Christopher Chope MP, Rachel Maclean, Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport) and MP for Redditch stated:

“The Department’s guidance issued on 12 May refers to ‘Private cars and other vehicles’ as an alternative to using public transport, and encourages the public to ‘consider all other forms of transport before using public transport’. This would include private vehicles such as motorcycles and mopeds where the journey to be made is appropriate.

Motorcycles are an important way of getting around, and we are working on a number of projects, including sorting out potholes, which are a problem for people on motorcycles and other two-wheeled vehicles. I encourage people to adopt the electric motorbike.”

IAM RoadSmart, the UK's leading road safety charity and advocate, have endorsed the White Paper.  Neil Greig, Policy & Research Director for IAM RoadSmart said: “IAM RoadSmart strongly support the key role of motorcycling in helping to get everyone around safely and in kick starting the economy as the Covid19 crisis reduces.  It offers a winning combination of instant social distancing and cheap and efficient travel.  We can’t wait to get back out on the road to deliver our mission to produce safer riders, but for now we have to agree with this report that only essential travel for work or responsible recreation is allowed.“

The Coalition still awaits a formal response from the Department of Transport.  They have also sought but still await feedback from the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners and the National Police Chiefs Council.

The Coalition has noted much media interest in reporting complaints about motorcyclists’ behaviour, particularly during the first weekend since lockdown restrictions were eased in England.  Less widespread is reporting of the ongoing valuable work of motorcycle riding volunteers such as the Bike Shed Community Response initiative and of long established organisations like the Blood Bikers.  The positives far outweigh the few bad stories making the headlines.

The joint position of the Coalition’s members is that responsible, safe use of motorcycles should be encouraged within the framework of Government guidelines and related legislation.  A uniform approach to policing the regulations will be assisted by clear communication of unambiguous advice.  That is the most urgent element of our proposed guidelines.  Of equal and more lasting importance is recognition of the role of motorcycling in our nation’s transport system. As a transport mode offering social distancing benefits acknowledged by the Department for Transport, motorcycling is, as Grant Shapps has commented, “an enormously important way of getting around”.

The Coalition of Motorcycling Organisations consists of the Motorcycle Action Group (MAG), the Vintage Motorcycle Club (VMCC), the Trail Riders Fellowship (TRF) and the British Motorcyclists Federation (BMF).

Issued on behalf of the Coalition of Motorcycling Organisations by the Motorcycle Action Group

Press and other enquiries c/o MAG at 01926 844 064 or central-office@mag-uk.org

Notes for editors

The White Paper “Riding COVID safe: a discussion paper” can be accessed here: https://bit.ly/2LqZSrt

In summary, our current advice is:

• As lockdown measures are eased, whether you ride for essential reasons or just for recreation, observe social distancing and good hygiene measures at all times to help halt transmission of the virus.
• Ride alone or with, at most, one other person, other than members of your own household.
• Stay well away from other people. Take food and drink etc with you.
• Be COVID-safe at fuel stops.
• Do not gather in crowds.
• Know what COVID safety kit you are going to take with you and use it sensibly.
• Plan your route so you can always return home safely the same day.
• Know how you are going to deal safely with any emergencies.
• Do not ride at all if you or members of your household have symptoms and need to self-isolate.
• Think carefully about the risks if you are over 70 or have a pre-existing condition.
• Don't damage the image of motorcycling in the lockdown by riding irresponsibly.
• Be aware that, at present, the guidelines for leaving the house for other than essential reasons may be different in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland

Traces of War - Part Two

Today's run was in an attempt to see the first three waypoints on the list. 

One at Littlestone I had glimpsed but had nowhere to park the bike. The second at Greatstone and the third in the churchyard in New Romney.

Once again using the Traces of War website for inspiration.

I bypassed the Redoubt at Dymchurch again. Nowhere safe to park as the gravel off-road parking was full of cars. A portent of things to come.  It's a hot day and there are beaches all along our coast line.....

First stop in Dymchurch itself at St Peter and St Paul Church. I parked outside and took a photo. The road after the church is "private". I made sure I didn't tresspass!

Before entering the churchyard to the right on the entrance.  In the end I walked around all the yard until I found a solitary CWGC grave obscured by bushes.

It looks as though it in maintained pretty well.

I took another of the war memorial outside the church in a little triangle of land bordering the main A259 coast road.

I mounted up and continued through heaving Dymchurch to my next stop to see the Phoenix Caisson at Littlestone.

When I say heaving, Dymchurch has a huge sandy beach. When the tide is out in the Bay the water can be half a mile from the land.  Plenty of space for the thousands of visitors who had filled all the car-parks and who were not socially distancing around the cafe and chip shops. As I waited for the green light at the pedestrian crossing I could smell chips and vinegar in the air.

At least Folkestone & Hythe District Council will be pocketing £1.60 an hour from all those cars.....  :)

At Littlestone I found a small gap big enough to back into and walked across the road and the grass to the low sea wall.  Finding a place where I could see the caisson clearly without overlooking some  sun worshipper using it as a lean-to was difficult.  

The caisson is about 150 yards off the land and beached. literally.  At full low tide the sand goes much further out.  I needed a better camera with me to get a decent photo though. Today there was a foot of so of water surrounding it.

Longer lens needed!

Next stop New Romney. Greatstone was a no-go.  The picture on Traces of War shows the monument and flag at the back of a car-park.  The car park was full to heaving and I could see where it was. I'll give this one up until later in the year when the tourists have effed off home.

It was hot and even in my Joe Rocket mesh jacket it was too hot.  Church Road New Romney is a long road and "no entry" from Station Road that leads from Littlestone passed the RHDR station to the A259.

I went along the high street and in at the far end. The church appears on the right. Parked I took a long walk around the very large burial ground.  Once again I came up empty. I couldn't find the CWGC graves(s).  It was hot and walking about I seemed to have attracted the (unwanted) attention of a local.  Watching me from the pavement bordering the site.

In the end I took a few pics and left.

Today was only just over 20 miles but with all the walking about churchyards I was out for well over an hour.

I'll check out the CWGC site and see if they have any idea where the burials sites I missed actually are!

TomTom recorded track

Reference:

https://historicengland.org.uk/whats-new/news/phoenix-caisson-in-kent-designated-part-of-the-mulberry-floating-harbour-used-in-the-d-day-landings/

Arrived today

Still getting things together for that day when the bike goes off to have the engine sorted and back on the road. Saw these and had to have them.

Traces of War - Part One

Today's post-lockdown ride was out on the Traces of War route I had planned.  I wasn't going to do all of it as it was gone 4pm or so before I got going.  

I had amended the route to include the Redoubt. It's called the Dymchurch Redoubt., built in the middle years of the Napoleonic War when there was the idea that Nappy would invade us.  I didn't stop as it is only half a mile from my house.  Actually, the Redoubt is part of the Hythe Ranges and is about 100 yards in Hythe not neighbouring Dymchurch.

The second stop should have been the Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery grave site in the churchyard in Dymchurch but TomTom forgot to tell me about the waypoint and the LS2 bluetooth was inaudible.

I continued through Dymchurch itself.  A small seaside resort with caravan parks and amusement arcades.  All closed as they haven't been allowed to open yet. Oddly, as a sunny day, the place was packed and social distancing looked rare. Expect another peak in Covid-19 infections and deaths soon....

My first stop was the Phoenix Caisson in Littlestone.  It is part of the Mulberry Harbour that was towed across the English Channel to supply the invading Allied armies after they has stormed the beaches on D-Day in 1944.  This bit broke free of its tow and ended up about 100 yards off the coats in Hythe Bay. The tide goes out way beyond it and I guess that's why it is still there 76 years later.

I couldn't stop as there was nowhere to park. I did see it over the sea wall and will go back.

I never found the US monument down the coast in Greatstone. TomTom was being reluctant to speak out loud and I couldn't see it. Another re-visit planned for that one.

In the end I went along the coast towards Dungeness and looped back to the A259 after Lydd.  I was lucky enough to get to the church at New Romney.

St Clement's (photo below) is a really attractive marsh church. It also has a CWGC grave site.

St Clement's Old Romney

I took a photo of the grave site and will send it to Traces of War in case they want to update hteir page.

I also stood in reflection for a minute to recognise this young man's sacrifice.  Only 19 years old.

From here I set TomTom for Home and missed off the other five or six Traces of War waypoints.

In all I was out about an hour.  I set record on so that I could see the track of my journey,  Not quite the loop I had planned but it was good to get back in the swing of things.

TomTom track of the ride. 34.1 miles

I may go out tomorrow to see if I can get the places I missed out and get some photos of them.



References:

https://historicengland.org.uk/whats-new/news/phoenix-caisson-in-kent-designated-part-of-the-mulberry-floating-harbour-used-in-the-d-day-landings/

Lockdown - Flickr Album

Bored in lockdown. Decided to add some photos to my Flickr album.

Lockdown - Alco what I have drunk!

This started off as a memory bank for the different things I had drunk at home and on holidays.  It might seem to have got out of hand, but it's easier than soaking the labels off and sticking them in an album.

This is a Flickr album!

First ride since lockdown started

It started off as a lunchtime pull the bike out and Solvol the rusty bits! It was warm and sunny. By three after midday I was getting bored.  Pepé was out and shining from the polish.

There were no calls on the helpdesk and I need to have my lunch and visit the supermarket.  Togged up I left and decided to try the Sainsbury's at Folkestone.  Bigger store, more choice?  I had the list of what was needed in my pocket.

For the fashion conscious I was wearing the Joe Rocket mesh jacket, black Kevlar lined cargo trousers, my old boots and the black LS2 helmet. 

I took London Road out of Hythe, A20 and then M20 to the Hawkinge turn off, then down through Folkestone on Black Bull Road and out to Park Farm.  Sainsbury had a queue too long and so I headed back along the coast to Waitrose in Hythe. Parked up. No queue to speak off and straight in.

Once done I had a short ride home.  The first ride for 8 weeks or so.  Enjoyed thoroughly.

Lockdown is relaxed

Actually it was relaxed last Wednesday. Amazingly the main A259 that passes about 100 yards behind my house had less motorcycle traffic along it than during lockdown.

It seems that some people were out when it wasn't allowed unless important or essential.

So I planned to go out over the weekend.  Didn't happen.  Around here the roads were as packed as a normal pre-Covid weekend.  Despite biking associations asking riders not to go out in groups or congregate in large number, there were loads of groups on the A259, some with five or even seven bikes one behind the other.  Now Joe Public thinks what a load of twats bikers are.

I am working from home today, it's hot and sunny so maybe I'll get out for a wash and brush up, use my Solvol on the chrome go for a short ride.

I have a route planned in my TomTom that has some places on it from the Traces of War  website. (https://www.tracesofwar.com/sights/7799/Dymchurch-Redoubt.htm)

Hopefully I'll get out later today.  More to follow.

Another part in the jigsaw

A quick check on the shelves in the garage. Would you believe it, there are TWO sets. One on the shelf and another in the crate with the barrels!

The complete engine gasket set and the new right grip with throttle inner.

All boxed with the other parts 

SP20 - Refund?

1. Another month has slipped by almost unnoticed.
2. Another month of the lockdown that means that we only get to go out once a day for up to an hour of exercise or taking the dog for his walk.
3. Another month of working from home.
4. Another month queuing outside supermarkets or arranging (when you can) for them to deliver to the door.
5. Another month of no refunds from Travel-Up and CarTrawler? 

I expect the last point will also become a statement of fact rather than a question.

Despite CarTrawler emailing weeks ago to say that both refunds had been made, this week they emailed to say "by 31st May"......

Travel-Up email every week or so to say that they are overworked and will do it as soon as possible.  Their phones are constantly engaged.

It does mean that once all this is over and the world of travel is back to normal there are two companies I might ignore when I am looking to book airfares and car-hire?  

Anyone guess which two?

Bike Shed Volunteers

I saw this a couple of weeks ago and thought it looked like a good idea. One way of keeping the bike running and also doing good works for the community.

I did the first part of the application on my laptop and the rest is on the app.  Unfortunately, my Honor 9 phone seems incapable of leaving a window open whilst you go and get some information from another source.

I got as far as the uploading of licence and insurance details and it kept effing up.  I gave up. When I went back to the application app pane it went back to the start.  It would be easier if everything could be done on a computer/laptop and then sign into the app to get the jobs they might send.

I don't know how many volunteers there are outside London but I might have been a rarity in East Kent.

In the end I had to reply to an email to say that as I was working I was unable to continue with my application and to remove me from their system.

Sad, but I hope that they get all the people they need and that it all works out.

If you are in England then go to the website and sign up - https://thebikeshed.cc/bikeshedvolunteers/

The UK’s leading motorcycle rider groups call on the Government to recognise the role of motorcycling during the COVID-19 crisis

The country’s largest motorcycling organisations have today jointly  submitted a White Paper to the Secretary of State, Grant Shapps, and to  each of the three devolved administrations.
 

The coalition of organisations is calling for the Government to fully  take the role of motorcycling into account as the UK continues to deal  with the Covid19 crisis and its aftermath. The coalition also sets out  the case for a Government-supported code of guidance for maintaining  social distancing for motorcycling in the present situation.

 The coalition of organisations consists of the Motorcycle Action Group  (MAG), Vintage Motorcycle Club (VMCC), the Trail Riders Fellowship (TRF)  and the British Motorcyclists Federation (BMF).  The groups jointly  commissioned a White Paper which was submitted to the Secretary of State  earlier today.

 The white paper:

•       Reviews ways the crisis is affecting motorcycle riding.
•      Discusses the conditions under which motorcyclists can continue to  ride safely during the various COVID 19 Alert Level phases.
•      Sets out the case for a Government-supported code of guidance for  maintaining social distancing for riding in the present phase.
•       Sets the scene for review and discussion with the Government about how  restrictions affecting motorcycling can gradually be lifted as the Country enters future lockdown phases.
•       Makes the case for encouraging the use of motorcycles as well as  walking and cycling, during the crisis exit strategy and beyond.
•      Opens the discussion on policy proposals that could help encourage  greater take-up of motorcycling by commuters, avoiding public transport  in line with Government guidance.

 

In a debate in the House of Commons on 12th May, Secretary of State for  Transport, Grant Shapps, commented that “Motorcycles are an enormously  important way of getting around”.  With Mr Shapps recognising the role  of motorcycling, it seems clear that it is time to take discussions  further with the Department for Transport (DfT).  This paper is designed  to create a starting point for that detailed debate.

 MAG Chair, Selina Lavender, said: “A new transport normal can only be  achieved by consensus of all road user groups.  We look forward to  consulting with the Government to ensure that motorcycles are given  their rightful position in that new normal.”

VMCC Chair, Bob Clark, said: “The VMCC is the UK's largest motorcycle  club, although the average age of our membership is nearly seventy. Our  members are thus perhaps more concerned with adherence to the guidelines  than may be the case with other segments of the population.

 

However, for  us, motorcycling is more than transport, and is often the physical and  mental exercise essential for our members' wellbeing. The VMCC seeks  confirmation that those of our members who are fit and healthy can both  remain within the law and enjoy the motorcycling that is their chosen
form of exercise.”

TRF Chair, Mario Costa-Sa, commented: “The TRF Code of Conduct provides  a key role in training trail and adventure riders, and compliance with  COVID guidance is no exception.  Trail Riders want clarity; they look to  us as leaders of the largest motorcycle groups to interpret and  communicate the Government's public message."

BMF Chair, Jim Freeman, commented, “The time has come for the motorcycle  to shine as a serious urban alternative to public transport, cycling and  walking. For many, the typical public transport journey is too far to be  walked or cycled. The car takes up far too much road and parking space.”

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

Issued on behalf of the Coalition of motorcycling organisations by the   Motorcycle Action Group
Press and other enquiries C/O MAG at 01926 844 064 or central-office@mag-uk.org
 

Lockdown - Two months!

Today is the start of the third month since I last went up to London on the train to go to work. On March 12th 2020 my boss said as one of those with underlying conditions (as result of the heart attack and stenting) I should start to work from home.

 

I was already at home by this stage.  I had had almost a week off the week before with 'flu like symptoms. I went to work on the Thursday but was really ill on the way home.  Maybe I had had Covid-19 and only mildly?  I have no idea. Until they start dishing out the anti-body test we'll never know.

 

On Thursday 12th it was later in the evening when he made the decision. It means that my work laptop was on the desk at work! 

 

One of my colleagues collected and posted it to me. It arrived today.  It saves my shared with Claire personal laptop from a 40 hours week!  Once I had fought my way through the blocks and locks that the Council's IT monkeys have tied it down with, I can work!  Sadly only using Internet Explorer. I prefer Chrome!

 

So how has it been?  Apart from two weeks over Easter when I was on holiday, yes, term time only people aren't paid so I ain't gonna work, I have been working from home.

 

It begs the question that in effect with the council Lenovo L430 and it's up to date operating system (actually it's WIN7), do I actually need to go to London on the train to work?  I have managed 7 weeks without doing it! 

 

I miss the banter and companionship of my colleagues and the Monday morning Google Chat meeting doesn't quite fulfil that need but working is no problem.

 

I expect that come next Monday that the Council Lenovo won't work very well as the camera was blocked by the IT department and so I'll have to listen and maybe type a reply if anyone asks me anything.

 

I am sticking to a fairly rigid schedule. I login earlier than if I was sitting on a train and as the helpdesk closes at 1630, I tend to logoff after then.  I don't have long lunches either.  So have managed to build up some flexi-time!  From a deficit of 7 hours I am 9 up!  Yeehaw!

 

What does the future bring.  Probably another month or so of work from home and then what?

MAG News - Transport Secretary: “motorcycles are enormously important”

The Motorcycle Action Group welcomes a statement by the Secretary of State for Transport, the Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP, in support of using motorcycles.

MAG has praised the Secretary of State for Transport, Grant Shapps, for recognising motorcycles in the UK transport mix. In response to a question by Julian Lewis – MP for New Forest East and member of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Motorcycling - Mr Shapps agreed that motorbikes play a key role in delivering billions of commuting miles in the country.

In a House of Commons debate about Covid-19 on Tuesday, 12th May 2020, Mr Lewis asked: ‘As an alternative to using public transport during the crisis, what assessment has my Right Hon. Friend made of the desirability of ageing bikers like me once again using motorcycles for travelling to work, and will he be taking any steps to incentivise motorcycle usage as the lockdown is gradually eased?’

Mr Shapps replied: ‘Motorcycles are an enormously important way of getting around— 2.7 billion miles were travelled by motorcycle in 2018, the last year for which we have data. We are working on a number of projects, including sorting out potholes, which are a huge problem for people on motorcycles and other two-wheeled vehicles. I also encourage him—at whatever age—to adopt the electric motorbike.’

Chair of MAG, Selina Lavender, praised Mr Lewis and Mr Shapps: ‘MAG is very encouraged by this mature debate about the importance of motorcycles in the UK. We’ve repeatedly pointed out their value as a commuting mode of transport. Now Ministers advise the use of private instead of public transport, motorbikes are more important than ever. By law, bikers must wear a form of personal protective equipment, and riding keeps you at least two metres away from others almost all the time, in line with Covid-19 guidance. Having made these points to Parliament repeatedly, we’re delighted to see an MP share our view, and the Secretary of State for Transport recognising motorbikes in the transport mix.’ MAG continues to work with the authorities on clear guidance to the riding community.

The Parliamentary question and answer are available here:

MAG News - Lockdown Relaxation

An update from MAG Central:

On Sunday, the Prime Minister announced a lifting of some restrictions on travel and a return to work for some.

From Day 1 of lockdown, the Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) has not been aware of any distinction being made between cars and motorcycles. Travel by motorcycle or scooter to work (where you cannot work from home), for shopping, and for the personal care of yourself or people in your care has been permitted. This now extends to travel to publicly accessible open spaces for exercise or recreation.

There are limits in place and the following information is based on the Government guidelines at the time of writing:

You can carry a pillion from your own household, but meeting other people is strictly limited to groups of two. So, that’s either you and your pillion or you, meeting with one friend from another address, on another bike, but not both. Social distancing guidelines must be followed.

Please remember that many places - including National Parks - are still closed, so you should check before you go. Most facilities at the seaside are also closed, including public toilets in some locations.

MAG urges riders to avoid traditional meeting places where riders usually gather. If large numbers of riders descend upon the places we traditionally go to, there may be a backlash that results in restrictions being imposed.

The rules are different for Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Do not ride there from England.

In encouraging people to return to work where it is safe to do so, the Government is advising people to avoid public transport. MAG is working with the Vintage Motorcycle Club (VMCC) and the Trail Riders Fellowship (TRF), on a document to be submitted to the Government asking the Government to ensure that motorcycles and scooters are fully incorporated into any travel plans as part of lifting the lockdown. Motorcycles and scooters have a huge part to play in reducing congestion and pollution, providing access to personal transport for those journeys that people are unable to complete using active travel (cycling and walking), or to avoid the risk of using public transport. MAG, the VMCC and the TRF want to ensure that the travel benefits of motorcycling from transport, leisure and welfare aspects are not overlooked as lockdown restrictions are lifted.

Selina Lavender, Chair of the Motorcycle Action Group, said “as riders, we all know that riding bikes is good for our mental health and welfare. It can also provide a safe way to travel as lockdown is lifted, and we will be encouraging the Government to include us as lockdown is eased. If you do choose to go for a ride, take it easy, please avoid congregating, have a stroll in the countryside and come home safe.”

Coupes Motos Légendes 2021

Setting a goal!

• Depending on lockdown. 
• Depending on Philip Jones or another restorer!
• Depending on dates.  

Could Coupes Motos Légendes 2021 be a reality for me and the Kettle?

Twenty years after the last visit to the event?

MyRouteApp Route

The circuit at Prenois-Dijon is about 360 miles from the Channel ports. 

On a Kettle that won't be in one go. Nearer the time I'll have to check the dates and see if I can time off from work. Maybe a flexi-day to travel down? Or use that free "birthday" gift from the council's CEO.

FR21?

Out of the ashes of both RT20 and SP20 it looks as though we might get a chance for a holiday in 2021.

I have even been whiling away some hours over a hot laptop (so hot that it decides to power off) and looking at the Vercors again.  Ideally this is a bike trip but Devall Travel is no longer a bike touring blog!

When?  Has to be summer as many of the passes are still shown as closed today (6th May 2020)  on Google maps. So this looks like August 2021!  

The current plan, such as it is, is just the Vercors.  No plans on how the get there or back.

The loop is based on a start/finish at Saint-Jean-en-Royans.

MAG urges Government: 'Do not overlook motorcycles in plans to ease lockdown’

The Motorcycle Action Group has criticised the omission of motorcycles in indications of Government thinking around transport in the transition from lockdown back to normality.  Claiming that the “New Normal” may not be anything like that proposed by many lobby groups, MAG calls for

clearer thinking.

Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps, has suggested that encouraging people to commute by bicycle will be a key part of proposals for transport as travel restrictions for the pandemic lockdown are eased; however, motorcycles are not mentioned.  Zealous cycle lobbyists are naturally excited by this statement and seem to be suggesting that vast numbers will turn to cycling as their only mode of transport. London Mayor, Sadiq Khan, has already announced his Streetspace Plan, which is intended to fast-track the transformation of London’s streets to enable millions more people to safely walk and cycle as part of their daily journeys.

Commenting on the media rush to suggest that cycling will be a substantial solution, MAG’s Director of Campaigns & Political Engagement, Colin Brown, said: “The idea that cycling alone can replace all the transport needs of those who will be unable to commute by public transport is for the birds.  The average cycle trip in 2018 was a mere 3.3 miles.  Potentially, cycling could replace bus travel in London as the average trip was 3.7 miles but nationally, average local bus trips are 5.3 miles.  The average trip on the London underground was 8.9 miles and on average surface rail trips are 30.9 miles.  During lockdown, we have not all moved closer to our places of work.  At an average trip distance of 13.4 miles, motorcycles can clearly replace far more public transport trips than cycling, whilst also offering congestion reduction benefits over cars.“

Colin went on to say: “Any action that improves the safety of cycling and walking is to be commended. However, the plight of motorcyclists must not be forgotten in this dash for cycling infrastructure.  We have serious concerns that road space segregation and cycle safety measures often increase risks for motorcyclists: something we highlighted at the last City of London meeting prior to lockdown.  We are vulnerable road users too.  It is vital that MAG and motorcyclists are consulted on the many plans to accommodate cycling that are being rushed through without opportunity for comment and scrutiny from other road users.”

MAG Chair, Selina Lavender, said “Motorcyclists already wear a form of PPE as standard. Motorcycles provide social distancing, flexibility and range that cycles don’t.  There is no need to fast-track major changes to the roads infrastructure, though a few more authorities opening their bus lanes to motorcycles would be sensible.  Leaving motorcycles out of plans to help the transport system to get going and the economy back on the road to recovery is an oversight of massive proportion.”

MAG Director of Communications & Public Affairs, Lembit Opik, said: “Motorbikes and scooters are self-evidently safer than bus and train travel when it comes to virus transmission. Motorcycling guarantees social distancing, with most being ‘PPE-ready’ the moment they get on their machine, in a way that those using trains and buses are not. It’s a ready-made solution, and the Government should rapidly highlight this to the millions of commuters looking for virus-resistant ways to travel.”

Tim Fawthrop, MAG London Regional Rep, said:  'I nearly lost my life to Covid, and consider myself fortunate to now be on the long road to recovery. Like many others, I am avoiding public transport, which is potentially where I picked up the virus initially.  I plan to avoid all public transport for the foreseeable future. As soon as I have the strength, I will return to riding my motorcycle in accordance with whatever guidelines are in place at that time. Getting back on the bike and on the open road will lift my spirits and aid my recovery.  I am saddened that the Government and London’s Mayor have not yet included motorcycles in their plans.  As motorcyclists, we are aware of the benefits of our favourite form of transport and how they can support society in the fight against the effects of this horrendous virus. It is time for policy-makers to listen to us.'

MAG has approached the Secretary of State for Transport and the London Mayor, and will continue to assertively lobby for a long overdue review by the Department for Transport of the missed opportunities and ignored benefits of motorcycles.  MAG has long promoted motorcycles as the most

sustainable form of private motorised transport and is now calling on all riders to contact their MPs and councillors, asking them to promote motorcycles as a vital part of any “new normal” transport system that emerges.

RT20 - Lockdown

One of the places I had planned to pass through on the way to Nice.

The Vercors. At least I have the map to look at and plan for another time.

SP20 - Refund?

Well another MasterCard statement has arrived. Still no refund from Cartrawler or Travel-Up. Only takes seconds to pay and months to repay.

Another part in the jigsaw

Another part of the renaissance jigsaw arrived in the post today from Reiner in Germany. A master cylinder repair kit.

It comes with the seals etc need to fix the leaking problem I currently have.  In fact. It has leaked and there is no fluid left in it all.

Another job to add to the list that I will pass onto Philip Jones once the lockdown is over in the UK. I am hoping that will be sooner rather than later.

When I am off for the summer from late July to early September would be a good time to get it up to Telford.

Oh forgot about the three B8ES plugs I bought as well.

News from the Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) - A big thank you and an important rally update

The Motorcycle Action Group has been overwhelmed by the generous donations of some of those who would have been attending the Into The Valley rally this weekend, and we wish to thank you all for your thoughtful contributions.  We are so grateful for the amazing support that will help enable us to continue fighting for riders’ rights.

We know that some of our members regularly take the opportunity to renew their membership at this event, so we warmly invite them to either contact the office on 01926 844 064, or go online to renew at www.mag-uk.org

For those who have not yet seen the various options available for both this cancelled event, and the postponed Farmyard Party, please see below an edited update from the organisers, MAGic Action Promotions:

We have made the difficult but sensible decision to cancel Into The Valley 2020 and postpone the Farmyard Party till late September this year. Yorkshire Pudding Rally is currently still set to go ahead at the end of July.

Postponing the Farmyard Party to September 25th-27th gives the rally a greater chance of happening than sticking to its June date. It will be the same venue, bands, traders, caterers, fires and no fires field, Carry Nowt Camping, Great British Glamping, etc….

We anticipate some hurdles to overcome to go ahead in September, but  feel that they will be surmountable. So, if we are allowed gatherings, it is safe to do so, and you buy tickets we will see you in September.

One of the immediate rules we have been advised to implement is that all tickets must be pre-booked; it is highly unlikely that gate tickets will be available or permitted. Tickets can be booked now at www.magicactiononline.co.uk or by calling 0800 988 3199.

If you have already purchased tickets for Into The Valley or Farmyard Party this year: The current Coronavirus restrictions are playing havoc with everyone’s lives. MAG is far from immune from these problems and has already been hit financially due to the cancellation of many of its fundraisers.

These events are the lifeblood of the organisation and without this income they may well struggle in the coming months. To try to avoid this and ensure the future of our events, we ask you to kindly consider donating your ticket(s) to us/MAG to ensure we will all we back next year fighting fit.

PRE-BOOKED INTO THE VALLEY tickets only: If tickets were purchased from a MAG rep or one of our outlets: 

1. Donate the ticket cost to MAG – please email enquiries@mapevents.co.uk with your ticket numbers to notify us of this intention OR return your tickets to the PO Box* with DONATED written on the back.

2. Use your ticket at Yorkshire Pudding Rally 2020 or purchase an upgrade for £12 to a Weekend Farmyard Party (25-27 Sept).  To do this go to https://www.magicactiononline.co.uk/…/farmyard-party-upgrade (online only, not available via reps or outlets)

3. Return ticket/s to the outlet for a full refund (some outlets may currently be closed, please wait for them to reopen if you can)

If tickets were purchased online with a debit or credit card or with a cheque via the PO Box:

1. Donate the ticket cost to MAG – please email enquiries@mapevents.co.uk with your ticket numbers to notify us of this intention OR return your tickets to the PO Box* with DONATED written on the back

2. Use your ticket at Yorkshire Pudding Rally 2020 or purchase an upgrade for £12 to a Weekend Farmyard Party (25-27 Sept) to do this go to https://www.magicactiononline.co.uk/…/farmyard-party-upgrade

3. Return them to the PO Box* for a refund (excludes booking fee(s), these are retained by our 3rd party booking agent)

PRE-BOOKED FARMYARD PARTY tickets only:

If tickets were purchased from a MAG rep or one of our outlets:

1. Use them for the new September date (25-27 Sept).

2. Donate the ticket cost to MAG: please email enquiries@mapevents.co.uk with your ticket numbers to notify us of this intention OR return your tickets to the PO Box* with DONATED written on the back.

3. Return them to the outlet for a full refund (some outlets may currently be closed, please wait for them to reopen if you can).

If tickets were purchased online with a debit or credit card or with a cheque via the PO Box:

1. Use them for the new September date (25-27 Sept).

2. Donate the ticket cost to MAG please email enquiries@mapevents.co.uk with your ticket numbers to notify us of this intention OR return your tickets to the PO Box* with DONATED written on the back.

3. Return them to the PO Box* for a refund (excludes booking fee(s), these are retained by our 3rd party booking agent).

* MAP EVENTS, PO Box 247, Beverley, HU17 9GY. Please write your contact number on the back of one of the tickets. All enquiries: 0800 988 3199 

Thanks to each and every one of you for your support. Take care till we see you in a field (hopefully sooner rather than later).