MAGregionsandclubsMAGregionsandclubsMAGregionsMAGregi
Save Our Signs MAG in Devon are throwing insisting others share the responsibility for rider safety
South Devon MAG has its first campaign to get its teeth into. In October 2010 local bikers noticed the yellow bike signs displayed on the very busy A380 Kingkerswell to Newton Abbot road had mysteriously vanished. These signs (approx 15 in number) were put up a few years ago to help to reduce motorcycle/car collisions on this busy stretch of road by warning other road users of the potential risks. The signs were located at hotspots where there had been previous problems and carried messages such as ‘Check mirrors for bikers’ and ‘Is there a biker in your blind spot’ etc. When asked why the signs had come down, Devon County Council claimed that although accident figures show collisions have dropped on the road in question, they can't prove it's because of the signs, furthermore they were only ever 'temporary. There is an assumption that drivers become so used to seeing them they no longer register on their consciousness. The signs are now in storage.
Our response was to start a campaign to gauge public opinion on the signs. We made our own metal sign and displayed it on the road to highlight what we perceived to be a greater risk to motorcyclists. The local press supported us and we started a petition. We did get a bit of adverse reaction from those who take the "You bikers think you own
East Yorkshire MAG Annual AGM Thursday 10th of March 8.30 pm Back room of the Lady Le Gros 155 Norwood, Beverley HU17 9HT. Contact: Kev Davison for further details on 01482 863237
k5vda@yahoo.co.uk
the road" view but the vast majority of
people we spoke to were totally in favour of the signs going back up (these included car drivers, MPs and a police officer).
The petition has now been sent in with assistance in collecting signatures from a local rider, Martin, who saw the newspaper article. We are hoping that common sense prevails and we see the signs reinstated sometime in the new year.
Get a Grip
South Devon MAG has also made a start on the 'Get a Grip' campaign, we are seeking out companies who operate diesel –powered vehicles to support us by display ‘killspills’ sticker by their vehicle’s fuel caps. The company I work for are happy to get some free press coverage and be the first in the area to help! Fuel fill stations will be the next target of our
attention with an aim of getting stickers or posters on the pumps. I
suspect some operators will not be easy to win over as the issue of some bikers not removing their helmets at the checkouts is a bone of contention down this way. We are also helping Devon County Council to highlight their single point of contact for reporting road surface faults. They actually want bikers to report fresh potholes or damaged inspection covers. Their system works, and if one motorcyclist is saved from the trauma of crashing on a cold, dark winter’s night after hitting a hole in the road, then it will be worth the effort.
Clive, South Devon Rep (pictured)
Bikers overcome arctic weather Bike clubs respond to newspaperʼs toy appeal
Lincolnshire Region AGM Sunday 20 March
Arrive from 2.30pm for a 3pm start Venue: The Red Lion, Bull Ring, Horncastle, LN9 5HT
Remember your membership card. No card, no vote. Contact: 01205 357417 or 01507 524432 http://lincs–
region.mag–
uk.org/
New Whitehaven MAG patch (laminated plastic surface mount), limited edition £1.50 ex P and P. Collectable Contact Paul Turner 07846676980
The snow and ice that covered the town at the start of December did not put off hardy bikers from supporting the annual Crawley News Toy Appeal.
Despite the roads still being perilous in places, 17 bikers rode into town on Sunday, December 5 to hand over toys, books and games. Some of the bikers came from as far as Hastings to support the appeal, which is run in association with the Golden Lion Childrens Trust (GLCT).
The riders were greeted at Gatwick Manor Hotel by grateful GLCT volunteers. The bikers came from clubs including Crawley MCC, Burgess Hill MCC, Mid Sussex MCC, the Motorcycle Action Group, Triumph Owners Club and Vintage MCC. Lynda Guy, chairman of the GLCT, said: "Although it was disappointing not to see the usual 150 or so motorbikes arriving, we were astonished that so many kind people were good enough to make the journey, many coming on four wheels instead of two. "We really didn't expect to see anyone and
couldn't believe the number of people who made such efforts to come to lend their support." In return for their efforts, the bikers enjoyed well-earned hot refreshments, including seasonal mince pies.
The bikers donate to the appeal every year, in what has become a Christmas tradition. GLCT secretary Steve Taylor said: "Given the weather conditions we were amazed at the support. Their generosity means we are able to help a great number of children over the Christmas period. They all demonstrated true British spirit when the weather threatened to beat our plans and spoil things for the children." After the bikers had left, 18 GLCT helpers turned one of the rooms at the hotel into a Santa's grotto where more than 400 presents were wrapped.
The gifts were distributed over the Christmas season to under-privileged and disadvantaged children in the area.
Chris Ballinger
chris.ballinger@
essnmedia.co.uk The ROAD 73
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