Uninsured


A total of 226,803 drivers in the UK have points on their licence for driving without insurance, according to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request by the IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists).


In the 17-35 age range, one in every 100 people with a full driving licence has points for driving uninsured.


Figures also show that in both licence categories and all age groups it is men who are far more likely to commit this offence. In the 17-24 age category, men are four times more likely to have points on their licence for driving uninsured than women.


Electric bicycles


Dayun UK is promoting an electric bike which to all intents and purposes looks like a moped but requires no insurance or licence, and can be ridden by anyone over the age of 14 years. Under the Road Traffic Act 1988, the £850 Dayun Electric Tandem Bike is not required to be registered, pay vehicle excise duty (road tax) or be insured as a motor vehicle. Furthermore riders do not have to wear crash helmets. The bike weighs 58kg with a


48V 250W motor. It has a top speed of 15mph, can travel 30 miles on each charge and comes with a two year warranty. In Britain, the Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles (EAPC) regulations apply to certain bicycles, tandem bicycles or tricycles fitted with pedals by means of which they are capable of being propelled.


For the regulations to apply, the motor assistance must be provided by an electric motor and not by an internal combustion engine. The electric motor must not be able to propel the machine at more than 15mph. Furthermore, the vehicle’s maximum kerbside weight (including batteries but without the rider) cannot exceed 40 kg (bicycle), 60 kg (tandem bicycle), and 60 kg (tricycle). As the Dayun Electronic


Tandem Bike complies with these requirements, it is not considered a motor vehicle.


Children march for 20mph zones


More than 100,000 children from 600 schools across the UK took part in a walk organised by road safety group BRAKE. The group is campaigning for more 20mph limits in urban areas.


The event was intended to cele- brate the benefits of walking and promote the protocol of driving no faster than 20mph around homes, schools and shops. BRAKE have campaigned for 20mph to be the urban default speed limit.


McDonalds in poor grammar shock


The Clifton Moor branch of McDonalds came under fire from MAG in the South West after a member was refused service at their drive through. South West MAG Rep Tracy Smith took up the case with the company whose spokesman replied that it was policy to ‘serve motorbikes on the drive thru.’


Noting the spectacular concentration of grammatical errors in so few words, Tracy posed an acerbic question. ‘Why is it that supermarket


staff have to achieve a degree to be employed to stack shelves, while customer relations teams at McDonalds are unable to write in English.’


The manager has apparently been told to re-educate his team about serving motorcyclists though whether they have been taught the difference between a motorbike and a person riding one is as yet unclear.


ACE Cafe faces local bike ban!


Brent Council in London have proposed to close Rainsford Road next to the ACE Cafe to motorcycles. Last year Brent Police and Brent Council introduced a Dispersal Zone in Stonebridge Ward after residents and local business people complained of persistent nuisance behaviour. Groups of individuals causing anti social behaviour (ASB) can now be dispersed by police constables and police community support officers (PCSOs). The dispersal order was introduced from September 12 2012 to run until March 14 2013. It is alleged that crowds which gather in the area actively encourage anti-social driving and their presence is intimidating for both residents and the staff of local businesses.


MAG has contacted the ACE Cafe and the local Council in an effort to resolve the issue.


BMW get practical


BMW seem to be changing direction in recognition of a new age of austerity and ecological expectations.


STOP PRESS South East Region AGM. Saturday 31st August


The Carlisle, 24 Pelham Street,


Hastings TN34 1PE. 11.30 for midday start.


The German company is pulling out of competition in World Superbikes and looking to produce sub 500cc models that will appeal in the emerging markets of South America and India. Increasing urbanisation in those huge markets will quickly make motorcars impractical and the potential for selling huge numbers of small capacity motorcycles is clearly recognised by BMW boss Stephen Schaller. In an interview with MCN Schaller emphasised that production would remain in Germany though he said BMW was co-operating with Indian manufacturing giant TVS in the production of new models.


ROAD comment: This looks like a very long overdue shift in market priorities to re -focus attention on economic transport for mass markets instead of elite high performance machines for the insanely indulgent. Schaller has smelled the coffee but why did it take so long?


Top cop engages public to look at motorcycle accidents


As the ROAD went to press Road users concerned about dangers on the A40 Brecon- Llandovery road in Wales were being urged to attend a public meeting in Sennybridge. The gathering has been called by Dyfed-Powys Police and Commissioner Christopher Salmon with the support of Chief Constable Simon Prince. Mr Salmon said: “We are aware of community concerns about speeding and the anti-social riding of a small number of motorcycles that affect the lives of many along the A40; we're eager to address those matters. “I'd like to bring communities and police together to tackle a road safety problem that, I believe, requires a joined up approach.


“My priorities as Commissioner have one aim: to keep our communities safe - and I understand that our roads need protecting from dangerous drivers. I also acknowledge that there are many good and law- abiding motorcyclists.


“All agencies should play their part in a co-ordinated way to prevent speeding, dangerous driving and road traffic collisions.


“Indeed, I am committed to asking the Chief Constable to develop a road safety strategy built around local communities with partners that focuses on the reduction of speeding, anti-social driving and road traffic collisions.”


Assembly Member Ms Williams said: “As soon as the sun comes out, we see a rise in the number of motorcyclists who are injured and killed and who injure other road users.


“Statistics show, in recent years, there has been a big reduction in the number of people seriously injured in cars in Wales; sadly this is not the case with motorcyclists. “We must try to make our roads safer for the sake of


motorcyclists, their families and for all other road users.”


The ROAD 11


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