Issued 22nd February 2005
The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) welcomes the Road Safety Minister David
Jamieson’s announcement of the publication of the first National Motorcycling
Strategy designed to ensure the "mainstreaming" of motorcycling as a means of
transport.
MAG has worked relentlessly over a five year period with the rest of the
motorcycle community to complete the Advisory Group on Motorcycling
recommendations to Government and to advance these towards a national motorcycle
strategy.
Motorcycling now has the opportunity to represent itself at the very top seat of
mainstream transportation with recognition from Government that an increasing
number of people are turning to motorcycles and scooters in order to beat
congestion as well as riding bikes just for the sheer fun of it.
The strategy aims to ensure that:
-
motorcycling is recognised as a "mainstream"
mode of transport.
-
transport planning and infrastructure
decisions fully take motorcycling into account.
-
motorcycle design continues to improve.
-
the attitudes and behaviour of both drivers
and motorcyclists is focused on looking out for each other.
-
pre-test and post-test training continues to
improve, making it attractive to riders.
-
the motorcycle test is reviewed, including a
review of the delivery of the Direct Access Scheme.
Road Safety Minister David Jamieson said,
"This is the first national motorcycling strategy and clearly demonstrates the
Government’s commitment to addressing the concerns of bikers, ensuring that the
needs of motorcyclists are fully considered when making future decisions.
Trevor Baird, Director of Public Affairs, MAG said, “It is the moment of truth
for motorcycling, this has not been megaphone diplomacy but steady work in
partnership to set out a clear programme of action for the future of motorcycle
policies in the UK”
The NMS provides a keystone for motorcycle policies but the main issues of
immediate concern are the acceptance by authorities of the benefits of
motorcycles in Bus Lanes, provision of adequate Motorcycle Parking, the danger
of Diesel spills, Crash Barrier design and the promotion and funding of Bikesafe.
Notes to Editors
1. Download the National Motorcycle Strategy Document
Here pdf 343KB
2. DfT Press release can be viewed at
http://www.dft.gov.uk
Issued by
Trevor Baird
Director Of Public Affairs
The UK's Leading Riders' Rights Organisation
www.mag-uk.org
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