Don’t ban legal riding because of hooligans


MAG is currently looking at injunctions taken out by a number of local councils in a bid to reduce anti-social behaviour undertaken on motorcycles.

Steve Bolton, one of MAG’s Liaison Officers, commented ‘Motorcycling is an activity enjoyed by all who take part in it.  It draws people from all backgrounds and age groups, with an eclectic outlook on life.

Unfortunately it is also an activity that, from time to time, attracts elements of society who exhibit some degree of over-exuberance and high spirits. It always has and, no doubt, always will – but nothing on the scale of what has been witnessed recently from these hooligans, who often organise and promote their activities via social media.

‘MAG unconditionally distances itself from this anti-social behaviour, which we have seen at different times and in various locations around the country.  We are about to embark on a series of meetings and conferences with Local Authorities and the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) to ensure that bikers going about their daily lawful business do not suffer as a result of mismanaged or misdirected enforcement of these injunctions.  The enforcement strategy must target those whose misdemeanors have created the need for these injunctions and no one else.’

MAG seeks to meet with the NPCC to cover these points and agree a way forward that doesn’t depend on blunt and indiscriminate injunctions that potentially outlaw legal riding alongside the true targets of the legislation: the hooligans who break existing laws in mass numbers and happen to be doing so on two wheels.

Contact MAG at 01926 844 064 or central-office@mag-uk.org