Rider's action/lobbying groups

[phil2alp]

Although there has always been prejudice against motorcyclists it seems like more and more people / lobbying groups are forming an increasing dislike to and prejudice against motorcyclists and are trying to curtail our activity eg The Ramblers Association, Cycle Touring Association and road safety groups. These type of groups seem to have an increasing amount of lobbying power with MP's, local councillors, newspapers, parliamentary committees etc.

In view of this I am going to join an organisation which defends riders rights and can lobby MP's etc on our behalf. The thing is I am not sure which to join. I know only of the BMF and MAG. The BMF seems to be having very bad problems. I was a member of MAG a few years ago but have let the membership lapse.

I was wondering if anyone thinks either of these organisations is better than the other at defending rider's rights. Also if anyone knows of a more effective organisation than the two mentioned?

Cheers.

[Polarbear]

As a member of the Goldwing owners club I am automatically a BMF associate. To be honest, I am not impressed with them supporting the 'standard' biker.

I personally would recommend MAG.

And I would say we (bikers) are a lot better looked upon by society nowadays than we were 10/20 yeas ago. We were real scum then!
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[MarkJ]

I have the same views as Polarbear, go with MAG

[Itchy]

not the BMF , maybe the MAG,

recent press anoucement seem incredibly in favour of everything the government has said I get the impression from the BMF , which means they have sold their sould and therefore it is a pointless organisation to join, BMF = government sychophants and anti biker which defeats the point!.

the MAG said something along the lines of:

No speed control devices now or EVER

BMF said
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[Trixie]

I would go with MAG as well, have previously been a member in Reading and they certainly do their bit for riders' rights.

I agree with Polarbear in that bikers are generally better treated these days. I remember a number of places (mainly pubs) about 10 years ago that wouldn't serve me because I'd turned up on the bike! That doesn't seem to happen these days, probably because of the "PC" explosion.
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Dead nobodies in company cars...

[map]

As said probably go with MAG over BMF.

IMO the problem with BMF is they're too wooly and afraid to upset the decision makers for fear of not been invited onto any committees and the like. IMO this just makes them look like a walkover for politicians.

Recent example is the remote control speed limiters on bikes (covered in BCF thread - see here, the original Jeff Stone article being replaced by the BMF).
The BMF did not say no way, in fact their stance could be interpreted as supporting it (as in it'll happen anyway so what's the point). MAG on the other hand just came out and said it was a bad idea and shouldn't happen. No fannying around, straight to the point

I'll point out the above paragraph is IMO, others may have a different viewpoint.

HTH

P.S. Just realised this post covers the same ground as Itchy's. Still, worth repeating as it helps emphasise a valid point.
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[skida]

I've never been a member of BMF but I was a member of MAG (and will be again) and my opinion is that MAG is a bit more active on the lobbying front.

There has been a bit of a misconception that MAG appealed to "Black Leather" riders whereas BMF appealed more to sports riders, but that may be because a lot of BMF membership was given free with new bikes and/or by owners clubs.

[phil2alp]