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Rogerborg
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 Posted: 08:59 - 30 Jun 2014  Post subject: BMF awakens, mauls bikers, goes back into hibernation |
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Well, it's nice to hear from them, but this looks like a real Judean People's Front of a spat. Stick to what you know best, eh?
| MAG's Chairman of the Week, in some tarded PDF that's really hard to quote from, wrote: | MAG News Release
Plan 2B or not 2B? That is the question
MAG ‘amazed’ at BMF support for 'Killer' Roundabout scheme
The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) has expressed amazement at the British Motorcyclists Federation (BMF) ‘inexplicable’ decision to cave in to the Council’s proposals to build a dangerous roundabout in the town. MAG Chairman, John Mitchell, has said ‘if this insane Bedford scheme goes ahead it strikes a killer blow against motorcyclists' rights to have their safety considered in line with other vulnerable road user groups such as cyclists. I can’t understand how a riders’ group like the BMF can possibly be supporting it, unless they really have failed to grasp what this scheme is all about – and that it’s a potential killer.’
The latest plan to introduce what are known as 'turbo roundabout' principles in central Bedford were hastily drawn up by pro-cycling group Sustrans last month, after MAG caused Bedford to abandon two earlier proposals on grounds of safety. The proposal includes two ‘pinch points’ to ‘squeeze’ traffic into a narrowed channel on a roundabout used by 25,000 vehicles per day.
Unglamorously known as ‘Plan 2B,’ it also uses raised ‘spurs’ of kerbing to funnel all vehicles into two channels on opposite sides of the roundabout. These channels are less than half the width of the current lane. MAG's Policy Adviser, former BMF Chairman Dr Leon Mannings first challenged Bedford's proposals in April 2013. Dr Mannings says, ‘the Council is doing this in the hope it would make cyclists 'feel safer'. MAG has no issue with schemes to help cyclists feel safer - unless the measures have significant adverse impacts on safety for those on scooters, mopeds and motorbikes – and indeed bicycles. Sadly, ALL the proposals have included new obstructions which many experts in the motorcycling AND cycling fraternities regard as new hazards that could seriously injure or even kill bikers on machines with motors or pedals.’ Dr Mannings and his colleague Lembit Öpik, MAG's Director of Comms & Public Affairs have had a series of talks with the DfT to discuss MAG's objections: the DfT is allocating £420k of taxpayers’ money to the scheme via their Cycle Safety Programme. MAG described the sessions as ‘seemingly productive.’ Thus it came as a total surprise when they learned that Graeme Hay, the BMF's newly Government Relations Executive, had submitted a report in support of Plan 2B.
Leon adds ‘up till that point, the BMF had expressed no interest in Bedford's proposals, nor had they had any involvement at all with discussions during the preceding 18 months. Indeed, Mr Hay had only taken office the week in which he wrote and submitted his report.’ The DfT has now given Bedford the go-ahead to implement the scheme and the council has told MAG that they will start work in the next two weeks. In response, MAG has insisted that Bedford conduct a public consultation about the new proposal as it is so significantly different to the original proposals. Leon adds ‘this scheme is crazy. If the BMF continues to support it, I have to assume they simply haven’t understood the basic dangers of it. MAG will campaign for Plan 2B NOT to be built, despite the BMF’s apparent last minute support for a scheme that can kill riders.’
Contact either Lembit Öpik or Leon Mannings via MAG Central Office.
• The planned scheme is being considered at the Union Street junction with Clapham road. The most recent design is a new proposal, and has been created by pro-cycling group Sustrans.
• The new proposal was a response to MAG’s successful bid to request Bedford to abandon two other proposals.
• A key concern for MAG is that the latest proposal involves the creation of two new pinch points on a roundabout which handles a high volume of traffic - approximately 25,000 vehicles per day. Plan 2B includes raised spurs of kerbing to funnel all vehicles into channels on opposite sides of the roundabout. These massively reduce the room for manoeuvre for vehicles under threat of collision from other vehicles.
• Plan 2A also contained two raised kerb lane dividers - Plan 2B has two new pinch points with raised kerb spurs built out from traffic islands to encourage an early choice of lane before exit points.
• MAG was not informed prior to Graeme Hay of the BMF submitting a report, even though MAG had clearly led on the issue with no request for involvement nor apparent interest in the BMF until the last minute. The BMF has attended none of the discussions about the issue during the preceding 18 months. Mr Hay had only taken office at the beginning of the week in which he submitted his report.
• As Bedford's application for the DfT's Cycle Safety Programme grant shows here ( https://is.gd/b59oNf ) – they had to go back ten years to find eight serious casualties on a junction that accommodates 25,000 vehicles per day, of which only 2 were cyclists, 3 were pedestrians alongside 1 motorcyclist and 2 in cars. |
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GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike |
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mentalboy
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| Posted: 14:11 - 30 Jun 2014 Post subject: |
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When that email dropped in my inbox a few days ago I couldn't even be bothered to repost it on here.
It stinks of the 'mummy, he stepped on my shoelaces' kind of whining I'd expect from a six year old. They've spent so long bitching about crap I'd be surprised if any of their membership give a toss - which is a shame because the scheme they're opposing looks like it sucks.
Maybe they'd get more joy posting it in Kerrang and appealing to their hardcore music fanbase!!!
Edit: I am obviously referring to MAG! (Remind me again, who are BMF  )
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Rogerborg
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| Posted: 14:23 - 30 Jun 2014 Post subject: |
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It tripped my spam filter, unsurprisingly, I've only just noticed it.
The thing that struct me was this:
| MAG wrote: | If the BMF continues to support it, I have to assume they simply haven’t understood the basic dangers of it. |
Why not pick up the phone and ask? You know, rather than bawwwing about it publicly and illustrating that neither outfit has a flippin' clue.
Question is rhetorical: I know why. Because petty superficial differences make for more bitter feuds than substantial ones. In this case, I expect Dr Leon 'Milquetoast' Manning is severely butthurt that someone else has stolen his "sit at the back and agree with whatever they say because at least then we're in the room" shtick.
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GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike |
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Posted: 14:28 - 30 Jun 2014  Post subject: |
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I looked into the BMF side.
The BMF headline report (via Rider magazine)... | BMF wrote: | ...The BMF liaised with the council to solve the issue – motorcyclists’ voice heard, action taken, problem solved...
...A site meeting was held on Tuesday 17th June with both parties...the revised design, without the controversial raised lane dividers would still achieve almost all of the original objectives of the scheme, without any additional risk to cyclists or motorcyclists. ... |
So nice to see a united front when it comes to the needs, rights, aspirations and safety of motorcyclists. Brownie point scoring between organisations, no sir, would never happen!
Mind you, I do recall that the BMF also liked/approved the idea of forced anti speeding control on a motorcycle. The type that would shut off the throttle, say mid-corner. Make of that what you will.
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| Posted: 15:34 - 30 Jun 2014 Post subject: |
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| mentalboy wrote: | ^^^ So not only are MAG whining about their toes getting stepped on, they're spouting complete and utter bollocks - again. No surprise there then! |
Leon is, anyway.
Interesting article, map. "As a Highways engineer of 28 years’ experience". But, Doctor Leon Mannings has a doctorate! In transport policy! The theory thereof...
Best case, half of our representatives have just made a huge, public gaffe. Worst case, both of them have.
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GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike |
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grr666
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| Posted: 16:07 - 30 Jun 2014 Post subject: |
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Can someone please tell what all this MAG lark is about?
Seems to me they are do nothing tub thumpers in a pseudo biker
gang masquerading as activists to legitimise their activities
but I'm happy to be corrected.
Whats the difference between them and the BMF?
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| Posted: 16:15 - 30 Jun 2014 Post subject: |
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| Posted: 19:09 - 02 Jul 2014 Post subject: |
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Is there any diagrams out there of what this roundabout will look like?
I'm finding it difficult to imagine it from the description alone 
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| Posted: 20:09 - 02 Jul 2014 Post subject: |
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#1 That looks like a recipe for carnage. Look at the number of things you need to be paying attention to.
#2 As I read it, there is no cycle lane on the roundabout in question though.
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GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike |
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| Posted: 00:20 - 03 Jul 2014 Post subject: |
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| Nexus Icon wrote: | Any sort of crossing right on the exit of a roundabout is a nightmare. It's a pretty solid recipe for cars being stuck on the roundabout, blocking lanes and most likely causing accidents.
That effort in the photo looks like a nightmare for pedalists and motorists alike. |
Took the words right out of my mouth!
After seeing the above posted picture, first thing I thought was "them crossings are going to be a bitch!"
Not only do you have to have your head on a swivel to check it's clear before turning off, but you also have to have your eyes permanently fixed on the crossing to make sure there's no kittens crossing.
This one for example...
https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@53.726234,-2.539274,3a,75y,347.16h,63.09t/data=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1sxPOW9Z0dwISxgeylUx7eRQ!2e0
The roads are wet and greasy after some light showers. You are approaching from that angle, wanting to turn right. Someone approaches the crossing from behind the pub. You don't see them as you are looking for cars coming from the left and right. You proceed only for some penis on the left to only notice you at the last second and he stopped a bit further than the give way lines. Forcing you to cross the white circle.
Your bikes slightly leaned over on a wet slippery surface and as you look to where you now want to go, there's suddenly a person stood in the middle of the road in front of you.
It's possible to stop and pretty, but it's an unnecessary risk. Why couldn't they put the crossing 25 metres down the road, maybe where that red car is visible?
Apparently, the whole one way system here in Blackburn is designed by a woman who doesn't even drive. Makes sense.
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Posted: 07:38 - 03 Jul 2014  Post subject: |
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If that was around here, someone would have parked their car just before the zigzags - in front of the house..
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Posted: 08:23 - 03 Jul 2014  Post subject: |
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They have loads of those in Holland. And I didn't see a single cyclist get squashed whilst I was there. Even the ones on scooters with no helmets.
Since it's Bedford, once it's built I shall try it out to see if I'm instakilled. You'll probably have to tell me where it is since I don't venture into Bedford very often.
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| Posted: 09:40 - 03 Jul 2014 Post subject: |
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Wuxtry!
| Lembit Öpik wrote: | Here is some more information about the activities of MAG's Political Unit.
Please feel free to share this in any way which is useful.
Firstly, the Bedford Roundabout matter is growing in importance, as it is becoming a totemic issue - and one which, through no planning of ours, seems set to define the difference between the BMF and MAG in terms of protecting Riders' Rights. Leon has been leading on this matter, and you've probably seen the information about it - but for more info, just ask Leon and me and we'll give it to you. The immediate next step is for us to launch a series of formal objections. A demonstration also now seems unavoidable.
Secondly, tomorrow (Wednesday) we're meeting Richard Burden MP, who is an impressive and intelligent Shadow Transport Minister. We're asking him to include MAG's 'Five Just demands' in the Labour General Election 2015 Manifesto.
After the meeting, Leon and I will be discussing next steps about Bedford. To be honest, it's taken a huge toll on our time budget, but it is literally a life and death issue.
On Wednesday evening, I am meeting an MP member of MAG - Nigel Evans MP - to discuss the potential for him to do some more work in promoting our Bus Lanes campaign. He is a super chap and I can say we're lucky to have him supporting us so energetically. As noted in the current issue of The Road, we are working with him closely on this.
On Saturday I shall be attending the Chinnor event north of Wycombe - very much looking forward to it, especially as I've been promised a patch sewing while there!
On Sunday, I will attend my local church to pray for our wretched souls, and also for the destruction of the proposed Bedford Roundabout scheme by a bolt of lightning.
On Saturday 12th July, one of 'our' bands, the Wholls, are playing at the
seminal concert organised by Triumph Motorcycles. More details on request. Watch out for more details from me and also in MCM.
In between all this, there are the emails, visits to HQ and, of course, the
never-ending search for ways to build MAG's image across the four political and public affairs corners of the UK. From Belfast to Bognor, and Eastbourne to Edinburgh, we never sleep.
Lembit |
Hmm, according to the Cyclopaths, the Bedford Roundabout will allow pedalists to use the zebra crossings, via mowing down pedestrians on a "shared" footway.
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Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike |
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| Posted: 12:45 - 03 Jul 2014 Post subject: |
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Oh damn, it's on for real now. Leon's taken a hit from his inhaler and he's maaaaaad. Come and see our dirty laundry!
tl;dr - version: "The BMF are dicks. They stabbed us right in the back. Fuck those guys."
| Doctor Leon Motherfucking Mannings, in full, and you can forget me correcting all the formatting in this Teflonion tome, wrote: | A Statement by MAG's Campaigns & Policy Adviser: 1st July 2014
I write this as an active campaigner for riders rights since the 1990s, a former BMF Chairman, a professional Adviser for MAG since 2010 – and a deeply concerned member of both organisations. In the light of recent claims by the BMF's new GRE, Graeme Hay, that he has 'solved' problems in Bedford I feel duty bound to reveal more of the truth about this situation than in recent BMF statements as they are misleading to say the least – and disturbingly wrong to be frank.
The truth is that Graeme's eleventh hour involvement with this issue has not solved any problems at all – apart from those that his new 'friends' in Bedford and Sustrans had failed to solve. Those problems came in the form of MAG's successful action, up to ministerial level, to thwart their relentless attempts over the last two years to ignore riders rights and interests – in order to build an 'innovative' cycling scheme that would set a precedent for spreading a new generation of potentially fatal hazards for motorcyclists across the UK.
In the light of which I make this extensive response in the hope that BMF members and its management will recognise this move as a mistake, and get the organisation and its representatives back on track to fight such threats rather than encourage more of them.
In Fact, far from solving problems for PTW riders, Graeme’s eleventh hour site visit and meeting with Bedford’s officers and consequent recommendation that the BMF supports this scheme has created a whole range of new problems as it is bad for UK biking on many levels. Equally critically, and apparently beyond the scope of consideration by Graeme, this junction is in no way a hot spot for cycling or PTW casualties. This is proved by Bedford’s own figures. The application for DfT funding for this scheme states that there have only been two serious cycling casualties in the last ten years and one PTW rider. And, no substantive evidence was provided to show that their scheme would have definitely prevented any of those incidents happening.
To summarise the last year and a half, MAG blocked the introduction of two 'killer kerb' schemes. And, MAG was on the brink of stopping the latest Plan 2B scheme going ahead as it includes two stretches of 'killer spurs', i.e. 70mm high concrete ridges that cross the exit paths – and a pair of pinch-points that cut the lane width from 12m to 4m at critical points on the roundabout. However, the BMF did nothing regarding these proposals apart from supporting the latest scheme at the eleventh hour – and for reasons that may well merit further questioning and investigation.
Meanwhile, for those who are interested in the real truth about what has happened so far – and who has done what – here is a chronology of key events.
Crucial Background.
This proposal is the latest in series that were first submitted for funding in 2012, and it has far more significance for the future of riders rights in the UK than it may seem at surface level. In essence, the primary aim for all of these proposals is to drastically cut road space at a junction that accommodates 25,000 vehicles per 12 hour day. The aim is to cut vehicle flow speed from around 25-30 mph to 15 mph in the hope that it will make cyclists 'feel safer'. Critically though, Bedford's survey of the existing roundabout revealed that there are only 300 cyclists who ride on the roads at this junction which amounts to just 1.2% of the vehicles using it per day.
This latest proposal, currently made more likely to happen by BMF support for now, is to introduce two new pinch points and hazardous spurs of kerbing to drastically cut road space for PTW riders to manoeuvre in while negotiating a busy roundabout.
And, as such, it represents a new level of ignoring the interests and safety of bikers.
Equally critically, support from the BMF for this scheme will, if it continues without urgent revision, add to the problems faced by those of us who truly understand the full scale of threats to bikers from such groups as Sustrans.
Far from 'solving a problem' in Bedford, the BMF's new GRE, Graeme Hay has actually created a new pile of problems for all who truly care about progress for motorcyclists and motorcycling in the UK. This statement from Graeme, should be treated with grave concern for reasons I set out below. And to be as fair to him as I can be, his disastrous blunder had the full support of the BMF's Chair of Political and Technical Services, Anna Zee.
Problem 1.
Bedford Borough council announced in April 2013, that it had DfT approval to build a Dutch style “Turbo-Roundabout” at Union Street – and that it would be built that summer. However, and critically for bikers, the scheme would include a series of four raised kerb lane dividers between the lanes on the roundabout.
Problem 1a.
The BMF did NOTHING at all about this dreadful proposal in 2013.
Meanwhile, MAG's Policy adviser, Dr Leon Mannings, spotted the announcement and got Bedford's Cycling officer to informally admit that he had no idea about such things as 'high side' or 'low side' types of PTW crashes – and that he had not really considered that raised kerb dividers might increase the risk of them happening.
MAG Solution 1.
MAG raised sufficiently effective formal objections to the proposal with Bedford and the DfT to ensure that the scheme was not implemented during 2103.
Problem 2.
In Feb 2014, Bedford made their second attempt to ignore bikers' rights, safety and interest by announcing that they would implement another version of what became known as a 'killer kerb' roundabout scheme during the next month of March.
BMF non solution 2.
The BMF did NOTHING at all about this second attempt to introduce a range of brand new hazards for riders of bikes powered by motors or pedals.
MAG Solution 2.
Meanwhile, the power of MAG's professional campaigns and lobbying team had been boosted by the appointment of former MP, Lembit Opik as Director of Public Affairs and Communications. MAG's lobbying duo then raised even more damming objections to Bedford's new proposal, initially at a meeting in Bedford and at a subsequent meeting at the DfT – and at Ministerial level. This intervention was by MAG alone and led to that proposal being dropped too.
Problem 3.
Pro-cycling group Sustrans had been subcontracted by the DfT to approve funding for such schemes and were keen to get such an 'innovative' scheme implemented in Bedford as they would get 10% of the £420k cost. So, Sustrans drew up a third set of plans and told Bedford and the DfT that they would approve them.
These were sent to me on 30th May 2014, and called Plan 2A, which included two killer kerbs instead of four, and plan 2B, which included killer spurs and two new pinch points that cut the width of road space at those points from 12 to 4 metres.
Plan 2A
Plan 2B
Potential Solution 3.
During the BMF's May Show I met Graeme for the first time and had what seemed like a mutually respectful and cooperative conversation in which I brought him up to speed on the problems and MAG's solutions so far in Bedford. He expressed what I took to be a genuine enthusiasm for MAG and the BMF to work together in order to oppose any policy moves that would be bad for bikers. He was scheduled to be on holiday during the end of May and not be taking office until the start of June so it seemed unlikely that he would be involved with Bedford until mid June.
Following my conversation with Graeme I asked Anna Zee to invite him to contact me in the light of new developments regarding Bedford, as he had not been issued with a BMF phone or email address when we met, but nothing came of that request.
MAG Solution 3.
On Wednesday 4th June, Lembit and I had a very intense meeting with the senior DfT officer in charge of assessing the merits of the Bedford/Sustrans proposal and we served notice that neither plan was acceptable to MAG. This was followed up with details of MAG's objections that would have made it extremely risky for approval to be granted at Ministerial level – which Lembit rightly deduced was a decision to be made by the beginning of the following week.
At that point, MAG was on the brink of successfully thwarting Sustrans at a precedent setting moment in their relentless mission to cut road space for motorcyclist in order to make cyclists 'feel safer' – and despite the fact that the latest generation of such schemes would have a range of serious and potentially fatal adverse impacts on bikers.
Problem or Solution?
On 11th of June, I met Graeme by chance as he was also attending a TfL meeting in London. He then revealed that without making any contact with us in MAG he had made direct contact with officers in Bedford. And, as Graeme had been an officer in Wiltshire County Council for 28 years, he presumably found it easy arrange an informal visit and chat to discuss the roundabout in Bedford – and any other factors that might incline him to get the BMF to support their radical scheme
Strangely enough, and without discussing it at all with MAG, Graeme decided that the BMF should support Bedford's double pinch point roundabout scheme and he got authorisation to send a report declaring the BMF's support for Plan 2B to the DfT.
What's Next?
MAG has lodged formal objections to Bedford's current plan to implement Plan 2B without a fresh round of public consultation about a scheme that is radically different to the first proposal they made back in 2012.
Hopefully, BMF members and its Management Team will feel better informed about the real situation in Bedford, and acknowledge that mistakes may have been made – and that it may be best for riders rights in the UK if support for a scheme that is bad for PTW riders is withdrawn.
Meanwhile, I will continue doing all I can as a policy professional for MAG to help win the battles we have now and those that we will inevitably face in the future. And on a personal level, I hope that the BMF will stand shoulder to shoulder with MAG in such battles rather than take action that could
undermine the effectiveness of the work that UK bikers need and deserve form its riders rights organisations. |
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Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike |
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The last post was made 11 years, 279 days ago. Instead of replying here, would creating a new thread be more useful? |
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I think that sums up my views 
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