As mentioned in the last post, I’ve become a bit of a riders rights evangelist.  Having subscribed to the MAG activists email list and written a few letters to MEPs, and received the generally condescending replies, I have become convinced that MAG is an essential organisation if we are to protect our pastime.  So I’ve taken the plunge and shelled out the £25 to join.

It appears that the EU Commission is intent on legislating the motorcyclist off the roads.  So far as I can see the measures being proposed will have very little impact on the accident statistics and are centered around addressing the symptoms rather than changing the attitudes at the root of the issue.

Now, I don’t want to sound as if I’m anti car, I’m not, in fact far from it.  I’m fortunate enough to have a job that comes with a car and old enough to know the wisdom of opting for the car over the bike in adverse conditions.  I drive a car over 30,000 miles every year and have done for the last 20 years.  However, as a motorcyclist as well and a car driver of over 30 years experience I have observed a drastic downward slide in driving standards.  So few car drivers pay the attention our busy roads need these days.  Consequently motorcyclists get forgotten or ignored and hence the increase in accidents.  Even the DfT studies show 70% of accidents involving motorcyclists are caused by car driver errors.

I for one will not lie down and let politicians legislate me off the road and neither should you.  If MAG, FEMA and other such lobbying organisations are going to keep up the pressure then they need our pennies.  Join up today and help protect the future of motorcycling.

It’s just coming up to a year since I returned to biking and a time to reflect on the consequences.

My re-emergence into the sunlight is still a source of great pleasure.  I’ve ridden through all sorts of weather to all sorts of places and enjoyed every moment.  The Old Dragon and I finally, after 25 years together, have a common interest.  In fact I have trouble getting out on my own now.  For my sins I have a high pressure career that makes way to many demands on my time and energy but the bike has provided me with the most wonderful distraction and saved my sanity.

An added benefit has been that the standard of both my riding and driving has improved.  Biking definitely makes you more aware of the hazards out there.  Senses are heightened, observation improved and awareness of other road users brought right to the forefront.  This, however, has become a mixed blessing.  I find myself now becoming a bit of a driving standards evangelist and picking arguments on the subject.  I’m a staunch defender of riders rights and have even been harassing MEP’s over the proposed legislation being discussed by the European Commission not to mention participating in protest rides.

On the other hand I have joined the Ulysses Club UK, signed up again to help at the Brackley Festival of Motorcycling, am intending to join MAG and have met many many fantastic people.  I even have a new adopted brother as a result.

If 2012 continues in the same vein I’m going to have the best year imaginable.  Let the good times roll.