“Essential travel”

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The latest from MAG

MAG Central via mag-uk-list 12/5/2020 11:55
To Affiliated Clubs
On Sunday, the Prime Minister announced a lifting of some restrictions on travel and a return to work for some.

From Day 1 of lockdown, the Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) has not been aware of any distinction being made between cars and motorcycles. Travel by motorcycle or scooter to work (where you cannot work from home), for shopping, and for the personal care of yourself or people in your care has been permitted. This now extends to travel to publicly accessible open spaces for exercise or recreation.

There are limits in place and the following information is based on the Government guidelines at the time of writing:

You can carry a pillion from your own household, but meeting other people is strictly limited to groups of two. So, that’s either you and your pillion or you, meeting with one friend from another address, on another bike, but not both. Social distancing guidelines must be followed. Please remember that many places - including National Parks - are still closed, so you should check before you go. Most facilities at the seaside are also closed, including public toilets in some locations. MAG urges riders to avoid traditional meeting places where riders usually gather. If large numbers of riders descend upon the places we traditionally go to, there may be a backlash that results in restrictions being imposed.

The rules are different for Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Do not ride there from England.

In encouraging people to return to work where it is safe to do so, the Government is advising people to avoid public transport.
MAG is working with the Vintage Motorcycle Club (VMCC) and the Trail Riders Fellowship (TRF), on a document to be submitted to the Government asking the Government to ensure that motorcycles and scooters are fully incorporated into any travel plans as part of lifting the lockdown. Motorcycles and scooters have a huge part to play in reducing congestion and pollution, providing access to personal transport for those journeys that people are unable to complete using active travel (cycling and walking), or to avoid the risk of using public transport. MAG, the VMCC and the TRF want to ensure that the travel benefits of motorcycling from transport, leisure and welfare aspects are not overlooked as lockdown restrictions are lifted.

Selina Lavender, Chair of the Motorcycle Action Group, said “as riders, we all know that riding bikes is good for our mental health and welfare. It can also provide a safe way to travel as lockdown is lifted, and we will be encouraging the Government to include us as lockdown is eased. If you do choose to go for a ride, take it easy, please avoid congregating, have a stroll in the countryside and come home safe.”

MAG Central Office 01926 844 064 or central-office@mag-uk.org
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Message from Chief Constable Nick Adderley - NPCC Lead for Motorcycling
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10:18 22/05/2020
As the National Police Chief's Council lead for Motorcycling and BikeSafe, I thought this would be a timely reminder to explain certain restriction that exist between England and the rest of the UK.
I would want to make the point that as a keen motorcyclist myself, the temptation to start mass ride outs and social events on the motorcycling scene is huge, however the threat still posed by COVID-19 must be respected and understood to ensure that we all comply with the guidance and regulations issued by the devolved administrations.
The lives of our families, friends and all who enjoy the UK as a place to live, work or visit are still in the balance.
For clarity -
Group rides are still not allowed but if you’re in England you can ride with one friend under the following conditions:
UK government advice applicable to England only permits exercise alone, between members of the same household or with one person from another household if you stay at least two metres apart at all times.
All of us in the biker community need to respect that position and it’s now time to step-up and show how we are part of the solution and not the problem when it comes to containing the virus as well as protecting the NHS.
To that end, especially with the Bank Holiday weekend approaching I urge every one of us to remember and abide by the following advice:
Maintain social distancing at all times
Check your bike over carefully when it’s been unused for a while
If you didn't renew your bike insurance policy during lock down, do it now
Try to avoid rush hour if possible
The government has clarified that you can ride to outdoor open spaces irrespective of distance so long as you respect social distancing guidance while you are there but it’s important that we don’t see large groups of motorcyclists congregating at single spots
You are an ambassador for motorcycling – ride with care, consideration and safety in mind
Be respectful of all other road users
Do not ride across UK borders unless necessary
Roads Policing teams across the UK will be out in significant numbers over the coming days and weeks and while there is a strong emphasis on engaging with motorists, if circumstances show a clear disregard for the restrictions, enforcement will be an option.
As a police motorcyclist and an avid leisure rider, I know bikers across the UK are, in the main, law-abiding, socially responsible and terrific supporters of our emergency services. I now call on that vast majority to exercise patience and understanding which will allow the wider public to see the biking community as one that can be held in high regard and trusted to do the right thing.