The following just in :
? Brief News
? KTM has announced that they will begin production of an all-electric motocross bike in 2010. The vehicle has already been extensively tested and it is believed that a road going version will soon be in production (http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/News/newsresults/mcn/2008/October/20-26/oct2108-ktm-unveil-electric-bike-plans/?&R=EPI-103736).
? Mayor of London, Boris Johnson has announced an implementation date of January 5th 2009 for motorcycle access to TfL?s bus lanes. It is important to note that some bus lanes will still not be accessible to riders and therefore it is still necessary to check signs before using (http://www.london.gov.uk/view_press_release.jsp?releaseid=19458 ).
? The Greater London Authority has announced a review of 20mph zones to check their effectiveness. The Chair of the group is Green Party member Jenny Jones who has already advocated 20mph zones in the past (http://www.london.gov.uk/view_press_release.jsp?releaseid=19417 ).
? Princes William and Harry have just returned from their Enduro Africa motorcycle tour of South Africa (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7677524.stm ).
? Get Involved
? PTS Director Cathy Phillpotts is currently trying to complete a motorcycle parking map of the UK highlighting problem areas and issues. In an effort to speed up the process, we have created a very short survey for you to complete. The address is http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=_2fk15TzaVP9ESyh_2fdpwRN2w_3d_3d .
? To officially contest the motorcycle parking charges in Westminster, please put down your thoughts in writing to Amanda Jones and Martin Low at West One, 59 Buckingham Gate, London SW1E 6AJ, quoting reference 5303-03/AJ. The consultation period still has 3 months to run. However, the sooner objections are received, the sooner we can overturn this decision. For maximum effect, responses should focus on how this will increase hardship and reduce personal safety and how it does not fit into the Government?s aim to ?mainstream motorcycling? as well as the Mayor of London?s direction to provide adequate parking for motorcycles. Any negative environmental or small business impacts would also go along way to bolstering our opposition.
? New e-Petitions
There are several petitions on the Prime Minister?s website which relate to motorcycles. Please feel free to add your name to any you support. Inclusion here does not necessarily mean the BMF supports a particular petition.
Due to the increasing length, we will now only cover new petitions. Previous Campaigner lists of petitions can be found at http://www.bmf.co.uk/pages/bmf_main_pages.php?main_page_id=806 .
http://petitions.pm.gov.uk
Summary
End date
http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/Biketestfee/
Reduce bike test fee to ?60
6th Jan 2009
http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/motorbike-safety/
Use non-slip paint for road markings
31st Mar 2009
http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/thinkbike/
Install Think Bike! signs at all junctions
23rd Oct 2009
? Brief News
? KTM has announced that they will begin production of an all-electric motocross bike in 2010. The vehicle has already been extensively tested and it is believed that a road going version will soon be in production (http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/News/newsresults/mcn/2008/October/20-26/oct2108-ktm-unveil-electric-bike-plans/?&R=EPI-103736).
? Mayor of London, Boris Johnson has announced an implementation date of January 5th 2009 for motorcycle access to TfL?s bus lanes. It is important to note that some bus lanes will still not be accessible to riders and therefore it is still necessary to check signs before using (http://www.london.gov.uk/view_press_release.jsp?releaseid=19458 ).
? The Greater London Authority has announced a review of 20mph zones to check their effectiveness. The Chair of the group is Green Party member Jenny Jones who has already advocated 20mph zones in the past (http://www.london.gov.uk/view_press_release.jsp?releaseid=19417 ).
? Princes William and Harry have just returned from their Enduro Africa motorcycle tour of South Africa (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7677524.stm ).
? Get Involved
? PTS Director Cathy Phillpotts is currently trying to complete a motorcycle parking map of the UK highlighting problem areas and issues. In an effort to speed up the process, we have created a very short survey for you to complete. The address is http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=_2fk15TzaVP9ESyh_2fdpwRN2w_3d_3d .
? To officially contest the motorcycle parking charges in Westminster, please put down your thoughts in writing to Amanda Jones and Martin Low at West One, 59 Buckingham Gate, London SW1E 6AJ, quoting reference 5303-03/AJ. The consultation period still has 3 months to run. However, the sooner objections are received, the sooner we can overturn this decision. For maximum effect, responses should focus on how this will increase hardship and reduce personal safety and how it does not fit into the Government?s aim to ?mainstream motorcycling? as well as the Mayor of London?s direction to provide adequate parking for motorcycles. Any negative environmental or small business impacts would also go along way to bolstering our opposition.
? New e-Petitions
There are several petitions on the Prime Minister?s website which relate to motorcycles. Please feel free to add your name to any you support. Inclusion here does not necessarily mean the BMF supports a particular petition.
Due to the increasing length, we will now only cover new petitions. Previous Campaigner lists of petitions can be found at http://www.bmf.co.uk/pages/bmf_main_pages.php?main_page_id=806 .
http://petitions.pm.gov.uk
Summary
End date
http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/Biketestfee/
Reduce bike test fee to ?60
6th Jan 2009
http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/motorbike-safety/
Use non-slip paint for road markings
31st Mar 2009
http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/thinkbike/
Install Think Bike! signs at all junctions
23rd Oct 2009