6 January 2012
The bike night at Poole Quay has won an International Road Safety award.
Read Full Article here
5 January 2012
The British Motorcyclists Federation have welcomed the Department for Transport’s announcement that it is to cut the requirement for annual renewal of Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN).
20 December 2011
DVLA Changes on the way
Motorcyclists with bikes kept off-road will no longer have to fill in a SORN declaration form every year following a Government announcement.
Owners will only have to fill in a Statutory Off-Road Notification once instead of annually.
The need for a paper licence counterpart is also to be scrapped from 2015 in changes aimed at cutting red tape for motorists.
Additional proposals include removing the need for motorists to hold an insurance certificate and abolishing the requirement of proof of insurance when applying for road tax.
It will allow more people to tax vehicles online by relying on automatic insurance database checks.
Transport Secretary Justine Greening said: “Motorists shouldn’t have to keep numerous bits of paper just to prove they can drive and have bought insurance – we live in a digital age and we need to embrace that.
“Reducing the number of rules and regulations in our life is absolutely vital to removing barriers to economic growth and increasing individual freedoms. This whole process just proves that there’s so much sitting on our statute books that at the very least needs a good spring clean or can be scrapped entirely.
December 9th 2011
The Highway Code
Do not drink and drive as it will seriously affect your judgement and abilities. Highway code rule 95
5th December 2011
Map of Raod deaths
Stay away from the M20 around Hollingbourne and keep off the A26 through Wateringbury and Barming if you want to stay alive.
That would be a conclusion quickly drawn from a new map showing road accident fatalities and injuries across Britain, between 2001 and 2010.
The ITO World map, which uses government accident statistics, shows the age and types of deaths seen on our roads.
There have been eight deaths around the Hollingbourne section of the M20.
The A26, which has been the subject of a speed campaign, emerges as one of Maidstone’s most dangerous roads, aside from the motorway, with nine deaths, between Maidstone and Wateringbury.
Those who lost their lives were aged between seven and 80.
They include pensioner Joyce Denning, 80, hit by a car while crossing the road at Teston in 2006 and Brian Robinson, 63, a passenger in a car which left the road and crashed, after being driven by a drunk-driver.
The spot where Shirley Leedham, 70, died on the A20 in Harrietsham in 2008, in a hit and run incident is also marked.
The map is likely to prove invaluable to speed campaigners, who are often asked by the highway authority to provide evidence of why changes are needed.
There were also a number of deaths on the M20 in the Ryarsh area, and Seven Mile Lane appears also to be an accident blackspot.
A number of injuries are logged for the A229 near Staplehurst and the A274 near Headcorn, but fortunately those villages have seen few fatalities.
The map’s launch coincided with The World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims organised by the campaign group RoadPeace.
The group’s executive director Amy Aeron-Thomas said: "The map shows how urban crashes are concentrated along main roads, highlighting the need for slower speeds on these key routes."
The map can be viewed on UK Map of casualties
2012 MCE Insurance BSB Calendar:
| 1 | 6.7.8.9 April | Brands Hatch Indy |
| 2 | 13.14.15 April | Thruxton |
| 3 | 5.6.7 May | Oulton Park International |
| 4 | 25.26.27 May | Snetterton 300 |
| 5 | 22.23.24 June | Knockhill |
| 6 | 6.7.8 July | Oulton Park International |
| 7 | 20.21.22 July | Brands Hatch GP |
| 8 | 25.26.27 August | Cadwell Park |
| 9 | 7.8.9 September | Donington Park GP |
| 10 | 21.22.23 September | TT Circuit Assen (NL) |
| 11 | 28.29.30 September | Silverstone GP |
| 12 | 12.13.14 October | Brands Hatch GP |
3rd December 2011
Highway code
If the amber light is flashing and there are no pedestrians are on a pelican crossing, you may proceed with caution Highway Code rule 196 |
1st December 2011
Virtual Court Tecnology being used here in Kent
Kent police are utilising virtual court technology to put those charged with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs before magistrates immediately. Not only does this save time and money but it also prevents those arrested from driving again whilst waiting for a court date.
The action forms part of the Force's seasonal road safety campaign. Officers have taken a zero tolerance stance on those who are found to be over the limit.
When appropriate, a charged motorist appears in front of a magistrate via the virtual court video link. If they are found to be guilty then the magistrate has the power to ban the defendant from driving. This takes immediate effect.
I have not added to this for some time
I have been out riding my bike.
If you want me to start adding to this then again let me know.
July 13th 2011
Mandatory ABS in 2017 if Visordown is correct.
What are bmf or MAG saying. Absolutly nothing. Mandatory-abs-article-herel
June 26th 2011
Still confused about the Third Driving Licience Directive.
Try this www.fema-online.eu/index.php so, that should help, but I am still confused.
June 22nd 2011
Opps
Suzuki accidentally leak leak shots of new V-Strom 650. More details here
May 31st 2011
Red Tape Challenge
Have you joined the debate go to redtapechallenge.cabinetoffice.gov.uk and have your say.
Get On
Rising insurance prices for young drivers, combined with climbing petrol costs and expensive driving lessons, make the freedom of having your own car an impossible dream for many young people. No wonder the number of 17 year olds taking their driving test fell by nearly 15% in the last 3 years. Full Article Here
May 23rd 2011
bmf Chris reports
£13.5bn backlog and still 73% of councils have cut road maintenance budgets Full Article Here
Red lights to stop speeding - better than 3 points, but may be irritating for everyone else Full Article Here
Ride to Work Day
Yep, it is that time of year again. 20th of June is Ride Day. Odd it is a Monday as it has been in the middle of the week in the past! ridetoworkday.co.uk/
May 16th 2011
The motorcycle test has been changed in a bid to improve safety. Changes are introduced today to the off-road part of the exam in the hope of cutting the number of learners who crash taking it. MCN Article Here
May 11th 2011
Bad drivers will be hit with fixed-penalty fines of up to £100 under a Government scheme which aims to cut road deaths by as much as 57% within 20 years.
Motorists who tailgate, undertake or cut up other drivers could be handed the fine rather than being taken to court. Independent Article here
April 28th 2011
Reported on Visordown.com
Essex police are using covert bikes and joining on the back of rides to film groups of riders. Read article here
April 27th 2011
Chambers Motorcycles Maidstone
Next couple of Track Evening Dates @ Brands Just announced - Thursday 12th May and Thursday 16th June, call Ian in Sales on 01622 755999 or Club MSV 0843 453 3000 and ask for the "Chambers Group"
April 20th 2011
bmf warns on future bike parking charges
Press Release It is on Facebook
April 18th 2011
Nice motorcycle Article in the Indepent today.
The offence of keeping a vehicle without insurance creeps closer ARTICLE HERE
Chambers Motorcycles Maidstone
Held there first evening track session this year at Brands Hatch. One rider had an off but he is fine. Next session will be on 12th May. Contact Neil if you want to join in.
Brace yourself for 138 million electric motorcycles
April 14th 2011
BMF Chris reports:
DfT are struggling with the new test review due to lack of resources. Things are sopposed to change in June but I guess we should wait and see.
Motorcycling Stats for 2010 as posted by DfT HERE
April 12th 2011
Air Bag Suits and Lever Gaurds Safety Commission set up for racing.
The idea of the special commission is for the introduction of mandatory safety protection with one of the focus points on the agenda is the use of airbag suits and with Alpinestars and Dainese supplying the majority of the MotoGP classes, the mandatory use of the inflation systems in the leathers of riders will reduce injuries to the neck, shoulders and collarbones.
Read more: http://www.visordown.com/motorcycle-racing-news-moto-gp/mandatory-safety-considered-for-motogp/17783.html#ixzz1JUcxZ4pC
April 5th 2011
MAG Reports of new Mod 1 changes in May
May 16th marks the date of changes to the motorcycle test
These are not however the changes you may have been expecting. The Ministerial Review is ongoing and many of those involved, not least MAG, still hope that a single test with easy access for all will be the ultimate outcome.
Full article HERE (sorry it is on Facebook)
April 4th 2011
bmf press release on Facebook
The bmf show, Europes largest outdoor motorcycle show, is now just five weeks away. From test rides to Evel Knievel Road Show, it is all happening at the bmf show.
A firm fixture in the show calendar for enthusiasts and traders alike. The bmf show will see not only a full range of bikes but test rides being offered by Honda, Harley-Davidson and Suzuki, plus, in their first ever attendance, Ducati.
March 17th 2011
The Great Escape - part two
Our very own local hero Dave Muckle is helping organise this and is looking for sponsorship. Can you help.
The escape from Stalag Luft 111 is the best-known motorcycle stunt in film history. Now a group of volunteers is throwing the spotlight on the escape route that ensued to raise money for charity.
March 15th 2001
bmf Chris writes
Road markings "barely visible" according to report. Have you had a problem? Let us know. Read Report Here
March 8th 2011
Kent Riders second "cultural" run of the year on Sunday 13th March
Here's one to visit Bletchley Park
MAG reported on there Facebook page today
Last Saturday saw the first motorcycle racing event of the BEMSEE racing calendar get underway at Brands Hatch, but also witnessed the largest police operation in recent times focussing on stolen bikes. At 7am, as scrutineering was getting underway...... Full article here
Desmodue Racing Saturday 12 March
You won't get this much racing for your £'s anywhere else locally. More Details Here
March 7th 2011
bmf Chris reports
DSA improves the information on CBT. More Here
March 2nd 2011
RAC offer
RAC offering 35% off If you are a bmf member and 25% every year afterwards. That is the cost of a bmf membership if you get the full works. More Details Here
February 28th 2011
Thinking of going to Spain
You need to be aware that they are reducing their speed limit due to the rising cost of fuel More Here
February 24th 2011
Forestry 'Expert Review Panal' Must Recognise Motorcycle Sport say the ACU
With the announcement of the new Expert panel on Biodiversity and Public access the ACU are calling for the panel to engage in constructive dialogue on the issue of access for sporting events and the sustainability of these events. It is of high importance that the access to forestry land is preserved to allow for the enhancement of motorcycle sport, as this is a popular spectator sport and offers a unique and diverse way of exploring the countryside. With over one million spectators attending off road events within the UK each year, it is clear that the public strongly supports off road motorcycle sport.
February 22nd 2011
Pot Holes Update Article Here
Councils in England will be given more than £100 million of extra funding to spend on repairing potholes, Transport Secretary Philip Hammond announced today. The funding is in addition to the £831 million already provided to councils for road maintenance this year and the £3 billion the Government has committed over the next four years.
February 18th 2011
Motorcycle Action Group asks
BBC want to talk to riders about the state of the roads - Ace Cafe, Monday 21st February
If you can be at the Ace Cafe on Monday lunchtime (preferably with your bike), the BBC want to record riders' views about the state of the roads for a series of reports that will be broadcast over a whole week.
They want to talk about potholes - we have tried to explain that damage to the roads also includes broken/slippery manhole covers (often potholes form around damaged covers), bad repairs, overbanding, etc. all of which cause unnecessary damage to bikes and their riders
February 17th 2011
Happy Birthday Highway Code
IAM would like everyone to paticipate in there new poll "Happy Birthday Highway Code". It is available on line IAM_Poll
Feel free to pass it on to anyone, member or not for a wide range of views
February 15th 2011
Blinding Vehicle Lights
bmf Chris forwards this Petition about blinding vehicle lights. I ask that you look closer to home before filling in the petition as we are as guilty as all the others.
February 14th 2011
Motorcycle Action Group Campaign update
MAG news is well worth a read this month. You can read the News here Their "Get a Grip" campaign helps get trials of the new composit non slip manhole covers with Warwickshire Council,. Yes it is a different area but if succesfull other councils will have to take note.
February 2011 sees the first in a number of "visits" for local riders in Kent.
13th February (Cultural) Club Run
All are welcome to join us. More info here
February 7th
bmf Chris Hodder
At the FEMA meeting recently - He was re-elected to the board of directors for another year.
February 2nd 2011
NEW bmf Rider Active
A new initiative, ‘Rider Active’, designed to involve all motorcyclists in tackling common issues adversely affecting their motorcycling safety and enjoyment, the BMF has today launched an on-line survey to gather their concerns and from those topics highlighted, construct an action plan to deal with them. Surveys and more here
Criminal Activity where you live
Type in your postcode HERE and find out what crime or antisocial behaviour has happened on your street and area. Could also be useful if considering moving.
Ealing Council
is stopping bikes in Bus Lanes and their excuses Are Here
Update from No to Bike Parking Tax
January 28th 2011
"Frank Thomas" goes into administration
The company which owns Frank Thomas, Motrax, BKS and Red Route – Thomas Sports Group – has today been put into administration.
The news came as Ernst and Young confirmed today they had been appointed as administrator. Motorcycle News Article
"Safe Rider System"
It may be something we have all heard about but did you know it may be fitted to your bike within 2 years. Check out MCN comments. Motorcycle News article
Most Speed Cameras Not Working
The bbc reports that most are not working but also say that ALL cameras in Sussex are operational but in Kent less than half are operational. bbc news article here
Bike Versus Car Costs
If you are looking for transport for the first time and want to see the true value of owning 2 wheel transport against four then this article from Motorcycle News is a really good read. Of course if you are already a motorcyclist then you already know but may want to see the costs compared in chart. Motorcycle News Comparisons I think they are way out with insurance costs for cars. New drivers of small cars are paying 10 times more and not 3 times as stated in the article.
January 24th 2011
London Evening standard reporting on pot holes in the road say there will be at least 10 pot holes in every mile by spring. They want to try Valley Drive into Gravesend. There is not 10feet of road to the pot hole. London Evening Standard article
January 20th 2011
bmf Press release posted on Facebook. Wheels to Work Boost from Government
January 19th 2011
bmf Chris reports that he spent most of the morning at the DfT on the motorcycle test review - trials of the new test likely soon
January 13th 2011
MCN reports on the bmf petition which closed last March and the Government has only just responded. MCN article - number-10-takes-10-months-to-respond-to-road-tax-petition
January 12th 2011
New powers to tackle uninsured driving will come into force within months, Road Safety Minister Mike Penning announced yesterday. Article from Department for Transport If it helps to keep the cost of our insurance we should all support this.
January 8th 2011
Opps! red face here for me.
bmf Chris has informed me - I saw your latest news post and thought I better let you know that it is not a new office but still the one at the business box and the contact details are still the same. It is just a new office to me as I have never had reason to go there before. There is talk of moving to ACU House Rugby, but it is still in the negotiation stage at the moment.
He also said - There is a new publisher for the magazine and he has been talking to them. It should be out next month.
January 6th 2011
bmf Chris reports that he has been to the "new" bmf office. There was no contact details for it and there has been no magazine.
How are the members supposed to know what is going on or who/how to make contact.
January 1st 2011
Hope you all have a Health and Happiness in 2011
December 25th 2010
Merry Christmas everyone.
December 23rd 2010
National Road Rally 2011 website has today gone live. If anyone is interested in doing the Rally then give me a shout. Maybe we could run a team. www.nationalroadrally.co.uk/2011/index.php
December 21st 2010
Motorcycle News take on the scrapping of the £77 million pounds worth of off road testing centres and the move to change the swerve part of the test that a number of candidates have come off their machines during the test. Read MCN article here
December 20th 2010
Motorcycle Licence Testing Review Good, But Action Needed Now says bmf
The British Motorcyclists Federation have welcomed today’s publication of a report into motorcycle licence testing that takes on board many of the comments made by experienced professionals in the field of motorcycle training, but say action is now urgently needed to improve the state of the current testing regime. Read full press release here
December 18th 2010
I am very pleased to be able to announce that we will be going back to having an annual Kent Pet Food Run in 2011.
December 14th 2010
bmf Chris Hodder reports:
Test review meeting today was good as the Minister was there. Hope to see something by next week!
December 10th 2010
Hope you have noticed but then again maybe not. With a lot of help from our friend and helper on the website Jez we now have a calendar for our runs meetings and anything else we want to add to it.
Please use button on the left to just view the calendar.
I have it attached to my own and several more so all my dates and rides are all in the same place. Magic.
Thanks Jez
December 8th 2010
Chris Hodder, bmf's paid Government Relations Executive has been confirmed as an FIM expert member for another 4 years.
Making a better speed camera
When you get rewarded for something it normally gets done, so, how about using the same idea to slow "some" people down Speed Camera Lottery I think this could be a winner.
December 3rd 2010
Truck Protec wins the KillSpills award 2010
Press Release -Truck-Protect-wins-the-2010-killspills-award
December 2nd 2010
Interesting article about "trees and road fatalities". It is a shame it does not split between motorcycle or car.
bmf Chris Hodder wrote
Disappointed but not surprised to see that the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority paid out £0 for motorcycle use.
Are Advanced Riders Really Safer
Nottingham University undertakes safety study using motorcycle simulator.
Are-advanced-riders-really-safer-study. Article
December 1st 2010
I like this link and have always thought day running lights for all was not the best sense. Read some of the articles that go with it.
Get Rid of day running lights link
November 26th 2010
Westminster Council in trouble with EU law
Westminster council has been censured by the European Commission for infringing contract laws - and criticised for earlier claiming in a press release it had been "cleared of any wrong-doing". Read more .... Read more here
November 23rd 2010
London Bus Lanes
Cycle lobby complain about motorcycles in bus lanes again Read it hear
Pot Holes
You can now report potholes directly on a map for London but it covers our area as well so please add them so we can get the Councils on board to fix them. Report Potholes Here
Vat Rises to 20%
From 4th January, VAT is set to rise from 17.5% to 20%, pushing up the price of many consumer goods. But there are a number of everyday items that are exempt from this tax, such as most food items, books, newspapers, magazines and children’s clothes. The 2.5% VAT increase will apply to items deemed as ’luxury’ by the Government, such as a bar of chocolate or transport to get to work.
For example:
| Items | Cost now | Cost in Jan 2011 |
| Bar of chocolate | £2.00 | £2.04 |
| Bottle of wine | £4.93 | £5.03 |
| Pint of Ale in the pub | £3.00 | £3.06 |
| Packet of cigarettes | £6.50 | £6.64 |
| Honda Fireblade 2010 | £10725.00 | £10962.00 |
November 17th 2010
Dear Marshals,
Thank you to all of you for your support at the bmf shows in 2010. The shows could not run without your help and it is of great value to us as the organisers and much appreciated. I am enclosing the marshal application forms for the coming bmf shows 2011 and hope that you can print these off, fill out and return either by post, email or fax.
Please note that this year there will be only 3 bmf shows. Those at Peterborough, Kelso and Tailend Lincoln
For any queries please telephone: 0116 279 5110. Fax: 01869 277037.
Email :bmfshows@themulberrygroup.co.uk.
National Road Rally
The Auto Cycle Union in association with the British Motorcyclists Federation and learning disability charity, Mencap are pleased to announce the dates for the 2011 National Road Rally. http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=141680749216192
This must be instead of GEMS which is now not listed in the bmf events above.
November 12th 2010
Bike Parking - Bmf Appeals for Appeal Funds
November 8th 2010
Riders Are Voters mass lobby at Parliament
'The Riders Are Voters campaign organisations have called for Mass Lobby of Parliament on
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Monday 8th November 2010.
November 5th 2010
Transport Statistics Bulletin
http://www.dft.gov.uk/adobepdf/162469/221412/221549/398822/rrcgbq210.pdf
November 4th 2010
http://bit.ly/cpHGf6 - Oxfordshire poised to switch safety cameras back on
http://bit.ly/drArdy - Motorcycling can stave off osteoporosis
bmf Chris says: Just reading through the EU type approval proposal again and the devil is definitely in the detail - we may not be allowed to change tyres!
New website
The new website is now live (but you might already have noticed...)!
There will be further updates and changes as time progresses.