From here you can access the Top Issues we are dealing with from Consultations – Campaigns – Surveys – Reports – Lobbying.
Issues that we may need you to get involved in.
We are also monitoring motorcycle issues and involved at Government Departmental level and lobbying in the background, setting the ground work, for the future.
Check out our BikersRVoters website for all things regarding political lobbying and results of the 2010 General Election.
No To Throttle Control – On Facebook – It’s Not All Speed
14th July 2010
Right To Ride reports that EVSC (Electronic Vehicle Speed Control) is back with a vengeance through the re-introduction of the Intelligent Speed Adaptation (ISA) – or – speed control system in a European Union (EU) Commission funded project called “Saferider”.
If the project consortium gets acceptance for the throttle control system – by default – because there is nobody to protest and nobody to challenge them, then what will stop the proposal of compulsory throttle control in the not too distant future?
No To Throttle Control – It’s Not All Speed
As riders we may not understand all the technicalities of the link between the throttle and the control and stability of the bike, but what we do know is that the balance of riding, accelerating, braking and cornering on a motorcycle requires full control of the motorcycle without interference with the throttle.
You can now join us on Facebook to support us against Throttle Control.
The red line for us is clear: We say – “No To Throttle Control”
EU – Regulating Biking – Consultation Framework Directive – Anti -Tampering
22nd July 2010
The European Commission has given the first public hints on what they are proposing to initiate through “a new focus on motorcyclists”, this focus is linked to the new proposed framework regulation for motorcycles, which seeks to regulate emissions and the safety of motorcycles.
Right To Ride’s, Trevor Baird, says, “We have been in direct contact with the EC (DG Enterprise) regarding the framework regulations and were told that these would be presented in the Autumn. However it appears that the EC (DG MOVE responsible for Road Safety) have slipped in their proposals before any official announcement on the framework regulations, while the EU Parliament is in recess with the rest of Europe on holidays”.
Compulsory Basic Training – To Be Introduced In Northern Ireland
8th July 2010
Twenty years after Compulsory Basic Training (CBT ) was introduced in the rest of the United Kingdom, the Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) will be introducing a system of CBT in Northern Ireland to be completed by those wishing to ride a motorcycle as a learner rider on public roads.
In addition an Approved Motorcycle Instructor (AMI) Register, similar to that of the present Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) Register, will be introduced in order to regulate this training. Both the Approved Motorcycle Register and Compulsory Basic Training are planned to be introduced by December 2010.
European Motorcyclists Forum
On the 28th and 29th June 2010 Right To Ride attended, what was hailed, as the 1st International Motorcyclists Conference in Brussels.
The Conference was also the launch of the European Motorcyclists Forum by the European Commission.
We support the principles of the Motorcyclists Forum and and look forward with interest regarding its structure and influence, as well as the opportunities to promote the positive aspects of motorcycling.
Get Your MP To Sign Early Day Motion
Northern Ireland MP Sammy Wilson is at it again, promoting the positive aspects of motorcycling in the UK Parliament.
Sammy who is also a member of the Associate Parliamentary Group for Motorcycling has submitted an Early Day Motion (EDM) to the House of Commons.
Find out how to get your MP to sign the EDM.
Riding Forward – Road Safety
Right To Ride has responded to the Department of the Environment’s (DOE) consultation paper, “Preparing a ROAD SAFETY STRATEGY for Northern Ireland 2010-20 20/20 Vision: Driving Forward Road Safety”.
The consultation seeks to improve not only motorcycle safety but safety for all road users. We generally agree with the positive spirit of the consultation paper, but we have concerns about some of the action measures.
Throttle Control – Back With a Vengeance
Right To Ride reports that EVSC (Electronic Vehicle Speed Control) is back with a vengeance through the re-introduction of the Intelligent Speed Adaptation (ISA) – or – speed control system in a European Union (EU) Commission funded project called “Saferider”.
If the project consortium gets acceptance for the throttle control system – by default – because there is nobody to protest and nobody to challenge them, then what will stop the proposal of compulsory throttle control in the not too distant future?
A Brighter World
The European Transport Safety Council (ETSC) has highlighted on their website a video produced by the Safer Roads Foundation – “The critical importance of the “Automatic Headlights On” (AHO) function for Powered Two-Wheelers (PTWs) submission to the Automotive Unit of DG Enterprise and Industry.”
This call to use UNECE specifications sets a dangerous precedent for future issues, that technical regulations already agreed in committee can form the basis for EU Directives on legislation which – according to ETSC can be modified in a couple of weeks without proper checks and balances.
Road Safety Consultation – What’s In It For Motorcycling?
The Department of the Environment’s (DOE) Minister, Edwin Poots has launched the DOE’s consultation paper to prepare a new road safety strategy for Northern Ireland
The strategy will cover the years 2010 to 2020.
European Driving Licence Directive Consultation – Madness!
Right To Ride has replied to the madness contained in the Department of the Environment’s (DOE) consultation on proposals for implementing the 3rd EC Directive On Driving Licences.
This directive voted on and passed in the European Parliament in 2006 must be transposed into national legislation by 19th January 2011 and enter into force as of 19th January 2013.
Europe Brands Motorcycles As Dangerous
Although certain parts of the “Dangerous Motorcycles” text has been removed from the Europa website – see reports below.
The content of the knowledge document in the specialist page – specifically still has the offending text:
Issue – Fix A Road!
As motorcyclists we know that we are more susceptible to defective road surfaces.
It’s not rocket science, poor road design and maintenance can contribute to motorcycle crashes, injuries, and fatalities.
Muck And Potholes
All Northern Irish motorcyclists have the right to clean roads!
So says a new Facebook page which asks people to join and support motorcyclists in the pursuit to have our local government sit up and take notice of the disgraceful state of our roads – everything from potholes to farmers trailing mud all over the B-roads.
Wired Up – Northern Ireland Gets More Wire Rope Barriers
It seems that Northern Ireland is getting wired up with the fitting of Wirerope/Cable barriers (Vehicle Restraint Systems).
We first noticed these barriers in Belfast, situated at the junction of Tesco’s at Newtownbreda.
Motorcycle Safety In Northern Ireland – The Rider’s Perspective – Revised September 2009
Right To Ride has published “Motorcycling in Northern Ireland – the Rider’s Perspective”, a document offering the views of motorcyclists as a point of reference for a Motorcycling Strategy in Northern Ireland.
England and Scotland have developed specific motorcycle strategies with the participation of all stakeholders. These examples have demonstrated the power of working together to improve conditions for motorcyclists.
Motorcycle Test Debacle – Over There – Over Here?
Motorcycle organisations in the UK including the Motorcycle Industry, have responded to a report by the Parliamentary Transport Select Committee (TSC) on the new European motorcycle test. The report is the result of a short enquiry with submitted written evidence and an oral evidence session which took place in October 2009 in the House of Commons.
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