All the latest news from Right To Ride.
Our news contains – items of interest – campaign – consultation information all regarding motorcycling in Northern Ireland.
You can view:
All the news 2010 – Click Here 
All the news 2009 – Click Here 
Complete Archive news – Click Here
Latest news items are below.
Big Hearted Events
2nd September 2010
September sees more charity ride outs than you can shake a big stick at, collecting money to add to the tens of thousands of pounds each year that motorcyclists in Northern Ireland raise for various charities.
MAG Back In NI
1st September 2010
The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG UK) has reported that on a bracing Bank Holiday Monday evening there was the first gathering for some time, of MAG members in Northern Ireland.
The venue chosen by local riders was the Dirty Duck pub in Holywood and the evening saw an interesting array of bikes and an enthusiasm from those attending to get things going again in the Province.
Digesting – Throttle Control
27th August 2010
Right To Ride’s campaign on “No To Throttle Control” has reached across the Irish Sea and has been acknowledged by the UK motorcycle magazine “The Riders Digest”
The Riders Digest in-house reporter, Amelie Summers’ column “Inside Line” has featured the issues on Throttle Control in an article entitled, “Automatic speed limiters – coming to your bike soon?”
No To The Bike Parking Tax
19th August 2010
Right to Ride is backing the London based “No To The Bike Parking Tax” campaign.
On the 25th September the “No To The Bike Parking Tax” campaign is organising its second Long Way Round – The Other Way Round – London – Still Standing Still Being Counted – lap of the M25 demo.
Horny Hogs MCC – Support – Right To Ride
11th August 2010
Right To Ride welcomes on board a new supporter’s club – Horny Hogs MCC.
The Horny Hogs MCC has a hardcore of members that meets regularly to go for runs.
Keel Wheelers MCC – Supports – Right To Ride
10th August 2010
Right To Ride welcomes on board a new supporter’s club – Keel Wheelers MCC.
The Keel Wheelers MCC is a new motorcycle club, formed in May 2010 by a group of mates who just enjoy biking and is based in the coastal town of Kilkeel, Co.Down, N.Ireland.
Events – Nothing To Do?
3rd August 2010
August has blown in grey and damp, however Right To Ride’s supporters have events on throughout the month to lift our spirits.
The first supporters’ event is the Ancestors MCC 21st Anniversary Birthday Party on the 6th – 8th August at Ballynahinch Rugby Club, with all the usual craic and plenty of good music.
Golden Era of Motorcycles
3rd August 2010
Ballymoney re-visits golden era of motorcycles.
The Joey Dunlop Leisure Centre, Northern Ireland, was the fitting venue for this year’s Eurobike Club Event – “Roon Tha Toon.”
Motorcycle Directory – THE BIKER GUIDE
2nd August 2010
Right To Right welcomes new supporters “THE BIKER GUIDE”.
THE BIKER GUIDE brings you a collection of information that the Bikers’ Heart desires.
Crash Proof Bike Safety System
30th July 2010
A video is spreading like wildfire through the various motorcycle web forums and shows a German TV company allegedly filming the advantages of a motorcycle fitted with crash proof “warning” systems.
The system fitted to the bike includes a computer that monitors the motorcycle’s environment using video feeds and distance data. The system constantly searches for hazards including vehicles and pedestrians, identifying thousands of potential dangers including a sensor that identifies if a driver has seen the motorcyclists at a junction.
Diamond Trikes Supports Right To Ride
29th July 2010
Right To Ride welcomes onboard new business supporters, Diamond Trikes.
Diamond Trikes based just outside Portadown was originally started out when Derek Winter built his first trike over 20 years ago as a hobby based in an old coal shed, moving to its current purpose built workshop in 2005.
Newry By Pass bypasses Motorcyclists
29th July 2010
The new A1 Beech Hill to Cloghogue dual carriageway (Newry By-pass), has open ahead of schedule, which means that motorists can now travel between Belfast and Dublin in less that two hours.
The Transport Minister, Conor Murphy with the deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness and Junior Minister Robin Newton, the Taoiseach, Mr Brian Cowen TD took part in the congratulatory opening of the dual carriageway.
Hairy Bikers’ Family Cook Off!
28th July 2010
The BBC are looking for a family to be crowned “Best Cooking Family” by the Hairy Bikers.
The brand new cookery show called the ‘Hairy Bikers’ Cook-Off’ will be on at 5.15pm on BBC2 every week day between October and December 2010.
Each day two family teams (each composed of three people) will come on the show – they will show off their signature dish, learn top tips from the Hairy Bikers, Si King and Dave Myers and try out a few challenges.
MAG UK Comes Out EU Safety
27th July 2010
The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG UK) has put out a press release opposing the European Unions (EU) “well-intentioned but wrong” safety proposals regarding its new Road Safety Action Programme (RSAP) for the upcoming 10 years.
UK riders’ representative organisation the Motorcycle Action Group, has joined the Federation of European Motorcyclists’ Associations (FEMA) to warn that the plans will result in a worse deal for riders without delivering improved road safety.
FEMA Comes Out EU Safety
26th July 2010
The Federation of European Motorcyclists’ Associations (FEMA) has put out a press release opposing the European Unions (EU) well-intentioned but wrong safety proposals regarding its new Road Safety Action Programme (RSAP) for the upcoming 10 years .
Reiterating what we already stated at Right To Ride (European Commission – Carrot and Stick) on the 22nd July 2010, FEMA has lambasted the European Commission (EC), on certain aspects of its “new focus on motorcyclists”, for relying on unproven and expensive measures for increasing road safety to improve the conditions for powered two-wheelers (PTWs) such as: Mandatory Advanced Braking Systems, Updated Anti-Tampering measures and Extended road worthiness testing (RWT).
Event Pictures – The Weekend
25th July 2010
View pictures of last weekends start of the Quay Vipers MCC – Kells to Kells run and this weekends Belfast Custom Bike show.
Motorbikes – Eco Active – A Ray of Light
24th July 2010
Right To Ride congratulates The “States of Jersey”, the island of Jersey’s official website for public services and information online, for recognising that a motorbike rather than a car can be a more environmentally friendly choice.
If there was a motorcycle utopia, Jersey appears to be it. We assumed that riders there face the same issues as we do here, even with a maximum speed limit of 40mph – 20-30 mph in urban areas and 15 mph on the island’s “green” lanes. Typically 12,000 people currently travel into St Helier, Jerseys capital, each morning during the rush hour in 8,800 cars or vans and 485 motorcycles.
Although with 350 miles of paved road, motorcycling is recognised and promoted for all the right reasons.
No More Wheelies Anymore?
23rd July 2010
In 2009 Right To Ride published, “Motorcycle Safety in Northern Ireland – The Rider’s Perspective”. We highlighted the issue of the motorcycle industry advertising and marketing strategies. We stated that, “Motorcycle manufacturers advertise irresponsible behaviour such as encouraging riders to use the public roads like a race track and promoting stunts.”
Now it looks like ACEM, the Motorcycle Industry in Europe has finally realized that encouraging riders to use the roads as a race track and imitate their heroes doesn’t help.
European Commission – Carrot and Stick
22nd July 2010
The European Commission (EC) has announced it is adopting challenging plans to reduce the number of road deaths on Europe’s roads by half in the next 10 years.
The initiatives proposals range from setting higher standards for vehicle safety, to improving the training of road users, and increasing the enforcement of road rules in order to halve the overall number of road deaths in the European Union by 2020 starting from 2010.
What does this mean for motorcyclists?
Belfast Custom Bike Show
19th July 2010
This weekend sees the Belfast Custom Bike Show at Custom House Square, Belfast on Saturday 24th July 2010
Taking place from Noon – 6pm and costing £5 the show has a raft of entertainment from live music from Belfast greasers, The Sabrejets and of course customised bikes galore!
Finishing off the day is the after show party with the Red Hot Roosters.
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”
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.
Biker Mate – Friend Indeed
7th July 2010
Signpost Solutions, is a company that introduced and spearheaded passively safe structures in the UK with the Lattix mast over 14 years ago. Signpost Solutions has now picked up the baton for motorcyclists and introduced a crash cushion for roadside objects called “Biker Mate”.
Working with Euro Road Safety (Cellbond), Signpost Solutions developed the completely new motorcycle safety system.
Brussels – Motorcycling Still Fun!
3rd July 2010
On the 28th and 29th June Right To Ride attended, what was hailed, as the 1st International Motorcyclists Conference in Brussels, organized by FEMA (Federation of European Motorcyclists Associations) in partnership with the Canadian and Australian motorcycling associations and the European Commission.
We agree – we have rights and responsibilities to ride safely within the law, but motorcycling is fun, we all know that and it is nice to know that some of our policy makers recognise this.
Ride To Work Day
3rd July 2010
The Motor Cycle Industry (MCI) has reminded us that from the 18 to 24 July is National Motorcycle Week (NMW) which features Ride To Work day on Wednesday 21 July.
This year’s NMW is being supported by Get On, the nationwide campaign by the Motor Cycle Industry (MCI) to get more people on two wheels, and as a result both new and existing riders are being encouraged to get out on two wheels and enjoy the huge range of benefits that life on a motorbike or scooter can bring.
Joey Dunlop Tribute
1st July 2010
The BBC in Northern Ireland have set up a website to commemorate the tenth anniversary of Joey Dunlop’s death on 2nd July 2000.
The website pays tribute to Joey – five times World Formula 1 Champion and winner of a record 26 Isle of Man TT races.
Event – Ancestors Getting Better
1st July 2010
The Ancestors MCC are celebrating their 21st Anniversary this year and the rally keeps getting better looking as the weekend of the 6th – 8th August approaches.
Their annual rally will be the highlight of the year and as such we are planning to make it the best one yet.
Returning From Brussels
29th June 2010
Right To Ride’s Trevor Baird is heading back from Brussels after attending the 2010 International Motorcyclists Conference on the 28th and 29th June.
The conference was organised by FEMA (Federation of European Motorcyclists Associations) in partnership with the Canadian and Australian motorcycling associations and the European Commission with the theme of, “Motorcycling into the 21st Century”.
Safety – The Italian Job
26th June 2010
ANCMA (Associazione Nazionale Ciclo Moto Accessori), the Italian Powered Two Wheeler industry association has launched a motorcycle safety campaign in which car drivers are called upon to watch out for motorcyclists.
The campaign “Occhio alla moto” – “Watch Out For Motorcycles” follows the theme of many motorcycle safety campaigns across the world, aiming to raise the awareness of all road users and to change their behaviour.
Adelaide Insurance Services – The Right Direction
25th June 2010
Adelaide Insurance Services and Right To Ride are linking up to advocate and promote the need to improve safety and road skills for motorcyclists.
Adelaide has been actively involved in road safety since 1997 when they began working with the Police Service of Northern Ireland to promote BikeSafe, which provides a critical appraisal of motorcyclists’ riding skills through a short, free assessment of ability in key areas.
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.
More Than A Ride Out
22nd June 2010
Right To Ride’s motorcycle club supporters, the Quay Vipers MCC, has organised the 3rd Annual Kells to Kells Charity Ride Out on Saturday 17th July 2010 – it is much more that just a ride out.
Newsletter June 2010
19th June 2010
Right To Ride’s latest newsletter is up on the website.
Pulling together all the news and features into one place including a list of the motorcycle clubs – business – partners who are supporting us.
Charity Ride – Help For Heroes
17th June 2010
Unwanted MCC are holding a charity ride out in aid of Help For Heroes on August the 8th 2010.
Arun from the Unwanted MCC says, “The run will be aprox 70 miles and broken into small sections, learner and restricted riders welcome.”
Riding Forward – Road Safety
16th June 2010
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
14th June 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?
Get On – Biking Open Day
14th June 2010
Have you ever wanted to ride a motorcycle? Are you thinking about learning to ride a scooter or a motorcycle? Or thinking of getting back on one after a bit of a break?
Have you heard of “Get On”?
A Brighter World
11th June 2010
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.
Back To Rights
9th June 2010
Right To Ride today launches its brand new website with a new address www.righttoride.co.uk dropping the “Write” and putting the “Right” back into Rider’s Rights.
Apart from looking all shiny and new, the main change is to give a direct opportunity for visitors to the site to comment on the news stories, the issues, the consultations and the campaigns that we are involved in.
Event – Ancestors MCC
8th June 2010
Right To Ride supporters club – Ancestors MCC – have sent through some updates on their rally and 21st Anniversary Birthday Party.
Speed & Safety – Save Yourselves!
4th June 2010
The PSNI has announced the introduction of a Speed Awareness Scheme.
Meanwhile down South ahead of this Bank Holiday weekend Mayo County Council is running their “What’s Around The Corner” safety campaign.
Headin’ To The NW200?
14th May 2010
The Department for the Environment (DOE) Minister Edwin Poots, continues the motorcycle safety message and encourages motorcyclists to bike safely at the North West 200.
At Right To Ride we agree with the constant messages of, “leave the racing to the experts and consider the consequences should you become involved in a collision” – “travelling too fast for the conditions or overtaking where it is obviously not safe to do so.”
BikersRVoters – Done And Dusted For Now
7th May 2010
Well that’s the 2010 General Election over, done and dusted for now.
However with elections for the Northern Ireland Assembly and Councils planned for next year Right To Ride is now starting to plan for these elections.
One Day To Go – Don’t Expect Us To Be Quiet!
5th May 2010
Last day before the General Election and the parties and politicians have laid out their message on the doorstep, through your letter box, on TV in debates and in their published manifestos, all concentrating on the “bigger” issues.
At Right To Ride we have scoured through the parties’ manifestos, contacted the parties and the politicians.
European Driving Licence Directive Consultation – Madness!
3rd May 2010
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.
