MAG defend bikers from being charged in the Ultra Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ)

The Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) has responded on behalf of London’s 200,000 every day riders to defend an exemption from user charging of bikes in the Ultra Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ).

BirotarUK Photoshoot by Wil Collins of the Alexandra Palace, London city scape 

Selina Lavender, MAG’s Chair, has shared MAG’s determination to ensure an exemption. ‘The bike charging proposal was part of a package to reduce emissions – even though a shift towards motorbikes reduces emissions.  We’ve made a comprehensive submission to explain why it’s utterly counterproductive to tax part of the solution, namely powered two wheelers.’

The charge is £12.50 a day

MAG made the following points:

1. Commuters on bikes are virtually zero NOx emissions producers – and far ahead of buses. That’s why an exemption for bikes (of all ages) is right – because car drivers who shift to motorcycles and scooters reduce overall emissions due to the tiny emissions footprint of a bike.
2. Research shows if 10% of motorists moved to motorcycles for their daily commute there would be a 40% reduction in congestion. Air pollution is a feature of congestion. That means motorcycles help achieve air quality targets, so charging them makes no sense.
3. The Government says in its air pollution report published in May 2017: The impact of including motorcycles and mopeds in CAZs have not been modelled. These vehicles only represent a small proportion of total NOx emissions so it is not expected that they will be included in the access restrictions for the majority of zones.
4. Some low wage earners use bikes for financial reasons. Charging them when they produce almost no emissions – or forcing onto more expensive public transport – is a ‘tax’ on lower wage earners.  An exemption is socially fair.
5. MAG is closely following the emissions debate to ensure that bikers are not charged while other vehicles which make no contribution to reducing congestion (and emissions caused by traffic jams), such as electric cars, are exempt. This remains a key element in the campaigning work of the movement.

For full details of MAG’s response go to: https://wiki.mag-uk.org/images/7/74/ULEZ_2017_06_21.pdf

Contact MAG at 01926 844 064 or central-office@mag-uk.org

Riders Club London - Armoured Hoodie review

Riders Club London - Armoured Hoodie review

Rider’s Club London (RCL) have recently released their new Armoured Hoodie for 2016. We attended the launch where they held an awesome stunt show in Hertfordshire – you may have seen the video of it!

They hooked us up with a hoodie so that we can show you guys what we thought.

Our first thoughts are that it’s very well made, and it’s great to see the DuPont Kevlar fiber lined back and impact areas (shoulders and elbows).

The CE removable back, shoulder and elbow protection is also a really nice addition.

Double-stitched seams and super strong zip make the hoodie a great option for those spring-summer short rides.

We can’t stress enough the importance of wearing riding gear. No matter what bike you’re on – coming off at 30mph hurts, and could leave you with some life-long injuries or even worse, fatal injuries.

We come across far too many riders that don’t wear adequate protection on motorbikes. Many of them are riding in the city, or make the excuse that they are not traveling far, so there is no need to gear up! We think Riders Club London’s armoured hoodie is a great option for those who don’t currently wear any riding gear. Or even for those who have a heavy-duty waterproof jacket only, and are looking for something lighter for summer rides.

You might like to know that the hoodie is actually very comfortable to wear, on and off the bike. The embroidery is also a very nice touch. We approve!

The hoodie retails at £70 and can be found here. Nice work Riders Club London!

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All the best

BirotarUK 

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