‘Protest with care’ is the British Motorcyclists Federation’s message to riders supporting the Motor Cycle News ‘Reclaim North Wales’ campaign planned for Sunday 13th September.
While backing the MCN campaign, an initiative designed to assert the rights of law-abiding motorcyclists to ride free of police harassment on the roads of North Wales, the BMF nevertheless advises motorcyclists taking part in the protest ride to double-check that they fully comply with the law and leave no legitimate reason to be stopped by the police.
“When you are protesting about any element of law enforcement, it is extremely important to make sure that your own house is in order,” said the BMF’s Government Relations Executive, Chris Hodder.
While some checks sound obvious, the BMF have issued a 10 point reminder for participants to not only comply with all speed limits and road signs but to ensure that a rider’s:
Driving licence is valid
Insurance is valid
Machine is taxed and the disc displayed on nearside (it’s an offence not to)
Tyres are legal (1 mm minimum tread depth across ¾ width of tyre)
Visor is legal (75% light transmission)
Aftermarket exhaust systems are clearly stamped with ‘BSAU 193a’ and a number and/or the European "E" mark.
Number plate is full size see www.dvla.gov.uk/media/pdf/leaflets/v796.pdf
Lights are working (including stop light)
Indicators are working
Motorcycle has a current MOT and can be seen to be roadworthy
North Wales Police launched ‘Operation Focus’ to cut motorcycle casualties, but unfortunately say the BMF, it is a clumsy initiative that in reality fails to focus on those causing the real problem – the irresponsible minority. It’s like stopping every football fan just because they like football say the BMF.
Even though North Wales Police say they stop around 400 motorcyclists every weekend during the summer months, they admit that only around 10% are found to have breached any ‘road safety legislation’. Proof that the majority are suffering harassment through the pursuit of a minority say the BMF.
Details of the ‘Reclaim North Wales’ ride can be found at:
http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/News/newsresults/General-news/2009/August/aug1309-help-mcn-reclaim-north-wales/ |
