1M Motorway go slow by large group of bikers????
Discussion
Not sure what was going on but today was surprized to see 30/40 bikers holding up traffic on the M1 heading north between J18 and back to J15. No idea why but felt so for the drivers held up which also included a green Chimeara? Out of interest does anyone know why the bikers decided to do a go slow on the motorway!!
[big]The Reason behind the go slow!![big]
Hundreds of motorbikers have staged a go-slow protest on the M1 over planned new rules that could stop bikers modifying their machines.
Convoys travelling at 45mph set off north and south from Junction 15a at Northampton at lunchtime on Sunday 25 September 2011 planning to ride around 20 miles, to Junction 13 for Bedford and Milton Keynes South. Other bikers set off from the Little Chef on the A5 near Fenny Stratford, Milton Keynes.
The rides were among more than a hundred demonstrations taking place across the UK.
Those behind the protests are unhappy about proposed new EU rules they say will threaten the right of motorbike owners to modify their machines, and would also mean motorbikes being singled out for regular roadside checks.
They are also unhappy about rules planned for France and Ireland that would require motorbikers to wear high visibility or reflective clothing to make them easier to spot.
Paddy Tyson from the Motorcycle Action Group said "Both French and Irish Governments have failed to provide research to support their ideas and MAG is concerned that the insurance industry in the UK may impose compulsion, when educating all road users in hazard avoidance, would be more effective."
"The motorcycle industry has been under severe pressure recently with new licensing directives disuading riders and what our congested roads need are more bikes, not increased legislation to discourage them."
Hundreds of motorbikers have staged a go-slow protest on the M1 over planned new rules that could stop bikers modifying their machines.
Convoys travelling at 45mph set off north and south from Junction 15a at Northampton at lunchtime on Sunday 25 September 2011 planning to ride around 20 miles, to Junction 13 for Bedford and Milton Keynes South. Other bikers set off from the Little Chef on the A5 near Fenny Stratford, Milton Keynes.
The rides were among more than a hundred demonstrations taking place across the UK.
Those behind the protests are unhappy about proposed new EU rules they say will threaten the right of motorbike owners to modify their machines, and would also mean motorbikes being singled out for regular roadside checks.
They are also unhappy about rules planned for France and Ireland that would require motorbikers to wear high visibility or reflective clothing to make them easier to spot.
Paddy Tyson from the Motorcycle Action Group said "Both French and Irish Governments have failed to provide research to support their ideas and MAG is concerned that the insurance industry in the UK may impose compulsion, when educating all road users in hazard avoidance, would be more effective."
"The motorcycle industry has been under severe pressure recently with new licensing directives disuading riders and what our congested roads need are more bikes, not increased legislation to discourage them."
Quite often I have all the sympathy in the world for these groups, be it petrol protests or whatever. But as soon as they start to do stuff like this, that impacts directly on MOP who have nothing whatsoever to do with the issue, my sympathy evaporates.
How exactly do you gain support by inconveniencing people who are not even the problem? They might just as well go around on foot punching MOP in the face at random to gain support.
How exactly do you gain support by inconveniencing people who are not even the problem? They might just as well go around on foot punching MOP in the face at random to gain support.
Balmoral Green said:
Quite often I have all the sympathy in the world for these groups, be it petrol protests or whatever. But as soon as they start to do stuff like this, that impacts directly on MOP who have nothing whatsoever to do with the issue, my sympathy evaporates.
How exactly do you gain support by inconveniencing people who are not even the problem? They might just as well go around on foot punching MOP in the face at random to gain support.
As one of those riding yesterday the topic shows the complete lack of information about why we were riding and what the changes may be - things such as not being able to change tyre brands, automated braking on motorcycles, not being able to change exhausts - basically the bike stays as it left the factory. So what exactly do you suggest as way of protest? If we write to MP's nothing gets done, petitions are similarly ineffective so direct action is the only way and if people are inconvenienced then at least they will question why and perhaps next time they are similarly targetted will protest in a similar manner. Motorcyclists are being shafted by the EU - harder tests, smaller CC bikes, development of "rider aids" that will injure more than they help. The bike industry is struggling, sales are slumping so rather than kick us, perhaps you should support - who knows, you could be nextHow exactly do you gain support by inconveniencing people who are not even the problem? They might just as well go around on foot punching MOP in the face at random to gain support.
Balmoral Green said:
Quite often I have all the sympathy in the world for these groups, be it petrol protests or whatever. But as soon as they start to do stuff like this, that impacts directly on MOP who have nothing whatsoever to do with the issue, my sympathy evaporates.
How exactly do you gain support by inconveniencing people who are not even the problem? They might just as well go around on foot punching MOP in the face at random to gain support.
seems to have worked quite well over the years for the french truckers and farmers.How exactly do you gain support by inconveniencing people who are not even the problem? They might just as well go around on foot punching MOP in the face at random to gain support.
unfortunately, some times to get your voice heard, you have to try different measures, as long as your not punching mop in the face of course.
Rude, inconsiderate numpties who happen to be riding motorbikes.
I sympathise with the appeal against the proposed new rules from the EU Commission...but whoever thought that a 20mph rolling blockade of motorcycles along the A47 was a good way to get general public support, must surely be halfwits?
I sympathise with the appeal against the proposed new rules from the EU Commission...but whoever thought that a 20mph rolling blockade of motorcycles along the A47 was a good way to get general public support, must surely be halfwits?
Toffer said:
Rude, inconsiderate numpties who happen to be riding motorbikes.
I sympathise with the appeal against the proposed new rules from the EU Commission...but whoever thought that a 20mph rolling blockade of motorcycles along the A47 was a good way to get general public support, must surely be halfwits?
Hmmm...ok then Toffer, what do you suggest? Petition, lobbying MP/MEP? very effective.....Yes the rolling roadblock was inconvenient for a lot of people but no one other than motorcyclists knew what the protest was about, now a few MOP do too. Basically the ethos in this country is that if you are not directly effected then most people dont give a sI sympathise with the appeal against the proposed new rules from the EU Commission...but whoever thought that a 20mph rolling blockade of motorcycles along the A47 was a good way to get general public support, must surely be halfwits?
t, and even then when they are affected - the fuel prices as a case in point, the public moan and do jack st about it. It was good that for once that people who care passionately about a cause got off their arses and did something about it. Perhaps when you are forced off the road due to ridiculous fuel prices or punitive legislation you might want to do something about it rather than bh?Here's some very interesting reading which might explian some of the frustration being felt by motorcyclists. What is clear is that it is only a matter of time before car owners get targeted as well.
at http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/5334 Go to http://www.bikingandbeyond.co.uk/framework%20regul... to read an overview of the legislatio Consultation document at http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/sectors/automotive/... Start reading people and see the implications ... could be veeery bad !!!Date: Tue, 27 Sep 2011 04:32:03 -0700See more
at http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/5334 Go to http://www.bikingandbeyond.co.uk/framework%20regul... to read an overview of the legislatio Consultation document at http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/sectors/automotive/... Start reading people and see the implications ... could be veeery bad !!!Date: Tue, 27 Sep 2011 04:32:03 -0700See more
Among some daft stuff, the proposed EU Commission legislation also appears to target bike modifications, which without wishing to be controversial seems sensible?
Travelling by car in the UK is still relatively cheap, despite the price of fuel (whether you think this is high or not)...thousands of us do choose to use our cars...even when there are other viable and more costly alternatives.
The "fuel protests" have been mentioned in the thread...fuel is now £0.40/litre more costly than at the time of the protests.
These types of anarchistic protests are for small minded numpties and are almost always ineffective.
Slightly off topic...
http://uk.reuters.com/article/2011/08/10/uk-britai...
Travelling by car in the UK is still relatively cheap, despite the price of fuel (whether you think this is high or not)...thousands of us do choose to use our cars...even when there are other viable and more costly alternatives.
The "fuel protests" have been mentioned in the thread...fuel is now £0.40/litre more costly than at the time of the protests.
These types of anarchistic protests are for small minded numpties and are almost always ineffective.
Slightly off topic...
http://uk.reuters.com/article/2011/08/10/uk-britai...
Whilst i dont disagree with the protest, wouldn't it make as much sense to encourage as many people as you can to vote on the e petition and get it over the 100,000 mark. That way it will have to be debated in parliament.
Toffer
Clearly you're not a motor sport enthusiast of any sort because if you was, you might consider the bigger picture. Modifying is a big part of all forms of motor sport, bike or car and not everything is track only.
Mick
Toffer
Clearly you're not a motor sport enthusiast of any sort because if you was, you might consider the bigger picture. Modifying is a big part of all forms of motor sport, bike or car and not everything is track only.
Mick
Edited by moparmick on Thursday 29th September 21:48
bikers have been for YEARS protesting to MP's etc about bikers rights. The problem is as a minority - no one else knows about their concerns, and the MP's dismiss the objections.
Whilst it frustrated some of you to be slowed (they DIDNT block) the aim is raise awareness amongst all motorists about the proposed law changes that are being swept in by non voted in euro MP's
You will all know ( I assume) of the daytime running lights. Bikers have complained for years about there introduction - did you know that?
no - because there was no demonstration. The theory is bikes (already forced to have lights on all the time) use lights to increase their visibilty against the back drop of cars. NOW - everyone had their lights on, and bikes dissappear.
Imaging seeing the twin lights of an on coming car - whats the chances you WONT see the bike riding in front and turn across the path early as you assumed a safe distance to the car - but not the bike?
The new proposals are an ass.
Whilst it frustrated some of you to be slowed (they DIDNT block) the aim is raise awareness amongst all motorists about the proposed law changes that are being swept in by non voted in euro MP's
You will all know ( I assume) of the daytime running lights. Bikers have complained for years about there introduction - did you know that?
no - because there was no demonstration. The theory is bikes (already forced to have lights on all the time) use lights to increase their visibilty against the back drop of cars. NOW - everyone had their lights on, and bikes dissappear.
Imaging seeing the twin lights of an on coming car - whats the chances you WONT see the bike riding in front and turn across the path early as you assumed a safe distance to the car - but not the bike?
The new proposals are an ass.
- only allowed to put the tyres on the manafacture recommend
- cant change the gear sprockets and chain yourself (VERY simple jobs, and after market, much higher quality/safety - manufactures use parts chosen to keep costs down)
- cant change your own oil/brake pads/ and any other "mods" that effect drive system
- must wear hi vis jackets - slide down the road in one of those and risk it wrapping around your neck and strangling you first
- planned limit on BHP to 100bhp - imagine that being passed to you exotic car lovers?
I drive, ride (daily) and actively support bikesport. This protest was daft. The EU proposals have nothing to do with stopping motorsport, and they are just proposals at this stage. Bikers complain about being a minority, and we will continue to be treated as such if we get ourselves whipped up into this kind of action as soon as a misinformed article appears in the biking press.
I'm no fan of the EU, but this is not the battle you're looking for.
I'm no fan of the EU, but this is not the battle you're looking for.
I'm proud of the motorcyclists that got off their arses and took their protest to the roads - better than car drivers whining on about the price of fuel and doing fk all about it.
The EU proposals represent Type Approval gone mad, so that bikes cannot be modified in any way - down to the tyre type fitted when new, cannot be worked on by other than a manufacturers franchise and fitting 'black boxes', supposedly to record servicing details, but will also log riding behaviour. I'd love to see the tin box kiddies absorb that sort of personal infraction in their p&j.
Toffer - Ever thought of joining BRAKE? Might be right up your street.
k all about it.The EU proposals represent Type Approval gone mad, so that bikes cannot be modified in any way - down to the tyre type fitted when new, cannot be worked on by other than a manufacturers franchise and fitting 'black boxes', supposedly to record servicing details, but will also log riding behaviour. I'd love to see the tin box kiddies absorb that sort of personal infraction in their p&j.
Toffer - Ever thought of joining BRAKE? Might be right up your street.
Sadly one red sports car owner didnt like the protests..
http://www.therugbyobserver.co.uk/2011/10/03/story...
http://www.therugbyobserver.co.uk/2011/10/03/story...
Astronut said:
I'm proud of the motorcyclists that got off their arses and took their protest to the roads - better than car drivers whining on about the price of fuel and doing fk all about it.
The EU proposals represent Type Approval gone mad, so that bikes cannot be modified in any way - down to the tyre type fitted when new, cannot be worked on by other than a manufacturers franchise and fitting 'black boxes', supposedly to record servicing details, but will also log riding behaviour. I'd love to see the tin box kiddies absorb that sort of personal infraction in their p&j.
Toffer - Ever thought of joining BRAKE? Might be right up your street.
Right back at you Astronut! k all about it.The EU proposals represent Type Approval gone mad, so that bikes cannot be modified in any way - down to the tyre type fitted when new, cannot be worked on by other than a manufacturers franchise and fitting 'black boxes', supposedly to record servicing details, but will also log riding behaviour. I'd love to see the tin box kiddies absorb that sort of personal infraction in their p&j.
Toffer - Ever thought of joining BRAKE? Might be right up your street.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Brake/11158463892461...
Residing in a cul-de-sac, I have to brake every time I come home and probably dislike over legislating bureaucratic EU Commission as much as the next PHer...I just don't like selfish bikers obstructing my progress.
For those who may be curious...
1.I don't own a red sports car!
2. I do pull to the side of the road/lane to allow motorcyclists to pass me safely and it is nice when I get a courteous raised hand to say "Thanks!".
Cheers!
thetapeworm said:
the above video clearly shows them blocking other road users. although something needed to be done these kind of acts could have caused a serious accident as traffic catches upto this groupGassing Station | Motoring News | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff