The Western Region Action Group
The WRAG Magazine

June 2006

Endangered Species

Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) members are converging on Birmingham on the 1st July for a demonstration as part of the group’s campaign to protest against unfair licensing proposals.
MAG calls for all riders to hit the streets and join the demo which will also celebrate the MAG West Midlands 29th Brum Demo and the Heart of England motorcycle rally.
MAG has been vigorously campaigning for the revision of the 3rd European Driving Licence Directive which has been thrust upon us in an attempt to cut EU (European Union) road fatalities in half by the year 2010.
Director of Public Affairs Trevor Baird says, “The directive will do nothing to improve the safety for existing riders or those new riders who will have the tenacity to gain a full licence under the proposed legislation”.
MAG recognises that in the past licensing packages like this have caused dramatic drops in the number of new riders rather than tackling the actual cause of the problem. The emphasis should be on more road awareness training and testing for car drivers to look and see motorcycles, not legislation that targets motorcycling while defying reasonable logic.
MAG President Ian Mutch said, “At a time when environmental concerns favour a move away from cars it is insanity to be discouraging a more sustainable transport option that offers savings in congestion and emissions.” Trevor Baird

Bristol MAG

Bristol MAG held their annual MAG Awareness Day at Fowlers on 6th May.  We signed up approximately 11 on the day if you count 1 joint.
However, the very best thing that could have happened was that Bristol City Council gave us a demo anti-skid manhole cover for demonstration.  Its full size so it’s a bit heavy to say the least and this generated a lot of interest.
As with Bikes in Bus Lanes many years ago this is yet another FIRST for Bristol.  The Council, in their refurbishment of the Broadmead area is installing anti-skid manhole covers throughout the complex making 100 across the City.
As you know the campaign was started by Rich Stiling and adopted as a National Campaign 3/4 years ago.  That Bristol has listened to us is due to his work and that of Andy Derret who has liaised with councilors and attended relevant meetings.  Once again, Bristol MAG is proud of this FIRST and hopes that, as with Bus Lanes, other Groups across the Country will follow suit. Aine.

Weston & North Somerset MAG

Weston & North Somerset MAG hosted Bristol MAG at Cromwells, where an enjoyable evening was spent playing skittles and having a chat, although on arrival some of Bristol MAG resembled drowned rats, as a heavy storm decided to let loose over the area that night!
They breed them hardy in Bristol, soggy but hardy?
We also held a Rock n’ Roll evening but the turn out was disappointing, however it has to be said this event clashed with two or three other things occurring in the area! Still undeterred we are holding a Rock Nite in July so be there! Its in a good cause, The Freewheelers EVS, you might just be glad of their services one day. The Troll

GWR 2006

Due to an unfortunate oversight we failed to confirm our booking for Court Farm, so, we are going to a green field site, a year ahead of when we expected to, but it’s probably to the good.
The green field site is in Kingston Seymour, and the rally is being held over the weekend of the 8th – 10th September, also a week earlier than originally planned for.
There will be real Ale, live music a chuck wagon and stalls, also there will be a patch for the first 150 prebook.
We will be looking for Marshals to help us over that weekend. Information or to book 01934 838535. The Troll.

Clevedon Custom MCC

Presents two Evenings of music with ‘The Navigators’ on Saturday 24th June... And ‘Celtic Pride’ on Saturday July 8th at Portbury Social Club. Tickets for both events from Paul 01275 871191.

Events for June

The Motorcycle Action Group accepts no responsibility for the content of this publication and the views expressed are not necessarily those of the Editor or MAG.