To: at ([email address suppressed])

What a great start to the Spring with some fine biking weather. Not only that but new figures from the National Transport Authority show the decline in motorcycle commuters is slowing and we bring you news of a new effort to stamp out the scourge of texting while driving.

We aim to bring you information of interest to Irish motorcyclists on a monthly basis. If you have friends, club members or colleagues who would like to receive RoadRunner every month for free they can subscribe at our website, you can forward this copy or you can just send us their name and email address.

Remember, if you’re planning a motorcycle related event in Ireland in 2014, let us know by sending details to events@magireland.org and we'll add it to the Irish Motorcycle Events Calendar and the MAG Ireland smartphone app for free.

Your feedback (email to roadrunner@magireland.org) is always welcome.

Editor

Following up on a commitment made during a recent distracted driving conference attended by MAG Ireland, Minister for Transport Dr. Leo Varadkar has announced that he has just signed a law formally banning texting while driving effective from May 1st.

Although many people assumed texting was already banned, the existing law refered to hand held devices and had a legal grey area where the driver was using the device while it was in a cradle.

This anomaly has now been addressed, and we in MAG Ireland welcome this decision as a positive step in eliminating the lethal practice of drivers texting while driving.

Meanwhile, the Gardai have commenced a crackdown on those who flout the law by using a mobile while driving.

Follw the campaign on our web site.

MAG Ireland has recently been made aware of a new EU proposal regarding Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

The existing PPE Directive sets out basic requirements to which PPE must comply in order to be made available on the EU market. Manufacturers must affix the CE marking and provide users with instructions for use and maintenance of the PPE.

Currently, the use of PPE in Ireland is covered by the Safety, Health & Welfare at Work  (General Application) Regulations 2007. 

The important word there is "Work". Currently, the regulations around PPE apply only in a professional capacity.

Despite this, many of us already use CE approved body armour even though it's not mandatory and even though we are riding for our own personal reasons as opposed to it being part of our job.

Now concerns have emerged that the new regulations may seek to extend the use of PPE beyond the scope of the professional environment into everyday consumer use, for example by making it compulsory to wear approved PPE while riding.

MAG Ireland is currently investigating this development in co-operation with our colleagues in FEMA and will be reporting further in due course.

Figures recently released by the National Transport Authority in conjunction with Dublin City Council show that the decline in motorcycle riders commuting into Dublin city center has leveled off.

The National Transport Authority is tasked with promoting sustainable transport for Ireland but has consistently refused to consider motorcycle, scooter or moped users in its transport planning.

By heavily investing in facilities for two particular groups of vulnerable road users, cyclists and pedestrians, while completely ignoring another, motorcyclists, the NTA has increased bicycle use by 87% while motorcycle use declined by some 40% over the period 2006-2013.

There are currently six times as many cyclists as motorcyclists entering Dublin city via the canal cordon in the morning rush hour.

More on our web site.

March 15th 2014 saw the annual Irish Scooterists Easter Egg Run take place from Bray to Dublin city center.

150 scooters and a handfull of motorbikes took part in the charity rideout this year which saw scooterists from all over Ireland, Northern Ireland and even English club Liverpool SC take part.

Over €100,000 has been raised in the last 7 years in aid of the Medical Research Department at Crumlin Childrens Hospital. This year was no different with the total raised from sponsorship, collections and a bike raffle standing at over €20,000.

11 year old Nathan McGuire was this years raffle prize winner of the brand new LML scooter.

After the rideout refreshments were served in the Red Cow Hotel for all the riders where a custom show was also held and winners announced.

Thanks must go to Bo Reddin, Les Byrne and the Irish Scooterists Easter Egg organising committee who ran a great day out for the scooterists and their supporters. Thanks also to everyone who took part and donated.

 - Tom.

By Tom McFadden, MAG Ireland Scooter & Moped Rep (tom@magireland.org)

Whether you're a seasoned veteran with wisdom to share or a complete novice hungry for ideas and guidance, it doesn't matter if you ride a motorcycle, a bicycle, or drive an expedition vehicle...

Horizons Unlimited meetings are for everyone who dreams of adventure along the road less travelled. The event is taking place from Friday, July 18 to Sunday, July 20, 2014.

The plan is simple. Show up on Friday afternoon, meet people and setup. Travel Presentations and Tech seminars are planned throughout the meeting, starting Friday evening.

It's a weekend of presentations given by people who've "been there, done that" to encourage others to get out there and do it too.

For details see:
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/events/ireland-2014

Originally published in the January 2014 issue of Bike Buyers Guide, our feature on licensing is now available on our web site.

Written by our lead researcher, Proinnsias Breathnach, "A ticket to Ride" looks at the licensisng landscape a year on from the most significant shake up since the introduction of the 125cc learner laws in the 1980's.

By making what can be a very dry and technical subject readily accessible, this feature is a must read for anyone contemplating a first time motorcycle license.

Read the feature on our web site.

The Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club presents the VJMC Motorcycle Show at the National Show Centre, Swords, Co. Dublin on Sunday 4th May 2014. The venue is located opposite the Coachmans pub just off the N1 North of Dublin Airport.

MAG Ireland will be there on the day to answer your questions about the hot issues such as licensing, vehicle modifications and roadworthiness testing.

Read more on our web site.

Tor Arne Bell Ljunggren, chairman of the Norwegian Motorcycle Union (NMCU), says there is no reason to argue that motorcyclists are reckless road users. Quite the opposite in fact. Because riders know that they are on a vehicle that offers little passive safety, they are extremely safety conscious.

"Every year, motorcyclists are killed and injured in collisions with cars. These accidents are mostly caused by inattentive motorists. Experienced riders resolve potential dangerous situations by taking into account the mistakes made by other road-users. Inexperienced riders however, do not understand the potential danger and are innocent victims of the mistakes by others."

Read more

Ireland Bike Fest Killarney 2014 takes place over the June Bank Holiday weekend (30th May to 2nd June), and MAG Ireland will be there!

2014 is the 8th annual Ireland Bike Fest and has something for everyone. Centered on the Bike Village with it’s carnival atmosphere, there will be ride-outs, competitions, technical assistance, test rides, music, DJ’s, food, traders area, and much more besides.

MAG Ireland reps will be on hand in the welcome tent on Sunday ready to answer your questions, so please say hello if you’re passing through.

Ireland Bike Fest Killarney is a family friendly event suitable for all ages, with plenty to see and do for riders and non-riders young or old.

It is anticipated that in excess of 35,000 visitors from from countries including Ireland, Britain, Germany, Italy, Spain, France, Switzerland, Denmark, Norway, the Netherlands, Australia, the United States will attend. We look forward to seeing you there!

In the April issue of Bike Buyers Guide MAG Ireland looked at the hard numbers behind motorcycle and scooter sales in Ireland.

We examined what the stats tell us about the state of the industry - Where we were, where we are, and where we might be going.

In the May issue, we'll be looking at the EU, and in particular the implications of EU policy for riders.

What have we learned from the Type Approval and Roadworthiness Testing proposals, and how do we influence the decision making in Brussels?

Read our take exclusively in the May issue of Bike Buyers Guide.

All for only €4.99 including a free Bridgestone sticker sheet. Available from all good newsagents nationwide.

The "Gone but not forgotten" bike run in memory of fallen bikers takes place on Sunday 18th May next.

Kicking off at 2:30pm from Mary Jo's pub, Barntown, Co. Wexford the route takes in Castletown, Gorey, Camolin & Enniscorthy before returning to Mary Jo's. Admission is €5 per bike.

Contacts:
Forbidden Few MCC
- 087 667 8566
Heretic Brothers MCC
- 087 620 0144
Midlife Crisis MCC
- 086 399 1168

MAG Ireland represents Irish riders and is funded by Irish riders. 

Has your membership expired?

If your membership has expired, we’d really appreciate your continued support with a renewal online at www.magireland.org/membership

Not a member?

MAG Ireland works tirelessly on behalf of all Irish riders but we can only do that with the financial support of our members subscriptions. It costs just €25.00 for a years membership, that’s less than 7 cent per day. Not only that but we aim to save you the cost of your membership many times over via our exclusive vouchers and our group discount scheme. If you can’t stretch to a membership subscription but you’d still like to help, just click the donate link on the menu at www.magireland.org and give whatever you can.

Get your member-only discounts - Following feedback from members we’ve made it even easier to claim your member discounts with a link on the top right hand side of the web site. All you need is your membership number to potentially save the cost of your membership many times over with great discounts like 10% off at all Halfords stores. http://www.magireland.groupscheme.com

MAG Ireland members have exclusive access to our online group scheme which has recently been updated with a range of new offers.

Of course that's all on top the the huge range of existing discounts on everything from consumer electronics to weekend breaks to car accessories.

If you haven't looked lately, dig out your membership number click here and see what you could be saving today!

Highlights: 

• Saturday 4th May,  Honda 50 Run in Multyfanham Co., Westmeath. Sign On at 11am, take off at 12 noon. For more information contact Claire on 087152 9122.
• Saturday 24th May, The Pit Stop Crew SC & Gutter Mutts MCC Port Tunnel Run. Meet 2pm at Childvision. €5 per vehicle.
• Sunday 25th May, Rockin Road festival. A family fun day out with something for everyone including vintage bikes, cars and of course scooters!

For full details and more events check out our calendar.

Organisers: To add your event, send an e-mail to events@magireland.org with a brief description of the event, facebook or web site link and the contact details of the organiser. 

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Previous issues can be seen here: (May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December).

You can also follow us on Google+, Facebook, Twitter, RSS and download our smartphone app.

MAG Ireland is specifically interested in hearing from riders with relevant expertise to assist the effort.

Areas include

• Civil/Roads engineers for barrier and parking issues
• Accountancy
• Journalism/copywriter
• Research (accidents / legal / roads / international / political)

We are also interested in hearing from riders with a specific issue or campaign which they are pursuing at an individual level or local level.

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If you have received this from someone else please visit www.magireland.org/roadrunner for your free subscription.

We aim to bring you information of interest to Irish motorcyclists on a monthly basis. Please feel free to forward this on to other Irish riders. If you are in a club we'd particularly appreciate if you could forward it on to the other club members.

If you have friends or club members who would like to receive RoadRunner every month they can sign up at our website or you can just send us their name and email address.