Mobile Phone Menace

It will probably come as no surprise to those of you using the roads every day but the latest figures from An Garda Siochana show that in the first five months of the 2015 more than 12,500 drivers were issued with fixed penalty notices for using a phone while driving. MAG Ireland applauds the efforts of the Gardai in tackling this lethal practice.

MAG Ireland at Heatwave Motorshow

Big thanks to everyone who stopped by our stand at the recent Heatwave Motorshow in Fairyhouse racecourse.

This was a new event for us and we'd like to extend our thanks to the organisers and our friends over at irishmotorbike.ie. Matt and Peter were on hand to answer your questions on the day and we'd like to extend a special welcome to our new members :)

The show was packed with modified motors, rally cars and a fair smattering of motorbikes too!. 

SHARP adds new helmet ratings

SHARP - the Safety Helmet Assessment and Rating Programme - is a UK Department of Transport funded consumer information initiative which independently tests and rates motorcycle helmets.

If you're thinking of buying a lid you can check their online database to see how it stacks up in terms of features and performance.

SHARP has recently published safety ratings for the AGV K5 and AGV Compact taking to 361 the total number of helmets rated. Click the button for more info on the SHARP tests and check out their database before you buy,

New Harleys

Waterford Harley Davidson have been in touch to advise us of some upcoming events including the launch of the 2016 model range.

First up on 5th September it's the Harley Owners Group (HOG) Celtic Thunder Chapter 10th Birthday Bash.

Then on 18-20th September the all new dark custom bikes take to the road.

Finally, the launch of the new 2016 model range is taking place on September 26th/27th.

See: waterfordharleydavidson.com

Ford speed limiter cuts fuel

We were sent an interesting link recently. Back in March, Ford announced a new intelligent speed limiter system which reads traffic signs and reduces fuel flow to keep your vehicle within the speed limit.

No, we're not making this up. It's being billed as "an end to speeding tickets". The system monitors road signs with a camera mounted on the windscreen, then slows the vehicle as required. Drivers can override the system, but only temporarily it seems.

UK effort to reduce road signage

According to the Guardian a UK taskforce has been set up to tackle the blight of roadsigns, the number of which has doubled in the past 20 years.

N.Irl's Right to Ride closes

We are saddened to report that Northern Ireland based “Right to Ride” has recently announced that they are to cease rider representative activities forthwith. 

Founded in 2009 and run by Trevor Baird and Dr. Elaine Hardy, Right to Ride was an effective conduit for information on issues affecting anyone on two (or three) wheels in Northern Ireland and an excellent source of informative content on EU issues pertaining to biking.

Forth bridge to remain open for Learners 

In a major victory for common sense (and motorcycling) learner riders can continue to use the Forth bridge. 

Officials in Transport Scotland have confirmed a change to planned regulations, in order to allow learner riders to continue using the existing Forth Road Bridge, even after the new road crossing opens in 2016.  

Combined helmetcam and comms

We don't usually cover gadgetry but as one of the committee uses a Sena device regularly this one caught our attention.

the blurb..

Bike Buyers Guide

Read MAG Ireland in this month's Bike Buyers Guide. See bikebuyersguide.ie