List Of UK Meeting Points for EU Hands Off Biking 25th Sep

[guzzirider]

You may be aware of the current EU proposals for anti-tampering, compulsory ABS (yes non-switchable) for all bikes and stricter testing regimes. I for one do not want to have to jump through hoops just to fit a new pair of handlebars, make sure they are an "approved type" and then pay to have them inspected at a testing centre before I can ride.

I am sure anyone who likes riding off road will not be keen on complusory non-switchable ABS, and in general the anti-biking legislation. Just how many accidents are caused by modifying bikes? Very few I bet in comparison to poor driving standards which should be the real issue.

If you are in the UK and would like to express your thoughts on these proposals then please join a peaceful and lawful ride near you on Sunday 25th September at 1pm at a location near you.

Here is a list of meeting points taken from the MAG website:

Join us to keep EU Hands Off Biking, it's time for Action now!.

On the 25th September you can make your voice heard. Starting from service areas across the country, we all ride at 1pm, use the inside lanes and vanish 20 minutes later. This is the first time. Let's show what we could be capable of.

The list of start points is changing all the time, but as of today we can confirm the following,

◦M1
Northampton Services north and soundbound

Leicester Forrest East Services sounthbound

Donington Park Services

Trowell Services northbound

Tibshelf Services northbound

Woodall Services northbound

Woolley Edge Services southbound

◦M3
Fleet Services southbound

◦M4
Reading services westbound

j32 ASDA carpark

Cardiff Services

Pont Abram Services eastbound

◦M5
Exeter Services

Taunton Deane Services Southbound

◦M6
Corley Services eastbound

Charnock Richard services northbound

◦M8
Harthill Services eastbound

◦M90
Kinross Services southbound

◦M25

South Mimms services

Clacket Lane Services clockwise

◦M40
Oxford Services

Warwick Services northbound

◦M42
Hopwood Services

◦M55
B&Q, J4 motorway end

◦M56
Chester services

◦M62
FerryBridge Services

Hartshead Moor Services

◦A1
Scotch Corner

◦A12
8 Ball diner, Rivenhall, A12 northbound

BP, Boreham Interchange A12 northbound

Tesco, Copdock, A12 southbound

◦A120
Stanstead airport carpark

◦A127
Porky's Diner eastbound

◦A30
Chiverton Cross Services nr Redruth

◦A303
Countess Services eastbound, Amesbury

◦A38
Lee Mill Services, Ivybridge, Plymouth

◦A48
Halford's roundabout, Carmarthen

◦A55
Abergele services, westbound, between j25 and 24a

◦A90
Strathcartho services, between Perth and Aberdeen



Closer to the date, we will be have a final, complete list of all the actual start points.

It will be here, on the www.ridersarevoters.org website and many other places. As you can see we've already got venues from Plymouth to Aberdeen on most M-ways and major trunk routes, but if you or your bike club would like to be a 'starter', contact us for co-ordinated action.

[tim]

Where's that thumbs up emoticon?

[Rasher]

Sounds good to me, will make a ride-out of it and join a point a little way away.

[BourneToRide]

Add A14 at Thrapston services. There seems to be a lack of meets in the east of England

[guzzirider]

The list is constantly updating here is a link http://www.mag-uk.org/en/campaignsdetail/a6883

Feel free to start your own location to be added to the list.

[Michael J]

Yeah - don't let them do this. Every time that the EU does something foolish like this, the Safety Nazis on this side of the pond start jumping up and down and waving their arms in the air. Annoying, at best.

[iomrob]

i heard the other day that France might be making the wearing of high viz vests compulsary on bikes. anyone else hear about this?

[Michael J]

Just how many accidents are caused by modifying bikes? Very few I bet in comparison to poor driving standards which should be the real issue.

Yes, but it's ever so much easier (and cheaper) to enforce the hardware issue - doesn't take any talent or judgement. Ideal, from the bureaucratic perspective.

[guzzirider]

Yes it's a real threat both in France and Ireland!

For the demo in September we got over 40000 riders on the streets- the vote on this has now been postponed to February- no danger of the legislation being steam rollered through now.

[Michael J]

"Hands Off Biking"

Catchy title, there.

Reminds me of what Fritz said to his brother as he pushed his mother off a cliff:

"Look Hans, no Ma!"

[tim]

...been postponed to February- no danger of the legislation being steam rollered through now.

I can tell you it's a bloody pain here. You are basically forced to fit things that have a special approval certificate, which is expensive for the makers to obtain, and reduces choice and competition, and therefore prices stay high. There is also the problem of having to carry documents with you... including the certificates for all mods you have. If you get stopped without a bit of paper, you're nicked. Even if you have it at home.
Want to replace your rubber brake lines with steel? Got to carry the bit of paper with you. Change the bars, or mirrors to something that don't buzz all the time? Ditto.

[Michael J]

What you need is a set of Virginia license (not to be confused with licence) places for your bike. It eliminates a lot of problems.

On a gloomier note - certain groups in this country are pointing at the EU as a model to be admired and copied.

So far, we're winning that fight.