Political manifestos
All the major motorcycling organisations have published their manifestos ahead of UK elections on the 4 th July 2024. The BMF takes a neutral stance and asks motorcyclists to make up their own minds about who and what to support. IAM RoadSmart calls for all political parties to work together. They are asking for a form of graduated driving license, drug-driving rehabilitation, a review of the law on phone use whilst driving, a cut in insurance premiums, an expansion of drink-drive rehabilitation courses, a review VAT on PPE, default motorcycle access to bus lanes, a review of driving for work standards, regulation of the new micromobility (e-scooters etc) technology, fix the potholes, warning signs on poor road surfaces, segregated cycle lanes, clarity on 20 mph limits, decommissioning of ‘smart motorways’, review of A-road infrastructure, enforcement of litter laws and a review of rural road safety and speed limits.. Let’s see what the political horse trading brings.
Driving Campaigns
Road Safety GB, recognising that the Eurio 2024 might be a cause of celebration, is warning motorists of the effects drinking on driving the next day.
National Highways is giving out the message that ‘Little Changes, Change Everything’. As part of its aim to make road safety ‘its number one priority’. We thought that was their job anyway, so re-stating it reminds us it’s top of their list of priorities. The focus of this campaign is to combat middle lane hogging and tailgating. Let’s hope that it changes this potentially hazardous driving behaviour. If every road user can remember ‘Position, Space and Time’, then there is chance that road user behaviour will change. Be in the right position to use the road safely. Give yourself enough space in which to react and manoeuvre. Lastly, give yourself time in which to see what is happening or likely to happen and to make the safest decision possible.
The DIA (Driving Instructors Association) remind us that there are about 340,000 cars that are over 40 years old, on UK roads. As modern electric vehicles remain expensive, the charging infrastructure remains patchy and the plugs and charging apps remain incompatible, hanging onto the an old car is sensible. The point of reminding us about old cars was to point out the ingrained motoring cultural heritage in the UK. Maintaining and updating an aging vehicle supports an £8.6 billion industry. It give older workers a chance to maintain their vehicle knowledge and skills. Many will find unique and innovative ways to resolve vehicle problems that weren’t obvious or economic to fix at the time of manufacture. It also gives young people practical pathways to developing their careers. Old folks do have something to teach those just starting out in a working life.
IAM RoadSmart, despite having a gender non-discrimination policy, are targeting men ahead of Father’s Day. The problem? They are offering a 10% discount (code DAD24) on the cost of Advanced Courses. The offer begins with the strap line, ‘From sat navs to maps, some dads are convinced they don’t need them!’ We think that the majority of men in the UK will know when to use the right navigation aid; and, what to do when they get lost!
IAM Thames Valley launched a campaign to remind us to regularly check the tyres on our vehicles. Using the acronym ACT (air, condition, tread) we can all remember that the rubber on the road needs to do its job. This is even more important on our pothole-riddle highways.
BikerSafe events are well under way throughout the UK. It’s a great way for riders to have someone look at their riding ability. Run by experienced motorcycle police officers, they give you an honest opinion on how you may improve it. The self-paced online course is also an excellent resource and that one is FREE!
This is a limited update of what has happened in the world of motorcycling this week. Happy reading.