After yesterday’s tweet from the mayor of London rejecting the motorcycle industry’s representations on the causes of PTW theft and stolen-scooter-enabled crime – a tweet which caused a storm of criticism from bikers – Sadiq Khan has been accused of refusing to acknowledge the “important role of motorcycles in cutting congestion”.
The Motorcycle Action Group says “the people running things don’t get it”, and has organised a “Motorcycle Matter” awareness ride in London on Saturday 21 April.
MAG says: “Motorcycles play an important role in our congested cities. The problem is that the people running things don’t get it. Transport for London (TfL) and the mayor of London refuse to acknowledge this.
“It’s not just London. There are another 28 authorities around the country looking into Clean Air Zones (CAZ) and charging vehicles for entering them. In London it will cost £12.50 a day to pass the North and South Circular into central London.
“Your local authority should be doing more to make it safe to park your bike by supplying more motorcycle parking bays with security.”
While acknowledging that “manufacturers should be doing more to build in better security” MAG also says that insurance companies should not be punishing the owners.
“The government should be doing more to support the police in their fight against theft and increasing the penalties so that owners are not financially punished due to increased premiums.
“We are not a ‘cash cow’ to bolster failing finances due to government cutbacks.
“It’s time for motorcyclists to hit the road for a ‘Motorcycles Matter’ awareness ride.”
MAG advises anyone interested in joining the ride to keep an eye on social media for updates on this event.”
Pictured is an earlier protest ride
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