The Motorcycle Action Group, more commonly known as
MAG, is the main
Riders' Rights organisation in the
UK, as well as being a
founding member of the
FEMA (Federation of
European
Motorcyclists'
Associations) and a model for many other similar
pressure groups
worldwide.
MAG was founded in 1973 when the UK Government introduced a law
making it mandatory for motorcyclists to wear a helmet. Under the
slogan "Let the Rider Decide" they (unsuccessfully) tried to argue that
helmet use should be voluntary. After eventually admitting defeat on
the subject (although it hasn't completely gone away), MAG developed into
a general purpose pressure group to fight for riders' rights in all sorts
of ways. To the uninitiated it might seem a bit strange that
motorcyclists feel they need such a group, but there are many people and
organisations that for various reasons are continually trying to pass
legislation which most bikers feel is contrary to their interests.
MAG has been quite successful compared to many single-issue pressure
groups. Amongst the propositions which have been put forward, opposed
by MAG and then later withdrawn include:
They also do positive campaigning, such as trying to arrange for safe,
secure parking for motorcycles in city centres. Motorcycle theft in
the UK runs at about 3 times that of car theft, because unless they're
physically locked down to something, bikes can easily be lifted up and
placed in a van. MAG also campaigns for traffic laws and road design
to take into account the needs of motorcycles as well as those of cars.
Despite some misconceptions, MAG isn't particularly on an anti-safety
crusade. Their argument is more that responsible adults should be able
to make their own decisions about their own safety: if someone prefers to
ride without a helmet, knowing the potential risks if they crash, why
shouldn't they be allowed to. Unlike cars, where loss of control is often
more dangerous to others, loss of control on a motorbike is
more likely to injure the rider than anyone else involved.
As well as a political element, MAG's regional and local groups also
have a large social element, providing an excuse to go to the pub and
get drunk (like we'd need an excuse!). Most MAG groups also organise
Christmas toy runs and Easter Egg runs, where a convoy of bikers
will take gifts/chocolate eggs to children stuck in hospital over the
festive periods, and will often perform fundraising work for local
charities. Having been on a few such runs, it's great to see people's
attitudes chage towards what they thought were
nasty, smelly greasy bikers!