MAG has commenced serious talks with the Northern Ireland Assembly Department for Infrastructure on a strategic approach to biking in the transport mix.
MAG’s Director of Communications & Public Affairs, Lembit Opik, met with officials in the Department to explore areas of common interest and to see how MAG could contribute to the policy agenda being considered by the Department.
Lembit said, ‘the discussions have been wholly productive. One thing about the Northern Ireland political system is its efficiency and accessibility. That’s why MAG has been able to make a lot of progress very quickly towards measurable and visible outcomes. This is a team effort where MAG is keen to work with the Department and other key stakeholders as part of the Motorcycle Forum which should lead to a win-win for road users.’
Key issues which MAG will bring forward to the next meeting of the Motorcycle Forum include:
- Action to reduce biker deaths and serious injuries.
- Talks with police to improve recording of the causes of accidents
- Potential cross-border joint initiatives
- A review of the motorcycle licence testing regime
- Analysis of the case for and against ‘hard segregation’ for cycles
- Consideration of road surfaces in the context of safety
‘We’re pleased to be a part of the process of analysis and implementation of a specific and clear agenda,’ adds Lembit. ‘Other groups will be involved too. The overall approach provides a great example for other parts of the UK.
MAG hopes that together we’ll make sure Northern Ireland remains a massively attractive destination for riders from the UK, and from across the world.’
Contact MAG at 01926 844 064 or central-office@mag-uk.org