Issue 129 : June - July 2003
Lee Bay Rally
HD UK's 100th
Ducati Multistrada
Rudge
The Brigadier
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Lee Bay Rally
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The Brigadier
SB What is the purpose of the MCIA ? B Founded in 1910 to represent the manufacturers and importers, it's the non retail sector of the m'cycle industry We are here to promote motorcyling and protect the industry's interests from legislative threats. A major mission is to get motorcycling accepted as part of the solution to the country's mobility problems. SB What do you see as the main threat to m'cycling? B Old thinking from the civil service where some still see motorcyling as a noisy dirty activity. The danger is that if we don't secure an overall environment from which to move forward on safety and access and security then we will be more vulnerable to high profile issues SB Like what ? B Leg protectors and air bags could have posed great problems and the power limit issue which we joined together to fight. If we'd been accepted as part of the solution to transport problems then some of those kind of issues might not have appeared in the first place. SB What do you think won the day on power limits ? B The scale and quality of the lobbying. We played a role as did the rider groups, MAG had its Grand lobby of Westminster which was very significant and timely and then there was the Euro Demo in Paris, and follow up work in Brussels and Strasbourg, the politicians were assailed from all sides. The visiting of MPs directly on the ground was critical that is something that MCI can't do. MAG made an amazing contribution there. SB We hear about a gentleman's agreement of manufacturers these days to limit power voluntarily. Do you think that they were irresponsible to get into such a power race once the power limit issue was won? B I think at the time (when I was working for MAG) we failed to appreciate the extent to which manufacturers would promote the power aspect of their products and the lengths they would go to to meet the insatiable demand for power. MCI doesn't believe that power per se is the cause of accidents, but the fact that such bikes exist attracts riders of a certain mind set and they are riding to the edge and beyond without getting the training to handle their bikes properly. SB Why do you think the UK has such a sports culture ? B There's a sports culture in all european countries . Track racing is dynamic and captures the imagination of a lot of people. SB Do you think that's a good thing? B I think it's a good thing that people can get these bikes and participate in a sport lifestyle, the bad thing is when they get on these bikes without appreciating the responsibility that goes with riding them. I wouldn't want to spoil people's fun by limiting power. Sports bikes are a major attraction of biking in this country and long may it continue. SB How helpful was your time in MAG to your current employment? B Extremely, the things I learned, the people I met, the feeling for riders on the ground helped equip me before moving to the industry and helped me in my work for developing facilities for riders. SB Do you see any conflict of interest between MAG and the industry ? B Generally no, in terms of transport policy we all want a better environment for motorcycling in this country. There are issues from time to time but most issues of contention can be resolved by dialogue and any attempt to drive a wedge between the industry and riders would be ill advised.  SB What about the hard wiring of headlights didn't industry stab riders in the back there ? B The FEMA were consulted a long time ago and MAG did not respond as fast as we expected. I question whether its relevant to many riders, most use them anyway. I see MAG's argument but it isn't of concern to many riders. SB Do you not think they should be concerned ? B Yes but we have to deal with this globally. Industry took a decision to hardwire lights that pre - empted legislation, so instead of Europe saying you've got to have your lights on, industry has preserved the right of those who want the choice to fit switches and turn their lights off. SB If you had the choice would you turn your light off on a sunny day ? B I don't really consider it an issue SB No no you're not dodging the question. B (smiles sardonically) SB But if there are circumstances when it could be detrimental to road safety to have a light on, is it fair to make it so difficult or expensive for individuals to exercise that choice ? B At least under the AHO arrangements we have now riders still have that choice, legislation would have denied them this. SB Hmmmmmm
B We fielded the issue to seek feedback but there was only limited response. I would be very surprised if the British Governement went for this. SB How do you view the cycle lobby ? B They missed an opportunity to work with us as fellow vulnerable road users. They are so set on utopia with no powered engines that it's blinded them to the possibilities for co-operation. We talk to a lot of cyclists who are in favour of co-operation but they are badly represented by the cycle bodies. SB The cycle lobby talk about the bad emissions from m'cycles - is that valid ? B Motorcycles will be clearner than cars soon, for the moment they ignore the fact that motorcycles don't get stuck in traffic. SB How long before bikes have to meet car emission limits ? B Bikes will have to conform to the same standards as cars by 2006. SB Is the price for spare parts ridiculous ? B That's for individual manufacturers - we give them feed back from the street but that's something for them to comment on. SB Do they take advice from you on issues like that ? B They listen to us but pricing policy is entirely with them. It is helpful if riders do make an issue of if and tell individual manufacturers if they think prices are unreasonable. Remember, them MCI is there to promote motorcycling, specific issues about specific manufacturers are a matter for the manufacturer concerned. SB Is it an unhealthy thing if the profit margins on new machines are too low ? B Dealers have to make a living as well as importers competition will control profits. SB What's the MCIA's source of revenue ? B We have a subscription system for the 150 members we have at the moment and we have the NEC show. SB Is there a levy on bikes sold ? B no. SB Do you see a value in having two rider groups ? B Government don't want to listen to loads of different voices on the same subject and I include the industry on this. Civil servants do not want to have their time wasted by holding separate meetings with MAG the BMF and ourselves on bus lanes for example. Ministers want to hear a cohesive voice on a subject from a lobby which is why we have to go in with one voice on issues where we are united. If there is a divergence of views then I accept that MAG will want to make a separate approach. SB how do you see MAG evolving ? B MAG needs to ask itself what riders want. There is a lot that MAG does that is extremely relevant but other issue that MAG champions don't reflect broad-based concern. Many riders today arent died in the wool bikers. When the RAC and AA started they were drivers rights groups but they won those issues and evolved into the consumer interest groups that they mostly are today SB Do you think MAG should sustain its policy on the helmet law ? B What is important about the tenacious aspect of that is that it has sent a message to the governemnt that MAG does not give up and as long as the issue remains relevant it should not be abandoned. SB Do you think that the notion of civil rights has any legitimacy on the road ? B I do to a great extent. There has to be an element of humanity in the way we administer traffic law. I don't subscribe to the idea that is gaining currency in some parts of Europe, that ultimately leisure motoring should be banned as being negative thing. There is something about the human spirit that makes motorcycling very attractive and if governemnt ever stamped on that it would a bad day. SB How do you like your nickname of the Brigadier ? B Don't mind at all. (grins) SB Where do you see the industry going ? B We've got to provide quality of service to manufacturers and their dealer network and be responsive to what riders need. In the long term we've got to work toward this motorcycling stategy for 2004 and the general call to MAG is to stay with the cohesive lobby we've sustained so far, to create a long term future based on favourable legislation and transport policy that makes motorcycling a harder target for ridiculous legislation like that considered on air bags and leg protectors. SB Is there any value in resisting emission llimits ? B We don't live in a vacuum, we have to meet reasonable standards of cleanliness the same as everyone but we need time to introduce technology. Bikes have become more diverse since emission limits have been introduced and the losses in power that were anticipated have not occurred. Ian Mutch  |
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Craig Carey-Clinch aka 'The Brigadier' was employed by MAG during the 90s after years of voluntary work. Today he works for the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA), heading their Public Affairs Department