Issue 134 : April - May 2004
Fred Hill Remembered
David Short
Kawasaki Z750
London to Galway
West Oxon Bike Show
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Fred Hill Remembered
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Anniversary run for FredMAG reaffirms point of principle in defence of fundamental motorcycling freedoms.  Around 250 riders supported London MAG's 20th anniversary ride to commemorate Fred Hill's helmet campaign and lay down a marker for riders' liberties. The run, organised by Scottie from Alton MAG and supported by London MAG and numerous HOG members, left the Ace Cafe with a 5 bike police escort. A perfectly disciplined ride across the capital drew great interest from crowds of onlookers before the convoy emerged onto Lambeth Bridge where the bus lane had been suspended for MAG parking. Here 31 black balloons were handed out, to to be released in memory of the 31 prison sentences which Fred served. Floating in the sky against the backdrop of the Mother of Parliaments, the balloons poignantly challenged the hypocrisy of governments that preach freedom but refuse to practice it. In a speech to the crowd, MAG President Ian Mutch underlined how the helmet policy underpinned the whole freedom loving biker lifestyle. 'Critics of MAG's philosophic commitment to the helmet question should recognise that if Government is allowed to believe that we are comfortable with being told what to do on this issue then they will assume that they can indefinitely extend the scope of their controls. Body armour, safety clothing, dayglo, leg protectors, speed controls, anything you care to think of. If the right to choice in personal safety is conceded then ultimately the right to ride motorcycles must be surrendered, as long as it is more dangerous than other transport modes. Allowing the government to separate the issue of helmets from others is a tactical error. MAG drew a line in the sand 31 years ago and that line stays where we put it.' Many thanks to Scottie for all the liaison with the police, parking authorities and the ACE Cafe which resulted in such a perfect run. Many thanks to the police from the Bikesafe unit for coming along on a Sunday to lead the run, and thanks to all who came, including the HOG members from Chelsea and Fulham, Surrey, and the Thames Valley chapters. Good to see our South Eastern and Southern reps making it up from the coast on a chilly February day. Fred would have enjoyed it. |
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