New MAG Branches

In continuing our growth in Northern Ireland and to solidify our position as the country’s premier rider’s rights organisation, it is with great pleasure that we announce the launch of three new local MAG branches. Three active and dynamic MAG members have taken the bull by the horns to launch new groups in Craigavon, Eglinton and Omagh. This will help the region deal with issues concerning motorcyclists much more effectively and broaden our ability to deliver on issues affecting Northern Ireland’s motorcycling community.

Sceptics might say that MAG groups have come and gone in the past, why will these new groups be any different. Northern Ireland MAG has been restructured and the team have been carefully selected based around the level of commitment and dedication they have shown to motorcycling. Although the work is voluntary the active members operating the region and the new branches bring a wealth of knowledge from the local club and biking scene, and indeed from their current professions. The Regional team has invaluable members employed in Local Government and most of the team can bring a positive element to MAG rider’s rights because of the nature of their careers. Information Technology has catapulted us all into the future and the ease of communication strengthens and hastens our ability to deal with your concerns promptly. The dedication of the active members is immeasurable and coupled with modern technology we can run more efficiently than in the past.

Regarding local issues, the new groups will tackle issues in Northern Ireland reflective of what MAG is dedicated to across the UK, such as secure parking, bus lane access and the condition of our roads. Together we intend to keep motorcyclists aware of changes in the law that effect them, and rigorously campaign to protect and preserve rider freedom and safety. Our regional website has a huge throughput of traffic and we answer emails and letters on a daily basis regarding everything from Diesel Spills to Tourism to Insurance problems. We envisage NI MAG & the Write to Ride Website as a central hub for all bikers, clubs and enthusiasts in Northern Ireland. If we can’t give you an immediate answer to your problem someone on the team will make it his or her personal goal to provide you with the information you require as soon as possible.

Foyle MAG will be based at the Happy Landing in Eglinton; meeting on the third Wednesday of each month at 8pm. Philip Dolan, the new branch rep, is young and enthusiastic and needs support in the area to implement some of the many plans he has for the region. Philip has travelled to Scotland for MAG training seminars and with your support there is no reason why his branch cannot be an immediate success. He can be contacted on 077 4337 4967. The first meeting is scheduled for June.

Tyrone MAG and new branch rep Phil James are eagerly as keen to get up and running. Phil has many plans for the Omagh area and further afield. Working closely with Foyle MAG the two groups will share a common goal to protect rider’s rights across the two neighbouring counties. Phil has been keen to get active for quite some time and eventually decided to bring MAG to Tyrone after receiving details on MAG here is rapidly expanding thanks to people with his dedication. Again scheduled for June, Phil’s group hope to meet on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at the Weigh Inn, Omagh from 7.30pm. Contact Phil 078 8158 1952 (anytime)

Craigavon MAG and Karl Black of the well-known and highly respected Bikers NI Club hope to make an impact on the Portadown/Armagh areas. Karl has as many plans to date as the Regional Team and we are confident that he will be a valuable asset both to MAG and to bikers in his area. Alongside Ian Reeder the group should have an official launch day in June. Contact Karl on 079 8939 3983.

Don’t forget we have two other groups in operation, Mid Antrim MAG & Belfast MAG, details in the Meetings section. These groups have been instrumental and committed to many many biker campaigns such as the Bus Lane Issue. The current campaigns are too many to mention but include Secure Parking, Spills Kills, Fairer Insurance and an adventurous plan to appoint a minister for motorcycling in Northern Ireland to make life easier for us all.

On a lighter note the social activity is second to none and at this stage we have booked 40 bikers on the boat for the Yorkshire MAG Farmyard Party.

United we hope to make a difference.

Join MAG today, help us to help you.

Issued 10 May 04