Both MAG and the BMF have added their voice to the growing furore over what appears to be unjustified and discriminatory cancellation of a growing number of motorcycle shows here in the UK by the police.
So far far this year the police have cancelled the following shows:-
- Driffield Bike Day and DABS Rally, Yorkshire (23 - 25 May)
- The Welsh National Motorcycle Show 23 - 26 May
- Past it MCC 13th Birthday Party 31st May
- Stourbridge MCC's Midsummer Bash 21st June
- Rock and Blues 24th - 27th July
- Stourbridge MCC's Woizel Rally 8th 9th 10th August
- Great Yorkshire Bike Show 15th-16th August
- Past It MCC's 10th Zimmer Frame Rally 22nd - 24th August
- Patriot Games Rock Festival, Monmouth 22nd - 24th August
- Isle of Anglesey Motorcycle Show 22nd 25th August
The British Motorcyclists Federation have written to the Home Secretary Jacqui Smith MP, the Welsh Secretary Paul Murphy MP and the President of the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) Ken Jones QPM raising concern over this and have requested a meeting with the Home Secretary to discuss this growing problem.
BMF Chairman Anna Zee, said: "It is extraordinary that the authorities seem to assume that a motorcycle gathering must mean trouble. The BMF runs some very large shows, with attendances of up to 85,000 with never a hint of trouble. Nor are we aware of any previous history of problems at the events cancelled this year. With so many cancellations, and the reasons for them being shrouded in mystery, we feel that motorcyclists are suffering completely unjustified discrimination."
If you want the peaceful enjoyment of motorcycling and its social scene to continue then show your support to both MAG and the BMF in getting this discriminatory policy of cancelling motorcycle shows STOPPED, before its to late. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED, MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD BEFORE ITS TO LATE!!!!
Ride safe.
Jon Booth
