Please note changes to both Edinburgh and West Lothian meeting places as outlined below.
Unfortunately we found ourselves in the position where we could not guarantee the resources required would be in place to setup and run the rally.
Thanks to all who helped out at last years rally, before, during and after the event. It could not have happened without you. We need the bodies to allow this type of event to go ahead, and we just didn't have enough of them this year.
We are looking into holding some smaller events through the rest of the year, a one nighter, possibly in September, and maybe a rock night or two. The bike runs and campaigns are also continuing.
A well attended demo against the changes to Edinburgh motorcycle parking bays was held on 24th July, gallery awaiting an update. Thanks to all who attended and all who assisted.
The Rock Night is set for 2nd October, and we're hosting the MAG Scotland AGM at the same time! Further details under Forthcoming Events below.
DEDICATED MOTORCYCLE PARKING BAYS IN EDINBURGH UNDER THREAT
Dedicated motorcycle bays in Edinburgh are under threat, if Council proposals detailed in Traffic Regulation Orders (TRO/09/76) are not modified drastically.
Under these proposals over 100 of the 150 dedicated bike bays in Edinburgh's central Controlled Parking Zones would be reassigned as Permit Holder Parking, Shared Use bays or Pay and Display Bays.
Bikes will be able to use shared use bays free of charge, but these bays are open to other categories of vehicle such as cars and vans who would pay to use the bay as well as permit holders.
While appreciating that planners have to do a delicate balancing act trying to satisfy heavily oversubscribed parking demand in central Edinburgh, simplification and clarification of parking regulations is long overdue. MAG is greatly concerned that the measures proposed will have a very detrimental effect on motorcyclists ability to park safely and securely in central Edinburgh.
Consequently if you ride a motorcycle, moped or scooter and live or work in Edinburgh or use these bike parking bays as a visitor NOW is the time to let the Council know what you think of their proposals if you do not want to lose dedicated motorcycle bays in Edinburgh.
Objections need to be made to the planning department before 2nd March 2010.
Update: the consultation period has been extended until 31 March 2010, 'to allow for the correction of a number of small errors'.
Contact details for objections are available on the TRO/09/76 web page.
Update (20 April): we've had a positive outcome but its not all over yet, further information here. Thanks for all your help and input.
Anyone else notice that the Councils Letter to Residents Re TRO-09-76 doesn't seem to mention the changes to bike parking. At all.
What can you do?
Get more information on MAGs position here, including the original proposal, a list of our concerns, current contacts and links to interactive zone maps (zipped pdf files).
A map of the parking zones can be found here, to identify which affect you.
Council information on motorcycle parking can be found here.
Council information on TRO's can be found here, TRO/09/76 is the one to look for.
Have a look at this parking bay list and let us know if any of the parking bays listed are incorrect in any way, such as those below:
- We need to know if the addresses obtained from the plans are accurate and of any anomalies or errors associated with the plans.
- We need to know if bays are essential/well used and have security provided e.g railings (security or just fencing) that Motorcycles can be chained to, are well marked or otherwise, or if bays have fallen into disuse/been allocated to other vehicles/uses.
- We need to know if there are other marked Solo M/C bays not shown on the plans or listed in the Coucil web-site.
- We also need evidence from those currently using shared parking outside of the Central Edinburgh CPZ of the approximate frequency and damage caused by other vehicles.
If you have some feedback on these points, or want more information, please drop us a line to parkinedinburgh@live.com and we'll collate and update our information. Please also let us know how your communication with the authorities goes.
We will provide further information, as we get it, including, our poster, fliers, press releases and a guide or draft letter.
We also have a petition which will be handed in to the TIE committee. If you know others who feel strongly about this, please download a copy and collect some signatures. A return address is on the petition or it can be handed in either at one of our meetings or to the MAG stand at the Scottish Bike Show.
We are also looking into holding a demo run in early May to hand in the petition. Details to follow.
The e-mail address for objections is: trafficorders@edinburgh.gov.uk , mail address and phone number are available on the Council'sTRO/09/76 page, and a list of councillors can be found here to try to get wider support.
If you don't like the sounds of some of this, spread the word, and be prepared to write or email your objections to the council.
Thanks for your support.
Apologies for the poor showing of the website, please ignore most of the rest of it other than the Rally and this page (the only ones reasonably up-to-date). It needs some TLC, time and effort, most of which are in short supply just now. Plans are afoot for a general update, though don't expect anything too fancy...
