MAG Sport Juniors

From setting the team up in August through to October it was a hive of activity with recruitment of team members and promotion of the team locally (leaflet attached) and team activities. 8 team members joined MAG Sport J's with new members waiting 'in the wings' for their 12th birthday as the age limitation is 12-16 years old. The West Norfolk Sports Council (a multi Agency concern which includes Borough Council Representation) are extremely excited about MAG Sport J's and have officially recognised the team, and details of the team will be included in this years Sports Directory. The Sports Council also granted funding of £150. (Copy of MAG Sport J's Income and Expenditure Accounts are attached)

From October through to December the team has been on hold, in line rather with the racing season, due to bad weather making the practice site unusable. Committee Meetings have been held at Norfolk Constabulary Police Station at Kings Lynn on a monthly basis for updates and forward planning. Also during this period I have been sponsored by the Kings Lynn & West Norfolk Borough Council to attend a SAFE course (Child Protection Course) and through Norfolk County Council have obtained a First Aid Certificate. The Kings Lynn & West Norfolk Borough Council have also financed and arranged a Police Check on me which I have passed. I now also have a fully qualified St Johns Ambulance Officer who attends the practice sessions.

Current Plans for MAG Sport J's
As you are aware I fought for a year to be allowed into this Project - the problem being that this was a Education Project run through Schools and our team would be a Community Team and concerns were raised that a Community Team may not be able to comply with the regulations of the Project. So it is interesting that I have this week been approached to take over the only other team fully functioning in the Project - Downham Hurricanes - as their Team Manager is on long term sick. I have indicated that I am happy to do so as I would then also be able to simultaneously run MAG Sport J's on their practice site (School Playground) resolving our weather created practice site problems. I am currently awaiting agreement from the Head Teacher of the School on the two points.

During this rest period I also spent the day at North Pickenham Race Track which holds Owner Rider Mini Moto Track Days. Although the Race Track is for very experienced riders only, they have a novice track - use of which is £55 for the day. I have delayed taking the team to North Pickenham as yet though due to bad weather and awaiting start date of use of the Norfolk Arena track, which would be preferencial obviously.

I have also approached the West Norfolk Extreme Sports Project (again the Borough Council is represented in this Project). There is some concern about membership within this Project as mini motos are motorised vehicles, particularly as mini motos could not be included in Promotional Events, but I have registered with the Project and am monitoring their events in the hope that although inclusion is not possible - we may be able to advertise the Team through them.

Summary
Thus the Moto KL Project is finally nearing its goal of being based at one high profile venue - at the Norfolk Arena Speedway Track - with a dedicated track and superb facilities for practising and race events. It would appear that the Project is to open up to more Community Groups as the School Teams have been affected by issues within the School itself, such as being withdrawn for lack of Adult Volunteers within the School, etc.

MAG Sport J's has remained solid within the Project since August, which has been noted by the Committee Members. Once the West Norfolk Sports Council Directory is published I imagine greater interest will be generated as far as membership of the team is concerned. On the advice of West Norfolk Sports Council I intend to apply for a Lottery Grant with a view to purchasing our own bikes, additional sets of safety equipment and a dedicated storage facility.

MAG Sport J's was formed to address the safety issues of youngsters riding mini motos illegally, without proper safety equipment and proper safety training. The creation of this team has been a huge learning curve over the last few months, and its existence would not have been possible without the support of the MAG Foundation for which MAG Sport J's are extremely grateful.

Shan Tedder - Team Manager - MAG Sport J's
4.1.06

MAG Sport Juniors Here

Background

Motorcycles provide the rider with mobility and access to employment, education and are a major part of the ‘leisure’ industry.

In 2004 more than 50 riders were killed or seriously injured in accidents on Gloucestershire’s roads.
Nationally, over 500 riders died and nearly 6500 were seriously injured.

Sports bike riding is on the increase. As motorcyclists take advantage of many of our rural roads to test their machines and their own capabilities – to its full potential - the risk can be far too high.

THINK! Bike

The motorcycle is a Honda CBR 1100 Super Blackbird fully ‘logoed’ with the DfT THINK! branding – this logo is well recognised amongst the biking fraternity as the principal sponsors of the 2004/5 British Superbikes racing series.
The bike is equipped with cameras and a video recorder.

Uses

The bike is used in a number of ways.

For example:

• The THINK! Bike is an ‘eye catching’ item and draws attention. It can be taken to displays and events across the County acting as a catalyst for discussion on motorcycle rider safety.
• The motorcycle can be used for educational / promotional and road and rider safety videos.The motorcycle safety co-ordinator is also a highly qualified rider and when travelling the county demonstrates appropriate riding practice.
• It can be used as a training facility in association with the Rider Assessment and Better Roadcraft schemes as well as in support of the Police Bikesafe initiative.
• Following a motorcycle collision the motorcycle safety co-ordinator can visit the scene and gather information as to the circumstances that led to the incident as well as make a video recording of the road layout that could assist in future safety audits etc.

Find out more on Gloucestershire's Think! Bike Here

Motorcycle Crime Seminar

On September 18th 2004, the MAG Foundation held a seminar on motorcycle crime led by Ken German, Vice President of the UK Branch of the International Association of Auto Theft Investigators, now retired from the Stolen Vehicle Unit of the London Metropolitan Police, DC Barry Mudie, Police Examiner from the Stolen Vehicle Unit of the London Metropolitan Police and Ian Kerr, Police officer and freelance journalist.

The purpose of the seminar was:

• to explain the techniques for identifying rung/clone bikes and clarify the difference between ringing and cloning;
• to explain what the participants should look for when trying to determine whether a bike is rung or cloned;
• to discuss the work that the police have already done for the public and what to do if there are suspicions of a rung/clone bike;
• to disseminate information so that the participants can point people who have concerns or suspicions, in the right direction;
• to consolidate relationships between the police and the motorcycling community.

The seminar was divided into four segments:

• MAG UK presented their own data from the surveys carried out over the last two years on theft and security and looked at trends and theft data to give an overall picture of the *true* problems concerning motorcycle theft.

This was followed by three workshops:

• Ken German (retired police examiner) discussed his work as a police examiner and showed a video on scooter and motorcycle theft. He then responded to queries from the participants.
• Barry Mudie (police examiner with the Metropolitan Police) discussed the fine art of examining stolen motorbikes and explained what members should look for and what they should do if they have any suspicions. He also responded to queries from the participants.
• Ian Kerr (police officer and motorcyclist) gave a forceful presentation about the pitfalls of the spare parts market and dishonest dealers.

At the end of the seminar a CD of the workshops was given to all the participants. To receive a copy, please contact: info@mag-foundation.org, or see attached pdf for the MAG UK presentation.

MAG Foundation Presentation