Author Topic: Attention all london bikers! listen up! (Read 1338 times)

CaptMoto · « **on:** 05, March, 2009, 10:44:34 PM »

Dear XT660.com Club

Helping the organisers to send this around.

Kind Regards
Linda
Ace Cafe London

IF YOU RIDE A MOTORBIKE OR SCOOTER

WHATEVER YOU HAD PLANNED FOR TUESDAY, 31ST MARCH @ 3PM CANCEL IT!

MEET AT ACE CAFE LONDON 3PM FOR 4:15PM RIDE OUT TO TRAFALGAR SQUARE.

The Reason.
In August 2008, Westminster City Council, in direct opposition to every Transport Authority in the UK who see powered two-wheelers as the solution to inner-city pollution & congestion, but also the Conservative Party to whom they claim to belong, and by using the flimsiest of justification of supposedly "recouping" the £23,000 cost of providing more parking spaces, introduced under an "experimental traffic order" what is now recognised as the most dangerous piece of anti-motorcycle/scooter legislation ever seen in the world...charging for parking.

The Opposition.
In response to this blatant removal of a privilege enjoyed by riders all over the world, the No To Bike Parking Tax Campaign was formed in September 2008, and has steadily exposed the misleading statements of the protagonists of this scheme to both their own fellow Councillors and the public, discovering that since its inception, it has already raked in over £2.5m from hard-working, honest and conscientious citizens, this figure raising every day

Abetted by a series of on-street demonstrations the likes of which have never been seen by this Council in its history, the Campaign has attracted unequivocal support from both the motorcycle community by way of BMF & MAG, and the mainstream by way of the much-heralded Tax Payers' Alliance.

The Effect.
As a result, the Campaign has been offered the opportunity to present its findings to a select committee of Westminster Councillors on 31st March at 7pm.

The Opportunity.
This also affords us the opportunity to demonstrate the real depth of resentment towards this tax, and for that, we need you there, outside Westminster City Hall.

The Arrangements.
We will meet at Ace Cafe London at 3pm for a ride-out at 4:15pm to Trafalgar Square, for the mother of all demonstrations, others will be gathering at the square between 5pm-6:15pm then we will leave the Square for a short and very angry ride to Westminster City Hall by 6.45pm, in what needs to be the largest ride-out ever seen in the capital.

Make sure you take the time out to be there. If you are coming from outside London take time off.

WHY?

Well the choice is simple....

PROTEST NOW OR PAY FOREVER EVERYWHERE!

WWW.31ST-MARCH.COM

Biker Biker · « **Reply #1 on:** 06, March, 2009, 08:23:22 AM »

Are the Ace giving out Free Tea to support the riders ':p'

Biker Biker · « **Reply #2 on:** 06, March, 2009, 08:42:44 AM »

Just a question but do you thinik that the Ace are putting themselves up for sale? Its just that for a long time they did nothing, no sponsoring or supporting of biking in London and now all guns blazing. Launched the cafe racer company and bikes, they have sponsored the Ally Pally show, then sent a note on their mailing list to all their members and are sponsoring the Hickstead show. Its just that this is what happens in business just before a company announces that they are for sale, they buy shelf space, or advertising, do shed loads of promotion to get their name out there and hopefully attract a high bidder. ':rock:'

Weaver · « **Reply #3 on:** 06, March, 2009, 09:51:25 AM »

Quote (Biker Biker @ Mar. 06 2009,08:42)

Just a question but do you thinik that the Ace are putting themselves up for sale? Its just that for a long time they did nothing, no sponsoring or supporting of biking in London and now all guns blazing. Launched the cafe racer company and bikes, they have sponsored the Ally Pally show, then sent a note on their mailing list to all their members and are sponsoring the Hickstead show. Its just that this is what happens in business just before a company announces that they are for sale, they buy shelf space, or advertising, do shed loads of promotion to get their name out there and hopefully attract a high bidder. ':rock:'

Maybe they realised that they had to do something other than serve crap food and have long queues for service from people with whom no one could communicate!

'>

Alba · « **Reply #4 on:** 06, March, 2009, 12:48:04 PM »

as obviously any of you have been to the ace recently, staff has been changed back to full english, and customers have consequently adjusted...deep joy

'>

pieman · « **Reply #5 on:** 06, March, 2009, 07:13:28 PM »

food hasn't changed though

jimc · « **Reply #6 on:** 07, March, 2009, 02:08:25 AM »

Sod discussion about the food!

Take the afternoon off on Tuesday 31st March and join this hopefully *huge* demo to tell the WCC twits that charging bikes for parking is counter to all the policies that the Mayor of London, TFL, MAG, BMF and others have been trying to promulgate.

See you there!

MATTP · « **Reply #7 on:** 07, March, 2009, 03:23:42 AM »

I understand that people are against this as it is just another tax. I'm sure car drivers were against it also when it came out. But even if you get 10K bikes turn up you know it'll not change their mind. As long as there is money for them to collect then you're sure to find their dirty hands asking for it

'> .
Maybe a better idea would be to have people outside Boris' house each morning when he leaves to go to work reminding him of what is going on? Or was Ken not for bikes also and maybe he would be a strong voice if he knows Boris is against stopping it? If you get Boris or Ken on side I'm sure you'll have better luck getting this changed than if you had 10K turning up.
Good luck and I hope for a sunny day for you all who turn up

'>

peckhamrose · « **Reply #8 on:** 07, March, 2009, 03:51:22 AM »

Quote (MATTP @ Mar. 06 2009,08:30)

If they want a strong turn out then a couple of topless girls handing out some drinks would get it

'>

Yup, coz only straight men ride bikes...
Is it 2009 already?

I'll be there.

CaptMoto · « **Reply #9 on:** 07, March, 2009, 07:20:29 PM »

Can you refrain from going off topic, stop butting heads like kids and concentrate on the matter in hand?

This is about a a very large demo for a cause that benefit more than just bikers, and the more the merrier, united we stand and all that, not bickering about gay/straights and what not?

If bikers are one of the cure for congestion, and we all know that such is the case, putting them off with parking charges will defeat the cause.

Maturity is necessary and not optional.

StrumminRonin · « **Reply #10 on:** 07, March, 2009, 09:52:25 PM »

Sorry CaptMoto - this might add fuel to the fire - I hope it will motivate more people to show up.

The few council provided bike anchor "thingies" that are in place on the southern end of Upper St Martin's Lane (yes, just outside Stringfellows) from what I have been told are the only few "thingies" that are available in the borough to apparently chain the bike to. But guess what - the bike bay has actually been dug up and no one has been able to use that bike bay for about a week already!

Rumour has it, the council is considering to give Carers up to 6 hours free parking per day, in Westminster. Someone somewhere has to fork out that money for the Carers... and guess just who they will be?? AND to top it off, the council will benefit from the Carers visiting Westminster, as there will be congestion charge for the Carers' cars.

So there will be more cars, a charge to pay for parking, AND NO MENTIONING OF WHAT WOULD BE DONE ABOUT THOSE ****** PEDI-CABS (Bicycle-rickshaws).

'>

The more people go to this protest, the better.

Mr Rizla · « **Reply #11 on:** 08, March, 2009, 12:00:52 AM »

with respect to this thread, as a car friend said to me recently..

Why should we not be expected to pay for parking when other vehicles do, yes i know we didn't get charged in the past but maybe that was because they didn't have a method for enforcement.

What would be your response to this car driver, justify why you shouldn't be expected to pay for parking like other road users..

debate open

MATTP · « **Reply #12 on:** 08, March, 2009, 03:41:12 AM »

The fact that we were getting free parking while the car next to us was paying 20p for each 6min was never going to work. Car drivers have every right to feel happy that there will now be balance. I still feel it is just another tax and if I had the power I'd vote against it as I'm a biker first and car driver 2nd. The one fact no one can over look is that it is a tax that will bring balance to the people parking in Westminster. Just think how pi$$ed we would be if bikers were charged for parking to cover for cars as they have been doing for us for years?

Weaver · « **Reply #13 on:** 08, March, 2009, 07:34:56 AM »

Quote (CaptMoto @ Mar. 07 2009,19:20)

Can you refrain from going off topic, stop butting heads like kids and concentrate on the matter in hand?

This is about a a very large demo for a cause that benefit more than just bikers, and the more the merrier, united we stand and all that, not bickering about gay/straights and what not?

If bikers are one of the cure for congestion, and we all know that such is the case, putting them off with parking charges will defeat the cause.

Maturity is necessary and not optional.

Sorry Fran but apart from the fact that as Ken says it is a bit difficult to say it is not OK when the car drivers pay far more. Mainly however, I am put off by the phrase "a very angry ride". I would not want to take part in something described like that, especially as it will annoy the hell out of other road users who will be even more anti biker than they are now.

Not to mention that however much people going off topic might have annoyed you - there are polite ways of asking them to stay on track and you managed to avoid that, thereby ensuring I for one don't want to join in!

'>

Ghost · « **Reply #14 on:** 08, March, 2009, 08:57:13 AM »

Pay up, as said, cars have to, what makes bikes special ? If u want your bike knicked park in London ':p'

Alba · « **Reply #15 on:** 08, March, 2009, 10:28:15 AM »

actually Mr Rizla, thats a very fair point.
i would be most happy to protest about the state of the roads, and the position of manholes instead.

eezyrida · « **Reply #16 on:** 08, March, 2009, 12:15:14 PM »

Quote (Mr Rizla @ Mar. 08 2009,00:00)

What would be your response to this car driver, justify why you shouldn't be expected to pay for parking like other road users..

Westminster introduced these charges on the promise of providing security. They haven't delivered the security, but introduced the charges regardless.

For me that is the key issue here. It's one thing to make bikers pay for parking. It's an entirely different thing to provide us with a disadvantage but failing to provide the promised advantage that would have cancelled that out.

Car drivers are safe because it's relatively difficult to steal a car than a bike; security is not such a big issue for them. Try explaining to them how easy it is to lift a bike - especially a lovely lightweight and eminently resellable GSX-R1000 like yours - into the back of a van! If you want to know what that feels like, just ask Jay from LB. He actually saw them steal it!

It's really not rocket science. We have been lied to and given a really duff deal. I doubt many other groups would stand for that, especially not car drivers!

'>

pieman · « **Reply #17 on:** 08, March, 2009, 02:27:45 PM »

with the new bike test there may be less bikers, or at least less legal bikers on the road anyway. Maybe the people who feel so strongly should get on their feet and protest in the correct manner, something which would get the point across better and not give bikers a bad name. Riding round 'in anger' just sounds like a lazy bugger who wants an excuse to cause trouble and show everyone what a cool biker dude he is.

eezyrida · « **Reply #18 on:** 08, March, 2009, 02:49:35 PM »

The only real solution would be for us all to move to Westminster and threaten to vote the councillors out of office! Votes are the only thing politicians understand. We should all try to encourage all Westminster residents to become bikers so they vote in sympathy with our cause. We will then get rid of motorcycle parking charges quicker than you can say the word "gerrymandering"

'>

MATTP · « **Reply #19 on:** 08, March, 2009, 09:25:36 PM »

Quote (eezyrida @ Mar. 08 2009,12:15)

Westminster introduced these charges on the promise of providing security. They haven't delivered the security, but introduced the charges regardless.

If Westminster were to supply the security you talk about would you be happy to pay?
This maybe a silly idea and may not work but has any of these groups signed up to protest in the May Day protests? I'm not sure if they would let general joy turn up but the BMF and the likes should be able to have a space. Maybe this would not work for those who want to ride "in anger", but at the same time I'm sure it would not pi$$ off as many people as this ride will.
What bikers have to remember is that most in London do not ride bikes, some hate bikers and many could not give a monkeys about paying for parking as they take public transport and are envious of those people on bikes.
I'm shocked that the action letter did not list those in powerful seats who agree with this march. Are we to think that no one has tried to get at least one person from those in power on side?

eezyrida · « **Reply #20 on:** 08, March, 2009, 09:58:57 PM »

Quote (MATTP @ Mar. 08 2009,21:25)

If Westminster were to supply the security you talk about would you be happy to pay?

Most certainly I would be. With the help of Mr Almax, £150 per annum would be a small price to pay for the peace of mind of knowing my bike will still be there when I return to it.

peckhamrose · « **Reply #21 on:** 08, March, 2009, 10:49:08 PM »

I would not be happy to pay. Here's why.

Other boroughs, and towns around the country and indeed countries around the world (well Europe America and New Zealand at least in my experience) all allow bikers to park for free. We do not take up much space. We are "greener" than most cars. We are part of the answer to congestion, in most cases more so than electric cars who don't have to pay congestion charge even though they cause congestion.

We are much more vulnerable as road users, and the bikes when parked are easier to nick.

When you park a car you are taking up a load of space and it is easy to place your parking voucher or ticket inside it to show you've paid. On a bike you can't do that so Westminster decided to not just charge us, but make it as difficult as possible to do so. Basically if you make a mistake texting the information, you won't know you've parked illegally till you get a parking ticket on your doormat in a few days time for not having bought a ticket. The whole system is unworkable and unfair and loaded against us.

Bikers are but a microcosm of society. We are working men and women, professional, non professional, working, out of work, doctors, counsellors, councillors, locksmiths, photographers, couriers, actors, secretaries etc. But unlike the rest of society as bikers we have a universal language that stretches around the world. And all of us have the opportunity every time we go out to show that we're better road users than the average car driver, we have more of a sense of community. Just today on the Woolwich Ferry a scooter rider, a student from Europe studying architecture at East London Uni, asked me if I knew about the demo and we had a lovely discussion about all sorts of things; the car drivers stayed in their cars.

We have the opportunity to show our feeling by all going to this demo, and although we will doubtless cause a bit of chaos to our fellow travellers it won't be for long and we always look good when riding together. We don't need to be angry to anyone else but the councillors responsible. And they won't be there will they!

Fran - please be my friend.
If I am not working I will be at the demo.

Weaver · « **Reply #22 on:** 08, March, 2009, 10:56:32 PM »

Actually it is not a precedent as you have to pay for bike parking in Helmsley, They have speical tickets with receipts so that if someone nicks your ticket you have the receipt to prove you have paid. It's £1 for couple of hours if I remember rightly.

CaptMoto · « **Reply #23 on:** 09, March, 2009, 11:44:28 AM »

Weaver I am with you on the fact that I don't exactly condone the aggressive stance that the Linda Willsmore (Ace Cafe's bloke's wife) has transpired in her "manifesto". I take no responsibility in the script passed to me by her, she just asked me and other to pass it on and publish it on as many places as possible which is what I did. "Don't shoot the messenger" sort of thing. I got the 'ump when people started to go off topic with gay/straight talk.

However, check this, I am not a biker anymore, I have stopped being one last August 08, but I still find it obscene to charge parking fees to a vehicle which we know causes less congestion than cars. And that is all I stand for. I will not be attending that demo but I suggest enough noise is made towards those in power to let them understand that bikers are not happy about this.

Picture any 1000 persons commuting to work on bikes then pictured them in 1000 cars! Which of these causes less congestion? Co2 Emission? Grenhouse effect? You name it. London needs more bikes not cars. And as for public transport, again, imagine those 1000 blokes in a tube carriage.

Weaver · « **Reply #24 on:** 09, March, 2009, 01:58:18 PM »

Sorry Fran - didn't mean to "shoot the messenger" - I was just concerned with the tone of the "note". Plus I honestly think that whilst things like the Unity Ride tend to get good publicity and support from the public, this is done for charity. Whereas zillions of bikers holding up all the traffic to protest against something which other people have to pay is not likely to get any support - more likely the opposite.

I appreciate what you say about the charges in that it would be better for congestion, carbon emissions etc to ENCOURAGE people to use bikes instead of cars, but I do not think this is the way to go about demonstrating against the charges.

I think a better way would be for everyone to walk with placards saying "charges mean I can't afford to use by bike" or " no charges till the security is in place" etc etc.

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Author Topic: Attention all london bikers! listen up! (Read 1338 times)