Long Way Round M25 Mega demo against bike parking tax is a Roaring Success!!!!

Sometimes it’s great to be proved wrong. I have learned this more during the evolution of the NTBPT campaign than ever before. Like a number of people in the UK motorcycling world I have seen more than my fair share of hopes for progress, within the worlds of riders’ rights groups and related policy shapers, cut back or dashed. And, like some of my seasoned colleagues who have done all sorts over the years to improve government responses to rider’s issues, I have had moments of grave doubt about the advisability or even possibility of plans for action made by the NTBPT – under the passionate leadership of it’s chairman Warren Djanogly and his extraordinarily dedicated and multi-talented supporters.

And one of those moments was when I first heard about the idea of a mass demo ride all the way round the M25.  I can’t remember exactly what I said to Warren and his committee but I think it went along lines like these:  “You must be mad mate, that is one helluva an undertaking for an experienced rider’s rights organisation – let alone a new single issue campaign group.” And, like others, I added a few words of caution on the basis that the whole thing could go horribly wrong and do far more damage to the image of riders than good for our cause – and especially those with the courage or temerity to stand up and be counted in opposing a new and potentially nationwide tax on using scooters and motorbikes in the UK.

But the fact is that there was a spectacular demonstration of rider power to object in a legal and peaceful protest on Saturday – and it did not go wrong as various films show – with more to follow. In fact it all went right, it went right out of London and right round by The 120 mile Long Way Round, and right into the centre of the capital where the regressive and unjustifiable bike parking tax is currently in place. I can also report as an eye witness that it was given the thumbs-up by the police at every stage of the whole epic journey.

It is of course impossible to say what impact that particular demo will have on those who are still trying to find reasons to persist with a new tax on scooter and motorbike use. But one thing is sure for me. Every one of the thousands of riders who took part in this latest demo, on every type of scooter or motorbike imaginable, will have a stunningly clear picture of what is possible. And, the boundaries of what riders can know is possible have just been extended by miles.

Obviously, we will now have to wait and see what the three judges at the High Court make of the case against Westminster’s use of Traffic Orders to impose a new tax. But whatever the outcome from their first ruling after 2-3 days of deliberation, riders in Britain now know there is yet another way to make a legitimate and hugely impressive demonstration of their dissatisfaction with a step in the wrong direction, in this case by a few misguided souls who want to pioneer and spread a new ‘motorcycling policy measure’ under the cover of Traffic Management Act legislation, even though – as we all know – it is really just a TAX.