MAG has slammed the ‘irresponsible and dangerous behaviour’ of 200 antisocial hooligans in Leeds as ‘the worst example of behaviour in recent years

One of MAG’s Representatives, Richard Manton, has distanced the organisation from any association whatsoever with the antics of the louts: ‘MAG has been promoting responsible and considerate riding for over 40 years.  An overwhelming majority of riders respect and uphold the principles of good roadcraft along with skillful and thoughtful use of our highways.  From time to time any activity can attract a hooligan element that reflects very badly on the individuals themselves.

‘These people are not riders in the proper sense, but irresponsible people on two wheels, just as some choose to act irresponsibly on four wheels – or on foot.  MAG would like to reiterate that those tearing through the streets on motorcycles with complete disregard for others are not a true representation of the majority of riders in the UK, and deserve to be prosecuted for breaches of the laws currently in place in the interests of public safety.’

The Chair of MAG, Selina Lavender, says the organisation is contacting the police and the local authorities to discuss how best to address these issues in the longer term.  ‘The laws already exist to prosecute these immature and irresponsible people.  We’re exploring whether there is a way MAG can assist with educating people to understand the idiocy of this behaviour and thereby use social pressure as a powerful tool to prevent a recurrence of such incidents in future.’

Contact MAG at 01926 844 064 or central-office@mag-uk.org