Welcome to the inaugural edition of Biker Bulletin. Far from replacing the Advanced Driving magazine that you receive by post three times a year, this e-letter is an additional service for IAM motorcycle members - the fastest growing group within the organisation. It will bring you:

• Reports of recent IAM and other motorcycle events, and news of upcoming ones you can sign up to
• Road safety hints and tips
• Topical information about biking and bikers
• Any other news and views we have room for

We hope you enjoy this first issue and would be delighted to hear your opinion on it and details of what you'd like to see in future editions.

Happy riding!

Bob Hinchliffe
Director of Membership and Group Support
members@iam.org.uk

BUSES AND BIKERS TO RUB SHOULDERS? So, the debate is back and gathering momentum - 'should motorcyclists be allowed to use bus lanes?'... more

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY Following the considerable success of last year's inaugural Skills Day at Mallory Park, that was attended by 84 motorcycle members, three more such events have now been planned for this year – all at Mallory Park, Kirkby Mallory, Leicestershire... more

SURFACE TENSION One of the first lessons bikers learn is how to read a road surface. The difference between dry grippy tarmac and a bit of frost or diesel oil can mean the difference between life and death to us... more

THE ASSURANCE OF SURETY INSURANCE Many insurance companies offer a discount to IAM members. The problem has been that the benefits are neither universal nor consistent. So, for a long time, the IAM has been in search of a 'one size fits all' solution. Now it has arrived... more

40% OF BIKERS EVADE VED – OR SHOULD THAT BE 6.5%?! Let's face it, trucks have been known to squash other road users, but to vilify all their drivers as a result is nevertheless a bit harsh. As we all know, some drivers' bete noir is motorcyclists... more

FORUM ESPECIALLY FOR YOU The forum capacity of the IAM website www.iam.org.uk has been extended, and a dedicated motorcycle area launched on February 14... more

TREAD CAREFULLY TyreSafe is currently drawing attention to the possible dangers of putting a motorcycle back on the road after a winter's storage. They rightly point out that the tyres may well have become under inflated and/or subject to dry rotting or cracking... more

MEMBER GET MEMBER Statistics show IAM members to be significantly safer in a number of key areas than other riders. For that reason alone, it would surely be a good idea for you to persuade the fellow motorcyclists among your family and friends to join the IAM... more

BIKING BREAKS Most of you have probably already got your riding year planned to perfection, but if you're still looking for a few ideas, try these for size... more