MOTORCYCLISTS from throughout Devon attended a memorial ride to Dartmoor Prison recently, to pay remembrance to a late motorcyclist rights campaigner.

Fred Hill, 76, died in Pentonville Prison while serving a prison sentence as a result of his refusal to conform to the compulsory wearing of crash helmets legislation that was introduced in 1973.

Mr Hill, a motorcycle dispatch rider during world war two and a retired school teacher, was repeatedly jailed for his belief that motorcycle safety issues were best served by education and not legislation.

Devon motorcyclists rode through strong winds, rain and mist, to assemble outside the prison main gate and lay a wreath in his memory.

Clive Cook, South Devon Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) representative and organiser of the memorial ride, rode his 1942 Norton H2 ex Army Dispatch riders motorcycle as a tribute to Fred.

Mr Cook said that although the helmet law was no longer a major issue for MAG, it served as a reminder that anti-motorcycling legislation can be hurriedly introduced without thorough detailed analysis.

Today, MAG is continuing the fight to promote road safety and prevent unnecessary repressive and anti motorcycle legislation.

Meetings are held with Members of Parliament to make them aware of impending issues and legislation, and with Devon County Council road safety managers to advise them of recent road safety initiatives that are taking place in other parts of the country.

An example of this is the 'Get a Grip' campaign that is introducing bicycle and motorcycle friendly manhole rings and covers that give consistent grip and longer life to surrounding road surface.

MAG hold regular meetings to update motorcyclists on local and national issues. Details about MAG can be found at http://www.mag-uk.org">www.mag-uk.org