Lembit Opik joins MAG full-time

Former Liberal Democrat MP Lembit Opik has been recruited as Director of Communications and Public Affairs for the Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) to work for the organisation full-time.

Opik was an MP from 1997 until 2010 when he lost his seat in Montgomeryshire in Wales but he has been a lifelong motorcyclist and will now be working with MAG to help to expand the use of motorcycles and make them a greater part of transport policy.

Opik said: “People know me for a lot of things!  But few of them know biking’s been an enduring part of my life. I rebuilt my Yamaha YB100 in 1982, and have ridden two wheels ever since. Currently I’ve got a Suzuki GS1000, and am as passionate as ever – and that’s why taking on this new role feels like coming home.”

“As an MP, I chaired the All Party Parliamentary Group for Motorcycling.  Back then, the Department of Transport saw bikers more as a hassle than an answer to congestion and pollution problems. Now, the mood at the Ministry is changing and we’ve got a rising number of great allies in Government.  Steve Baker MP is an outstanding Chair of the All-Party Group. I get on well with Transport Minister Robert Goodwill MP and know he will engage on bike policy.”