Got my new “used” crash bar for Spotty (XS650)last night UPS from the Ebay purchase I made last week. I think it will be ok. The part came from SpeedCityCycle in Indy. I left the highway peg brackets on the motor mount bolts since I now have to find the shorter bolts that are probably are in a box somewhere. It is a nice looking set-up. They even left the foot pegs on it.
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Bike Stuff, Chain Noise | 
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Instead of chasing criminals, this will cause law enforcement officers to harass our children and grandchildren for improper operation of bicycles!
SB2627-
VEH CD-BICYCLE SAFETY -Synopsis As Introduced
Amends the Illinois
Vehicle Code. Provides that it is unlawful for any person under the
age of 16 to operate or be a passenger on a bicycle on a highway,
multipurpose public path, or other public right-of-way unless at all
times when the person is so-engaged he or she wears a protective
bicycle helmet of good fit fastened securely upon the head with the
straps of the helmet. Provides that it is unlawful for any person to
be a passenger on a bicycle on a highway, multipurpose public path,
or other public right-of-way unless, with respect to any person who
weighs fewer than 40 pounds or is less than 40 inches in height, the
person can be and is properly seated in and adequately secured to a
bicycle safety seat. Provides that it is a civil offense for any
parent or legal guardian of a person below the age of 12 to permit
the person to operate or be a passenger on a bicycle in an unlawful
manner. Provides that it is unlawful to rent or lease any bicycle to
or for the use of any person under the age of 16 on a highway,
multipurpose public path, or other public right-of-way unless certain
conditions are met. Provides that in no event shall failure to wear a
protective bicycle helmet or to secure a passenger to a restraining
seat be admissible as evidence in a trial of any civil action.
Provides that a law enforcement officer observing any violation of
this amendatory Act shall issue a warning to the person for the first
offense and a citation to the person for the second or subsequent
offense, but shall not arrest or take into custody any person solely
for a violation of this amendatory Act. Effective immediately.
Senate
Sponsors
Sen. Ira
I. Silverstein
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Posted by illinoisbiker
HB5031-
VEH CD-MOTORCYCLE HELMETS – Synopsis As Introduced
Amends
the Illinois Vehicle Code to require every operator and passenger on
a motorcycle, motor driven cycle, or motorized pedalcycle to wear a
helmet that meets federal safety standards.
House Sponsors
Rep.
Mary E.
Flowers
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Posted by illinoisbiker
SB2535
- VEH CD-MOTORCYCLE HELMETS- Synopsis As Introduced
Amends the
Illinois Vehicle Code to require every operator and passenger under
the age of 18 on a motorcycle, motor driven cycle, or motorized
pedalcycle to wear a helmet that meets federal safety standards and
is properly fastened under the person’s chin with a chin strap.
Effective January 1, 2011.
Senate Sponsors
Sen. Donne
E. Trotter
SB2536
- VEH CD-MOTORCYCLE HELMETS – Synopsis As Introduced
Amends
the Illinois Vehicle Code to require every operator and passenger on
a motorcycle, motor driven cycle, or moped to wear a helmet that
meets federal safety standards and is properly fastened under the
person’s chin with a chin strap. Effective January 1, 2011.
Senate
Sponsors
Sen. Donne
E. Trotter
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Posted by illinoisbiker
The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) is pleased to announce the 2010 AMA Racing Vintage National Dirt Track Championship Series. The new series will recognize national champions in period-correct classes that reflect the storied history of AMA dirt-track competition.
Press Release here
2010 AMA Vintage National Dirt Track Championships Series
Feb. 28
Short Track
Daytona Beach, Fla.
Daytona Flat Track
March 2
Half-mile
Volusia, Fla.
Volusia Speedway
April 17
Short Track
Orangeburg, S.C.
Orangeburg Motoplex
April 18
TT
Orangeburg, SC.
Orangeburg Motoplex
June 26
Short Track
Harpursville, N.Y.
Square Deal Motorcycle Club
July 9
Half-mile
Ashland, Ohio
July 24
Mile
Du Quoin, Ill.
July 25
Half-mile
Du Quoin, Ill.
Sept. 11
Half-mile
Waco, Texas
Waco Eagles Motorcycle Club
Sept. 12
Half-mile
Waco, Texas
Waco Eagles Motorcycle Club
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Posted by illinoisbiker
February 2010
AMA News & Notes is a monthly
publication compiled and edited by the American Motorcyclist
Association (AMA) Government Relations Department. Designed to inform
motorcyclists of rights-related issues and events around the world,
News & Notes welcomes your input. Suggestions and editorial
contributions can be sent to AMA Legislative Assistant Sheila Andrews
by e-mail at sandrews@ama-cycle.org.
Protect your right to ride!
Volunteering is easier than you think. Visit us at
AmericanMotorcyclist.com
> Rights > Get Involved to learn how you can help.
Sign up and stay informed: AMA’s electronic Action Alerts and News &
Notes keep you informed on hot topics, news affecting the
motorcycling community and opportunities to communicate with your
elected officials. By signing up to receive AMA Action Alerts, you
will be notified by e-mail when and how you can make a difference on
important issues. Click
here to see the most recent AMA Action Alerts, and click
here to sign up.
In addition to signing up for AMA Action Alerts, you can sign
up to receive AMA’s monthly electronic edition of News & Notes.
AMA News & Notes keeps motorcyclists informed of rights-related
issues and events around the world. Click
here and check the "Sign me up for AMA’s Government
Relations News & Notes" box at the bottom of the page.
Washington, DC: The U.S. Consumer Product Safety
Commission (CPSC) voted unanimously (5-0) last month to
extend a stay of enforcement on testing and certification of many
regulated children’s products, which includes youth model-motorcycles
and ATVs. While enforcement of specific CPSC testing requirements has
been stayed, the products must still comply with all applicable rules
and bans.
Additionally, the Commission voted (4-1) to extend the stay on
certification and third party testing for children’s products subject
to lead content limits until February 10, 2011. Under this decision,
products must still meet the 300 ppm (parts per million) lead limit
now, but certification and third party testing to show compliance
will be required for all children’s products manufactured after
February 10, 2011.
Source: http://www.amadirectlink.com/news/story.asp?id=1621
Hollister, Calif.: Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Clear Creek Draft
Plan public meeting schedule released. The
BLM Hollister Field Office will host three public meetings to gather
comments on the Clear Creek Management Area Draft Resource Management
Plan (RMP) and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) in January 2010.
Each public meeting will begin with an open house where the
public can gather information, talk with BLM specialists, and provide
written comments on the draft RMP/EIS. Following the open house, the
BLM will give a brief introduction followed by an opportunity for the
public to provide oral comments on the draft RMP/EIS. Although oral
comments will be noted on flip charts, BLM will only respond to
written public comments in the proposed RMP and final EIS.
Each public meeting will take place from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Jan. 13, 2010: Harris Ranch Garden Ballroom, 24505 W. Dorris Ave.,
Coalinga, Calif.
Jan. 14, 2010: Veterans Memorial Hall, 649 San Benito St.
Hollister, Calif.
Jan. 20, 2010: Santa Clara Convention Center, Great America Meeting
Rooms, 5001
Great America Parkway, Santa Clara, Calif.
For additional information contact the Hollister Field Office at
(831) 630-5000. The draft RMP/EIS is available for public review
online at:
http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/hollister/clear_creek_management_area/CCMA_RMP.html.
Kern County, Calif.: Judge orders closure of
popular off-highway vehicle (OHV) trails in Mojave
Desert. An administrative law judge has rescinded a Bureau of Land
Management (BLM) decision to open two OHV trails in the Mojave
Desert. The decision from the Interior Department’s Interior Board of
Land Appeals (IBLA) upholds an appeal brought by the Center for
Biological Diversity, which argued the plan to open two routes in the
Rand Mountain Management Area of Kerns County was flawed.
David Briery, a spokesman in BLM’s California Desert district, said
his office had not yet seen the IBLA ruling and that Interior
attorneys would determine the agency’s next move in the coming
weeks.
Source: http://www.mercedsunstar.com/280/story/1257895.html
Tracy, Calif.: Carnegie State Vehicle Recreation Area
(SVRA) focus of lawsuit. Recently, Judge Frank Roesch of the
Alameda Superior Court indicated his intent to sign an order that
would effectively close the SVRA to public use by directing the
suspension of all off-highway vehicle (OHV) activity.
In response, California State Parks went to court to request a
stay to delay an immediate closure of the park. The judge granted a
stay, delaying closure of the park until the end of business on
Dec. 29, 2009.
On Thursday Dec. 24th, the Attorney General’s office filed a petition
with the First District Court of Appeals, in San Francisco. This
action requested an immediate stay of the closure order until the
Court of Appeals has time to review the lower court’s decision.
On Monday, Dec. 28th, the First District Court of Appeals, in San
Francisco, issued a "temporary stay", as requested by the
Attorney General’s office on behalf of California State Parks. The
order from the Appellate Court prevents enforcement of the lower
court ruling that would have closed the park on Dec. 29th. Plaintiffs
in the case now have until Jan. 6, 2010 to respond to the petition
filed by the Attorney General and demonstrate why there would be
irreparable harm, if any, from permitting or prohibiting OHV activity
in the park, until the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control
Board takes action on the Report of Waste Discharge filed by State
Parks. California State Parks has until Jan. 11 to respond to the
plaintiff’s brief. The park remains open until the Court of Appeals
renders its final decision.
For further info visit http://www.ohv.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=26096
and the recently launched www.CarnegieForever.org,
which includes a petition and links to current information.
San Bernardino, Calif.: A requirement that 10
or more people must obtain a $155 permit to use OHVs on
private property could soon be erased from county code. Morongo
Basin’s county supervisors Neil Derry and Brad Mitzelfelt plan to
recommend removing the staging-permit requirement from San Bernardino
County’s OHV code, which was passed in 2006. Under the current
ordinance, groups of 10 to 199 people gathering to use OHVs must
obtain a temporary special-event permit.
The new language allows a gathering without a permit as long as the
event occurs on a lot of at least 2 1/2 acres, is consistent with the
other provisions in the ordinance and lasts four consecutive days or
less within a 30-day period. In the past three years, six people have
received a total of 14 permits, a number the supervisors say is so
low that it proves the permit itself is not necessary.
Source:
http://www.hidesertstar.com/articles/2010/01/06/news/doc4b4431b525446548149508.txt
Oregon: New OHV rules took effect on January 1,
2010. Changes in state law will require children under age 16 to be
secured by proper restraints while riding in class I and class II
vehicles mandated to have seatbelts. Class II vehicles include jeeps,
trucks or side-by-side vehicles used for off-highway riding. Class I
vehicles that are affected include youth-sized, side-by-side
all-terrain vehicles that weigh 800 pounds or less and have
seatbelts. Riders in class I quads and three-wheelers, ATVs weighing
less than 800 pounds, are exempt from the law.
The change in the helmet requirement mandates that youths under 18
must wear fastened, DOT-approved helmets while riding in any class of
OHV not registered by the Division of Motor Vehicles. Anyone riding
in a registered, street-legal class II ATV that leaves the highway is
exempt.
Both changes resulted from legislation passed in the 2009 legislative
session and signed into law by Gov. Ted Kulongoski. The new safety
restraint requirements were carried in Senate Bill 579. The amended
off-highway helmet requirement was passed in Senate Bill 583.
Anyone with questions can call the Parks and Recreation Department
hotline at 1-877-7SAFELY (1-877-772-3359), email them at
atv.info@state.or.us
or visit www.oregonohv.org
for more information.
Indiana: Senate Bill 111, introduced by Sen. Timothy Lanane
(D-Anderson), would make it a Class C misdemeanor to use a handheld
wireless communications device to transmit a text message or
electronic mail message while operating a motor vehicle. It also
would provide enhanced penalties for repeat offenders or if another
person is injured or killed. Consistent with the AMA position on
distracted and inattentive motor vehicle operations, SB-111 holds
vehicle operators more accountable for their actions.
Arizona: State officials plan to crack down on OHV
registration compliance. Citing statistics that indicate
less than a quarter of OHVs currently registered in the state have
the required OHV decal, Arizona Game and Fish officers will be
stepping up compliance enforcement efforts when out in the field. The
$25 OHV registration decal is good for one year from the date of
purchase. Also, the Motor Vehicle Department (MVD) does not send
renewal notices, so it is the responsibility of owners to make sure
their vehicles remain in compliance.
The OHV decal program took effect on Jan. 1, 2009, and requires
the annual purchase of a decal for any OHV designed by the
manufacturer primarily for use over unimproved terrain and weighing
1,800 pounds or less. This includes most all-terrain vehicles,
side-by-sides (utility vehicles), dirt bikes and some sand
rails.
Game and Fish officers will be citing vehicle owners who fail to
display the required OHV decals soon. The fine for not having the
decal is $250. Decals can be obtained online at
www.servicearizona.com,
at any MVD office or MVD third-party service providers.
Source:
http://www.yumasun.com/news/ohv-55280-compliance-state.html
Illinois: House Bill 4701, introduced by Rep.
Dan Brady (R-Bloomington), would require all motor vehicles operated
on a highway, not just motorcycles, but also motor-driven cycles, and
motorized pedalcycles, to use head lamps or daytime running lights at
all times. Motorcyclists uneasy that such a "lights on"
policy will wash out their profile in traffic should contact their
state representative to make their concerns known.
Minnesota: 2009’s preliminary traffic death count
of 403 marks another significant drop in annual road fatalities,
representing a eight percent drop from the 455 deaths in 2008. The
state projects a final death number of around 420, which would be the
fewest number of fatalities since 356 were reported in1944.
The preliminary 51 motorcyclist deaths represent a sharp
decline (29 percent) from 72 rider deaths in 2008, which was a
24-year high. The drop in rider deaths is especially significant as
ridership is at an all-time high.
The most critical stat to determine road safety is the death
rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled (VMT). The Department of
Public Safety estimates the 2009 VMT will be 0.75, which would be the
lowest ever for Minnesota. In 2008, the state VMT fatality rate was
0.79 (less than one death per 100 million VMT) – among the lowest in
the nation – and down from a rate of 5.52 in 1966.
The 403-fatality count includes motorists (298), motorcyclists (51);
pedestrians (36), bicyclists (9), ATV riders (3), farm equipment
operators (3), commercial bus passengers/drivers (2), and a road
maintenance vehicle occupant. Distracted, impaired driving, not using
a seat belt and speeding are expected to be the primary contributing
factors of the 2009 fatal crashes and serious injuries.
Source:
http://redrockonair.com/news/2010/01/07/mns-annual-traffic-deaths-drop/
New Jersey: Assembly Bill 4164, sponsored by
Asm. Ruben Ramos, Jr. (D-Hoboken), would provide an exemption from
the sales and use tax for sales of recreational safety helmets,
including those worn by motorcyclists.
Also Assembly Bill 4244, sponsored by Asm. Vincent Prieto
(D-Secaucus), proposes a $150 penalty per violation for alteration of
equipment or the performance of equipment of any vehicle that has
been approved at an official inspection facility with the intent to
defeat the purpose of the inspection. The bill also would make the
operation of any such altered vehicle a violation.
Pennsylvania: House Bill 2104, sponsored by
Rep. Michael K. Hanna (D-Lock Haven), would permit a person to file a
complaint against the owner/operator of a motor vehicle that violates
provisions in Section 4523 (exhaust systems, mufflers and noise
control) of Title 75 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes. A
magisterial district judge could issue a search warrant, authorizing
the Pennsylvania State Police to inspect the motor vehicle and take
appropriate action.
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WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Obama, on Friday, announced that he has nominated David L. Strickland to be the new administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Strickland has served for eight years on the staff of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. As the Senior Counsel for the Consumer Protection Subcommittee, he is currently the lead staff person for the oversight of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Federal Trade Commission, and the Consumer Product Safety Commission. He has also served as the lead Senate staff person in the formulation of the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) reforms and standards included in the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, and in a staff leadership role in the reauthorization of the NHTSA in the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act of 2005 (SAFETEA-LU). His work in advising Commerce Committee members led to the inclusion of several significant vehicle safety mandates, including the electronic stability control mandate for every passenger vehicle. Mr. Strickland advised Congressional members on safety reforms and funding increases for the NHTSA’s seatbelt and drunk driving grant programs. Mr. Strickland earned his J.D. degree at Harvard Law School, and his B.S. Degree in Communication Studies and Political Science at Northwestern University. Strickland’s nomination was the subject of a Senate Hearing yesterday where he faced no opposition. The MRF looks forward to continue to work with Mr. Strickland once he is approved by the full Senate. We hope he takes a sensible approach to motorcycle safety. 2010 grant money The last round of the 2010 grant money was dispersed recently. $7 Million dollars total was sent to individual states to be used for motorcycle safety purposes. All 50 states received at least $100,000 with some of the more populated states getting more than $300,000. To see the full list click here On another note It has got virtually nothing to do with motorcycling but many riding organizations have kept a close eye on the Patriot Act. The Patriot act is a federal surveillance program designed to give greater abilities to federal investigators when working on international terrorism issues. Some fear that giving the ability to the feds to intercept private information will eventually be used on other groups of individuals, not just terrorists. Three key provisions are expiring at the end of this year and lawmakers are looking to include their extension in an upcoming Omnibus. An omnibus is giant piece of legislation that lawmakers are unlikely to vote against. One of the expiring provisions allows the government to seek orders from a special federal court for “any tangible thing” that it says is related to a terrorism investigation, such as business records. Another allows the The third provision, which the Justice Department told lawmakers in September has never been used, allows the government to apply to the special court for surveillance orders on “lone wolf” terrorists not necessarily connected to a larger organization. The MRF has no position on the Patriot Act.
State FY 2009 Motorcyclist Safety Grants ========================================================== Ride With The LeadersTM by joining the MRF at http://www.mrf.org/join.php or call 1-202-546-0983 Registration is easy and secure for MRF Regional and Meeting of the Minds conferences. Visit our website at http://www.mrf.org/events.php for further details and registration information. Send in your nominations and donations for the MRF’s Young Activist Scholarship fund today. For complete details, visit http://www.mrfae.org/yas.php. Sign up today for the MRF’s new roadside assistance program by visiting http://www.mrf.org/mrfroadside.php The program is available to MRF members and non-MRF members. © All Information contained in this release is copyrighted. Reproduction permitted with attribution. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation, incorporated in 1987, is a membership-based, national motorcyclists’ rights organization headquartered in Washington, DC. The first motorcyclists’ rights organization to establish a full-time presence in Washington, DC, the Motorcycle Riders Foundation is the only Washington voice devoted exclusively to the street rider. The MRF established MRFPAC in the early 1990s to advocate the election of candidates who would champion the cause of rider safety and rider freedom. The MRF proudly claims state motorcyclists’ rights organizations and the very founders of the American riders’ rights movement among its leading members. The MRF is involved in federal and state legislation and regulations, motorcycling safety education, training, and public awareness. The MRF provides members and state motorcyclists’ rights organizations with direction and information, and sponsors annual regional and national educational seminars for motorcyclists rights activists, as well as publishing a bi-monthly newsletter, THE MRF REPORTS. |
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Posted by illinoisbiker
January 2010
News & Notes is a monthly publication compiled and edited by the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) Government Relations Department. Designed to inform motorcyclists of rights-related issues and events around the world, News & Notes welcomes your input. Suggestions and editorial contributions can be sent to AMA Legislative Assistant Sheila Andrews by e-mail at sandrews@ama-cycle.org.
Protect your right to ride! Volunteering is easier than you think. Visit us at AmericanMotorcyclist.com, click on Rights, then Get Involved to learn how you can help.
Sign up and stay informed: AMA’s electronic Action Alerts and News & Notes will keep you informed on hot topics, news affecting the motorcycling community and opportunities to communicate with your elected officials. By signing up to receive AMA Action Alerts, you will be notified by e-mail when and how you can make a difference on important issues. Click here to see the most recent Action Alerts, and click here to sign up.
In addition to signing up for our Action Alerts, you can sign up to receive AMA’s monthly electronic edition of News & Notes. News & Notes keeps motorcyclists informed of rights-related issues and events around the world. Click here and check the “Sign me up for AMA’s Government Relations News & Notes” box at the bottom of the page.
The AMA offers its most sincere condolences to the family, friends and co-workers of Hugh H. “Harry” Hurt, who died of a heart attack on Nov. 29, 2009 at the age of 81. Professor Hurt was an award-winning author best known in the motorcycling community for conducting a benchmark motorcycle safety research study in 1981 entitled “Volume I: Technical Report, Motorcycle Accident Cause Factors and Identification of Countermeasures, January, 1981 – Final Report.”
Commonly referred to as the “Hurt Report,” the study was widely viewed to be the most comprehensive motorcycle safety study of the 20th century. In addition to that groundbreaking study, Hurt was the author of dozens of publications in the fields of motorcycle handling, safety, crash analysis, and helmet performance. It was on this basis that Hurt was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2007.
Source: http://www.amadirectlink.com/news/story.asp?id=1577
The AMA announced the 2009 AMA Motorcyclist of the Year with a twist: This year’s recipients are a group, rather than an individual. The winners? Kids who ride motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). America’s youngest riders were at the center of the biggest story of the year in 2009, as the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) enforced a ban on selling youth-model off-highway vehicles (OHVs).
At the center of the controversy is the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA) provision that strictly reduces the levels of allowable lead in children’s toys. Because OHVs include lead in parts such as battery terminals, valve stems, engine cases and controls, in early 2009 the law banned the sale of OHVs intended for kids 12 years old and younger.
Thanks to the efforts of AMA members, AMA staff and others, more than 70,000 motorcyclists used online tools provided by the AMA at AmericanMotorcyclist.com to voice opposition to the law. As a direct result, the CPSC issued delayed enforcement of the law until 2011. With congressional leaders reluctant to re-write a law that they had just passed, the delay of enforcement was critical to the efforts to resolve the issue because it secured valuable time for the AMA and its allies to continue to pressure regulators and lawmakers to permanently exempt youth-model OHVs from the CPSIA.
Full story: http://www.amadirectlink.com/news/story.asp?id=1579
The Chairman of the Subcommittee on Energy of the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources held a hearing on S. 2843, the Advanced Vehicle Technology Act of 2009, on December 8. The U.S. House companion bill is H.R. 3246. S. 2843 would authorize the Department of Energy to conduct advanced technology vehicle and component part research and development. This will increase the production of new technology in vehicles and trucks in the United States. The AMA is encouraged that language to include motorcycles will be included based on the exchange between Senator Wyden and Under Secretary Johnson of the Department of Energy at the hearing.
On September 16, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 3246 with a vote of 312 to 114. During consideration of the bill, Representative Patrick Kennedy introduced an amendment to ensure that manufacturers of two- and three-wheeled electric vehicles are included in the list of eligible industry participants. The amendment was adopted unanimously.
The American Motorcyclist Association, in conjunction with the National Motorsports Coalition, is asking all organizers, promoters, track owners and others to contact their members of Congress and ask them to cosponsor the Motorsports Fairness and Permanency Act of 2009 (H.R. 1974/S. 1400). The Act would make permanent the current seven-year depreciation tax standard for motorsports entertainment complexes.
For more than 20 years, permanent motorsports facilities have operated under this classification, but in 2004 the IRS raised some questions on the issue. Congress eventually reaffirmed that seven years was appropriate, and extended the treatment through the end of 2007. Last year, Congress acted diligently to extend the depreciation method through the end of 2008, however until permanency is obtained, the motorsports industry will continue to have to petition for an extension of the tax method. This consistently affects the more than 900 permanent motorsports facilities operating in the United States that have tremendous economic and job creation impact, both regionally and nationally.
In order to pass legislation providing for security of the depreciation schedule, owners, operators and everyone involved needs to contact their Senators and Representatives to ask them to cosponsor their respective bills. H.R. 1974 and S. 1400 are needed to ensure the viability of permanent tracks and the sport of motorcycle racing. For more information on how to reach out to your members of Congress log-on to www.AmericanMotorcyclist.com > Rights > Issues & Legislation.
Congress will hold a hearing on a bill that will negatively impact Montana’s off-highway vehicle (OHV) recreational opportunities. The Chairman of the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Public Lands and Forests of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources has scheduled a hearing on December 17 to consider S. 1470, the Forest Jobs and Recreation Act of 2009, introduced by Senator Jon Tester (D-Mont.). As it is currently written, the OHV community will lose access to many miles of popular riding trails.
The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) appreciates Senator Tester for reaching out to the OHV community in attempting to make this bill better for every user of our public lands. However, the AMA continues to oppose this bill as it is currently written, and urges the Subcommittee and Senator Tester to work with our Association and other groups to more fully address rider concerns so that families can continue to enjoy OHV trails in a responsible manner.
San Francisco, Calif: Bridge Toll Hike Proposed for Earthquake Safety. The Bay Area Toll Authority (BATA) is seeking public comment on a toll increase on the seven state-owned Bay Area toll bridges: the Antioch, Benicia-Martinez, Carquinez, Dumbarton, Richmond-San Rafael, San Francisco-Oakland Bay and San Mateo-Hayward bridges.
Ideas being considered include raising the $4 toll for cars to $5; charging carpools and motorcycle riders a discounted toll instead of allowing them to cross for free; increasing truck tolls; and charging commuters extra for crossing the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge during peak traffic hours. Written comments, which will be accepted until 4 p.m., December 21, 2009.
Source: http://www.mtc.ca.gov/news/info/toll_increase.htm
Albuquerque, N.M.: The New Mexico Off Highway Vehicle Alliance (NMOHVA) plans to use more than $322,000 in federal funds and $126,000 in matching contributions for trail work in the Cibola National Forest. NMOHVA will use the funds to construct new trail segments, rehabilitate existing trails and install signs on over 60 miles of trail. Some of the money will also go toward trailhead improvements and trail entry control. The group’s partners include the Sandia Ranger District, New Mexico 4 Wheelers, the Black Feather Trail Preservation Alliance and R&S Powersports.
Work is expected to start in the spring of 2010. Recreation planning experts from Pan Pacific Services will help manage the project.
Source: http://www.nmohva.org/main/index.php
Hollister, Calif.: Bureau of Land Management (BLM) seeks comments on Clear Creek draft plan. The BLM Hollister Field Office is inviting the public to comment on the draft resource management plan and environmental impact statement on the Clear Creek Management Area, covering public lands in southern San Benito and western Fresno counties. The draft RMP/EIS was developed through a public planning process and analyzes seven alternatives. The primary issues addressed are public health risks from asbestos exposure, recreation, protection of sensitive resources, energy and mineral development, land tenure adjustments, and other resource issues.
Source: http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/info/newsroom/2009/december/CC1009_CCMA_drmp.html
Missouri: Pre-filed for the upcoming 2010 Missouri General Assembly session, House Bill 1217, sponsored by Rep. Gary Dusenberg (R-Blue Springs), would permit adults 21 years of age or older to make their own decisions regarding motorcycle helmet use.
Also pre-filed is House Bill 1332, sponsored by Rep. Jeff Roorda (D-Barnhart), which proposes strict penalties for motorcycle stunt riding on public roadways. A “dangerous stunt” is defined as any dangerous activity by the operator or passenger, including standing or performing handstands on the seat, frame or handlebars, operating on one tire, or removing both hands from the handlebars. Offenses would be classified as misdemeanors; a second offense involving a motorcycle without license plates, or third or subsequent offense on any motorcycle, would be classified as a felony.
Pennsylvania: House Bill 2104, sponsored by Rep. Michael K. Hanna (D-Lock Haven), would permit a person to file a complaint against the owner/operator of a motor vehicle that violates provisions in Section 4523 (Exhaust systems, mufflers and noise control) of Title 75 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes. A magisterial district judge could issue a search warrant, authorizing the Pennsylvania State Police to inspect the motor vehicle and take appropriate action.
Coos County, Ore.: A coalition of environmental groups have filed a lawsuit challenging the U.S. Forest Service’s decision to allow Coos County to build a one-mile connector trail for off-highway vehicle use through part of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area.
The proposed road, called the Riley Ranch Access Project, would connect a county park to other county lands within the popular dunes area on the Southern Oregon Coast. The Forest Service believes it has sufficiently addressed any unresolved environmental and resource issues after conducting a lengthy three-year public planning process and environmental review.
Source: http://www.theworldlink.com/articles/2009/05/30/outdoors/doc4a20d4eb0a1ca928257049.txt
Craig, Colo.: The Craig City Council recently approved final passage of an ordinance allowing all-terrain vehicle (ATV) and off-highway vehicle (OHV) use on city streets. All residents who wish to drive an ATV or OHV on city streets must first register their vehicle with the Craig Police Department. Additionally applicants must be at least 18 years old and must provide proof of insurance for non-recreational use.
The ordinance only covers vehicles with four wheels. Three-wheelers and snowmobiles therefore are excluded.
Source: http://www.craigdailypress.com/news/2009/dec/08/council-approves-atvs-ohvs-city-travel
British Columbia, Canada: New all-terrain vehicle (ATV) regulations have recently been adopted. These regulations aim to improve safety and address environmental concerns. These new rules include registration and licensing fees at the time of purchase as well as a mandatory helmet law for riders. A compliance and enforcement strategy will be developed and will include an education component to help ensure voluntary compliance.
Additional rules include new sound standards for mufflers, requiring spark arrestors as well as giving local government the ability to designate crossings on public roads to assure ATV rider’s access to local communities.
Source: http://www.bclocalnews.com/bc_north/terracestandard/news/69849087.html
AMA Government Relations News & Notes is a monthly service compiled and edited by the AMA Government Relations Staff to keep motorcyclists informed of happenings around the world. We welcome your news & views. Please submit all material to Sheila Andrews, Legislative Assistant, 101 Constitution Ave., NW Suite 800W, Washington, DC 20001; fax (202) 742-4304 or e-mail to sandrews@ama-cycle.org.
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Posted by illinoisbiker
First Post in this format.
Lots of good times on this bike, lasting 33 years. Still have it but in a more stock condition, except for the fire damage.
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Posted by illinoisbiker
March 29th, the XS 1100 Yamaha I was trying to start, started leaking fuel out the carbs and caught fire, the air filter canister is plastic and by the time I knew it was flooded, the plastic was burning and I had to get away from the flames and then the fuel lines caught fire. Had to get away. Called the fire dept. Result was the fiberglass skylights in the shop building burned out, the 56 panhead seat, back tire, windshield, wiring, hand grips, and tail light burned. These were stock type items that I was putting back together after putting new rings in. The tanks were not on it yet. The XS 1100 was finished as the fairing burned, the back bag burned, but the hard saddle bags were not on the bike. Carbs were melted. Both tires burned. Also the back tire and and seat on my stock 72 XS650 were burned as well as tail light and signals. The seat on the CB350 chopper, the original seat from the panhead when it was chopped, was burned slightly making it unusable and crispy. What a bad day!
Now for the next rotten thing. On June 28th, my good friend, Kevin Cain, was killed by a teenage driver trying to pass a car. Hit Kevin head-on and Kevin was on his 2000 Softtail Heritage that he loved so much. Died instantly. Sky and I watched him go by the shop where Sky and I had returned from J&P’s Open House earlier that day and Sky took a break before continuing on home to Williamsfield. The wind had been blowing hard all day and we took several breaks to rest up on the way up and back from Anamosa.
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Members of Central Illinois ABATE — A Brotherhood Aimed Toward Education — gathered Saturday afternoon to spend an hour in the toy aisles of the retail store shopping for toys for children who might otherwise not have a Christmas.
“Primarily, we’re a motorcycle rights organization, and we concentrate on safety and education,” said Bert McElroy, ABATE’s president. The group also has a philanthropic bent, donating money to three local children’s charities and giving toys to three other organizations. See the full story below:
Leave a Comment » | ABATE | Tagged: http://www.galesburg.com/news/x466657111/Out-for-a-toy-ride | Permalink
Posted by illinoisbiker
The December General Membership Meeting of Central IL ABATE, INC has been moved to RPM’s on Grand Ave in Galesburg on December 14th, a Sunday, to make it easier to attend the meeting w/Appreciation Party afterwards for those who cannot negotiate the stairs at our normal meeting place, 21 Club, 74 N Chambers in Galesburg. The Meeting will begin at 1 PM and attendees are asked to bring a side dish and dinnerware if you don’t like plastic and foam stuff. The meeting will last approximately one hour or less and then the potluck will begin. We have invited the Charity representatives that we support and hopefully we can get them and members in a group photo. Remember, 1 PM, December 14th, RPM’s, 2035 Grand Avenue, Galesburg.
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Posted by illinoisbiker
Bikers Protest Police Roadblocks
WTVH-TV Syracuse, N.Y.
updated 5:52 p.m. ET Oct. 21, 2008
Motorcyclists say they’re being discriminated against with unnecessary road block checks. Leather jackets, helmets and signs, a group of bikers protested what they say is a daily harassment on the road.
“They want to check our helmet, they want to lecture us on gloves and boots, and they want to check our tires,” said Tim Werder, President of New York A.B.A.T.E., American Bikers Aimed Toward Education. While safety is a huge part of its mission, members feel State Police should focus on overall driver education and awareness of motorcycles.
The protest happened here at the Sheraton University Hotel because inside was a State Police presentation on roadblocks. Lieutenant Jim Halvorsen, a motorcyclist himself, shook their hands and invited them to participate in the discussion. “They’re concerned that we’re discriminating against motorcyclists by pulling over just motorcycles, and I do understand their concerns and complaints, but it’s indigenous to the motorcyclists that people wear helmets,” said Halvorsen.
According to the Federal Highway Administration, motorcyclists are 37% more likely to be injured in an accident, and State Police think helmet checks are one way to reduce that number.
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PERSONAL NOTE: According to AMA’s website, Helmets are required for everyone, so it does look like harassment!
| Road | |
| Safety Helmet | Required by Law – Reflectorization Required (4 inch square) |
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Posted by illinoisbiker
Democratic leaders in the U.S. House discuss confiscating 401(k)s, IRAs
by Karen McMahan
RALEIGH — Democrats in the U.S. House have been conducting hearings on proposals to confiscate workers’ personal retirement accounts — including 401(k)s and IRAs — and convert them to accounts managed by the Social Security Administration.
Triggered by the financial crisis the past two months, the hearings reportedly were meant to stem losses incurred by many workers and retirees whose 401(k) and IRA balances have been shrinking rapidly.
The testimony of Teresa Ghilarducci, professor of economic policy analysis at the New School for Social Research in New York, in hearings Oct. 7 drew the most attention and criticism. Testifying for the House Committee on Education and Labor, Ghilarducci proposed that the government eliminate tax breaks for 401(k) and similar retirement accounts, such as IRAs, and confiscate workers’ retirement plan accounts and convert them to universal Guaranteed Retirement Accounts (GRAs) managed by the Social Security Administration.
Rep. George Miller, D-Calif., chairman of the House Committee on Education and Labor, in prepared remarks for the hearing on “The Impact of the Financial Crisis on Workers’ Retirement Security,” blamed Wall Street for the financial crisis and said his committee will “strengthen and protect Americans’ 401(k)s, pensions, and other retirement plans” and the “Democratic Congress will continue to conduct this much-needed oversight on behalf of the American people.”
Currently, 401(k) plans allow Americans to invest pretax money and their employers match up to a defined percentage, which not only increases workers’ retirement savings but also reduces their annual income tax. The balances are fully inheritable, subject to income tax, meaning workers pass on their wealth to their heirs, unlike Social Security. Even when they leave an employer and go to one that doesn’t offer a 401(k) or pension, workers can transfer their balances to a qualified IRA.
Mandating Equality
Ghilarducci’s plan first appeared in a paper for the Economic Policy Institute: Agenda for Shared Prosperity on Nov. 20, 2007, in which she said GRAs will rescue the flawed American retirement income system (www.sharedprosperity.org/bp204/bp204.pdf).
The current retirement system, Ghilarducci said, “exacerbates income and wealth inequalities” because tax breaks for voluntary retirement accounts are “skewed to the wealthy because it is easier for them to save, and because they receive bigger tax breaks when they do.”
Go to the link below for the full story:
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Posted by illinoisbiker
Content and Image Copyright 2008, Motorcycle Riders Foundation
MRF E-MAIL NEWS
Motorcycle Riders Foundation
236 Massachusetts Ave. NE, Suite 510
P.O. Box 1808
Washington, DC 20013-1808
202-546-0983 (voice)
202-546-0986 (fax)
MRF website
For Immediate Release
19 November 2008
Contact: Jeff Hennie,
MRF Vice President of Government Relations
Email: jeff@mrf.org
The Motorcycle Riders Foundation attends Fifth Federal Highway Administration Motorcycle Advisory Council Meeting.
Last week the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) held the fifth meeting of the Motorcycle Advisory Council. The Council convenes twice a year to discuss infrastructure issues of concern to motorcyclists. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation Vice President of Government Relations, Jeff Hennie, is one of the nine seated council members.
“This council meeting was significant because it was the first meeting since the charter was extended past its initial two year trial run” said Jeff Hennie. He added, “The likelihood of keeping this council intact well past the congressionally mandated 2 years is very good and gets better with each accomplishments of the council”.
This meeting began with a review of the results of the online motorcyclist road conditions survey that was opened for comment this summer. The survey was designed to get a national snap shot of what motorcyclists think about the state of the roads they ride. Some areas that the 10,000 respondents overwhelmingly agreed needs improvement are construction zones, slippery pavement markings, stuck at red lights and harsh road edge drop-offs. The areas that received positive marks were ample signage and plenty of lighting of the road. A follow-up survey is in the works for spring 2009. The MRF will let you know when that is available.
The next agenda item was a presentation by the leading expert of intersection design at Federal Highway Association (FHWA). Intersections are notoriously the most dangerous part of any traffic pattern. The standard four way cross intersection may very well be a thing of the past, not in any hurry though. Traffic control experts are working feverishly at making intersections safer. Some designs have been shown to significantly reduce crashes. For instance, adopting traffic circles or roundabouts has been shown to effectively reduce crash occurrences. It doesn’t stop there though; the experts are designing and implementing even more involved intersections that essentially eliminate a left hand turn through the intersection. It’s a complicated system of lanes and stoplights that in theory will be safer. Few exist today, but Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Louisiana, Michigan, Virginia, New York and Missouri are experimenting with some of the European concepts. Bigger, more complicated intersections may be safer but they will also need more and more slippery striping that remains a concern to motorcyclists.
The council then had a lengthy discussion on Public Private Partnerships (PPPs). Essentially a PPP is any venture that involves the leasing of traditionally public services to a private entity to run, build or maintain. Historically PPPs have been found in services such as waste water treatment, garbage removal and disposal, even law enforcement. Now we are seeing an influx of PPP’s in the transportation world. Municipalities are leasing off sections of toll road to private, sometimes foreign, companies. This poses a lot of questions. Take the Chicago Skyway for example, this heavily traveled elevated toll road provides a way in and out of the windy city for millions each day. The 7.8 mile highway was recently leased to a Spanish company for 99 years to the tune of 1.8 billion. The Spaniards are responsible for maintenance of the road but get to keep any and all tolls. Can the new owners invoke a helmet law for their road despite the fact that Illinois doesn’t require a helmet? Can they raise tolls as high as they want? The answers to those questions vary agreement to agreement, but it’s also difficult to overlook the issues involved with putting a foreign company in charge of our infrastructureNot only does it send profits overseas – it reeks of an anti-American ethos. The 1.8 billion that Mayor Daley got his hands on was spent on back debt the City of Chicago was carrying. It also constitutes another 1.8 billion removed from the transportation world. What happens to the next generation of Americans when they need to get out of debt and there is nothing left to lease? PPPs are here to stay but they need to be carefully regulated and observed.
The Council drifted off its charter of focusing on infrastructure for a bit when the topic of Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) came up. For years the MRF has been asking for a better VMT and recently the feds started listening. They admit the motorcycle VMT numbers are highly suspect at best. They held a three day meeting in DC last year on the very issue of improving motorcycle VMT accuracy. They had a test day for vendors of traffic counting devices at a Department of Transportation (DOT) research facility this past spring. They know the numbers are extremely inaccurate yet they continue to use them to exacerbate the number of fatal motorcycle crashes. After a slightly heated exchange the Federal government refused to give a timeline for a better VMT number, they did agree that at the very least, a strong footnote indicating the frailty and gross inaccuracies of the number should be present when using the motorcycle VMT number. While that’s not good enough, it’s a good start.
The meeting concluded with a brief presentation on what the State of Texas is doing to reduce pavement slab spreading which leaves a gap between lanes in the pavement large enough to capture a motorcycle’s front tire. The presenter informed the council on how the State of Texas can identify a potential road hazard like this and have it repaired that day or with in the next few days. A lesson that many municipalities should note.
This meeting was the last for the Council’s Designated Federal Official, Mike Halladay of FHWA. Halladay is fully retiring from Federal service. Mike has done a great job keeping the sometimes cantankerous group on time and topic over the past two and half years. We here at the MRF wish him the best and encourage Mr. Halladay to go buy a bike and ride out his retirement.
For those of you who aren’t aware this council was created by the motorcyclists of this country who lobbied Congress along with the MRF to include the authorizing language in the last highway bill, SAFETEA-LU which was passed in 2005. Congress is expected to begin the drafting process for the new highway bill in 2009 and the MRF will need the help of the motorcyclists of America once again to engage their federal elected officials on the importance of motorcycle safety. You’ve been warned.
For more info on the Council visit http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/mac/
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Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Harley dealership closing
By The Telegraph Herald
A sign posted at Wilwert’s Harley Davidson in Dubuque announces its closure. Wilwert’s Inc. is synonymous with motorcycles in the Dubuque area, but the expanded full-service shop that opened with great fanfare in 2003 at the height of the latest motorcycle and Harley-Davidson boom is apparently going out of business.
A sign on the front window of the dealership at 145 North Crescent Ridge Road thanks Wilwert’s Inc. customers and announces that the store is going out of business. Clay Wilwert, store owner, could not be reached for comment Tuesday, but a store official said Wilwert would contact the TH today.
A legal notice in the Telegraph Herald announced a sheriff’s levy and sale of the property, set for 10 a.m. on Jan. 15 at the Dubuque County Law Enforcement Center. A judgment awarded American Trust & Savings Bank $1,654,054.68, plus fees and interest on Nov. 13.
– Andy Piper
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Posted by illinoisbiker
Remember Time Life Magazine? They always had fantastic photos.
Now, thanks to good old Google, all their photos are on-line and searchable.
Count on spending hours…
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Posted by illinoisbiker
Back in October this year, Norton had been once more, with UK businessman Stuart Garner buying the rights to the Norton brand and setting up a new factory and office complex for Norton near Donington Park.
The company is now supposed to be working on all-new streetbike – probably to be called Commando – which will be launched in 2009. In the meanwhile, Norton have also announced they’re coming back to race at the Isle of Man next year. Robert Dunlop’s son, 20-year-old Michael Dunlop will race a Norton NRV588 rotary-engined bike at the IoM TT in 2009.
Visit the Norton website for their latest news release
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Posted by illinoisbiker
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Posted by illinoisbiker
Since the snowfall on early Sunday morning, Nov 30th, riding outside of the garage is not likely to occur until it warms up some and the salt on the road goes away. I live about a mile from the Highway Garage, so I know there is enough salt on my section of US 150. I don’t like to wash the bikes often anyway, but getting saltwater into every nook and cranny is not my idea of an intelligent thing to do. So until it warms and/or rains, I will post interesting things that others have posted or sent me in the hopes that you haven’t yet seen them.
Tokyo Rosie- 1970 CB350 Chopper
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Posted by illinoisbiker
A 650cc-engined motorcycle was once considered a large machine, but was later relegated to the smaller end of middleweights. Even then (the ’70s, a time of tall sissy bars and Honda CB450 choppers), a 650 was a respectably sized motorcycle. However, with today’s escalation of heavyweights into 2-liter territory, a 650 seems positively diminutive. Don’t let that fool you, though-each of these three bikes has a place and a purpose in the cruiser spectrum.
Read the full story from Motorcycle Cruiser Magazine.
I personally have 3 XS650’s and I enjoy riding them, due to the light weight and the sound that a parallel twin makes. It is a nice article on a forgotten segment of bikes. I get over 50 miles/gal on my 650’s so they can be economical in the times. Even though gas prices have come down, I don’t believe they will stay there. Besides, the money saved can be used to buy another essential item that is not coming down in price- food! Ride Safe…….
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Posted by illinoisbiker
The new Royal Enfield Bullet Classic 500 unveiled in Europe has yet to reach the United States but we know a lot about what it will be like, thanks to Kevin Mahoney of Classic Motorworks, the U.S. distributor.
Nice to see the updated motorbike is not forgetting its past.
Image Copyright 2008 by
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Posted by illinoisbiker
December 7, 2008- Chicago, Illinois. 31st Annual Chicagoland Toys for Tots Motorcycle Parade
Dan Ryan Woods,83rd & Western, opens at dawn. Line-up starts 6 AM. Parade begins at 9:30 AM. Ends at Marine Center (Foster & Troy). Visit our website for more details: chicagolandtft.org
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Posted by illinoisbiker
Read the full story HERE at Motorcycle News
Three prototype Norton’s arrived in the UK last week to signal the next stage of the rebirth of the iconic bike firm under British ownership.
The bikes, one 961 Commando and two 852 Commandos as well as three huge wooden transport crates full of parts are the sum total of the investment new owner Stuart Garner’s purchase of Norton from American Kenny Greer.
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Posted by illinoisbiker
Posted December 5, 2008
The AMA announced today that it has written to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative opposing a plan that could double the cost of some European motorcycles imported into the United States.
The plan being considered by U.S. trade officials would impose a 100 percent import duty on more than 100 European goods — including two engine displacement categories of motorcycles, 51cc to 250cc, and 251cc to 500cc.
The federal measure is designed as retaliation to the 27-member European Union’s continuing import ban on American beef treated with growth hormones. EU officials haven’t lifted that 20-year-old ban, despite a World Trade Organization (WTO) order to end it.
If U.S. officials impose the retaliatory tariff, it would double the price of a host of under-500cc on- and off-highway machines from brands such as Aprilia, Beta, BMW, Fantic, Gas Gas, Husaberg, Husqvarna, KTM, Montesa, Piaggio, Scorpa, Sherco, TM and Vespa.
“There is no logical link between European motorcycles and the dispute over beef,” said Ed Moreland, AMA vice president for government relations, in his comments submitted to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. “Imposing these stiff tariffs on motorcycles would do nothing to resolve the trade dispute, but would punish American buyers of European motorcycles.”
The AMA’s comments make a strong argument that motorcycles have no business being used as a lever in a dispute over beef.
“Trade disputes residing concretely within the boundaries of the agricultural industry should not be resolved with trade sanctions levied against non-agricultural products,” Moreland said. “A 100 percent ad valorem, or higher, tariff on these motorcycles will cause serious and potentially irreversible harm to American small- and medium-sized business owners selling the vehicles. Additionally, citizens will be denied access to certain models of competition and recreation motorcycles that contribute to the lifestyle and well-being of millions of American families.”
The United States wants to impose $116.8 million in import duties to equal the amount of money it claims the U.S. beef industry loses each year because of the ban. The WTO has agreed on that amount.
Interested parties have until Dec. 8 to comment on which European goods should be subject to the 100 percent tariff in the dispute. It is unknown when U.S. officials will make a final decision.
To read the full text of the letter the AMA submitted to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, click HERE.
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MRF E-MAIL NEWS Motorcycle Riders Foundation 236 Massachusetts Ave. NE Suite 510 Washington, DC 20002-4980 202-546-0983 (voice) 202-546-0986 (fax) http://www.mrf.org (website) For Immediate Release 15 December 2008 Contact: Jeff Hennie, Vice President of Government Relations (MRF) Email: jeff@mrf.org Regulatory Update – MRF Advocates for Motorcyclists Recently the Federal government requested comment from the general public on two important motorcycle related issues. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation submitted comment to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and to the United States Trade Representative (USTR). The EPA comments were requested to address the Supreme Court ruling Massachusetts v. EPA. In that case, the Supreme Court ruled that the Clean Air Act (CAA) authorizes the regulation of greenhouse gases (GHGs) because they meet the definition of an air pollutant under the CAA. The EPA notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) is a lengthy document that attempts to address every segment of the polluting population affected by the Court's decision including ships, aircraft and off-road vehicles such as farm and construction equipment, stationary sources and motorcycles. The NPRM does address the fact that motorcycles occupy a very small segment of the polluting population. However it then goes on to state that it is the EPA's belief that most motorcycle engines are tuned for performance and not efficiency. Therefore, it is the opinion of the EPA, motorcycle engines can be adjusted to pollute less. The MRF comments suggest that is categorically not true. Options laid out in the NPRM are to lead manufacturers to increase the use of electronic fuel injection (replacing carburetors); reducing permeation from fuel lines and fuel tanks; and eliminating the use of two-stroke engines in the small scooter category. The NPRM goes on to encourage manufacturers to incorporate more precise feedback fuel controls; controlling enrichment on cold starts and under load by electronically controlling choke operation. Also allowing lower idle speeds when the opportunity exists; optimizing spark for fuel and operating conditions through use of a knock sensor; and, like light-duty vehicles, reducing the engine size and incorporating a turbo-charger. The MRF believes that the employment of any of these options, especially turbos, will result in added expense and therefore discourage Americans from choosing motorcycles as transportation and therefore reducing motorcycles fuel-saving benefit to the country. The MRF asked that motorcycles be removed from the EPA plan to limit GHGs. Read the MRF comments and the NPRM at www.regualtions.gov Docket ID EPA-HQ-OAR-2008-0318. USTR has "beef" with European motorcycles? In 1999 the European Communities (EC) decided to ban any importation of beef products from the USA. The EC claimed that due to the use of growth hormones being used in US beef production they were unfit to be consumed by citizens of the EC, thus resulting in a $116 million shortfall for US beef producers. The US trade community decided to retaliate - not by banning items for sale in the US, but by increasing the tariff paid on specific items from specific countries in the EC. The first list came out in 1999 and it contained many beef and agricultural products as well as a few non agri-products such as hair clippers and small displacement motorcycles (50-500cc). The final list came out in 2000 and the motorcycles had been removed. The USTR is at it again and this list also contains motorcycles. The USTR is proposing to double rates of duty ad valorem which translates into twice the declared value of the motorcycle imported from Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and Sweden. So that means the price of Vespa, Piaggio, KTM, and Husqvarna scooters and motorcycles will double. The MRF asked that the motorcycles be removed from the final list of tariff retaliation tactics. To view the list of proposed items and the comments visit www.reguations.gov docket number USTR-2008-0036. The MRF will keep you updated on the final result of both of these situations.
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MRF E-MAIL NEWS Motorcycle Riders Foundation 236 Massachusetts Ave. NE Suite 510 Washington, DC 20002-4980 202-546-0983 (voice) 202-546-0986 (fax) http://www.mrf.org (website) For Immediate Release 15 December 2008 Contact: Jeff Hennie, Vice President of Government Relations (MRF) Email: jeff@mrf.org New York City Council Pulls Motorcycle Noise Bill. Late last week the New York City Council Committee on Public Safety held a hearing on Introduction No. 416 A titled; "A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to prohibiting the parking of motorcycles equipped with straight pipes on the streets of the city of New York." This bill gives law enforcement the ability to issue fines of $1000 and temporary impoundment for the first infraction and a fine of $2500 and permanent forfeiture of motorcycles with out EPA approved or stock exhaust pipes. The committee, Chaired by council member Peter Vallone a democrat from Queens, did vote in favor of the bill which sent it on to be considered by the full council one week later. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation is pleased to report that for now the bill has been pulled from the schedule for December 18th, when it was to be voted upon by the full council. The MRF thanks Speaker Christine Quinn for realizing that this issue requires much more than one week worth of consideration. "This legislation raises far more problems than it solves" said Jeff Hennie vice president of government relations for the Motorcycle Riders Foundation. "What about older bikes that predate the 1979 clean air act or motorcycles from neighboring states, just to name a few?" he added. The Council will be entering the 4th and last year of the current 4 year session. So this bill is still live and could be considered at any point during the 2009 calendar year. The issue of motorcycle sound can be controversial and is certainly one of the most complicated of all issues related to motorcycles. The MRF will keep you updated on this bill.
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Posted by illinoisbiker
Do you like old motorcycles and photos and history about them? Try this blog: http://thevintagent.blogspot.com/
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Posted by illinoisbiker
Dec 14, 2008
Nominations made from the Meeting with elections on January 11th, with the 2 open positions being still open for nomination at that meeting for someone to step up and do these important jobs. None of the positions are contested
President: Bert
Vice-President: Pouche
Secretary: OPEN
Treasurer: OPEN
Membership: Richard
State Board: Mark
Legislative: Bert
Safety & Ed: Willis
Public Relations: Scott
Activities: Scooter
Special Events: Scooter
Sgt at Arms: Mitch
The 2009 Calendar of Events has also been voted on and is on the website
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MRF E-MAIL NEWS Motorcycle Riders Foundation 236 Massachusetts Ave. NE Suite 510 Washington, DC 20002-4980 202-546-0983 (voice) 202-546-0986 (fax) http://www.mrf.org (website) For Immediate Release 15 December 2008 Contact: Jeff Hennie, Vice President of Government Relations (MRF) Email: jeff@mrf.org OBAMA TO NAME TRANSPORTATION SECRETARY Reports have begun to surface in the media that President-elect Barack Obama will give the nod to Republican Ray LaHood to head the United States Department of Transportation. Although no official word has come from the Obama transition team or from the LaHood camp, speculators believe that a formal announcement will come forth in the coming days. Ray LaHood, a seven term member of the United State House of Representatives from Peoria, IL has always been a strong supporter of ABATE of Illinois and has been named a MRF Champion of Motorcyclists' Rights & Safety in the past. After being elected to Congress in 1994, LaHood earned a well respected reputation for his stern style and his centrist voting record. Last summer, the veteran Congressman announced that he would not seek re-election and retire at the end of the 110th United States Congress. By appointing LaHood as Transportation Secretary, Obama will fulfill his pledge to form a bi-partisan cabinet. Precedent for naming a member of the opposite party as the Secretary of Transportation was set in 2000 when George W. Bush appointed Democrat Norm Mineta to the post. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation will keep you informed on the LaHood nomination process as more details come forward.
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http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2008/dec/19/honda-hoot-2009-canceled/
News Sentinel staff
American Honda will not hold its annual Honda Hoot in Knoxville in 2009, Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam confirmed tonight. The event drew about 16,000 visitors to Knoxville this year and is one of the largest motorcycle rallies in North America. After starting in Asheville, N.C., it has been held in Knoxville since 2001. Click the link above for the full story…….
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Posted by illinoisbiker
January 2009
News & Notes is a monthly publication compiled and edited by the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) Government Relations Department. Designed to inform motorcyclists of ‘rights’-related issues and events around the world, News and Notes welcomes your input. Suggestions and contributions can be sent to Sheila Andrews, AMA Legislative Assistant, by e-mail at sandrews@ama-cycle.org.
The AMA is proud to announce Stan Simpson as the 2008 AMA Motorcyclist of the Year. Simpson, who is the current AMA Board of Directors Chairman, was honored with the inaugural AMA Motorcyclist of the Year distinction in conjunction with the quarterly meeting of the AMA Board of Directors in Irvine, California in December.
The AMA Motorcyclist of the Year is the person who has had the most profound impact on motorcycling in a single calendar year. Under Simpson’s leadership, many of the AMA’s professional racing properties were sold to an organization capable of elevating the sport, the menu of member benefits was expanded, the American Motorcyclist magazine was redesigned, the Association’s Government Relations Department was expanded and the AMA’s fiscal house was put in order. Visit http://www.amadirectlink.com/news/2008/StanSimpsonNominated.asp for the complete announcement.
AMA protests possible 100 percent tariffs on certain European motorcycles. The AMA recently announced that it has written to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative opposing a plan that could double the cost of some on- and off-road European motorcycles imported into the United States. To read the full text of the letter the AMA submitted to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, go to http://www.amadirectlink.com/news/2008/amatarifffight.asp.
A recently released U.S. Forest Service study shows that fewer Americans are using their National Forests as a venue for recreation. Forest Service officials seemed surprised by this news and uncertain as to why this is the case. The statistics are indeed troubling.
The Forest Service began conducting the National Visitor Use Monitoring (NVUM) program in 2000. The statistically rigorous surveys of visitation levels use a five-year rotation schedule. The NVUM program found 204.8 million visitors annually in the period 2000-2003 and 178.6 million for 2003-2007, a decline of 13 percent. When compared to the ever-increasing U.S. population, the proportion of Americans visiting our national forests is falling even faster.
Every national forest is slated to collect visitor use information again from October 2004 through September 2009. The entire survey can be accessed at http://www.fs.fed.us/recreation/programs/nvum/nvum_national_summary_fy2007.pdf.
Johnson Valley, CA - The Department of the Navy is in the initial stages of preparing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for acquisition of lands contiguous to the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms, California. This EIS will consider a range of reasonable alternatives for the proposed action sufficient to meet Marine Expeditionary Brigade training requirements.
For more information visit http://www.29palms.usmc.mil/ (click on land acquisition study). Written comments may be submitted to: 29Palms Training Land/Airspace Acquisition Project, MAGTFTC, MCAGCC, Bldg. 1554, Box 788104, Twentynine Palms, CA 92278-8104 or via e-mail to SMBPLMSWEBPAO@usmc.mil. Comments must be received by Jan 31, 2009 for consideration in the Draft EIS.
Eagle, ID - The Eagle police department has decided to test electric scooters on a trial basis. The department recently took possession of one scooter and the mayor will be using another. They are on loan from High Desert Harley-Davidson which hopes to raise public awareness and promote the use of these vehicles. The scooters have a 35-55 mile range on a single charge and use a standard 110/220-volt power outlet.
Source: http://www.idahostatesman.com/165/story/592711.html
Myrtle Beach, SC - Although a request for an immediate injunction against the city’s recently-enacted helmet and noise ordinances has failed a local couple’s lawsuit will be allowed to proceed. The state’s current helmet law allows anyone 21 years of age or older to choose whether to wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle, while the city law requires anyone riding within city limits to wear a helmet. In a related matter, a new city law requiring an EPA label on exhaust systems is said to be in conflict with the state law and therefore may be unconstitutional.
Source: http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/news/local/story/695402.html
Austin, TX - The Texas Department of Transportation has launched a new web site that provides an opportunity for motorcyclists to notify department officials of a road hazard. The web site also lists the response that the motorcyclist should expect from such a notification. To visit, go to http://www.txdot.gov/; click on “Safety”, then “Traffic Safety Tips”, then “Motorcycles”.
The Tahoe National Forest is currently proposing the closure of over 2,400 miles of existing forest roads & trails, which are vital for recreation as well as access for management to promote forest health. These trails lead to vistas, scenic byways, secluded lakes, creeks and primitive camping. None of these trails have been proven to affect water quality, habitats, or plants.
This campaign is supported by Save The Trails, Friends of Forest Hills OHV Trails, Friends of Tahoe Forest Access, Nevada County Woods Riders, Friends of the High Lakes, The Rubicon Trail Foundation, California Off Road Vehicle Association (CORVA), the California Association of Four Wheel Drive Clubs (Cal4WD) and others. Visit their letter generator at http://www.savethetrails.us/Default.aspx?PetitionID=22 to make your voice heard.
Five new miles of single-track trails have just been opened on the Buffalo Mountain Trail System, with another 15 miles slated for completion by the end of the year. These additions bring the total trail mileage of Buffalo Mountain to more than 70 miles. It also means that Buffalo Mountain now has the most single-track trail mileage in the Hatfield-McCoy Trail System. The trail system also played host to the first annual Fisher’s ATV Reunion.
Canada - Motorcyclists across Canada are outraged to learn of Private Members Bill 117 that would amend the Ontario Highway Traffic Act to make it illegal for anyone to operate a motorcycle with a passenger who is under 14 years of age. The bill was introduced by Helena Jaczek, a Member of the Provincial Parliament (MPP), who feels that there is enough risk to merit such a law, but others disagree.
The Canada Safety Council, a national, charitable organization that promotes safety in all areas of Canadian life, and sponsors more motorcycle rider training than any other Canadian organization, says that there is simply no information to warrant such a ban. Go to http://www.motorcycling.ca/ for more information on this proposal.
Brussels - ACEM (Association des Constructeurs Européens de Motocycles), the motorcycle industry in Europe, recently presented its strategy to shape the future of motorcycling. On the occasion of its 5th Annual Conference, ACEM outlined an extensive set of measures ensuring that the motorcycles and scooters of tomorrow will be both cleaner and safer.
The European motorcycle and moped market has been growing constantly over the last six years, mainly pushed by an increased mobility demand in European cities. In spite of the looming economic recession, which is expected to also affect the motorcycle and scooter market, ACEM members believe the time is right to commit to new environmental objectives, to maximize the market opportunities and further promoting the motorcycle with authorities as a mobility alternative, in particular in the urban context.
A new organization has been formed by the major manufacturers and distributors of recreational off-highway vehicles (ROVs) to promote their safe and responsible use. The Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association (ROHVA) received American National Standards Institute (ANSI) accreditation on November 3, 2008 to develop a standard for the equipment, configuration and performance requirements of ROVs. In addition, ROHVA has published Safety Rules for these increasingly popular off-highway vehicles.
An ROV, sometimes broadly referred to as a “side-by-side” or “Utility Type Vehicle” (UTV), is a motorized off-highway vehicle designed to travel on four or more non-highway tires, with a steering wheel, non-straddle seating, seat belts, an occupant protective structure, and engine displacement up to 1,000cc.
For further details visit www.rohva.org.
O. L. “Leff” Moore has been posthumously awarded the 2008 Hulet Hornbeck Award by American Trails. Mr. Moore was the “father” of the Hatfield-McCoy Recreation Area. He was the co-organizer and energizer of the original development effort. No one has contributed more to the realization of the Hatfield-McCoy Recreation Area than Mr. Moore, who passed away in the spring of 2004.
The Hatfield-McCoy Trail System is a developing 2,000-mile motorized trail system (500+ miles presently developed) in southern West Virginia that generates more than 100,000 user days a year (as of 2007) and over $800,000 in permit fees. Through the creation of an extensive public-private partnership, the public trails are located on the vast tracts of corporate-owned land in the nine-county project area. The trails are professionally designed and managed to provide a unique experience for off-highway motorcycle and all-terrain vehicle riders. In addition, equestrians, mountain bicyclists, hikers, and other trail users have also utilized the trail system. The Hatfield-McCoy Trail System has put southern West Virginia on the map as a highly desirable tourism destination, boosting the region’s economy. The total economic impact of the Hatfield-McCoy Trail System in 2005 was an increase in output of $7,776,116, an increase in income of $2,789,036 and the generation of 146 new jobs.
Mr. Moore was a native West Virginian born in Putnam County. He was a graduate of Winfield High School and attended West Virginia State College. He was a well-respected advocate for the recreational vehicle industry and the safe operation of recreational vehicles, most notably ATV’s, representing local, state and national interests in his role as executive director of the West Virginia Recreational Vehicle Association.
Chris McNeil, the statewide Trails Safety and Education Coordinator for the Wyoming State Trails Program, has been recognized as the 2008 State of the Art Technology Award winner by American Trails at their recent National Trails Symposium held in Little Rock, Arkansas.
McNeil received this award for his ATV Safety Simulator. The device hydraulically simulates angular movements of an ATV traveling uphill, downhill, transverse hills left and right, cornering, or a combination of movements, and has proven to be a popular tool with new riders. Along with riding skills, all elements of pre-riding safety (proper safety gear, weight vs. machine size, fit, hazards of riding double, etc.) are emphasized. Land use ethics training is also a big part of the materials presented. For the full press release, visit http://www.AmericanTrails.org/.
The 18th annual Ride to Work Day has been moved to June 15, 2009, the third Monday of the month. The Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) has endorsed this day, and is promoting the ‘Third Monday in June’ worldwide as the annual Ride to Work Day. For questions and further information, please visit http://www.ridetowork.org.
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Posted by illinoisbiker
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (December 23, 2008) – The rules and regulations for the 2009 AMA Pro Racing Flat Track season were released earlier this week from AMA Pro Racing headquarters in Daytona Beach.
The entire 45-page rules document can be downloaded directly at http://www.amaproracing.com/competition.cfm. The 2009 AMA Pro Flat Track calendar will kick off at Municipal Stadium in Daytona Beach, March 4 – 5, as part of AMA Pro Racing’s season opening weekend of competition at the “World Center of Racing.”
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Posted by illinoisbiker
Our good friends, Jim and Cat Hawk invited us over for Xmas Day Dinner and spent the whole day having good conversation and food. Probably drank more coffee than I am used to, but it was an excellent day. Cat has a 89 Vulcan 1500 now that they bought for her and are in the process of fixing it up and getting it running right. It is a fixer-upper that has some “blemishes” including a big dent in the tank, but that’s only used to hold the fuel, so if it doesn’t leak, it works for its purpose. Jim and Cat have Hawk’s Tattoos in Galesburg, IL and are long-time friends.
Hawk riding Ed's bike into the shop where they are both ink artists.2007
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Posted by illinoisbiker
Click HERE to go to a list of the new laws taking effect in Illinois on January 1, 2009.
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Posted by illinoisbiker
News Brief: 2009 Indian Chief Motorcycles delivered to dealer network
Kings Mountain, NC—The long-anticipated introduction of the all-new 2009 Indian Chief motorcycle
has arrived. After almost five years of investment, product development, testing, and dealer
development, Indian Motorcycle is pleased to announce that the first shipment of limited production
2009 Indian Chiefs has been shipped to seven dealerships across the nation. Indian Motorcycle
accessories, apparel and gifts are also available.
Founded in 1901, the legendary Indian brand remains America’s first motorcycle. Chairman
Stephen Julius and President Steve Heese have orchestrated the re-launch of Indian. Under
General Manager Chris Bernauer, the Indian Motorcycle team has delivered a line of powerful
machines that are worthy of the Indian Motorcycle name.
Stephen Julius said the following in response to this remarkable achievement “We have reached
an incredible milestone in the history of Indian Motorcycle. Indian Motorcycle is once again a
premium motorcycle manufacturer dedicated to engineering and styling excellence. We have
assembled a dynamic team, developed an outstanding product, and are selling motorcycles in
beautifully branded Indian showrooms.”
At present, Indian Motorcycle dealers are open for business in Charlotte, N.C., Paducah, Ky.,
Omaha, Neb., Detroit, Mich., Phoenix, Ariz., Wichita, Kan., and Pittsburgh, Pa. Many more
dealerships will be opening in top markets by July of 2009. Production of the 2009 Indian Chief is
limited to 750 units. You can also see the Indian Motorcycle event truck, entire line up of
motorcycles, accessories, and apparel at Daytona Bike Week this spring. For more information on
the motorcycles, dealership openings, apparel, and events visit www.indianmotorcycle.com
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Posted by illinoisbiker
Illinois 96th Legislature now in session and filing BILLS
If you want to see some I have reviewed and think noteworthy click HERE
One bill I find maybe of interest is this one. It is too late to help the Justice for several bikers in the area killed by teenage drivers, but we have to get something that fits the crime of careless killing of another human with a 2 ton tank. This would make the inattentive drivers responsible for their murder of someone by vehicle:
HB0073-NEGLIGENT VEH HOMICIDE,DRIVING- Synopsis As Introduced
Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code. Provides that the Secretary of State shall immediately revoke the license, permit, or driving privileges of any driver upon receiving a report of the driver’s conviction of negligent vehicular homicide or aggravated negligent driving. Creates the offense of aggravated negligent driving. Provides that a person commits the offense if the person’s negligent operation of a motor vehicle is the proximate cause of a motor vehicle accident that results in a type A injury to another or property damage of another in excess of $1,500. Provides that a violation is a Class A misdemeanor. Amends the Criminal Code of 1961. Creates the offense of negligent vehicular homicide. Provides that a person commits the offense if the person’s negligent operation of a motor vehicle is the proximate cause of the death of another person. Provides that a violation is a Class 4 felony.
House Sponsors
Rep. William B. Black – John D’Amico
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Posted by illinoisbiker
Please click on the following NHTSA Campaign ID links to view the recall information.
NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 09V002
MAKE / MODEL YEARS :
SUBJECT : IGNITION SWITCH
Thank you,
Recalls Subscription Team
Office of Defects Investigation (ODI)
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)
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Posted by illinoisbiker
To see all the News & Notes text click on this: AMA News
The AMA will celebrate its 85th anniversary year in 2009 with a number of activities and events, culminating with AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, July 24-26, at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio. AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, the proceeds of which benefit the AMA’s Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, has grown to become America’s grandest celebration of motorcycling heritage, and features numerous activities inspired by all eras. In addition to activities tied to the AMA’s 85th anniversary, the weekend will be loaded with highlights, including the world’s largest motorcycle swap meet, demo rides of current production bikes, motorcycling seminars, bike shows, stunt shows, the new product Manufacturers’ Midway, club corrals that feature both marque and regional clubs, and guided rides through the rolling Ohio countryside.
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Posted by illinoisbiker
Just sitting here watching the TV at 10:38 AM CST, the inauguration. I think many people may be surprised that any change is going to take a while to see. Unlike Randy Marsh, of the South Park show, It won’t happen overnight. There’s too many things wrong.
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Posted by illinoisbiker
MRF E-MAIL NEWS Motorcycle Riders Foundation 236 Massachusetts Ave. NE Suite 510 Washington, DC 20002-4980 202-546-0983 (voice) 202-546-0986 (fax) http://www.mrf.org (website) For Immediate Release 19 January 2009 Contact: Jeff Hennie, Vice President of Government Relations (MRF) Email: jeff@mrf.org ABATE of New York Opposes New York City Int. No. 416-A FROM: Timothy D. Werder, ABATE of New York State President DATE: January 10, 2009 Following a December 29th meeting with New York City Council Member Alan Gerson (1st District) to discuss proposed Local Law Int. No. 416-A, which he sponsored, ABATE of New York, Inc. reiterates its strong opposition to this legislation, however well intended, that will potentially make unavailable non-stock exhaust systems that conform to current sound level standards, due to cost & availability issues, and production & equipment-related concerns. There is the severe potential of wide-ranging negative results of this legislation passing. If a motorcycle owner is fearful that a stock or stock equivalent exhaust will be unavailable in the future, then the owner is more likely to remove and store the stock exhaust for future use. A chosen replacement exhaust may meet legislated sound levels, but not be legal due to stamping requirements. Also, there are a number of motorcycles for which stock replacement and stock equivalent exhausts are already not available. Owners of many of those motorcycles must seek out exhaust systems from custom manufacturers, many of whom are not large enough to be able to afford EPA certification. Additionally, examples are readily available of current, stock vehicles that do not meet the stamping requirement sitting on showroom floors and in owner’s garages. These vehicles have not been modified in any way, meet the current legislated sound levels, and are being legally operated on the highways. Lastly, ABATE of New York, Inc. vehemently opposes the discriminatory tactic of targeting only motorcyclists when there are numerous other sound-level violators on the streets. It is far better to enforce the existing sound level requirements across-the-board, than to pass this onerous legislation. ABATE of New York was established in 1974, and incorporated in 1991 as a 501c4 not-for-profit corporation representing the rights of all New York State motorcyclists. For further information, contact ABATE of New York, Inc. at the above address, or: Susan Long, Public Relations Officer 585-255-0103 or George Gorman, State Legislative Officer 585-293-2086
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Posted by illinoisbiker
We went to Gardner KS last August to torture my son on turning 40. My daughter in law posted this picture on her facebook page this week. I hadn’t seen it till then and its the best picture of us since the one where we took a ride on the 84 Venture Royale on January 1, 2000, which I had to paste as we took turns taking the pictures of each other. Thanks Lisa for the picture!
Leave a Comment » | Riding | Permalink
Posted by illinoisbiker
For Immediate Release 20 January 2009 Contact: Jeff Hennie, Vice President of Government Relations (MRF) Email: jeff@mrf.org Washington Update The National Academies Transportation Research Board (TRB) held its annual meeting in Washington DC recently. The annual meeting is attended by tens of thousands of transportation experts in every field imaginable and the 300-page itinerary is a testament to the robust nature of the meeting and the TRB itself. Of note to motorcyclists were several sessions aimed at specific areas of motorcycle safety and research as well as a meeting of ANF-30, the Motorcycle and Moped Committee of the TRB. The committee, chaired by Steve Garets from the University of Oregon, had perhaps its most packed agenda of the past few years, and the TRB meeting in general had more motorcycle-specific sessions as well. The current Vice President of Government Relations for the MRF has a seat on the ANF-30 committee. The first session was a "human factor" workshop aimed at generating research ideas to the scientific and university community. Some topics mentioned were the aging community and motorcycling, eye tracking research, conspicuity, anti-lock brakes and exposure. The committee meeting was a diverse group with representatives from Canada and as far away as Australia, as well as I industry, government agencies and law enforcement. The committee agreed that it makes sense to join up with the roadside barrier committee next year to explore how to make barriers more motorcycle-friendly, considering that motorcyclists make up 42% of all fatal guardrail collisions. The Motorcycle Industry Council gave a glimpse into the owner survey they conduct every five years and some interesting insights were shared. Some of which are; the median age of a motorcycle owner has risen from 32 in 1990 to 42 in 2008, the average income of motorcycle owners continues to be above the national average, 29% more woman owners than in 2003 and perhaps the most staggering was that women purchased 39% of all new units in 2008. The full report will be available to MIC members shortly. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave a brief, but predictable report on their studies that explore ABS systems (they work!) and one that explores the "damageability" of specific motorcycles. Clearly tired of paying expensive repairs for damage that is the same no matter if involved in a high speed motorcycle crash or just tipping while parked. This study will undoubtedly rate motorcycles on their sturdiness so expect to pay more for your insurance depending where your bike rates on this forth-coming list. Another session of presentations gave some interesting insight into what is happening in Australia, mainly the differences between the US riding community and the Aussies. A quick breakdown of some key categories of fatal crashes: Category USA Australia No Helmet 42% 10% Speeding 58% 37% No License 25% 20% Alcohol 27% 38% A presentation on the effectiveness of Rider Education proved, well, nothing. The results were inconclusive if rider education was effective. This was not an actual study but rather a review of already published literature. Some interesting points were made, both for rider ed and against it. Some argue that those who take a rider ed course are predetermined to be safer and ride with more caution resulting in less crashes of trained riders. Another view was that those who take rider ed are not as good naturally at motorcycling and therefore will result in more crashed of trained riders. On another note this was the last meeting of ANF-30 that will be presided over by Steve Garets. Garets has received a promotion of sorts to serve on the TRB's System User Groups Executive Board. Garets will now make his wealth of motorcycle knowledge available to the TRB Executive Board and no longer be confined to the restraints of ANF-30. Congratulations to Steve on this high honor. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration NHTSA held a meeting on the heels of the TRB meeting while the transportation community was in DC. The regularly scheduled meeting was attended by all of the usual suspects : SMSA, MIC, MRF, AMA, and the TRB folks. Some noteworthy news from the meeting about the much anticipated crash study was shared. The pilot study to the full study has begun and has already investigated 12 motorcycle crashes in the first month. The pilot has a charter of 37 crashes or 3 months, whichever comes first. The pilot study is crucial because it will give a sense of the cost to investigate each crash which will be used to determine the cost of the full study. Some say that the full study could come with a price tag of $9 million - that is $6 million more than originally estimated. The pilot is being run by NHTSA and the full study will be run by FHWA. Recall alerts NHTSA has launched a new website where you can subscribe to vehicle specific recall alerts. You can subscribe to the motorcycle alerts and every time a recall is issued, the Feds will email you. Visit www.nhtsa.gov for more info. Fair Trade You may recall reading in a previous report that the United States Trade Representative (USTR) was considering doubling the price of European motorcycles imported into the USA in order to retaliate against the European Communities ban on importing US beef products. The MRF is pleased to announce that the office of the USTR has dropped motorcycles from the items subject to the price hike.
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Posted by illinoisbiker
For Immediate Release 21 January 2009 Contact: Michael "Boz" Kerr, Vice President, MRF Email: boz@mrf.org MRF ASKS FOR SUPPORT OF RAY LAHOOD The Motorcycle Riders Foundation would like to encourage its members, the motorcycling community and all concerned Americans to join us in support of Ray LaHood, the designated nominee for Secretary of Transportation. We ask that you join us in our efforts of supporting this nomination by calling your own United States Senator and ask them to vote YES to confirm the nomination of Mr. LaHood. Ray LaHood served in the Congress from 1995 until 2008 as the representative from the 18th District of Illinois. His record on motorcycle issues during his tenure was outstanding. ABATE of Illinois considered him to be one of their best friends and allies in Congress. He has even been named a MRF Champion of Motorcycle Rights & Safety in the past. He has consistently supported legislation that would close the HIPAA insurance discrimination loophole that could deny motorcyclists insurance payments. He stood fast against efforts that would punish states for keeping helmet use voluntary. While serving on the House Committee of Transportation and Infrastructure, he was key in seeing that language allowing motorcycle access to all highways that were constructed or maintained using federal funds was included in the interstate funding act. When calling you Senators it may be worth mentioning that Ray LaHood: * Consistently worked in a bi-partisan manner while serving in congress. * Is respected for his fairness by Democrats and Republicans alike. * Is well versed on transportation issues (having served on the Transportation and Infrastructure committee during the authorization of TEA21). * Has good relations with both organized labor and the business community. * Having served a diverse congressional district, Mr. LaHood understand the transportation concerns of Americans living in urban, sub-urban, small and medium sized town and rural areas. Please call (or e-mail) your United States Senators today and ask them to confirm Ray LaHood as Secretary of Transportation. A vote on his confirmation by the Senate will imminent in the coming days following his confirmation hearing today with Commerce Committee. You can find Senate contact information on the web at: www.senate.gov or by calling (202) 224-3121.
Leave a Comment » | Motorcycle Riders Foundation | Permalink
Posted by illinoisbiker
NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 09V022
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Leave a Comment » | Chain Noise | Permalink
Posted by illinoisbiker
For Immediate Release Contact: Jeff Hennie, Vice President of Government Relations Email: jeff@mrf.org 30 January, 2009 The Motorcycle Riders Foundation reports on the jurisdiction, agenda and member makeup of the US House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. This Committee has many scopes of interest including waterways and marine affairs, postal buildings, and the US Capitol grounds and building, but most importantly to motorcyclists are the areas listed below. 1. Constructions or maintenance of roads and post roads; 2. Related transportation regulatory agencies (except the Transportation Security Administration); 3. Roads and the safety thereof; how does this differ from #1? Could be clearer. 4. Transportation, including civil aviation, railroads, water transportation, transportation safety (except automobile safety and transportation security functions of the Department of Homeland Security), transportation infrastructure, transportation labor, and railroad retirement and unemployment (except revenue measures related thereto). Also of great importance is that this is the committee that will draft the next version of the highway bill. This is the bill that has fueled motorcycle safety funding, the creation of the Federal Highway Motorcycle Advisory Council and the NHTSA lobby ban. On the other side, this bill has also been used as a vehicle for mandatory state helmet laws by withholding highway construction funds where states did not have mandatory helmet laws in place. The current (111th) Congress will begin to address this massive piece of legislation, and it is imperative that the Motorcycle Riders Foundation have the support of the State Motorcycle Rights Organizations and their members as we begin to work with the Congress. Below is a list of current committee members; should you see someone on this list from your state, expect to be contacted by the MRF as we move forward working with the Congress on creating a motorcyclist friendly highway bill. James L. Oberstar, Minnesota, Chairman Democrats * Nick J. Rahall, II, West Virginia * Peter A. DeFazio, Oregon * Jerry F. Costello, Illinois * Eleanor Holmes Norton, District of Columbia * Jerrold Nadler, New York * Corrine Brown, Florida * Bob Filner, California * Eddie Bernice Johnson, Texas * Gene Taylor, Mississippi * Elijah E. Cummings, Maryland * Ellen O. Tauscher, California * Leonard L. Boswell, Iowa * Tim Holden, Pennsylvania * Brian Baird, Washington * Rick Larsen, Washington * Michael E. Capuano, Massachusetts * Timothy H. Bishop, New York * Michael H. Michaud, Maine * Russ Carnahan, Missouri * Grace F. Napolitano, California * Daniel Lipinski, Illinois * Mazie K. Hirono, Hawaii * Jason Altmire, Pennsylvania * Timothy J. Walz, Minnesota * Heath Shuler, North Carolina * Michael A. Arcuri, New York * Harry E. Mitchell, Arizona * Christopher P. Carney, Pennsylvania * John J. Hall, New York * Steve Kagen, Wisconsin * Steve Cohen, Tennessee * Laura Richardson, California * Albio Sires, New Jersey * Donna F. Edwards, Maryland * Solomon P. Ortiz, Texas * Phil Hare, Illinois * John A. Boccieri, Ohio * Mark H. Schauer, Michigan * Betsy Markey, Colorado * Parker Griffith, Alabama * Michael E. McMahon, New York * Thomas S.P. Perriello, Virginia * Dina Titus, Nevada * Harry Teague, New Mexico Republicans * John L. Mica, Florida, Ranking Republican Member * Don Young, Alaska * Thomas E. Petri, Wisconsin * Howard Coble, North Carolina * John J. Duncan, Jr., Tennessee * Vernon J. Ehlers, Michigan * Frank A. LoBiondo, New Jersey * Jerry Moran, Kansas * Gary G. Miller, California * Henry E. Brown, South Carolina * Timothy V. Johnson, Illinois * Todd Russell Platts, Pennsylvania * Sam Graves, Missouri * Bill Shuster, Pennsylvania * John Boozman, Arkansas * Shelley Moore Capito, West Virginia * Jim Gerlach, Pennsylvania * Mario Diaz-Balart,Florida * Charles W. Dent, Pennsylvania * Connie Mack, Florida * Lynn A. Westmoreland, Georgia * Jean Schmidt, Ohio * Candice S. Miller, Michigan * Mary Fallin, Oklahoma * Vern Buchanan, Florida * Robert E. Latta, Ohio * Brett Guthrie, Kentucky * Anh "Joseph" Cao, Louisiana * Aaron Schock, Illinois * Pete Olson, Tex Corrections: In a previous release Steve Garets was incorrectly identified as a faculty member of the University of Oregon. Garets is a staff member of Oregon State. Our apologies for confusing the OSU Beavers with the U of O Ducks. In the same release the NHTSA quarterly meeting was summarized. In that summary was a list of meeting attendees. Mistakenly left off that list was ASMI or Accident Scene Management Inc., who has been sending a representative to the quarterly motorcycle safety meeting. To learn more about them visit http://www.accidentscene.org/
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Posted by illinoisbiker
Vehicle Make / Model: APRILIA / SCARABEO 100
Model Year(s): 2008-2009
Manufacturer: PIAGGIO USA, INC.
Mfr’s Report Date: JAN 20, 2009
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 09V033000
NHTSA Action Number: N/A
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE DELIVERY: HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Potential Number of Units Affected: 740
NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 09V033
Leave a Comment » | Chain Noise | Permalink
Posted by illinoisbiker
NHTSA Campaign ID Number: 09T003
Synopsis:
Pirelli Tire, LLC is recalling certain Metzeler ME880 Marathon motorcycle tires, sizes 13/90 B16 M/C TL 73H and 140/90 B16 M/C TL 77H, manufactured between June 22 and September 13, 2008. These tires were stamped with incorrect load range and inflation pressure information which fails to conform to the labeling requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 119, “New Pneumatic Tires for Motor Vehicles with a GVWR of more than 4,536 kilograms (10,000 pounds) and Motorcycles.” The purpose of this standard is to provide safe operational performance levels. Metzeler will notify owners and replace the noncompliant tires free of charge. The recall began on November 18, 2008. Owners may contact Metzeler Consumer Affairs at 1-877-202-4993. For more information for this particular recall, please go to 09T003.
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Posted by illinoisbiker
MRF E-MAIL NEWS
Motorcycle Riders Foundation
236 Massachusetts Ave. NE, Suite 510
P.O. Box 1808
Washington, DC 20013-1808
202-546-0983 (voice)
202-546-0986 (fax)
MRF website
For Immediate Release
09 February 2009
Contact: Jeff Hennie,
Vice President of Government Relations (MRF)
Email: jeff@mrf.org
New York City Noise Law Update
As previously reported by the Motorcycle Riders Foundation, the New York City (NYC) Council is considering a new motorcycle-specific noise law. Several iterations of the proposed law (previously referred to as Introduction 416-A) have been floated by the primary proponent, council member Alan Gerson. The motorcyclists of NYC, however, have voiced strong opposition to these proposals.
As of now, Introduction 416-A is not any more agreeable, but some conditions have been compromised. The original form of the bill called for the ticketing and towing of any motorcycle “parked, stopped, or standing on the streets of NYC not displaying an EPA-approved label on the exhaust system”. After the motorcycle activists of NYC contacted Councilmember Gerson, the bill was pulled and a redraft is now underway.
This new version of 416-A removes the immediate towing upon first infraction, but leaves in the $500.00 – $1000.00 fines. The second infraction would carry a $1500.00 fine and possible confiscation (the legislation is unclear here), and the third infraction would call for a $2500.00 fine and confiscation of the motorcycle.
Nancy Ortiz, a community motorcycle activist and constituent of Councilmember Gerson, had this to say about the current proposals, “This proposed legislation is egregious and out-of-step with current state law. The fines are above what are currently in place for all four-wheeled vehicles.” She went on to add “We would like to see something along the lines of the California law that gives vehicle owners a grace period to bring the vehicle into compliance before the fine is issued.”
Nancy Ortiz is the founder of a motorcycle ride that benefits Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). More info can be found at www.myspace.com/run4aiden.
Currently, the NYC motorcyclists are organizing meetings with NYC and NY state legislative leadership, in which they have invited ABATE of NY and the MRF to participate. At this point, the legislation is tentatively slated to be heard on February 25, 2009.
A meeting with the state senate majority leader and house majority leader is also in the planning stages. This meeting will be attended by MRF, AMA, ABATE of NY, and many NYC motorcycle activists. The meeting is to address motorcycling issues affecting Empire State motorcyclists such as (but not limited to) rider education funding, the roadside “safety” inspections of motorcyclists, and the use of HOV lanes by motorcyclists.
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Posted by illinoisbiker
Copyright 2009
American Motorcyclist Association
March 2009
News & Notes is a monthly publication compiled and edited by the AMA’s Government Relations Department. Designed to inform motorcyclists of ‘rights’-related issues and events around the world, we welcome your news & views. Suggestions and contributions can be sent to Sheila Andrews, Legislative Assistant, American Motorcyclist Association, by e-mail at sandrews@ama-cycle.org
*************************
Omnibus Public Lands Bill: The U.S. House of Representatives could vote as early as next week on a wide-ranging bill that could shut off-highway motorcyclists and all-terrain vehicle riders out of more than 2 million acres of public land. The measure, Senate Bill 22, also known as the Omnibus Public Lands Bill, is actually a package of more than 160 bills that were melded together to create a single bill of more than 1,300 pages in length.
Every AMA member, off-highway motorcyclist, ATV rider and everyone who supports responsible outdoor recreation is urged to immediately contact their Congressional representative and ask them to reject this bill. The measure should be defeated because it unreasonably bans motorized recreation on 2.1 million acres of public land and inappropriately designates it as Wilderness. Also the procedure used for fast-tracking this bill through the U.S. Senate and House violates the spirit of open and democratic government. For the full release and a link to a rapid response letter on this issue go to: http://www.amadirectlink.com/news/story.asp?id=592
An interview series with the AMA’s President and CEO Rob Dingman has been posted to the AMA’s website. In it he discusses the challenges, and opportunities, that lie ahead for the motorcycling community. In the first of the three-part series, Dingman discusses how the AMA and the AMA’s sister organization the ATVA (All-Terrain Vehicle Association) are fighting to preserve OHV (off-highway vehicle) access to America’s public lands. Part two discusses the challenge of excessive sound, and part three (to be released Feb. 11) explains the AMA’s comprehensive approach to rider safety, helmet laws and rider education To see the full text of the interviews, go to: www.AmericanMotorcyclist.com and select News.
Motorcycle tariff taken off table in beef trade dispute. The U.S. trade representative has decided against imposing any tariffs on certain motorcycles imported from Europe in a trade dispute over beef. The AMA, its members, the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC), individual manufacturers, dealers, and others had contacted the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative opposing the idea of possibly imposing a 100 percent import duty on certain European goods — including motorcycles with engine displacements between 51cc and 500cc.
The proposal was put together in retaliation to the 27-member European Union’s continuing import ban on American beef treated with growth hormones. EU officials haven’t lifted that 20-year-old ban despite a World Trade Organization order to end it.
Source: http://www.amadirectlink.com/news/story.asp?id=564
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is soliciting funds from state departments of transportation to help fuel the Motorcycle Crash Causation Study. The Transportation Pooled Fund Program is an opportunity to augment federal initiatives by requesting additional monies from states that may have a surplus in certain budget areas. A request is made to the program when researchers find themselves unable to undertake a study because of financial restrictions.
The FHWA is requesting states to contribute a minimum of $15,000 per year for three years with the desired level of funding at $50,000 per year for three years. The total required commitment from states is $1.5 million. New York and Texas have already promised a total of $225,000, but the solicitation closes March 31, 2009.
In an effort to support this initiative, the AMA is asking individuals to request that their local and state transportation officials contribute to the pooled fund. The solicitation details and a description of the Motorcycle Crash Causation Study can be found at www.pooledfund.org, solicitation number 1221.
New York and Pennsylvania recently announced that the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) has been awarded the contract to run these state’s motorcycle safety programs. The MSF programs, which deliver training to more than 100,000 students annually, are also used by the Armed Services to train military personnel worldwide. The MSF is a not-for-profit organization sponsored by BMW, BRP, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Piaggio, Suzuki, Triumph, Victory and Yamaha. For RiderCourseSM locations, call 800.446.9227 or visit www.msf-usa.org.
Stimulus Bill to include tax incentive to purchase electric motorcycles? An effort is underway to include a tax credit for purchasers of electric vehicles. To comment on the provisions and let legislators know whether or not you believe it’s a good idea go to http://action.pluginamerica.org/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=516 to send a letter to your representative.
The AMA recently wrote to the New Hampshire House Transportation Committee in opposition to the proposed on-highway motorcycle exhaust system legislation, House Bill 95. A update on the legislature’s website indicates that the bill is “inexpedient to legislate.” Quoting from the February 6 House Record: “This bill would create an economic hardship on motorcycle riders and also on the State of New Hampshire with loss of millions on this summer event in the Lakes Region. Also, the bill prohibits adding after market equipment in one place and in another place it mandates adding the after market equipment.”
The Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) also weighed in and requested the proposal be delayed until early spring when a new stationary sound test procedure for on-highway motorcycles will be available. This test procedure, SAE J2825, is currently being finalized and will provide a quick, easy, economical, and science-based tool for accurately identifying motorcycles with excessively loud exhaust systems.
Source: http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/house/caljourns/calendars/2009/houcal2009_11.html
Saint Paul, MN: Trail-based recreation enthusiasts welcomed a recent court decision rejecting the Sierra Club’s challenge to the 2004 Revised Superior National Forest Plan. The All Terrain Vehicle Association of Minnesota (ATVAM), along with the BlueRibbon Coalition (BRC), both recreation advocacy groups, intervened in the case on the side of the Forest Service. The lawsuit included challenges to the analysis of potential impacts to the Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness Area, as well as the accuracy of the road and trail inventory used by the Forest Service. The decision ruled in favor of the Forest Service and concluded that the agency had not acted arbitrarily or capriciously in adopting the broad prescriptions of the Revised Forest Plan.
Source: http://www.sharetrails.org/releases/media/?story=629
The National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) Volume 22: A
Guide for Addressing Collisions Involving Motorcycles, has been published by the Transportation Research Board. This guide is part of Report 500- Guidance for Implementation of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Strategic Highway Safety Plan. AASHTO’s goal is to move away from independent activities of engineers, law enforcement, educators, judges and highway safety specialists and toward a more coordinated effort. An electronic version can be found at: http://onlinepubs.trb.org/onlinepubs/nchrp/nchrp_rpt_500v22.pdf
County sues to ensure Camp Rock Road access. San Bernardino County is suing the federal government in hopes of establishing its right-of-way on a road crossing federal land between Lucerne Valley and Daggett. The county is seeking to officially establish its ownership of Camp Rock Road, a county-maintained road that covers about 42 miles between Lucerne Valley and Daggett. In April 2003 the county filed an application with the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for a “recordable disclaimer,” which would establish its right-of-way on the road and give the county a legal record of its ownership. The application has never been processed, so the county is now asking for a court order that would force the BLM to proceed.
Source: http://www.desertdispatch.com/news/county_5313___article.html/road_federal.html
Americans for Responsible Recreational Access (ARRA) recently joined with 25 other recreation groups including the AMA in urging House and Senate leaders to support including $300 million in funding for local trail projects through the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) in the economic-stimulus package being considered for action in early 2009. The additional funding would be separate from and in addition to regular funding authorized for the program.
To view the ARRA letter, go to: http://www.arra-access.com/arra/economic_stimulus_letter.html. RTP projects are ideal for economic stimulus as a distribution system for the funds is already in place. Many are ready for construction immediately. They are typically small scale ($50,000 or less). The RTP leverages federal funds with state, local, private and in-kind matches. To send your own letter, visit http://www.arra-access.com/campaign/advocacy_rtp_stimulus
Powersports Industry is greatly troubled by the new Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) lead levels requirements for children’s products. The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA), scheduled to take effect February 10, was intended to apply to children’s toys but will also apply to smaller ATV’s and motorcycles unless a specific exemption for these products is granted. View the AMA letter outlining its concerns to the CPSC at http://www.amadirectlink.com/news/story.asp?id=595. The agency has a number of rulemaking proposals under way intended to provide guidance on the new lead limit requirements. However, the comment deadline occurs after the Act’s effective date. Visit the CPSC website at www.cpsc.gov for more information.
The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) is trying to improve its website so that residents can access information more easily. The RCO creates and maintains opportunities for recreation (motorized and non-motorized) statewide, protects the best of the state’s wild lands, and contributes to the state’s efforts to recover threatened salmon populations. During the 2005-2007 biennium, the office managed the award of more than $305 million in grants for more than 1,000 projects. Go to http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=SLIz4panYgZN_2bIG9DAJygA_3d_3d to take the survey.
Trail riders are encouraged by a recent decision on the Mississippi National Forest. Motorcyclists and other off-highway-vehicle users are optimistic their voices will be more clearly heard in the on-going development of a U.S. Forest Service plan that outlines the future use of the Mississippi National Forest. In response to an administrative appeal filed by the Memphis Motorcycle Club (MMC) and the BlueRibbon Coalition (BRC) with the support of the AMA, the Forest Service has withdrawn a Travel Management Plan for the Mississippi National Forest. In a statement, the Forest Service said the move would allow the “consideration of additional analysis to be documented in the project record.”
The Forest Service sought to implement the direction of the national 2005 Travel Management Rule, which requires units of the National Forest System to transition to a managed system of vehicle use on designated roads, trails and areas. The September 2008 Mississippi Forests travel plan decision designated approximately 127 miles of roads for off-highway vehicle (OHV) use, as well as approximately 144 miles of motorized trails, but refused to even consider for official designation the hundreds of miles of trails that have previously been created and traveled under prior “open” forest management but never included in the forests’ formal transportation system.
Full release: http://www.amadirectlink.com/news/story.asp?id=587
Copyright 2009, American Motorcyclist Association
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Posted by illinoisbiker
Content Copyright 2009, Motorcycle Riders Foundation
MRF E-MAIL NEWS
Motorcycle Riders Foundation
236 Massachusetts Ave. NE, Suite 510
P.O. Box 1808
Washington, DC 20013-1808
202-546-0983 (voice)
202-546-0986 (fax)
MRF website
For Immediate Release
12 February 2009
Contact: Jeff Hennie,
Vice President of Government Relations (MRF)
Email: jeff@mrf.org
New Hampshire House Bill 95 Fails.
New Hampshire House bill 95 introduced by Representative Day (D-North Hampton) attempts to reduce motorcycle sound by prohibiting any and all motorcycle exhaust system modifications; prohibiting all after-market equipment that replaces the muffler; requiring all motorcycles to be equipped with a tachometer; requiring all motorcycles to measure 95 decibels or less tested at 20 inches from the exhaust system at a 45 degree angle; and would increase the fine to not more than $500 for a violation.
This legislation is opposed by the New Hampshire Motorcycle Rights Organization and the MRF.
The legislation was voted on by the New Hampshire House Transportation Committee last week and was unanimously opposed by the committee and recommended that the bill be ITL (inexpedient to legislate) to the full House. The full House followed the direction of the Committee and dispensed with the bill.
New Hampshire State Senator Bob Letourneau had this to say: “New Hampshire motorcyclists deserve better than what HB 95 would have legislated and I am pleased to see that my colleagues in the House chamber have defeated the measure”. Letourneau is Chairman of the New Hampshire Senate Transportation Committee and a past recipient of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation highest honor, the John “Farmer” Eggers award.
With no mention of helmets, straight pipes or any of the usual motorcycle targets, the legislation doesn’t raise red flags to the average person. However any legislation that bans one form of aftermarket equipment and in the next breath requires aftermarket equipment should be a red flag to anyone.
Perhaps the New Hampshire State House of Representative Republican Leader Sherman Packard summed it up best when he said “In my 35 years fighting for motorcyclists’ rights this is the most anti-motorcycling bill I have seen and I am pleased that the House took appropriate action.”
The MRF applauds the New Hampshire House for standing up for the rights of the motorcyclists of New Hampshire.
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Posted by illinoisbiker
Bill Status of SB1351- VEH CD-MOTORCYCLE HELMETS- Synopsis As Introduced
Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code to require every operator and passenger on a motorcycle, motor driven cycle, or motorized pedalcycle to wear a helmet that meets federal safety standards.
Senate Sponsors
Sen. Donne E. Trotter
Bill Status of HB0925- VEH CD-MOTORCYCLE HELMETS- Synopsis As Introduced
Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code to require every operator and passenger on a motorcycle, motor driven cycle, or motorized pedalcycle to wear a helmet that meets federal safety standards
House Sponsors
Rep. Karen A. Yarbrough
Leave a Comment » | Political | Permalink
Posted by illinoisbiker
I spent about 2 hrs getting the starter button replaced on “Spotty” yesterday afternoon. I was burning trash in the furnace, so I decided to look around in my spare parts and see if I could find a starter or horn button to use, they are the same. I looked through the boxes of wiring harness and cables that came off the 1970 XS1 that had belonged to Tony Vallero. It had set out in the weather several years and the frame rusted out underneath the motor, No good to fix. Sold the motor to Mike Dixon, who races in the Antique Races with a 650. So, to get back to the story, I found the horn/high-low beam handlebar assy with a good button in it.
Looked like things were going along smoothly. I disassembled the unit and got a good button and return spring out. So far so good. In the midst of putting the button/spring into the thin metal bracket that holds the little fiberboard wafer with the starter wire soldered to it, yes, the wire broke off, Well, get out the solder gun and rosin solder and flux. Wait for it to heat up. Tinned the wire end and cleaned the excess off the brass solder spot on the fiberboard. Got the wire soldered back on, ok. As I was initially trying to put the assy in it’s location, secured with a very tiny metric screw, before the wire broke off, I noticed a small spark. Yep, I blew the fuse. The seat had to come off. So I got the assy back on the handlebar and tightened down, put another fuse in the holder, turned the key on, small spark in the fuse panel. I looked around and what did I see? The wires that ran to the “Kill” Switch pinched in between the two halves of the handlebar assy, Damm. I took it back apart again and unscrewed the tiny screws that held the tiny terminals to the “Kill” switch. I put shrink tubing over the pinched areas on the red/white and brown wires and investigated why this had happened. Hmmmm. When I put the little plate back into the botton of the assy, that held the wires for the starter and the headlight on or off selector (only when starting) I failed to put the pinched wires back into the corner of the bracket where they would not be pinched when assembling the two halves. Mannnnn………. Got everything back together and finally in working order and test fired the starter. IT Works! I decided to top off the battery with distilled water while I had the seat off. I also painted the underside of the seat pan while I had it off. With the sissybar on the bike, it is harder to remove the seat as the back of the seat hits the sissybar frame after lifting it about 3-4 inches up on the left side where the seat latch is located. But all in all, a good afternoon.
My friend "Spotty".
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Posted by illinoisbiker
Since I retired after being an officer, specifically Secretary of Central Illinois A.B.A.T.E., Inc. from April 1987 to January 2009, and also had been the ABATE of IL Newsletter Coordinator from December 1991 to June 1999, I was also District 3 Director under the first ABATE of Illinois, which State Director Bill Orce talked me into after I complained enough times about not getting a newsletter. I was in that position from May 1980 to April 1984 when the factory closed and had to find other employment, working on the farm. The gravy train was over. Gale Products was the first to close in this area and all the riding buddies I had worked there. I got a job finally at Wilson Foods in Monmouth in Feb 85, but they closed in May 86. Back on the farm. Started my own business in 87 working on RV’s at the campground my folks owned near Knoxville. It gets pretty lean in the winter!
I have been trying to get things sorted out and make arrangements for the new webmaster for Central, Scooter, to have the website available. I used yahoo as I had the free geocities website to begin with and after the traffic got heavy enough, (they blocked your site from downloading to a specified amount per hour) we went with the small business plan which has way too many email boxes, and way too much space, but space is good if you have pictures to share. But since the issue of someone offering up their credit card to yahoo for billing has not gotten any volunteers , they may have to go to the ABATE of IL server.
Its really hard not to be involved in the social interaction of ABATE, but since I am now in my codger years, it was time for the next generation to step up and learn the jobs while I am still here to answer the questions. Much better than dying in harness and leaving the organization trying to figure out what I did or where certain things are. I still am director of Illinois Motorcyclists Rights Organization, which is a tiny group, but it fulfills my need to be involved in the process. I have been posting the listing of bills that I think average bikers may find interest in.
Part of the process is that I am going though the old photos from the seventies and eighties and scanning them in for posting on the IL Motorcyclists.org website: http://www.ilmotorcyclists.org
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Posted by illinoisbiker
SB1351- VEHICLE CODE-MOTORCYCLE HELMETS-
Public Health Hearing Feb 25 2009 1:00PM
Capitol 212 Springfield, IL
Senate Sponsors
Sen. Donne E. Trotter
HB0925- VEHICLE CODE-MOTORCYCLE HELMETS-
Vehicles & Safety Committee Hearing Feb 25 2009 10:00AM
Capitol Building Room 115 Springfield, IL
House Sponsors
Rep. Karen A. Yarbrough
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Posted by illinoisbiker
NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 09V059
MAKE / MODEL YEARS :
SUBJECT : MUFFLER MOUNT BOLT
| |
Leave a Comment » | NHTSA Recalls | Permalink
Posted by illinoisbiker
Ed Brush of Galesburg, originally from Lewistown, arriving at Central IL ABATE’s Big River Campout. I don’t know what year it is, but its when he had the Yam XS1100 similar to mine that died in the fire last year. Wild and crazy guy. Had an accident on his Vulcan and doesn’t ride now that I know of, but he sends me jokes in emails. Miss riding with him.
This is Gene Newland at Big River year unknown, who grew up in Monmouth and was an early member of District 3, ABATE of Illinois in West Central IL and helped found the Blackhawk ABATE Chapter in Quad Cities in 1987. Gene and his wife Jean have moved to Arkansas to be with Gene’s brother Norm, who had earlier moved there from this area. He still has kids in the area.
This is Kevin Stormer at Big River year unknown, who is originally from Monmouth, and Kevin works in a truck repair shop and I see him once in a while. He also was a District 3 ABATE member. He still has this bike and rides it once in a while. He has picked up a side trade as a saddle maker/repairer as he is into the horse scene.
Leave a Comment » | ABATE | Permalink
Posted by illinoisbiker
SB1351- VEHICLE CODE-MOTORCYCLE HELMETS-
2/25-Last action on Bill and Amendment #1 is Postponed
Amend #1-and is properly fastened under the person’s chin with a chin strap
Feb 26- Public Health Hearing Mar 4 2009 1:00PM Capitol 212 Springfield
Senate Sponsors
Sen. Donne E. Trotter – Heather Steans and Jeffrey M. Schoenberg
HB0925- VEHICLE CODE-MOTORCYCLE HELMETS-
Vehicles & Safety Committee Hearing Feb 25th-no results posted
Feb 26- Vehicles & Safety Committee Hearing Mar 4 2009 10:00AM
Capitol Building Room 115 Springfield, IL
Rep. Karen A. Yarbrough
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Posted by illinoisbiker
Leave a Comment » | Bike Stuff | Permalink
Posted by illinoisbiker
Senate Bill passes out of committee and House bill still sitting in committee
SB1351- VEHICLE CODE-MOTORCYCLE HELMETS-
3/5- Do Pass as Amended Public Health; 006-004-000
Placed on Calendar Order of 2nd Reading March 6, 2009
Senate Sponsors
Sen. Donne E. Trotter - Heather Steans and Jeffrey M. Schoenberg
HB0925- VEHICLE CODE-MOTORCYCLE HELMETS-
Vehicles & Safety Committee Hearing Mar 11 2009 8:30AM
Capitol Building Room 115 Springfield, IL
Rep. Karen A. Yarbrough
Leave a Comment » | ABATE, American Motorcyclist Association, Motorcycle Riders Foundation, Political | Permalink
Posted by illinoisbiker
Went for a ride last Thursday, on “Spotty”. Went to the Galesburg Post Office to check the Mailbox for Illinois Mcy Rights Assoc. Little windy but warm enough so took Main St west to 164 west of town and ended up at Jim & Cathy Hawk’s. Shot the breeze awhile. Cat loaned me a dvd of the Muppet’s Wizard of OZ.
Jim had other company come so I took off cross country to the Monmouth Farm King, went North on US 67 to Gerlaw blacktop and back to Galesburg and then took the Rt 34 bypass to get on I-74. Little motor running nice.
I stopped at the shop and picked up my camera and headed for the place where Kevin Cain has killed by a 16 year-old driver passing a car and hit Kevin head-on. Kevin was on his 2000 Heritage Softail with the Kansas City Painted Tins, a specialty option by H-D. Hawk is drawing the flyer for Central IL ABATEs Just Because run on June 21st that will honor the loss of Kevin. He was returning home from this run last year when he was killed.
It’s a lonely spot on US 150. Just east of the Appleton/Oak Run Corner. Only 4 Miles east of my location. The crash happened right next to the lone tree.
After I took a couple pictures, I continued on to the Williamsfield Cemetary and took pictures of my ancestors headstones and then went on to French grove cemetary for more photos. Spotty ran well all the way. It was a good day for riding.
Leave a Comment » | ABATE, Bike Stuff, Riding | Permalink
Posted by illinoisbiker
NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 09V072
MAKE / MODEL YEARS :
SUBJECT : HEADLIGHT INSPECTION/FMVSS 108
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Posted by illinoisbiker
MRF E-MAIL NEWS Motorcycle Riders Foundation
236 Massachusetts Ave. NE
Suite 510
Washington, DC 20002-4980
202-546-0983 (voice)
202-546-0986 (fax)
http://www.mrf.org (website)
For Immediate Release
11 March 2009
Contact: Jeff Hennie, Vice President of Government Affairs, MRF
Email: jeff@mrf.org
California Senate Bill 35
Beverly Hills Does It Again
A Beverly Hills, California state senator has introduced legislation that
would require motorcycles to participate in the state’s vehicle “smog
check” program. The program was designed to service cars and because of
that motorcycles were exempt “until the Department of Consumer Affairs
implements test procedures applicable to motorcycles” according to
standing state California state law. Senator Fran Pavely (D) is the main
sponsor of the bill which would require all motorcycles beginning with
model year 2000 to be tested starting in 2012.
This bill is problematic for a number of reasons. First off, it provides
for no funding for the development of testing procedures. Secondly, no
funding for the accommodation of the new 1.2 million motorcycles at the
check stations. This will result in a financial burden for the California
government at a time when every penny is already spoken for.
In the MRF’s view, the California state legislature should reconsider this
motion. When the funding is available, it would then seem more feasible to
invest in proper investigatory programs to best determine how to test
motorcycles or if it is even necessary.
Read the bill here:
http://info.sen.ca.gov/pub/09-10/bill/sen/sb_0401-0450/sb_435_bill_20090226_introduced.html
President Obama Announces DOT Official.
Barack Obama has announced that he plans to nominate Roy Kienitz for Under
Secretary of Transportation for Policy, Department of Transportation
BIO
Roy Kienitz is currently the Deputy Chief of Staff for Governor Rendell.
Roy has been a leader on Gov. Rendell’s staff for Transportation,
Alternative Energy, and Environment initiatives since 2003. Prior to his
time in Pennsylvania, Kienitz served as Secretary of the Maryland
Department of Planning. Kienitz has also served as the Executive Director
to the Surface Transportation Policy Project where he was a strong
advocate for innovation in transportation policy.
Kienitz’s prior experience also includes working for Former Senator
Moynihan as Chief of Staff and the U.S. Senate Environment & Public Works
Committee.
Originally from California, Kienitz earned his bachelor’s degree in
Aquatic Biology from the University of California in 1983.
Upon close examination of Kienitz some conflicting ideologies emerge.
Kienitz worked for Senator Daniel Monyihan in the late eighties and early
nineties as the chief of staff for the Senate Environment and Public Works
Committee. That committee, at that time, was responsible for writing the
surface transportation authorization bill (ISTEA) that included the
penalties on states that did not have mandatory helmet laws. Kienitz was
instrumental at the senior staff level in putting those penalties in
place.
However, Kienitz’s most recent post with Governor Rendell puts him in
place at the same time ABATE of PA was modifying the state helmet law.
ABATE of PA has never heard from him or anything that he did to stop the
new law from going into effect.
Which Kienitz will end up in DC to report to DOT Secretary LaHood? That
remains to be seen.
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Posted by illinoisbiker
Leave a Comment » | American Motorcyclist Association, Political | Permalink
Posted by illinoisbiker
Omnibus Public Lands Bill to be Voted on Monday, March 16!
Call your Senators NOW!
Leave a Comment » | American Motorcyclist Association, Political | Permalink
Posted by illinoisbiker
MRF E-MAIL NEWS Motorcycle Riders Foundation
236 Massachusetts Ave. NE
Suite 510
Washington, DC 20002-4980
202-546-0983 (voice)
202-546-0986 (fax)
http://www.mrf.org (website)
For Immediate Release
17 March 2009
Contact: Jeff Hennie, Vice President of Government Affairs, MRF
Email: jeff@mrf.org
HIPAA Update
On Wednesday, March 4, 2009, The United States House of Representatives
Committee on Energy and Commerce passed legislation that would make it
illegal for insurance providers to exploit what is known as the “source of
injury exclusion” loophole; reports the Motorcycle Riders Foundation.
On that day the committee chaired by US Representative Henry Waxman
considered 10 bills that had passed the House with bipartisan support in
the 110th Congress. Under a motion those bills were ordered favorably
reported to the House by unanimous consent.
Under current law, insurance providers can refuse to pay for treatment of
an injury based solely on the source of the injury. Simply by pointing to
the “source of injury” law, no prior notice of possible denial of benefits
for that source of injury is required.
Sources of injury that can be used as a reason by insurance providers to
refuse payment of medical bills include motorcycling, snow skiing, ATVs
and horseback riding.
According to HR 1253, known as the Health Insurance Source of Injury
Clarification Act, if an insurance provider wants to be able to put
limitations on payment for an injury from a specific source they must meet
the following requirements.
* “Make such limitations and restrictions explicit and clear; “
* “If part of a group plan, must be disclosed to plan sponsor in advance
of the point of sale of plan;”
* “The plan sponsor and issuer of health insurance coverage provide a
description that is easily understandable to the participant prior to
enrollment.”
To summarize the legalese, your health insurance provider can limit
payment for an injury sustained on a motorcycle so long as it is spelled
out to you in simple terms well in advance of you joining the plan.
Closing the loophole entirely and mandating that insurance companies must
cover all injuries sustained while operating a legal motorcycle is still
the ultimate goal of the MRF. HR 1253 puts Congress on record that this
issue needs attention and is willing to work on it. The MRF will continue
to keep you updated on this important matter.
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MRF NEWS Motorcycle Riders Foundation
236 Massachusetts Ave. NE
Suite 510
Washington, DC 20002-4980
202-546-0983 (voice)
202-546-0986 (fax)
http://www.mrf.org (website)
For Immediate Release
18 March 2009
Contact: Michael “Boz” Kerr, Vice President, MRF
Email: boz@mrf.org
Bikers Inside The Beltway Date Announcement Delayed
The MRF is aware of, and gratified by, the interest in the event we are
calling Bikers inside the Beltway. We are also mindful of the fact that we
said we would announce the date in early March. Well, here we are and we
still don’t have a firm date.
We keep hoping that we can announce the date, but with the clock ticking
it is time to offer an explanation.
Since the new Congress went into session, the Motorcycle Riders Foundation
has been working with United States Representative Judy Biggert (R – Il)
and her staff to secure a site on the Capitol grounds for our event.
Due to unannounced changes in the rules to hold such an event (made by the
Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi), which went into effect this year, we
have had to negotiate with officials of the Capitol. Because of the huge
workload that occurs when a new Congress begins, our request was delayed.
This is something that is entirely beyond our control.
Because of the rule changes, in all likelihood there will be some
adjustments to be made on our part. We just can’t say exactly what at the
present time.
In the last several weeks – working with the Sergeant of Arms of the House
of Representatives – a spot in the Capitol complex came into
consideration. While smaller than we would like, we have made a request to
obtain it. That request is currently under review. We are just waiting
for confirmation from that office and we will announce the date. We have
every reason to believe that we will receive official confirmation soon.
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Take Action
Omnibus Public Lands Bill to be Voted on Tomorrow!
The American Motorcyclist Association urges everyone to contact their Representative to vote “No” on the rule and on the final passage of H.R. 146, the Revolutionary War and War of 1812 Battlefield Acquisition Grant Program. This bill was formerly known as S. 22, the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009, which would prohibit all motorized vehicle access on over 2 million acres of public lands.
As you may know, S. 22 was defeated two weeks ago, on March 11, in the U.S. House of Representatives. Following defeat of the bill, the U.S. Senate leadership, using a little known parliamentary procedure, considered H.R. 146, inserting the language from S. 22, and passed the bill on March 19 by a vote of 77 to 20.
Now H.R. 146 is back for consideration in the U.S. House of Representatives and consists of a daunting collection of more than 160 pieces of legislation in over 1300 pages of text. It is because of this that, for parliamentary reasons, the House Leadership wants to consider H.R. 146 under regular order. This would mean that the bill needs only a simple majority to pass. In order for this bill to be considered under regular order, the U.S. House must first pass a rule.
Therefore, in order to help preserve your access to vital public lands, everyone needs to contact their Representative and urge them to first vote “No” on the rule regarding H.R. 146. Then they must also be asked to vote “No” on the final passage of H.R. 146.
With such a short time frame for action, the best way to request that your Representative to vote “No” on H.R. 146 is to call. Click here to get the phone number for your Representative Enter your zip code in the “Find Your Officials” box and click on the name of your Representative.
If you would prefer to contact your Representative with e-mail, you may contact your Representative by clicking here. We have pre-written a letter for your use.
Immediate action is critical to help keep more than 2 million acres of public land open to motorized recreation. Please call your Representative and tell everyone you can to do the same.
Every Representative must know that responsible motorized recreationists want them to vote “No” on the rule and “No” on the final passage of H.R. 146!
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Posted by illinoisbiker
4/1/2009 Senate Third Reading – Lost; 014-042-001
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NHTSA Campaign ID Number: 09T004
Synopsis:
Bridgestone Americas Tire Operation (BATO) is recalling certain Bridgestone Exedra G850 G motorcycle tires, size 180/70R16 77H, sold as original equipment for MY 2008 and 2009 Triumph Rocket III Touring motorcycles.
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MRF E-MAIL NEWS Motorcycle Riders Foundation
236 Massachusetts Ave. NE
Suite 510
Washington, DC 20002-4980
202-546-0983 (voice)
202-546-0986 (fax)
http://www.mrf.org (website)
For Immediate Release
02 April 2009
Contact: Jeff Hennie, Vice President of Government Affairs, MRF
Email: jeff@mrf.org
HR 1253 Passes United States House of Representatives
The Motorcycle Riders Foundation reports that the US House passed HR 1253,
sponsored by Michael C. Burgess (R-TX) and cosponsored by Bart Stupak
(D-MI), which would require that people signing up for a health plan
receive in writing an explanation of treatment limits or non-covered
conditions, along with other plan restrictions, "in a form that is easily
understandable." The bill passed with overwhelming support with the
final vote coming in at 422-3.
All group health plans would be covered by the bill, and health plans
would be required to provide the information before customers sign up.
"We are going to stand up and shine a light on these exclusions so
Americans will not be caught off-guard by exclusions buried deep within an
insurance plan," said Burgess, a physician.
HR 1253 at this point does not have a Senate companion bill which is the
next step before this legislation is signed into law.
"This legislative action keeps Congress on record that this issue needs
their attention," said Jeff Hennie, MRF Vice President of Government
Relations. "While this bill is a step in the right direction, the MRF
remains committed to securing coverage of any injury that comes from legal
use of an on-road motorcycle."
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Content Copyright 2009
American Motorcyclist Association
May 2009
News & Notes is a monthly publication compiled and edited by the AMA’s Government Relations Department. Designed to inform motorcyclists of ‘rights’-related issues and events around the world, we welcome your news & views. Suggestions and contributions can be sent to Sheila Andrews, Legislative Assistant, American Motorcyclist Association, by e-mail at sandrews@ama-cycle.org
*************************
Sign up and stay informed: AMA’s electronic Action Alerts and News & Notes will keep you informed on hot topics, news affecting the motorcycling community, and opportunities to communicate with your elected officials. By signing up to receive AMA Action Alerts, you will be notified by e-mail when you can make a difference on important issues. Click here to see the most recent Action Alerts, and click here to sign up.
In addition to signing up for our Action Alerts, you can sign up to receive AMA’s monthly electronic edition of News & Notes. News & Notes will keep you informed on motorcycle-related issues and events around the world. Click here and check the “Sign me up for AMA’s Government Relations News & Notes” box at the bottom of the page.
Pickerington, Ohio: The AMA urges action to end the ban on the sale of youth-model motorcycles and ATVs (all-terrain vehicles). The AMA is encouraging its members and all concerned motorcyclists to push their federal lawmakers and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to exclude youth-model motorcycles and ATVs from the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA). AMA members and others can take action by visiting www.AmericanMotorcyclist.com, clicking on the “Rights” section and then “Issues and Legislation.” AMA members will also find a self-addressed card in the May issue of American Motorcyclist that they can mail directly to the CPSC. The AMA would like to thank all its members who, by the tens of thousands, contacted their federal lawmakers urging them to support two bipartisan Congressional letters to the CPSC asking the Commissioners to exclude youth-model motorcycles and ATVs from the CPSIA. The letters to the CPSC were sent April 2.
Source: http://www.amadirectlink.com/news/story.asp?id=767
ATVA Rider Survey Announced: As part of an ongoing effort to help shape the All-Terrain Vehicle Association (ATVA) into a national ATV riders’ rights association, a user survey has been launched. The survey can be found at http://tinyurl.com/c3r93x or http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=fMQoeaRtVFZcCIbYImilwA_3d_3d. As an added incentive, respondents will be eligible to receive one of five $50.00 gift certificates to Rocky Mountain ATV and Motorcycle (http://www.rockymountainatv.com). This survey will be accessible until May 25, 2009. Please tell every ATV rider you know that the ATVA needs their feedback in order to capture what is important to them and shape the ATVA accordingly.
Omnibus Public Lands Bill Passes: Despite widespread objection from AMA members, riders and the general public, and a previous failure of the measure in the House, Congress has voted to close more than 2 million acres of public land to off-highway vehicle (OHV) recreation. By a 285-to-140 vote, U.S. House Members on March 25 approved a bill that consisted of more than 160 individual pieces of legislation, in over 1200 pages and devastated access to public lands nationwide for off-highway motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles and all other motorized recreation. Following congressional maneuvering that breathed new life into the measure after it was defeated, the lawmakers approved amendments to H.R. 146, known as the Revolutionary War and War of 1812 Battlefield Acquisition Grant Program. This bill was formerly known as S. 22, the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009.
Source: http://www.amadirectlink.com/news/story.asp?id=760
Washington, D.C.: The U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure passed House Resolution 269, a bill entitled “Supporting the goals of a motorcycle safety month.” The bills sponsor is Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ-8), who is co-chair of the Congressional Motorcycle Safety Caucus and an avid rider. Rep. Giffords was joined by fellow co-chair of the Motorcycle Safety Caucus, Rep. Michael Burgess M.D. (R-TX-26), as an original co-sponsor.
The bill encourages all road users to be more aware of motorcyclists and their safety. In addition it encourages all riders to take appropriate rider training and learn safe riding skills. The bill is now headed to the House floor for a full vote. Riders are encouraged to contact their representatives to request their support for H.R. 269.
Nominate your Recreational Trails Program-funded project for this year’s Annual Achievement Awards. The Coalition for Recreational Trails (CRT), a federation of national and regional trail-related organizations, has just announced their 2009 achievement awards to recognize outstanding trail projects funded by the national Recreational Trails Program (RTP). The awards will be presented in Washington, D.C. during Great Outdoors Week 2009 (June 8-13) as part of the Coalition’s ongoing effort to build awareness and appreciation of this highly successful program, which has greatly enhanced the quantity and quality of trail experiences available to the public. They are planning to hold the awards ceremony on Capitol Hill and will encourage members of Congress to join in honoring the outstanding achievements of their constituents.
Award winners will be selected from projects nominated by public agencies, trail administrators or other project sponsors. Projects must be completed in order to receive an award. The form and any supporting materials, including pictures, should be submitted by April 17, 2009 to the Co-Chair of the Coalition’s Awards Committee. For more information, including how to apply, and to view past award winners, check out the American Trails Awards page at: http://www.americantrails.org/awards/CRTawards.html.
Riverside, Calif.: A protest event in defiance of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) of 2008, which prohibits the sale of youth motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) deemed unhealthy for children 12 years of age and under, was recently held at Malcolm Smith Motorsports. As a sign of support, a group of small business owners and numerous motorcycle industry celebrities were on hand. Three people actually purchased the banned units for use by their own children and grandchildren. Go to http://www.kidslove2ride.com/ for more information.
Washington, D.C.: House Resolution 1253 has passed. Sponsored by Rep. Michael C. Burgess M.D. (R-TX-26) and cosponsored by Rep. Bart Stupak (D-MI-1). H.R. 1253 would require that people signing up for a health plan to receive in writing an explanation of treatment limits or non-covered conditions, along with other plan limitations, “in a form that is easily understandable.” This legislation is supported by several organizations, including the AMA, Motorcycle Industry Council, American Council of Snowmobile Associations, American Horse Council, American Recreation Coalition, American Trails, Americans for Responsible Recreational Access, Blue Ribbon Coalition, International Mountain Bicycling Association, Motorcycle Riders Foundation, National Ski Areas Association, Specialty Vehicle Industry Council, Sporting Goods Manufacturing Association, the Washington Road Riders Association, and many others.
Source: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/144567.php
Farmington, N.M.: The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Farmington Field Office, has proposed creating 38 miles of trail for ATVs in the Glade Run Recreation Area. As proposed, the 38-mile ATV trail would require minimal creation of new trails. Initial estimates map only three new miles of trail needed to connect existing trails, washes and dirt roadways that would create the new loop. As proposed, the new route would prohibit 4×4s from using the full trail loop. An Environmental Assessment will be released for comment and available on their website at http://www.blm.gov/nm/st/en/fo/Farmington_Field_Office.html.
Olympia, Wash.: The Washington Off-Highway Vehicle Alliance (WOHVA), an organization working to protect and enhance safe and responsible motorized outdoor recreation in the state of Washington, held their yearly rally on the capitol steps in Olympia on March 13, 2009. Guest speakers included State Senators, Congressmen, the Mayor of Washougal and many others. Issues raised included a proposed OHV fund raid, ongoing land closures and restrictions on the sale and use of motorcycles designed for children 12 years of age and under. Go to http://www.wohva.org for more details.
San Jose, Calif.: A first of its kind “24 Hours of Electricross” event was held at San Jose’s 408MX Motocross track. The event had two goals: to set the Guinness World Records for largest electric motorcycle race (10 teams participated) and for the furthest distance travelled on an all-electric off-road motorcycle in 24 hours. After 24 hours of non-stop racing, team Hotchaulk with 1,015 laps completed and just over 500 ridden miles, was declared the winner. Go to http://www.zeromotorcycles.com/electricross/ for a full event report.
Pickerington, Ohio: Ohio off-roaders participate in public riding forum. The state of Ohio is looking at creating a new riding area for off-highway motorcycles, ATVs and 4×4 trucks that could be open within a year. Dameyon Shipley, the state’s recreation services administrator, told the approximately 40 OHV enthusiasts attending the meeting that the state has set aside about $240,000 in OHV registration money and about $500,000 in grant money to use for the project. The size of the dedicated riding area will depend on where land is available and whether it will be leased or bought outright. The meeting was one in a series being held statewide to identify the issues and needs of motorized users of the state’s public trails systems. The meetings will help the Office of Trails as it compiles the standalone Motorized Trails Plan for Ohio, which will provide a vision for the next three to five years and will help guide the office as it addresses the needs of Ohio’s trail users.
Source: http://www.amadirectlink.com/news/story.asp?id=745
Springfield, Ill.: A House Committee tabled legislation on March 11 by a 17-3 vote that would have made it illegal for anyone under the age of 16 to operate or be a passenger of ATVs or dirt bikes. The bill also would have made it illegal to transport a passenger on an ATV or dirt bike even if the vehicle was equipped to carry a passenger. The measure, House Bill 3914, which was introduced by Rep. Mary Flowers (D-Chicago), required fast action by the motorcycling and ATV communities, and they responded. Many, using the AMA’s Legislative Alerts system, flooded lawmakers with expressions of concern about the bill. A large group of enthusiasts from ABATE of Illinois, AMA District 17, IMDA (Illinois Motorcycle Dealers Association), track owners and dealers, showed their opposition to the bill by attending the public hearing. Although the bill was defeated, it remains in committee and can be brought up again at any time.
Source: http://www.amadirectlink.com/news/story.asp?id=728
Tennessee & North Carolina State Line Basin: Recreation groups were disappointed by a U.S. Forest Service decision to implement an emergency closure order at the Upper Tellico OHV area. According to the Southern Four Wheel Drive Association (SFWDA), the BlueRibbon Coalition (BRC) and United Four Wheel Drive Associations (UFWDA), the Forest Service has failed to make the case with regard to alleged adverse effects and resource damages, as there is simply no immediate threat to public health, safety, or other requisite finding required by such an order. Water quality standards cited by the Forest Supervisor as the basis for the order are not being exceeded. In formal comments made to the Forest Service, the OHV community and other interested parties clearly demonstrated that such a closure has no scientific basis.
Source: http://www.sharetrails.org/releases/media/?story=638
Keystone, Colo.: Seminars have been announced for the 2009 AMA International Women & Motorcycling Conference, presented by Harley-Davidson and Buell. Set for August 19-22, the fifth AMA International Women & Motorcycling Conference will be the most informative ever. Registration is $165 through August 3, which includes conference materials and a commemorative T-shirt. Registration after August 3, as well as on-site registration, will cost $185. Participants can register now at www.womenandmotorcycling.com or by calling (800) AMA-JOIN. While the event focuses on women riders, it is not for only for women. Men are also welcome to participate with a paid registration. Sign up for e-mail alerts by e-mailing the AMA at info@womenandmotorcycling.com.
Copyright 2009, American Motorcyclist Association
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For Immediate Release 20 April 2009 Contact: Kirk "Hardtail" Willard, MRF President Email: hardtail@mrf.org Motorcycle Riders Foundation Vice President Michael "Boz" Kerr Passes Away Early this morning we received the most sad and unfortunate news that Michael "Boz" Kerr passed away peacefully in his sleep overnight. He had just returned from a very successful Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) Beast of the East Motorcycle Rights Conference. At the time of his passing "Boz" was the current Vice President of the MRF and Chairman of the Legislative Committee. Prior to his being elected Vice President he served as an MRF Board Member in the capacity of MRF PAC Chairman. "Boz" was instrumental in setting up the stand alone MRF Awareness and Education Organization (MRFA&E) and was the driving force behind the upcoming National Motorcycle Awareness day in Washington D.C., known as "Bikers Inside the Beltway". "Boz" was also a past President of the Chicago Chapter of ABATE of Illinois and recently retired as Chairman of ABATE of Illinois FEDPAC. In the past year he was awarded the MRF Presidents Cup of Distinction and ABATE of Illinois' highest honor, the Rich Neb Award. "Boz" was the finest political operative I have ever had the privilege to work with and his concern and passion for motorcycle rights and his genuineness will be greatly missed by the MRF and the entire motorcycling rights community. We have certainly lost one of the great ones in our movement. Words cannot express the amount of sadness and the profound impact that losing another one of our own will have. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to his wife and family, his ABATE family, and his MRF family", said MRF President Kirk "Hardtail" Willard. "Boz" was well known for his speeches, such as the "Greatest Generation", "Mr. Jones", and most recently "Making Thunderbirds; long, low, lean, and fast". Godspeed brother, you will be missed. Details of the services can be found on the Chicago Chapter's website at www.chicagoabate.com
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MRF NEWS Motorcycle Riders Foundation 236 Massachusetts Ave. NE Suite 510 Washington, DC 20002-4980 202-546-0983 (voice) 202-546-0986 (fax) http://www.mrf.org (website) For Immediate Release 23 April 2009 Contact: Jeff Hennie, MRF Vice President of Government Relations Email: jeff@mrf.org
CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION UPDATE The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) has learned that the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) voted last Friday, April 17, 2009, on the issue of banning sales of youth ATVs and motorcycles because of lead levels. The CPSC voted to keep the ban in place; however, they did issue a two-year stay of enforcement of the ban. This stay of enforcement will allow manufacturers and retailers of youth ATVs and motorcycles to continue building and selling these items. It also gives the industry two years to comply with the new law and if, for some reason, it is technologically infeasible to manufacture a certain part with less lead than allowed by law, the industry will have a chance to make an argument to the CSPC. The two-member CPSC board decided unanimously. Both the acting Chairperson Nancy Nord and Commissioner Thomas Moore voted to deny the petition from industry to completely overturn the ban; however, both cited safety as the reason for their votes to issue the two-year stay. Nord and Moore both claim, "A bigger safety concern than lead exposure is that the elimination of youth ATV sales will likely increase the number of adult ATVs purchased to be used by younger children, therefore increasing risk of injury and death." Industry has 45 days to apply for the stay. You can read the decision letter of the CPSC here: http://www.cpsc.gov/library/foia/ballot/ballot09/atvexclusion.pdf Legislation does currently exist that would force the CPSC to exempt all youth ATVs and motorcycles. Denny Rehberg (R-MT) has introduced HR 1587, and the bill has 35 co-sponsors to date. The MRF encourages you to ask your Member of the US House to co-sponsor this important legislation. PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS The MRF is collecting any public service announcements or other advertising media your group has put together or uses with regard to motorcycling. The goal is to establish a clearinghouse in the MRF DC office of the most effective motorcycling messages used today. Please send all forms of media electronically to the MRF office at mrfoffice@mrf.org, including stickers, billboard images, radio, video, virtual or otherwise. Call the MRF DC office at 202-546-0983 if you have questions.
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MRF NEWS Motorcycle Riders Foundation 236 Massachusetts Ave. NE Suite 510 Washington, DC 20002-4980 202-546-0983 (voice) 202-546-0986 (fax) http://www.mrf.org (website) For Immediate Release 27 April 2009 Contact: Jeff Hennie, MRF Vice President of Government Relations Email: jeff@mrf.org MRF MEETS WITH U.S. SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION RAY LAHOOD On Thursday, April 23, 2009, Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) Vice President of Government Relations Jeff Hennie, along with ABATE of Illinois Legislative Coordinator Bob Ward and ABATE of Illinois Board Member Rick Olsen, sat down with newly seated Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood to discuss the U.S. Depart- ment of Transportation (USDOT) and its role with the motorcycle community. Secretary LaHood previously served in the U.S. House of Represent- atives, where he was a strong champion of motorcycling on many fronts. He is a past recipient of the MRF's highest congressional honor, the MRF Champion award. The award is given to members of the U.S. Congress who display extreme dedication to motorcyclists. So it comes as no surprise that he pledged to continue that role in his new position. Discussion topics during the MRF and ABATE of Illinois' meeting with Secretary LaHood included the recent National Transportation Safety Board's activities lobbying state committees for helmet laws, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's quarterly meetings and 2010 funds, and the Federal Highway Administration's Motorcycle Advisory Council. The Secretary promised an open-door policy for motorcyclists and invited us to contact him with any issues with which he might be helpful. We at the MRF look forward to working closely with Secretary LaHood, and wish him the very best as he takes on the challenging role of overseeing our nation's entire transportation system. Technical Correction Last week the MRF sent out a report about the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the stay of enforcement offered to the manufacturers and retailers of youth ATVs and motorcycles. That 2 year stay will actually not begin until the commissioners cast another ballot vote in favor of the stay. What that means is that at this point it is still illegal to sell the youth ATVs and motorcycles under US law. It is expected that the staff will follow the commissioner recommendations to grant the stay and that the vote will occur in the coming weeks.
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Posted by illinoisbiker
NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 09V142
MAKE / MODEL YEARS :
DUCATI / 2009
SUBJECT : MAIN WIRING HARNESS
Summary:
DUCATI IS RECALLING 1,755 MY 2009 MONSTER 696 MOTORCYCLES. THE MAIN WIRING HARNESS MAY COME IN CONTACT WITH THE VERTICAL CYLINDER HEAD AND EXHAUST PIPE POSSIBLY RESULTING IN DAMAGE TO THE MOTORCYCLE AND A POTENTIAL HAZARD TO THE RIDER.
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MRF E-MAIL NEWS Motorcycle Riders Foundation 236 Massachusetts Ave. NE Suite 510 Washington, DC 20002-4980 202-546-0983 (voice) 202-546-0986 (fax) http://www.mrf.org (website) For Immediate Release 5 May 2009 Contact: Jeff Hennie, MRF Vice President of Government Relations Email: jeff@mrf.org MRF Bikers Inside the Beltway 2009 Event Details The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) is holding its inaugural ride to the Nation’s Capitol for Motorcycle Awareness Month. Known as "Bikers Inside the Beltway," the event will be dedicated to its creator, the recently departed MRF Vice President and long-time motorcyclists' rights legend Michael "Boz" Kerr. The MRF is encouraging bikers nationwide to ride their motorcycles to Washington DC for this historic event. We have reserved secure parking for motorcycles adjacent to the U.S. Capitol; this location should make for an impressive display of bikes. We have invited all members of Congress to attend the event, but if you are planning to be here you should let your U.S. Senators and Representative know, and ask them to step outside for a photo op with you and a backdrop of motorcycles. The MRF's DC staff will help coordinate any details and answer any questions you may have about arranging meetings with your members of Congress. What: Motorcycle Riders Foundation "Bikers Inside the Beltway" National Motorcycle Awareness Month Ride and Lobby Day When: May 14, 2009, 9:00 am - 2:30 pm Where: Reserved motorcycle parking is along the 0-100 block of 3rd Street SW, only steps from the U.S. Capitol. A Washington DC map will be posted on the MRF website, or you can use this link for the map and directions: MAP IT Due to the popularity of this event, the MRF obtained additional parking. We will meet at the 3rd street parking location at 9:00 am and walk one block to the staging area on the Capitol grounds where a smaller number of bikes will be parked. Please contact jeff@mrf.org or call 202-546-0983 if you are planning to ride your motorcycle to this historic event, or if you have any questions about the event itself or local accommodations.
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MRF E-MAIL NEWS Motorcycle Riders Foundation 236 Massachusetts Ave. NE Suite 510 Washington, DC 20002-4980 202-546-0983 (voice) 202-546-0986 (fax) http://www.mrf.org (website) For Immediate Release 4 May 2009 Consistent with the established policy of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation, this information is being forwarded at the request of Freedom of Road Riders, Inc. Missouri Executive Officer. ========================================= Contact: Mark Chapman, Chairman, Freedom of Road Riders®,Inc., chairman@forr.net Legislative News and Call to Action This is the bill we are trying to make into law. Currently it is on the Governor of Missouri's desk awaiting his signature if he signs it that would be fantastic but if he ignores it, it will still become law. If he vetoes it we are done till next year. SCS/SB 202 - This act provides that operating a motorcycle, in and of itself, shall not be considered evidence of comparative negligence. The act also provides that when investigating an accident or settling an automobile insurance policy claim, no insurer, agent, producer, or claims adjuster of an insurer shall assign a percentage of fault to a party based upon the sole fact that the party was operating a motorcycle in an otherwise legal manner. This provision is similar to SB 505 (2007). This act also exempts persons 21 years of age or older from wearing protective headgear except when operating or riding motorcycles or motortricycles upon interstate highways. The motorcycle helmet exemption expires on August 28, 2014 (Section 302.020). The opposition to SB 202 has started, I received word today that the opposition is asking for people to contact the Governor and ask for him to veto SB202. If you want our comparative fault and helmet mod bill to become law NOW is the time to take action. Here is what I would like for you to do: Contact the Governor and Lieutenant Governor using the links below. You, your friends and neighbors should to go to www.governor.mo.gov/constituents/ for the Governor and www.ltgov.mo.gov/question.htm for the Lieutenant Governor. Fill out the form the subject would be legislation. Then simply ask for SB202 to become law. That is all there is to it, I did it and it took about 2 minutes. As always thanks for your support, Mark Chapman, Central Committee Chairman: Freedom of Road Riders, Inc.
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Help needed to change law to exclude youth-model motorcycles and ATVs
| Change the Law to Exclude Youth-Model Motorcycles and ATVs! | |
| Write your Representatives Today! | |
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The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has voted to stay enforcement of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA) that currently bans the sale of youth-model motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). The stay, which extends through May 1, 2011, follows a unanimous vote by Acting Chairman Nancy Nord and Commissioner Thomas Moore.
While we applaud the CPSC commissioners’ vote to stay enforcement of the law, this does not solve the real issue, which is the law itself. Despite the stay, it is unclear whether state attorneys general will also decline to enforce the CPSIA. The sale of youth-model motorcycles and ATVs is still technically illegal. Even though a stay means that dealers would not be subject to fines or penalties imposed by the CPSC, state attorneys general would still be able to prosecute violators if they chose to do so. Youth-model motorcycles and ATVs should be exempt from the law, and Congress needs to act to make that happen.
Motorcyclists and ATV riders need to let Congress know that we are concerned about the law, and that we want youth-model OHVs excluded from the law. We need your help to let our lawmakers know how we feel. Riders should contact their Representatives and ask them to support H.R. 1587, introduced by Rep. Denny Rehberg, to exempt youth-sized motorcycles and ATVs from the CPSIA.
You can find contact information for your elected officials on AmericanMotorcyclist.com, click on “Rights,” then “Issues & Legislation,” and enter your zip code in the “Find your Officials” box. Additionally, a prewritten e-mail is available for you to send to your Representative immediately by following the “Take Action” option and entering your information.
For more ways you can help to exclude youth-model motorcycles and ATVs from the CPSIA or for more information about the issue, click here.
Please write or call your Representative today and ask them to support H.R. 1587 to exclude youth-model motorcycles and ATVs from the CPSIA lead content requirements.
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Leave a Comment » | American Motorcyclist Association, Political | Permalink
Posted by illinoisbiker
June
2009
News & Notes is a
monthly publication compiled and edited by the American Motorcyclist
Association (AMA) Government Relations Department. Designed to inform
motorcyclists of rights-related issues and events around the world,
News & Notes welcomes your input. Suggestions and contributions
can be sent to Sheila Andrews, AMA Legislative Assistant, by e-mail
at sandrews@ama-cycle.org.
Sign up and stay informed: AMA’s electronic Action
Alerts and News & Notes will keep
you informed on hot topics, news affecting the motorcycling community
and opportunities to communicate with your elected officials. By
signing up to receive AMA Action Alerts, you will be notified by
e-mail when you can make a difference on important issues. Click
here to see the most recent Action Alerts,
and click
here to sign up. In addition to signing up
for our Action Alerts, you can sign up to receive AMA’s monthly
electronic edition of News & Notes. News & Notes keeps
motorcyclists informed of rights-related issues and events around the
world. Click
here and check the “Sign me up for AMA’s
Government Relations News & Notes” box at the bottom of the
page.
The Vote is in!
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) stays enforcement of
law banning sale of youth-model motorcycles and ATVs. The CPSC has
voted to stay enforcement of a lead law that currently bans the sale
of youth-model motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). The stay,
which extends through May 1, 2011, follows a unanimous vote by Acting
Chairwoman Nancy Nord and Commissioner Thomas Moore. The AMA
Government Relations Department is currently examining the 25-page
Stay of Enforcement document and will issue more details shortly.
The law in question is the Consumer Product Safety
Improvement Act (CPSIA). Designed to protect children from lead in
toys that might easily end up in children’s mouths, the language of
the legislation has ensnared a number of products that have little
exposure risk, including youth-model motorcycles and ATVs. Despite
the stay, it is unclear whether state attorneys general will also
decline to enforce the CPSIA. The sale of youth-model motorcycles and
ATVs is still technically illegal. Even though a stay means that
dealers would not be subject to fines or penalties imposed by the
CPSC, state attorneys general would still be able to prosecute
violators if they chose to do so.
Source:
www.amadirectlink.com/news/story.asp?id=839
KTM and FMF Racing declare May as “Protect Your
Right to Ride” month. KTM North
America and FMF Racing have partnered together, along with support
from the AMA, BlueRibbon Coalition (BRC), National Off-Highway
Vehicle Conservation Council and the Off-Road Business Association
(ORBA) to declare May “Protect Your Right to Ride” month.
During the month of May, visit a KTM dealer to find out information
about what you can do to protect your right to ride. Each KTM dealer
will supply materials provided by the motorcyclist activist clubs and
organizations that have been fighting for your rights all along.
When you visit your KTM dealer and show your AMA, BRC
and/or ORBA membership card, or choose to sign up for a membership at
the dealership, you will receive an entry toward a chance to win a
brand new KTM 250 XC-FW with an FMF Q4 Titanium exhaust system.
Participants will receive one entry for each of the organizations to
which they belong. For more information, visit www.soundoffmc.com,
a new website designed to provide the latest information about
protecting motorized off-highway recreation.
USDA and Ad Council offer advice on getting faulty
Smokey Bear ad off the air. Late last
summer, after being contacted by the AMA and others, U.S. Forest
Service Chief Abigail Kimbell asked media outlets to stop airing a
Smokey Bear public service announcement (PSA) that unintentionally
implied all all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) pose a fire hazard in
national forests.
Off-highway vehicle organizations complained that the
video not only implied to non-riders that ATVs start forest fires,
but also sent a message to OHV riders that they should stay out of
the forests during the summer.
The Forest Service has agreed to contact those stations
still airing the PSA and request they stop using it, but the Forest
Service needs your help. Please contact the Forest Service with any
details you may have if you see this offensive and erroneous PSA. The
designated contact for this issue is Helene Cleveland, fire
prevention program manager, USDA Forest Service,
hcleveland@fs.fed.us.
Thanks for your help in getting this inappropriate ad completely
removed from the airwaves.
A group of national and state trail advocacy
organizations representing equestrian,
OHV, and bicycling interests recently developed a guide entitled
“Sharing Our Trails – A Guide to Trail Safety and Enjoyment.”
The purpose of the guide is to improve safety and trail satisfaction
for all trail enthusiasts on multiple-use trails. Organizations and
agencies involved in the development of the guide include the
American Motorcyclist Association, American Endurance Ride
Conference, Americans for Responsible Recreational Access, American
Trails, Back Country Horsemen of America, BlueRibbon Coalition,
California State Parks Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division,
Cycle Conservation Club of Michigan, Equestrian Land Conservation
Resource, International Mountain Bike Association, Leave No Trace
Center for Outdoor Ethics, Loomis Basin Horsemen’s Association,
Motorcycle Industry Council, National Off-Highway Vehicle
Conservation Council, Off-Road Business Association, Open Beaches -
Trails, Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association, Specialty
Vehicle Institute of America, Tread Lightly!, United Four Wheel Drive
Associations and United States Forest Service. The guide can be found
on numerous websites, including
www.atvaonline.com/news/story.asp?id=826.
Rider Eye Tracking Research Program Announced:
Dynamic Research Inc. and the Team Oregon Motorcycle Safety Program
at Oregon State University have teamed up to conduct research on
motorcyclists’ eye tracking habits. This research, funded by the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is currently
underway. Each year, nearly half of all motorcycle fatalities are due
to single vehicle crashes. Many of these crashes are due to
motorcyclists’ failure to negotiate curves properly. Preliminary
research has shown that riders do not look far enough ahead through
curves and that this might be a contributing factor of single vehicle
crashes at curves. This research strives to identify the role of
sight distance and rider-scanning habits in curves, hazard
identification, and crash avoidance. The subject groups will be
evaluated on a closed course and the open road for the initial spring
2009 testing period, then again following six months and 12 months of
riding experience.
Version 2.0 of the Motorcycle Accident In Depth
Study (MAIDS) is now available at
www.maids-study.eu.
It includes a new presentation of the data with a split between
mopeds (L1) and motorcycles (L3) in both chapters, chapter 3.0
General Accident Characteristics and chapter 10.0 Rationale for
Action. Furthermore, ACEM published the Multivariate Analysis of
Fatal Accident in MAIDS. This report describes the results of a
multivariate analysis of the in-depth motorcycle accident data
collected during the MAIDS project. Data have been presented
according to all powered two-wheelers (PTW), as well as L1 and L3
vehicle categories where appropriate.
There is still time to take the ATVA Rider Survey:
As part of an ongoing effort to help shape the All-Terrain Vehicle
Association (ATVA) into a national ATV riders’ rights association,
and to more effectively communicate with state and local
organizations, a user survey has been created. The survey can be
found at http://tinyurl.com/c3r93x
or www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=fMQoeaRtVFZcCIbYImilwA_3d_3d.
As an added incentive, respondents will be eligible to receive one of
five $50 gift certificates to Rocky Mountain ATV and Motorcycle
(www.rockymountainatv.com).
This survey will be accessible until May 25, 2009. Please tell every
ATV rider you know that the ATVA needs their feedback to shape the
future of ATVA.
Sacramento, Calif.: Senate Bill 435, sponsored
by Senator Fran Pavley (D-32nd
District) would mandate motorcycle smog testing for all model year
2000 and newer class III bikes (over 280cc). As proposed, the test
would be implemented in 2012 despite the lack of any evidence that
motorcycles are a significant source of mobile emissions statewide.
In fact, California’s motorcycle engine emission standards are
already the strictest in the nation, and were just reduced again for
model year 2008 and newer motorcycles.
Go to
http://capwiz.com/amacycle//issues/alert/?alertID=12937506
to send an e-mail to the state legislature opposing this unwarranted
proposal. Current program cost estimates include spending more than
$400,000 just to modify the DMV’s vehicle registration computer
system to identify motorcycles that would be required to take the
test.
Oceano, Calif.: A lawsuit has been filed seeking to
close the popular Oceano Dunes State
Vehicular Recreation Area (ODSVRA). The Center for Biological
Diversity (CBD) recently filed a formal notice of intent to sue the
California Department of Parks and Recreation over its ongoing
authorization of motorized vehicle use at the popular recreation site
for alleged mortality of wintering snowy plovers, a threatened
species of bird. The ODSVRA, located in southern San Luis Obispo
County, includes approximately 1,500 acres of sand dunes and 5.5
miles of beach areas open for use by motorized vehicles.
The site is operated and managed by the Department of
Parks and Recreation’s Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division.
Street-legal vehicles can be operated on the beach in the entire
Recreation Area, while the southern portion is also open to
off-highway vehicles and camping. The notice announced the CBD’s
intent to sue the Department if it fails to take action to prevent
injury to snowy plovers.
Ride to Work Day turnout expected to increase.
This year’s 18th commuting demonstration event, to be held on Monday,
June 15, is expected to double the number of riders on the road,
according to Ride to Work, a non-profit advocacy organization.
According to the United States Census Bureau and the
Department of Transportation, more than 80 million cars and light
trucks are used for daily commuting on American roads, and about
200,000 motorcycles and scooters are a regular part of this mix. On
Ride To Work Day, the practical side of riding becomes more visible
as a larger number of America’s 8 million cycles and scooters are
ridden to work.
Ride to Work Day shows how riding makes parking easier
and helps traffic flow better. Motorcycles and scooters consume fewer
resources per mile than automobiles, and they take up less space in
parking areas and on roads. Riders seek employer support for this
form of transportation, and increased government and public awareness
about riding’s many benefits.
More information about Ride to Work Day can be found at:
www.ridetowork.org/
Imperial Sand Dunes Recreation Area (ISDRA)
fee increase
proposed. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) believes that an
increase in visitor fees is necessary due to the requirement to
provide trash service, increased road maintenance expense, other
economy-based increases, and a reduction in revenue due to reduced
permit sales. This fee increase would be effective as of Oct. 1,
2009. The BLM will present its recommendations to the California
Recreation Resource Advisory Committee (RRAC) on May 13, 2009, in
Vallejo, Calif. Written comments can be submitted prior to the
meeting for consideration by the RRAC. For more information regarding
this proposal go to:
www.fs.fed.us/r5/passes/rrac/meetings/may2009/blm6.php.
The Utah Trail Machine Association (UTMA),
in partnership with the Utah Four Wheel Drive Association (U4WDA), is
reviving its annual clean-up day at Five Mile Pass and would like to
invite your organization to join them this Memorial Day
weekend on Saturday, May 23, at the main Five Mile Pass staging area.
This event is being sponsored by the UTMA and the U4WDA
and the organizations would like to be able to include your club as a
co-sponsor. The event has the full cooperation of the Bureau of Land
Management and the Department of Natural Resources. To learn more
about the event, visit UTMA at www.utma.net/
and click on High Five Project at Five Mile Pass.
Source:
www.utma.net/home/content/high-five-5-mile-cleanup
Rancho Cordova, Calif.: World famous
Rubicon Trail to remain open. The
Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board voted unanimously
to issue a Cleanup and Abatement Order (CAO) to El Dorado County and
the Eldorado National Forest for the Rubicon Trail that sustains
continued motorized recreation while also enhancing stewardship of
the trail. More than 300 recreationists were present at the recent
public hearing, providing a reminder to members of the water board
just how much members of the public care about this cherished trail.
The revised CAO is a much less prescriptive order than originally
proposed, and calls for general consideration and planning but does
not mandate specific actions, instead requiring the county and the
Forest Service to work together to meet the specified timelines.
Source: www.rubicontrailfoundation.org/
Leave a Comment » | American Motorcyclist Association, Political | Permalink
Posted by illinoisbiker
Illinois will begin using photo radar in freeway work zones in July. One mile per hour over the speed limit and the machine will get you a nice $375.00 ticket in the mail. Beginning July 1st, the State of Illinois will begin using the speed cameras in areas designated as “Work Zones” on major freeways. Anyone caught by these devices will be mailed a $375.00 ticket for the FIRST offense. The SECOND offense will cost $1000.00 and comes with a 90-Day suspension. Drivers will also receive demerit points against their license, which allow insurance companies to raise Insurance rates.
This is the harshest penalty structure ever set for a governmental unit involving PHOTO speed enforcement. The State already has two camera vans on line issuing tickets 24/7 in work zones with speed limits lowered to 45 MPH. Photos of both the Driver’s face and License plate are taken. Pass this on to everyone you know who might be affected!!!
For more info: http://www.dot.state.il.us/press/r062409.html
Leave a Comment » | Chain Noise, Political | Permalink
Posted by illinoisbiker
Free “Watch for Motorcycles” Bumper Stickers Available
Help us save a life by forwarding this message
As part of Hupy and Abraham’s efforts to increase awareness of motorcycles on the road, we have come up with another facet to our “Watch for Motorcycles” campaign. We have reached over 4 million people with full-page newspaper ads in the last three years. We have added electronic billboards, airplane banners and television messages.
We are now providing fee of charge, black, orange and white bumper stickers that say “Watch for Motorcycles” (see attachment). This is another reminder to motorists that they must be careful and specifically look for motorcycles as well as manage their vehicle appropriately when motorcycles have the right-of-way.
In addition to bumper stickers, we have stickers that can be placed on envelopes or letters that carry the “Watch for Motorcycles” message (see attachment). The stickers are in black, orange and white. We also have a version available in yellow and black that says “ABATE of Wisconsin” and a generic orange and black sticker.
If you wish to receive any of these or be added to our Biker Newsbrief mailing list, please send an e-mail to pan@mfhupy.com and indicate which stickers you would like.
Tony “Pan” Sanfelipo
Investigator, Hupy and Abraham, S.C.
See our new website at www.hupy.com
Leave a Comment » | Bike Stuff, Chain Noise | Permalink
Posted by illinoisbiker
Media shows bias against bikers by criticizing safety message
July 16, 2009
ABATE of Wisconsin, Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke and Hupy and Abraham, S.C. worked together to produce a 30-second message urging drivers to Watch for Motorcycles. All three organizations have the same goal; reduce the number of deaths and injuries to motorcyclists. There has been a disturbing increase in motorcycle crashes due to right of way violations by drivers of other vehicles.
ABATE members and Hupy and Abraham, S.C. organized the video shoot, which was produced as a public service announcement by TV Channel 6, a local station. Sheriff David Clarke delivered the entire message and was not compensated in any way for appearing in the video. Rather than run the spot as a strict PSA in late night time slots, Hupy and Abraham, S.C. donated commercial slots already paid for by the firm to run the safety message. The law firm pays up to $2,500.00 a month to just one station to deliver this message. The PSA now runs on at least three television stations in Milwaukee and will expand to other parts of Wisconsin and Northern Illinois.
A recent newscast on TV Channel 58 in Milwaukee was entitled, “Sheriff by Day, Pitchman by Night,” and was critical of the fact that the name of our law firm appeared on the 30-second message. No mention was made by TV 58 that ABATE of Wisconsin’s logo also appeared. TV 58 was also critical of the fact that the spot, with Sheriff Clarke as spokesman, was being aired on prime time, insinuating some type of impropriety may have taken place. In fact, as stated above, those prime time spots were already bought and paid for by Hupy and Abraham for commercial purposes. The firm simply substituted the safety message in place of the advertisements.
Some bikers were upset that TV 58 criticized an effort to save biker’s lives yet the station did nothing to bring awareness to careless drivers causing accidents with motorcyclists.
Furthermore, the newscast came on the heels of a fatal motorcycle accident involving Hupy and Abraham, S.C. client Robert Perkins. The Sheriff’s office issued the following statement in response to TV 58’s newscast:
“Here’s the bottom line. Sheriff Clarke is trying to change driver behavior so that bikers may ride safely too. PSA’s, like the one here, are a big part of his educational effort. Sheriff Clarke will gladly partner with the business community, Hupy & Abraham, or anybody else to get this important safety message out. Public service announcements are expensive and Sheriff Clarke believes someone other than taxpayers can pay for it. On June 27th, 54-year-old Robert Perkins was killed, KILLED after a car struck his bike. Let’s get upset about that.”
Leave a Comment » | Bike Stuff, Chain Noise | Permalink
Posted by illinoisbiker
I went to R&K Cycle in Kirkwood last week to order parts to repair the 56 Panhead that was injured in the shop fire I had last year. Still waiting on the windshield and handle bar switches to come in from the New York warehouse. Took Spotty on Wednesday and Thursday and Baby on Friday. I got the flathead style speedo, which is white faced, thinking it may be easier to see by the light of the voluminous glow of the 6 volt dash bulbs. Three days in a row. Thats more times than all of last year to visit R&K!
One of the biggest things that I got on Monday, and the thing that I have wanted for a long time, is a hydraulic lift table for the bikes. I went down to East Peoria to Harbor Freight and picked it up on Monday afternoon. (I had a coupon from Motorcyclist Magazine to make the cost at $299. and it is marked at $399 in the store.) I looked at the website, and it is listed at $349, $10 off regular price and since its oversize, you have to add $75 for overweight shipping, so I drove the diesel to pick it up. I know that its China made, but Honey said I should spend the money to make working on the bikes easier, (as I am getting older) and I am trying to get the most for my money’s worth. It is rated for 1000# so the 85 Voyager would be a bit much for it, but not much maintenance on it anyway. It will be perfect for the xs650s and the panhead. Woo-Hoo. (As Homer would say, finding the last donut in the box)
I put Spotty (78 XS650) up on the lift yesterday, adjusted the chain, and assessing what types of blocks I need to put under the frame to support the bike while I remove the plate under the rear wheel. Sure beats putting a piece of carpet down on the concrete and working on the bike while laying down. I think engine maintenance will be better with points and tappets at eye level! I didn’t like the front wheel vise that comes with it and had previously bought drive in wheel chock designed for mounting on a truck or trailer bed for $29.95.
Leave a Comment » | Bike Stuff, Chain Noise | Permalink
Posted by illinoisbiker
Got my latest order from Mike’s XS, www.mikesxs.net, and got rid of the vacuum operated petcocks on the two 78 XS650 Specials. I only ordered two petcocks, as they are $40 apiece. The 78’s had a petcock on each side of the tank. The 80-84’s only had one petcock. I had bought 2 adapter plates from “partsnmore.com” that would accept a 3/8″ NPT petcock, put a brass plug in the plates and put these on the right side petcock location. So far, working out great. Finished putting new fuel line on the BabyDog on last Saturday. Next thing will be to get some small rubber pieces that cushion the metal side cover mounts and some other small incidentals items to replace things that are getting old, like the rubber covers on the clutch and brake levers. But overall, things looking up on the bikes. Nice to have them running good. When I started to investigate the vacuum petcock issue on www.650rider.com, the advice there was to get them replaced as soon as possible to not have them start leaking and filling the crankcase with fuel. And when I investigated, I discovered that the vacuum hose on the back side of the diaphragm petcock on Spotty had come off! (The carbs have a fuel line between them) This was the source of my idle problem, and backfiring on slowing down. Doh! SpottyDog runs much better now. I had no problem on Baby because I had to use “72 carb mounts a couple of years back, replacing the stock ones that were not holding the carbs securely, so they had no intake nipple to block off. But the petcock could still start leaking. This issue is what happened to the 79 XS1100 that resulted in the fire in the shop last year. Never want that to happen again.
Leave a Comment » | Bike Stuff, Chain Noise | Permalink
Posted by illinoisbiker
We decided to go for a ride rather than go to the Peoria TTs on Sunday. Got the 6 cylinder Voyager and headed out to Galesburg East Main Hy-Vee gas station and then took I-74 to US 34 west and got off at North Henderson Street and took South Lake Storey Road to Rt 67 North of Monmouth. Took the blacktop that runs straight to the Bald Bluff blacktop. So far so good. Went North on the Oquawka- Keithsburg blacktop past Big River State Forest and into Keithsburg. Turned onto the blacktop that runs north up to Rt 17 that goes to New Boston. All nice new black top, NICE! Turned west onto Rt 17, took the blacktop North of New Boston that runs up to the highway that crosses the Muscatine, IA bridge. This road is much better than I have seen it in the past. Only a couple of dippy/bumpy spots. We went over the bridge to Muscatine and went South on Rt 61 to Wapello. There, we picked up Highway 99 and rode that down to Burlington. Most of this is new blacktop as it was underwater from last summer’s flooding of the Big River. Stopped by the Burlington bridge and fueled up again and headed back to Illinois. Once we got to the turn-off to Happy Rock (Gladstone), we took that to Oquawka where we headed east again on Rt 164. Went through Monmouth on Rt 34 and got off and took old route 34, which is Rt 164, east of Monmouth. and ended up at the Hog Trough (Sirloin Stockade) in Galesburg. And for those of you familiar with the comedian Ron White, “It was a good day, Tater!”
Leave a Comment » | Riding | Permalink
Posted by illinoisbiker
Yesterday, Sept 8, took the seat off Baby-Dog, and checked the water level in the battery. Only one cell was down to the low line as marked on the battery case, but I brought them all up to full and replaced the seat.
I have a cigarette outlet with a battery voltage reader stuck in it to read the voltage. It seemed to run no higher than 11.9 volts going down the road as I rode to the post office in Galesburg, then to deposit a check in the bank and then out to Wal-Mart to get oil and a filter for the diesel truck. I decided to take a long way home and ended up going up US 150 to the Kozy Inn corner and headed east to Wataga cross country. Then I decided to try out the good blacktop between Wataga and Victoria, and maybe take the Snake Den blacktop to Williamsfield. But then I missed the turn and went to the intersection with 180 and a flatbed semi came around the corner. I guessed the bridge work has been completed since there was a lot of traffic coming from the South. Pretty good ride through Billtown and back home. But the voltage never came up.
Today, I took the manual out and read how to adjust the regulator. Hmmm, seemed simple enough, Loosen the teeny lock nut on the adjustment screw which was also teeny, and run it in until it puts out 14.5 to 15 at 2500 rpms. After making sure the teeny screw and nut was snug, and replaced the 2 teeny screws holding the cover in place, I fired it up and it went up to 12.4 at idle and 14.3/14.5 at 2500 rpm. Perfect! I will try it out tomorrow and see if my stalling problem is lessened. On the 650Rider.com website, some have experimented with using a solid state regulator from a Chrysler, and its small. I thought I would give the regulator another chance to do right before I spend the $29.95 at Advance Auto for the solid state one.
Leave a Comment » | Bike Stuff, Riding | Permalink
Posted by illinoisbiker
The Patriot Guard has been invited to provide an escort by the family of Charles “Raymond” Roberts on Friday Sept 11th. Dale Roberts Sr, is a long time friend of ours and one of the older members of Central IL ABATE. Our condolences go out to the entire family for their loss.
The family of Raymond Roberts has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to honor him
for his service to this Great Nation. He served in Okinawa during WWII. For his
time in the service he received the Good Conduct Medal, Campaign and Service Medal,
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Complete Medal, Campaign and Service Victory World War
II Medal, Campaign and Service Army of Occupation World War II Medal.
Raymond’s funeral service on this day is one way in which we can also reflect on
the anniversary of 9/11and what veterans of all eras have done to protect this
country.
Services will be held at Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Home, 120 South Public Square Knoxville,
Illinois.
At the conclusion of services we will escort Raymond to his final resting place
in Abingdon Cemetery, Abingdon, IL.
Staging Location: McDonalds at Exit 51 off I-74, Knoxville, IL
Staging Time: 9:00 am – 9:45 am Friday 11 SEP 09
PRB: 9:50 am
KSU: 9:55 am
Ride Captain: Cliff Clark cliff1508@hotmail.com [mailto:cliff1508@hotmail.com]
(309)368-8813
RC Support: Tom Godfrey
Below is the Obit as published in the Register-Mail:
KNOXVILLE – Charles “Raymond” Roberts, 83, rural Knoxville, passed away at 8:58 a.m. Monday (Sept. 7, 2009) at home.
Raymond was born west of Abingdon on April 1, 1926, the son of John Marion and Bertha Lucille Morris Roberts.
He married Beatrice L. Cooley on Sept. 17, 1998, in Las Vegas.
Raymond was raised in Abingdon and Bernadotte. He was a veteran of WWII, having served in 1778th Engineer Construction Battalion in the Pacific from 1944 to 1946. For his time in the service he received the Good Conduct Medal, Campaign and Service Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Complete Medal, Campaign and Service Victory World War II Medal, Campaign and Service Army of Occupation World War II Medal. Raymond has been a farmer in the surrounding area since 1949, having lived at the Knoxville address for the last 53 years. In his earlier years he drove for L.K. Bandy and worked a winter at Admiral. In Raymond’s earlier years he enjoyed hunting, fishing, his horses, coonhounds and his Indian and Triumph motorcycles. In his later years, Raymond and Bea traveled all over the U.S. in their motor home or their Goldwing motorcycle and they traveled to many countries.
He is survived by his wife, Beatrice Roberts; daughters, Barbara (Lee) Shook and Raylene J. Roberts of Knoxville; son, Dale E. Roberts Sr. of Gilson; stepdaughter, Tonia (Will) Morris of Gilson. Raymond’s grandchildren are Michael E. (Shelley) Roberts, Brad A. Roberts, Dale E. (Carrie) Roberts Jr., Travis L. (Jennette) Petty, Tara L. Petty, Amber L. Hunborg, Cory L. (Jade) Hunborg, Levi W. Morris, Savannah J. Morris and six great-grandchildren. Raymond is survived by a sister, Vivian (Lester) Combs of Herman; a brother, Ivan (Agnes) Roberts of Knoxville; a sister-in-law, Maudie Roberts of Galesburg; plus many nieces and nephews and their families and many cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one stepdaughter, two great-grandsons and one brother.
Funeral will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 11, at Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Home and Crematory in Knoxville, the Rev. David Shreeves officiating. Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, at the funeral home in Knoxville. Burial will be in Abingdon Cemetery with military rites conducted by Ralph M. Noble American Legion Post 285 of Galesburg. Fellowship will follow the services at the cemetery at Hurd-Hendricks Fellowship Center, 126 S. Public Square, Knoxville.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of Galesburg or to any cancer research.
Online condolences may be made at www.hurd-hendricksfuneralhome.com.
Published in The Register-Mail on 9/9/2009
Leave a Comment » | ABATE, Riding | Permalink
Posted by illinoisbiker
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October 2009
News & Notes is a monthly publication compiled and edited by the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) Government Relations Department. Designed to inform motorcyclists of rights-related issues and events around the world, News & Notes welcomes your input. Suggestions and contributions can be sent to AMA Legislative Assistant Sheila Andrews by e-mail at sandrews@ama-cycle.org.
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National Public Lands Day is Saturday, September 26, 2009. This annual event is the nation’s largest hands-on volunteer effort to improve and enhance the public lands every American enjoys. In 2008, 120,000 volunteers built trails and bridges, removed trash and invasive plants, and planted over 1.6 million trees. Visit http://www.publiclandsday.org/ to register a project or volunteer for an existing project in your area.
The AMA and ATVA express concern over health care debate. Millions of on-highway and off-highway motorcyclists, as well as all-terrain vehicle (ATV) riders, may be adversely impacted by the various heath care bills currently under consideration in Congress. The AMA and the ATVA (All-Terrain Vehicle Association) urge riders to contact their elected officials and ask them to help ensure that motorcyclists and ATV riders will continue to be able to pursue their chosen recreational activities and/or chosen mode of transportation without the addition of unneeded prohibitions, limitations or mandates stemming from any health care legislation under consideration.
Keystone, CO: With the theme “Riding to New Heights,” the 2009 AMA International Women & Motorcycling Conference, presented by Harley-Davidson and Buell, wrapped up in Keystone, Colorado following four inspired days of riding, learning and networking in one of the best riding areas in the United States. The event, which ran August 19-22, not only honored the contributions of women riders to motorcycling’s past and present, it also celebrated the fast-growing role that female motorcyclists are playing in the future of motorcycling. With the breathtaking Rocky Mountains as a backdrop, more than 1,000 enthusiastic motorcyclists gathered at the Keystone Resort & Conference Center for a full slate of activities that included guided tours, seminars, demo rides from multiple manufacturers, inspiring speeches, social functions and training sessions.
California: The California Highway Patrol (CHP) has selected the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) to administer the California Motorcyclist Safety Program (CMSP) for the third consecutive time. Under contract with the CHP, the MSF initially assumed the administration of the CMSP in 2004 and was again selected for 2008 and 2009. The new contract calls for the MSF to administer the motorcyclist-funded, state-operated program for a three-year term, from 2010 through 2012, with two additional one-year options, for a total contract of up to five years.
The new CMSP contract includes a 15 percent reduction in student administrative costs to the state; savings that increase state funding for motorcycle safety made possible by riders through payment of the $2 Motorcycle Safety Fee on California motorcycle registrations and renewals.
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation promotes rider safety through rider training systems, operator licensing tests and public information programs.
Tracy, Calif.: Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA) reopens after fire. Damage from a recent fire, which lead to a temporary closure of this popular SVRA, has been repaired. Currently all the tracks, the campground, the valley floor, and all of the park west of the Bunkhouse and Los Osos trails are open to riding. The fire, which started on private property adjacent to the SVRA, was initially driven by strong winds and spread quickly, burning onto state property and causing damage to the eastern portion of the park. The fire later turned away from the park, and continued to burn southeast toward Patterson. Approximately 250 acres of the eastern portion of the park were burned, including fence lines and areas of dense vegetation. The entire eastern portion of Kiln Canyon (east of Kiln Road), SRI Road, and the lands above the motocross track were burned.
Source: http://www.ohv.parks.ca.gov/
Delaware: House Bill 122, sponsored by Rep. Earl Jaques (D-Wilmington), has been enacted. The bill makes operation and/or use of a plate frame containing or including scrolling, strobe and/or blinking lights around a license plate a violation, except during special organized events such as parades and car shows. The bill was signed into law July 24 by Governor Jack Markell and takes effect immediately.
Idaho: A new website that focuses on responsible off-highway vehicle (OHV) use has been recently launched. The Idaho OHV Public Education Campaign is a consortium of public lands agencies that sponsor an ongoing education campaign to help inform OHV users about the
rules of conduct for off-highway vehicles such as motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) and four-wheel-drive vehicles on public lands. The sponsoring agencies include the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Idaho Department of Lands, U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management. The multi-pronged campaign will involve a mix of paid advertising including radio and outdoor ads, public relations activities and events. The campaign is focused on Idaho riders statewide in hopes of improving compliance with rules and regulations regarding OHV use on public lands.
Source: http://stayontrails.com/
North Carolina: Senate Bill 64, sponsored by Sen. Harry Brown (R-Jacksonville), proposed changes to requirements for obtain a motorcycle learner’s permit and a motorcycle endorsement, including mandatory rider training for all first-time endorsement applicants. In an amendment offered on the House floor by Rep. Dale Folwell (R-Winston-Salem), the bill was changed to instead make rider education mandatory for those riders less than 18 years of age and make a learner’s permit valid for twelve months with one six-month renewal. Governor Mike Easley signed the bill into law on August 26; it takes effect January 1, 2011.
Louisiana: House Bill 802, sponsored by Rep. James R. Fannin (D-Jonesboro), authorized the transfer by the state treasurer of $6,544 from the Motorcycle Safety and Training Fund to the state general fund. The transfer was part of a $24,378,056 raid on 75 dedicated funds. Signed into law by Governor Bobby Jindal on June 30, the transfer is authorized to occur immediately.
Michigan: House Bill 4205, sponsored by Rep. Tom Pearce (R-Rockford), would prohibit the intentional placement of an item in or across a roadway that is likely to come into contact with a moving vehicle or a person riding in or upon a moving vehicle or the placement of any dangerous item in or across a roadway. Proposed penalties range from not more than 1 year in prison or a fine of not more that $500 (or both) for a violation that results in property damage and up to 15 years in prison or a fine of not more than $10,000 (or both) for a violation causing death.
Pennsylvania: PennDOT Offers Free Motorcycle Safety Courses. Classes providing the opportunity to learn or improve skill are conducted annually from March through October. The Basic Rider Course (BRC) is a 15-hour course consisting of five hours of in-class instruction and 10 hours of practical riding experience, under the watchful eyes of certified rider coaches. The six-hour Experienced Rider Course (ERC) provides skilled riders the chance to refresh their safety knowledge and hone their on-highway skills. Visit www.pamsp.com for more information on the Motorcycle Safety Program and to enroll in a course. Additional information about motorcycle safety as well as general information on licensing and registration is available at www.dmv.state.pa.us.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: New motorcycle and scooter parking spaces installed. The Philadelphia Parking Authority has begun to install special parking zones for motorcycles and scooters in parts of the downtown business district. Parking Authority officials say the spaces will cost $1 per hour, half the rate for cars. The motorcycle and scooter spaces are part of broader downtown parking changes that were implemented in July and include multi-space meters that accept debit cards and additional truck loading zones. All the parking changes should be finished by February. The parking authority will ticket motorcycles and scooters parked on sidewalks as parking zones are created.
Irving, Texas: Newest MSF Campus Up and Running. Expanded facility offers rider training, education and research opportunities. The MSF Campus at Irving offers the complete system of MSF on- and off-highway rider education and training opportunities available to date including the Basic RiderCourse, the Experienced RiderCourse, the DirtBike School, as well as the ATV Safety Institute’s ATV RiderCourse. The MSF Campus is also a research and testing site for new MSF curriculum products currently under development, with the added value that students there are likely to be among the first to benefit from new courses when they are officially released. In addition, the MSF Campus hosts ongoing professional development events for MSF RiderCoaches, DirtBike School Coaches, and ASI Instructors.
Class schedules and online enrollment are available at www.msf-campus.org.
Source: http://www.msf-usa.org/
Officers elected to American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation Board of Directors. The AMA is pleased to announce the results of officer elections for the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation (AMHF) Board of Directors, which raises money for the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum. Jack Penton, AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame off-road racer with more than 40 years of industry experience, was elected chairman. Tom White, founder of White Brothers and the Early Years of Motocross Museum in Villa Park, Calif., was elected vice chairman. Jeff Heininger, founder of automotive travel product company Heininger Automotive, was elected secretary/treasurer, an office the Directors also voted to combine at the July 26 meeting. Penton’s current term extends through February 2011. White and Heininger’s terms expire in February 2012. AMHF Board officers are elected annually.
London, England: New helmet safety ratings unveiled. An additional 25 motorcycle helmets have been rated by SHARP, the Department for Transport’s Safety Helmet Assessment and Ratings Program, bringing the number of ratings published to 150. Helmets sold in the UK must meet minimum legal safety standards but the SHARP scheme uses a wider range of tests to provide riders with more information on how much protection a helmet can provide in a crash. The objective advice, which includes important guidance on how to select a good fitting helmet, helps riders to choose the safest helmet suitable for them. The SHARP tests – which award ratings of between one and five stars – showed that the safety performance of helmets can vary by as much as 70%. With helmets across a wide price range scoring highly, all riders should be able to find a high performing helmet in a size and style that fits them at a price they can afford.
AMA Government Relations News & Notes is a monthly service compiled and edited by the AMA Government Relations Staff to keep motorcyclists informed of happenings around the world. We welcome your news & views. Please submit all material to Sheila Andrews, Legislative Assistant, 101 Constitution Ave., NW Suite 800W, Washington, DC 20001; fax (202) 742-4304 or e-mail to sandrews@ama-cycle.org. |
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MRF E-MAIL NEWS Motorcycle Riders Foundation
236 Massachusetts Ave. NE | Suite 510 | Washington, DC 20002-4980
202-546-0983 (voice) | 202-546-0986 (fax) | http://www.mrf.org
09NR32 – MRF News Release – CPSC LEAD ISSUE UPDATE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
21 September 2009
Contact: Jeff Hennie, MRF V.P. of Government Relations
CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION (CPSC) LEAD ISSUE UPDATE
The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) has learned that the Consumer Product Safety Commission Improvement Act (CPSCIA) received some attention in a House hearing recently. The Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Consumer Protection held a hearing titled, “Consumer Product Safety Commission Oversight: Current Issues and a Vision for the Future.” The hearing had one invited witness, newly seated CPSC Chair Inez Tenenbaum. Tenenbaum touched on a lot of issues with the CPSCIA, including the issue of lead in youth motorcycles and ATVs. The bulk of Tenenbaum’s remarks were focused on reform, the need for more resources and the Commission’s work on the Chinese dry wall issue.
For those not familiar, the CSPSIA set allowable maximums of the lead content in items marketed to 13 year olds and younger. This was a knee jerk reaction to the high quantity in toys manufactured in China. What happened as a result of this action was an enormous storm of problems with everything from children’s books to youth off-road dirt bike boots and helmets. Because of the arbitrary nature of this law, many items were banned as a result of its vagueness, an inactive Congress, and an understaffed CPSC. The CPSC did vote to issue a two-year stay of enforcement of the ban at the request of industry, but it is still technically illegal to sell the small vehicles. Tenenbaum takes the helm of the Commission at what is arguably worst time for the CPSC.
To address the specific concerns with lead in children’s toys, with particular attention to youth ATVs and motorcycles, the CPSC is holding a summit at the end of October in trips paid for by toy manufacturers. We hope that the summit will produce reasonable, realistic rules for the sale of these youth products. There is legislation currently in Congress to overturn the ban of these sales. Denny Rehbert (R-MT) introduced HR 1587 earlier this year. Call your Congressperson and ask them to co-sponsor this bill.
OTHER CPSC NEWS
Former Congresswoman Annie Northrup (R-KY) represented Kentucky’s 3rd District from 1997-2007 and served on the Appropriations Committee. She founded the House Reading Caucus and also drafted legislation that created the National Reading Panel, which helped determine which federally-funded reading programs were most effective. She was also a strong advocate for motorcyclist during her time in the House. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell recently nominated her for the CPSC.
Lastly, not without controversy, a recent Washington Post story reported that employees at the CPSC accepted dozens of trips paid for by toy and children’s furniture manufacturers that the agency regulates.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“I want to ride a Harley through downtown New Delhi!” Tim Roehmer, newly seated Ambassador to the Republic of India.
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October 8, 2009- Wauconda, Illinois Black Nail Brigade Awareness Ride & Protest
Meeting Point: 7AM to 8AM, behind Wauconda IL Walgreens in empty parking lot (west of rte 12/176 intersection). Awareness Ride: 8AM to 9AM. Proceed to crash site at Rte 12 & Old McHeny Rd. North on Midlothian Rd, Peterson Rd, Rte 45, Rte 120, to courthouse. Lake County Couthouse (Waukegan, IL) & Arraignment: 9AM to 12PM. We will circle the courthouse several times before parking. Park in spots on N County St or MLK Jr Ave (bring quarters). Please feel free to join us at the courthouse if you can’t make the ride. http://www.blacknailbrigade.org/ Please email greg at greg@blacknailbrigade.org if you can join us.
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MRF E-MAIL NEWS Motorcycle Riders Foundation 236 Massachusetts Ave. NE | Suite 510 | Washington, DC 20002-4980 202-546-0983 (voice) | 202-546-0986 (fax) | http://www.mrf.org 09NR33 – MRF News Release – DISTRACTED DRIVING SUMMIT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Jeff Hennie, MRF V.P. of Government Relations |
DISTRACTED DRIVING SUMMIT
Distraction: The performance degradation of a primary task upon introduction of a secondary act.
Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood convened an important two-day meeting in Washington DC last week to shine a light on the increasing incidents and opportunities to be distracted while operating a car or public transportation vehicle. Naturally, the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) was represented at that meeting.
With the amount of distraction from increased use of cell phones (some with full keyboards), GPS systems, DVD players and the vast array of other complex video displays at an all-time high, it should not come as a surprise that the opportunity for an operator of any vehicle to become distracted has risen significantly in just the past few years.
Distracted driving is certainly not a new issue. One could argue that the minute someone in Detroit came up with the idea to put lighters and ashtrays in cars, or when a little company called Motorola produced the first in-car audio entertainment device, or when Ray Kroc sold his first burger out of the window of his restaurant, distracted driving was born.
What’s truly startling is the dramatic rise in the amount of “texting” people are doing behind the wheel. Some stats say sending and receiving text messages while driving is up 500 percent in just the past two years. Because of the complexities involved with typing on a handheld keyboard, some experts refer to texting while driving as the perfect storm for disaster.
The two-day meeting brought together experts of all types including auto manufacturers, cell phone providers, government officials, state legislators, behavioral experts and even a rocket scientist from NASA who specializes in the distraction of pilots under heavy cognitive load. Cognitive load is the amount of brain power you use to complete a task, relative to the complexity of the task, or as we learned, thinking about or talking about anything overly emotional. The other forms of distraction are visual (eyes off the road) or manual (hands off the wheel).
We know that distraction is a problem for all road users, and particulary motorcyclists and other vulnerable road users, but what can we do about it? Ray LaHood said it best when he opened the meeting with the statement, “You cannot legislate behavior.” Eighteen states and DC have enacted texting-while-driving bans. While this is a good start, it’s sort of missing the mark. Banning texting may remove one part of the equation, but that means it’s still ok to eat a burrito, watch a movie, paint your nails, pick something up off the passenger side floor, or talk on a hands-free cell phone, all while checking out your hair in the flip-down vanity mirror. Any ban at the state level should be against all forms of distracted driving, not just a few specific forms.
THERE OUGHTA BE A LAW
Senator Chuck Schumer from NY and Amy Klobuchar from MN both made an appearance at the event to plug some legislation they both support. Their bill, inappropriately called the Alert Drivers Act, would force states to pass texting bans or forfeit a whopping 25% of their road money. The feds have a long history of using this sort of “carrot and stick” approach to forcing states to enact legislation, and it’s problematic for a variety of reasons.
The MRF simply cannot support the bills (S. 1536 and HR 3535) to force states to pass texting bans for the simple reason that this is the same method that is used to force states to pass helmet laws, and blackmailing the states to enact legislation that they may or may not want should be strongly discouraged.
The two-day meeting is certainly a good start to the conversation about distracted driving, but far too much focus was given to texting instead of keeping all distractions on the table. We at the MRF hope that discussion continues, and we look forward to working with the powers that be to put distracted driving on the decline.
KILTS VS BIBS – ROUND FOUR!
I have to hand it to the Bibs this year. Those old guys spent the summer working out or something because they dragged us Kilts up and down the tug-o-war arena. After suffering devastating losses two years in row, the Bibs came back en force. Although league officials are murmuring about a possible violation in tug-o-war rules by the suspendered bikers, we won’t let that tarnish an otherwise flawless victory. So that leaves it all tied up for the ropers, 2 for the Bibs and 2 for the Kilts. Rumor is the Kilts are embarking on a vision quest sometime in the off-season to soothe the soul and re-emerge next fall in Peoria, IL for MOTM and the fifth show down. Don’t miss round 5, the Thunder-Dome!
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MRF E-MAIL NEWS Motorcycle Riders Foundation
236 Massachusetts Ave. NE | Suite 510 | Washington, DC 20002-4980
202-546-0983 (voice) | 202-546-0986 (fax) | http://www.mrf.org
09NR34 – MRF News Release – MOTORCYCLE CRASH CAUSATION STUDY UPDATE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
7 October 2009
Contact: Jeff Hennie, MRF V.P. of Government Relations
MOTORCYCLE CRASH CAUSATION STUDY UPDATE
As promised, the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) is closely following the progress of the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) ongoing motorcycle crash causation study. Vehicle fatalities fell last year, while motorcycle fatalities rose. We all know that a large factor in the increase was the record motorcycle registrations and motorcycle sales, but no one is certain why a lot of motorcycle accidents occur. The last crash study done for motorcycles was in the 1970s, and so much has changed since then that the motorcycle safety community has aggressively pushed for a more up-to-date, relevant study.
“Having a better understanding of what causes these crashes will help us improve roadway safety for everyone,” said FHWA Administrator Mendez. “Keeping people safe on America’s roads is Secretary LaHood’s top priority at the Department of Transportation.”
The motorcycle crash causation study will be the federal government’s first major in-depth analysis of motorcycle safety in nearly three decades. A provision in the “Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users” (SAFETEA-LU) requires the study, which will be conducted by the FHWA in partnership with Oklahoma State University (OSU).
OSU houses one of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s 10 National University Transportation Centers, and it receives federal grants to conduct transportation research. One of the holdups of the study was that OSU was required to secure funds to match the $3 million provided by the Feds. OSU did not have an extra $3 million, so a waiver was granted allowing the study to move forward with a smaller budget. The study won’t be as large as the original concept, but the MRF has been assured it will be rigorous and scientific.
Researchers will evaluate data from hundreds of motorcycle crashes to help identify common factors – including road configurations, environmental conditions and rider experience. The study’s focus is to look at how these factors may be affected by countermeasures that, if effectively implemented, will prevent motorcycle crashes or lessen the harm when they occur.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) conducted a pilot study to develop the protocols for the full-scale causation research. NHTSA also was responsible for the earlier motorcycle causation study, which was completed in 1981.
Between 1997 and 2008, motorcycle rider fatalities increased from 2,116 to 5,290 – a 150 percent jump, according to U.S. Department of Transportation’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System. In 2008 alone, deaths due to motorcycle crashes rose by an estimated 2.2 percent while all other vehicle classes saw reductions in fatalities.
Results of the current study are still 3-4 years away.
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Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s):
H-D / FLHP 2009-2010
H-D / FLHPE 2009-2010
H-D / FLHR 2009-2010
H-D / FLHR SHRINE 2009-2010
H-D / FLHRC 2009-2010
H-D / FLHT 2009-2010
H-D / FLHTC 2009-2010
H-D / FLHTCU 2009-2010
H-D / FLHTCU SHRINE 2009-2010
H-D / FLHTCU W/SC 2009-2010
H-D / FLHTCU4-CVO 2009
H-D / FLHTCUSE4 2009
H-D / FLHTCUSE5 2010
H-D / FLHTCUTG 2009-2010
H-D / FLHTK 2010
H-D / FLHTP 2009-2010
H-D / FLHX 2009-2010
H-D / FLHXXX 2010
H-D / FLTR 2009
H-D / FLTR3-CVO 2009
H-D / FLTRSE3 2009
Manufacturer: HARLEY-DAVIDSON MOTOR COMPANY Mfr’s Report Date: NOV 25, 2009
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 09V457000
N/A
NHTSA Action Number: N/A
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING
Potential Number of Units Affected: 111569
Summary:
HARLEY-DAVIDSON IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 AND 2010 TOURING FAMILY MOTORCYCLES, INCLUDING CVO TOURING AND TRIKE PRODUCTS, MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 6, 2008 THROUGH NOVEMBER 19, 2009. THE FRONT FUEL TANK MOUNTS MAY DISTORT IN REACTION TO SEVERE FRAME DAMAGE FROM A FRONTAL COLLISION. THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE A FUEL LEAK AT THE WELD OF THE FRONT BRACKET TO THE TUNNEL.
Consequence:
A FUEL LEAK IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE MAY RESULT IN A FIRE, WHICH COULD LEAD TO INJURY OR DEATH TO THE RIDER.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A LEFT AND RIGHT BRACE, WHICH ARE INTENDED TO REDUCE FRONT MOUNT DISTORTION DURING CERTAIN CRASH CONDITIONS. THIS REPAIR WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT DECEMBER 14, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HARLEY-DAVIDSON AT 1-414-343-4056.
Notes:
OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION’S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV .
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