12NR01 – MRF News Release

February 2, 2012

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

12NR01 – MRF News Release – US House Committee Targets Federal Funding of Motorcycle Only Roadside Checkpoints

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
01 February 2012

Contact:Jeff Hennie, Vice President of Government Ralations and Public Affairs

US House Committee Targets Federal Funding of Motorcycle Only Roadside Checkpoints

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation reports that Wednesday, February 1st, the United States House of Representatives Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure rolled out the latest version of the highway bill. The bill is the long term funding bill for road construction and highway programs.

This version of the bill takes aim at a controversial practice of the Department of Transportation which funded motorcycle-only roadside checkpoints with taxpayer dollars.

The checkpoints have drawn much criticism from the motorcycle community at large. So much so, that longtime motorcycle champion Representative James Sensenbrenner (R-WI) had introduced legislation to end the program by prohibiting any future Federal funding of any motorcycle-only roadside checkpoints. That bill is HR 904. The mammoth highway bill includes the same language as contained in HR 904.

Representative Sensenbrenner had this to say, “We need to focus on proven methods of motorcycle safety, including crash prevention, rider education, and training and proper licensing. Motorcycle-only checkpoints are an intrusive governmental overreach that place an undue burden on riders while doing little to actually improve safety,” He added, “It is encouraging to see that the transportation reauthorization bill will encourage more efficient use of taxpayer dollars and smart motorcycle safety policy.”

Representative Tom Petri (R-WI), a staunch defender of the motorcyclists, had this comment on the issue, “Motorcycle riders are right to be outraged at being singled out for safety inspections,” Petri said. “Nobody is suggesting flagging cars down for unscheduled inspections, and there’s no good reason why motorcycles should be treated differently. It’s unnecessarily intrusive, and not a smart way to use limited police resources.”

We at the MRF could not agree more. While swift passage into law is not likely, this is certainly an encouraging step.

The MRF will keep you updated on this issue.


Illinois Mandatory Motorcycle Helmet Laws

February 1, 2012

Illinois Mandatory Motorcycle Helmet Bills Active Again
Bill HB 0285
Bill HB 0290

 


2012 AMA Flat Track Schedule Announced

December 22, 2011

Courtesy of AMA Pro Racing
Wednesday, December 21, 2011

In the first Pro Singles race at Daytona Michael Avila #33E clenched the victory ahead of Gerit Callies and Austin Greenland.
The schedule has been posted for the 2012 AMA Pro Flat Track Championship Series.
AMA Pro Racing is pleased to announce the 2012 AMA Pro Flat Track schedule. The 19-round 2012 AMA Pro Harley-Davidson Insurance Grand National Championship presented by Motorcycle-Superstore.com schedule has 16 confirmed dates and three additional events in final negotiations.

Of the 16 confirmed events, the fire-breathing Grand National Twins will appear 10 times, which includes five half-mile and five mile tracks, and the 450cc Grand National Singles will be featured in three TT and three short track events. Every event on the 2012 calendar will also feature the Motorcycle-Superstore.com Pro Singles class, which debuted in 2009 and showcases the future stars of AMA Pro Flat Track piloting 450cc single-cylinder machines.

Once again the season will kick off with the traditional Bike Week doubleheader on March 15th and 16th, 2012 at the DAYTONA Flat Track, which is located just outside of Turns 1 and 2 at the mighty Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla. In the 2011 contest, Grand National Championship title contender Sammy Halbert swept the mid-week openers in dramatic fashion.

In the world of flat track racing, Memorial Day Weekend and the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield, Ill. go hand in hand. May 26th, 2012 finds the Series at the Rodeo Arena for a TT race that serves to whet the appetite for the first “big bike” race of 2012, scheduled for the next day, May 27th, 2012. The Springfield Mile is one of the most coveted wins on the circuit and is one of the most highly-contested races each year.

Next up for the Series is a to-be-announced event scheduled for June 9th, 2012, with the series moving on to the first “cushion” race at the Allen County Fairgrounds in Lima, Ohio three weeks later on June 30th, 2012. The 2011 season saw the return of pea gravel to the Lima half-mile oval and the return of the sideways, rooster-tail shooting action.

The Series heads farther East on July 7th as Hagerstown, Md.’s Hagerstown Speedway hosts the only round on the east coast that features what is typically a very smooth, and very fast, half-mile track. Many consider this venue the “home track” for defending Grand National Champion Jake Johnson, and the New Jersey native will surely be looking to repeat his 2009 victory.

I-96 Speedway in Lake Odessa, Mich. returns to the series calendar on July 14th, 2012 with its always action-packed half-mile circuit, before the Series moves to the west coast on July 28th, 2012 for the Sacramento Mile at Cal-Expo in Sacramento, Calif., the highly-successful Bob Bellino-promoted event run alongside the California State Fair.

A drive up the coast will find the AMA Pro Flat Track stars back on their 450cc singles at the Castle Rock Race Park TT in Castle Rock, Wash. on August 4th, 2012. Next up is another TT, and the granddaddy of them all, scheduled for one week later at Peoria Race Park in Peoria, Ill. on August 12th, 2012. The Peoria TT has been a staple on the Grand National circuit since 1947 and still packs the hillsides with spectators eager to watch the high-flying singles take to the track.

The Indy Mile at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis, Ind., returns to the 2012 schedule on August 18th, 2012 and the event will once again coincide with both the Indiana State Fair and MotoGP’s state-side return for the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Labor Day Weekend means a return to the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield, Ill. for a Short Track and another Mile, scheduled for September 1st and 2nd, 2012, respectively.

September 8th, 2012 will mark the return of the Series to Knoxville Raceway in Knoxville, Iowa. The 2011 event saw one of the closest finishes in the AMA Pro Flat Track’s long and storied history and all signs indicate that next year’s race will be just as close.

Details about an event scheduled for September 15th, 2012 will be released soon; following that race the Series will head to the Santa Rosa Mile at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds in Santa Rosa, Calif. on September 30th, 2012. The last time a Grand National was held at the beautiful fairgrounds was in 1970, which saw Jim Rice win the contest on a BSA.

The last to-be-announced event on the schedule is will be held on October 6th, 2012 before the 2012 AMA Pro Harley-Davidson Insurance Grand National Championship presented by Motorcycle-Superstore.com schedule comes to a close on October 13th, 2012 on the half-mile track at the LA County Fairplex in Pomona, Calif.

Complete 2012 AMA Pro Flat Track Schedule:

March 15, 2012
Daytona Flat Track I
Daytona Flat Track, Daytona Beach, Fla.
Short Track

March 16, 2012
Daytona Flat Track II
Daytona Flat Track, Daytona Beach, Fla.
Short Track

May 26, 2012
Springfield TT
Illinois State Fairgrounds, Springfield, Ill.
TT

May 27, 2012
Springfield Mile
Illinois State Fairgrounds, Springfield, Ill.
Mile

June 9, 2012
TBA

June 30, 2012
Lima Half-Mile
Allen County Fairgrounds, Lima, Ohio
Half Mile

July 7, 2012
Hagerstown, Half-Mile
Hagerstown Speedway, Md.
Half Mile

July 14, 2012
I-96 Half-Mile
I-96 Speedway, Lake Odessa, Mich.
Half Mile

July 28, 2012
Sacramento Mile
Cal Expo, Sacramento, Cailf.
Mile

August 4, 2012
Castle Rock TT
Castle Rock Race Park, Castle Rock, Wash.
TT

August 12, 2012
Peoria TT
PMC Race Park, Peoria, Ill.
TT

August 18, 2012
Indy Mile
Indiana State Fairground, Indianapolis, Ind.
Mile

September 1, 2012
Springfield Short Track
Illinois State Fairgrounds, Springfield, Ill.
Short Track

September 2, 2012
Springfield Mile II
Illinois State Fairgrounds, Springfield, Ill.
Mile

September 8, 2012
Knoxville Half-Mile
Knoxville Raceway,Knoxville, Iowa
Half Mile

September 15, 2012
TBA

September 30, 2012
Santa Rosa Mile
Sonoma County Fairgrounds, Santa Rosa, Calif.
Mile

October 6, 2012
TBA

October 13, 2012
Flat Track Finale
LA County Fairplex, Pomona, Calif.
Half Mile

Dirt Bike Racing News

Stewart & Gibbs Team up for 2012 Supercross
AMA Arenacross Champ Josh Demuth Retires
David Fretigne Withdraws from 2012 Dakar
2012 Big Sky XC Date Announced
KTM 450 Rally Bike Heading to Dakar

Dirt Bike Racing News

View all articles by Press Release
View all articles in AMA Flat Track Racing


MRF News Release – Senate Committee Passes Highway Safety Bill

December 15, 2011

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

11NR35 – MRF News Release – Senate Committee Passes Highway Safety Bill

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
14 December 2011

Contact:Jeff Hennie, Vice President of Government Ralations and Public Affairs

Senate Committee Passes Highway Safety Bill

Wednesday, December 14, 2011 

Today, the United States Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation passed a sweeping safety bill known as the Motor Vehicle and Highway Safety Improvement Act (S. 1449). The bill passed by voice vote.  

Earlier this week, Senator Lautenberg (D-NJ) filed an amendment that would have gutted the popular federal motorcycle education and awareness grants, known as the 2010 funds. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation is pleased to report that Lautenberg did not call that amendment for a vote. Due to an overwhelming response from the motorcycle community, the 2010 grants are safe for now.  

Also under attack was the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) lobby ban. This law prohibits NHTSA from using federal money to lobby State legislatures, uninvited. The way S. 1449 was drafted, it removed this lobby ban. Senator Jim DeMint (R-SC) introduced a number of amendments to maintain the ban and the necessary amendments were agreed to, by unanimous consent of the full committee.  

The one sticking point that remains is at least, the least troublesome. That being said, it is still something that will keep the attention of the MRF lobby efforts.  The trouble lies in a provision in S. 1449 that calls out motorcycle helmets in the list of definitions as “motor vehicle equipment”. Previously, the list simply stated: “any device or an article or apparel… that is not a system, part, or component of a motor vehicle”.  

The MRF would like to thank all the State motorcycle rights organizations and everyone else who helped with this legislation.  

The bill passed today will likely move on to be a part of the larger Highway Bill which could happen in early 2012. The MRF will keep you informed on this issue.


National Call to Action: Federal Helmet Mandates

December 13, 2011
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

11NR34 – MRF News Release – National Call to Action: Federal Helmet Mandates

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
13 December 2011

Contact:Jeff Hennie, Vice President of Government Ralations and Public Affairs

National Call to Action: Federal Helmet Mandates

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation reports that the US Senate Committee on Commerce Science and Transportation will be marking up The Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 2011 (S. 1449). This bill governs the National Highway Transportation Safety Administrations activities. This bill has the potential to greatly affect motorcyclists nationwide. 

There are three provisions that specifically target motorcyclists.

Call your Senators and ask them to:

  1. Oppose Lautenberg amendment #1. This amendment would alter the motorcycle safety grant program by forcing states to pass mandatory universal helmet laws and drive federal tax dollars to be used to promote the use of helmets. This provision would make it easier for helmet law states to obtain 2010 grant money. This amendment would provide no money for awareness or training.

 

  1. Support DeMint amendments #1 and #18. These amendments protect the NHTSA lobby ban. Under the proposed legislation are provisions to lift this lobby ban.

 

  1. Support DeMint amendment #2. The bill, (S 1449) would change the definition of “motor vehicle equipment” to include motorcycle helmets. This would allow States to spend federal money dedicated to “motor vehicle equipment” on motorcycle helmets. The DeMint amendment would keep helmets out of that definition.

 

Call Now. Time is of the essence. Call you Senators via the capitol switch board at 202 224 3121. 

Of key importance are the Senators on the committee you can contact them directly:  

Senator Rockefeller-WV 202 224 6472
Senator Kerry-MA 202 224 2742
Senator Lautenberg-NJ 202 224 3224
Senator McCaskill-MO 202 224 6154
Senator Udall-NM 202 224 5941
Senator Begich-AK 202 224 3004
Senator Inouye-HI 202 224 3934
Senator Boxer-CA 202 224 3553
Senator Cantwell-WA 202 224 3441
Senator Pryor-AR 202 224 2353
Senator Klobucher-MN 202 224 3244
Senator Hutchinson-TX 202 224 5922
Senator DeMint-SC 202 224 6121
Senator Wicker-MS 202 224 6253
Senator Blunt-MO 202 224 5721
Senator Toomey-PA 202 224 4254
Senator Ayotte-NH 202 224 3324
Senator Snowe-ME 202 224 5344
Senator Thune- SD 202 224 2321
Senator Isakson-GA 202 224 3643
Senator Boozman-AR 202 224 4843
Senator Marco Rubio-FL 202 224 3041
Senator Heller-NV 202 224 6244 

This is of extreme importance. Please call today, Tuesday, December 13th, 2011.

Do not hesitate to contact the MRF should you have any questions. 202 546 0983


MRF Call to Action About E15

October 20, 2011

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

11NR28 – MRF News Release – EPA UNDER SCRUTINY CONCERNING E15 – CALL TO ACTION!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
20 October 2011

Contact:Jeff Hennie, Vice President of Government Ralations and Public Affairs

EPA UNDER SCRUTINY CONCERNING E15 – CALL TO ACTION!

Congressman James Sensenbrenner (R-WI) has introduced HR 3199, a bill that would require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to seek independent scientific analysis on the affects of 15-percent ethanol blend gasoline.

The bill would not overturn the option for ethanol to continue to be sold, it simply asks for more study on the use of an E15 blend; something the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) has been asking for as well.

“The EPA’s decision to allow E15 into the marketplace will impact every American who owns a car, lawnmower, or boat. Automakers insist that using E15 will void warranties, lower fuel efficiency, and cause premature engine failure. In off-road engines, the effects can even be dangerous for users,” Sensenbrenner said.

“There are serious concerns that the EPA used only one Department of Energy test and rushed E15′s introduction into the marketplace. This test was limited in scope and ignored a plethora of evidence – albeit inconvenient evidence for the EPA – that shows E15 gasoline has a negative effect on engines.”

Sensenbrenner is very serious about this issue. He conducted his own study by questioning 14 automakers about the effect of an E15 blend on their products. The unanimous consent was grim. Everybody agreed that E15 would void warranties, damage engines and lower fuel efficiency.

The MRF requests that you contact your Representative in the United States House of Representatives and ask them to cosponsor HR 3199, the Sensenbrenner EPA E15 study bill.

NTSB WANTS MEDIAN IMPROVEMENTS

A recently released set of recommendations by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) includes one that specifically addresses cable barriers. The NTSB asks that the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) work with the States to define the criteria regarding where cable barriers are placed, and to research the safety risks associated with cable barriers.

HOUSTON, WE DON’T HAVE A PROBLEM ANY MORE . . .

You can’t make this stuff up. Rickey D. Holtsclaw, a Houston, Texas police officer for almost thirty-two years, was recently forced to retire because of his insistence on enforcing ordinances restricting obnoxious motorcycle noise. Officer Holtsclaw faced pressure within the Houston police department and from pro-noise motorcyclists to stop enforcing the law. Officer Holtsclaw received little or no support from elected officials in Houston.

Holtsclaw decided to start issuing tickets to what he perceived as “loud motorcycles”. After a few months of writing tickets caught the attention of his commanding Patrol Sergeant who ordered him to cease issuing those kinds of tickets. He explained that the law is so vague that it is unenforceable. However, Holtsclaw broke orders and continued on his mission to silence Houston.

According to Holtsclaw it was the upper levels of the Houston Police Department, Mayor Annise Parker, Houston’s City Council, and Houston’s Legal Department that forced him into retirement.

Enjoy your freedom while it lasts Houston, because you know for every one like this guy there is another around the corner just waiting.

The MRF does not advocate for breaking of any law. We do, however, oppose blatant motorcyclist discrimination like this.


AMA News & Notes October 2011

September 12, 2011
October 2011
AMA News & Notes is a monthly publication compiled and edited by the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) Government Relations Department. Designed to inform motorcyclists about rights-related issues and events around the world, AMA News & Notes welcomes your input. Suggestions and editorial contributions can be sent to AMA Western States Representative Nick Haris by email at nharis@ama-cycle.org.
* * * * *
Help protect your right to ride! Volunteering is easier than you think, and it’s the right thing to do. To learn how you can help, visit us online at AmericanMotorcyclist.com > Rights > Get Involved.
 
            Sign up and stay informed! Electronic AMA Action Alerts, AMA News & Notes and AMA Extra keep you up-to-date on hot topics, opportunities to communicate with your elected officials and news and events affecting the motorcycling community. With AMA Action Alerts, you will be notified by email 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. To sign up to receive the monthly electronic edition of AMA News & Notes, click here and check the “Sign me up for the AMA’s Government Relations News & Notes” box. To receive AMA Extra, the semi-monthly email newsletter with timely news about all things motorcycling, click here.
            Utilize AMA public service announcements (PSA) featuring AMA Board member and actor Perry King. The print, video and audio PSAs are available free to the media and the public to distribute and promote. The PSAs address impaired riding, excessive motorcycle exhaust sound, the importance of the proper safety gear, and responsible and safe off- highway riding. They also deliver an important message to drivers to watch for motorcyclists on the road. To access the PSA messages, visit: www.americanmotorcyclist.com/Rights/Resources/PublicServiceAnnouncements.aspx.
            Washington, D.C.: In a victory for families who enjoy responsible motorized recreation, President Barack Obama has signed into law a bill to allow the sale of kids’ off-highway vehicles (OHVs) to continue. H.R. 2715 cleared the House by a 421-2 vote on Aug. 1, just before lawmakers went into their summer recess, and earned Senate approval by unanimous consent the same day. The measure exempts kids’ OHVs from the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) of 2008, known as the lead law.
The CPSIA, which went into effect on Feb. 10, 2009, banned the making, importing, distributing or selling of any product intended for children 12 and under, including kids’ dirtbikes and all-terrain vehicles, that contained more than a specified amount of lead in any accessible part.
            The new law, introduced by Reps. Mary Bono Mack (R-Calif.) and G.K. Butterfield (D-N.C.),
is a significant victory that resulted from nearly three years of intensive efforts by the AMA and its partner organization, the All-Terrain Vehicle Association (ATVA). Other significant efforts included those by industry trade groups, the motorcycle enthusiast and trade media and millions of individual advocates of responsible OHV recreation nationwide.
            The AMA magnified these efforts through its “Kids Just Want to Ride” campaign, and the AMA Family Capitol Hill Climb in May 2011. To read more about what the AMA did in its efforts to exempt kids’ OHVs from the CPSIA, visit www.americanmotorcyclist.com/Rights/KeepKidMotorcyclesAndATVsLegal.aspx.
             
            Dover, Del.: A new Delaware law establishes vehicular assault in the third degree as a crime and strengthens criminal penalties for vehicular assault in the second degree, vehicular homicide in the second degree, vehicular homicide in the first degree and criminally negligent homicide. The new law also gives sentencing courts wide latitude in crafting appropriate sentences for those who cause injury and death on Delaware roads. Gov. Jack Markell signed House Bill 174, sponsored by Rep. Helene Keeley (D-Wilmington South), on Aug. 3 to create the new law.
            Meanwhile, Markell on July 14 vetoed House Bill 95, sponsored by Rep. Michael Mulrooney (D-Pennwood), which would have eliminated the requirement that a person must have a safety helmet in their possession while operating, or riding on, a motorcycle. The governor’s veto message is available here.
            Springfield, Ill.: Gov. Pat Quinn wants motorcyclists and others stuck at red traffic signals to wait two minutes before going through the light. He made the proposal in an amendatory veto of House Bill 2860. The version of the bill that cleared the full legislature would have allowed motorcyclists to pass through the red light “after a reasonable period of time.” Lawmakers must now decide whether they agree with the proposal.
            Farmington, N.M.: There is still time if you want to comment on the Resource Management Plan (RMP) Amendment and associated Environmental Assessment for the Glade Run Recreation Area. The Farmington Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has moved the comment deadline in its scoping process to Sept. 30. The agency is using the scoping process to try to get a handle on what issues to explore and what alternatives to develop for consider. Officials want to know what users would like to see in the area and why. Meetings and locations will be announced in local media and on the BLM Farmington Field Office website.
            Source and full story: www.nmohva.org/main/index.php
            Pickerington, Ohio: The on- and off-highway motorcycle sound resources page has been revamped on the AMA’s website. This includes information about Sound Advice, a document that addresses the excessive motorcycle sound issue, a video explanation of how to sound test a motorcycle, model legislation and more.
            Since its inception in 1924, the AMA has maintained a position of strong opposition to excessive motorcycle sound. The AMA has funded information and public relations campaigns in support of quieter motorcycle use, and was the world’s first motorsports sanctioning body to regulate and reduce the sound level of racing vehicles.
            Source and full story: www.americanmotorcyclist.com/Rights/SoundAdvice.aspx
            Bend, Ore.: The Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests and the Crooked River National Grassland are making changes to motor vehicle use rules on local Forest Service managed lands. Cross-country travel won’t be allowed except in designated areas. Also, camp sites must be within 300 feet of a road to use a motorized vehicle to get to them, and vehicles can’t park closer than 30 feet to any wetland, stream or water body at dispersed campsites. The new rules are expected to be in place in early November. Be sure to get Motor Vehicle Use maps that show where motorized vehicles are allowed from the forest and grasslands officials.
            Source and full story: www.ktvz.com/news/29020157/detail.html
            Salt Lake City, Utah: Davis County officials may take over management of the Jordan River Off-Highway Vehicle Park from the Utah Division of State Park. About half the park has already been transferred to Salt Lake County to be developed as part of a soccer complex. Some 150 acres of park land is being used by motorcyclists, but its unknown whether that will continue. The riding area includes four separate tracks and is open from early April to mid-October.
            Morgantown, W.Va.: Student motorcyclists at West Virginia University have earned a victory following their protest of the high cost of new motorcycle parking permits. The university imposed a $162 fee but reduced it to $100 following the protest. Students had also complained that the permits only allowed parking at either the Evansdale or downtown school campus. Thanks to the students’ efforts, the permits now are good for parking at either campus.
            Source and full story: www.dailymail.com/ap/ApTopStories/201108310577
            Fond du Lac, Wis.: The Wisconsin Off-Highway Vehicle Association (WOHVA) has a new memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, which formalizes their cooperative efforts. In a news release, the association said that the MOU will allow it to continue working with the U.S. Forest Service to “provide quality riding experiences for WOHVA members and other parties searching for safe, resource friendly areas to drive 4×4 vehicles and off-highway motorcycles in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest.”
            Source and full story: www.wohva.com
            Vancouver, British Columbia: Motorcycle and scooter riders in Vancouver want free parking like electric-vehicle riders receive. Currently, electric scooters park for free, but riders of gas-powered motorcycles and scooters must pay.The city hopes to create 200 scooter and motorcycle parking spots by the end of the year, with the majority of them already created.  


Riding to Missouri on Labor Day Weekend

September 7, 2011

My S.O. and my friend Sky went to the Freedom Of Road Riders Homecoming party near Waynesville, MO on Labor Day Weekend this year. It was our first time to attend this event and we had a great time. Since we’re older, we liked the mellow atmosphere and it wasn’t overly crowded. We didn’t have to worry about someone riding their bike into our tents at night. We left Friday morning from Galesburg, IL, and took US 34 to Monmouth, then down to Macomb on Rt 67. From Macomb, we went west on 136 and 336 to 172 to Quincy. Stopped at the Wal-Mart gas station there for a small break. Then it was south to go onto I-72 East to catch Rt 96 South. Then we went down that nice two lane to Rt 54 and crossed into Missouri at Louisiana. We took 54 all the way past Jeff City to Mo 17. This is a scenic drive route and is very hilly and curvy. We had got there just before dusk and had to go slower since it was all new to us. Strangely, we did not encounter any critters on the roadway and it was wooded up to the edge of the road, except where the rocks were. Had a longer pitstop in at a gas station 12 miles north of Waynesville. Watched some interesting lights in the sky. We finally got to Waynesville and Buckhorn, which are side by side and once crossing the I-44 bridge, finally made it to the Pulaski County Shriners Club and Campground. We picked a place to camp that had night lights, behind the vendor row, so we could see to put the tents up. Google maps said 321 Miles for the route we took and 6 hrs, 1 Minute. Doesn’t work on bikes. Takes longer. But we had fun, didn’t know anyone, and met new people. Sitting on the bench at the shower house, where everyone goes, we seen a lot of interesting people. My S.O. had found some blinking necklaces and the bunny ears that blinked got the most attention and was a conversation starter. On Saturday, we took the bikes to St. Roberts at exit 159 on I-44 to the Wal-Mart and got more beer, another camp stove (the one we brought had developed a leaky regulator), and a different air mattress, and some more bottled water, it was hot. Rained on Saturday night late, and was cool on Sunday, in the 70′s. The trip home was on the same route, but was colder, since we didn’t adhere to our Boy Scout roots. We left all our cold weather riding gear home since it was in the 100 degree range when we left on Friday. We finally got home without freezing any parts off, but long johns don’t take up much room when you pull a pod trailer behind you.

Saturday Morning

Band Stage

pavillion and bar area

Rider Ed Bikes & Trailer


XS650 takes me to town.

August 11, 2011

Changing oil.

Spotty gets an oil change after a trip to town for new premium gas.


Changed oil after a trip to town on Spotty to get new gas. I’ve been neglecting this bike this year opting for the other xs or the vulcan. First trip with the handlebars I bought off Ebay that aren’t bent like the other ones are. Also you can see the saddlebags I got off Ebay for $40, a place to put stuff and lockable. Run good. Sounded good. Felt good. Oh, I also went to Hy-Vee to get some more PBR to sip as I sit in front of the shop fan. A good day tater!


Hello Riders!

October 6, 2008

First Post in this format.

Lots of good times on this bike.

Lots of good times on this bike, lasting 33 years. Still have it but in a more stock condition, except for the fire damage.


Been a Lousy Year!

November 12, 2008

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.


Central Illinois ABATE’s 28th Annual Toy Run

November 17, 2008

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:


Central IL ABATE Meeting Moved to Sunday

November 17, 2008

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.


Bikers Protest Police Roadblocks

November 18, 2008

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.

***************************************

PERSONAL NOTE: According to AMA’s website, Helmets are required for everyone, so it does look like harassment!

***************************************

New York state motorcycle laws

Road
Safety Helmet Required by Law – Reflectorization Required (4 inch square)

Democratic leaders in the U.S. House discuss confiscating 401(k)s, IRAs

November 19, 2008

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:


Fifth Federal Highway Administration Motorcycle Advisory Council Meeting

November 20, 2008

News Release

redbar

mrf

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/


Locate Motorcycle Dealers Near You

November 21, 2008

Motorcycle.Com- Dealer Locater

A quality motorcycle dealer can make all the difference in the world. If you have a specific motorcycle in mind, choose a motorcycle make below to search our database of new and used motorcycle dealerships across the country. Haven’t picked out a motorcycle yet? Not a problem. Click on the tag link below to use their resource:

Harley Dealership Closed In Dubuque, IA

November 22, 2008

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


Going Back in Motorcycle Time

November 27, 2008

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…


Norton Returns to Racing

November 28, 2008

Click link below for the full story:

Norton Motorcycles return to Isle of Man TT next year

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


Eva Håkansson’s Electric Motorcycle

December 2, 2008

Click here for the story

Ms Håkansson owns what she’s named the ElectroCat, Sweden’s first all-electric street legal motorcycle. Eva believes that petrol is very ‘last century,’ and has converted a 1990 Cagiva Freccia C12R to run on battery power.

Visit her website here


Winter Ridin’

December 2, 2008

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

Tokyo Rosie- 1970 CB350 Chopper


The 650cc Class Motorcycles

December 4, 2008

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…….


Royal Enfield Bullet Classic 500

December 5, 2008

Click this link for the full story:

Details on Classic new Royal Enfield

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 David Blasco

Image Copyright 2008 by


31st Annual Chicagoland Toys for Tots Motorcycle Parade

December 5, 2008

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


1st Prototype Nortons arrive in UK

December 9, 2008

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.


AMA fights possible 100 percent tariffs on certain European motorcycles

December 11, 2008

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.


Winter weather in Illinois

December 16, 2008
Can’t ride in this weather, and winter starts next week!
(forecast according to AccuWeather.com)
Tuesday, Dec 16
High: 19 °F RealFeel®: 15 °F
Cold with 3-6 inches of snow
Tuesday Night, Dec 16
Low: 7 °F RealFeel®: 9 °F
A little snow this evening, accumulating up to an additional inch; otherwise, cloudy and frigid

Regulatory Update – MRF- 12/15/08

December 16, 2008
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.

New York City Council Pulls Motorcycle Noise Bill.

December 16, 2008
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.

Vintage Motorcycle Blog

December 18, 2008

Do you like old motorcycles and photos and history about them? Try this blog: http://thevintagent.blogspot.com/


Central IL ABATE Officer Nominations & Calendar

December 18, 2008

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


OBAMA TO NAME TRANSPORTATION SECRETARY

December 21, 2008
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.

Honda Hoot 2009 Canceled

December 22, 2008

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…….


AMA News & Notes – January 2009

December 23, 2008

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.


AMA Pro Racing Flat Track 2009 Rules Now Available

December 24, 2008
AMA Pro Racing Flat Track 2009 Rules Now Available

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.”

AMA Pro Racing is the premier professional motorcycle racing organization in North America, operating a full schedule of events and championships for a variety of motorcycle disciplines. From its Daytona Beach headquarters, the organization operates and manages AMA Pro Road Racing, which includes AMA Pro American Superbike, AMA Pro Daytona SportBike, AMA Pro SuperSport, AMA Pro SunTrust Moto-GT and the Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup in addition to the AMA Pro Flat Track Championship. Learn more about AMA Pro Racing at www.amaproracing.com.

Had a Happy Santy Claus Day

December 26, 2008

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

Hawk riding Ed's bike into the shop where they are both ink artists.2007


Illinois Laws taking Effect January 1, ’09

December 31, 2008

Click HERE to go to a list of the new laws taking effect in Illinois on January 1, 2009.


Indian Motorcycle opens first 7 dealerships

January 8, 2009

Press Release-01/07/09

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


Negligent Vehicular Homicide Bill- IL Legislature

January 10, 2009

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. BlackJohn D’Amico


Yamaha Motorcycle Recall- Jan 14, 2009

January 14, 2009

Please click on the following NHTSA Campaign ID links to view the recall information.

NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 09V002
MAKE / MODEL YEARS :

YAMAHA / 2006-2009

SUBJECT : IGNITION SWITCH

YAMAHA IS RECALLING 9,300 MY 2006-2009 FJR1300 MOTORCYCLES. THE INTERNAL SWITCH WIRING COULD BECOME DISCONNECTED. IF THIS OCCURS ELECTRICAL CURRENT FLOW WILL BE STOPPED AND THE ENGINE COULD STALL.

Thank you,

Recalls Subscription Team
Office of Defects Investigation (ODI)
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)


AMA News & Notes- Feb 09

January 16, 2009

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.


Day of Change?

January 20, 2009

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.


MRF (Motorcycle Riders Foundation) News Release

January 20, 2009
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

Son turned 40

January 21, 2009

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!

janetandjames-ks-michaels-40th


MRF Leaders Report 09-#1

January 22, 2009
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.

MRF Leaders Report 09- #2

January 22, 2009
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.

Suzuki Motorcycle Recall

January 27, 2009

NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 09V022

Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s):
SUZUKI / GSX-R1000 2005-2006
Manufacturer: AMERICAN SUZUKI MOTOR CORP. Mfr’s Report Date: JAN 09, 2009
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 09V022000

NHTSA Action Number: N/A

Component: STRUCTURE: FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS
Potential Number of Units Affected: 26082
Summary:
 AMERICAN SUZUKI (SUZUKI) IS CONDUCTING A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN INVOLVING 26,082 MY 2005-2006 GSX-R1000 MOTORCYCLES. CRACKING OR BREAKAGE OF THE MOTORCYCLE FRAME CAN OCCUR IN CERTAIN EXTREME SITUATIONS WHERE UNUSUALLY HIGH STRESS IS PLACED ON THE FRAME. REPEATED HARD LANDINGS FROM HAZARDOUS MANEUVERS SUCH AS EXTREME OR EXTENDED WHEELIES OR OTHER STUNTS MAY GENERATE SUFFICIENT STRESS TO CAUSE THIS PROBLEM.
Consequence:
 IF THE FRAME BECOMES BROKEN DURING EXTREME USE, A CRASH COULD OCCUR.
Remedy:
 DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FRAME FOR CRACKS. IF NO CRACKS ARE FOUND, A FRAME REINFORCEMENT BRACE WILL BE ATTACHED TO THE FRAME USING BOLTS AND EPOXY ADHESIVE. SHOULD CRACKS BE FOUND DURING THE INSPECTION, THE FRAME WILL BE REPLACED WITH A NEW FRAME THAT HAS THE REINFORCEMENT BRACE INSTALLED. THE CAMPAIGN BEGAN ON JANUARY 21, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SUZUKI AT 1-714-572-1490.
Notes:
 SUZUKI CAMPAIGN NO. 2A08. THIS ACTION IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN AND IS NOT BEING CONDUCTED UNDER THE SAFETY ACT. HOWEVER, SUZUKI HAS INFORMED NHTSA THAT IT WILL PROVIDE THE MODIFICATIONS DESCRIBED ABOVE FREE OF CHARGE.

MRF News Release – US House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee

January 30, 2009
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/


NHTSA Recall on APRILIA / SCARABEO 100

February 2, 2009

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


NHTSA Metzeler Motorcycle Tire Recall

February 10, 2009

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.


MRF News Release- New York City Noise Law Update

February 11, 2009

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.


AMA News & Notes for March 2009

February 11, 2009

Copyright 2009
American Motorcyclist Association

redbar

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


New Hampshire House Bill 95 Fails

February 13, 2009

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.


Two Illinois Motorcycle Helmet Bills Filed

February 16, 2009

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


Got the XS650 starter button replaced

February 18, 2009

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".

My friend "Spotty".


How to document 30 years in ABATE?

February 19, 2009

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


Illinois Helmet Bills in Committee Hearings

February 23, 2009


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


Kawasaki Motorcycle Recall Announced

February 24, 2009

NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 09V059
MAKE / MODEL YEARS :

KAWASAKI / 2008-2009

SUBJECT : MUFFLER MOUNT BOLT

Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE
Potential Number of Units Affected: 16500
Summary:
 KAWASAKI IS RECALLING MY 2008-2009 KLR 650 (KL650E8F/L, KL650E9F/L) MOTORCYCLES. THE MUFFLER ASSEMBLY IS SECURED TO THE FRAME OF THE MOTORCYCLE BY TWO BOLTS. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT HEAT EXPANSION CYCLES OF THE MUFFLER, COMBINED WITH VIBRATION FROM VEHICLE OPERATION MAY CAUSE LOOSENING OF THE MUFFLER MOUNTING BOLTS.

Pictures from the past

February 25, 2009

Ed Brush at Big River Campout

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.

gene-newlandThis 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.

stormerThis 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.


IL Helmet Bills Revised Hearing Dates

February 26, 2009

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. TrotterHeather 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


Kewanee IL Racer Story at “the vintagent”

March 4, 2009

BILL SCOTT – 1959 DAYTONA WINNER


IL Helmet Bill Advances to Senate Floor

March 6, 2009

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


Went for a ride

March 11, 2009

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.

p10100111

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.

09spotty001


Kawasaki NHTSA Recall

March 12, 2009

NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 09V072
MAKE / MODEL YEARS :

KAWASAKI / 2009

SUBJECT : HEADLIGHT INSPECTION/FMVSS 108

Summary:
 KAWASAKI IS RECALLING 18 MY 2009 VULCAN 2000 MOTORCYCLES. THESE MOTORCYCLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, ?LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.” THE HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY INCLUDES MULTIPLE BULB AND LENS ELEMENTS. THE NONCOMPLIANT HEADLAMPS WERE ASSEMBLED WITH LENSES INCORRECTLY POSITIONED, AFFECTING PHOTOMETRIC PERFORMANCE.


California Senate Bill 35/ Obama Announces DOT Official

March 13, 2009

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.


AMA News and Notes- April 2009

March 13, 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.
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.
All Youth OHV Sales Halted: Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CSPIA) shuts down all sales of youth model off-highway vehicles (OHVs). Citing a law that regulates lead levels in children’s products, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has effectively banned the sale of all youth OHVs as of Feb. 10, 2009. The AMA is calling on everyone to take action now to help reverse the potentially devastating effect this could have on OHV recreation. Go to: http://www.amadirectlink.com/news/story.asp?id=629 to see the full story. To read the AMA’s comments to the CPSC visit: http://www.amadirectlink.com/news/story.asp?id=595
Omnibus Public Lands Bill (S22): A major wilderness bill that was supposed to be a quick victory for the new congressional majority is now on hold due to a lack of support in the House of Representatives. 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, all-terrain vehicle (ATV) rider and anyone who supports responsible outdoor recreation is urged to continue contacting their senators and representatives and ask them to reject this bill. The measure would ban motorized recreation on 2.1 million acres of public land and inappropriately designate it as Wilderness. The procedure used for fast-tracking this bill through the U.S. Senate and House clearly 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
Illinois Bill Would Prohibit Youth Riding: House Bill 3914, introduced by Rep. Mary Flowers (D-Chicago), would make it illegal for anyone under the age of 16 to operate an ATV or off-highway motorcycle (OHM). Further, the proposed legislation would make it illegal to transport a passenger on an ATV or OHM regardless of whether the vehicle is configured for a passenger. The bill would also require ATV and OHM riders to have a valid driver’s license and wear a helmet. This legislation was referred to the Committee on Rules on February 26. The text of HB-3914 is available on the “Rights” page of http://www.americanmotorcyclist.com. Additional updates will be posted as they become available.
AMA, others blast pending OHV study as flawed. Nine national off-highway vehicle (OHV) groups, including the AMA, recently sent a letter to the federal Government Accountability Office (GAO) noting that an ongoing GAO study on OHV use is flawed in such a way that any findings will be skewed against OHV use on federal lands.
A principal component of the study is a survey of federal land managers that ostensibly seeks to determine trends in the amount of OHV use, potential environmental and human health and safety impacts and how federal agencies are managing OHV use and enforcing OHV regulations. Managers from the Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service received the survey and were asked to respond.
This letter was signed by representatives of Americans for Responsible Recreational Access, the AMA, The BlueRibbon Coalition, Motorcycle Industry Council, National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council, Off-Road Business Association, Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association, Specialty Vehicle Institute of America and the United Four Wheel Drive Associations.
The letter noted that GAO’s survey questions ignore ongoing federal management activities and are ambiguous, subjective and lack context. Both the BLM and the USFS are currently engaged in multi-year efforts to improve OHV management by designating which trails are open for motorized use on each unit and forest.
Source: http://www.amadirectlink.com/news/story.asp?id=600
The National 4-H Headquarters, in collaboration between National 4-H Council and the ATV Safety Institute, has announced a request for proposals for its 2009 ATV Safety grants. Please contact your local county 4-H office if you are interested in partnering with them to promote ATV safety. The application Deadline is Tuesday, March 24, 2009, 5PM, EST
Information and the grant application can be found at www.atv-youth.org. If you have any questions, contact Sheila Chaconas, 4-H ATV Safety Account Manage, at 301-961-2858.
California bill proposes emissions testing for motorcycles. Recently, California State Senator Fran Pavley introduced legislation that would “amend Section 44011 of, and to add Section 44012.5 to, the Health and Safety Code, relating to air pollution.” If passed this legislation would require motorcycle owners in California to get smog checks for their motorcycles once every two years. The law would take effect January 1, 2012 and cover all on-highway motorcycles model year 2000 or newer. A majority vote would be required to pass this new legislation into law and could occur any time after March 28. Visit http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/09-10/bill/sen/sb_0401-0450/sb_435_bill_20090226_introduced.html to see the full text of the bill. Opponents of the bill say that that it is simply a thinly veiled attempt to levy yet another fee to offset the states record budget deficit and point to last month’s raid of the OHV trust fund of $90 million dollars for non-OHV related expenditures. The bikes potentially affected are in fact the cleanest in the nation, having already been required to meet the stricter CA emissions standards years prior to similar requirements being adopted by the EPA.
Motorcyclists benefit from historic economic stimulus bill. Language that provides a tax deduction for the purchase of a motorcycle has been added to the recent economic stimulus bill. The AMA, in conjunction with other stakeholders, worked diligently to secure the motorcycle provision within the measure.
Specifically, motorcycles are included as “qualified vehicles” in Section 1008 of the legislation. Those purchasing a new motorcycle will be able to deduct the sales and excise taxes on their 2009 tax returns. Prior to the actions taken by the AMA, Harley Davidson and others, the deductions applied only to the purchase of a new car or light truck. Details of the deduction, which are currently being developed by the Treasury Department, will be provided in a future News and Notes.
Source: http://www.amadirectlink.com/news/story.asp?id=627
The AMA is looking for Public Service Announcements (PSAs) that have been produced by state motorcyclists’ rights organizations and request that links to or copies of PSAs be sent to the AMA for inclusion in a resources library. Recently, at the 12th annual Hoosier Motorcyclist Roundtable, attendees were made aware of eight online PSAs produced by ABATE of Indiana. These videos, and others like them, are excellent examples of what is being done in the field to promote motorcycle safety, awareness, and rider education. Visit http://www.igot2know.com/index.php?videoid=1752&partnerid=71 to view the videos.
The AMA has announced the creation of three separate one million-dollar endowments for the AMA’s Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, the Association’s government relations activities and its amateur racing programs. AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman made the announcement at a press conference preceding the opening of the annual Dealernews International Powersports Dealer Expo in Indianapolis.
“We are very pleased to be able to make these substantial commitments to three of the AMA’s most cherished activities: the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, the advocacy efforts of our Government Relations Department, and the amateur racing series and championships enjoyed by tens of thousands of AMA members,” Dingman said.
Source: http://www.amadirectlink.com/news/story.asp?id=616
North Port, Florida: City leaders discuss cancelling an OHV ordinance that prohibits ATV use and camping on city-owned land and private property. North Port’s tracts of undeveloped land historically drew many OHV users, but some area residents complained about noise and feared the activity would hurt property values. Recently city commission chairwoman Vanessa Carusone, an ATV rider herself, said the law is flawed and said a group of citizens asked her to propose its repeal. People who break the camping-ATV law repeatedly face up to a $1,000 fine or 90 days in jail.
Source: http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20090303/ARTICLE/903030389
Ohio: Public forums will help guide future of off-highway recreation. Ohio is one of the most popular states in the country for off-highway vehicle sales and recreation. To identify the issues and needs of motorized users of the state’s public trails systems, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Office of Trails will hold meetings in four locations around the state, including one sponsored by the AMA and held near the Association’s offices in Pickerington. 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 that will guide the Office as it addresses the needs of Ohio’s trail users.
Source: http://www.amadirectlink.com/news/story.asp?id=668
NAPLES, Florida: Collier and Miami-Dade County officials are considering whether to turn an old airport into an OHV park. The property is mostly located in Collier County and was originally a 13,000-foot runway. Officials think they can create 20 miles of trail for OHVs such as ATVs and dirt bikes. Camping, fishing, piers and possibly an archery range are also being considered.
Source: http://www.palmbeachpost.com/search/content/gen/ap/FL_Off_Road_Park.html
London, England: Motor Cycle Industry Association (MCI) announces Code of Conduct as London launches City-Wide Experimental Bus Lane Access for Powered Two Wheelers. To coincide with the recent opening of London’s primary route bus lanes to motorcyclists, the MCI has announced a new Code of Conduct for motorcyclists who will be enjoying the new freedom to use bus lanes. The Code has been developed in partnership with the London Police and is supported by motorcycle riders’ groups, the media and motorcycle dealerships.
The Code contains guidance and gives information to motorcyclists about the safe and responsible use of bus lanes. The most important point is that bus lanes are shared road space and are also used by other vulnerable road users such as cyclists.
Source: http://www.acem.eu/NWSL/newsl18/buslanes.htm
France: Motorcycle riders are protesting a new motorcycle specific law that takes effect in April. This law will allow a law enforcement officer to order any motorcycle towed for an inspection to ensure legal conformity. Further angering riders is the fact that the law does not stipulate any requirements for the person inspecting the motorcycle.
After the owner has completed any required “repairs” the bike must again be verified. Adding insult to injury, any owner whose bike is inspected and found to be in compliance will still be required to pay any costs associated with the inspection.
Source: http://www.motosportsbusiness.com/new-french-motorcycle-laws-protest-nest-pas/
Championed by the KMA/KBA (Kentucky Motorcycle Association / Kentucky Bikers Association), on March 5 the Kentucky Senate adopted Senate Resolution 86, designating May 2009 as Motorcycle Awareness Month. SR-86 urges all Kentuckians to share the road and keep motorcycle safety in mind as they travel the Commonwealth’s streets and highways.

Urgent Legislative alert from AMA

March 14, 2009

Omnibus Public Lands Bill to be Voted on Monday, March 16!

Call your Senators NOW!


The American Motorcyclist Association urges everyone to contact their Senators to vote “No” on 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 including motorcycles and ATVs on over 2 million acres of public lands. As you may know, S. 22 was defeated just days ago on March 11 in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Now, following defeat of the bill, the U.S. Senate leadership is expected to employ a little used parliamentary procedure that allows them to overcome the outcome of the House vote on S. 22.
The U.S. House of Representatives preserved your access to vital public lands when S. 22 fell two votes short of the two-thirds majority needed to pass on March 11th. The successful defeat of the bill was only accomplished after thousands of concerned individuals, like you, contacted their Representatives to tell them to oppose the legislation. However, the Senate Leadership wants to try and un-do that success by bringing the bill back as a 1,300 page amendment to an unrelated bill for a vote as early as Monday.
With such a short time frame for action, the best way to tell your Senators to vote “No” on H.R. 146 is to call. Click here to get the phone number for your Senators. Enter your zip code in the “Find Your Officials” box and click on the name of your Senators.
If you would prefer to contact your Senators with e-mail, you may contact your Senators by clicking here. We have pre-written a letter for your use.
Immediate action is critical to help keep 2.1 million acres of public land open to motorized recreation. Please call your Senators and tell everyone you can to do the same.

MRF News Release- HIPAA Update

March 18, 2009

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.


NHTSA Recall- BMW / F800 GS

March 20, 2009

NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 09V088
MAKE / MODEL YEARS :

BMW / 2008

SUBJECT : FRONT AXLE SHAFT

Summary:
 BMW IS RECALLING MY 2008 F800 GS VEHICLES. THE AXLE SHAFT WALL THICKNESS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED ACCORDING TO SPECIFICATIONS.


MRF- Bikers Inside the Beltway

March 20, 2009

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.


AMA- Legislative Alert 3-24

March 25, 2009

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!


SB1351 Illinois Mcy Helmet Bill Fails

April 1, 2009

4/1/2009 Senate Third Reading – Lost; 014-042-001


NHTSA Recall- Bridgestone Exedra G850 G motorcycle tires

April 3, 2009

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.


MRF News Release- HR 1253 Passes House

April 3, 2009
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."

AMA- News and Notes- May 2009

April 13, 2009

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 4x4s 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

redbar


ABATE of IL and MRF Mourn Death of Boz Kerr

April 21, 2009
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

NHTSA RECALL- BMW R1200

April 22, 2009

NHTSA Campaign ID Number : 09V129
MAKE / MODEL YEARS :

BMW / 2008

SUBJECT : ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

BMW IS RECALLING MODEL YEAR 2008 R1200 GS AND R1200 GS ADVENTURE MOTORCYCLES. IN CERTAIN SITUATIONS, SUCH AS HIGH GENERATOR SPEEDS COMBINED WITH LARGE DEMANDS FOR ELECTRICAL CURRENT, SPURIOUS SIGNALS COULD EMERGE WITHIN THE MOTORCYCLE’S ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, IT COULD AFFECT THE PRESSURE SENSOR SIGNALS OF THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) CONTROL UNIT


MRF News- CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION UPDATE

April 23, 2009
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.

ABATE Shakedown Run

April 24, 2009

shakedown2009flyr


MRF Meets with Sec. of Transportation LaHood

April 28, 2009
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.

NHTSA Recall- 2009 Ducati

May 1, 2009

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.


MRF Announces “Bikers Inside the Beltway” Event

May 6, 2009
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.


Missouri Legislature Passes Helmet Modification Bill

May 6, 2009
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.

AMA Action Alert for Youth Mcys and ATVs

May 7, 2009

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!
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.

AMA News and Notes- 06/09

May 17, 2009

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/


Illinois to start using Photo Radar in July

June 24, 2009

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


Free “Watch for Motorcycles” Stickers

July 22, 2009

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

Stickers

Stickers 001


Media shows bias against bikers

July 22, 2009

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.”


Bike Maintenance

July 22, 2009

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.

wheelchock

lifttable


Bike Maintenance Again

August 24, 2009

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.
BabyDog and SpottyDog in the back


Sunday Ride- Aug 23

August 24, 2009

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!”


Bike Riding and battery

September 9, 2009

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.


Patriot Guard

September 10, 2009

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


AMA News & Notes for Oct 2009

September 10, 2009

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.
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.

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.
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.

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.
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.


MRF News Release – CPSC LEAD ISSUE UPDATE

September 21, 2009

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.


Black Nail Brigade Ride & Protest Oct 8th

September 28, 2009

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.


Look Twice – Save a Life

October 5, 2009

U-Tube video presents a “You didn’t see me” message


DISTRACTED DRIVING SUMMIT

October 5, 2009
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
5 October 2009

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!


MOTORCYCLE CRASH CAUSATION STUDY UPDATE

October 7, 2009

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.


Harley-Davidson Fuel Tank NHTSA Recall

December 9, 2009

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 .


AMA News & Notes- Jan 2010

December 15, 2009

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.


MRF New Release- Washington Update

December 16, 2009
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

09NR38 – MRF News Release – Washington Update

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
16 December 2009

Contact: Jeff Hennie, MRF V.P. of Government Relations & Public Affairs


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.
Congress typically includes controversial provisions in omnibus legislation and the patriot act is controversial to say the least.

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
government to seek court orders for roving wiretaps on suspected terrorists who shift their modes of communication.

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.

=============


The following is a list of the States that qualified for FY 2009 Section 2010 grants and the amounts to be awarded:

State FY 2009 Motorcyclist Safety Grants
ALABAMA $114,238
ALASKA $100,000
ARIZONA $111,200
ARKANSAS $100,000
CALIFORNIA $482,959
COLORADO $110,080
CONNECTICUT $100,000
DELAWARE $100,000
FLORIDA $257,007
GEORGIA $164,399
HAWAII $100,000
IDAHO $100,000
ILLINOIS $220,884
INDIANA $133,372
IOWA $101,658
KANSAS $104,884
KENTUCKY $105,047
LOUISIANA $104,965
MAINE $100,000
MARYLAND $106,176
MASSACHUSETTS $119,970
MICHIGAN $186,872
MINNESOTA $130,550
MISSISSIPPI $100,000
MISSOURI $136,277
MONTANA $100,000
NEBRASKA $100,000
NEVADA $100,000
NEW HAMPSHIRE $100,000
NEW JERSEY $144,587
NEW MEXICO $100,000
NEW YORK $291,150
NORTH CAROLINA $158,704
NORTH DAKOTA $100,000
OHIO $202,304
OKLAHOMA $107,642
OREGON $100,000
PENNSYLVANIA $214,038
PUERTO RICO $100,000
RHODE ISLAND $100,000
SOUTH CAROLINA $101,080
SOUTH DAKOTA $100,000
TENNESSEE $127,038
TEXAS $366,564
UTAH $100,000
VERMONT $100,000
VIRGINIA $138,601
WASHINGTON $127,519
WEST VIRGINIA $100,000
WISCONSIN $130,235
WYOMING $100,000
TOTAL $7,000,000

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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.

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© 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.


AMA News & Notes Feb 10

January 8, 2010

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. 


AMA Racing announces AMA Racing Vintage National Dirt Track Championship Series

January 15, 2010

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


Illinois Helmet Bills Introduced

January 15, 2010

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


AMA Action Alert 01-21-10

January 21, 2010
US Forest Service Launches Effort to Rewrite Forest Panning Rule — Shifts Focus to ‘Restoration’

Opportunity for Public Comment Through February 16, 2010

In December, the USDA Forest Service announced that it would rewrite the national forest system land management-planning rule. The planning rule sets priorities and defines the process for the development and revision of site-specific management plans for every national forest or grassland.
The Forest Service has issued three planning rules since 2000 but two of them have been struck down by legal challenges and the 2000 rule has never been utilized because of its “complexity”. In effect most current forest plans have been written under the planning rule of 1982.
The Forest Service raises a number of noteworthy concepts in the scoping document (Federal Register – December 18, 2009). Foremost being the concept of “restoration” which is heavily stressed but never defined. Nor does the document examine how making “restoration” a priority would affect recreation or other land uses. Rather the agency asks the public to provide comment on what “restoration” ought to mean. However, last August, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack stated publicly, “Restoration means managing forest lands first and foremost to protect our water resources, while making our forests more resilient to climate change.”
Adaption to climate change and resiliency are frequently referenced in the document but it is left to the public to comment on how those concepts should be applied. Similarly the document suggests that local forest planners should not limit themselves to planning for National Forest Service land but should expand their efforts to include “all-lands” or whole watersheds.
Wrongly applied to local planning processes, many of the concepts raised in the scoping document could be very problematic for maintaining recreational access to public lands for a number of activities – including motorized recreation. The AMA strongly encourages off-highway vehicle enthusiasts to review the proposal and to provide written comment to the agency on the importance of recognizing recreational access in the forest planning process.
The Forest Service’s Notice of Intent, background materials and information on how to comment are available at www.fs.usda.gov/planningrule. Comments will be accepted until February 13th.
The Forest Service expects to develop a proposed rule and a draft environmental impact statement by late fall 2010. The public will have additional comment opportunities at

Mandatory Motorcycle Helmet Bill Intro’d in House

January 26, 2010

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


Illinois Senate Bill for “Bicycle Safety”

January 26, 2010

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


AMA Action Alert for Illinois ATV Riders

January 27, 2010
Flowers Introduces Prohibition on Youth Riding — Again!

Illinois House bill 5029, introduced by Rep. Mary Flowers (D-Chicago), would make it illegal for anyone under the age of 16 to operate an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) or off-highway motorcycle (OHM). The proposed legislation would also make it illegal to transport a passenger on an ATV or OHM regardless of whether the vehicle is configured for a passenger. The bill would also require ATV and OHM riders to have valid driver’s licenses and wear helmets.
This legislation is nearly identical to legislation introduced by Rep. Flowers last year that ultimately died in the House Elementary and Secondary Education Committee.
The text of HB 5029 and a prewritten response are available on the “Rights” page of http://www.americanmotorcyclist.com.
This legislation was referred to the rules committee on January 25th. Additional updates will be posted as they become available.

LINK TO IL LEGISLATIVE PAGE:
HB5029- ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLE SAFETY- Synopsis As Introduced
Amends the School Code to provide that school districts must provide instruction in relation to the laws regarding the operation of all-terrain vehicles and off-highway motorcycles in grades kindergarten through 12 and may include the instruction in social studies, American government, driver education, or other appropriate courses of study. Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code to prohibit any use of all-terrain vehicles or off-highway vehicles on roads. Provides that the Secretary of State may suspend a person’s driver’s license for 6 months for a violation of provisions relating to the illegal use of all-terrain vehicles and off-highway motorcycles on streets and riding an all-terrain vehicle or off-highway motorcycle as a passenger. Provides that it is illegal to operate an all-terrain vehicle or off-highway motorcycle if the operator is under the age of 16, does not have a valid driver’s license, or is not wearing a properly fitted helmet secured to the person’s head. Provides that a person must demonstrate knowledge of all-terrain vehicle and off-highway motorcycle laws on the written examination for a driver’s license, and provides that information relating to all-terrain vehicle and off-highway motorcycle laws must be contained in publications of the “Rules of the Road” by the Secretary of State and “Laws for Youth” by the Legislative Research Unit.


Crash Bar installed on Spotty today

February 2, 2010

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.


AMA News & Notes for March 2010

February 11, 2010
March 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, D.C.: President’s Budget Proposal Would Slash Trail Funding. President Obama’s newly submitted proposed budget for fiscal year (FY) 2011 could be disastrous for motorized trail users. Buried in the nearly 200-page document is one paragraph dealing with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Capital Improvement and Maintenance (CIM) program. The CIM program funds improvements, maintenance and operations of U.S. Forest Service roads, trails and recreation infrastructure. Under the budget proposal, the CIM program would be cut by $100 million — from a $538 million appropriation in FY 2010 to a proposed $438 million in FY 2011.
The proposed cut is particularly disturbing in light of the Forest Service’s recent work on off-highway vehicle (OHV) travel management. Many National Forests have only recently completed their travel management plans and will need funding for implementation. As these plans were developed, local Forest Service staff repeatedly told OHV enthusiasts that they lacked sufficient funding to maintain existing trails, provide trailhead facilities or to adequately inventory existing trails. Furthermore, funding for good trail design, construction and maintenance is essential to meeting the Administration’s stated goals of erosion control, watershed health and forest restoration.
The AMA urges its members to contact their federal elected officials and request that they oppose any cut in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s CIM budget.
Washington, D.C.: A report released by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) shows a continuation in the decline of fatalities and injuries associated with all-terrain vehicle (ATV) use. According to the CPSC, total ATV-related injuries in 2008 decreased 10 percent from 2007, with injuries to children under 16 declining six percent.
The CPSC also reported that the risk of injury per 10,000 four-wheel ATVs in use declined by 15 percent from 2007 to 2008. This is the seventh straight year that injury risk for ATV riders has decreased, and it is now lower than at any time since CPSC began calculating this injury risk in 1985. Four-wheel ATVs have become increasingly popular, with the number of vehicles in use increasing more than 300 percent since 1998.
Washington, DC: Transportation Department bans texting for commercial truck drivers. Following up on last year’s distracted driving summit, in which the AMA was an invited guest, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced new federal guidance to expressly prohibit texting by drivers of commercial vehicles. The prohibition is effective immediately and is the latest in an ongoing series of actions taken since the national summit was held.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) research shows that drivers who send and receive text messages take their eyes off the road for an average of 4.6 seconds out of every 6 seconds while texting. At 55 miles per hour, this means that the driver is traveling the length of a football field, including the end zones, without looking at the road. Drivers who text while driving are more than 20 times more likely to be involved in a crash than non-distracted drivers. Because of the safety risks associated with the use of electronic devices while driving, FMCSA is all working on additional regulatory measures that will be in the near future.
To read the AMA’s position statement on distracted and inattentive driving, please go to www.AmericanMotorcyclist.com/legisltn/positions/distracted.asp.
Boston, Mass.: Attorney General recovers $11.1 million in motorcycle insurance overcharges for consumers. The Attorney General’s Office (AGO) has entered into settlements with Safety Insurance Company (“Safety”), Liberty Mutual Insurance Company (“Liberty”) and Quincy Mutual Fire Insurance Company (“Quincy”) resolving allegations that they overcharged consumers for motorcycle insurance by using incorrect motorcycle values to calculate premiums.  The settlements, which return $11.1 million to consumers, stem from an investigation that the Attorney General’s Office began over a year ago, after a consumer filed a complaint with the office’s Insurance & Financial Services Division. 
The Massachusetts Motorcycle Association (MMA) is spearheading the effort to ensure that all motorcyclists entitled to refunds get them.
“The AGO has reached out to the motorcycling community, through the MMA, out of concern that the insurance companies might not be able to identify and locate the riders,” said MMA Chairman Dave Condon. “All riders are encouraged to contact the MMA directly for assistance in expediting your refund.”
To qualify for a refund, you must answer “yes” to the following questions:
o   Did you buy motorcycle insurance from the Safety, Liberty or Quincy insurance company?
o   Did your motorcycle insurance policy contain the collision or comprehensive options?
o   Did you buy this optional motorcycle insurance at any time during the years 2002 to the present?
If you answered “yes” to all three questions, then you may be due a refund and are urged to send your contact information via e-mail to: MyRefund@MassMotorcycle.org. Or by mail to the following address: Attn: MA AGO Insurance Settlement, P.O. Box 378, Brimfield, MA 01010.
The contact information will be shared only with the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office Insurance and Financial Services Division and the named insurance carrier, Condon said. The information should include your name, address (past and present), telephone number, e-mail, and the year, make, model and VIN number of the motorcycle or motorcycles that were insured.
Alternately, the AGO has worked with the three insurance companies to establish the following hotlines: Liberty (800) 569-5411, Quincy (800) 899-1116, and Safety (877) 951-6416.
Auto insurance companies are required to calculate premiums by following the rules in their rating manuals. The settling insurers’ rating manuals required the insurers to use current motorcycle book values to calculate the collision and comprehensive premiums charged to consumers.  However, rather than using current book values to calculate premiums, the settling insurers in many cases allegedly used motorcycle values that were inflated and out-of-date.
Under the terms of the settlements filed in Suffolk Superior Court, it is anticipated that Safety will return $7.2 million to policyholders; Liberty will return $3.1 million to policyholders; and Quincy will return $800,000 to policyholders. The three insurance companies will also make payments to the state totaling $510,000. The settlements cover alleged overcharges going back to 2002 and require the insurers to pay six percent interest to consumers on the alleged overcharges. Average refunds to consumers are anticipated to be approximately $300 with some consumers receiving thousands of dollars. Tens of thousands of policies are believed to have been affected.

Lake Elsinore, Calif.: Roadracing World Magazine interviews AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman. Roadracing World Magazine’s David Swarts talked with Dingman about professional racing, vintage racing and the current state of the AMA. Broken into three parts, the interview addressed many questions about the AMA’s past and present activities, including how the Association benefits from the sale of AMA Pro Racing assets, the new direction of vintage racing in America, and how the AMA will grow membership moving forward.
-       Part 1, AMA Pro Racing: http://roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=39217
-       Part 2, Vintage Racing: http://roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=39219
-       Part 3, The State of the AMA: http://roadracingworld.com/news/article/?article=39218
Ocotillo, Calif: California State Parks recently kicked-off a comprehensive update of the General Plan for the popular Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation Area. A General Plan is a broad-based policy document that establishes a long-range vision and goals. The plan also provides direction on future types of improvements, services, and programs. An Environmental Impact Report (EIR) will be prepared as required by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The EIR will evaluate potential environmental effects associated with adoption of the General Plan.
A consulting firm is assisting Ocotillo Wells with this process and has a short questionnaire posted. Visit PlanOcotilloWells.com to help identify key planning issues to be considered.
Washington State: The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has released its Draft Reiter Foothills Forest Recreation Plan. While approximately 4,000 acres of the 10,000-acre area being studied have seen off-highway motorcycle use in the past, the new DNR plan proposes limiting motorized use to 1,100 acres. That would represent a 72.5 percent reduction in available riding opportunities despite a DNR survey that showed motorcycling is the most popular use for the area (60 percent of user groups surveyed). The DNR admits that the 1,100 acres proposed is inadequate to accommodate existing use, and their own research has identified additional area suitable for OHV use. Furthermore, because the plan does not explicitly identify motorized single-track motorcycle trails, there is no guarantee that there will be any left open to motorized use.
A “Save Reiter” Facebook page has been created and the Northwest Motorcycle Associations website has the latest information.
Hot Springs, Ark.: Members of Arkansas’ congressional delegation say a U.S. Forest Service plan to close areas of the Ouachita National Forest to OHVs is misguided and have requested a halt to the implementation of the project.
Senators Blanche Lincoln and Mark Pryor and U.S. Representative Mike Ross say any such rule could hurt the economy in western Arkansas. Lincoln cites the Mena area in particular as one that would be hard-hit by any ban in the National Forest. Pryor and Ross also asked officials of the National Forest to “re-engage” with local and state officials to find a commonsense solution. “Reasonable access to our nation’s public lands, for both jobs and recreation, is something many Arkansans depend upon,” Lincoln said in a news release.
Great Falls, Mont.: the National Off Highway Vehicle Conservation Council (NOHVCC) is holding another round of Public Land Advocacy webinars soon. These webinars will complement the highly popular Public Land Advocacy DVD series. The webinar series will help participants understand and be effectively involved in OHV management and agency planning processes. Topics such as, writing effective comments, working with land managers, the agency process for designating routes, and so on are intended to help individuals promote and preserve OHV riding opportunities. There will also be information for land managers including getting to know the enthusiasts and how to provide excellent trail systems for riders.
Individuals will have the opportunity to ask questions of the presenter and to interact with other participants.
Visit http://www.nohvcc.org/education/webinars.asp for dates and sign up information.
Columbia, S.C.: South Carolina’s highest court has heard arguments over whether a city can require motorcycle riders to wear helmets, despite the lack of a state law requiring them.
In September 2008, the Myrtle Beach City Council voted unanimously to pass 15 ordinances intended to crack down on rallies, including the helmet requirement. Violators of the helmet law face a $100 fine but no jail time. Justices questioned an attorney for the city over what they seemed to view as the intent of the ordinance: which was not to make Myrtle Beach’s roads safer for riders, but instead to discourage attendance at two popular biker rallies.
State Rep. Thad Viers argued that a state law governing traffic ordinances specifically spells out what local governments are allowed to do regarding traffic laws. He also contended that allowing the municipal ordinance to trump existing state law would have serious consequences statewide.

MRF Washington Update

February 17, 2010

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

10NR03 – MRF News Release – Washington Update

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
17 February 2010

Contact: Jeff Hennie, MRF V.P. of Government Relations & Public Affairs


WASHINGTON UPDATE

The U.S. Senate continues to work on what has become known as the “Jobs Bill,” although it’s not all business as usual. The core of the Jobs Bill is a package of tax cuts, hiring incentives, unemployment extensions, programs to help retain employees, offsets, and tax credit bond programs. The original draft was an $85 billion package crafted over 4 months of bipartisan work in conjunction with the White House. So it was surprising when Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) pulled that version at the last minute and introduced a stripped down $15 billion version. Rumors swirl around his rationale for this, but only the Senator knows for sure why he did what he did.

One of the only similarities between the Senate draft and what Reid introduced last Thursday is a seemingly benign group of extensions to a handful of transportation-related measures. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) worked with the Senate to include the motorcycle safety program set up under SAFETEA-LU (PL 109-59) on the list of extended programs. The program sends cash back to the states to be used only for motorcycle rider education and public awareness campaigns aimed at motorists. Reid’s bill would continue the full funding of $7 million a year for the next two years. For those who feel that federal funds come with strings attached, it’s important to remember that this started as state money. It was sent to DC to collect in a trust fund and then it is sent back to the states for specific programs.

“With the likelihood that the next highway bill will be stalled for the foreseeable future, it’s important that we keep funding these effective safety programs in the meantime,” said Jeff Hennie, Vice President of Government Relations and Public Affairs for the MRF. “Considering that most states are using their current state funds dedicated to running motorcycle safety programs on everything except motorcycle safety, it becomes apparent just how badly this money is needed,” he added.

The House passed similar motorcycle safety program legislation, but only extended the funding for one year. The reasoning by the House was that we cannot wait for two years to pass a full highway bill.

As always, the MRF will keep you updated on this and all other issues affecting motorcyclists.


Illinois Mandatory Under 18 Helmet Bill moves forward

February 25, 2010

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

Actions
Date Chamber Action
1/12/2010 Senate Filed with Secretary by Sen. Donne E. Trotter
1/12/2010 Senate First Reading
1/12/2010 Senate Referred to Assignments
2/10/2010 Senate Assigned to Public Health
2/23/2010 Senate Do Pass Public Health; 006-002-000
2/23/2010 Senate Placed on Calendar Order of 2nd Reading February 24, 2010


Illinois Mandatory Motorcycle Helmet Bill for Under 18 Moving Forward

February 26, 2010

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

Actions
Date Chamber Action
1/12/2010 Senate Filed with Secretary by Sen. Donne E. Trotter
1/12/2010 Senate First Reading
1/12/2010 Senate Referred to Assignments
2/10/2010 Senate Assigned to Public Health
2/23/2010 Senate Do Pass Public Health; 006-002-000
2/23/2010 Senate Placed on Calendar Order of 2nd Reading February 24, 2010
2/25/2010 Senate Second Reading
2/25/2010 Senate Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading March 2, 2010


Illinois Mandatory Motorcycle Helmet HB 5031 Committee Hearing 03/10

March 8, 2010

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

Actions
Date Chamber Action
1/22/2010 House Filed with the Clerk by Rep. Mary E. Flowers
1/25/2010 House First Reading
1/25/2010 House Referred to Rules Committee
2/16/2010 House Assigned to Vehicles & Safety Committee
Vehicles & Safety Committee Hearing Mar 10 2010 10:00AM Stratton Building Room D-1 Springfield, IL


10NR14 – MRF News Release – Washington Update

May 17, 2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
16 May 2010

Contact: Jeff Hennie, Government Relations and Public Affairs


Washington Update

FHWA MOTORCYCLE ADVISORY COUNCIL

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) recently convened its Motorcycle Advisory Council (MAC) to discuss motorcycles and how they relate to the country’s transportation infrastructure, and make recommendations to the U.S. Secretary of Transportation. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) is a member of the MAC and attends all council meetings.  In addition to council members, the MAC invites specialists from the government, industry and universities, with the goal of reducing motorcycle crashes and injuries to motorcyclists. They carefully consider the small road signature of motorcycles and the how they interact with the roads, bridges and barriers of this country. This was the 8th time the council has met over 4 years.

The feds announced that will be doing two “scans” of motorcycle safety to observe best practices and identify alternative solutions for smooth interaction between motorcycles and infrastructure.  They will conduct a domestic scan to study programs throughout the U.S., and will also travel to Europe and Australia for an international scan. The MRF was invited to participate in the international scan, as well as to help craft amplifying questions for international partners in that scan. The sole focus of the scans is improving U.S. infrastructure for motorcyclists.

Much of the discussion at this meeting was focused on how to get the message of the MAC into the right hands across the states. In an earlier meeting of the MAC, a brochure was developed with the mindset that it would provide key recommendations of the MAC to state highway developers. The information is fantastic, but the brochure was met with little fan fare. Oftentimes safety documents are lengthy and dull, and don’t get the attention they deserve. So the goal of this group is to not only create something that will get into the right hands, but will also get their attention. Many ideas were discussed, from video public service announcements to boiling down all current motorcycle safety documents into one simple, bullet-point document.

MOTORCYCLE VEHICLE MILES TRAVELED NUMBERS IMPROVE

For years and for good reason, the MRF has been crying foul regarding the motorcycle vehicle miles traveled (VMT) numbers collected and published by the federal government. One of many glaring examples was that for several years, it was reported that the state of South Dakota, home of the Sturgis motorcycle rally, had zero annual motorcycle VMT. In fact, before the MRF got involved in this issue, motorcycle VMT numbers were optional for the states to report. We at the MRF realize the need for solid VMT numbers to get an accurate view of the country’s safety situation. The motorcycle industry gathers its own VMT numbers, and they are always at least double what the feds bring to the table.

It’s refreshing to see the feds act on the MRF’s demands and at least attempt to improve the accuracy of the motorcycle VMT numbers gathered. They are now going to code the numbers using geographic information system mapping software that will compare travel on types of roads (from highways to rural roads), as well as breaking out the numbers by vehicle types. This does not mean the numbers will be completely trustworthy, but they are headed in the right direction.

TRAVELER OPINION AND PARTICIPATION SURVEY

The feds also announced that they will be doing a Traveler Opinion and Participation Survey (TOPS) during the summer of 2012. They will survey a random sampling of adult Americans over the phone to gage how the general public feels about the roads they use, the traffic they sit in, the purpose of travel and so on.  As a direct result of the MAC’s recommendation to the U.S. Secretary of Transportation, the survey will, for the first time, include questions about motorcycles.

This was the last official meeting of the MAC under its current charter. The MRF is working with U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood, a past recipient of the MRF Champion Award, to extend the MAC’s charter for another two years. This would be the 2nd extension of the original Congressionally-mandated charter.

To read more about the MAC or view the motorcycle safety brochure visit: http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/mac/

To read the TOPS findings from the last survey (2005) visit:

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/reports/traveleropinions/1.htm


The New to Me 1997 Vulcan 1500 Classic

June 11, 2010

I bought this from a guy in Indianapolis who was trying to move to Arizona.  On Feb 25, 2010, sky king and I went and looked at the bike, and brought it home.  I now have a trailer hitch and wiring on it for pulling the pod trailer I used to pull with the 85 Voyager.  That bike was getting too heavy as I progress into codgerdom.  The vulcan is 300 lbs lighter and center of mass is centered better.  The voyager 6 cylinder cross ways made it want to lay down if it leaned much at all.Ol' Red (after the Hereford Bull on the farm)


10NR17 – MRF News Release – Washington Update

June 25, 2010

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

10NR17 – MRF News Release – Washington Update

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
24 June 2010

Contact: Jeff Hennie, Government Relations and Public Affairs

Washington Update

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation has learned that a letter has been sent by 4 US Senators to President Obama criticizing the recent announcement by the EPA to delay the mandate that would force gasoline manufactures to move from 10% ethanol/gasoline blends to 15% ethanol in its blends. The new blend is commonly referred to as e-15. Senators Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), John Thune (R-S.D.), Mike Johanns (R-Neb.) and Kit Bond (R-Mo.) all signed a letter delivered to Obama yesterday, June 23rd. The senators, all from states that have a large economic interest in ethanol, stated that the gulf oil spill underlines the need for less reliance on fossil fuels and a greater need for more ethanol use.

The EPA decided to push a deadline on issuing a rulemaking that would mandate the use of 15% blends across the country. The new time frame is early fall for release of the ruling. The EPA states that the new blend will be safe in auto engines manufactured after 2001, after testing just 18 vehicles. It is not clear if any of those vehicles were a motorcycle. The agency went on to state that it is also not clear if the new blend would damage vehicles earlier than 2001.

Ethanol causes an engine to run hotter and get less gas mileage, but it does reduce carbon monoxide emissions making it the darling of environmentalist groups. However, air cooled engines are likely to run so hot with the new blend that engine damage is almost going to be unavoidable.

The lawmakers called that first delay “unnecessary and unfortunate” in their letter but said they are more concerned about news late last week that EPA will not make a decision until later this fall.

This second delay should “not be tolerated,” the lawmakers said. The letter asks Obama to “take all action necessary” to expedite the waiver petition and immediately consider an interim blend of 12 percent ethanol.

The same problems arise with a 12% blend as with a 15% blend. No one knows what the compromise blend will do to motorcycles, air cooled engines, or other vehicles pre 2001.

Should you hail from one of the States that the four Senators are from, the MRF encourages you to contact them and ask for proof that the new blend will not harm the engines in question. All others are encouraged to contact the White House on this important matter. “Its crucial that the American people press for more testing on this issue as Obama cabinet members have gone on record saying they ‘are confident’ this new measure will be approved” said Jeff Hennie, Vice President of Government Relations and Public Affairs for the Motorcycle Riders Foundation.

White House Contact info
On the web: http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact
On the phone: Comments: 202-456-1111, Switchboard: 202-456-1414
FAX: 202-456-2461

Highway Bill

At a recent meeting with Senator Max Baucus (D-MT), the chief architect of the financing portion of the next Highway Authorization Bill, the MRF learned that the support for the robust financing the bill deserves is just not there. With Federal spending already at an all time high, the political will to raise any funds for the bill has slipped away for the time being. It’s unlikely at this point that a final bill will be passed before the current extension is up at the end of this year. The MRF encourages you to attend any town hall style meetings your Senators or Representatives may hold over the 4th of July break and urge them to get a bill passed soon.

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation will keep you updated on these and any other issues affecting motorcyclists.


Bill “Sputnik” Strain, Texas Biker Rights Leader Passes Away

June 25, 2010

Bikers lost a true warrior and friend. Sputnik aka Bill Strain passed away this morning in the TMRA2 office in Austin Texas engaged in the fight for biker rights to the very end. Rest in Peace Brother! This photo is how I remember Sput best from a long past SOLR TEA Party in Tennessee: http://bikerezine.com/national/solrteaparty/pages/DSC00027_JPG.htm Rather than send flowers I suggest you read his Five Steps and take action: http://www.fastfreds.com/articles/five-steps-liberty.htm Subject: Sputnik From: “Terri Williams” <secretary@tmra2.org> Date: Thu, June 24, 2010 9:57 am ————————————————————————– JUNE 24, 2010 The Texas Motorcycle Rights Association is sad to announce that our great Leader, Sputnik, passed away suddenly at approximately 5:00 AM this morning. I woke up at 5:45AM to find him on the living floor at the state office. It appeared that he crossed over quickly and did not suffer, from a massive heart attack. I can not begin to even put into words how devastating the loss is to the biker community, to his family, and to us who live with him at the state office, for all TMRA2, and to all of his brothers and sisters who loved him dearly. Sputnik will go down history as the greatest Motorcycle Rights Activist in the History of our Nation and we as his Task Force were truly blessed to be a part of this great Warriors life.God has a special place in Heaven for Sputnik and he told me yesterday that wanted all of us to continue the political work and to carry forward with his final Rally for the Birthday Bash in July. As soon as we know the Memorial Service information we will send out another broadcast. Our sincerest regrets to the entire Biker Community Terri Williams-State Secretary TMRA 2 Stephanie Parks-TMRA2 Task Force

– Terri Williams TMRA2 State Secretary TMRA2.org Http://Texaspoliticsbikerstyle.com 512-971-1377 Freedom is always unfinished Business!
This notice came from Fast Fred’s Biker Ezine  email

J&P Cycles Open House

June 28, 2010

We loaded up the 78 XS650 with the duo-glide rear section into the duelly and pulled the 74 Holiday Rambler to Anamosa Iowa to stay at the Wapsi Campground Friday and Saturday nights.  It’s about 11 Miles from J&P, if you go back South and get on the 4 lane, so as not to go through town.  We had rain on Friday and Saturday nights, but we were in our “Tin Tent” so that was not a problem.  Rode to the Open House on Saturday and stayed long enough to get too much heat.  Drank plenty of water since they gave it away free.  Ran into Rodney and Terry Stage from Fulton County ABATE in the warehouse and had a nice chat with them.  Back to the campsite and steaks on the grill and suds.  On Sunday, after it  stopped raining, about 10 AM, we broke camp and went to the Motorcycle Museum, which is still being completed.  Met Mike and Margaret Wilson there and had some great conversation with him.  She is in the Motorcycle Hall of Fame and was being photographed on one of their bikes, 1957 Sportster.  Also we saw Ed Youngblood there, who we met in 1999 at the ABATE of Illinois State Seminar, shortly before he retired as the President of the AMA.  It was a great weekend.


10NR19 – MRF News Release – EPA Updating Noise Emission Standards

July 1, 2010
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

10NR19 – MRF News Release – EPA Updating Noise Emission Standards

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
30 June 2010

Contact: Jeff Hennie, Government Relations and Public Affairs

EPA Updating Noise Emission Standards

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) has learned that the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is updating the regulation that governs all motorcycle noise emissions.  The EPA has sent a letter to various private companies located in the USA, that import or build motorcycle exhausts intended for use in the USA, asking the companies to disclose sensitive financial and business plan information, as well as trade secrets.

The EPA claims that it must update the regulation because of “technical changes that have occurred since the last update of the rule”. Current law has decibels capped at 83 for motorcycles built since 1983. It is not clear from the letter which direction they will pursue, but in the past, any time the EPA “updated” anything it meant that the regulations got stricter. Reading between the lines shows that the EPA will likely lower the decibel limit for motorcycles, not increase it.

The 5 page questionnaire asks for some very sensitive information such as; overall value of the company, part numbers of items built and or sold, testing techniques, will the company pass on the costs of more testing to the customer and so on.

The MRF is arranging a meeting with the EPA to clarify exactly what is going on here.

If you or anyone you know has received this letter, please put them in touch with the MRF so that they can join the coalition to ensure that this does not put in place any hardships for the American rider.

Contents of the letter to manufacturers follows.

Should you want to view the questionnaire click here: http://www.mrf.org/pdf/EPA_questionnaire_June2010.pdf

###################

(Manufacturer specific information and MRF edits
appear in bold italic to protect the identity of the MRF’s source)

UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20460
Office of Air and Radiation

June 1, 2010

BY CERTIFIED MAIL

Dear Mr. XXXXXXX:

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is considering revisions to its motorcycle noise emissions regulations (Code of Federal Regulations, Title 40, Part 205, Subparts D and E, promulgated December 31, 1980) to address technological changes that have occurred since the current regulations were developed. As part of this process, we are collecting information on the types and models of motorcycles and mopeds manufactured in or imported for sale in the United States. We are also collecting information on motorcycle and moped exhaust systems that are manufactured or imported for sale in the United States; this includes companies that manufacturer (sic) OEM exhaust systems for their newly manufactured motorcycles and/or mopeds and/or for retail sale and those companies that manufacture motorcycle and moped exhaust systems for aftermarket sales only. Also, in order to estimate the impacts of any increases in manufacturing and/or product costs due to possible required changes in design and testing costs, we are collecting information on sales volumes, prices and the costs of manufacture.

This letter is to request completion of the enclosed questionnaire by the (name and address of manufacturing company) by June 23, 2010. The purpose of this questionnaire is to determine the products produced, approximate production volumes, production costs, testing processes and testing costs, and sales prices for your facility.

Your company may assert a business confidentiality claim covering part or all of the information. Information covered by such a claim will be disclosed by EPA only to the extent and by procedures set forth in 40 CFR Part 2, Subpart B. You should clearly identify such pieces of information at the time it is submitted, using a cover sheet, stamped or typed legend, or label indicating that the information is company confidential, proprietary, or trade secret. If no such claim accompanies the information when it is received by the EPA, it may be made available to the public by EPA without further notice. It is EPA’s policy that compliance provides sufficient protection for the rights of submitters of priveleged information.

We have designated EC/R as an authorized representative of the Agency. As an authorized representative of EPA, EC/R is subject to the provisions of 42 U.S.C. 7414(c) respecting confidentiality of methods or processes entitled to protection as trade secrets. The EC/R contract with the EPA is EP-D-09-051.

Your assistance in this very important matter will be greatly appreciated. If you have any questions regarding this request, please contact me at (EPA phone number) or (EPA email address) or (EPA official) at (EPA phone number) or (EPA email address).

Sincerely,
(EPA official)


AMA Action Alert on National Monument Designations

July 1, 2010
Urge Congress to consider resolution regarding National Monument designations

Support resolution directed at Interior Department to force disclosure of documents relating to National Monument plan Take Action!
Contact Speaker Nancy Pelosi and your Representative today!
The Chairman of the U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources had a markup (votes were taken) on June 16, 2010 to consider H. Res. 1406, introduced by Representatives Doc Hastings (R-Wash.) and Rob Bishop (R-Utah). This resolution of inquiry is aimed at requiring the Secretary of the Department of the Interior (DOI) to turn over to the U.S. House of Representatives all documents related to the potential National Monument designations.
H. Res. 1406 passed the U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources with a favorable recommendation by voice vote. The House Leadership and Chairman Rahall must now schedule H. Res. 1406 for consideration on the House floor.
The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) sent a letter to Speaker Nancy Pelosi urging the U.S. House of Representatives to consider H. Res. 1406 as soon as possible. In addition to the letter to Speaker Pelosi, the AMA also sent a letter on June 29 to every Member of Congress urging them to support H. Res. 1406. This resolution needs the support of the U.S. House of Representatives so the American people will know exactly what plans are being discussed regarding responsible motorized recreation on millions of acres of land. For this reason, the AMA is urging all Members of Congress to cosponsor and vote yes on H. Res. 1406. The AMA will be scoring resolution cosponsors and this vote for the 111th Congress. To see if your Representative is a cosponsor, click here. To see the AMA’s scorecard for the U.S. House, click here.
Prior to the markup on June 16, the U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources considered H. Res. 1254 on May 5, introduced by Representatives Doc Hastings (R-Wash.) and Rob Bishop (R-Utah). This resolution was similar to H. Res. 1406. H. Res. 1254 was in response to the letter Hastings, Bishop and 14 members of Congress sent to DOI Secretary Ken Salazar in February requesting further information related to an internal document that revealed the Administration is considering designating 13 million acres of land as National Monuments using the Antiquities Act without any public debate. This unilateral action by the Administration could potentially prohibit responsible off-highway riding in the affected areas.
In response to the markup on May 5 and the congressional letter, the DOI provided a limited release of only 383 pages out of more than 2,000 pages of internal documentation related to the consideration of National Monument designations. This is not sufficient disclosure of information.  The AMA urges the DOI to release all documentation pertaining to the congressional request.
Despite bi-partisan support at the May 5 markup on H. Res. 1254, a motion to favorably report the measure was not agreed to by a vote of 20 yeas to 22 nays. In a separate motion, a voice vote agreed to report H. Res. 1254 without recommendation. That means the decision to bring the resolution to the House floor rests with Committee Chairman Nick J. Rahall II (D-W.Va.) and House leadership.
As a result of the failure to report H. Res. 1254 favorably and the failure by Sec. Salazar to bring these documents in question to a recent hearing, Reps. Hastings and Bishop introduced another resolution of inquiry (H. Res. 1406) to force the DOI to release all documentation pertaining to the congressional request.
In addition to the congressional letter, the AMA sent a letter to Salazar addressing the responsible riding community’s concerns of its members and other user groups, stating its opposition to recommend the designation of 13 million acres of National Monument areas without any public debate. The DOI responded to the AMA’s letter, claiming the internal document was merely a “brainstorming session.” To view DOI’s response, click here.
The AMA supports H. Res. 1406 and urges its members and, all motorcycle and ATV (all-terrain vehicle) riders, to contact Speaker Pelosi and their Representatives to voice their support for this resolution.
You can find contact information for your elected officials at AmericanMotorcyclist.com > Rights > Issues & Legislation, then enter your zip code in the “Find Your Officials” box. A prewritten e-mail is available for you to send Speaker Pelosi by clicking here. You can send a prewritten e-mail to your Representative immediately by following the “Take Action” option and entering your information. The AMA encourages riders to personalize their message by drawing on their own personal riding experiences.
Please write or call Speaker Pelosi and your Representative today and urge them to cosponsor and vote yes for H. Res. 1406.

MRF News Release – Lobby Ban Supported

July 2, 2010
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

10NR20 – MRF News Release – Lobby Ban Supported

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
1 July 2010

Contact: Jeff Hennie, Government Relations and Public Affairs

Lobby Ban Supported

Washington DC

Today, 5 Members of the House of Representatives introduced a resolution that “supports efforts to retain the ban on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s ability to lobby state legislatures using federal tax dollars and urging NHTSA to focus on crash prevention and rider education”.

The ban is current Federal law, the resolution simply supports the lobby ban and puts the Obama Administration on notice that this is an important law and should remain in place.

There is recent activity to support the fact that the current Administration would like the ability back to lobby state legislatures. At a hearing, Obama’s NHTSA chief, Mr. Strickland, has said the motorcycle helmet use will be the core of NHTSA’s approach to motorcycle safety. He went on to say that “anything the Congress does that would support the movement of riders into helmets would produce the desired effect of safety.”

So, we are pleased that Representatives Sensenbrenner (WI), Ryan (WI), Rehberg (MT), Lanborn (CO), and Petri (WI) have all sponsored H Res 1498 today, and the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) hopes more of their colleagues will follow suit.  The bill is a direct result of the MRF’s spring ride to the capitol known as Bikers Inside the Beltway. A group from ABATE of Wisconsin brought this issue up with Congressman Sensenbrenner and he agreed to do the resolution.

Prior to 1996, NHTSA could and did send paid staff to State legislatures, uninvited, to testify in favor of State helmet laws. This irked the constituents and Members of Congress, who felt that it was a waste of tax payer money. They felt that the feds should not be able to use taxpayer moneys against the will of the taxpayers. So, Congress passed a law that forbids NHTSA staff from entering state assemblies uninvited. Sensenbrenner led the charge back in ’96.

He had this to say about the issue “It is the job of Congress to defend the freedom and individual responsibilities that motorcycle riders across the nation enjoy as they travel the open roads of America,” Congressman Sensenbrenner said.  “Mr. Strickland’s plan greatly concerns me as it is not the job of the federal government to create one-size-fits-all helmet laws.  Mr. Strickland appears to be intent on pursuing all means possible to enact mandatory helmet laws, either at the federal level or by violating the principles of the 10th Amendment and bullying the States into enacting mandatory helmet laws.”

Down the Road
It’s with a heavy heart that we have to report this next bit, as many of you know, Sputnik Strain passed away last week. For those of you who aren’t familiar with Sputnik’s life work. I’ll try to sum it up. Sputnik organized the State of Texas motorcyclists and convinced a bulk of them to run for elected office. He was so effective, that by 1996, the entire State House and Senate were run by biker majorities. It didn’t matter to Sput if you were a Republican or a Democrat, just that you were a biker. They held the majority until just few years ago. It is, without question, a feat that has gone unrivaled in the motorcyclists’ political world. Services for Sputnik Strain are going to be held July 10th, in Austin, Texas.


MRF News Release – US EPA Considers Lowering Motorcycle Sound Emissions Levels

July 16, 2010

10NR21 – MRF News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
15 July 2010

Contact: Jeff Hennie, Government Relations and Public Affairs

US EPA Considers Lowering Motorcycle Sound Emissions Levels

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) has learned that the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has begun collecting data from the industry to consider lowering the allowable decibel level for motorcycles. Currently the allowable sound any vehicle can generate is capped at 83db.

The EPA has sent letters to nine companies that either import or build aftermarket exhaust systems or complete motorcycles. This small sample size is troubling for a couple of reasons. First, it is not representative of the much larger motorcycling community that will be affected by changing the regulation, rendering the survey results questionable at best. Second, any time a federal agency wants to spend taxpayer money to survey a group of 10 or more individuals or organizations, they must obtain approval from the US Office of Management and Budget (OMB).  The approval process isn’t easy and can often be drawn out, giving American citizens the right to weigh in on the agency’s application for permission to survey. However, when an agency only contacts nine organizations, they don’t have to tell anyone or get permission from the OMB to move forward on the survey, making the process lack transparency.

Why just motorcycles? It appears that the EPA doesn’t want to curb all noise, or even all vehicle noise, just noise coming from two-wheeled vehicles. We at the MRF find that distinction discriminatory and simply unacceptable, not to mention that it suggests a more personal agenda and not an agency-wide push. What sort of impact will new decibel levels have on retailers and ultimately motorcycle owners? Alarmingly, this does not appear to have been addressed. After reviewing the survey questions, it appears that the EPA is only concerned with the impact on manufacturers.

While public correspondence has not revealed the EPA’s true intention to lower the allowable decibel limit, the EPA indicated in a private phone call with the MRF that it would certainly not be raising the standard or keeping it the same. That leaves one option, lowering the decibel standard for motorcycles.

The MRF is working with Congress to get the EPA to explain their intentions and motivations. The MRF is also working to meet directly with the EPA to further determine exactly is going on with this issue.

You can view the actual EPA questionnaire on the MRF website at http://www.mrf.org/pdf/EPA_questionnaire_June2010.pdf


MRF ACTION ALERT

July 23, 2010

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

10NR22 – MRF News Release – MRF URGENT CALL TO ACTION – Mandatory Motorcycle Roadside Stops

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
23 July 2010

Contact: Jeff Hennie, Government Relations and Public Affairs

MRF URGENT CALL TO ACTION – Mandatory Motorcycle Roadside Stops

A mandatory roadside motorcycle stop may be coming to a town near you, reports the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF).  Recently, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has asked for applications from law enforcement outfits to apply for a new pot of taxpayer money designated for pulling motorcyclists off the road to lecture them about safety.

The MRF strongly opposes this sort of discrimination against motorcyclists. “Pulling over law-abiding motorcyclists does not make anyone safer and is huge waste of taxpayer money,” said Jeff Hennie, Vice President for Government Relations and Public Affairs for the MRF.

NHTSA’s request for applications asks law enforcement officials to submit plans similar to what New York State Police did last summer. They set up outside big public motorcycle gatherings and pulled every single motorcyclist over to the side of the road to lecture them about safety, drinking and riding, proper tire inflation, and so on.

The MRF feels there are much more productive and less discriminatory ways to promote safety for motorcyclists, and is disappointed that this approach was decided upon behind closed doors by a group of federal employees who apparently did not consult anyone in the motorcycling community for their input and expertise in motorcycle safety.

This particular project is limited to five law enforcement agencies, and total funding is capped at $350,000. In these tough economic times, that’s a ton of money. The deadline for applications is August 13, and to the MRF’s knowledge, no applications have yet been submitted.

The MRF will be investigating to determine if NHTSA and the federal government have legal jurisdiction to fund states to single out one particular type of vehicle for clearly discriminatory practices over other vehicles, and will be working diligently to see that these proposed grants are never awarded.

The MRF encourages you to contact U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood today to voice your displeasure, either by phone: 202-366-4000 or by email: http://ntl.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/ntl.cfg/php/enduser/ask.php

Contact Jeff Hennie, MRF Vice President for Government Relations and Public Affairs, at Jeff@mrf.org if you have any questions or need further information.


10NR25 – MRF News Release – Traffic Fatalities Lowest Since 1950

September 10, 2010

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

10NR25 – MRF News Release – Traffic Fatalities Lowest Since 1950

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
10 September 2010

Contact: Jeff Hennie, Government Relations and Public Affairs

Traffic Fatalities Lowest Since 1950

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a division of the United States Department of Transportation (DOT). has released the 2009 yearly traffic fatality numbers, reports the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF). The report shows that traffic fatalities are at the lowest in this country since 1950.

The DOT said that traffic deaths fell 9.7 percent in 2009 to 33,808, the lowest number since 1950. In 2008, an estimated 37,423 people died on the highways. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood called the new data “a landmark achievement for public health and safety,” but cautioned that too many people are killed on the road each year.

Forty-one states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico saw reductions in highway fatalities, led by Florida, with 422 fewer deaths, and Texas, down 405.

Motorcycle-related deaths were down 16 percent, the first drop in the past 11 years, from 5,312 in 2008 to 4,462 in 2009. “Of course a one year drop is encouraging but can hardly be called a trend,” said Jeff Hennie, MRF Vice President of Government Relations and Public Affairs. “We in the motorcycling community need to continue to push for proper rider education and motorist awareness campaigns in order to establish a true trend.”  Motorcycle related injuries were also down 6.3 percent from ’08 to ’09, more encouraging news.

Pinning the fall in deaths to a single source is difficult. Some will say that the economic slowdown reduced vehicle travel, but that’s just not true. The vehicle miles traveled for 2009 is slightly higher than it was in 2008, about 0.2 percent.

Other vehicle segments can point to manufacturer-based safety solutions such as airbags, electronic stability control systems and anti lock brakes. However, motorcycles have very limited widespread use of such technologies, leaving safer riding and better motorist awareness of motorcycles as more plausible explanations.

Read the government’s full report here: http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/Pubs/811363.pdf.

The MRF’s Meeting of the Minds (MOTM) 2010 is less than two weeks away. This means that it’s time to do any last minute maintenance to your motorcycle and start planning your trip to Peoria, Illinois for this year’s premier motorcyclists’ rights event. Check the MRF website for more info: www.mrf.org/events.php.


MRF News Release – News from Washington

September 28, 2010
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

10NR26 – MRF News Release – News from Washington

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
28 September 2010

Contact: Jeff Hennie, Government Relations and Public Affairs

Action Needed!

A letter from Congressman James Sensenbrenner is being sent to United States Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood seeking insight into the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s recent request for applications from law enforcement agencies to obtain grant money to hold motorcycle only roadside checkpoints. The letter also asks that the grant process be suspended until sound reasoning for the checkpoints is produced.

NHTSA recently announced that it would solicit applications and then award grants to police units who want to conduct motorcycle only roadside safety checkpoints. The MRF is strongly in opposition to this program.

Congressman Sensenbrenner is a long time friend of the MRF and ABATE of WI with a history of supporting motorcycle rights on issues such most notably as one of the first to spearhead the repeal of the National mandatory helmet law in 1995. He has also been a staunch advocate for fairness when it comes to health care issues for motorcyclists, as well as an active and vocal supporter for the NHTSA lobby ban.

Mr. Sensenbrenner has called on his colleagues to sign a letter of request to the US DOT to gain more information on the motorcycle-only roadside checkpoints and to halt funding until that information is produced.

Please call your United States Congressman and ask for them to sign on to the Sensenbrenner letter to Secretary Ray LaHood. Deadline for co-signers is close of business September 29th.

This approach to stopping the roadside checkpoints got unanimous consent when discussed at the MRF Meeting of the Minds 2010 MRF/State Motorcycle Right Organization Legislative Strategy Session held last weekend.

Senate safety hearing mentions motorcycle helmet use.

Today, the Senate Committee on Commerce Science and Transportation held a hearing on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administrations endeavors. The hearing featured NHTSA Administrator David Strickland. Strickland referenced the overall decline in traffic fatalities from 2004-2009. He also suggested that the rise in seat belt use and child restraint use are contributors to the decline. He then went on to point out the rise in motorcycle fatalities over the same time period.

Strickland’s direct quote:

“However, you will notice that there is one indicator that is moving in the wrong direction, motorcycle fatalities. Between 2004 and 2009, the number of motorcycle riders killed increased from just over 4,200 to almost 4,462, an 11 percent increase. The number of motorcycle fatalities did fall between 2008 and 2009, the first time we have seen a decrease in more than a decade. We need to work to build on last year’s progress. The most important step we could take would be to assure that all riders wear a DOT-compliant helmet, which are 37 percent effective in reducing fatalities. We estimate that helmets prevented over 1,800 fatalities in 2008, and that more than 800 additional fatalities could have been avoided if all riders wore helmets. NHTSA will actively work with Congress to promote helmet use”.

The MRF will be contacting Strickland to remind him that accident avoidance over safer crashing is the best solution to motorcycle safety.


AMA News & Notes- Dec 2010

November 11, 2010
December 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, AMA 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, and it’s the right thing to do. To learn how you can help, visit us online at AmericanMotorcyclist.com > Rights > Get Involved.
Sign up and stay informed: electronic AMA Action Alerts and AMA News & Notes keep you up-to-date 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 the monthly electronic edition of AMA News & Notes. AMA News & Notes keeps motorcyclists apprised 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 2010 AMA Voter Guide has been updated with election results for federal and gubernatorial candidates. To view the 2010 AMA Voter Guide, sign into the AMA Members Area. If you are not yet an AMA member you can join today, online or call 800-AMA-JOIN.
The AMA urges all riders to build relationships with their lawmakers. The best way to influence motorcycle-related issues is to establish and maintain positive relationships with elected officials before you need their help.
If you have already started working with an elected official, by volunteering on a campaign or through previous efforts, the AMA would like to hear your story. Please send your activism-in-action photos with a brief summary of your efforts, plus the candidate’s name and state, to grassroots@ama-cycle.org. Thank you to all who voted for motorcycle-friendly candidates and especially to those who volunteered!
Washington, D.C.: Federal action to allow more ethanol in gasoline could damage motorcycles. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has agreed to allow the ethanol portion of blended gasoline to be increased from the current 10 percent to 15 percent for certain vehicles, which could pose a danger for motorcycles.
Under the decision, E15 is now approved for use in model year 2007 and newer cars and light trucks. It isn’t approved for use in any other gasoline-fueled engines. To see the EPA news release, go to http://tinyurl.com/US-EPA-E15.
For more than three years the AMA has been on the record opposing increases in the ethanol level allowed in gasoline until studies show that an increase will not damage motorcycle or all-terrain vehicle (ATV) engines, and will not make motorcycles emit more nitrogen oxides than are allowed by the EPA.
The AMA is a member of the Alliance for a Safe Alternative Fuels Environment (AllSAFE), a group formed to ensure that fuels containing ethanol are promoted in a thoughtful manner. AllSAFE is made up of associations that represent consumer and commercial users of ethanol blends, manufacturers of boats, vehicles, engines and equipment, and retailers who sell gasoline and ethanol-fuel blends.
Alabama: Recently the Cheaha Trail Riders (CTR), Inc. received a $450,000 Recreational Trails Program (RTP) grant from Governor Bob Riley. This grant will help begin development of an Off-Highway Vehicle trail system within the 2,832-acre property known as the Coosa River Storage Annex Depot, located north of the city of Talladega. CTR was instrumental in assisting with the formation of the Public Park Authority of the cities of Lincoln and Talladega, who will own and develop the property.
Anticipating the formation of the Park Authority, CTR applied for the grant with intention of transferring it. On October 30, 2010, CTR, along with Rob Grant, RTP Program Manager for Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs, officially transferred the $450,000 grant to the Public Park Authority. Development of the OHV trail systems will begin in the first quarter of 2011. CTR was also instrumental in the master design of the project, which will contain a large number of outdoor opportunities and is expected to take 10-15 years to complete.
Quincy, Calif.: At a recent meeting the Plumas County Board of Supervisors encouraged their Public Works Director to move forward with the creation of a county off-highway vehicle (OHV) ordinance. This will clarify which county roads within the Plumas National Forest and the Lassen National Forest are approved for recreational use by OHVs.
The ordinance would ensure certain county roads within the national forests in Plumas County are available for OHV and over-snow vehicle use where public works staff deemed it appropriate. The Forest Service has previously claimed many county roads were not available for OHV travel and contended their inability to designate the use of these county roads has resulted in loss of OHV opportunities. However, neither the county, the California Highway Patrol or the local sheriff’s office agrees with the position, and the Board hopes the OHV ordinance will clarify the matter. The director said the process began when the Plumas National Forest conducted a public workshop on its travel management project.
Source and full story: http://tinyurl.com/25o44fv
Massachusetts: According to the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office (AGO), an additional $12.1 million dollars in insurance policy overcharges is going to be returned to motorcycle riders previously insured by Arbella, Hanover, OneBeacon (aka: Homeland), National Grange Mutual (NGM), and Norfolk & Dedham (N&D). The addition of these five insurance carriers brings the total dollar amount returned to Massachusetts motorcycle riders to $33,800,000.
Policyholders can validate their refund status by going to the AGO Motorcycle Insurance Refund Database and entering their Policy Number.
The AGO continues to work with the remaining carriers who do business in the state and expects to announce additional agreements in the coming months.
Motorcyclists who have had insurance policies including comprehensive and/or collision in Massachusetts since 2002 are urged to contact their insurance carrier or e-mail MyRefund@MassMotorcycle.org with your insurance carrier and contact information. All information is kept confidential and will only be shared with the carrier and AGO.
For further details, please visit the Attorney General of Massachusetts website, http://www.mass.gov/ago/motorcycles, the Massachusetts Motorcycle Association website, http://www.massmotorcycle.org, or contact SafetyDirector@MassMotorcycle.org.
Santa Fe, N.M.: Bureau of Land Management (BLM) calls for nominations for New Mexico’s Resource Advisory Councils (RACs). The BLM is looking for riders and others concerned with federal land management issues to serve on a RAC. In this role you will advise the BLM about issues facing your community and help influence important land management decisions. RACs are designed to include a variety of stakeholders, and are often in need of the motorized recreation enthusiast’s perspective. Many RACs have both an OHV specific as well as a “public-at-large” position, open to anyone who wishes to apply. Please consider applying for one of the recently announced openings and also encouraging your fellow riders to do the same.
All nominations must be received no later than November 26, 2010. For additional information please contact Allison Sandoval, Bureau of Land Management, Correspondence, International, and Advisory Committee Office; (202) 912- 7434.
Salt Lake City, Utah: Kane County is again suing the federal government in an effort to gain control of dozens more roads. The lawsuit, filed Friday in U.S. District Court in Salt Lake City, comes after the government recently surrendered title to several roads to the southern Utah County in September. The suit seeks ownership of 49 commonly used roads that cross federal lands. In September, the federal government agreed to cede the Sand Dunes, Hancock, Mill Creek and Bald Knoll roads to the county.
The county says the roads provide access to private property, grazing allotments, mineral deposits and Coral Pink Sand Dunes State Park. Among them is Hole-in-the-Wall, a dirt road that traverses Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument to the spot where Mormon pioneers blasted a wagon route down a cliff face to the Colorado River.
Attorney Shawn Welch, who represents the county, said recent washout stranded eight people and illustrates why the county seeks control of the road. The U.S. Interior Department declined to comment on the suit.
Utah: The Department of Natural Resources is seeking an Off-Highway Vehicle Program Manager. The position is located in Salt Lake City in the Parks and Recreation Division. The position is responsible for developing and managing the off-highway vehicle program for the Utah Division of State Parks and Recreation.
Utah: The Fishlake National Forest, Beaver Ranger District is seeking a Natural Resource Specialist. Beaver, Utah is located halfway between Salt Lake City, Utah and Las Vegas, Nev., and includes the famed Paiute Trail. The position is responsible for management, oversight, and participation in a variety of district programs.
Information about this position is available by contacting Amy Barker by phone at 435-438-2436, or by e-mail at abarker@fs.fed.us. You may apply for the position on the USA Jobs website,www.usajobs.opm.gov. Select Beaver, Utah as the duty station for the position when applying.
Olympia, Wash.: Recreational Trails Program advisors sought. The State Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) is looking for volunteers to serve on its Recreational Trails Program advisory committee. Specifically they have one position open for each of the following categories: a snowmobiler, a hiker, an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) recreationist and a four-wheel drive vehicle recreationist. The advisory committee evaluates grant applications from federal, local, and state agencies and non-profit organizations for projects that maintain backcountry trails. Members also assist with program policy development as needed.
The ideal person for these positions usually has a statewide point of view, is, or has been, an active trail enthusiast, and has the resources to participate fully in the committee’s activities. Applicants may have previously served on the committee or they may be members of organizations that apply for grants reviewed by the committee.
Appointed members will serve from February 2011 to December 2014 and attend about one weekday meeting a year. In addition, advisors spend 15 to 25 hours each year evaluating grant applications for funding. To apply, send a completed application and any support materials to the Recreation and Conservation Office no later than December 15, 2010.
Brussels, Belgium: European commission rejects switch-off option for motorcycle anti-lock breaking system (ABS). In a recent meeting with member states the European Commission formally presented its proposal for new type approval rules for motorcycles. In addition to introducing mandatory ABS for motorcycles above 125cc, the Commission rejected the introduction of an off-switch for ABS, ignoring the recommendations of the Federation of European Motorcyclists’ Associations (FEMA), that had called for mandatory switch-off buttons for bikes equipped with ABS, since ABS is not suitable for certain riding conditions, especially with regard to riding on unpaved roads.
The Commission, while acknowledging those concerns, considers the number of citizens living in areas with a high percentage of unpaved roads as negligible compared to the broader riding population. Indeed, the Commission said it feared that too many riders would switch off the ABS also when riding on common roads, due to “unjustified lack of faith in new technologies.” In addition to the limitation of consumer choice and increased costs for purchasing a motorcycle, FEMA is also concerned about the proposal not taking into account increased maintenance costs for ABS, and making no reference regarding durability and liability.

 


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.

Local A.B.A.T.E. chapter provides funds for toys

December 6, 2010

http://www.galesburg.com/homepage/x1996687569/Local-A-B-A-T-E-chapter-provides-funds-for-toys Go to this link for the story with photos.

Santa rides a motorcycle

RICK CROSS/The Register-Mail
Jameson Community Center’s Dori Anderson collects toys from a shelf while A.B.A.T.E. member LeRoy Kitch keeps track of money spent on toys during a gift-buy Sunday at Kmart in Sandburg Mall. Toys were purchased from proceeds from A.B.A.T.E.’s annual Polar Bear Run.

By RYAN SWEIKERT
The Register-Mail
Posted Dec 05, 2010 @ 08:08 PM
Print Comment
GALESBURG —

Members of Central Illinois A.B.A.T.E., a motorcycle club geared toward education and philanthropy, met at Kmart on Sunday with representatives from Safe Harbor Family Crisis Center and Jamieson Community Center of Monmouth to purchase Christmas toys with money raised from A.B.A.T.E.’s Polar Bear Run.

The motorcycle group donated $727 toward the purchase of toys for families in need. Ten percent of the money raised by A.B.A.T.E. was matched by Kmart. It bought 139 toys.

“Not as many as we would like,” said member Jim Mathews. “But we do what we can.”

Clad in leather vests and jackets, members of A.B.A.T.E. walked the toy aisles of Kmart on Sunday searching for deals and filling four shopping carts. In previous years, the club selected the toys themselves.

“I decided they know what they need,” said member LeRoy Kitch about the center representatives. “Let them do the shopping.”

“Christmas time can be another stresser for them,” said Julie, a Safe Harbor representative, of women who come to the shelter. “Anything we can do to lift any of the burdens to help them out, we’re gonna do.”

Last year Safe Harbor donated Christmas gifts and supplies to 80 families and approximately 225 children.

“We get lots of board games, things for older kids, boys especially, “ said Dori Anderson of Jamieson Community Center. “Also things for younger kids, infants and toddlers.”

Many of the toys purchased were educational, but the center representatives were careful to include toys like Roboraptor and Robosapien.

“We try to buy non-violent toys,” said Julie from Safe Harbor as she passed a wall of wrestling action figures. “But I know wrestling’s cool and if they ask for it, we’ll get it.”

Jamieson Community Center uses the items in its annual Christmas Store on Dec, 14. Those in need who sign up can come to the store and purchase toys for $5 per child, allowing lower-income parents to provide a Christmas gift for their children.

A Kmart associate helped representatives find the best deals on toys. Kmart sponsors charity purchases year round by matching 10 percent of the purchase.

Though two members of A.B.A.T.E. followed the center representatives with calculators as they amassed toys, by the time the carts arrived at the register they were $80 over the money raised.

A member who wished to remain anonymous covered the difference out of her own pocket, claiming the overage was partly her fault.

“We found such a great bargain back there, I just said ‘grab ‘em all’,” she said.

Copyright 2010 The Register-Mail. Some rights reserved


11NR01 – MRF News Release – Urgent Call to Action

January 4, 2011

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
03 January 2011

Contact: Jeff Hennie, Vice President of Government Relations and Public Affairs

Urgent Call to Action
The Motorcycle Riders Foundation issues Urgent Call to Action

Please call your incoming Republican Congressmen and tell them to STOP a proposed change to the House Rules — (Rule 21, Clause 3) — that would break the TRUST WITH FUEL TAXPAYERS and undermine the Highway Trust Fund’s funding guarantees for roads.

TO STOP THESE CHANGES, REPUBLICANS IN THE HOUSE MUST HEAR FROM YOU TODAY!

The Capitol Switchboard Number is 202-225-3121 — ask for your NEW Representative!

The change is terrible policy for highway users and it breaks the faith in the Highway Trust Fund. Highway user fees could be used for non-transportation purposes.

Highway funding could be reduced and the “savings” used for deficit reduction or other purposes; and the rule change would force highway funding to rely on the annual appopriations process rather than the established funding guarantees.

Motorcycists pay into this fund with the guarantee that the money will be used for transportation related projects ONLY. This rule change breaks that promise and will allow fuel tax revenues be used for anything Congress wants.

WE MUST REACH THE FOLLOWING KEY DECISIONMAKERS. Please call now! The Republican Conference will be voting on this on Tuesday, January 4th 2011.

Greg Walden OR (202) 225-6730 RHOB 2182
Rob Bishop UT (202) 225-0453 CHOB 123
John Campbell CA (202) 225-5611 LHOB 1507
Shelley Moore Capito WV (202) 225-2711 RHOB 2443
Jason Chaffetz UT (202) 225-7751 LHOB 1032
Tom Cole OK (202) 225-6165 RHOB 2458
Mike Conaway TX (202) 225-3605 LHOB 1527
David Dreier CA (202) 225-2305 CHOB 233 Rules Chairman
Bob Goodlatte VA (202) 225-5431 RHOB 2240
Doc Hastings WA (202) 225-5816 LHOB 1203
Jeb Hensarling TX (202) 225-3484 CHOB 129
Jim Jordan OH (202) 225-2676 LHOB 1524
Buck McKeon CA (202) 225-1956 RHOB 2184
Candice Miller MI (202) 225-2106 LHOB 1034
Mike Rogers AL (202) 225-3261 CHOB 324
Paul Ryan WI (202) 225-3031 LHOB 1233 Budget Chair
Pete Sessions TX (202) 225-2231 RHOB 2233
Pat Tiberi OH (202) 225-5355 CHOB 106
Tim Scott SC (202) 225-3176 LHOB 1117
Martha Roby AL (202) 225-2901 CHOB 414
Cory Gardner CO (202) 225-4676 CHOB 213
Adam Kinzinger IL (202) 225-3635 LHOB 1218

Take Action Now

Call the Capitol Switchboard Number is 202-225-3121 — ask for your NEW Representative!


MRF- Bikers Inside the Beltway 2011

March 2, 2011

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

11NR08 – MRF News Release – MRF Bikers Inside The Beltway National Lobby Day

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
02 March 2011

Contact: Jeff Hennie, Vice President of Government Relations and Public Affairs

MRF Bikers Inside The Beltway National Lobby Day

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) is pleased to report that the 3rd annual Michael “Boz” Kerr Bikers Inside The Beltway national lobby day will be held Thursday, May 12, 2011 in Washington DC. The MRF will have secure, free parking for motorcycles just steps from the US Capitol Building. This year’s event will take place from 9am-4pm.

9:00-11:00: Arrival, registration, instruction and lobby material pickup

11:00-2:00: Lobby your federal elected officials

2:00-3:30: Program with invited Congressional speakers at Rayburn House Office Building.

The MRF encourages you to schedule appointments with your Representative and Senators during the lobbying hours. It is best to begin scheduling them now, as the calendar will fill up on this busy legislative day.

Plan your appointments according to your arrival time. If you plan to arrive promptly at 9AM you can schedule meetings anytime from 9:45 until 2:00 without conflict with the program. If you plan on arriving at 11:00, then you can schedule meetings from 11:30 until 2:00.

Should you not be able to get appointments, plan on dropping by as many offices from your state as you can during the scheduled lobby time. Feel free to contact the MRF office with any questions about scheduling or otherwise.

This year’s Bikers Inside The Beltway national lobby day coincides with the MRF’s eastern regional conference, BEAST of the East, which begins the next day, Friday May 13, in Baltimore, MD. It is just a short ride or train trip away from Washington, DC.

Exact locations for the free motorcycle parking will be announced soon. For those of you anxious to get a feel for how long your ride will be, just use the US Capitol for a final destination. Details for BEAST of the East, including registration and hotel information, are on the MRF website at http://www.mrf.org/events.php.

An event flyer for Bikers Inside The Beltway is also available on the MRF website at http://www.mrf.org/2011/BEST/BIB_2011v2-BW.pdf.


Helmet Bills Again in Illinois 2011

March 2, 2011

The Chicago Dems are at it once again trying to put Helmets on bicyclists, Skiers, and motorcyclists. This is a never ending battle with them. To see all the latest developments, go to www.abate-il.org. The skier helmet issue is so absurd as to be unbelievable that they would attempt this. It makes the ski resort owner responsible to make sure all his customers are wearing their helmets.


Hugh’s Handbuilt Shop

March 2, 2011

If you’re into the XS650 Yamahas that were built from 1970 to 1983, then this link should be of interest to you. These people are making a kit to replace the old tech Alternator on the 650′s with a Permanent Magnet Alternator. This eliminates one of the main issues with these bikes, that are pretty bullet-proof otherwise. I have ordered my third kit from this source and am pleased with the quality of the adapter plate. Check out his site:

http://hughshandbuilt.blogspot.com/2011/02/xs650-complete-permanent-magnet.html

Also if you are into the 650′s and have not done so, there is a forum at http://www.xs650.com that will help you maintain the bike.


Big Red and I had fun today 3/3/11

March 7, 2011

I had a good afternoon today as I put Red up on the lift and removed the back wheel with the spokes and put the Nomad mag wheel on it. I bought the wheel on Ebay so I could run tubeless tires on the back. Big pain having to bust the bike down to put in a new tube or to patch it. Easier to use the plug and go system. As the guys on the vulcan forum said, it fit right together. Only thing I had to do was swap out the brake rotor to the nomad wheel. The book said to remove the back fender, I didn’t want to, so I just jacked it up high enough to slide the wheel out from under sideways. While I got over half the exhaust system off, I guess I should clean that up and be ready for the season. The cat probably could use a coat of bar-b-que black! The Nomad front wheel won’t fit on the classic as it is a wider wheel and is set up for 2 discs instead of the single I got. But that’s OK, The front isn’t that hard to get off cause I put a new tire on there last year.
Here’s the pictures of the wheels and such:

Rear Wheel Removed

Nomad wheel on

Bike up in the air


Further modifications to Big Red..

March 21, 2011

I finally got the picture taken over the weekend of Big Red with the Shovelhead style King Tour Pak that I got off Ebay. I also got a luggage rack for the top of the tour pak off Ebay. Haven’t decided yet whether it is too big, or is just LARGE. I won’t paint it yet until I see if it works out. It came from Michigan and is made of fiberglass and had not been mounted. The best thing about it is the amount of room inside. The leather-lyke saddle bags are limited in their ability to hold extra items like jackets, hoodies, etc. I also received my Nomad exhaust system on Friday so I will have to make brackets to hold the mufflers up, as they are attached to the saddlebag supports on the Nomads. Another Ebay purchase, but at $150 shipped for a stock dual exhaust it was a good buy. That’ll be a project for when it gets warmer.

The “hulk” tour pak:

red


Vintage Rally at the National Motorcycle Museum

May 6, 2011

June 3-5, 2011- Anamosa, Iowa. Vintage Rally at the National Motorcycle Museum
Admission for this event will be $10 a day, $20 for the weekend or $30 for the weekend with lunch on Sunday. The event price includes admission to the Museum. While the Museum, in its new location holds over 300 fabulous motorcycles, the new Vintage Rally weekend is when even more fine machines line up out front for review. Vintage Bike Show judging will result in 70-plus awards for owners of the best machines, including those best preserved for the ‘original unrestored’ award. Motorcycle Classics magazine is sponsoring the Bike Show and awards plus Ace Café will hand out an award for the best Café Racer style motorcycle. Attend the swap meet, dedication to new exhibit, Motorcycles at Work or get autographs from Hall of Fame members and listen to a panel discussion on collecting. For more information, call 319-462-3925 or log onto http://nationalmcmuseum.org/events/vintage-rally.aspx for additional event details, schedule of events, lodging and registration form for the bike show and swap meet.


June 20th is Ride To Work Day

June 17, 2011

Visit their website: http://www.ridetowork.org/current-events


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