MRF Meets with Sec. of Transportation LaHood

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.

ABATE Shakedown Run

MRF News- CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION UPDATE

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.

NHTSA RECALL- BMW R1200

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

ABATE of IL and MRF Mourn Death of Boz Kerr

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

AMA- News and Notes- May 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 4×4s from using the full trail loop. An Environmental Assessment will be released for comment and available on their website at http://www.blm.gov/nm/st/en/fo/Farmington_Field_Office.html.

Olympia, Wash.: The Washington Off-Highway Vehicle Alliance (WOHVA), an organization working to protect and enhance safe and responsible motorized outdoor recreation in the state of Washington, held their yearly rally on the capitol steps in Olympia on March 13, 2009. Guest speakers included State Senators, Congressmen, the Mayor of Washougal and many others. Issues raised included a proposed OHV fund raid, ongoing land closures and restrictions on the sale and use of motorcycles designed for children 12 years of age and under. Go to http://www.wohva.org for more details.

San Jose, Calif.: A first of its kind “24 Hours of Electricross” event was held at San Jose’s 408MX Motocross track. The event had two goals: to set the Guinness World Records for largest electric motorcycle race (10 teams participated) and for the furthest distance travelled on an all-electric off-road motorcycle in 24 hours. After 24 hours of non-stop racing, team Hotchaulk with 1,015 laps completed and just over 500 ridden miles, was declared the winner. Go to http://www.zeromotorcycles.com/electricross/ for a full event report.

Pickerington, Ohio: Ohio off-roaders participate in public riding forum. The state of Ohio is looking at creating a new riding area for off-highway motorcycles, ATVs and 4×4 trucks that could be open within a year. Dameyon Shipley, the state’s recreation services administrator, told the approximately 40 OHV enthusiasts attending the meeting that the state has set aside about $240,000 in OHV registration money and about $500,000 in grant money to use for the project. The size of the dedicated riding area will depend on where land is available and whether it will be leased or bought outright. The meeting was one in a series being held statewide to identify the issues and needs of motorized users of the state’s public trails systems. The meetings will help the Office of Trails as it compiles the standalone Motorized Trails Plan for Ohio, which will provide a vision for the next three to five years and will help guide the office as it addresses the needs of Ohio’s trail users.

Source: http://www.amadirectlink.com/news/story.asp?id=745

Springfield, Ill.: A House Committee tabled legislation on March 11 by a 17-3 vote that would have made it illegal for anyone under the age of 16 to operate or be a passenger of ATVs or dirt bikes. The bill also would have made it illegal to transport a passenger on an ATV or dirt bike even if the vehicle was equipped to carry a passenger. The measure, House Bill 3914, which was introduced by Rep. Mary Flowers (D-Chicago), required fast action by the motorcycling and ATV communities, and they responded. Many, using the AMA’s Legislative Alerts system, flooded lawmakers with expressions of concern about the bill. A large group of enthusiasts from ABATE of Illinois, AMA District 17, IMDA (Illinois Motorcycle Dealers Association), track owners and dealers, showed their opposition to the bill by attending the public hearing. Although the bill was defeated, it remains in committee and can be brought up again at any time.

Source: http://www.amadirectlink.com/news/story.asp?id=728

Tennessee & North Carolina State Line Basin: Recreation groups were disappointed by a U.S. Forest Service decision to implement an emergency closure order at the Upper Tellico OHV area. According to the Southern Four Wheel Drive Association (SFWDA), the BlueRibbon Coalition (BRC) and United Four Wheel Drive Associations (UFWDA), the Forest Service has failed to make the case with regard to alleged adverse effects and resource damages, as there is simply no immediate threat to public health, safety, or other requisite finding required by such an order. Water quality standards cited by the Forest Supervisor as the basis for the order are not being exceeded. In formal comments made to the Forest Service, the OHV community and other interested parties clearly demonstrated that such a closure has no scientific basis.

Source: http://www.sharetrails.org/releases/media/?story=638

Keystone, Colo.: Seminars have been announced for the 2009 AMA International Women & Motorcycling Conference, presented by Harley-Davidson and Buell. Set for August 19-22, the fifth AMA International Women & Motorcycling Conference will be the most informative ever. Registration is $165 through August 3, which includes conference materials and a commemorative T-shirt. Registration after August 3, as well as on-site registration, will cost $185. Participants can register now at www.womenandmotorcycling.com or by calling (800) AMA-JOIN. While the event focuses on women riders, it is not for only for women. Men are also welcome to participate with a paid registration. Sign up for e-mail alerts by e-mailing the AMA at info@womenandmotorcycling.com.

Copyright 2009, American Motorcyclist Association

MRF News Release- HR 1253 Passes House

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."

NHTSA Recall- Bridgestone Exedra G850 G motorcycle tires

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.

SB1351 Illinois Mcy Helmet Bill Fails

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