MRF New Release- Washington Update

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 ========================================================== Do not reply to this email, it will be discarded. ========================================================== Ride With The LeadersTM by joining the MRF at http://www.mrf.org/join.php or call 1-202-546-0983 Registration is easy and secure for MRF Regional and Meeting of the Minds conferences. Visit our website at http://www.mrf.org/events.php for further details and registration information. Send in your nominations and donations for the MRF’s Young Activist Scholarship fund today. For complete details, visit http://www.mrfae.org/yas.php. Sign up today for the MRF’s new roadside assistance program by visiting http://www.mrf.org/mrfroadside.php The program is available to MRF members and non-MRF members. © All Information contained in this release is copyrighted. Reproduction permitted with attribution. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation, incorporated in 1987, is a membership-based, national motorcyclists’ rights organization headquartered in Washington, DC. The first motorcyclists’ rights organization to establish a full-time presence in Washington, DC, the Motorcycle Riders Foundation is the only Washington voice devoted exclusively to the street rider. The MRF established MRFPAC in the early 1990s to advocate the election of candidates who would champion the cause of rider safety and rider freedom. The MRF proudly claims state motorcyclists’ rights organizations and the very founders of the American riders’ rights movement among its leading members. The MRF is involved in federal and state legislation and regulations, motorcycling safety education, training, and public awareness. The MRF provides members and state motorcyclists’ rights organizations with direction and information, and sponsors annual regional and national educational seminars for motorcyclists rights activists, as well as publishing a bi-monthly newsletter, THE MRF REPORTS.

MOTORCYCLE CRASH CAUSATION STUDY UPDATE

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.

DISTRACTED DRIVING SUMMIT

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!

Look Twice – Save a Life

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

Black Nail Brigade Ride & Protest Oct 8th

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.

MRF News Release – CPSC LEAD ISSUE UPDATE

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.

AMA News & Notes for Oct 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. Source: http://www.amadirectlink.com/news/story.asp?id=1245 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. Source: http://www.amadirectlink.com/news/story.asp?id=1241 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. Source: http://www.tmcnet.com/usubmit/2009/08/24/4335968.htm Tracy, Calif.: Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area (SVRA) reopens after fire. Damage from a recent fire, which lead to a temporary closure of this popular SVRA, has been repaired. Currently all the tracks, the campground, the valley floor, and all of the park west of the Bunkhouse and Los Osos trails are open to riding. The fire, which started on private property adjacent to the SVRA, was initially driven by strong winds and spread quickly, burning onto state property and causing damage to the eastern portion of the park. The fire later turned away from the park, and continued to burn southeast toward Patterson. Approximately 250 acres of the eastern portion of the park were burned, including fence lines and areas of dense vegetation. The entire eastern portion of Kiln Canyon (east of Kiln Road), SRI Road, and the lands above the motocross track were burned. Source: http://www.ohv.parks.ca.gov/ Delaware: House Bill 122, sponsored by Rep. Earl Jaques (D-Wilmington), has been enacted. The bill makes operation and/or use of a plate frame containing or including scrolling, strobe and/or blinking lights around a license plate a violation, except during special organized events such as parades and car shows. The bill was signed into law July 24 by Governor Jack Markell and takes effect immediately. Idaho: A new website that focuses on responsible off-highway vehicle (OHV) use has been recently launched. The Idaho OHV Public Education Campaign is a consortium of public lands agencies that sponsor an ongoing education campaign to help inform OHV users about the rules of conduct for off-highway vehicles such as motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) and four-wheel-drive vehicles on public lands. The sponsoring agencies include the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Idaho Department of Lands, U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management. The multi-pronged campaign will involve a mix of paid advertising including radio and outdoor ads, public relations activities and events. The campaign is focused on Idaho riders statewide in hopes of improving compliance with rules and regulations regarding OHV use on public lands. Source: http://stayontrails.com/ North Carolina: Senate Bill 64, sponsored by Sen. Harry Brown (R-Jacksonville), proposed changes to requirements for obtain a motorcycle learner’s permit and a motorcycle endorsement, including mandatory rider training for all first-time endorsement applicants. In an amendment offered on the House floor by Rep. Dale Folwell (R-Winston-Salem), the bill was changed to instead make rider education mandatory for those riders less than 18 years of age and make a learner’s permit valid for twelve months with one six-month renewal. Governor Mike Easley signed the bill into law on August 26; it takes effect January 1, 2011. Louisiana: House Bill 802, sponsored by Rep. James R. Fannin (D-Jonesboro), authorized the transfer by the state treasurer of $6,544 from the Motorcycle Safety and Training Fund to the state general fund. The transfer was part of a $24,378,056 raid on 75 dedicated funds. Signed into law by Governor Bobby Jindal on June 30, the transfer is authorized to occur immediately. Michigan: House Bill 4205, sponsored by Rep. Tom Pearce (R-Rockford), would prohibit the intentional placement of an item in or across a roadway that is likely to come into contact with a moving vehicle or a person riding in or upon a moving vehicle or the placement of any dangerous item in or across a roadway. Proposed penalties range from not more than 1 year in prison or a fine of not more that $500 (or both) for a violation that results in property damage and up to 15 years in prison or a fine of not more than $10,000 (or both) for a violation causing death. Pennsylvania: PennDOT Offers Free Motorcycle Safety Courses. Classes providing the opportunity to learn or improve skill are conducted annually from March through October. The Basic Rider Course (BRC) is a 15-hour course consisting of five hours of in-class instruction and 10 hours of practical riding experience, under the watchful eyes of certified rider coaches. The six-hour Experienced Rider Course (ERC) provides skilled riders the chance to refresh their safety knowledge and hone their on-highway skills. Visit www.pamsp.com for more information on the Motorcycle Safety Program and to enroll in a course. Additional information about motorcycle safety as well as general information on licensing and registration is available at www.dmv.state.pa.us. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: New motorcycle and scooter parking spaces installed. The Philadelphia Parking Authority has begun to install special parking zones for motorcycles and scooters in parts of the downtown business district. Parking Authority officials say the spaces will cost $1 per hour, half the rate for cars. The motorcycle and scooter spaces are part of broader downtown parking changes that were implemented in July and include multi-space meters that accept debit cards and additional truck loading zones. All the parking changes should be finished by February. The parking authority will ticket motorcycles and scooters parked on sidewalks as parking zones are created. Source: http://www.philapark.org/permits/permit_info.aspx Irving, Texas: Newest MSF Campus Up and Running. Expanded facility offers rider training, education and research opportunities. The MSF Campus at Irving offers the complete system of MSF on- and off-highway rider education and training opportunities available to date including the Basic RiderCourse, the Experienced RiderCourse, the DirtBike School, as well as the ATV Safety Institute’s ATV RiderCourse. The MSF Campus is also a research and testing site for new MSF curriculum products currently under development, with the added value that students there are likely to be among the first to benefit from new courses when they are officially released. In addition, the MSF Campus hosts ongoing professional development events for MSF RiderCoaches, DirtBike School Coaches, and ASI Instructors. Class schedules and online enrollment are available at www.msf-campus.org. Source: http://www.msf-usa.org/ Officers elected to American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation Board of Directors. The AMA is pleased to announce the results of officer elections for the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation (AMHF) Board of Directors, which raises money for the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum. Jack Penton, AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame off-road racer with more than 40 years of industry experience, was elected chairman. Tom White, founder of White Brothers and the Early Years of Motocross Museum in Villa Park, Calif., was elected vice chairman. Jeff Heininger, founder of automotive travel product company Heininger Automotive, was elected secretary/treasurer, an office the Directors also voted to combine at the July 26 meeting. Penton’s current term extends through February 2011. White and Heininger’s terms expire in February 2012. AMHF Board officers are elected annually. Source: http://www.amadirectlink.com/news/story.asp?id=1203 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. Source: http://londonbikers.com/news/12271/new-helmet-safety-ratings-unveiled 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.

Illinois to start using Photo Radar in July

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

AMA News and Notes- 06/09

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
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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-32^nd
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/

AMA Action Alert for Youth Mcys and ATVs

Help needed to change law to exclude youth-model motorcycles and ATVs

Change the Law to Exclude Youth-Model Motorcycles and ATVs!	Take Action!
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.