AJR63 (Assembly Joint Resolution 63) was posted and had a second reading on Dec.02,2004. This Resolution has been in the Law and Public Safety Committee for the past three years. If posted by the Assembly Speaker for a third reading and vote it will be sent to the Governor for signing. If signed the Governor is requested to issue annually a proclamation calling upon public officials and citizens of this State to observe Motorcycle Awareness Month (May) with appropriate activities and programs.

Statement (from AJR63)
This Joint Resolution designates May of each year as Motorcycle Awareness Month in New Jersey. Motorcycle Awareness Month is designed to promote public awareness about the increased number of motorcycles on the roads and highways and to encourage all drivers to drive safely on the States roads.

The Assembly Law and Public Safety Committee also reported favorably on AJR63 on Dec. 02,2004.

What needs to be done ? ? ? ? ? ? ?

Each one of us who can needs to place a phone call, or email, or both to the Assembly Speaker (Albio Sires) expressing our support of AJR63 and urging him to post this Resolution (AJR63) for a third reading and floor vote.
If this Resolution is not passed and signed by the Governor by February 2005, there will not be time to plan printings or activities for May 2005 and the Resolution could conceivably receive no further action in 2005.

Contact information for Assembly Speaker Albio Sires : Phone 201-854-0900
Email: asmsires@njleg.org
The full text of AJR63 can be accessed at http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/

Help us get the first piece of motorcycle related legislation in New Jersey in years passed so we can work on others while the word motorcycle is still fresh on our legislators minds.

Prepared by: Concerned Motorcyclists of NJ (CMNJ Inc.) Hunterdon,Warren,Somerset Counties.
ABATE of the Garden State (ABATE Inc.)
Statewide www.gardenstateabate.org

Posted August 21, 2004, appended November 1, 2004
New Driving Law Changed in NJ

Effective August 15th, 2004 the price of a ticket for
violation of NJ Law 39:3-29 (failure to show your driver's
license, registration, or insurance card at the time you
are stopped) is going up from $44.00 to $173.00.

Please make sure your vehicles have the proper documents
in them. If you jump on your bike or into your car to run to the store and forget your wallet with your license in it and you are stopped, oh well...you just spent $173!

And the fine for not having all three documents is $519!!!

Appended
I recently spent 2 days at a municipal court and I have to tell you that this is a MAJOR fund raiser for the municipalities. Over 2/3 of all the court cases were for no drivers license, driving with an unregistered vehicle, and no insurance. Only after you produce the paperwork to the prosecutor, do your charges get reduced to not having the documents in your possession. By that time most defendants are so glad to have the charges reduced that they are happy to pay the $519 + court costs. The fines then have to be paid immediately before you leave the court.

Posted November 13, 2004
House Repeals State Helmet Law, AAA Michigan Calls Vote 'Tragic'

Our most consistent enemy of freedom of choice, the AAA has struck again. They are calling the Michigan House repeal of the helmet law "tragic". Here is another chance for you to sent the AAA a message of what you think about their opposition to freedom of choice.

for more information on this

for more information on what you can do to fight the influence of the AAA.

Here is an article written by someone willing to take a stand on freedom of choice.

for the article.

ABATE encourages YOU to take the initiative and write your newspaper or Television News group about what YOU think of mandatory helmet laws.

Please carbon copy us with any articles you submit for our coellective efforts.

The legislation, approved 69-47, would repeal the state's 38-year-old helmet law. It will die if it's not approved by the Senate and signed by Gov. Jennifer Granholm by the end of the two-year legislative session next month.

for full article

Posted October 16, 2004
Motorcycle Sales Roaring Along

The U.S. motorcycle industry, spurred by the impressive success of Harley-Davidson, has grown steadily in each of the last 11 years, according to the Motorcycle Industry Council. This year, it's booming.
" Sales are at an all-time-record high, all brands, all styles," said John Wyckoff, a longtime industry consultant who regularly calls 60 dealers a week and says all are running 10 percent to 50 percent ahead of last year in sales.
" It just took off like a flying goose," he told the Associated Press in a recent interview.

"I've been in the business all my life and I keep as close as I can to it,"
Wyckoff said. "It's a phenomenon I don't really understand. It's just amazing."

According to the Motorcycle Industry Council, a not-for-profit national trade association based in California, sales of new motorcycles rose 6.4 percent to 996,000 in 2003. Overall, the association's latest estimates show the industry generating more than $20 billion in consumer sales and services, including around $7.5 billion in retail sales of new motorcycles.

"This is a generation that refuses to age. That's at the core of this. 'I'm not an old man or woman and here's the proof,'" said Chick Hancock, a Harley-Davidson dealer in Albuquerque, N.M., who initially feared an oversupply when Harley announced it would increase production 8 percent this year. "Even with horrendous weather in the East, things are looking good."

Even for motorcycles that haven't been ridden in a while, the resale value is going up in the used-bike market, according to Frank Wal, who works at trade shows for BMW. "People are looking for cheap transportation, fuel economy, that type of thing. You're seeing a lot more motorcycles being sold that probably sat in the garage the last two or three years. It's putting a lot more bikes on the road."

NCOM COAST TO COAST BIKER NEWS
Compiled & Edited by Bill Bish,
National Coalition of Motorcyclists

Posted October 16, 2004
Motorcyclist's death spurs call for tougher law

A Frazer man was convicted of endangering his minimally injured passenger in a July 2003 car wreck, but was acquitted of killing the motorcyclist he crashed into.

for full article

According to the New York Times, armed with a photo of the officer, the New York Civil Liberties Union has sent a letter to the police commissioner asking that "prompt action be taken" to address the matter, especially given several recent deadly episodes of domestic violence against women in the New York region.

But to the New York Police Department, wearing the sticker was a routine part of undercover work. "It's like saying that an undercover narcotics officer who wears a coke spoon is promoting cocaine use when just the opposite is true,"
said Paul J. Browne, the department's chief spokesman.

It is the latest episode in the back and forth between civil libertarians and the police as the courts wrestle with the handling of protesters before, during and after the convention.

"It's unfortunate that the Police Department is taking that position," said Donna Lieberman, the executive director of the New York Civil Liberties Union.
" Whatever his function, there is no excuse for a police officer on official business to be a proponent of domestic violence or other violence against women.
There are other ways to disguise yourself without this hateful message."

In their letter to the Police Department, the civil liberties lawyers asked that the message, and any similar ones, be removed from police equipment and that those responsible be disciplined.

Referring to the controversial sticker, Mr. Browne said, "Undercover officers often adopt personas to include garb that reflects neither their personal nor the department's sentiments but to reinforce the guise that they are not police officers." He added that "offensive as this saying is," it is not uncommon in "misogynistic biker slang emblazoned on clothing, jewelry and equipment."

In this case, though, the attempt to avoid being recognized as a police officer appears to have failed. According to one witness, a high school teacher named Mike Schwartz, the march "was followed by a group of undercover cops on motorcycles who looked like they belonged in a bad biker movie," highlighting the officer with the offensive sticker.

NCOM COAST TO COAST BIKER NEWS
Compiled & Edited by Bill Bish,
National Coalition of Motorcyclists

As a motorcycle rider, you know that's not true. But if you're not a motorcyclist, like most of his readers, you may take the ill-informed comment to heart. What's worse, Steinberg thinks it's a joke.

In a column with the headline "Hop on a motorcycle, fill out your donor card," that appeared in the September 22 issue of the Chicago Sun-Times, Steinberg wrote: "Why are there many more heart transplants performed in the summer than in the winter?

"It's one of my favorite brain teasers, good to toss out at parties. It almost always stumps people." he wrote. "I like to give them a moment to think hard, squirm, then give up, before I spring the answer -- so obvious in retrospect:

"Motorcycles."

Steinberg goes on to say in his column that he has daydreamed about getting a motorcycle but abandons the thought when he thinks about hitting "the twig, or pothole, or whatever" that would "send me flipping into the guardrail, the flash of which would be my last sight on Earth."

Steinberg added: "Besides, there are already too many dumpy middle-aged guys racing on motorcycles, dreaming they're something they're not."

Outraged, AMA Public Information Director Tom Lindsay dashed off a quick e-mail to Steinberg to set him straight.

"Speaking on behalf of this nation's seven million motorcyclists, we found your characterization of motorcyclists-as-organ-donors insulting and ill-informed. Perhaps your intent was dark humor or tongue-in-cheek commentary -- but comments like yours are irresponsible and promote a malicious and unjustified bias against motorcyclists.

"Motorcyclists are doctors and lawyers, office staff and factory workers, and probably your colleagues at the Sun-Times. We're among the most safety-conscious motorists on America's highways," Lindsay wrote. "And while you're making light of the recent increase in fatalities, responsible motorcyclists -- and responsible journalists -- are joining us in an effort to reduce them.

"Please set the record straight with your readers. We look forward to reading your retraction."

Steinberg's response: "Thank you for your comment. There will be no retraction."

If you would like to let Chicago Sun-Times columnist Neil Steinberg know how you feel about his column, you may e-mail him at nsteinberg@suntimes.com.

© 2004, American Motorcyclist Association

for an editorial regarding this issue.

ABATE lobbied AB2844 through the Assembly and Senate, and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed the bill into law on August 23. AB 2844 has become Chapter 280 of the law books and will become effective January 1, 2005.

"CONGRATULATIONS to every freedom loving rider in this state who took a minute to stand up for something!" said Jean Hughes, ABATEPAC Chairman. "We can make a difference! We can change the law! Now go for a nice long ride and come back refreshed and ready to work some campaigns so we can lock in those remaining votes we need to get the helmets off our heads!"

COAST TO COAST BIKER NEWS
Compiled & Edited by Bill Bish,
National Coalition of Motorcyclists

Posted September 18, 2004
Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) imposes restrictions on Arizona's use of MSF-branded tape

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) recently contacted ABATE of Arizona Inc. in regards to ABATE's Motorcycle Awareness Program (MAP). Motorcyclists in Arizona have been presenting motorcycle awareness and the message of how to share the road with motorcycles for over 3 years, and to more than 5,000 Driver Ed Students and Adults alike. The program has become extremely popular and is now touching more than 3,000 students or adults each year.

The MAP is coordinated by ABATE of AZ, approved by the State Motorcycle Safety Advisory Council (SMSAC) and Sponsored by Arizona's Motorcycle Safety Fund and Governor's Office of Highway Safety (GOHS). During the 53-minute presentation of the MAP, an 8 minute MSF - 'Common Road' tape is shown. Although the MSF does not consider the MAP to be an MSF-branded program, the tape is.

Because of this, the MSF stated that they expect that anyone presenting the Common Road tape or any other MSF video to the school system, even as part of a larger program such as MAP, will follow MSF's basic safety recommendations of gear to be worn to and from the school. The Gear includes eye protection, long pants, DOT-compliant helmet, jacket, gloves and over-the ankle boots. The MSF also alluded to the fact that not to wear this recommended gear, would "undercut the message of the program."

ABATE of Arizona states that the message of the MAP is "How motorists can safely share the road with motorcycles", not "What to wear or not wear when riding a motorcycle." They do not discuss the pros and cons of a helmet or any other gear, nor do they discuss their own personal choices.

Teachers often say they appreciate how the matter is handled. At the end of each presentation, the Riders Ed Course is strongly recommended to any student who plans to obtain an MC endorsement. The benefits of such a program are discussed and the teacher is provided with a list of available schools in the state of Arizona.

Although ABATE of Arizona owns approximately 14 copies of the Common Road Tape, they were not aware of any restrictions/requirements to wear the Motorcycle Safety Foundation recommended safety gear when using these tapes.

Bobbi Hartmann, ABATE's Designated Lobbyist, State Safety Officer and coordinator of the MAP, stated, "This is just one more example of the MSF's recent push, in such states as Idaho, Oregon, Hawaii and Illinois, to gain uniform authority over all motorcycle rider education, curriculum, and program delivery. They've gone too far. The MSF has crossed the line."

ABATE of Arizona Inc. regrets the fact that due to the MSF demands, they will be eliminating the use of the Common Road tape from the MAP presentations. Their message will be the same, "How to Share the Road with Motorcycles" - Crash Prevention - not Safer Crashes.

If you need more info on this or any other subject just go to the Sons of Liberty Riders Info Zone http://solriders.com or http://solriders.net/index.php

Posted August 28, 2004
Friends, family remember victim of Janklow crash

Friends and family of Randy Scott rode motorcycles Saturday to honor the memory of the Hardwick, Minn., man who died last Aug. 16 in a crash with former U.S. Rep. Bill Janklow of South Dakota.
for full article


Posted July 17, 2004
Taxpayers will Have to Pay for Janklow's Accident

Janklow who had been elected to congress after serving 16 years as governor of South Dakota killed a motorcyclist, Randy Scott, after speeding and failing to stop at a stop sign. This is a man who had a previous accident as a result of speeding and had been stopped 16 times by police in South Dakota for traffic violations, but was never given a ticket.

Janklow was found guilty and sentenced to serve 100 days in jail for a crime which could have resulted in up to 11 years in prison, and seems to average 5 years in prison and an additional 5 years probation. Janklow tried to get released from prison while he filed an appeal of his jury conviction. Four of the five Supreme Court justices had to recuse themselves from the appeal because they had been appointed by Janklow. The sentence will allow Janklow's conviction to be erased at the end of 3 years. This means he could run for office again in the future. Fresh from serving his time in jail, Janklow has asked the state Supreme Court to overturn his second-degree manslaughter and reckless driving convictions resulting from the fatal crash last summer.

The only justice Randy's family could hope for now was a civil suit. In a powerful blow to any justice the family deserved, U.S. Magistrate Arthur Boylan sided with Janklow and declared that he was "on duty" when the accident happened despite the fact that he had stopped at his mother's house and was on his way to his own home. This means that taxpayers would have to pay for any civil damages in a wrongful-death lawsuit.

Click here for more information

SD Cops Gave Janklow Free Ride
Click here for more information

Bikers and others angry at Janklow
Click here to view group discussions of Janklow

Click here for an editorial on this ruling

Today Senate, No. 1363 was on the Senate's calendar for referral from 2nd to its 3rd Reading. This is a period in the life of a bill to attach amendments to the bill. Thanks to MMA leaders Vince Silvia and Joe "Sarge" Komola for 'being there' today as their 'presence' was needed as the action was slow, fast, slow, fast, on Senate, No. 1363.

On the first call of the list of bills to be heard, Senate, No. 1363 was 'passed over.' No action to be taken. Vince and Sarge swooped into action, having (what at best can be described as 'what the . . k?' conversations with our supportive Senators about the bill being delayed again. They went back in and GOT the bill BACK on the list.

When it was called again, a friendly Senator, thinking he was doing us a favor, offered an amendment to the 'choice' bill to include 'choice' in funeral possessions, . . . and IT PASSED. But on quick reflection, . . . the amendment made NO sense. If we got full 'choice' for adults, . . . at all times, . . . why would we need 'choice' in funeral possessions? Sarge and Vince grabbed the Senator and again, WTF?

They then huddled with sponsoring Senator's on what to do next, procedurally? The bill, now with the 'approved' amendment, would/could get 'delayed' in 3rd reading because of this unnecessary amendment.

Then, out of the blue, a Senator who is OUTWARDLY AGAINST your 'choice,' discussed putting what is now House, 1245, . . . our motorcyclists matter bill, (to increase civil and criminal penalties of those who violate the right of way of riders, bicyclists and pedestrians . . . ) as an amendment to Senate, No. 1363, . . . and he would SUPPORT Senate, No. 1363, to 'save face' with his non-riding voters, . . . saying he didn't SUPPORT 'choice' but rather he SUPPORTED the increased penalties bill that was attached to choice.

Are you still following all this? Good.

So, at that point, we had our bill APPROVED with an AMENDMENT that made NO sense and would cause delay in the future of the bill moving forward, . . . and a MAJOR OPPONENT offering to SUPPORT choice if he could AMEND it to include our Motorcyclists Matter bill.

Soooo, we were advised by our Sponsoring Senator, whose most keen on procedural matters, . . . at the next formal session to bring Senate, No. 1363 back up for reconsideration, to OPPOSE the funeral amendment (VOTE NEEDED), which if approved, reverts Senate, No. 1363 back to its original language, . . . then the OPPOSING Senator would offer his AMENDMENT to include/attach House, No. 1245 to Senate, No. 1363, . . . which by head count would be approved, . . . and the bill would go into 3rd reading.

Confused? You're not alone. But all this took place over a two hour period and shows how IMPORTANT it is to have bodies (Vince and Sarge) THERE when all this was going on. There was GREAT communication, huddles, meetings, phone calls to me, during this 2-hour period. If they weren't there, . . . the bill would have just be 'passed over' for another delay.

However, this bill was the MOST talked about BILL today in the Senate. Lots of supporting Senator's taking direction from sponsoring Senators who were in direct communication with the MMA while it was all going on. And now there is a 'sense' in the 'Senate' to 'just get rid of this bill' and move it forward, because of YOUR ROARS, FAXES, e-mails, and calls. Bottom line, . . . our OPPONENTS know we ARE NOT going away, and they just want to be DONE with this bill - which is OUR benefit.

Soon, one step back, two steps forward, one step back.

Watch for tomorrow's e-mail on a suggested letter to FAX your State Senator's about this situation, what's coming up next and what needs to be done and the support you want. Today was 'information overload.'

But bottom line, . . . we MADE PROGRESS today, and owe a TON of THANKS to Vince and Sarge for them 'being there' and standing in the 'wtf' fire, . . . and not backing down. And a TON of THANKS to all you who FAXED, CALLED, and e-mailed your Senators. We NEED you to CRANK it up with other riders.

PC
Afftaburna, REMC, Boston
Enews mailing list
Enews@solriders.com http://solriders.com/mailman/listinfo/enews_solriders.com

Sam Nobles
State Legislative Director, CBA/ABATE of NC
Lobbyist, NC BikePAC

Janklow pardoned son-in law

Janklow released from prison

Let's bypass New Hope

The American Automobile Association (AAA) is working hard to fight the helmet law modification in Maryland. They were also one of the most vocal opponents of the bill in Pennsylvania as well. We contacted them about this and they have indicated that they will continue to oppose helmet law modification in any state including New Jersey. It is time to send them a message. Talk with your money! If you are a member of AAA, do not renew your membership.

Click here to find out more about what you can do and substitutes for their services.

DEARBORN, Mich., May 28 /PRNewswire/ -- A proposed state law that would allow motorcyclists to ride without helmets would also come with a hefty annual price tag: 22 fatalities, 132 incapacitating injuries, 610 other injuries and $140 million in economic costs to Michigan citizens, according to a study released yesterday (May 27) by the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning (OHSP).
HB 4325, sponsored by Rep. Leon C. Drolet (R-Clinton Township), would remove the mandatory helmet requirement for all riders and passengers 21 years of age or older, but does not require motorcycle riders to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance coverage.

Members of the House Transportation Committee voted yesterday (May 27) to move the bill to the full House for consideration. The committee did not take testimony from traffic safety and public health organizations opposed to the bill.

"In every state that has enacted motorcycle helmet law repeals, helmet use has plummeted by an average of 42 percent," said Richard J. Miller, manager of Community Safety Services for AAA Michigan. "A repeal in Michigan would have similar effects, with a 41-percent reduction in the number of lives saved over a six-year period."

According to OHSP -- which projected motorcycle crash outcomes for Michigan based on data from states that had enacted repeals -- the number of registered and unregistered motorcycles in Michigan is increasing, which means more riders on the road and even more injuries and deaths in the future.

"From AAA Michigan's perspective, it makes absolutely no sense for our legislature to make optional the only significant piece of safety equipment now available to motorcycle riders," Miller said.

State Helmet Use Rates

With helmet law After repeal
Arkansas 97% 52%
Kentucky 96% 56%
Louisiana 100% 52%
Texas 97% 66%
Average 97.5% 56.5%
Source: Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning (OHSP)

Why is AAA so surprised that people who are given the choice to choose, do so? The drop in helmet use is the direct result of a freedom loving people exercising their rights. If all golf cart drivers were mandated to wear a helmet and that law was repealed, I expect we would also see a significant drop in helmet use.

In 2003, there were 3,261 motorcycle-involved crashes in Michigan (compared with 3,030 in 2002) in which 80 riders were killed and 2,811 injured. According to the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI), motorcycle helmet use in Michigan is currently at 97 percent.

MORE STUDY FINDINGS

The number of motorcycles registered in the state over a six-year period has increased 45 percent. The largest increase was among those aged 45-64. Michigan also experienced a 20-percent increase in motorcycle crashes during the same time period.

Let's examine that paragraph carefully. The number of motorcycle registrations has increased by 45%, and the accident rate has increased 20%. Seems to me that the accident rate per registered motorcycle is decreasing here.

Approximately 44 percent of motorcyclists involved in a crash were not legally licensed to operate a motorcycle. Crash-involved motorcyclists below age 19 were more likely than older crash-involved motorcyclists to be unlicensed.
The largest increase in crash rates was among motorcyclists aged 30-44, which increased by 52 percent.
Nearly 80 percent of motorcycle crashes result in death or injury.
Source: Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning (OHSP)

It appears that having a better system of licensing motorcycle drivers and a better system of driver training would be a far more efficient method of decreasing the fatality rate than mandating helmets for all motorcyclists.

AAA fought helmet law reform in Pennsylvania, is currently fighting it in Maryland, and now is at the forefront of the battle in Michigan. When will bikers realize that AAA is a true enemy of freedom? I urge all motorcyclists who are members of AAA to not renew their membership and let AAA know why they are refusing to do so. Collectively we have millions of bikers across all states and we could significantly affect the bottom line for AAA if we act together.

Click here for more information on AAA.

Rudy Avizius
ABATE of the Garden State

Heroes of the Week
Those who have figured out that freedom is good for the economy! HELMET LAW REPEAL WOULD BOOST ECONOMY As states face budget constraints and financial challenges, a study commissioned by bikers suggests that weakened helmet requirements could kick-start the economy.

The study done for ABATE of Michigan by Jake Miklojcik, who owns Lansing-based Michigan Consultants, suggests the state could collect $40 million in new sales and income taxes by joining the 31 other states that have eased or repealed mandatory helmet laws. The financial windfall would be the result of an estimated 20 percent increase in motorcycle sales; the addition of hundreds of jobs to the state's motorcycle industry; and a boost in tourism spending by bikers who now avoid Michigan and its helmet law.

Michigan's House of Representatives voted in 2002 to repeal the law, but the measure died in the Senate. Now, bills allowing motorcyclists 21 and older to ride without helmets if they have completed safety training are pending in the House and Senate transportation committees. The House has enough votes to end the mandatory helmet law and repeal is "pretty close" in the Senate, said state Rep. Leon Drolet, adding that a vote could come before the Legislature's summer recess.

"If the economic study is accurate, it would be another reason to support the bill," said Drolet, who does not ride motorcycles. "But individual rights, personal freedom and personal liberty arguments are the ones most compelling to me. If additional revenue comes to the state, great."

In the meantime, the Concerned Bikers Association of North Carolina is showing their legislators that motorcyclists are letting their chain-drive wallets do the voting as they head for freer climes in surrounding states. "Harley riders are, you know, 50 or older with a household income of about $75,000 and this will bring motorcycle rallies to our beaches, to our coastal areas, and to our mountains that other states are getting because they won't come with a mandatory helmet law,? said Rep. John Sauls.

Sons of Liberty Riders
http://www.solriders.com/ or
http://www.solriders.net

Had they not complained, motorcycle dealers in New Hampshire would have been required by the state to lease expensive emissions testing equipment incapable of being used on motorcycles. How's that for bureaucratic ineptness?

for full editorial

Posted December 19, 2004
Motorcycle Riders Foundation Leader's Report
As of December 8th the United States 108th Congress has officially adjourned, over two months past the target adjournment date set a year ago, of October 6th. Both bodies of Congress returned to Washington to finish up the final spending bills and cast the final votes on the Intelligence Intelligence Reform Act, the biggest intelligence overhaul
bill in 50 years.

The 108th Congress was active for the Motorcycle Riders Foundation and all American motorcyclists. We saw a lot of legislative near misses this time around, something that is not all the unusual when it comes to the US Congress. The TEA highway bill was de-railed late in the session. The HIPAA bill was passed out of the Senate but failed to make it through even the committee level on the House side. Overall in the 108th we won many small battles and suffered no big defeats.

Highway Reauthorization Status Report
A six-year reauthorization bill for federal highway and mass transit programs was left stranded in a Senate-House conference when members of Congress could not agree on how to distribute money to state highway programs. The programs have been running on a series of six extensions.
The latest extension runs out on May 31, 2005. The bill, the successor to the 1998 TEA-21, would authorize federal funds for highway and mass transit projects through fiscal year 2009.

House Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman, Don Young (R-AK), started the process by proposing a $375 billion, six-year reauthorization package that would have partially been funded by a slight increase in the federal 18.4 cents-per-gallon tax. The White House rejected the package because of the tax increase. The White House came back with a veto threat of any bill with a price tag of over $256 billion. Young's tax increase would have raised gas a nickel per gallon, the price of a gallon of premium at the time was $1.40.

Defying White House veto threats, both chambers mustered veto-proof majorities to pass versions of the bill that called for a much higher spending level than $256 billion line in the sand drawn by the White House. The Senate took the lead passing a $318 billion dollar package in February. A couple of months later, after Mr. Young was forced to scale back his impressive bill, the House passed a $284 billion measure.

House and Senate conferees then faced two big challenges; agreeing on a bottom spending line, and satisfying so-called "donor" states, which pay more to the highway trust fund than they get back and with the " donee" states which receive more money than they contribute. Republicans conferees coalesced around a final figure of $299 billion, which according to House Ways and Means Chairman Thomas, would be supported by the White House.

Despite seemingly wide spread agreement on $299 billion, House and Senate negotiators could not agree on a formula to gratify the "donor vs. donee" problem. Senate Democrats also refused to settle for $299 billion, instead they stood behind the $318 billion package.

The Highway bill died on the table when Congress adjourned on December 8, 2004.

The MRF would like to thank every SMRO and individual that made calls, wrote letters and traveled to Washington DC to fight for the inclusion of the motorcycle safety language. The MRF will continue to work with our friends in Congress to defend motorcycle riders' rights in your nation's capitol.

Looking Forward
In the next Congress, Chairman Young, who has one full term left at the helm of the powerful House Transportation and Infrastructure, will likely try to exceed the $299 billion compromise package that was left in the 108th. Young was vague when pressed on where the extra money will come from. There is a general agreement amongst the negotiators that with out the pressures of a Presidential election they should be able to reach an agreement before the current deadline of May 31, when the extension runs out.

Motorcycle Awareness Month
A significant victory was seen in the Senate when they passed Senate Resolution 168, Designating May as Motorcycle Safety Month, on April 28th of this year. The resolution introduced by Senator Ben "Nighthorse"
Campbell (R-CO), simply states that the US Senate agrees with riders that May ought to be the official motorcycle safety month. Marilyn Musgrave (R-CO) introduced the House companion bill, House Resolution 614, after the Senate had acted and was never sent to the floor for consideration by the House.

HIPAA
The legislation to close the current loophole in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act saw some movement in the waning days of the 108th Congress. The legislation prohibits a group health plan or health insurance
issuer from denying benefits provided for the treatment of an injury, solely because such injury resulted from the participation in a legal form of transportation such as motorcycling.

Senate Action
> The Senate bill S. 423 unanimously passed the US Senate in the early hours of November 21, 2004. The Senate sponsors, Susan Collins (R-ME) and Russ Feingold (D-WI) worked tirelessly to get the bill passed, motorcyclists everywhere owe both of them a debt of gratitude

House Report HIPAA
The House companion bill, HR 1749, has 177 cosponsors and they are uniformly bipartisan. The House bill, although the impressive number of cosponsors, was not given a chance to be vetted in the committee process. The bills two sponsors, Scott McCinnis (R-CO) and Ted Strickland (D-OH) are both invaluable champions of motorcyclists, however only Strickland will be returning for another tour of duty in
the 109th Congress. McCinnis has decided to end his career in Congress after 12 years, to spend more time with his family.

Outlook
The bills will both be reintroduced in the coming Congress and action is expected early in the 2 year 109th Congress. The MRF will continue to work alongside the AMA and the other members in the HIPAA coalition.

The MRF remains committed to you, the riders, and putting yourlegislative priorities on the front burner of the US Congress. The MRF would like to thank every individual and SMRO who contacted federal legislators on behalf of motorcyclists. Whether it was in person in DC, over the phone, through the mail, on the computer or in your home town it all makes a difference when it comes to making the national voice of riders heard loud and clear in Washington DC. The MRF would also like to thank those who contributed to MRFPAC. The 109th Congress will begin serious business shortly after the Presidential inauguration on January 20th. The MRF looks forward to seeing you in Washington, DC during the 109th congress.

Ride With The LeadersTM by joining the MRF at
http://www.mrf.org/join.php or call 1-202-546-0983.

Sign up today for the MRF roadside assistance program by visiting http:// www.mrf.org/join.php. The roadside assistance 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, nationalmotorcyclists' 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 educationals eminars for motorcyclists' rights activists, as well as publishing a bi-monthly newsletter, THE MRF REPORTS.

Motorcycle Riders Foundation Leader's Report
Motorcycle Riders Foundation
P.O. Box 1808
Washington, DC 20013-1808
202-546-0983 (voice)
202-546-0986 (fax)
jeff@mrf.org (e-mail)
http://www.mrf.org (website)

The ABATE of the Garden State urges all of our supporters to join the MRF. They are the best voice we have representing our rights on the national level.

Posted December 2, 2004
Another Example of How the Patriot Act is Not Being Used As Intended

Here is a story about a Vietnam vet and former police officer who has been placed on "The List" of those to be singled out when flying. Why was he placed on "The List"? He was placed there because he wrote a government-critical book "The Medusa File: Crimes and Cover-ups of the US Government" http://snipurl.com/9uu4 , and in doing so stepped on a lot of toes. His sin, evidently, was using the First Amendment. By writing books that exposed government corruption he became a "suspicious character"--someone to add to "The List".

for full article

Motorcycle Rights Organizations from all states are declaring that The Patriot Act is a serious threat to all bikers.

for more information on how the Patriot Act is being abused and represents a threat to all bikers.

Posted November 24, 2004
Bill to close loophole related to motorcyclist health insurance passes U.S. Senate

The measure would bar health plans from denying benefits to people injured while riding motorcycles, ATVs, horses, snowmobiles, skiing, or engaging in other legal recreational or transportation activities.

for full article

Please see the Action Alert to the left. This bill still needs to pass in the House of Representatives.

Posted November 13, 2004
Lawsuit challenges constitutionality of Nevada helmet law

Two members of a California biker group are challenging Nevada's motorcycle helmet law in federal court, saying the measure is unconstitutionally vague and impossible to follow.Nevada's law violates the due process clause of the 14th Amendment, said Kate Wells, a Santa Cruz, Calif., lawyer representing Steve Bianco and Richard Quigley, members of the group Bikers of Lesser Tolerance.A ruling in the case could invalidate helmet laws in Nevada and elsewhere around the country, Wells told the Las Vegas Review-Journal for a Thursday report.

for full article

Posted November 13, 2004
Louisiana Police Cracking Down on Helmet Law Offenders

The new motorcycle helmet law says that the helmet must meet DOT safety requirements. Police are cracking down on offenders, but not everyone has gotten the word. If you are riding a motorcycle and not wearing a DOT approved helmet and eye protection, police are going to give you a ticket and troopers may even tow your bike.

for full article

Posted November 5, 2004
Patriot Act Represents a Grave Threat to Bikers

Armed anti-terrorism agents with the FBI's joint-terrorism task force raided the West Philadelphia home. The neighborhood was panicked when they saw the armed teams entering the house.

Click here for the full article and for an NBC news video of the raid.
(When you view the video, if you have Windows XP Service Pack 2, click on the information bar, and select "Temporarily Allow Popups to allow the video to load)

The use of armed anti-terrorist agents to search for a "Hugs for Puppies" activist who demonstrated in front of the homes and offices of CEO's is certainly an abuse of what the Patriot Act had intended. The original authors of the act recognized the unique time in which it was created and the haste with which it was written. They wisely placed a sunset privision into it that would make it expire after a few years. The Patriot Act has already been been used in marijuana arrests where the govenment has even admitted that no terrorism has been involved. The Senate has also been trying to pass a bill that could label YOU as a street gang member.

This bill has passed in the Senate commitee and specifies that any organization with a common name, insignia, flag, or means of recognition meets the criteria of a street gang. This very broad definition means that associations such as HOG, ABATE, ABATE, COC, your bowling club, or even the Girl Scouts could be declared as street gangs. While we all wish to eliminate criminal activities within our neighborhoods, the language of this bill is so broad that it casts far too wide a net.

When you look at the combined threats that these actions all pose, it is easy to see that bikers are threatened and that our liberties and rights are at serious risk. If animal activists and marijuana distributers could be prosecuted under the Patriot Act, it is not too difficult to forsee it being used against motorcycle groups or individuals. With the reelection of the President and a more conservative House and Senate, the probability of an extension and expansion of the Patriot Act has increased.

If you truly value your freedom and liberty, now is the time to act. Contact your Senators, contact your Congressional Representatives, and contact the President to let them know that you oppose any extension or expansion of the Patriot Act. The time to act is NOW, before it becomes law.

For information on who your elected officals are:
http://www.firstgov.gov/Contact/Elected.shtml

For more information on how the Patriot Act is being abused, simply go to http://www.google.com and enter "Patriot Act Abuse" and see what comes up. Some of the reading may surprise you.

"They that can give up essential liberty to obtain
a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety."
Benjamin Franklin

Posted November 1, 2004
How will the New EPA Rules Affect You?

Did you know that starting 2006, modifying the engine or exhaust will be considered tampering?
Will you be required to retrofit your existing motorcycle?
Will you be able to still own a custom motorcycle?

These are all real issues that require answers.

for a full article from the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (NRF) that will answer these questions for you.

ABATE encourages you to join the Motorcycle Riders Foundation. They are the best representation that motorcyclists have at the federal level. Visit their site at
http://www.mrf.org

The AMA and ABATE of PA believe that motorcycle owners should have the same benefits of lemon law protection that are extended to automobile owners. Motorcyclists are encouraged to contact members of the Senate Appropriations Committee and ask them to reconsider voting in favor of SB216.

AMA Government Relations News & Notes

Posted October 11, 2004
Lawmen MC?

for full article.

NEW YORK: Oregon apparently isn't the only place cops steal motorcycles from us. Two bikers in NY were pulled over for some BS. The cops confiscated their rides for bogus reasons. After a few weeks, the riders hired a lawyer to help them recover the bikes. They were told they may NEVER see their scoots again. These were FULLY LEGAL, well-documented motorcycles, with legal riders. It's way past time for us to get some laws passed that will bring this thievery to an end! Michigan, I heard, leads the way with a law that makes the state put up or shut up within 30 days.

Bill Bish,
National Coalition of Motorcyclists

Posted September 5, 2004
Did You Know That The World Health Organization is Trying to Make Helmets Mandatory Across the World?

for more information

Posted September 25, 2004
UNDER PRESSURE from city authorities, Pep Boys agreed yesterday to temporarily end its sales of pocket bikes in Philadelphia.

for full article

Posted August 27, 2004
Philadelphia police warn riders of mini-motorcycles of consequences

A day after the reported death of a rider on a mini-motorcycle - the first such death recorded here - police today renewed the reminder to owners of the small, fast rides that they are against the law.

Posted August 18, 2004
Heads-up while in Pennsylvania!!
BEWARE OF CAMOUFLAGED COPS!
All camo'ed figures in the woods, are not just turkey or deer hunters!!

The Pennsylvania Dept of Transportation along with the state police have launched a new camo-cops program. A targeted speed enforcement campaign to reduce highway accidents and fatalities.
This campaign sends troopers in camouflage clothing, carrying battery operated radar detectors into wooded areas, along highways to detect speeders, then radio to a waiting uniformed trooper in marked patrol vehicles to make the traffic stop and issue a ticket.

Saint
President
Nameless Few

Posted August 16, 2004

Shakes Play Again
The bikers who attended Ace's Freedom Ride on Sunday received a very special treat. Four of the five original members of the Shakes (the band that used to play at Uncle Mike's) provided the live music. They did a great rendition of "Taking Care of Business" that was a true pleasure to hear. It was great to hear them play again!

Posted August 16, 2004

Helmets are law again in Louisiana. Safety officials tout benefits; motorcyclists bristle

for full article

Posted August 14, 2004
Biker Beware, Car Drivers Cannot See You

for full article

Posted August 12, 2004
Crash Incites Biker Reaction

for full story

We strongly urge you to bring your helmet to your Harley-Davidson dealer for inspection and replacement if necessary as soon as possible. If it is verified that your helmet has been manufactured within the dates covered by this recall, your helmet will be replaced at no cost to you. To verify that the appropriate recall action has been performed, your dealer will ask you to sign a recall action completion form, which will then to returned to Harley-Davidson Motor Company, along with your affected helmet.

Posted July 31, 2004
Charges for Naked Motorcycle Ride

for story

They are called pocket bikes, miniature motorcycles about 16 inches tall and outfitted with buzzy chain-saw-like engines capable of propelling these bite-sized bikes to speeds up to 40 mph.

Posted July 24, 2004
Janklow Victim's Family Want Case Sent to Minnesota Court

Click here for more details
See article to left for more background information

Posted July 16, 2004
Louisiana Reinstates Mandatory Helmets for All Riders

Here is what happens when motorcyclists do not stand up and fight for their rights! Louisiana was a free state and is now is no longer. The governor just signed the bill last week.

Click here for more info

Posted July 10, 2004
Senate Bill Could Label YOU as a Street Gang Member

This bill has passed in the Senate commitee and specifies that any organization with a common name, insignia, flag, or means of recognition meets the criteria of a street gang. This very broad definition means that associations such as HOG, ABATE, COC, your bowling club, or even the Girl Scouts could be declared as street gangs. While we all wish to eliminate criminal activities within our neighborhoods, the language of this bill is so broad that it casts far too wide a net.

While most prosecuters are ethical and would not abuse this power, our history is full of those who have in the past. It is not difficult to imagine a prosecutor threatening someone with a minor violation such marijuana possession with the sanctions of this bill in order to find the identity of the supplier. The Patriot Act has already been used in a marajuana case where the government even admits that the people charged have nothing to do with terrorism.

If you or your club fall under this definition, your employer will be forced to fire you and NO business would be allowed to employ you. This bill threatens the freedom and liberties of ALL Americans, whether they ride a motorcycle or not! The potential for abuse here far outweighs any benefits the bill would provide. It is unbelievable that someone would suggest sanctions such as these for anyone. What better way could there be to drive someone to criminal behavior to survive?

A coalition of liberal and conservative groups have formed to fight implementation of this law. Your action is needed to head off this legislation BEFORE it becomes the law of the land.

Click here for more information about this very serious threat to your freedom.

Posted July 9, 2004
Is YOUR Money Being Spent to Fight Against YOUR Right to Choose?

Click here to find out how YOU may actually be helping to fund those who would deny you right to choose.

Teens Push For Helmet Law After Friend Dies After Hitting Head While Riding Skateboard
ONLINE POLL: Should skateboard helmets be mandatory?

Here is your chance to voice your opinion.
Last time I checked this the YES votes outnumbered the NO votes 59% to 41%.

Go to the URL/link below to vote: http://www.local6.com/family/3399443/detail.html

By an announced 96-43 vote, representatives sent to the Senate a bill repealing Missouri's mandatory helmet law for those age 21 and older. Motorcyclists younger than that still would have to wear helmets.

Sponsoring Rep. Larry Crawford, R-California, said 28 states -- including most of Missouri's neighbors -- already give adults the choice of wearing motorcycle helmets.
Click here for full story

Click here to find out what one biker was able to do to make a real difference.

The Legislators Summary was updated to reflect the recent vote in the Senate on the Motorcycle Helmet Bill (SB 611). You can locate this summary at:
http://www.abate-of-maryland.org/LegislatorsSummary.htm

Nebraska Helmet Modification Bill Dies

Just got word - LB 303 is dead. Senator Curt Bromm will NOT put it back on the agenda before the end of session. This sets Nebraska back about 2 years. What we ALL fought so hard for - what we sent thousands of emails for - is dead. Back to square one for our friends in Nebraska.

It is time to send Bromm back to the private sector.

Check out where Nebraska is, smack in the center of all of those free states!

Posted November 5, 2004
Update
Curt Bromm lost the primary election for a congressional seat in May 2004.

NHTSA Seeks a World Helmet Law
There is a new threat to the hard won freedom in choice in the free states and those seeking to be free. Having failed to convince State legislatures to adopt laws mandating helmet or apparel use by motorcyclists, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has potentially found another body to advance mandatory-use laws:the United Nations.The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) has learned that, in total defiance of legislation passed by Congress, NHTSA has moved its efforts to the United Nations, specifically the world body's "Inland Transport Committee: Working Party on Road Traffic Safety.

If this effort succeeds, it could potentially reinstall federal sanctions against states that refuse to legislate mandatory helmets for all riders.
Click here for full story
Click here for information on what you can do about this