ABATE of the Garden State Press Release
We were just notified by Senator Madden’s Legislative Aid Jenna Lihvarcik that a bill has been introduced by the Senator to make “The month of May Motorcycle Awareness Month in New Jersey”.

Contact:
State Headquarters
71 Franklin Street
Annapolis, MD 21401
Mailing Address
Post Office Box 1733
Annapolis, MD 21404
Telephone
(800) 843-0252 Toll Free in MD
(410) 263-9185 Outside of MD
(410) 263-8965 FAX
Email: mdabate@erols.com
Web site: http://www.abate-of-maryland.org

ABATE of Maryland State Director - Marty Schultz - Motorcycle Fatality

Marty Schultz who was the State Director of a motorcycle rights organization known as ABATE of Maryland, Inc., was killed by a car driver who violated his right-of-way. Since that time there has been considerable speculation in print and heard over the airwaves about whether or not he was wearing a helmet. Yes, in fact he was wearing a helmet that came off during the collision or its devastating aftermath. Although this topic is especially significant because of Marty's position with ABATE, the same thing happens every time there is a motorcycle accident.

Why is it always about the helmet?

Whenever there is a motorcycle accident, nearly every person asks whether or not the rider was wearing a helmet. Later on, they might get around to inquiring about the well-being of the rider or the circumstances that caused the accident. Some never bother to go beyond the helmet topic.

The vast majority of motorcycle accidents have nothing to do with whether or not the rider wore a helmet. They are caused by inattentive drivers. More than 64 percent of multi-vehicle accidents involving a motorcycle are due to the actions of the driver of the other vehicle. Additionally, in approximately 10 percent of single-vehicle motorcycle accidents another vehicle was at fault even though no contact occurred.

There is an attitude of indifference and sometimes downright malice towards motorcyclists that many government officials and members of the general public convey through their words and actions. Many times statements made to and by the media infer or blatantly state that an injured motorcyclist is somehow responsible for his or her injuries when the motorcyclist's only role may have been to attempt to avoid a collision.

What should happen instead?

We live in an environment that presents daily challenges that have a dramatic effect on transportation and commuting. Motorcycles are becoming increasingly more popular as fuel and space efficient vehicles. The number of frequent, daily riders has increased dramatically as people try to cope with rising fuel prices. Many motorcycles achieve mileage rates that exceed 40 miles per gallon making them an attractive, economical transportation alternative.

Over the next months and years it is likely that there will be more incentives for individuals to explore transportation alternatives.
Motorcycles have already become part of the evolving transportation landscape. An increasing number of individuals commute almost daily on motorcycles because of rising gasoline prices. Motorcycle parking areas in many workplaces are overflowing now when they were previously under-utilized.
Some of these riders commute year-round and only avoid riding on days when snow or ice makes commuting by motorcycle impossible.

Drivers, law enforcement, government officials, legislators, and the general public need to acknowledge that motorcycles are a viable form of transportation that have many positive attributes when navigating crowded roads and parking lots. They also need to acknowledge that these vehicles are more vulnerable and the consequences should an accident occur rarely favour the motorcyclist.

The focus should not be on the helmet which in many cases provides little or no protection. A helmet can become dislodged or come off during a collision; which is precisely what happened in the collision that took Marty's life. Instead, shift the focus to what happens before an accident occurs and strive for accident prevention. Rather than perpetual emphasis solely on helmet use, accentuate awareness by all road users of the strengths and weaknesses of each vehicle type on the roads today; whether that vehicle is a car, truck, tractor-trailer, bus, bicycle or motorcycle.

It's all about safer driving and riding, not safer crashing.

----------
A Brotherhood Against Totalitarian Enactments (ABATE) of Maryland, Inc. is the largest association of motorcycle riders in Maryland, whose members have joined together to advocate training as the foremost means to reducing accidents and injury, to put an end to discriminatory legislation, to explore ways to improve the overall motorcycling experience in Maryland, and to provide for and assure a continuing freedom and affordability of motorcycling. ABATE of Maryland is the only organization in Maryland exclusively engaged in representing the rights of Maryland motorcyclists.
We perceive the risks associated with motorcycling as being manageable through programs of rider and driver education. The only effective method of reducing motorcycle injuries is accident avoidance.

Legislation advocated by ABATE of Maryland, Inc. during the 2006 session of the Maryland General Assembly sought to increase the penalties for right-of-way violations that result in serious injury or a fatality. The House of Delegates and Senate bill numbers were HB 1383 and SB 429 respectively.

ABATE of Maryland, Inc. is responsible for legislation that established the Maryland Motorcycle Safety Program (MMSP) in 1983 and continues to monitor the program and mitigate events that have threatened the existence and viability of the MMSP since that time.

ABATE of Maryland, Inc. is an active participant in the Maryland Motorcycle Safety Task Force.

The discussion was fairly brief, however, and in the end Pennsylvania made the right call by letting riders choose whether to protect themselves.

But that's about where the similarities ended.

The parking lot was filled with two-wheeled chrome and steel, not Lexuses and Escalades. And there wasn't a business suit to be seen, just a lot of black leather.

But make no mistake. These bikers were all business. The 50 men and women who attended the monthly meeting of the Caloosahatchee chapter of ABATE of Florida had given up a Sunday morning of riding to focus their energies on fighting for the rights of motorcyclists. And the "right" that concerned them the most was the right to ride the roads without being run over by a car and killed.

More motorcycles have been on the road since the price of gas has gone up and baby boomers have hit their stride. The local chapter, which has about 80 members, has been around for just over a year. The first ABATE group was started in 1971 by one of the editors of Easyriders magazine. Since then the group has spread throughout the states.

for full article

Posted July 18, 2006
Missouri passes "Clutch's Law," raising fines for right-of-way violations

Missouri Governor Matt Blunt has signed a bill that includes "Clutch's Law," in memory of John Michael “Clutch” Clubine, who was killed by an inattentive driver. The new law, which takes effect January 1, 2007, increases penalties for drivers who injure or kill others by committing right-of-way violations.

for full article

But that's about where the similarities ended.

The parking lot was filled with two-wheeled chrome and steel, not Lexuses and Escalades. And there wasn't a business suit to be seen, just a lot of black leather.

But make no mistake. These bikers were all business. The 50 men and women who attended the monthly meeting of the Caloosahatchee chapter of ABATE of Florida had given up a Sunday morning of riding to focus their energies on fighting for the rights of motorcyclists. And the "right" that concerned them the most was the right to ride the roads without being run over by a car and killed.

These coincidental trends have led authors of a new legislative study to shy away from making definitive conclusions on whether the helmet law repeal itself is responsible for more carnage on the highways.

for full article

"We usually have about 85 percent voting," said Jim Rhoades of Milford-based ABATE of Michigan, which stands for American Bikers Aiming Toward Education.

"We affiliate with other organizations with as many as 75 percent voting," Rhoades said. "In the last cycle, we supported 90 candidates and had a 92 percent success rate."

But the report cautions that motorcycle registrations rose by 48 percent, to 318,000 riders, by 2005, so there were considerably more cyclists on the road than before.

During an 11 a.m. news conference conducted in the State Capitol Rotunda, AAA Michigan joined a broad coalition of safety and insurance stakeholders to denounce the legislation as bad public policy.

for full article

Posted June 23, 2006
AAA Michigan Thanks Michigan Governor For Her Veto of Helmet Repeal

AAA Michigan today thanked Governor Jennifer Granholm for her veto of legislation that would repeal Michigan's 37-year-old mandatory motorcycle helmet law.

for full article.

AAA has always fought against personal freedom of choice. Remember this next time you go to write them a check. Stop funding your enemies!

for alternatives to their services.

To: Dal Smilie, AMA Chairman & Karen Bolin, MRF President

America may be democratically governed, but it is celebrity driven. Every day, hard-working tax-paying citizens riding motorcycles are maimed and killed by inattentive and negligent automobile drivers, while calls for increased measures to mitigate inattentional blindness go unheeded. But let that injured rider be a star football player, and everything changes: The media reports he wasn't wearing a helmet--as if wearing a helmet would have prevented the guilty driver from turning in front of him--fueling a public frenzy that compells politicians and bureaucrats alike to act or risk losing position and paycheck.

So act they did. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has announced a two-day public forum on motorcycle safety beginning Tuesday, September 12, 2006 in Washington DC. They make no secret of the fact that their action was triggered by the recent accident involving Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger ... and no one should be surprised if at this forum a nationwide universal helmet law is once again proposed.
In fact, I think that we, the concerned motorcycle riders of America, should propose it:

As a bikers rights advocate, I am sick and tired of all the time, money and energy being wasted by parties on both sides of the helmet law debate. It drains us of precious resources better spent on motorcycle awareness ...
better spent on addressing the fact that 67% of all multi-vehicle motorcycle accidents are caused by the Inattentional Blindness and negligence of cagers [automobile drivers], and neither (1) wearing a helmet, nor (2) mandatory helmet laws do anything to reduce that statistic.

Helmets may save lives, but focusing on crash survival (by mandating helmets for motorcyclists only), rather than crash avoidance (through severe, specific right-of-way violation penalties, driver education and motorcycle awareness programs to mitigate the Inattentional Blindness of cagers), is not only (1) ineffective public policy and a waste of public resources, but also (2) discriminatory, and (3) tantamount to blaming the victim for the crime ... like saying it is okay to shoot people if they are not wearing Kevlar vests.

This seems simple and obvious to me, but some of those in the political trenches say legislators will not shift their focus to Motorcycle Awareness and mitigating Inattentional Blindness unless and until we concede on the helmet laws.

So, let's concede. LET'S SUPPORT A UNIVERSAL HELMET LAW. Let's be sure, however, that the law is truly UNIVERSAL. To that end, I propose two mandates:

Mandate 1: THE HELMET LAW MUST BE UNIVERSAL.

Few rational people will argue that in most situations a helmet offers some degree of protection to the head it covers. And since ALL Americans are entitled to equal protection under the law, let's make sure that wearing a helmet is mandated for ALL motor vehicle operators and passengers.
Excluding cagers from protection they should be equally entitled to would be discriminatory.

Mandate 2: THERE MUST BE A UNIVERSAL HELMET.

The only way to guarantee equal protection under this law is to give everyone the same helmet. I recommend a full coverage helmet and visor with electronics restricted. This may cause bikers to sweat in slow traffic, but the trade-off is that cagers will not be distracted by having cellphones stuck in their ears, and they'll be more likely to use their mirrors for rear views instead of putting on make-up.

It is time we put the SHOEI on the other foot. As a member and elite legislative supporter of the American Motorcyclist Association, and as a sustaining member of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation, I hereby respectfully request that these two organizations give serious consideration to the proposals presented herein as well as the implications thereof, and that these proposals and implications be properly incorporated into your respective MRO strategic frameworks as well as your specific joint and/or separate responses to the NTSB and our government as a whole.

Sincerely,

Bruce Arnold

Bruce@LdrLongDistanceRider.com
http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/

Please post comments and replies here:
http://pub42.bravenet.com/forum/3562429698/fetch/708594/

Posted June 11, 2006
AAA of Michigan opposes helmet law repeal

Our old nemesis, AAA (the American Automobile Association) has again stuck its nose in our freedom to choose. Michigan is only a governor's signature away from being the 31st free state!

"We are disappointed and saddened that state lawmakers undertook this
course of action," said Jack Peet, manager of Community Safety Services for AAA Michigan. "It makes absolutely no sense to make optional the only validated personal safety device available to a motorcycle rider."
Only a veto by Gov. Jennifer Granholm would prevent the helmet repeal
from taking place.

for full article

Are you as member of AAA?

If you are, then YOUR money is being used to take away your rights and freedom to make an informed adult choice.

ABATE has been successful in getting hundreds of members to drop their AAA subscriptions and to get family members, neighbors and friends to do the same.

VOTE with your money!

for information on how you can fight AAA in their efforts to take away your adult freedom of choice and for better alternatives to their services. This is still America!

For their benefit (and least the ones with open minds), here's a little lesson on helmet laws: They are only effective at reducing the number of bikes on the road. That's how they 'save' lives. Fewer motorcycles = fewer motorcycle accidents.

The proof is the FACT that:
- about 3% of motorcycle accident victims don't survive, regardless of whether they're wearing helmets
- motorcycle registrations typically double when helmet laws get repealed.
- novice and untrained riders are the most at-risk riders
- motorcyclists flock to states that respect their freedom (and they bring their wallets)
- rider training is the most effective way to increase motorcycle safety

People who don't ride have no reason to look beyond the hyped headlines, and they face no real risks regarding motorcycle safety.

Bikers have the most to lose, so risk management is a daily requirement for them. And all the arguments about safety, liability, taxpayer burden, etc., are based on the false premise that helmets are effective. They aren't.

The mandatory helmet law has been on the books here for 30 years; yet last year, Michigan's motorcycle fatalities were up 65 percent. Michigan's record 122 motorcycle deaths were 22 percent higher than neighboring Wisconsin - a state without a mandatory helmet law.

In fact, not one of the six states surrounding Michigan has seen this kind of increase in motorcycle fatalities - and not one of them has a mandatory helmet law, either.

Some of the most vocal of these organizations are in the medical profession. Among these medical organizations, the most active ones include the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), and the American Medical Association. Both of these organizations actively call for legislation to force mandatory wearing of helmets for all motorcycle riders regardless of their experience or driving records. Their justification for this position is that it could save as many 444 additional lives (in 2001), and $11.1 billion dollars if helmets were mandatory in all states. Their website often references the NHTSA figures which are suspect from the beginning, but let’s assume that these figures are correct.

There organizations are very willing to surrender OUR freedoms for the “greater good”. Would they be so willing to surrender THEIR freedoms the same way if even MORE lives and money could be saved? They say that they have to wear seatbelts, so we should have to wear helmets. The level of personal intrusion of having to wear a helmet is far greater that of having to wear a seatbelt.

FACT: Doctors are the third leading cause of death in the US, causing 250,000 deaths every year.
Most of these 250,000 deaths per year are from iatrogenic causes!!

Just look up IATROGENIC in a Google search and you will have reading for the next month on the staggering number of errors that take place in our hospitals.

FACT: Hospital-acquired infections is the second leading cause of death in the US.

In 2000, 2001, and 2002, an average of 195,000 DIED due to potentially preventable errors made in hospitals. This is according to a study of 37 million patient records by HealthGrades, a healthcare quality company.

A different analysis showed that between 4% and 18% of consecutive patients experience negative effects in outpatient settings. This included: 116 million extra physician visits, 77 million extra prescriptions, 17 million emergency department visits,
8 million hospitalizations, 3 million long-term admissions, and 199,000 additional deaths.

The costs of these “errors” for the public was $77 billion in extra costs, beyond our normal health care costs.

My argument here is that these doctors advocating the taking away of OUR freedoms to save 444 lives, should get their own house in order and save 250,000 lives and $77 billion, before meddling in our recreational activities and telling us we should give up our freedoms.

The American Obesity Association commissioned a study in 1999 and established the direct health care costs of obesity at $102.2 billion in 1999. This figure would be significantly higher today in both number of people affected and in dollars. This is by far a more compelling reason to take away our freedom of choice to eat what we wish than the small amount that motorcycle accidents costs. Would these same doctors advocate taking away our freedom to eat the foods we wish?
Is taking away our freedoms the American Way?

Even the NHTSA has confirmed that the vast majority of motorcycle/auto accidents are the fault of the automobile. Isn’t forcing motorcyclists to wear a helmet the same as punishing the victim rather than the perpetrator? This is patently un-American. The NHTSA has also admitted that education is the most effective method of reducing motorcycle fatalities. Wouldn’t it make far more sense to require auto drivers to be educated in motorcycle awareness?

I have a suggestion. Since 80% of all fatal auto accidents are head injuries, we could save far more lives by mandating helmets for all auto drivers. The ACEP and AMA should logically support this position since it will save even more money and lives than simply mandating helmets for a small fraction of al motor vehicles. Would these same doctors be willing to support legislation for mandatory helmets for all auto drivers and give up THEIR freedoms?

There are those who say that they have to wear a seat belt, so we should have to wear a helmet. I have a suggestion to those people: beg, borrow, or steal one of those nifty full faced helmets, put it on and try backing out of your driveway. You may now have a new sense of the peripheral vision and hearing loss experienced by motorcyclists. I then suggest that you try wearing one of those helmets on a 95 degree day with 90 percent humidity and the sun beating down on you while you are stuck in rush hour traffic. At least some of you will change your minds about how wonderful mandatory helmet laws are. There is no comparison between the personal intrusion of a helmet to that of having to put on a seat belt.

In the end, this is not a safety issue, but an issue of fundamental freedom. I have no problems when someone SUGGESTS that we wear a helmet, but I do mind when someone TELLS us that we have to. Do we really wish to have the government legislate the risk out of life by taking away our freedoms? It is very easy to take away the freedoms of a small minority when it does not affect you. Who will be there to protect your freedoms when the government legislates on: mountain climbing, skate boarding, hockey, golf, or helmets in cars? This is still America isn’t it?

Rudy Avizius
ABATE of the Garden State
http://www.gardenstateabate.org

Posted June 1, 2006
How Creepy Can It Get?

I hope that there are others out there who feel that this country is headed in the wrong direction.

We used to fingerprint felons -- now, we're "inking" traffic scofflaws.

Run a couple of mph over the speed limit in the state of Kansas (or even fail to "buckle up for safety") and you'll be duly entered into the Kansas Bureau of Investigation's (KBI) electronic fingerprint database -- a privilege once reserved for actual criminals, not ordinary citizens who commit minor violations of the motor vehicle code. KBI, authorized by the state government, will be "testing out" 60 automated fingerprint readers throughout the state beginning this month -- all of it funded by a $3.6 million grant from the Department of Homeland Security.

They are merely trying to protect us from "terror." Etc.

And so we must accept without question or complaint ever broader, ever more intrusive government -- up to and including being catalogued and monitored like paroled felons. Even if all we've done is run a red light or failed to wear our seat belt.

for full article

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

"As nightfall does not come all at once, neither does oppression. In both instances, there is a twilight when everything remains seemingly unchanged. And it is in such twilight that we all must be most aware of change in the air - however slight - lest we become unwitting victims of the darkness." Justice William O. Douglas

For related articles:
National Worker DNA Fingerprint Database Proposed
Kansas to fingerprint traffic offenders?
National ID and master database
Liberty, Privacy, and DNA Databases

During the current session, in a show of the strength of the motorcycle lobby, lawmakers debated reducing the personal property tax on motorcycles and repealing laws that dictate handlebar height. Another bill would have allowed motorcyclists to treat red lights like stop signs when sensors don’t pick up the weight of their bike.

for full article

The Milwaukee-based motorcycle manufacturer said that the communist country agreed to lift an outright ban on large displacement motorcycles in negotiations earlier this month. It also said the country would adopt a licensing system for motorcycle operators, relax distribution restrictions and reduce tariffs on heavyweight motorcycles by 60 percent over time.

Posted May 23, 2006
No Motorcycles Travel In South Dakota?

(Washington, DC) As most everyone in the motorcycling community knows, the state of South Dakota hosts the largest motorcycle rally in the country in Sturgis. Ironically, the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) has learned the State of South Dakota has reported ZERO vehicle miles traveled (VMT) for motorcycles in its annual reports to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) each year since 1997. In fact, according to information provided to the MRF by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there was absolutely no motorcycle VMT reported not only for South Dakota, but also for Illinois, Massachusetts, Missouri, Nevada, Pennsylvania or Texas from 1997-2003.

for full article

for letter from NHTSA to to MRF acknowledging that their data is not inaccurate.

Posted May 23, 2006
BMW Has New Concept Car

This really does look like a true cross between a motorcycle and a car.

For the last few years, BMW and University of Bath have been hard at work on the CLEVER — a compact fuel-efficient vehicle for city driving. Somewhat overshadowed this week by the launch of the 2007 3-Series Coupe, BMW on Friday released the first images of the completed CLEVER. As the name — Compact Low Emission Vehicle for Urban Transport — suggests, the aim of the project was to create a vehicle that was practical, safe, and environmentally-friendly. Unlike the Volkswagen GX3 Concept — with one rear wheel and two front wheels — the CLEVER has two rear wheels and one front. If it ever makes it to production, the vehicle is expected to cost around $10,000 and would have a top speed of 50 mph. One fascinating aspect of the vehicle is its unique tilting design for stable, motorcycle-like cornering.

for full article

Monday, May 22
A group of Chester County ABATE members will leave from the Gap Diner on Monday morning, May 22, at 10:00, to ride to the rally in Harrisburg. We'll be back in Gap by 3:00. You're welcome and encouraged to participate! Bring bikes and cars. Invite your kids to go to the Capitol. Show that Freedom of Choice is important to you!

This is a Rain Or Shine event.

(Rain doesn't keep the legislators from making laws! )

A surveillance camera on the outside of the Taylor police station captured the image of a pickup and trailer similar to the one described by witnesses. The police station is on Texas 95, just a few blocks north of its intersection with Carlos G. Parker Boulevard (U.S. 79), where the crash occurred.

for full article

First, let me thank Dave Dwyer, Hawk, Dan "Spotman" Spotten, "Miss Red" Huttman, "Madd Ray" Henke and others who knowingly and otherwise provided input and inspiration for the following message...

On Thursday, May 4, 2006 the Wisconsin Assembly passed Bill 964, the "Roadway Users Responsibility Act". All that is needed now is Governor Doyle's signature for it to become law. This bill contains several provisions for which ABATE of Wisconsin (http://www.abatewis.org/) and allied bikers rights activists should be congratulated. The text of the bill with a summary analysis is available here:

http://www.legis.state.wi.us/2005/data/AB-964.pdf

Notable among the bill's provisions are right-of-way violation penalties which--although lacking mandatory minimums and not specific to bikers--are far more severe than the "hand-slap" laws recently passed in Florida and elsewhere. Once this bill becomes law, for example, a careless or clueless cager that kills a Wisconsin biker, bicyclist or pedestrian faces the possibility of a $10,000 fine and/or 9 months in jail, plus a 9 month license suspension.

Bruces Bikers Bulletin Board:
http://pub42.bravenet.com/forum/3562429698/fetch/692090

" I don't know how you would replace this if we ever lost this event," he told business and community leaders of the Lakes Region.

for full article

“Recently, I realized there’s a fascination I have when I look at these machines. ”

You could be talking to any new motorcyclist, full of enthusiasm and eager for new experiences. Except this isn’t any new motorcyclist—it’s the governor.

Meet Dirk Kempthorne.

When we set up our trip to Idaho, we quickly discovered that motorcyclists had thoroughly infiltrated the state’s government. But when we found out that the governor had recently taken up motorcycling, and that he’d be glad to sit down and talk bikes with us, we were impressed.

Senators demanding greater privacy protections gained traction late last year when it was revealed that the Bush administration has been secretly wiretapping Americans for years without any sort of court approval. In the end, though, nearly all settled for minor concessions that leave the worst features of the Patriot Act intact.

Lawmakers are betting that if forced to make a choice, Americans will favor security over liberty, haunted as they are by a post-9/11 fearfulness recently on display in the frenzy over the prospect of an Arab-owned company running some U.S. port operations.

Among the most important changes:
Recipients of court-approved subpoenas for information in terrorist investigations will have the right to challenge the requirement that they not tell anyone about the subpoena. In addition, recipients of such subpoenas will no longer be forced to provide the FBI with the name of their lawyer. Also, the civil liberties package clarifies that most general-purpose libraries are not subject to demands made in so-called National Security Letters for information about suspected terrorists.

But not even the secret seizure of library, medical and business records without probable cause was adequately addressed. So the job isn't done. And it won't be unless outraged citizens demand it.

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Arlen Specter has offered new legislation that would demand evidence of a link to a foreign power before library, business and medical records could be obtained; eliminate a one-year period before gag orders on requests for such records could be challenged in court; and require that the target of a "sneak and peek" search warrant be notified within seven days of its execution.

Now that the expiring provisions of the Patriot Act have been restored, though, pressure for further action is off. Senator Specter's bill is likely to languish unless umbrage at the needless intrusion into the lives of innocent Americans makes itself heard.

Some of the Patriot Acts most important provisions will face another reauthorization in four years. Among them are Sections 206 and 215, which allow roving wiretaps and permit secret warrants for books, records, and other items from businesses, hospitals, and some libraries.

NCOM NEWS BYTES
Compiled & Edited by Bill Bish,
National Coalition of Motorcyclists

Testifying in opposition to the bill, Mr. McAllister used graphic images and strong words to prove his points.

"I am a front line emergency department registered nurse that has seen the blood oozing from every orifice, the intestines leaking out of the stomach and brain matter of your constituents that choose to not wear a helmet," he told committee members.

for full article

"But I soon realized that a helmet was not just an instrument of safety to some delegates, but also a form of government control. It was not just a question of whether we should wear our helmets or not. It was a question as to whether we wanted a government that controlled every aspect of our lives. It became a question of personal freedom.

"Suddenly, the answer was not so clear to me, and I began to think at a whole new level. I see now that many decisions in government are very difficult.

Delegate Harry Parrish represents the cities of Manassas and Manassas Park, and the surrounding neighborhoods in Prince William County.


for full article

Of course, security considerations are also a top priority. But riding a motorcycle on the turnpike is wrong!

Posted February 11, 2006
Maryland has 3 Motorcycle Bills Pending

There are three bills advocated by ABATE of Maryland, Inc for the 2006 Maryland General Assembly session. They are:

- The Helmet Law Modification (SB 163/HB 727)
- Right-of-Way Violation Penalties (SB 429/HB 1383)
- Helmet Warning Label (SB 538/HB 1007)

All three bills have been filed in both the Maryland Senate and House of Delegates. The Senate version of all three bills will be heard in the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee Hearing Room on February 16, 2006 at 1 pm.

In the House of Delegates, two bills have been scheduled for hearings. They are the Helmet Bill and the Helmet Warning Label Bill. The hearings will be conducted in the House of Delegates Environmental Matters Committee Hearing Room on February 28, 2006 at 1 pm. The third House bill that addresses Right-of-Way Violation Penalties has not yet been scheduled for a hearing.

If possible, make plans to attend these hearings. It is essential for us to show strong support for these bills. Also, contact House of Delegates Environmental Matters Committee members, Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee members, and your local representatives and let them know that you want them to support these bills.

The links that follow will help you to locate the committee members and your local representatives.

Maryland General Assembly
http://mlis.state.md.us/#gena

Find Your Legislators
http://mdelect.net/
http://mlis.state.md.us/cgi-win/mail32.exe

For your convenience, lists of the committee members are located at the end of this message.

------------------------------------------------------------
SB 163/HB 727 - Vehicle Laws - Protective Headgear Requirement for Motorcycle Riders - Exceptions
------------------------------------------------------------

The motorcycle helmet bill will eliminate mandatory motorcycle helmet use by adult riders. The 2006 bill includes some language that is similar to the recently enacted Pennsylvania helmet bill. These provisions are that a rider must be over 21 and must have either two years of riding experience or must have taken a motorcycle safety course. It also includes provisions for passengers and three-wheeled vehicles.

Bill Information Senate:
http://mlis.state.md.us/2006rs/billfile/sb0163.htm
Bill Information House:
http://mlis.state.md.us/2006rs/billfile/hb0727.htm

------------------------------------------------------------
SB 429/HB 1383 - Vehicle Laws - Right-of-Way - Penalties for Failure to Yield
------------------------------------------------------------

The right-of-way violation penalties bill provides for increased penalties for right-of-way violations when the violation contributes to an accident that results in bodily injury or death of an another person.

Under current law, the penalty for violating the right-of-way of another vehicle is $60 and one point against the offenders' license. Even when a right-of-way violation is combined with another charge like negligent driving, the maximum fines and penalties for both charges would be $630 and seven points.

In many accidents of this nature, law enforcement and the courts cannot justify a higher charge that would include more severe penalties and the violators are given only minimal fines and penalties. This bill seeks to give the courts the tools they need to penalize violators appropriately when serious injury or death occurs.

Bill Information Senate:
http://mlis.state.md.us/2006rs/billfile/sb0429.htm
Bill Information House:
http://mlis.state.md.us/2006rs/billfile/hb1383.htm

------------------------------------------------------------
SB 538/HB 1007 - Vehicle Laws - Protective Headgear for Motorcycle Riders - Required Warning
------------------------------------------------------------

This bill would require a manufacturer warning on the outside of helmets sold in Maryland to include the following warnings:

- May not withstand impact above 13 MPH
- May not prevent head injury
- May not prevent skull fracture in a crash
- May break neck in a crash
- May cause neck, back, or chest pain

Bill Information Senate:
http://mlis.state.md.us/2006rs/billfile/sb0538.htm
Bill Information House:
http://mlis.state.md.us/2006rs/billfile/hb1007.htm

------------------------------------------------------------
Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee
------------------------------------------------------------

Brian E. Frosh, District 16, Montgomery
Chair (410) 841-3124, (301) 858-3124
e-mail: brian_frosh@senate.state.md.us

Leo E. Green, District 23, Prince George's
Vice-Chair (410) 841-3631, (301) 858-3631
e-mail: leo_green@senate.state.md.us

Jennie M. Forehand, District 17, Montgomery
(301) 858-3134, (410) 841-3134
e-mail: jennie_forehand@senate.state.md.us

* Robert J. Garagiola, District 15, Montgomery
(301) 858-3169, (410) 841-3169
e-mail: rob_garagiola@senate.state.md.us

* John A. Giannetti, Jr., District 21, Anne Arundel & Prince George's
(301) 858-3141, (410) 841-3141
e-mail: john_giannetti@senate.state.md.us

* Larry E. Haines, District 5, Baltimore County, Carroll
(410) 841-3683, (301) 858-3683
e-mail: larry_haines@senate.state.md.us

Ralph M. Hughes, District 40, Baltimore City
(410) 841-3656, (301) 858-3656
e-mail: ralph_hughes@senate.state.md.us

* Nancy Jacobs, District 34, Cecil & Harford
(410) 841-3158, (301) 858-3158
e-mail: nancy_jacobs@senate.state.md.us

* Philip C. Jimeno, District 31, Anne Arundel
(410) 841-3658, (301) 858-3658
e-mail: philip_jimeno@senate.state.md.us

* Alex X. Mooney, District 3, Frederick & Washington
(301) 858-3575, (410) 841-3575
e-mail: alex_mooney@senate.state.md.us

* Norman R. Stone
(410) 841-3587, (301) 858-3587
e-mail: norman.stone@senate.state.md.us

* Indicates a sponsor of SB 163.

------------------------------------------------------------
House of Delegates Environmental Matters Committee
------------------------------------------------------------

Maggie L.McIntosh, Chair (410) 841-3990, (301) 858-3990,
e-mail: maggie_mcintosh@house.state.md.us (Baltimore City)

James E. Malone, Jr., Vice-Chair (410) 841-3378, (301) 858-3378,
e-mail: james_malone@house.state.md.us (Baltimore & Howard)

* Rudolph C. Cane, (410) 841-3427, (301) 858-3427,
e-mail: rudolph_cane@house.state.md.us (Dorchester & Wicomico)

* John W. E. Cluster, Jr., (410) 841-3365, (301) 848-3365,
e-mail: john_cluster@house.state.md.us (Baltimore)

* Barry Glassman, (410) 841-3289, (301) 858-3289,
e-mail: barry_glassman@house.state.md.us (Harford)

* Patrick N. Hogan, (410) 841-3240, (301) 858-3240,
e-mail: patrick_n_hogan@house.state.md.us (Frederick)

* J. B. Jennings, (410) 841-3334, (301) 858-3334,
e-mail: jb_jennings@house.state.md.us (Baltimore & Harford)

* Tony McConkey, (410) 841-3223, (301) 858-3223,
e-mail: tony_mcconkey@house.state.md.us (Anne Arundel)

* Rosetta C. Parker, (410) 841-3326, (301) 858-3326,
e-mail: rosetta_parker@house.state.md.us (Prince George's)

* Richard A. Sossi, (410) 841-3543, (301) 858-3543,
e-mail: richard_sossi@house.state.md.us (Caroline, Cecil, Kent, & Queen
Anne's)

* Paul S. Stull, (410) 841-3107, (301) 858-3107,
e-mail: paul_stull@house.state.md.us (Frederick)

* Michael H. Weir, Jr., (410) 841-3328, (301) 858-3328,
e-mail: michael_weir@house.state.md.us (Baltimore)

John S. Arnick, (410) 841-3458, (301) 858-3458,
e-mail: john_arnick@house.state.md.us (Baltimore)

Elizabeth Bobo, (410) 841-3205, (301) 858-3205,
e-mail: elizabeth_bobo@house.state.md.us (Howard)

William A. Bronrott, (410) 841-3019, (301) 858-3019
e-mail: william.bronrott@house.state.md.us (Montgomery)

Virginia P. Clagett, (410) 841-3211, (301) 858-3211,
e-mail: virginia_clagett@house.state.md.us (Anne Arundel)

Barbara A. Frush, (410) 841-3114, (301) 858-3114,
e-mail: barbara_frush@house.state.md.us (Anne Arundel & Prince George's)

Marvin E. Holmes, Jr., (410) 841-3098, (301) 858-3098,
e-mail: marvin_holmes@house.state.md.us (Prince George's)

Jane E. Lawton, (410) 841-3638, (301) 858-3638,
e-mail: jane.lawton@house.state.md.us (Montgomery)

Karen S. Montgomery, (410) 841-3380, (301) 858-3380,
e-mail: karen_montgomery@house.state.md.us (Montgomery)

Catherine E. Pugh, (410) 841-3030, (301) 858-3030,
e-mail: catherine.pugh@house.state.md.us ( Baltimore city)

Joan F. Stern, (410) 841-3045, (301) 858-3045,
e-mail: joan_stern@house.state.md.us (Montgomery)

* Indicates a sponsor of HB 727

------------------------------------------------------------
The ABATE of Maryland, Inc. web site can be located at http://www.abate-of-maryland.org.
------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Mr. DeVries:

It has come to the attention of the Department of Environmental Quality that there has been recent unauthorized activity on the above referenced parcel of property. You have been certified as the legal landowner and/or contractor who did the following unauthorized activity:

Construction and maintenance of two wood debris dams across the outlet stream of Spring Pond.

A permit must be issued prior to the start of this type of activity. A review of the department's files shows that no permits have been issued. Therefore, the Department has determined that this activity is in violation of Part 301, Inland Lakes and Streams, of the Natural Resource and Environmental Protection Act, Act 451 of the Public Acts of 1994, being sections 324.30101 to 324.30113 of the Michigan

Compiled Laws, annotated.

The Department has been informed that one or both of the dams partially failed during a recent rain event, causing debris and flooding at downstream locations. We find that dams of this nature are inherently hazardous and cannot be permitted. The Department therefore orders you to cease and desist all activities at this location, and to restore the stream to a free-flow condition by removing all wood and brush forming the dams from the stream channel. All restoration work shall be completed no later than January 31, 2005.

Please notify this office when the restoration has been completed so that a follow-up site inspection may be scheduled by our staff. Failure to comply with this request or any further unauthorized activity on the site may result in this case being referred for elevated enforcement action. We anticipate and would appreciate your full cooperation in this matter. Please feel free to contact me at this office if you have any questions.

Sincerely,
David L. Price,
District Representative Land and Water Management Division

** Here is the actual response sent back by Mr. DeVries: ** Re: DEQ File No. 97-59-0023; T11N; R10W, Sec. 20; Montcalm County.

Dear Mr. Price,

Your certified letter dated 12/17/02 has been handed to me to respond to. I am the legal landowner but not the Contractor at 2088 Dagget, Pierson, Michigan.

A couple of beavers are in the process of constructing and maintaining two wood "debris" dams across the outlet stream of my Spring Pond. While I did not pay for, authorize, nor supervise their dam project, I think they would be highly offended that you call their skillful use of natures building materials "debris." I would like to challenge your department to attempt to emulate their dam project any time and/or any place you choose.

I believe I can safely state there is no way you could ever match their dam skills, their dam resourcefulness, their dam ingenuity, their dam persistence, their dam determination and/or their dam work ethic.

As to your request, I do not think the beavers are aware that they must first fill out a dam permit prior to the start of this type of dam activity.

My first dam question to you is: (1) Are you trying to discriminate against my Spring Pond Beavers, or (2) do you require all beavers throughout this state to conform to said dam request? If you are not discriminating against these particular beavers, through the Freedom of Information Act, I request completed copies of all those other applicable beaver dam permits that have been issued. Perhaps we will see if there really is a dam violation of Part 301, Inland Lakes and Streams, of the Natural Resource and Environmental Protection Act, Act 451 of the Public Acts of 1994, being sections 324.30101to 324.30113 of the Michigan Compiled Laws, annotated.

I have several concerns. My first concern is; aren't the beavers entitled to legal representation? The Spring Pond Beavers are financially destitute and are unable to pay for said representation -- so the State will have to provide them with a dam lawyer. The Department's dam concern that either one or both of the dams failed during a recent rain event, causing flooding, is proof that this is a natural occurrence, which the Department is required to protect. In other words, we should leave the Spring Pond Beavers alone rather than harassing them and calling their dam names.

If you want the stream "restored" to a dam free-flow condition please contact the beavers -- but if you are going to arrest them, they obviously did not pay any attention to your dam letter, they being unable to read English.

In my humble opinion, the Spring Pond Beavers have a right to build their unauthorized dams as long as the sky is blue, the grass is green and water flows downstream. They have more dam rights than I do to live and enjoy Spring Pond. If the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection lives up to its name, it should protect the natural resources(Beavers) and the environment (Beavers' Dams). So, as far as the beavers and I are concerned, this dam case can be referred for more elevated enforcement action right now. Why wait until 1/31/2005? The Spring Pond Beavers may be under the dam ice then and there will be no way for you or your dam staff to contact/harass them then.

In conclusion, I would like to bring to your attention to a real environmental quality (health) problem in the area. It is the bears! Bears are actually defecating in our woods. I definitely believe you should be persecuting the defecating bears and leave the beavers alone. If you are going to investigate the beaver dam, watch your step! (The bears are not careful where they dump!) Being unable to comply with your dam request, and being unable to contact you on your dam answering machine, I am sending this response to your dam office.

THANK YOU.
RYAN DEVRIES &THE DAM BEAVERS

With effect from January 1, 2006, the Sector Commander of FRSC, Mr. John Mehaux had directed the riders and passengers to be using helmets.

for A Five-Minute Handbook For Motorcycle Rights Activists

Fill out comment on proposed helmet law
LITTLE ROCK — Senate Bill 40, filed Wednesday by Sen. Kim Hendren, R-Gravette, would require all motorcyclists to wear headgear while riding their bikes.

The bill would amend a 1993 law, which requires motorcycle passengers and operators under 21 years old to wear a helmet.

Click here to add your comment

She does not, however, think that the federal government should order mandatory helmet use. "We don't believe that it's up to the federal government to mandate helmets," she said, adding that was something for the individual states to decide.

Live to be Free!
(while ya still can)
Lynn

Mike Debetta's motorcycle helmet makes a bigger statement slung over his arm than strapped to his head.

"There's nothing more fulfilling than riding down the highway without a helmet," said Debetta, of Afton, who has slapped some not-so-subtle stickers on his helmet to let everyone know his disgust with the law.

He and about 100 riders thundered through Broome County on Saturday, many without helmets, rallying for awareness in the belief that motorcyclists should have the right to choose whether they wear helmets on the road.

for full article

Posted August 9, 2006
More women are buying their own motorcycles

Tired of the passenger seat, more women are buying (and riding) their own motorcycles, throwing off old stereotypes and loving the freedom of the open road

for full article

Posted July 25, 2006

NOTICE!!

NJMA has legally registered to start using the name, American Bikers Advocating Training and Education. We will be using A.B.A.T.E. of the Garden State. ABATE / NJMA plans to increase our presence, broaden our scope in New Jersey and align our state with the 38 other states with ABATE organizations. We welcome all New Jersey MROs to join us and encourage motorcycle rights minded riders to form new chapters throughout the state.

Our mission statement remains the same:

To enhance and protect motorcycle riding in New Jersey. To promote the expansion of driver education, awareness, and safety programs for motorcyclists and motorists alike. To make our voices heard on legislation affecting riders in New Jersey on a local, state and national level by creating a united community of motorcyclists connected through our website.

To enhance the common good and general welfare of New Jersey’s motorcycling community, by promoting education, awareness, safety concerns, and to foster a general understanding by motorcyclist and motorist alike. Furthermore, we address any legislation concerning motorcyclists locally, statewide or nationally. Finally, we will engage in charitable activities benefiting our organization, the motorcycle community and society at large.

We now have 4 chapters and are calling all organizations and individuals concerned with protecting motorcycle rights in NJ to join our movement. To discuss joining as a member or starting your own chapter, please contact:

Tom Gordon:
609 561 4138,
Frank C Maimone:
609 870 3979,
Jerry Friedman:
800 law4hogs,
George Stietz:
908 788 8555,
Mike Fleming:
856 327 5444
Rudy Avizius:


Our first new chapter forming in Cape May
Pat Boylan:
609-861-2206,

More motorcycles have been on the road since the price of gas has gone up and baby boomers have hit their stride. The local chapter, which has about 80 members, has been around for just over a year. The first ABATE group was started in 1971 by one of the editors of Easyriders magazine. Since then the group has spread throughout the states.

Posted July 10, 2006, appended July 19, 2006
New Jersey "takes" money earmarked for motorcycle safety

The state of NJ has taken money from the dedicated motorcycle safety fund. All NJ motorcyclists pay a $5 surcharge on the motorcycle license endorsement to this dedicated fund. These funds are now being used for general revenue.

Please contact our Governor and ask him to put back these funds. Also explain to the Governor that a motorcycle freindly/free state such as Florida or Pennsylvania could be part of the financial solution for New Jersey.

We wish to help the state, but we want to know where our money went.

Contact info:
http://www.state.nj.us/governor

Chief of staff Tom Shaw: 609-777-2475

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Illinois ABATE wins court round against state raiding special funds

A Sangamon County judge on Monday extended a court order that blocks state government from transferring about $344,000 out of two special-purpose funds and into the state's checkbook account.

The move by Circuit Judge Leo Zappa was the latest development in a lawsuit that ABATE, an organization representing motorcycle enthusiasts, filed last month against Gov. Rod Blagojevich, Comptroller Dan Hynes and Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka.


Click here for full article

American Bikers Aiming Toward Education (ABATE) and others have sought to repeal Michigan's mandatory helmet law for several years.

for full article

In light of Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger’s recent motorcycle accident, a bill has been introduced in the state House to repeal the “helmets optional” law for motorcycle riders.

The measure would restore a now-repealed law requiring motorcycle riders to wear helmets.

As an example, novice and untrained riders take to the roadways in huge numbers after helmet repeal. That’s one big reason you always see a spike in fatalities. Helmet laws drive bikes off the road. Imagine how many convertible automobiles you’d see with a mandatory “top-up” law. With fewer motorcycles, you have fewer accidents. It’s that simple.

for full article

I am so tired of all the “help” we get from ourselves.

Anyone over the age of 40, how on earth did we live that long? We didn’t have bicycle helmets and most cars didn’t come equipped with seatbelts. We didn’t wear knee pads when we nailed roller skates to boards so we could roll down the street faster.

Stop trying to govern every issue of our lives. You don’t know me; you don’t know what’s good for me, as I don’t know what’s good for you. If you want to wear a helmet when you ride, then wear a helmet. If you want to protect me while I’m riding, don’t run the stoplight, don’t tailgate, don’t cross into my lane and cut me off, just see me.

Respect the fact that I enjoy two wheels and I’ll respect the fact that you don’t.

Posted June 25, 2006
Courier Post: More find motorcycles easy riding

The Harley's growling exhaust catches your ear long before the black and chrome behemoth rumbles up alongside you. A woman leans off the side of a colorful Japanese sport bike and whips through a tight curve while your brake light glows.

Motorcycles have been the transportation of choice for full- and part-time rebels for more than a century. They've been notoriously linked to gangs, illegal racing and general recklessness.

Yet in today's motorcycle market, you're more likely to find orthodontists sitting on a Harley than a hardened criminal ready to kick a dent in your fender. The number of registered motorcycles in New Jersey has risen 27 percent in the last five years to 142,761 and there are at least a dozen places to buy them in the tri-county area alone.

"When our government relations staff members sit down to talk to the sponsor of some anti-motorcycling bill, they can casually point out that they're speaking for 273,000 enthusiasts who care very much about this issue. And that makes a big difference."

The Michigan House and Senate have both passed legislation that would modify Michigan’s universal mandatory helmet law. This is the first time in decades, this was accomplished. The only thing standing in the way of this now is Governor Jennifer Granholm’s veto.

Please take the time and effort to help our brothers and sisters in Michigan become the 31st state that does not have a universal mandatory helmet law. Please fill out the survey in the link below and call the governor’s office.

Remember the saying “strike while the iron is hot”. Well it is hot now. One call now is worth far more than hours of griping about helmets with your buddys.

Rudy Avizius
New Jersey Motorcyclists Alliance

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Governor Granholm's FAX # is 517-335-6863.

Click here for an online Opinion form. http://www.michigan.gov/gov/0,1607,7-168-21995-65331--,00.html

We will call, FAX, and e-mail from here and send to everyone we can think of.

I hear Michigan is beautiful this time of year .... would sure hate to have to 'go around' it !

GirlGeek

ATTENTION ALL BIKERS: PLEASE MAKE THE CALL AND FORWARD THIS EMAIL:

Michigan has repealed their mandatory helmet bill but it still has to go to the Governor to be signed into law but she is expected to VETO it:

Her name is Jennifer Granholm

Her telephone number is 517-373-3400

Every biker in the nation needs to flood her office with phone calls telling her how nice it would be to vacation in Michigan.

When you call, here are some statistics you can share with the good

Governor:

A. The percentage of all multi-vehicle motorcycle accidents caused by inattentive or negligent cagers: 67%

B. The percentage by which statistic "A" can be reduced by mandatory helmet laws: 0%

C. The percentage of all motorcycle accidents caused by the inattentional blindness of cagers: 50%

D. The percentage by which statistic "C" can be reduced by mandatory helmet laws: 0%

Please call, and please forward this info to bikers everywhere,

Bruce@LdrLongDistanceRider.com
http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) reports the United States House of Representatives will hold a legislative hearing on HR 2048, the "Right to Repair Act". The hearing will be held by the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection in the Rayburn House Office Building, Room 2123 at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, May 17th 2006 and is open to the public.

This legislation is important to all motorcyclists who want the right to choose where to have their motorcycle repaired. HR 2048 would make the same computer diagnostic information, tools and training available to the owners of every type of vehicle including motorcycles that currently is only afforded to those under the dealership umbrella. The deliberate withholding of pertinent information compels independent repair facilities to turn business away forcing vehicle owners to return to the dealership when any kind of computer diagnostics is necessary.

The MRF believes every American has the right to choose who performs the diagnostics on their motorcycle or automobile. Furthermore, consumers should have the right to choose where, how and who will ultimately repair their vehicles and also have the right to do the necessary work themselves. Automakers should not be making service decisions for consumers.

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation needs your help to move this legislation through the House committee. Please take a look at the list of Representatives currently sitting on the subcommittee. These members will be hearing HR 2048 on this Wednesday, May 17th and are NOT already supporting the bill. If your state is listed below, call your Representative's office as soon as you can. The key to the bill's success is hearing that their constituents at home support HR2048.

Call your member of Congress below and tell them the following:

1. Identify yourself as a resident of the state of New Jersey
2. Let them know you are calling on behalf of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation
3. Tell them you support HR 2048, the motor vehicle "Right to Repair Act"
4. Ask them to co sponsor HR 2048
5. Tell them HR 2048 is being heard Wednesday, the 17th in the Energy and Commerce committee and you would like the congressperson to support it.
6. Ask them to vote for the bill
7. Let them know that this will be scored as a "key vote" by the Motorcycle Riders Foundation.

NEW JERSEY
Rep. Mike Ferguson (R-NJ) Warren area
Washington Phone: 202-225-5361 Washington Fax: 202-225-9460 Warren Phone: 908-757-7835

Posted June 4, 2006
Auto drivers cause more motorcycle crashes

Autos are in more accidents and cause more death than any single motorcyclist in an accident. While I’m at it; accidents involving motorcycles and cars are caused 66 percent of the time by a auto driver. Fifty-six motorcycle deaths last year, 36 could have been avoided not by wearing helmets, but by an auto driver being more attentive to the driving task at hand.

So the majority of accidents involving motorcyclists are caused by an auto driver. Why then do we make the motorcyclist suffer for the failings of the auto driver?

for full article

Games (Horseshoes, Volleyball and MORE), Bike Games & Vendors
GREAT FOOD, BEVERAGES, ENTERTAINMENT, CAMPING INCLUDED WITH DONATION

FOOD & MUSIC START AT 7:00 PM
PRIMITIVE CAMPING—SPOT POTS & WATER

Camp Set-Up starts Sat @ 2 PM, Check-out Sun by 11:00 AM

Place: HICKS FARM, 762 KETTLE RUN RD, EVESHAM

Bob Hicks, Events Coordinator (856) 768-3096,
E-mail: ABATEnews@comcast.net

HUGE bonfire!

Winners receive PRIZES!!!

Donation: $20.00/person or $35.00/couple

Your donation to this event helps support our fight for YOUR
rights as a motorcyclist.

Posted May 29, 2006
But, You Didn't See Me,
Author unknown

I saw you, hug your purse closer to you in the grocery store line.
But, you didn't see me, put an extra $10.00 in the collection plate last Sunday.

I saw you, pull your child closer when we passed each other on the sidewalk.
But, you didn't see me, playing Santa at the local mall.

I saw you, change your mind about going into the restaurant.
But, you didn't see me, attending a meeting to raise more money for the hurricane relief.

I saw you, roll up your window and shake your head when I drove by.
But, you didn't see me, driving behind you when you flicked your cigarette butt out the car window.

I saw you, frown at me when I smiled at your children.
But, you didn't see me, when I took time off from work to run toys to the homeless.

I saw you, stare at my long hair.
But, you didn't see me, and my friends cut ten inches off for Locks of Love.

I saw you, roll your eyes at our leather coats and gloves.
But, you didn't see me, and my brothers donate our old coats and gloves to those that had none.

I saw you, look in fright at my tattoos.
But, you didn't see me, cry as my children where born and have their name written over and in my heart.

I saw you, change lanes while rushing off to go somewhere.
But, you didn't see me, going home to be with my family.

I saw you, complain about how loud and noisy our bikes can be.
But, you didn't see me, when you were changing the CD and drifted into my lane.

I saw you, yelling at your kids in the car.
But, you didn't see me, pat my child's hands, knowing he was safe behind me.

I saw you, reading the newspaper or map as you drove down the road.
But, you didn't see me, squeeze my wife's leg when she told me to take the next turn.

I saw you, race down the road in the rain.
But, you didn't see me, get soaked to the skin so my son could have the car to go on his date.

I saw you, run the yellow light just to save a few minutes of time.
But, you didn't see me, trying to turn right.

I saw you, cut me off because you needed to be in the lane I was in.
But, you didn't see me, leave the road.

I saw you, waiting impatiently for my friends to pass.
But, you didn't see me. I wasn't there.

I saw you, go home to your family.
But, you didn't see me.
Because, I died that day you cut me off.

I was just a biker, A person with friends and a family.

for full article

Indeed, according to a story carried by the Associated Press, Knievel has trouble even getting out of bed many days. He wasn't supposed to end like this.

for full article

Morgan is a member of the Patriot Guard Riders, a group of motorcycle enthusiasts who have begun appearing wherever those demonstrators do. The riders shield mourning military families and drown out the Kansas clan that protests the funerals nationwide and contends that America and its military are morally corrupt and "pro-gay."

Idaho is the fourth state (after Arkansas, Minnesota and Tennessee) to successfully pass legislation of this type. ABATE of North Idaho Inc., with assistance from the AMA, led the effort for the new law.

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.

The bill, approved by voice vote, would repeal the state's mandatory helmet law for riders age 21 and older. But it needs another House vote to go to the Senate, where similar proposals have run into trouble in the past.

As with most "cagers" (a term motorcyclists use to describe those who convey themselves down the road on four or more wheels) who make this argument, Mr. Allen doesn't provide one shred of data to support his position.

LoPiccolo, 25, of Shrewsbury Township had been riding his Honda to his shift at Hanover Foods Corp. when the freak accident happened before 2 a.m. March 10.

About 30 years ago, bikers across America got sick and tired of being told by a bunch of Washington bureaucrats and local politicians who'd never thrown a leg over a motorcycle what they HAD TO WEAR, how they HAD TO RIDE, and what our BIKES HAD TO BE BUILT LIKE!!

And over the years, motorcyclists have organized themselves into a viable political force. We are one of the few TRUE grass roots movements in the country. Others may share an avocation, profession or recreation, but they don't share the passion.

Bikers have succeeded in taking their passion and turning it into a movement...a "Freedom Movement," because we have the passion for freedom. Freedom is something we believe in, and that motorcycling is just one very enjoyable way to experience it. Well folks, that passion will always be inside you, each of you, the Harley, Honda, Yamaha, BMW or Triumph rider, from the doctor to the construction worker. And that motorcycle will remain an outlet for that passion...as long as we continue to bypass the barriers of appearance or ego and work together to preserve our right to ride.

for full article

Police Chief William J. Bratton unveiled a strange new weapon in the police department's strategy to halt high-speed pursuits -- adhesive darts with a global positioning system that are fired at fleeing cars by police.

Once fired from a patrol car, the GPS dart is designed to stick to a fleeing car, allowing squad cars to back off the chase.

Posted March 1, 2006
Motorcycle riders told: suit up

Boy, Australia is certainly not much for motorcycling freedom.

He said police had spotted motorcycle riders over the summer wearing little more than shorts and t-shirts, which left them vulnerable to serious injury if they came off their bike.

"The Motorcyclist Association has a word for riders that come off their bikes without leathers on," Mr Ashby said.

"They call these riders 'squids', because they are often left in a sticky, boneless mess.

for full article

Helmets for bikers in Massachusetts could soon become personal choice. Earlier this month, the Senate approved a bill, sought by the Members of the Motorcycle Association, to repeal part of the state law that requires riders 21 and older to wear helmets.

for full article

THIS month, no way I can come close to including everything that is in the news that concerns us as bikers. I gotta tell ya, we have a hell of a lot more to worry about than helmet laws. I'm not saying to let up on that issue for one minute. Helmet laws and their effect on us is important. But, there ARE some things coming down the pike that worry me more, and they are in the PREVENTABLE stages still.

The new EPA laws that are imminent are far more pervasive and dangerous, and will, in not much time, negatively effect whether we ride motorcycles AT ALL. As you read this, there are laws on the books that LIMIT the number of EPA-exempt bikes that aftermarket builders can produce each year. As riders, we are currently LIMITED as to HOW MANY BIKES WE CAN BUILD AND OWN IN A LIFETIME!
Surprised? Read on, I've got s'more that'll scare ya.

Across the pond, at least in the UK, they are building photographic data bases on every traveler and vehicle on their highways, including motorcycles. Back here in the US, the Honda Motorcycle Co. has air-bags optional this year on their Gold Wings! I'm not saying that it's a good or bad idea, but it scares the pants off me right now. What do we do if some safety-crat down the line says they should be mandatory? I want to see more testing before that takes place, IF it ever does.

On another front, remember that it wasn't long ago in Germany, when they wanted to dictate the BRAND OF TIRES they could put on motorcycles! And in the European Union, the question is still up in the air about UNIFORM CLOTHING TO BE WORN WHILE RIDING. No matter where you live on this planet, the list goes on and on.
Let's not forget one of the worst and scariest things going on – the Patriot Act is so full of holes for the Feds to crawl through, it looks like Swiss cheese.
It's the most invasive piece of trash I've ever seen put on paper regarding INVASION OF CITIZEN PRIVACY. Our current President screams at us, that it's for our safety. I'm wondering where it will end; AND, I wonder, when is the bike community gonna rise up and say THIS is where The Buck Stops! I hope and pray I'm not the only one who's worried.

THE AIM/NCOM MOTORCYCLE E-NEWS SERVICE is brought to you by Aid to Injured Motorcyclists (A.I.M.) and the National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM), and is sponsored by the Law Offices of Richard M. Lester. For more information, call us at 1-(800) ON-A-BIKE or visit us on our website at <http://www.ON-A-BIKE.com>

Looking for a new event with great activities?

Consider Thunder in the Valley by Johnstown PA. Thursday June 22 to Sunday June 25, 2006. An easy 4 hour ride from Philadelphia with great activities and parties. (Look into the ABATE parties). This event has grown from 5,000 to over 100,000 riders in only 8 years. The locals are very friendly and Pennsylvania respects your right to helmet choice.

for website
(Make reservations early, they do fill up fast!)

We are a beach town. We are an area that has spent decades of Spring Breaks refining the concept of the wet-T-shirt contest. We are a place where Bike Week coleslaw-wrestling contests vie with Bike Week pudding-wrestling contests. (Clarification for visitors: Coleslaw and pudding wrestlers are female and semi-clad. They wrestle each other, not the coleslaw or pudding. There is, in fact, no recorded instance of either coleslaw or pudding winning the match.)

The goal for a composer of a local nudity ordinance in a town like this is to close down the sleazier topless bars, wink at coleslaw wrestling in which clothing just seems to get pulled off in the course of the match, and not to hassle bathers who contribute to the beach's scenery.

278,331 new Motorcycles at an average of $10,000 each = $2,783,310,000 Sales tax on Motorcycles at 6% = $166,998,600 Registration Fees for Motorcycles = $10,047,749 Change of title = $8,280,347 Total = $2,968,636,696

“This is almost three billion dollars in five years that has been put into the economy of the State of Florida, and this is a low figure as it doesn’t include antique motorcycle or mopeds that are licensed in Florida,” said Doc. “Over one hundred eighty million dollars went directly into the state treasury for the general fund, and this does not include the tourist money that has increased because of Florida being a freedom of choice state. In the past five years over Two Billion five hundred thousand dollars has been spent at Bike Week and Biketoberfest.”

For the report, the motorcycle registrations were compiled from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. The tax and fees came from the Florida license and registration bureau. From July 1, 2000 to July 1, 2005 motorcycle registrations in Florida went from 195,306 to 473,637 which represent a total of a 143% increase.

“I hope these figures will help anyone who has heard the bad publicity that has come out of our amended law,” said Doc. “The motorcyclists have certainly paid their fair share into the Florida economy and it can be done in every state.”

NCOM NEWS BYTES
Compiled & Edited by Bill Bish,
National Coalition of Motorcyclists

The House of Delegates voted 57-42 Tuesday to kill a proposal by Del. Bill Janis that would have lifted the helmet mandate for riders 21 and older. Delegates voted 51-46 to kill the Janis-backed legislation last year.

for full article

I don't know about you, but I have cancelled my plans to visit Virginia this summer. I will instead visit Pennsylvania and patronize the mechants in a state that respects my ability to make choices for myself.

The governor is trying to market the idea of "Motorcycle Virginia" (see article below). I will also write the governor and inform him that his campaign will fail as long they take away the right of an adult to choose for themselves.

Rudy Avizius

Motorcycles often aren't heavy enough to trigger a signal change. So riders either wait until a car comes along or break the law by turning right then looping around and turning right again at the green light.

for full article

Posted January 25, 2006
Maryland Senate Bill to repeal universal mandatory helmet law

Here is a chance to add momentum to freedom loving states by supporting Maryland in its efforts to rid itself of helmet mandates. If Maryland succeeds in its efforts, it can only help New Jersey and other states in their efforts to achieve freedom of choice.

Please take the time to email the legislators below and help our neighbors achieve freedom of choice. They will certainly help us when our turn comes.

Here is a sample email you can use to paste into the body of the email:

Dear Senator,

I am a motorcyclist from New Jersey and am aware that there is a bill in your state that would allow freedom of choice for motorcyclists to wear a helmet.

This freedom of choice would appeal to me when making decisions on where to take my vacation when riding my motorcycle. My visits to Maryland would patronize your gas stations, restaurants, motels and hotels, and other areas that cater to tourists.

I respect states that respect my ability to make an informed decision on when to wear a helmet when riding my motorcycle.

Sincerely,

<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Helmet Bill - SB 163

The helmet bill was filed and the bill number is SB371.
Click here for additional information on this bill.

SB 163 sponsors include Senators Hafer, Astle, Brinkley, Colburn, DeGrange, Della, Dyson, Exum, Garagiola, Giannetti, Greenip, Haines, Harris, Hooper, Jacobs, Jimeno, Kittleman, Kramer, Mooney, Munson, Pipkin, Stoltzfus, and Stone.

Contact the sponsors and thank them for their support.

Contact those who are not sponsors of the bill and ask them to vote for SB 163. Information about contacting committee members is listed towards the end of this message.

SB 163 will modify the all-rider helmet law to apply only to minors. Adult motorcycle riders will be able to decide for themselves whether to wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle. The primary sponsor for the bill is Senator Hafer. There are a total of 23 sponsors for this bill. They are listed below.

SB 163 Sponsors:

Senator John J. Hafer, District 1,
john.hafer@senate.state.md.us
Senator John C. Astle, District 30,
john.astle@senate.state.md.us
Senator David R. Brinkley, District 4,
david.brinkley@senate.state.md.us
Senator Richard F. Colburn, District 37,
richard.colburn@senate.state.md.us
Senator James E. DeGrange, Sr., District 32, james.degrange@senate.state.md.us
Senator George W. Della, Jr., District 46, george.della@senate.state.md.us
Senator Roy P. Dyson, District 29,
roy.dyson@senate.state.md.us
Senator Nathaniel Exum, District 24,
nathaniel.exum@senate.state.md.us nathaniel.exum@senate.state.md.us
Senator Rob Garagiola, District 15,
rob.garagiola@senate.state.md.us
Senator John A. Giannetti, Jr., District 21, john.giannetti@senate.state.md.us
Senator Janet Greenip, District 33,
janet.greenip@senate.state.md.us
Senator Larry E. Haines, District 5,
larry.haines@senate.state.md.us
Senator Andrew Harris, District 7,
andrew.harris@senate.state.md.us
Senator J. Robert Hooper, District 35,
robert.hooper@senate.state.md.us
Senator Nancy Jacobs, District 34,
nancy.jacobs@senate.state.md.us
Senator Philip Jimeno, District 31,
philip.jimeno@senate.state.md.us
Senator Allan H. Kittleman, District 9,
allan.kittleman@senate.state.md.us
Senator Rona Kramer, District 14,
rona.kramer@senate.state.md.us
Senator Alexander X. Mooney, District 3,
alex.mooney@senate.state.md.us
Senator Donald F. Munson, District 2,
donald.munson@senate.state.md.us
Senator E. J. Pipkin, District 36,
ej.pipkin@senate.state.md.us
Senator J. Lowell Stoltzfus, District 38,
lowell.stoltzfus@senate.state.md.us
Senator Norman R. Stone, Jr., District 6,
norman.stone@senate.state.md.us

Senators who are not sponsors of SB 163:

Britt, Gwendolyn T. (D), District 47,
gwendolyn.britt@senate.state.md.us
Brochin, James (D), District 42,
jim.brochin@senate.state.md.us
Conway, Joan Carter (D), District 43,
joan.carter.conway@senate.state.md.us
Currie, Ulysses (D), District 25,
ulysses.currie@senate.state.md.us
Forehand, Jennie M. (D), District 17,
jennie.forehand@senate.state.md.us
Frosh, Brian E. (D), District 16,
brian.frosh@senate.state.md.us
Gladden, Lisa A. (D), District 41,
lisa.gladden@senate.state.md.us
Green, Leo E. (D), District 23,
leo.green@senate.state.md.us
Grosfeld, Sharon M. (D), District 18,
sharon.grosfeld@senate.state.md.us
Hogan, Patrick J. (D), District 39,
patrick.hogan@senate.state.md.us
Hollinger, Paula C. (D), District 11,
paula.colodny.hollinger@senate.state.md.us
Hughes, Ralph M. (D), District 40,
ralph.hughes@senate.state.md.us
Jones, Verna L. (D), District 44,
verna.jones@senate.state.md.us
Kasemeyer, Edward J. (D), District 12,
edward.kasemeyer@senate.state.md.us
Kelley, Delores G. (D), District 10,
delores.kelley@senate.state.md.us
Klausmeier, Katherine A. (D), District 8,
katherine.klausmeier@senate.state.md.us
Lawlah, Gloria G. (D), District 26,
gloria.gary.lawlah@senate.state.md.us
McFadden, Nathaniel J. (D), District 45,
nathaniel.mcfadden@senate.state.md.us
Middleton, Thomas M. (D), District 28,
thomas.mclain.middleton@senate.state.md.us
Miller, Thomas V. Mike, Jr. (D), Senate President, District 27,
thomas.v.mike.miller@senate.state.md.us
Pinsky, Paul G. (D), District 22,
paul.pinsky@senate.state.md.us
Ruben, Ida G. (D), District 20,
ida.ruben@senate.state.md.us
Schrader, Sandra B. (R), District 13,
sandra.schrader@senate.state.md.us
Teitelbaum, Leonard H. (D), District 19,
leonard.teitelbaum@senate.state.md.us

The first vote on this bill will be in the Judicial Proceedings committee.
Contact these committe members to thank the sponsors for their support and to ask those who are not sponsors to vote for SB 163.

Members of the Judicial Proceedings Committee are listed below.

Brian E. Frosh, District 16, Montgomery
Chair (410) 841-3124, (301) 858-3124
e-mail: brian_frosh@senate.state.md.us

Leo E. Green, District 23, Prince George's Vice-Chair (410) 841-3631, (301) 858-3631
e-mail: leo_green@senate.state.md.us

Jennie M. Forehand, District 17, Montgomery
(301) 858-3134, (410) 841-3134
e-mail: jennie_forehand@senate.state.md.us

* Robert J. Garagiola, District 15, Montgomery
(301) 858-3169, (410) 841-3169
e-mail:rob_garagiola@senate.state.md.us

* John A. Giannetti, Jr., District 21, Anne Arundel & Prince George's
(301) 858-3141, (410) 841-3141
e-mail:john_giannetti@senate.state.md.us

* Larry E. Haines, District 5, Baltimore County, Carroll
(410) 841-3683, (301) 858-3683
e-mail:larry_haines@senate.state.md.us

Ralph M. Hughes, District 40, Baltimore City
(410) 841-3656, (301) 858-3656
e-mail: ralph_hughes@senate.state.md.us

* Nancy Jacobs, District 34, Cecil & Harford
(410) 841-3158, (301) 858-3158
e-mail: nancy_jacobs@senate.state.md.us

* Philip C. Jimeno, District 31, Anne Arundel
(410) 841-3658, (301) 858-3658
e-mail: philip_jimeno@senate.state.md.us

* Alex X. Mooney, District 3, Frederick & Washington
(301) 858-3575, (410) 841-3575
e-mail: alex_mooney@senate.state.md.us

* Norman R. Stone
(410) 841-3587, (301) 858-3587
mail: norman.stone@senate.state.md.us

* Indicates a sponsor of SB 163.

In addition to the numbers listed above, you may call the toll-free number
1-800-492-7122 and provide the last four digits of the phone number to reach a Senator.

The ABATE of Maryland, Inc. web site can be located at:
http://www.abate-of-maryland.org

Some people say that motorcycling is very dangerous. What are some real statistics about motorcycles and accidents?

92% of all motorcycle accidents involve untrained riders.

50% of all motorcycle fatalities involve alcohol.

One out of five motorcycles riders that got into fatal accidents in
1996 had an invalid license.

More than 50% of the motorcycle accident-involved riders had less
than five months' riding experience or less than 500 miles of motorcycle
riding experience.

Motorcycle riders between the ages of 16 and 24 are significantly
over-represented in accidents; motorcycle riders between the ages of 30 and 50 are significantly under-represented.

Riders getting into accidents showed significant collision avoidance
problems, such as overbraking of the rear wheel and underbraking of the front. The ability to countersteer and swerve was essentially absent.

Source:
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art3690.asp

The proposal, which surfaced in September after a federal report showed increasing motorcycle deaths in Florida, would have required bikers to carry $50,000 in health insurance if they wanted to leave their lids at home. Current law requires only $10,000 in insurance coverage.

But after learning that the insurance policies could be hard to find and costly -- and after getting a cool reception from Gov. Jeb Bush and the state Cabinet -- the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles scrapped the idea.

for full article

None of these rights just happened. It took dedication and hard work to make them happen! What we want is your support for upcoming legislation. We need to have bikers' support to get things done.

ABATE is now working with legislators willing to sponsor bills that affect all bikers. We need YOUR support to make this happen.

Please visit our membership page and join us in this effort. Remember, freedom is only possible if people are willing to fight for it!

to visit our membership page.

The New Jersey Motorcyclists Alliance is fighting for motorcycle rights on several state level issues as well. While the helmet issue at at the top of our agenda, there are other issues also being brought to the attention of our legislators:

1. Modification of the mandatory helmet law.
2. Improved public training programs for motorcyclists
3. Raising awareness of motorcycles to reduce accidents
4. Go on red with unresponsive red lights
5. Legal lane splitting when motorcyclists are stopped in a traffic jam.
Remember, that the NHTSA has stated that education and training is the most effective way to reduce motorcycle accidents.

Garden State ABATE

Posted January 14, 2006
Missouri Lawmakers to Consider Helmet Bill, Again

Could the lucky number for a bill currently in the Missouri General Assembly be seven? For the seventh time in as many years, lawmakers in Jefferson City are attempting to pass a bill that would repeal the mandatory helmet law for motorcycle operators and their passengers.

“A lot of that goes back to surrounding states that have similar laws,” said Sen. Frank Barnitz (D-Lake Springs). “I’ve seen figures that show [the State of Missouri] loses a certain percentage of bike riders traveling through the area because of the helmet law.

for full article

In Delaware, the number of registered motorcycles has nearly tripled in the past 15 years to more than 22,000, with 5,000 more bikes registered in 2005 alone. But that rising popularity also has come at a price.

Of the 21 fatalities, 14 were Delaware residents, Mr. Kemp said, and five of the 14 did not have motorcycle endorsements, required to ride a bike beyond a 60-day permit.

for full article

Are you aware that 91% of motorcyclists are registered voters compared to 75% of the general population?

Source: Federal Election Commission

Are you aware that a motorcyclist has an average age of 40 and an average household income of $84,000?

Source:American Motorcycle Association

GET THE FACTS AND BE INFORMED

LIVE FREE -- RIDE FREE!!

"When freedom is outlawed, only outlaws will be free"

A: This is the myth that is at the heart of why we oppose mandatory helmet laws. Motorcycle helmets have never been proven to do anything more than cause accidents and break rider's necks. Consider this fact: the fatality to accident ratio in States that do not require helmet usage is virtually identical to that of States that do. In fact, in Oregon, the fatality to accident ratio nearly doubled for the first few years that the mandatory helmet law was in force. Twelve years later, fatalities in Oregon are now starting to normalize with other States that do not require helmet usage.

A: Believe it! Try this little test. Put on a full face helmet (don't forget that really cool face shield), get in your car and try backing out of your driveway. Before you go 10 feet, you will understand why helmets cause accidents.

Q: I'll do it, but save me the suspense. What's going to happen?

A: First of all, your peripheral vision will be nothing but a memory. You'll find it very difficult to turn your head far enough to be able to see behind you. Most Motorcyclists wearing helmets have to use their mirrors exclusively to see what's beside them and behind them. You'll also lose most of your hearing. I wouldn't recommend wearing a helmet when backing out of a driveway where there are children around because you will not be able to hear them. You also better back up quickly because until you learn how to breathe differently, you will almost instantly fog up your face shield. Oh, and then there is the weight and general discomfort of wearing a helmet. Should you decide to ride around the block with your helmet still on, you will notice that you start to fatigue quickly.

for full article

Janklow could have faced up to 11 years in prison for the multiple charges. But in the end, a South Dakota judge sentenced him to only 100 days. In addition, he paid fines and fees of $11,000, lost his law license, resigned from Congress, was put on probation and lost his driver's license for three years.

In 2004, another court ruled that Janklow could escape financial liability for Scott's death under a congressional immunity statute. Janklow said that he was returning home from an event related to his duties as a congressman at the time of the crash.

" Motorcyclists across the country are shocked, outraged and dismayed that a convicted felon would be allowed to get his law license back and practice law," said Edward Moreland, AMA vice president for government relations. "This sends the message that there are few consequences for the death of a motorcyclist.

" It's a sad day not only for the Scott family, but for all riders," Moreland said.

Because it involved a federal lawmaker, the Janklow case drew national media attention. But the AMA has seen dozens of cases in other states in which car drivers get off with light fines, and often no jail time, even after facing felony charges for causing the deaths of others on the highway.

In response to that dangerous trend, the AMA founded its Justice for All campaign, designed to increase penalties for those who injure or kill vulnerable road users. For more information on that program, go to
AMA expresses outrage over reinstatement of Janklow's law license

The American Motorcyclist Association has expressed its outrage over a decision by the South Dakota Supreme Court to reinstate the law license of former Congressman Bill Janklow, who was convicted of felony manslaughter in the traffic death of a motorcyclist in 2003.

Janklow could have faced up to 11 years in prison for the multiple charges. But in the end, a South Dakota judge sentenced him to only 100 days. In addition, he paid fines and fees of $11,000, lost his law license, resigned from Congress, was put on probation and lost his driver's license for three years.

In 2004, another court ruled that Janklow could escape financial liability for Scott's death under a congressional immunity statute. Janklow said that he was returning home from an event related to his duties as a congressman at the time of the crash.

" Motorcyclists across the country are shocked, outraged and dismayed that a convicted felon would be allowed to get his law license back and practice law," said Edward Moreland, AMA vice president for government relations. "This sends the message that there are few consequences for the death of a motorcyclist.

" It's a sad day not only for the Scott family, but for all riders," Moreland said.

Because it involved a federal lawmaker, the Janklow case drew national media attention. But the AMA has seen dozens of cases in other states in which car drivers get off with light fines, and often no jail time, even after facing felony charges for causing the deaths of others on the highway.

In response to that dangerous trend, the AMA founded its Justice for All campaign, designed to increase penalties for those who injure or kill vulnerable road users. For more information on that program, go to www.AMADirectlink.com/justice.

for a sequence of events regarding this issue

The American Motorcyclist Association, founded in 1924, is a non-profit organization with more than 250,000 members. The Association's purpose is to pursue, protect and promote the interests of motorcyclists, while serving the needs of its members. For more information, visit the AMA website at www.AMADirectlink.com, or call 1-800-AMA-JOIN.

The 31-person panel, comprising state and local officials, state agency representatives, and motorcycle enthusiasts, will promote motorcycle safety, tourism, and business development. The Council is the next step in the Governor's "MotorcycleVirginia!" initiative.

"Virginia has worked to expand its tourism markets in so many areas -- and motorcycle tourism is a great opportunity for us," said Gov. Warner. "Additionally, as the Commonwealth grapples with the transportation challenges of the next decade, motorcyclists need to have a voice in that debate."

for full article

The governor has launched a new tourism campaign, Motorcycle Virginia. This is a great initiative, but the legislators have to know that having a universal mandatory helmet law is NOT the way to success. I personally would love to ride Virginia's beautiful roads, but at this time I will spend my vacation and money on the beautiful roads of Pennsylvania where I have a CHOICE of wearing a helmet or not.

Hopefully the bikers on this advisory group will be listened to.
Rudy Avizius

Posted January 25, 2006
VIRGINIA HELMET LAW DECLARED UNCONSTITUTIONALLY VAGUE

Portions of Virginia's motorcycle helmet law were declared unconstitutional on Friday, December 9, 2005 by a judge of the Newport News Circuit Court. In a ten page memorandum order, Hon. H. Vincent Conway, Jr. held that the portions of Va. Code subsection 46.2-910 which defined the standards that a protective helmet must meet or exceed were unconstitutionally vague, denied due process and were unenforceable.
The decision marked another victory in the ongoing battle by the Law Offices of Tom McGrath to challenge Virginia's helmet law.

McGrath, who is the Aid to Injured Motorcyclists (AIM) Attorney for Virginia, and his Newport News associate Matt Danielson concentrate their practice on representing injured motorcyclists. In addition, they provide legislative lobbying services and traffic citation defense for the motorcycling community.

In the past five years they have successfully defended over fifty bikers charged with violation of Virginia's helmet statute. Although the constitutional arguments have been raised many times before, the courts have previously ruled that the Commonwealth could not prove a violation of the statute and thereby avoided a ruling on the constitutional issues. Judge Conway did not follow this course and instead found at least some of McGrath's arguments to be persuasive.

" The impact of Judge Conway's decision is that any helmet selected by a motorcyclist in the city of Newport News now complies with the statute since the standards previously used have been invalidated," explained McGrath.

THE AIM/NCOM MOTORCYCLE E-NEWS SERVICE is brought to you by Aid to Injured Motorcyclists (A.I.M.) and the National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM), and is sponsored by the Law Offices of Richard M. Lester. For more information, call us at 1-(800) ON-A-BIKE or visit us on our website at <http://www.ON-A-BIKE.com>

The Los Angeles city attorney said Wednesday afternoon that the governor will not be charged with a driving violation.