 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
ABATE State Newsletters In these newsletters you can read about issues that affect all New Jersey motorcyclists, thoughtful columns and editorials, as well as events happening in your area. Find out when and where meetings are held and ads from merchants who care about motorcyclists' rights. |
 |
Ron Paul Brings Libertarian Message To Nevada Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul questioned the need for mandatory seat belt and motorcycle helmet laws, and the Food and Drug Administration in a speech Thursday to anti-aging doctors. The Texas congressman, who preaches strict adherence to the U.S. Constitution, said each was the result of excessive government intervention and regulation that restricts Americans' freedom of choice. Paul said wearing a seat belt or a motorcycle helmet "may well be good advice" but should not be mandatory. |
Stricter NC helmet bill approved, sent to Gov. Easley The bill would require motorcycle riders to wear federally approved helmets and outlaw novelty helmets -- often called "brain buckets" -- that have little to no padding and are not designed for safety purposes. Advocates hope the legislation leads to fewer fatalities. Some motorcycle riders argue they should have the freedom to wear what they choose.Now here is a state that is moving backwards. While more and more states are repealing their helmet laws, NC is tightening theirs. Remember this next you are passing through NC and buy your gas in South Carolina. South Carolina believes you can make your own informed adult decision on this issue without the state making it for you. |
Help the AMA end health insurance discrimination against motorcyclists The AMA is working to get HR 1076 passed in the U.S. House of Representatives. This bill would close a loophole that allows denial of health insurance benefits to people injured in a motorcycle crash, or other excluded activities, such as skiing or horseback riding. (A similar bill has also been introduced in the U.S. Senate.) |
Sikh who refused to wear helmet gets cash from Canada's Wonderland An amusement park in Canada has awarded compensation to a Sikh man after he complained he was discriminated against for refusing to take off his turban and wear a helmet to drive a go-kart. Religious freedom and helmet use legislation have come head-to-head before. In November, a case is scheduled to be heard in Ontario involving a Sikh man who was charged with riding his motorcycle without a helmet. In Manitoba and British Columbia there are exemptions to motorcycle helmet laws for Sikhs who wear turbans. |
Putting a Stop to Right-of-Way Violations Though certainly not the only victims of those who violate rights-of-way, motorcyclists, along with bicyclists and pedestrians, are among the most vulnerable to injury when such a violation occurs. An inattentive left turn, an unwary lane change, or a casual red light "run" can, and often do, result in death or serious injury to motorcyclists. In general, right-of-way violations are considered minor misdemeanor or summary offenses. These typically have penalty provisions of a small fine ranging from $25 to $100, irrespective of whether the violator causes injury, serious bodily injury or in some cases a fatality. |
Are bike critics offended or jealous? I am always concerned about seeing letters in your editorial section on motorcycles. As with discussions on firearms, these topics seem to breed an "Us vs. Them" atmosphere in which nothing is resolved. If there is a tangible outcome in these debates, it might be further unwanted and unneeded legislation that is crafted by people who do not know a motorcycle from a unicycle. I suppose it gives people a sense that they have "done something," and the biker has to live with a new law that never benefits anyone. |
| ABATE of the Garden State July Legislative UpdateOn the federal level
legislation has been introduced to close the loophole allowing union’s and health insurance
providers to deny insurance coverage for
accidents that stem from horseback riding, snowmobiling, snow skiing,
motorcycle riding etc. Please contact
Senator Lautenberg and Senator Menendez to support US Senate bill S 616. Also
contact your representative in the House of Representatives to support the same
bill HR 2006. Representatives Andrews, LoBiondo and Pallone have always
been supportive.
|
Michelin Announces Motorcycle Tire Recall Michelin has notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Transport Canada that it is recalling Michelin(R) Pilot(R) Power 2CT and Pilot(R) Power 120/70 ZR 17 (58W) front motorcycle tires with the "Made in France" markings in the United States and Canada. This recall involves these specific tires only and has no impact on any other Michelin tires. Related actions are under way in other countries. |
Arguments for motorcycle helmet usage don’t bear brunt of reason I have seen the recent flurry of letters to the editor regarding Michigan’s mandatory helmet law. Gov. Granholm has the opportunity to raise much-needed revenue again this year by restoring freedom of choice to all adult Michigan motorcyclists that meet certain requirements. There should be no comparison between seatbelts and helmets. Two completely different sets of circumstances take place in the event of crashes. Head trauma is the number one cause of death in an auto accident — that is not the case in motorcycle accidents, so it would make more sense to wear helmets in autos. |
Helmet laws don't have much impact Proponents of a mandatory helmet law say they want to save lives. This is a noble goal, but with a misguided focus. Helmet laws do not reduce fatalities. In 2005, those states with mandatory helmet laws actually had a slightly higher rate of fatalities per 1,000 registered motorcycles than states with a modified law or no law at all. The difference is not statistically significant, but it does demonstrate the ineffectiveness of the requirement itself. |
Flying Motorcycle Former test pilot Larry Neal of Boyd, Texas created this awesome flying machine called the Super Sky Cycle (basically a flying bike - technically a cross between a motorcycle and an autogyro). The flying bike goes as fast as 70 mph in the air and 60 mph on the road, and sells for around USD25 grand. I'm not sure how government going to license that thing. View a video of the flying motorcycle. |
Motorcycle helmet bill faces tough opposition Delaware lawmakers receive mostly negative response to legislation. Because Delaware does not make helmets mandatory, the state is attractive to bikers from neighboring states. "There are people who want a weekend at the beach and will come to Delaware from places like Jersey and Maryland because we don't have the law," Hilderbrand said. "They like to come to Delaware and ride with the wind in their hair. ... Those are people who would go somewhere else if we changed the law." |
Risky business: Insurance loophole could affect outdoor enthusiasts What you may not have known is that health insurance coverage may be denied if you're injured while participating in "high risk" recreational activities. Injuries from horseback riding, snowmobiling, motorcycle and all-terrain-vehicle riding, skiing and other outdoor pursuits could result in unpaid medical bills. HIPAA was enacted in part to protect those involved in "legal transportation and recreational activities." But according to outdoor recreation groups, its current language can deny coverage on the basis of how an injury occurred. |
| ABATE of the Garden State June Legislative Update
|
Helmet hype doesn't jibe with helmet facts According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the statistical difference between states with freedom of choice and those without is small. It boils down to the fact that helmet-free states are safer overall, with lower fatality to registration ratios during the period 1978-2002 and downward trending injury rates from 1995-2004, the last period. |
Delaware is asking for our help We request that you please write to the members of the Senate Public Safety Committee, as well as the sponsor of SB 46, Senator Gary Simpson. As always, please be courteous. Supporters of SB 46 feel that they are doing a good thing. They just need more education. You will find the address of Senator Gary Simpson and the list of the Senate Public Safety Committee members and their contact info here: Margaret Rose Henry (Chair) - District 2 - Sponsor: Senator Gary Simpson - District 18 - |
Federal commerce department agent gets prison time An agent for the U.S. Commerce Department who deliberately struck a man on a motorcycle with his government-issued car in what police called a case of road rage then fled the scene has been sentenced to two years in jail. He then sped from the scene and took his vehicle to a Hudson, N.H. body shop, refusing to reveal its whereabouts for a week after he was arrested. |
| NJ to form task force to consider motorcycle lane splitting The task force shall focus on lane splitting, which is the allowing of motorcycles to ride between lanes of motor vehicle traffic during times of congestion, and shall examine the advantages and drawbacks of instituting such an initiative in New Jersey. In conducting its inquiry, the task force shall study lane splitting initiatives which have been adopted or considered in other states and countries and determine their effect on road congestion and traffic safety. The task force shall compare these various initiatives and establish an opinion on which components of the policies would provide the most benefit with the safest implementation if lane splitting were adopted in New Jersey. Click here to send message supporting this bill to your NJ legislators Click here to join a blog on lane splitting. |
| Posted April 15, 2007 Deal's Gap Warning  Posted by Tennessee Highway Patrol Officer: We have a new captain in the Knoxville district which covers Blount County. He has already told us that we will put a stop to the "race track driving" up on the dragon this year. So far what they have said is that the speed limit is 30mph and "ANYONE" caught going 50mph and up will be charged with reckless driving and will be jailed and their bike/car will be impounded. I am telling you this because I am trying to put the word out to everyone I know or to people who know people that go up there. |
| ABATE of the Garden State May Legislative Newsletter There are almost 150,000 registered motorcycles in this state. Almost 300,000 have the motorcycle endorsement on their license. That adds up to a lot of influencing votes at election time. Your elected officials do listen to the voters in their district. We have important state elections coming up this November . We are electing all new Senators and a general assembly. So far 13 Senators will not run for reelection. We need to make sure all candidates are motorcycle friendly. |
| Posted April 8, 2007 Freedom Riders How motorcyclists won the right to feel the wind in their hair--and why drivers still have to buckle up.  "Motorcyclists believe in freedom, and we attack anything that is attacking our freedom," explains Robert Fletcher, coordinator of the Texas ABATE Confederation. "Helmet laws go against the grain of everything this country stands for," says New York Myke, ABATE of California's state director and owner of San Diego Harley Davidson. |
| Posted April 7, 2007 Pennsylvania official aims to reverse helmet law  A bill introduced by a state legislator would reverse the 2003 law that made wearing a helmet optional for most motorcycle riders in Pennsylvania. Under current law, motorcyclists younger than 21 must wear helmets. But state Rep. Dan Frankel, D-Allegheny, has introduced legislation to reverse the law. This just shows that we can never relax our guard. There are always legislators who want to play nanny, support the insurance lobby, and protect us from ourselves by taking away our right to make our own informed decisions. |
| Posted April 1, 2007 Riders Ed Instructors Needed  We need to know ASAP if anyone else is interested. I have 6 completed applications but 2 there is no E-Mail and the phone numbers are unreadable. Please pass the word around. We need to order books that are $75.00 each and set up a meeting ASAP for all candidates to meet with the head trainers at Riders Ed of NJ. A schedule and timetable has to be agree upon.
Presently we have it scheduled in June!
We need at least 6 people to run a class. This is a paid position, and gives bikers the opportunity to not only pass along their knowledge and experience to others, but to also make some decent money. Click here for more info. |
| Posted March 29, 2007 Subprime lending woes spread to other U.S. sectors  The increasing fallout from the subprime-mortgage crisis is starting to hurt such famed U.S. companies as motorcycle maker Harley- Davidson Inc. Its shares slipped this week after Wall Street analysts said its lending arm is feeling the same pain as mortgage lenders. |
| Posted March 25, 2007 Nevada motorcycle group supports changing helmet laws |
| Posted March25, 2007 Family of Pagan killed by police files lawsuit |
| ABATE of the Garden State Legislative Update The only bill that has gained some strength is A-3701 which would establish a lane splitting task force has gained several more co-sponsors. Your letters are working. Please keep it up write, call, fax, e-mail and visit with your elected officials to help get things done. All of our “Ten Points” must be addressed before the state elections. Make sure you are registered to vote and be prepare to vote in the State primary in June. We can make a big difference in the primaries. A few extra votes can put a candidate in office that will work for motorcycle rights. |
| Quigley's health deterioratingRichard Quigley has been fighting a one man battle against California's mandatory helmet law. He bravely refuses to wear a helmet and has succeeded in having a court throw out a dozen tickets.
Unfortunately, Quig's health has taken a turn for the worse. Click here to learn more about Quigley's crusade against the Cailfornia helmet law. |
First Oregon, now Washington..what is wrong with the NW law makers? There is currently a Senate Bill (5544) being considered VERY SERIOUSLY by legislators that will make illegal - in WA state only - riding and racing offroad motorcycles AND even street bikes on paved tracks. Think your private track on your own land is safe? Wrong: even private land is included in the bill. |
Opinions Vary On Whether A Helmet Would've Helped Since the news of Ben Roethlisberger’s motorcycle accident, many are debating whether riders should be required to wear helmets.The helmet is heavier and makes your head heavier - so your head travels through the windshield faster and many patients that have neck and head trauma are ones that had helmets on and went through the windshield and fractured the neck so they become totally paralyzed.Click here to view video |
| Born to Be Wild Hogs |
Colorado bills for helmets, seat belts move on Kids on motorcycles would have to wear helmets, and police could pull over drivers without seat belts under two bills endorsed by lawmakers Tuesday. Both bills prevailed despite objections about government intrusion into private lives. "This is putting the state between the parent and the child, saying 'We're in charge,"' Rep. Kevin Lundberg, R-Berthoud, said in voting against the helmet law in the House. |
Women Who Ride A burly gang of bikers cruises up Highway 94, a blur of black leather and chrome weaving through the oak-speckled countryside into the nether regions of East County. When their leader signals that it’s time to stop, they veer uniformly off the road and onto the driveway of a quaint roadside café. |
| ABATE of the Garden State March legislative updateSenate Bill SJR-64 and Assembly bill AJR 110 to make May “ Motorcycle Awareness Month” in New Jersey have been introduced , hopefully we will get this passed . We want the Governor sign it on the State Capitol steps along with all concerned motorcyclists this May 2007.
Assembly Bill A-3701 establishes a lane splitting taskforce to study letting motorcycles to ride between lanes during traffic congestion. We have written letters to our Assembly at our meetings. |
West Virginia Helmet Bill Dead  The West Virginia House has been working at it's finest this session.
At the outset we started off with a new Speaker, who appointed new committees, and promised everyone would get a fair hearing. But in West Virginia, political promises are just a tool to make politicians look good. Our bill was introduced in the House Roads & Transportation Committee with the promise of a single reference. It passed the committee with a recommendation to pass, but the Committee Chair decided to refer it to Judiciary to die a quiet death. At least that's what she thought.Looks like West Virginia is not the state to visit this summer. Vote with your pocket book and visit a state that respects your ability to make your own informed decisions.  to view a helmet law map of the US. |
Open letter to new AMA president  The single objective of all this is to better enable the organization to deliver in three key areas: rights. riding. racing.... Those three words are more than just the tagline on the Association's logo. They represent the core of this organization. The AMA has a proud history of protecting your right to ride, of sharing with you the unique experience of motorcycling, and of creating an annual calendar of thousands of amateur and professional races for riders and fans.... To be successful, it is imperative that the Association stick to what it does best." These words, however, raise more questions than they answer. |
Ghost Rider , this devil of a smokin' thriller A creditable addition to the burgeoning canon of Marvel Comics on screen, "Ghost Rider" stars Nicolas Cage as Johnny Blaze, a daredevil Texan stunt motorcyclist who can jump multiple diesel trucks or whirring helicopters without ever causing serious bodily injury. His biggest fan and ally in extreme-sports survival is Mephistopheles, who, in a witty stroke of casting, is played by "Easy Rider" veteran Peter Fonda. |
Georgia asks for help to eliminate helmet law Goergia is trying to get rid of its helmet law and is asking for out of state help. Remember, the more states that do not have helmet laws, the easier it is for those that do to eliminate theirs. Won't you take a minute of your time and help your riding brothers and sisters? Click here for information on how you can help. |
| ABATE of the Garden State Legislative Update We have several bills in progress now including a bill to study the feasibility of lane splitting in congested traffic, May motorcycle awareness month, the ability for non-profit organization to apply for motorcycle safety grants and more. We have also been in communication with Senator Lautenberg's office regarding his stand on mandatory helmet laws across not just the state, but the entire country. |
California "Go on Red" bill proposed The following is a bill proposed to amend the California Vehicle Code relating to traffic control signals, so as to provide that a driver of a motorcycle, moped, bicycle or other lawful light duty vehicle may proceed through a highway intersection controlled by a traffic control device under certain circumstances when a vehicle sensor fails to detect the vehicle because of it's weight or size. |
| ABATE of the GardenState signs up new members ABATE of the Garden State continues to grow its influence in New Jersey. We signed up many new members at the Somerset Mototrcycle Show. We are looking for people to act as our legislative contacts from every legislative district in the state. If you are willing to work to protect YOUR rights, please contact
. Click here to view some pictures of some of our new members. |
Arkansas Mandatory Helmet Law Crashes In Committee LITTLE ROCK -- A bill to require motorcyclists to wear a helmet in Arkansas stalled in a Senate committee Monday. Senate Bill 40 by Sen. Kim Hendren, R-Gravette, failed on a voice vote in the Senate Transportation, Technology and Legislative Affairs Committee. Sen. Paul Bookout, D-Jonesboro, said, "Common sense tells you you're better off with a helmet." Opponents of the bill countered that common sense also dictates that riders in cars would be safer with helmets. Hendren said legislation to toughen the state's mandatory seat belt law would be taken up later in the session. |
N.D. ABATE thinking about safety In 2006, 1,875 riders participated in ABATE's 18-hour beginner and six-hour experienced ride classes. Jay is anticipating more than 2,000 participants will sign up and complete courses this year. There were 23 rider coaches employed last year, and that will be increased by five this year.The ABATE executive director believes that states are better off investing funds in training and safety rather than spending money on enforcement of laws requiring helmets. |
| NJ to form task force to consider motorcycle lane splitting The task force shall focus on lane splitting, which is the allowing of motorcycles to ride between lanes of motor vehicle traffic during times of congestion, and shall examine the advantages and drawbacks of instituting such an initiative in New Jersey. In conducting its inquiry, the task force shall study lane splitting initiatives which have been adopted or considered in other states and countries and determine their effect on road congestion and traffic safety. The task force shall compare these various initiatives and establish an opinion on which components of the policies would provide the most benefit with the safest implementation if lane splitting were adopted in New Jersey. Click here to send message supporting this bill to your NJ legislators Click here to join a blog on lane splitting. |
Bikers, Civil Disobedience, and the Constitution Many have asked me why I choose to ride without a helmet in helmet law states such as North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, and Tennessee. Others have asked how South Carolina bikers amended their helmet law to remove the artificial consequences for those over 21 years of age. It is my hope this article will help address and answer these questions.Bikers have the high ground when the battlefield is shifted from the device to the law. Try justifying punishment for not wearing a hat. Our opponents are woefully unprepared to explain and justify the arrest, incarceration, and fine of a citizen for his own good. Article by FastFred Ruddock, January 15, 2007 Posted January 2007 |
Delaware Freedom Riders, in conjunction with Gary Hilderbrand, Legislative Coordinator, ABATE of Delaware, is requesting your out of state assistance with SB 46, An Act to Amend Title 21 of the Delaware code relating to motorcycle safety helmets. Go back where you came from Someone should inform Mr. Rosenker that the citizens of the state of New Hampshire believe that democracy allows adults to make their own decisions. To all those who wish a "nanny state" to compel a legal adult (lest they suffer legal sanction) to wear a seatbelt, stop smoking, don a motorcycle helmet and pay a state income tax: Please feel free to return to the state from where you came. |
Bikers roar in protest against Denver muffler law Denver's new law that targets noisy motorcycles has touched off a biker backlash. City Councilman Rick Garcia thought cracking down on loud cycles would be an easy ride compared with other issues -- homelessness, immigration and the upcoming Democratic National Convention. But regulating motorcycles has been anything but tranquil, as Denver discovered last week when the city required that all motorcycles be outfitted with EPA-approved mufflers. |
You cannot pump your own gas. Why does this law exist? Oregon and New Jersey are the only two states in the United States that require attendents to pump gas at gas stations. There are many arguments for it, but many are not very well substantiated. It is claimed that it should not matter because gas prices are lower in these two states. Regardless of the truth behind the matter, Oregon and New Jersey are keeping this law on the books and fully enforcing it. |
ABC News Used Rolling Thunder to Promote Helmet Agenda Click here to read the article and the comments that people wrote. These these people angry and rightfully so. You can also leave a comment of your own. |
Americans Honor Military Veterans Thousands of motorcycle riders from across the United States rallied in Washington Sunday for their annual tribute to military veterans. The "Rolling Thunder" rally, named for the thunderous noise of thousands of motorcycle drivers' engines is intended to focus attention on veterans' health concerns, and the continuing effort to trace American soldiers missing in action, from the Vietnam War and other conflicts. |
| Rolling Thunder bike group isn't afraid to make noise |
ABATE of the Garden State publishes inaugural newsletter |
HIPPA Bill Update  The Motorcycle Riders Foundation reports that legislation to close the loophole that allows insurance providers to discriminate against motorcyclists when it comes to fully funding all benefits is beginning to gain some momentum. The House bill (HR 1076) has 45 co-sponsors, while the Senate bill (S 616) has 3 co-sponsors. As a rule, Senators don't co-sponsor legislation as frequently as their House counterparts. However, that certainly does not mean we should not ask them at every opportunity. |
Police Motorcycle Photo Galleries Photos in this section come from all around the world. Pictures that have been submitted range from the Boston and Mass. State Police at Fenway Park for the Red Sox World Series Victory parade to classic CHP police pictures, from a Gainesville, Florida motorcop to the Shawano Police Department's new Harley-Davidson motorcycle. There are also photos of taken on location at skills competitions acorss the country. |
Bid to end Missouri motorcycle helmet requirement fails An effort to repeal Missouri’s helmet requirement for motorcyclists 21 and older crashed Thursday on the Senate floor in the face of Democratic opposition. The move to repeal the requirement came during debate on a larger transportation bill that deals with myriad other issues, including seat belts. The bill's sponsor rejected arguments that helmets save lives, saying, “This isn’t about safety; this is about the tyranny of the majority.” |
Personal Safety Like a battering ram, the helmeted dummy crashes headfirst into the steel plate at 13 mph -- barely the speed of a bicycle.
But the crunch of impact makes St. Louis University biomechanist Jack Engsberg wince and whistle. Sensors embedded in the dummy's head and neck show that the helmet would have saved a person from head trauma. But the spinal cord? Even at these speeds, Engsberg says, it would have snapped. |
13 Rules for Bikers Rights Radicals Tactics mean doing what you can with what you have. Tactics are those conscious deliberate acts by which human beings live with each other and deal with the world around them. In the world of give and take, tactics is the art of how to take and how to give. Here our concern is with the tactic of taking; how the Have-Nots can take power away from the Haves. |
Rolling Thunder Raises Flag for Troops Member Bob Ousley says, "Rolling Thunder is all about holding the government's feet to the fire so that they continue to search for Americans missing and bring them home and bring repatriate them for the families. The families of America need that for closure." The “Rolling Thunder” refers to a group of motorcycle-riding veterans that cruise Washington every year in memory of America’s fallen troops. |
| Posted April 11, 2007 Tennessee Senate votes to rescind mandatory helmet law  The Senate voted 18-to-12 today to rescind the mandatory motorcycle helmet law for adults in Tennessee. Any licensed motorcyclist at least 21 years old could opt not to wear a helmet under the bill sponsored by Senator Tim Burchett, a Knoxville Republican. |
| Posted April 6, 2007 Missouri Senate panel OKs helmet law repeal  Motorcycle enthusiasts who have tried for years to repeal a Missouri law requiring them to wear helmets saw their effort move forward yesterday with a Senate panel’s endorsement of the measure. "Illinois riders will not come into Missouri because they’ve got to buy a helmet," said Tony Shepherd of St. Louis, a motorcycle rider and chairman of ABATE Missouri, which supports repealing the requirement. |
| Posted April 3, 2007 4 Years After Hussein's Fall, Regret in Iraq Harley Fan Who Helped Topple Statue Wants Old Order Back  In a garage filled with classic motorcycles, Khadim al-Jubouri stared at the four-year-old magazines he usually keeps tucked inside a wooden desk. All of them contained photographs of a lone, burly man wearing a black tank top and swinging a sledgehammer into the base of a tall, bronze statue of Saddam Hussein. The man was Jubouri. Just days earlier, he might have been executed for his actions. |
| Posted April 2, 2007 Hells Angels raid yields 30 arrests, guns and drugs  By day's end, upward of 30 arrests had been made, including 18 "full-patch" Hells Angels, police said. The world's largest motorcycle gang, the Angels have 34 chapters in Canada, comprising roughly 500 members or close associates. The Toronto Angels accused police of acting "in a frenzy" and desecrating a "symbol of freedom." The site urged its readers to remember that "wild claims at news conferences are not proof of anything." |
| Posted April 1, 2007 Video taping a motorcycle ride |
| Posted March 25, 2007 Misguided doctor supports Delaware helmet law  Senate Bill 46 would change a 29-year-old law and require all motorcycle riders and passengers to wear approved helmets, a proposal that faces heavy opposition from many riders — even those who regularly wear helmets. Dr. Glenn Graybeal, a general trauma surgeon at Bayhealth-Milford Memorial Hospital, is an avid rider who strongly supports a mandatory helmet law.
Why is he misguided? Doctor and hospital deaths result in over 250,000 preventable deaths every year. Delaware had 8 motorcycle fatalities in 2005 and 5 fatalities in 2004. How many times has he spoken out to newspapers in an his efforts on preventing hundreds of thousands doctor and hospital deaths? |
| Posted March 25, 2007 100 years ago, road rage was rampant  Like most Pittsburghers, I tend to think our roads are the worst they have ever been, but there is nothing like a little historical perspective to put things in order. Butko said many people in cities 100 years ago were so disturbed by the sight of an automobile they would gather at intersections and pelt vehicles with bricks and stones. |
| Posted March 24, 2007 Leave a comment to this writer  I'll say this as delicately as possible:
Our roads are cluttered with knuckleheads. It doesn't help that they have the perfect enablers in legislators from Tallahassee, who could use a crash course in public safety.
You don't have to wear a helmet while driving a motorcycle. It's a right embraced by folks who appear to be two eggs short of an omelet, which is what your brain will look like when it gets splattered on concrete.Click on the link and send this "knucklehead" a message on what you think of his article. |
|
Posted March 21, 2007 Louisiana Governor Blanco to drop out of governor's race  This is the governor who turned a free state into a mandatory helmet one.
Her failure to take quick action to remove the tolls from the Crescent City Connection in the midst of the mass evacuation for Hurricane Ivan, the meeting with Fidel Castro and striking out against dissident lawmakers by arranging to have their committee spots yanked were blemishes that failed to dent her once robust popularity and it seemed for a while that her re-election would be inevitable.
And then along came Katrina.
After the storm, Blanco struggled to shake the image of being indecisive and not up to the task of managing the immediate recovery.
The failure of the Road Home program to efficiently handle the claims of tens of thousands of south Louisiana residents whose houses were destroyed during the 2005 storm season was the final nail in her political coffin.Perhaps she was too busy figuring out how to take away freedom from Louisiana bikers to pay attention to what was really important in her state. Can't say we're sorry to see her go. |
Delaware bill would mandate motorcycle helmets Sen. Gary Simpson, R-Milford, wants to change that. Senate Bill 46 would require all cyclists and their passengers to wear a safety helmet and eye protection. Motorcyclists would be required to wear helmets for the first time since the 1970s under legislation introduced today in the Senate. Since 1978, the state has not required most cyclists to wear helmet. This just shows that we can never relax our guard. There are always legislators who want to play nanny, support the insurance lobby, and protect us from ourselves by taking away our right to make our own informed decisions. Wonder how many years Simpson has been riding? He seems to know what's best for bikers better than the bikers do. |
Missouri House endorses repeal of motorcycle helmet law for most adults State House members are revving up for another run at repealing Missouri’s mandatory helmet law for most adult motorcyclists. The House gave initial approval Wednesday by voice vote to legislation that would allow people age 21 and older to ride motorcycles without helmets. Missouri is one of the remaining 20 states that currently require helmets for all motorcycle riders. |
Bikers revving up on safety Motorcycle packs are rumbling up and down Interstate 95 and U.S. 1 this weekend for the last two days of Daytona's Bike Week, an annual celebration of Fat Boys, Hogs and Softtails. As more than 600,000 bikers converge on what has been, at least the last week, the nation's cycle epicenter, law enforcement and tourism officials, bikers and firefighters are working hard this week to curtail the number of injuries and deaths. |
Pop A Wheelie, Go To Jail Pop a wheelie, pay a fine or go to jail. That's the idea behind legislation making its way through the Tennessee House. It would amend the reckless driving law to include anyone operating a motorcycle with the front tire raised off the ground. |
Nebraska is asking for your help Nebraska is asking for your help to support LB 253, a bill that would no longer require certain motorcyclists who are 21 or older to wear a protective helmet. We are asking that ALL motorcyclists who care about freedom of choice for adults, contact the Speaker of the House. Below is what we need sent - nothing more - nothing less. No emails sent after 12:00 noon 3-12-2007. |
So simple that even a brain surgeon should understand  “If you ride a motorcycle, ALWAYS WEAR A HELMET when you ride, and try to wear protective clothing like a leather jacket. Better yet, sell your motorcycle and buy a car.” (Quoted directly from the aftercare instructions of a teaching hospital in Virginia) From the above quote there is no doubt about the agenda of this medical facility – if given the chance they will advocate for banning motorcycles altogether. |
Baby-boomer Bikers Dominate Roadways, But At A Cost According to a new study by the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI), the number of motorcyclists 45 and older killed in crashes nearly quadrupled from 2001 to 2005 (the last year for which data is available). Crashes among this age group increased more than 60 percent during that time, compared with a 6 percent drop in the number of crashes for younger motorcycle riders. |
Let Bike Week 'madness' begin  For all 500,000 of them!Bike Week traces back to the first motorcycle races on the beach in 1937 and the parties that followed on Main Street. Today, the event has grown to a regional party that, along with the short autumn event called Biketoberfest, pumps an estimated $744 million into the area's economy. |
Bruce's motorcycle promotion boosts tourism Tourism is a $185.5-million business that accounts for more than 2,000 jobs in Bruce County (Ontario)and generates almost $3.3 million in municipal taxes.The county has developed a map of recommended motorcycle rides on some of the scenic and less-travelled county and township roads. The bikers spend 40 grand on bikes and they absolutely love it. Those are the people we want.Now if only they could eliminate the mandatory helmet law that keeps many bikers from the area, they could boost tourism even more. |
New work deal ends Harley strike Workers at iconic motorcycle manufacturer Harley-Davidson have agreed a new work deal, ending a three week strike at its largest US factory. The agreement keeps health benefits offered to staff, ends plans to introduce a two-tier wage structure and will see pay rise 12% over three years. |
Insurance companies can legally deny bikers benefits Unfortunately, a provision in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which prohibits the mandate of benefits, has resulted in discrimination against motorcyclists. In short, insurers can now extend health care benefits to employees who have accidents while driving cars, while denying accident benefits to employees who ride motorcycles. It is unfair, it is discriminatoryClick here for information on what you can do |
Nebraska is asking for our help  ABATE of Nebraska is asking all motor- cyclists for help in putting together written testimony from motorcyclists from across the nation to modify their helmet law (Legislative Bill 253). When contacting ABATE they ask that you include: your name and complete address, the amount of money you have invested in your motorcycle, the amount of money you spend per person on an average day during a motorcycle trip, your profession, how much motorcycle and health insurance you carry, and a personal reason why you want to relax Nebraska's helmet law. |
Arkansas Helmet Issue Dead At State Capitol You may continue to ride a motorcycle in Arkansas and not be required to wear a helmet. That issue has been debated for decades and Monday it came up again. Turns out it was just too hard for Hendren, a Republican from Gravette. Hendren tried pushing Senate Bill 40 through the Senate Transportation Committee but only got two votes. |
Montana helmet law quickly killed amid large opposition Motorcyclists lined up Thursday to oppose a proposal that would require they wear a helmet when riding, arguing wearing helmets could actually be more dangerous. The bill was quickly killed by a legislative committee amid the overwhelming opposition. Dozens of motorcyclists argued they should be allowed to choose whether they want to wear a helmet, as they currently do under state law. |
| Kean loses election for NJ Senator ABATE of the Garden State had contacted both Menendez and Kean before the election in an effort to assess their views on motorcycle rights. Both candidates ignored our repeated requests. Despite the fact that 91% of motorcyclists are registered voters compared to 75% of the general population. (Source: Federal Election Commission) neither candidate believed that 150,000 drivers with registered motorcycles, and the thousands of others with motorcycle endorsements on their drivers license in NJ could make a difference in this election. The number is significantly higher when you take family, friends, and neighbors into account. Kean will now have time to ponder this decision and wonder if he had taken the time to visit with ABATE in Wildwood and to energize motorcyclists in the state, if that could have made a difference in the final result. |
Wow, an aircraft radial engined motorcycle I have seen a lot of radical customs over the years, but nothing matches this motorcycle with a radial aircraft engine powering it. I'll bet this draws some crowds wherever it goes. Torque is what this bike is all about. At 160 ft.lbs it is twice what a stock V-twin is. Pick a gear 1st 2nd or 3rd let the clutch go and hang on. In 2nd gear it will pull just as hard as 1st all the way to 100mph! |
Driving Under the Influence of a Cell Phone Driving under the influence of a cell phone is as dangerous as DUI drunk driving. The attentional mechanism suggests that the cell phone impaired may be even more dangerous to motorcyclists. The dangers posed the large and growing numbers of cell phone impaired drivers escalates multiplicatively each year as there are fewer unimpaired drivers capable of using evasive action to avoid the hazards created by those driving under the influence of their cell phones. |
| I thought you might appreciate this video on why we like to ride motorcycles. Click here to view video |
Workers hit the picket line at Harley-Davidson Nearly 2,800 workers represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local 175 began picketing at 12:01 a.m. today after rejecting Harley's contract proposal two days earlier. Tammie Gladfelter, a Harley employee of 11 years, wore a sign depicting a baby devil urinating. “Piss On Your Offer!! We're on Strike! United We Stand!” The sign also included the logos of Harley and the machinists union. |
Nevada Asks for Help to Eliminate Helmet Law SB49 is being introduced to the Nevada Legislature. This bill will MAKE NEVADA A FREE STATE by removing "... the requirement that drivers and passengers on certain motorcycles wear protective headgear."Click here for more information |
| Posted February 4, 2007 Debate Rages Over Motorcycle Helmet Bill  Virginia House Bill 3077 decriminalizes the act of not wearing a helmet on a motorcycle. It calls for dropping the fine from $250 to $25 and eliminates the three demerits on the biker's license. Shawn Murphy has been a motorcyclist for three years. He said not wearing a helmet should be the rider's choice. He sees the proposed law as a big step forward. |
| Posted January 29, 2007 ABATE of the Garden State Legislative Update There are several bills in front of our legislators at this time. ABATE of the Garden State has been very busy this season and it looks like we are getting some traction on these bills. Click here to send message supporting the lane splitting bill to your NJ legislators Click here to join a blog on lane splitting. |
Nation-wide Call to Action from Virginia Efforts to repeal a state law requiring motorcycle riders to wear helmets [in Virginia] are taking a new twist this year. Rather than take the helmet law off the books, opponents are trying to water it down.
HB2585 would allow bikers to forgo helmets on state scenic highways. On all other roads, police would be banned from stopping bikers for not wearing helmets.They could only cite a cyclist for not wearing a helmet if he or she was stopped for another driving offense, such as speeding. |
Virginia panel supports lower fine for riding without helmet RICHMOND, Va. A House of Delegates committee endorsed legislation today to significantly reduce the penalty for riding a motorcycle without a helmet. The bill would change the punishment to a 25 dollar civil fine. Violations would NOT show up on the offender's Department of Motor Vehicles record. Posted January 2007 |
DOT stickers essentially useless  The DOT rating simply indicates that a manufacturer believes that its helmet meets the basic DOT standards, without any actual testing on the helmets themselves. In that sense, DOT ratings are fairly easy to come by, and virtually anybody can make and sell a helmet with a DOT sticker. You can make and certify your own helmet.http://www.fastfreds.com |
NCOM Press Release No one from any of the National organizations including the National Coalition of Motorcyclists were given an opportunity to ask questions directly of the panels. We were only allowed to write questions on 3 x 5 cards and then the NTSB would decided which questions to ask. False statements were made and the motorcyclists had no recourse until I took proof of some of the errors to the NTSB. |
NJ ASSEMBLY BILL No. 3385 Sponsored by:
Assemblyman JOHN S. WISNIEWSKIDistrict 19 (Middlesex), Assemblyman JIM WHELAN District 2 (Atlantic), Co-Sponsored by: Assemblyman Gusciora. SYNOPSIS Permits certain motorcycle dealers to offer State-approved motorcycle safety education course. |
| Motorcyclists stereotyped even if they're good people As coordinator of New Castle County ABATE, it is not news to me that members of the Pagan Motorcycle Club and the Brotherhood of the Riding Community are being grossly misrepresented and stigmatized. Just as we fought stereotypes and discrimination against other minorities, we must fight against stereotypes perpetuated by the media and police. |
Biker group puts its first float forward for Christmas parade  With six bikes topped by ABATE members sporting Santa Claus hats, and hauled by a trailer-toting truck prominently displaying the chapter seal surrounded by sparkly garlands, one thing was for sure – the ABATE float was hard to miss.“We believe in less government control and we’re looking out for the rights of all South Carolinians and all Americans. We don’t believe in regulation; we believe in education.” |
Florida: Police Hope to Seize Motorcycles Without Trial The most common state police tactic is to accuse a motorcyclist of a felony, initiate the seizure proceeding, then drop the charges. This allows police get to keep the sport bike without the effort of a court battle or the danger of a not guilty verdict. Even an innocent motorcyclist will think twice about fighting an unjust seizure since the felony charges carry jail time and a permanent black mark on more than just the driving record. |
Maybe the government should mandate safety footwear? In 1999, over one million people suffered a slip, trip or falling injury, and over 17,000 Americans died as a result. Of the estimated 3.8 million disabling injuries each year in the work force,15 percent are due to slips, trips, or falls, which account for 12 to 15 percent of all Workers' Compensation costs. About 5,100 workers died from a fall in 1999.
The average direct cost for one disabling injury now approaches $28,000. Conservative estimates of indirect costs are significantly higher at $46,000. In the case of a death on the job, the average cost has recently been estimated at $940,000. Add to these the personal and family costs and trauma, and it is evident that slips, trips and falls should be avoided. The number of injuries and their associated costs caused by not wearing proper footwear far exceeds the number of motorcycle injuries by bikers not wearing helmets while riding a motorcycle. |
For the past 20 years, every Memorial Day weekend, tens of thousands of motorcyclists join together as Rolling Thunder to honor the military, particularly the dead and MIA. The coverage is usually positive and focuses on the patriotic bikers and their interesting-looking bikes. On May 27, ABC News went a different direction for this year’s ride. Instead of covering Rolling Thunder and their military and veteran-related issues, the way the Washington Post and the Washington Times did in their articles, ABC turned it into advocacy journalism to inform people about the importance of wearing helmets while riding motorcycles.
Click here to return to the first page of 2007 news
Home | News | Events | Editorials | Issues | ABATE Speaks Out | Talking Points | Legislative
Membership | Supporters | Chapters | Products | Newsletters | Contacts
Membership | Supporters | Chapters | Products | Newsletters | Contacts