PO BOX 114

Marlton, N.J. 08053

www.gardenstateabate.org

Tom Gordon

Legislative Coordinator

Tom Gordon~ Legislative News

Thank you again this month to all the hard working members. Your efforts are paying off; we are getting things done on the legislative front. We have several bills that are gaining strength but more letters, phone calls and visits are needed to keep the process moving along.

Senate 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. Click here for info on how you can help

Assembly Bill A-2196 which allows certain non-profits to apply directly to Division Highway Safety for federal Grants has passed both the Assembly and Senate. It is waiting for the Governors approval. This will help us get funds to promote safety programs in New Jersey.

We are still working with several legislators to get more of our “10 points” introduced. Please be patient your government moves slowly. We are getting several calls on the insurance problems with motorcycles. We will gather information and pass it on to the membership and our legislatures to get us properly protected.

Remember this June is our State primary and elections are in November 2007...  Your legislative committee needs everyone’s help to gather information on all candidates.

When you write correspondence always as for a response and let them know you are a member of ABATE.

We are still keeping pressure on Lautenberg not to introduce a National Helmet bill. We are urging him to work on motorcycle safety related issues.

In February I attended the Rider Education of New Jersey banquet. They train over 4,000 students to ride Motorcycles every year, almost 50,000 since they started. They want to work with us, let every one to know about ABATE and motorcycle rights.

I also attended the COC (confederation of clubs) meeting. Passed out information on ABATE and what we have going on .I had a lengthy conversation with Boyd Spencer the AIM/NCOM/COC lawyer. Any one wanting to go to the NCOM meeting in May (Charlotte, NC) let me know Boyd will help out with your room cost.  The COC member’s discussion was mainly discrimination on the dress code and what can be done about it at many drinking establishments. We should all stick together and support establishments that are biker friendly. Boycott one’s that discriminate against us.

Please make sure you are registered to vote and exercise this right. We can make a big difference especially in upcoming primary elections in June.      

 ABATE / New Jersey Motorcyclists Alliance is fighting for motorcycle rights on several state level issues. While the helmet issue at the top of our agenda, there are other issues also being brought to the attention of our legislators. Most of these issues will not only help all motorcyclists, but will either directly or indirectly help all motorists.

1. Re-enforce covered load laws

2. Improved public training programs for all motorist and motorcyclist

3. Raising awareness of motorcycles to reduce accidents

4. Modification of the mandatory helmet law

5. Legal lane splitting when motorcyclists are stopped in a traffic jams

6. Go on Red with unresponsive red lights.

7. Make it legal to pump your own gas

8. Handle bar heights, make New Jersey law conform to other states

9. Make it legal to park multiple bikes per spot

10. Is New Jersey misusing funds dedicated to motorcycle safety?

Remember, that the NHTSA has stated that education and training is the most effective way to reduce motorcycle accidents.