August 4, 2009

Dear Senator Ciesla,

I am writing to you not as a Constituent, but rather because of your position on the Senate Transportation Committee.  In this capacity, you represent all citizens of New Jersey.  This letter is concerning A-3292, which, if enacted, will establish new motorcycle safety provisions.  A-3292 was received in the Senate on June 18th and referred to the Senate Transportation Committee.  I expect that you will bring it up for consideration in the Transportation Committee shortly after returning from the summer recess.

As a concerned motorcyclist in the state of New Jersey and a member of “ABATE of the Garden State”, I must ask that you do not vote in support of this bill.  I am extremely concerned that the provision to completely eliminate State motorcycle inspections will make motorcycles less safe and therefore make New Jersey’s roadways less safe and we could see a rise in the number of motorcyclist injuries and fatalities.  One of the top priorities of ABATE is to enhance and improve motorcycle safety in New Jersey.  The MVC’s proposal to transition to a system of self-inspections for motorcycles supplemented with random roadside safety checkpoints is merely a way for them to cut expenses and maximize the revenue generation potential of the MVC.  In the fiscal estimate done by the MVC for A-3292, it states that by not having to employ contractors to perform motorcycle safety inspections, the potential savings to the State is $427,350 per year.  Motorcyclists have already paid for the cost of State run inspections in our motorcycle registration fees which, I might add, have doubled as of July 1, 2009.  Do not make us pay the cost in reduced safety also.  Motorcyclists of this State are now being asked to pay more for registrations and we are seeing less and less services in return.  First the State run Motorcycle Safety Courses which were being offered free of charge at Egg Harbor and Sea Girt were suspended and now Motorcycle Safety Inspections are in danger of being suspended.  I have yet to see or hear an explanation from the MVC of how not inspecting motorcycles on a regular basis will make them more and not less safe.  If these random roadside safety checkpoints go into effect, the likelihood of a motorcycle being stopped even once in a year’s time for an inspection are slim according to a statement made by the MVC Legislative Liaison.  It is my opinion and the opinion of ABATE of the Garden State that motorcycle safety inspections should be made more stringent or at the very least be left as-is.

Senator Ciesla, for the safety and well-being of all motorcyclists of New Jersey I implore you to vote against A-3292 in its current form.  If the provision regarding the cessation of State motorcycle safety inspections is removed from the bill, I and ABATE of the Garden State will stand in support of its other provisions.

Very Respectfully Yours,

(Signature Here – Delete this line before Printing)

(Type Name Here)
ABATE of the Garden State

(Street Address Here)
(City, State,  Zip Here)
(Phone Number Here)