PO BOX 114

Marlton, N.J. 08053

www.gardenstateabate.org

Tom Gordon

Legislative Coordinator

Press Release May 14, 2007

AJR -110 Designates May As “Motorcycle Awareness Month” Unanimously Passes the Assembly Transportation and Public Works Committee

Third times a charm! We finally got May as “Motorcycle Awareness Month” bill into a committee hearing and it passed without any objections. A similar bill has been introduced the last two Legislative sessions. It was never introduced into committee.

This bill was sponsored by Assemblyman Nelson T. Albano (D-1) and Assemblyman Jeff Van Drew (D-1). Assemblyman Albano introduced this bill to committee to committee explaining that he is an avid motorcycle enthusiast. May is the beginning of the motorcycle season and we must promote awareness for the safety of all motorist.

Chairman of the committee Assemblyman John S. Wisniewski (D-19) read letters from the Brain Surgery Foundation in favor of this Bill. He also recognized a representative from the Harley Owners Group and Motor Vehicle Commission in favor of this Bill.

He finally recognizes me, Tom Gordon as the Legislative Coordinator for ABATE of the Garden State to come to floor sit next to Assemblyman Albano to discuss the Bill. I thanked the committee for finally getting this bill into committee for a vote. Also reminded them that chairman Wisniewski cosponsored a similar bill two legislative sessions before. I also thanked Assemblyman David R. Mayer (D-4) who is on this committee for sponsoring the Joint Legislative Resolution this year joining ABATE of the Garden State in observing May as Motorcycle Awareness month. This resolution was displayed for everyone to see. I explained to everyone what ABATE was all about. I said with all your help we will introduce more legislation to make New Jersey a better and safer place for all motorcyclists. I also asked to add one sentence to this bill that was left out from a similar bill AJR -63. Assemblyman Albano agreed. A voice vote was then taken with no one objecting.

I then left the chambers with Assemblyman Albano and had lengthy conversation with him outside. He guaranteed to get this bill passed. We also talked about other Legislation especially A-3701 for lane splinting task force for motorcyclist, which he is well aware from all your letters.

Keep up your correspondence with your elected officials, it is working. Our next step is to get this bill passed thru the general Assembly and get a similar bill on the Senate side SJR-64 passed thru committee.

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.