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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. |
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Oakland PD's Harleys have a new roar Over in Oakland, California they like it loud - so loud that all 45 of the Police Department's Harley-Davidson motorcycles have been equipped with shiny new tailpipes, at a cost of $500 apiece, to rev up their roar. It seems the cops just didn't feel safe on toned-down bikes. "There's an old motorcycle adage that you are heard before you are seen," said Deputy Chief Dave Kozicki, explaining the department's decision to toss the bikes' muted factory-issued mufflers in favor of the more high-volume pipes. |
| ABATE announces formation of the new District 9ABATE continues to grow and is now announcing
the first opportunity for our members in
District 9 to gather. Meetings will be
held at 7:30PM on the 3rd Wednesday
each month at: Calloways Restaurant & Bar, 597 Route 9 Stanfordville, NJ 08092 609-978-0220 For more information contact Joe Yodice at 609-296-3309 or gsabatedistrict9@ gmail.comgsabatedistrict9@gmail.com District 9 includes the following towns: Barnegat Light Borough, Barnegat Township, Bass River Township, Beach Haven Borough, Beachwood Borough, Berkeley Township, Eagleswood Township, Folsom Borough, Hammonton Town, Harvey Cedars Borough, Lacey Township, Lakehurst Borough, Little Egg Harbor Township, Long Beach Township, Manchester Township, Ocean Gate Borough, Ocean Township, Pine Beach Borough, Ship Bottom Borough, Stafford Township, Surf City Borough, Tuckerton Borough, Washington Township |
Granholm to veto bill to repeal biker helmet law Another attempt by lawmakers to end Michigan's requirement for motorcycle riders to wear protective helmets is certain to draw a veto from Gov. Jennifer Granholm. "The governor favors the current (helmet) law," said press secretary Liz Boyd, following Wednesday's passage of a proposal to partially do away with Michigan's mandate. A major organization of cyclists, American Bikers Aimed Toward Education (ABATE), for years has pushed for the repeal of the state helmet law. Hundreds of ABATE members rallied outside the state Capitol on Wednesday in support of the bill.This bill passed the legislature overwhelmingly. It is a shame that one person can force her beliefs into law and ignore the voice of the people. This is an example of government at its worst when it acts as a nanny to all people. I wonder what she is doing about alcohol and tobacco since they kill far more people that motorcycle accidents. |
Rob Andrews loses in bid to unseat Lautenberg Tom Gordon |
Towns across NJ participate in ABATE's May Awareness Campaign The May Awareness campaign launched by ABATE and underwritten by Rider Insurance and Rider Ed of New Jersey was a great success. We had towns from across the entire state participating in this effort by hanging our "Look Twice, Save a Life" banners in prominent locations. Many towns or municipalties passed their own Motorcycle Awareness Resolutions in support of this effort. This was done to help make the roads safer for all motorists. There is no way we will ever know how many were saved by this effort, but if only 1 life was saved, it was worth it. |
Louisiana House agrees to ditch helmet law After more than 90 minutes of debate, the House on Thursday approved a bill repealing the mandatory helmet law for all motorcycle riders, making the safety gear required only for cyclists younger than 18. Lawmakers approved, 55-39, House Bill 1295 by Rep. M.J. "Mert" Smiley, R-St. Amant, a longtime motorcyclist, and sent it to the Senate for debate. The tally was two more than needed to clear the House. |
Maryland bikers join lawmakers to applaud driving bill Leather jackets will mingle with pin-stripped suits today when motorcycle clubs arrive at the State House to see their driving-safety bill signed into law by Gov. Martin O'Malley. The bill will impose a six-month suspension, a $1,000 fine or both on drivers who injure or kill somebody by violating road right-of-way laws. The MVA reported 17,312 "failure-to-yield" accidents in 2006, resulting in 81 deaths and 8,015 injuries |
ABATE of the Garden State distributes Motorcycle Awareness Banners across NJ towns ABATE of the Garden State recently worked our legislators to have May declared as Motorcycle Awareness Month. On May 4, we held a rally to the Trenton State House to thank our legislators for passing this legislation to make the roads safer for all motorists. ABATE has worked hard to obtain a grant from Rider Insurance to purchase hundreds of motorcycle safety banners and had these mailed out to townships and municipalities across the state. These banners are now flying all over New Jersey towns. |
ABATE holds motorcycle awareness rally at Trenton State House  On Sunday May 4, ABATE of the Garden State held a rally in Trenton to thank our legislators for designating May as Motorcycle Awareness Month. As a result of this, townships across the state have posted banners from ABATE to increase awareness, highway signs are reminding people to share the roads with motorcycles, and signs asking people to "Look Twice, Save A Life" have been planted across the state. We had several hundred motorcycles meet at Trenton Harley-Davidson and the group was given a state police escort to the Trenton State House. We heard speeches from motorcycle friendly legislators such as Congressman Rob Andrews, Senator Sweeney, Assemblyman Albano, and Mayor Kennedy from Rahway. This event represents the beginning of ABATE's working with the NJ legislators to start passing our 10 points. This event was complete success. The day started with questionable weather, but by noon the sky was totally blue, and the sun felt wonderful with the temperature rising to a comfortable 70 degrees. The speeches were short and after the event many of the attendees at this event went on to other motorcycle events taking place across the state. A special thanks goes out to all who attended this rally. It is people like you who make good things happen for all bikers across the state. Click here for photos of this event. |
May is Motorcycle Awareness Month ... but not for SUV drivers If you are not a member of a motorcyclists' rights organization (MRO) ... I have just given you 26 reasons to join. If you belong to a state MRO (SMRO) ... and do little more than show up for parties and show off your patches ... I have just given you 26 reasons to get informed and involved. If you are a leader of a local SMRO chapter where bikers have been (or will be) maimed or killed by negligent, care-less, distracted or impaired cagers ... I have just given you 26 reasons to shift your resources away from the next charity poker run and towards the support of downed riders and their families. If you are the leader of a state or national MRO ... I have just given you 26 reasons to stop playing pattycake with the nannycrats, and start getting aggressive about MOTORCYCLE AWARENESS policies, programs and ploys focusing ALL motorists' attention on CRASH PREVENTION. |
Congressman Andrew's Letter to ABATE Congressman Andrews is running in the NJ Democratic primary election against Senator Frank Lautenberg. Lautenberg has proven that he is hostile to motorcyclists time and time again. Please register to vote in the June 3 NJ primary election so that we can unseat Lautenberg. This may be our best chance to do that. |
ABATE CALL TO ACTION Here is our game plan: We will flood the voting booths in the Democratic PRIMARY Election with motorcyclists, their friends, and families who will vote for Rob Andrews. These primary elections historically have a very low turnout and there are over 150,000 registered motorcyclists in New Jersey. If we could get 25,000 of them to vote for Rob Andrews, we could easily swing the election and remove Frank Lautenberg from the Senate Democratic ticket in the General Election. This would leave Andrews running against the Republican nominee in the General Election. We may never have a better opportunity to remove Frank Lautenberg! |
Rob Andrews to Challenge Senator Lautenberg in Primary Democrats will have a contested U.S. Senate primary in New Jersey. Bucking state and national party leaders who urged him not to run, Representative Rob Andrews will challenge incumbent Frank Lautenberg.
Andrews told party officials of his intentions today, 48 hours after he skipped Lautenberg's formal re-election announcement.This is good news for bikers not only in NJ, but across the nation. This may be our best chance to unseat Lautenberg. Rob Anderws has been very friendly towards bikers issues in the past, while Lautenberg has been hostile to our interests. |
Florida Bill one step closer to law Big Brother's right to seize your motorcycle has come one step closer to becoming a reality in Florida and a nightmarish precedent for statehouses nationwide. Yesterday, HB-137's companion bill SB-802 passed unanimously through the Florida State Senate Transportation Committee. Here is a verbatim report from Dara "Sam" McLain, who along with fellow bikers' rights advocate Robert "RC" Conroy attended the meeting and spoke out against the bill:For those who are unaware of what Civil Forfeiture might mean to you, here's a few highlights. You are NOT entitled to a trial by jury. You are NOT entitled to an Attorney (except if you want to pay a $10k retainer yourself to regain $4000 worth of personal property). You are guilty until proven innocent and the burden of proving your innocence is on YOU, at your expense. Even if you are acquitted or found not guilty of any charges, THEY CAN STILL KEEP YOUR MOTORCYCLE. |
Training, awareness has more effect on fatality rates than helmet laws, some say Motorcycle helmet use and the effect it has on traffic fatality rates has been debated since the late 1970s, by organizations in favor of mandatory helmet laws and those who say helmet use should be a personal choice. While some data suggest the number of fatal accidents increases in those states that have repealed their helmet laws, others claim an increase in the number of motorcycle registrations skews that data. Data suggests that when the mandatory laws have been lifted, registrations have soared. In Florida for instance, registrations increased by 157 percent in the seven years after a mandatory law was repealed in 2000.In California, motorcycle registrations dropped by 225,712 between 1992 and 1999 after a mandatory helmet law went into effect in 1992. |
South Carolina motorcycle riders want red light legislation When approaching an intersection, riders are usually wondering if their motorcycle will trip the road sensors and change the traffic lights. Wanting the same legislation passed by North Carolina late last year, riders in South Carolina want to legally treat a red light like a stop sign if not detected by the light-controlling road sensors. There was no length of time specified in the recent North Carolinas legislation for a rider to wait for an inductive loop traffic sensor to trip a traffic light.ABATE of the Garden State is also seeking to get legislation introduced that will allow "go on red" when the sensors do not detect the motorcycle. |
Two wheels and a charge Electric motorcycles hit the road: Brammo has two electric rivals and one hydrogen-powered prototype to watch. The Enertia is a zero-emission, battery-powered, plug-in electric motorcycle When it ships later this year, the Enertia will zoom to the front of a line of new electric bikes that promise to be every bit as game-changing as their four-wheeled brethren, It may seem a strange downshift after selling high-octane autos, but there is a connection: performance. "Electric power has a ton of torque," Bramscher says. |
Police Use New Tag-Reading Cameras During Bike Wee.jpg) kPolice in Daytona Beach have new, high-tech tools to catch the bad guys, including a special camera and system that reads 15,000 license plates every hour, whether the officers' squad car was moving or stationary. Police have been putting the technology to good use during this year's Bike Week, while thousands of vehicles and motor cycles were in town. |
Helmetless Riders are Less Likely to Die in Motorcycle Crashes on Florida Roads  The 2004 Crash Statistics for Florida wipe away NHTSA's prediction of a blood bath. According to the recently released, Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles annual Traffic Crash Statistics Report for 2004, motorcycle riders wearing helmets were more likely to sustain an injury or suffer a fatality than their non-helmeted counterparts. The huge increase in death and injury to non-helmeted motorcycle riders, predicted by NHTSA (National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration) in a report released this summer, has not been substantiated. The numbers are going to disappoint the proponents of helmet laws while simultaneously confirming the facts presented to the public by ABATE of Florida, Inc. |
Defective motorcycle tires on the increase DEFECTIVE MOTORCYCLE tires now account for the fourth biggest failure of motorcycle MOTs in the UK, after lights, brakes and suspension, according to the latest statistics from the Vehicle Operator and Services Agency (VOSA), with the data also revealing that standards of bike maintenance are not getting any better. The report showed that between 2006 and 2007, close to 5,000 bikes failed their annual MOT because of tyres which were not fit for purpose, compared to nearly 1,700 the year before, a sharp increase of 66%. |
PA woman sent to prison for killing motorcyclist A 48-year-old former Milford Township woman was sentenced to three to six years in state prison Monday afternoon for slamming her car into a motorcyclist and killing him on Route 313 in Richland Township while driving drunk last July. Brenda E. Nauroth, a mother of four, broke down in tears, telling Judge Rea Boylan she wished she could take the place of her victim, Michael P. Fayewicz, 51, of Warminster Township. |
Motorcycle safety Hartley's goal Cindy Hartley's work as a motorcycle safety crusader has paid off. The 54-year-old Charleroi resident recently received an award for her work to inform non-riders about how to understand motorcycle riders and their capabilities and limitations on the road. Hartley received an Award of Appreciation for 2007 from the state Alliance of Bikers Aimed Toward Education, a nonprofit organization that promotes motorcycle safety and awareness. Click here for more info about Operation Save A Life |
Pay attention when you're behind the wheel Distracted drivers who are busy communicating or dining are being aggressive because they are willfully imposing their own level of risk on others. Distracted drivers are not only a danger to themselves but to motorcyclist. Forcing higher risk on others is aggressive. Maybe the distracted/aggressive driver thinks, Oh, I can handle it, but can others? I consider distracted driving as a form of aggressive driving. Drivers who use communication devices and drive distracted as a result are being aggressive drivers. A large danger to motorcyclist. Internet access from a moving vehicle is a reality today, and getting bigger each month. |
MRF Strongly Opposes US DOT Attack on [Motorcycle] Training Funds The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) has learned that United States Secretary of Transportation Mary Peters sent letters to Capitol Hill with draft legislation outlining her intention to raid the 2010 motorcycle training and awareness funds set aside by Congress in the last Highway Bill (PL 109-59). Peters announced on Thursday, February 14 that she would like to see the earmarked training and awareness funds made available to promote the use of helmets in individual states."The MRF is extremely disappointed that Mrs. Peters would choose this small, yet critical, grant program to raid. We understand her desire to encourage helmet use, but couldn't the Secretary of Transportation find a more suitable program to fund her personal helmet hunt?" said Jeff Hennie, Vice President of Government Relations for the MRF. |
Canadian turban court case tests motorcycle helmet law Bikers eye's worldwide are looking to a case playing out in Canadian courts over motorcycle helmet laws infringing on human rights and religious freedoms. Baljinder Badesha, a 39-year-old father of four who immigrated to Canada in 1989 and had been an avid motorcyclist in his native India, was charged by Peel police in September 2005 with failing to wear a helmet. Having previously resided in British Columbia, where Sikhs are exempt from wearing helmets, he said he didn't know it was against the law in Ontario. Court heard that Manitoba also makes the exemption as does the United Kingdom, Hong Kong and India.The interesting thing here is that none of the arguments seem to be why Ontario even has a mandatory helmet law. |
| Remaining primary candidates are all good news for bikers The primary elections have weeded out many of the candidates that were not particularly friendly to motorcyclists' freedoms. Everyone of the remaining candidates is biker friendly.  Hillary Clinton voted Nay to NOT support the Lautenberg amendment which would have placed federal mandates on the states to enact mandatory helmet laws.  Barack Obama voted Nay to NOT support the Lautenberg amendment which would have placed federal mandates on the states to enact mandatory helmet laws.  John McCain voted Nay to NOT support the Lautenberg amendment which would have placed federal mandates on the states to enact mandatory helmet laws.  Mike Huckabee, as governor of Arkansas signed a bill to repeal the mandatory hemet law Ron Paul is a Libertarian and firmly believes that the government has no right to meddle in individual choices such as helmet laws, and seat belt laws. He believes that we are capable of making those choices ourselves. Talk about hitting a home run. No matter who gets elected, we can count on a president who is friendly to motorcyclists' freedoms to make their own informed choice. There is a reason that there are 30 states without mandatory helmet laws. It is because bikers are passionate about being an American and they are passionate about their freedoms. |
Avid Biker, U.S. Transportation Chief Sends Helmet Legislation to Congress U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary E. Peters today sent legislation to Congress that she said seeks greater flexibility for states to target one of the leading causes of motorcycle deaths across the nation – riding without a helmet. The legislation submitted to Congress would allow states to use federal motorcycle safety funding to promote the use of motorcycle helmets. Currently, states are limited to using the funds for motorcycle safety training and awareness programs only.Sounds like a back door way to get helmet LAWS passed in the 30 free states in the country. She also has it wrong, the main cause of motorcycle deaths in our country is because of careless auto drivers and their right of way violations. If Peters is going to suggest legislation, she needs to get her facts straight! Click here for Garry Van Kirk's response to Secretary Peters |
Bikers feel singled out by legislator's proposal Imagine you got a ticket for speeding and the state confiscated your car and suspended your license for 10 years. You'd howl, right? Well, that's why motorcycle riders are protesting a proposed legislative bill that threatens exactly that.
The bill originally proposed to take away the motorcycle of anyone charged with reckless driving or driving 30 mph over the speed limit. It was significantly amended after a meeting of the House Infrastructure Committee on Jan. 10. But it still proposes that motorcyclists forfeit their vehicles if convicted of driving 50 mph over the speed limit for a third time. Hmm, let me think about this......., I am speeding on my motorcycle and know that if that cop behind me gets me, I lose my bike. Will I stop or run? That's a no brainer! This law will have exactly the opposite effect of what they are looking for. |
California is asking for YOUR help!  It's been a long time coming, due in part to the holidays and the recent elections for new officers in ABATE of California, but finally a formal request for help with their Judicial Fund has been issued. A win in court in May will have positive ramifications throughout the land. Even a loss, which we are not considering at this time, will have at least brought a lot of attention to this issue and the plaintiffs intend on appealing any loss to the California Supreme Court. To not continue these challenges would be a travesty to the riders of California and the memory of Richard Quigley, who devoted over 17 years of his life and fortune to defeating the mandatory helmet law in California. |
British motorcycle registrations break records The British biker may have faced an onslaught of legislation and governmental blunders last year but 2007 still managed to see the biggest increase in seven years of motorcycle, moped and scooter registrations. Registrations of all powered two wheelers (PTW) totaled 144,583 in 2007 up 8.6 per cent last year, the highest figure since 2003 and well ahead of the 133,076 registrations in 2006. Passenger car registrations last year increased by only 2.5 per cent. |
Nebraska lawmakers reject motorcycle helmet law change Lawmakers voted 25-23 against advancing Legislative Bill 253, which would have allowed people age 21 and older to ride motorcycles and go without helmets as long as they wore eye protection and had taken a safety course. The bill's sponsor, State Sen. Kent Rogert of Tekamah, said he doesn't expect the issue will come up again this year but that motorcyclists will continue pressing for change in the future. State law currently requires all riders to wear approved helmets. Rogert said his bill would have given Nebraskans the benefits of freedom and individual choice.
He also said the state would get an economic boost from motorcyclists heading to the annual rally in Sturgis, S.D.All bikers heading to Sturgis should avoid Nebraska so the state loses the economic benefits of hundreds of thousands of bikers visiting Sturgis. |
| No criminal charges in fatal crash There is no evidence that Andrea Lemons, 29, acted with "willful and wanton disregard" when she allegedly ran a stop sign at the intersection of Williamstown-Franklinville and Tuckahoe roads and struck a motorcycle driven by Mark Shiplee, 54, and his 49-year-old wife, Debora, explained Capt. Richard Livingston. Well, there you have it. Someone can blow through a stop sign without even slowing down, kill 2 bikers, and get a smaller fine than if she wrote a bad check. --You have no rights in NJ--! Someone could murder you with their car and get only a fine! It is open season on all bikers! ABATE is working with our legislators to pass legislation to significantly increase penalties for drivers who injure or kill someone because of a right of way violation. We need YOUR help to make this happen! Click here for membership information. |
Motorcycle riders could lose bikes for excessive speeding TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Flying down the highway at 120 mph and popping a wheelie could soon cost a motorcycle rider more than a fine. It could cost him his bike. Riders charged with reckless driving or exceeding the speed limit by 50 mph could be arrested and have their bikes seized under a bill filed in the Florida House and discussed Thursday. Riders later convicted of those offenses could lose their motorcycle licenses for 10 years.This bill represents a dangerous trend with another increase in government confiscation of private property. This is a draconian law that singles out motorcycles and does nothing against trucks, SUV's and autos that go the amount over the speed limit. In fact, in Florida you can blow through a stop sign, kill a biker, and get a significantly less extreme consequence. Click here to join the AMA Action Alert on this issue. Click here for more on this issue. |
ABATE of the Garden State represented in MRF press conference  Tom Gordon, legislative coordinator for ABATE of the Garden State represented our organization by attending the MRF press conference on 11-15-2007at the Cannon House Office Building on Capitol Hill ,Washington, D.C. This building is the main office building for our members in the House of Representatives and their committees.
The purpose of this press event was to make everyone aware of the recent activities by the NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board) concerning motorcycle safety. |
Iowa primary results good news for bikers
As NJ bikers we need to remember that only we can vote against our NJ Senator Frank Lautenberg to help protect the freedoms of bikers accross the entire nation. They are watching and hoping that we will do well by them. |
NJ Senate Bill S3024 advocates confiscation of ATVs & Dirt Bikes If New Jersey Senate Bill S-3024 goes into effect it will be the end of off-road recreation in the state of New Jersey, because there are provisions in this legislation to confiscate YOUR PROPERTY. The worst part of this legislation is that your investment could be confiscated and you could lose your license for up to six months for the first offense and 2 years for the second offenseSo you thought what was happening in Australia could not happen here. Think again! The Australian police can now confiscate the motorcycle of anyone for being a member of a "motorcycle club". Click here for more info. Our freedoms are under attack! First its ATV's, next its street bikes. It is time to join ABATE and help us to fight for your rights! |
| Motorcycle riders could lose bikes for excessive speedingTALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Flying down the highway at 120 mph and popping a wheelie could soon cost a motorcycle rider more than a fine. It could cost him his bike. Riders charged with reckless driving or exceeding the speed limit by 50 mph could be arrested and have their bikes seized under a bill filed in the Florida House and discussed Thursday. Riders later convicted of those offenses could lose their motorcycle licenses for 10 years. This bill represents a dangerous trend with another increase in government confiscation of private property. This is a draconian law that singles out motorcycles and does nothing against trucks, SUV's and autos that go the amount over the speed limit. In fact, in Florida you can blow through a stop sign, kill a biker, and get a significantly less extreme consequence. Click here to join the AMA Action Alert on this issue. Click here for more on this issue. |
Motorcycles to drool at Cycle World International Motorcycle show, held recently, is one of the most highly attended and respected motorcycle shows in the world. As expected, this year also it was attended by almost all the major manufacturers who displayed their impressive product lineup and in particular their new 2008 models. 18 motorcycle manufacturers showcased sportbikes, cruisers, dirtbikes, scooters, and all terrain vehicles that occupied three large halls of the San Mateo Expo Center in California. |
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On Tuesday evening June 3, 
Congressman Andrews has worked with ABATE in the past and has helped us with federal legislative initiatives in the past. He has always been supportive of the motorcycle community. He has now committed his support to us in writing.
Mike Huckabee as governor of Arkansas signed a bill to repeal a mandatory helmet law. 
The main stream media has not covered this much, but Ron Paul also made a surprisingly strong showing in a state that is not known for its Libertarian leanings. Ron Paul believes that the government should not be involved in mandating helmets 
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 The results of May Motorcycle Awareness across the state |
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Stage Road in Pine Barrens is a traffic hazard  There's a stretch of "no man's land" called Stage Road in the South Jersey Pinelands. It extends from Chatsworth Rd. [CR 679] in a generally southeasterly direction to NJ Rt. 9. Apparently the State, County and local governments are engaged in an ongoing dispute in which each disavows responsibility for maintenance of the road surface. Between the Bass River Ranger Station and the GS Parkway it's really bad. That's where I hit a pothole which caused a bent rear rim and flat tire. [There may be additional, as yet undiscovered damage.] It is, in fact, so bad that there is a sign posted advising "Caution: Hazardous Road Conditions." Unfortunately, it was right in front of me when I came to a stop AFTER the incident, not soon enough to have done any good. |
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N.H. leaders focus on motorcycle safety, not helmets In these parts, many people think education — not mandatory helmets — will save lives. That education is focused on public awareness and motorcyclist training, said Peter Thomson, head of the New Hampshire Highway Safety Agency. The information blitz urges the public to share road space with motorcycles, and riders and drivers to be aware of each other. New Hampshire champions the rights of individuals to choose for themselves. St. Clair, Thomson, and Sen. Robert Letourneau, R-Derry, are among those who support an adult's right to choose whether to wear a helmet. |
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Motorcycle group announces suit to stop roadblocks The New York State Police announced Saturday they were going to be stopping motorcyclists bound for this weekend's Americade motorcycle rally in Lake George. The object of the road block is to check for safety violations, according to a state police press release.The National Coalition of Motorcyclists announced that its New York lawyer sent a letter of intent to file a class-action lawsuit against state police and the state Department of Motor Vehicles, Robert Boellmer, regional director of the coalition. |
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NY state police checking motorcycles today New York State Police troopers will be checking motorcycles along Route 12 today in an attempt to counter the recent rise in motorcycle crashes statewide. For the first time, this new strategy will utilize a variety of enforcement personnel, aerial surveillance, special investigation units and public information components, police said. The primary objective of motorcycle enforcement checkpoints is to target safety violations, including substandard helmets, police said. Other common safety violations include unsafe tires, insufficient lighting and unsafe handlebar height.This is the result of the large Lake George rally which attracts thousands of motorcycles. The way to stop this is to have NO ONE ATTEND THE RALLY. That will hit the merchants in their pocket books, and they will force the police to back off. As long as bikers keep going back like sheep every year, the police have no reason to stop this cash cow. This sort of harassment that singles out a single type of motor vehicle and is why we need organizations such as ABATE, NCOM, and MRF. |
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Bikers Support New Red Light Law South Carolina bikers who rallied for support of a new law to allow them to run a red light if the coast is clear say that the legislation will bring more responsibility to the road. Earlier this week, South Carolina has joined six other states that let motorcyclists, mo-ped drivers and bicyclists run red lights that don't change within a couple minutes of their stopping. The American Motorcyclist Association says Arkansas, Idaho, Minnesota, North Carolina, Tennessee and Wisconsin have similar laws. |
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'Stunters' give cops headaches LOS ANGELES — Sgt. John Lago is cruising the Hollywood Freeway when his radio carries the call of another California Highway Patrol officer who has tried to pull over a motorcyclist, only to see him race off at high speed. Both troopers give chase, skillfully picking their way through 10 p.m. weeknight traffic at 120 mph. They radio for a helicopter backup, but the aircraft is too far away. In only minutes, tonight's outcome is clear: The rider of the agile, 600cc Honda sportbike has outrun them. |
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Louisiana ABATE Call To Action  The modified Helmet Bill, was withdrawn from the calendar temporarily when it became apparent that it was going to be attacked with amendments that would have rendered the Bill unpalatable to members of the motorcycling community. The amendments are as follows:1. $50,000.00 personal health insurance policy that motorcyclists would have to carry to go lidless. This amendment would have been discriminatory due to the fact that it wouldn’t apply equally to all segments of the motoring public. 2. Denial of a lidless rider the right to sue for injuries suffered in an accident. This amendment would have essentially allowed the guilty party to go unpunished while the victim would have had to either use their own insurance to pay for medical treatment or seek free (public burden?) medical care if their insurance was insufficient. 3. An amendment to require motorcyclists who choose to go lidless to sign an organ donor card (donor cyclists?). This amendment is not only discriminatory but could be construed as unconstitutional. Click here for full article |
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Louisiana House panel repeals mandatory helmet law Former Louisiana Highway Safety Commission Director Jim Champagne, who says he lost his job because he disagreed with Gov. Bobby Jindal on the helmet issue, told the committee that wearing a helmet "may be the one thing that protects you from a head injury."Arguing for the bill, Duane Cowart of Baton Rouge said 30 states allow riders a choice and 20 states, including Louisiana, require helmets. Cowart said the biggest problem is that automobile drivers run over motorcycles, not that the motorcyclists have done anything wrong. "Without a helmet, you see better, hear better and are more aware," so riders can better avoid getting into collisions, he said. |
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New Jersey bikers unite to vote out Lautenberg On June 3rd, the Democratic Party in New Jersey will hold a primary election to determine who will be the Democratic candidate for the United States Senate. We have 2 candidates running for this office, Frank Lautenberg as the incumbent and Congressman Rob Andrews as the challenger. These two candidates have completely opposite views when it comes to issues of motorcycle rights. Our biker brothers and sisters across the nation are counting on us to do what they cannot do, and that is to vote in the primary election to unseat Lautenberg. It is our responsibility to bikers across the state and this great nation to register and vote in this most important primary. Click here for full article. Andrews for Senate PO Box 295 Oaklyn, NJ 08107 856-404-2369 voice 856-310-0486 fax www.robandrews08.com |
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NJ Speaker Roberts endorses Andrews for Senate Congressman Rob Andrews picked up a pair of key endorsements a day after he announced he is challenging incumbent Frank Lautenberg in the Democratic U.S. Senate primary. On Thursday, state Assembly Speaker Joseph Roberts endorsed Andrews, saying Lautenberg is a "superb candidate," but Andrews is the right person for the job now. A powerful Democrat from the northern half of the state, state Sen. Ray Lesniak, also threw his support behind Andrews.This is good news for motorcyclists in New Jersey and across the nation. Andrews candidacy is gaining strength in his effort to unseat Lautenberg. Are you registered to vote in the June 3 primary? |
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ABATE Interview with Comcast News Makers Comcast will be airing an interview with ABATE on our successful campaign to have May designated as Motorcycle Awareness Month. ABATE is planning a mass rally in Trenton on Sunday May 4 to show our appreciation to our legislators for passing this important legislation. This will also be an opportunity for all motorcyclists to show off our collective political clout. In the region of Camden and Burlington Counties, his interview will air Wednesday, April 23 to Tuesday, April 29 several times a day on CNN Headline news at :54 after the hour. We are not sure about other areas at this time. Click here to view entire interview. (54 MB MPEG file. May take a while to download) |
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(USA Today) Our view on helmet laws: Motorcycle madness When helmet mandates are repealed, deaths and injuries increase. Motorcycles are dangerous enough already. It's unfortunate that legislatures undid mandates that helped save thousands of lives. If states won't recognize their folly, Congress would do well to press them to reinstate helmet laws.Here is another example of self appointed "experts"who have never ridden a motorcycle and who have a forum they can control, trying to make their views the law of the land. They seem to have forgotten in their "facts" that motorcycle and auto registrations have risen significantly more than the rate of motorcycle accidents. They also failed to mention that the vast majority of auto/motorcycle accidents are the fault of the automobile. Read the full article and leave your own comments on their website. |
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Central Jersey follows motorcycle fatalities trend As death rates from motorcycle crashes rise nationally, fatal accidents involving motorcycles continue to be frequent on the streets of Central Jersey. And while New Jersey riders are still required to wear helmets, dozens of fatalities occur in the state every year. At least 43 deaths resulted from motorcycle accidents in Middlesex, Somerset, Union and Hunterdon counties from 2002 to 2006, the Gannett data shows.Read the above article and leave comment on what you think of the message. Since most auto fatalities are head injuries, perhaps drivers (and passengers) of all motor vehicles should be mandated to wear a helmet. |
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Legislation could help, hinder motorcyclists Efforts are underway at the state and federal level in regards to legislation for motorcycle safety.In Washington, Transportation Secretary Mary Peters has suggested that funding set aside in the last Transportation Bill for motorcycle education programs should be put into promoting helmet use. Both the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) and American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) have come out in opposition of the proposal. Both the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) and American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) have come out in opposition of the proposal. "Our position is, we oppose what Peters is proposing, because for rider education, this is the only federal pot of money there is," said Jeff Hennie, MRF vice president of government relations. "She wants to slice it up into several pieces." |
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Florida motorcycle bill moves to next stage A law which many consider discriminatory towards motorcycle riders has been voted onto the next stage to becoming Florida law. The bill in the House has been amended from its original version by the bills House sponsor Rep. Lopez-Cantera. The speeding focus of the bill will be increased to anyone that is speeding 50 mph or greater over the posted speed limit. A third time offender will lose their license for 10 years and have to forfeit their vehicle. Additionally language has now been incorporated into the bill that will account for “wheelies” that are beyond the rider’s control.This law continues the expansion of government ability to confiscate private property. This is a dengerous trend in our nation and needs to be stopped. For more information on this trend, please read "Why Should I Care?". |
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AMA Opposes Transportation Secretary Peters' Attempt To Divert Federal Funds, Push For Mandatory Helmet Laws U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary Peters reaffirmed her desire to lobby states for mandatory helmet-use laws in testimony before the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee Transportation Subcommittee on March 6, the American Motorcyclist Association reports. Peters' testimony follows letters she sent in February to U.S. House and Senate leaders urging Congress to allow states to divert federal money away from motorcycle safety training and awareness programs and instead push for mandated helmet use. |
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Employers more often dictating off-work behavior As U.S. companies scramble to contain health insurance costs and survive a wheezing economy, some are scrutinizing their employees' off-duty behavior, firing those who smoke, tacking surcharges onto overweight workers' health plans and even dismissing people for having an off-duty drink. Some people question how far the trend will go. If companies are justified in firing smokers, then logic would seem to open the door to banning all sorts of risky behaviors, from eating fatty foods to motorcycle riding. And conditions such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol could become bars to employment. |
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Loud bikes improve safety "Loud pipes save lives" is held as a truism among the V-twin motorcycle community - Harleys and their imitators. I used to think that was merely a dodge, a convenient but hollow rationalization. In fact, I wrote a letter to the Argus Leader several years ago complaining about loud bikes on my busy street. Circumstance has put me in a unique position to judge the veracity of that argument, and I must confess I have found truth in the safety factor of a loud motorcycle. Mea culpa, I was wrong. |
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Keep the turban, scrap the helmet law Who owns Baljinder Badesha head? Ontario Judge James Blacklock wants Baljinder Badesha’s head. He ruled today against Badesha’s human rights challenge to Ontario’s motorcycle helmet law. Badesha is a Sikh whose religion demands that he wear a turban – and it is impossible to wear both a turban and a helmet at the same time. So Judge Blacklock decided that Badesha’s personal safety is more important than his religious freedom. |
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Sikh loses court challenge to ride motorcycle without helmet OTTAWA (AFP) — A Sikh on Thursday lost his bid to ride his motorcycle without safety headgear when a court upheld Canada's helmet laws, ruling that riding without it would increase public healthcare costs in the event of a crash. Ontario Court Judge James Blacklock ruled the law indeed violates his constitutional right to religious freedoms, but is justifiable because the safety measure dramatically reduces public healthcare costs and saves lives.I wonder if the judge thinks it is justifiable to allow someone to eat fatty foods and add to the public healthcare costs? |
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A fitting tribute to the late, great, biker artist, David Mann Anyone into Harleys has no doubt at some point checked out an Easyrider's magazine and been exposed to the exceptional artwork of the legendary Dave Mann. His imagination and creativity are top-of-the-line but this is something that his fans already clearly know. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogez_3_EHSg |
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Amesbury man spearheads motorcyclists' 'Justice for All' bill A proposal will appear before legislators at the Statehouse next month that would tighten and increase penalties for motorists if they violate the right-of-way of other road users and cause serious bodily injury or death. If passed, the bill will create a minimum criminal sentence of 21/2 years "for the death or serious bodily injury of any other road user," including bicycle riders and pedestrians, with a 10-year loss of a driver's license; and create minimum criminal sentences of five years and a 15-year loss of license if a person is operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs. |
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Helmets for all drivers or helmets for none I find the helmet law in Massachusetts to be unjust. It may sound simple to the non-motorcycle rider: wear a crash helmet so if you get in an accident you are protected. Why not the auto driver? According to the Centers for Disease Control, 20 percent of all head trauma costs are associated with motor vehicle accidents. Fourteen percent are auto- and truck-related; 6 percent are motorcyle-related. Why then is that not cause enough to pass a helmet law for all drivers. Motorcycle drivers are just 6 percent of that number yet are called the social burden. I as a motorcyclist would love to see helmet advocates wear a helmet while driving their cars, but I know they would not put one on themselves. |
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Missouri Senate bill seeks to repeal helmet requirement for motorcycles  Senate Bill 1067, also known as the "helmet bill," would weaken Missouri's helmet laws by allowing riders 21 years and older to ride without a helmet on residential and business streets and state highways. However, interstate riders would still have to wear helmets. Helmet legislation has been a subject of debate for 30 years, with citizens arguing for their right to choose against public-safety policy. "If you do want to focus on safety, the autos are the No. 1 cause of head injuries but you wouldn't dream of requiring a helmet in an auto," said Ridgeway, who was among the senators who introduced the bill. |
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Florida motorcycle bill still being considered A bill originally proposed to take away the motorcycle of anyone charged with reckless driving or driving 30 mph over the speed limit, was significantly amended after a meeting of the House Infrastructure Committee on Jan. 10., but it still proposes that motorcyclists forfeit their vehicles if convicted of driving 50 mph over the speed limit for a third time. "The problem is picking out a specific type of vehicle," said Don Lanham, the Leon County director of health and human services and an avid motorcyclist. "Cars, trucks, SUVs who violate the same laws do not face the same harsh penalties. That's discrimination, period."The even greater danger here is the trend of our government increasingly taking private property from their owners. Click here for more on the issue of forfeiture of private property including a proposed forfeiture law in New Jersey. |
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Democrat invites bikies to Parliament Under the laws, scheduled to be debated next week in the House of Assembly, South Australians who have contact with bikies at least six times a year will face a minimum of five years in jail. Yesterday's seminar was organised by Ms Kanck to highlight concerns the legislation will unfairly target people who are not involved in criminal acts. This could include bikers who belong to groups such as the Longriders Christian Motorcycle Club, who yesterday said their homes had been raided by police since an anti-bikie phone-in two weeks ago. If such a law were enacted here, it could mean that HOG members, ABATE members, Patriot Guard Riders could all be targeted by anyone who does not like bikers. I suppose that an employer would have bikie contact 6 times a year and would therefore be subject to jail time. The law states you could lose your motorcycle and face jail time. This is a very dangerous trend and needs to be stopped. Please read the article about "Why Should I Care" for what can be done. |
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Gas-pumping robot: what could go wrong? Dutch inventors unveiled Monday a 75,000 euro ($111,100) car-fuelling robot they say is the first of its kind, working by registering the car on arrival at the filling station and matching it to a database of fuel cap designs and fuel types. A robotic arm fitted with multiple sensors extends from a regular petrol pump, carefully opens the car's flap, unscrews the cap, picks up the fuel nozzle and directs it toward the tank opening, much as a human arm would, and as efficiently. |
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Virginia '08: It remains illegal to ride motorcycles side by side Virginia will remain one of only two states in the nation where it is illegal for motorcyclists to ride side by side in a lane. “I believe it’s a bit draconian to make it a penalty with an up to $2,500 fine and up to 12 months in jail for something that is legal in 48 other states,” Cannon said. “It defies logic to me.” Some opponents of the legislation argue that since Virginia police often ride side by side when escorting processions and motorcades, motorcyclists also should be permitted to ride two abreast.Another draconian law against bikers! You can do something about this, vote with your pocket book. When traveling, do not make Virginia a destination. When passing through Virginia, buy your gas, lodging, and meals in Delaware. Let's stop funding the "enemy". Once the merchants learn that these nuisance laws cost them money, they will pressure the legislators with us. Our spending power is a very powerful tool! |
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Australia: Seizures Hit $1 Million Profit Mark A total of 3437 automobiles and motorcycles seized in Victoria, Australia have generated more than A$1 million in revenue since July 2006. The state began seizing vehicles at the rate of nearly six cars per day with a program allowing confiscation based on hearsay offered by callers to anonymous tip hotlines. According to police statistics, nearly two-thirds of the seizures were justified by allegations of burnouts, almost a quarter for "fishtailing" and the rest for motorcycle wheelstands, wheelies and donuts.These seizures represent a growing threat around the world where governments are incresingly seizing private property. We already have seizure in drug cases where the the Constitutional concept of "innocent until proven guilty" has been turned on its head. A suspect must now prove his innocence before return of the property, not the other way around. New seizure laws are under consideration in Florida for motorcycles and in New Jersey for ATVs as well. With police departments making a "profit" from these seizures, the potential for abuse here should be very obvious! |
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Cyclists being hard-headed about new helmet law When Arnold Wilson fires up his new Harley Davidson Softail and hits the open road, he doesn’t feel the same freedom as he once did. The difference, Wilson says, is the new helmet he said he’s forced to wear. “I think this is a solution to a problem that doesn’t exist,” said Wilson, a 53-year-old ex-police officer. On Jan. 1, a new state law went into effect requiring motorcycle riders and their passengers to wear helmets that comply with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard.Remember this law next time you are traveling. Try to buy your gas, meals, and lodging in South Carolina where they respect your right to make your informed decisions. |
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Virginia May Ban Texting While Driving State legislators in Virginia want to ban driving while texting (DWT) on a cell phone. Virginia's General Assembly is proposing legislation that would prohibit texting while driving an electric wheelchair, riding a bicycle, motorcycle and a moped.While bikers do support increasing penalties on drivers who talk or text on cell phones because of the obvious safety hazard, I have yet to see a motorcyclist texting while driving. |
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January 2008 legislative update A3701has been reintroduced as A1684 to establish a lane
splitting task forces and S-1004 to increase the fines for right away
violations stalled in committees. These bills will be reintroduced in the new
213th legislative session starting January 8, 2008. We were
informed by Senator Madden's and Sweeny's Assistants.
ABATE wants all motorcyclists
in
|
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Nebraska lawmakers debate letting bikers go helmet free While Hausmann believes people should be required to wear helmets, other bikers say it's their right to go without. Lawmakers' first task of the legislative session was a bill (LB253) Monday that would allow people 21 and older go helmet-free if they take a safety courses and wear eye protection. They didn't vote on the bill and will continue debate Tuesday. "It's freedom of choice," said Darryl Wattier of Seward, who said helmets restrict his vision and are uncomfortable, especially in the heat. |
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Quigley's helmet law battle goes on: appellate court clarifies legal headgear for motorcyclists An Aptos man's crusade to change how the California Highway Patrol enforces the state motorcycle helmet law may have ended Friday. However, he isn't around to see it. In some ways, Richard Quigley won, but if he were still out riding, Quigley would not be allowed to cruise California highways in a leather skull cap or knit beanie. The 6th District Court of Appeals published a ruling Friday that narrows the definition of a motorcycle helmet and forbids riders from wearing soft-shell caps -- like a baseball hat -- as helmets. |
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Keep your hands off my freedoms I am a motorcyclist and have been for more than 30 years. I have health insurance and the majority of those I know who ride also have good paying jobs and health insurance. Most are responsible individuals who enjoy the freedom of the open road and would rather that somebody sitting behind a desk or statehouse bench not determine what they can and cannot do in regard to that freedom. I ride with and without a helmet, depending on the situation and the time of year. |
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Sturdy helmets a must for bikers Achtung, biker. If you ride with one of those goofy toy Nazi helmets as your only brain protection, North Carolina's motorcycle safety law was written with you in mind. Starting today, every motorcycle rider must wear a helmet that meets federal safety standards. There is fine print at issue here, but basically we're talking about a helmet that weighs about 3 pounds -- with a hard shell, a thick polystyrene-foam liner and a sturdy chin strap that must, by law, be fastened firmly.Another story Remember this next time you pass through North Carolina. Get your gas, food, and lodging in South Carolina where your right to make your own informed decision is respected. Don't help fund the enemies who oppose your freedom to make your own informed decisions. |
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No helmet? 6 points on your driving record Australia: Motorists have been warned to take extra care on the road this silly season or face the music. Six points will be lost from the driver's licence for not wearing a seatbelt and six points will be lost to motorcycle riders without helmets.So you think this can only happen in Australia? Well New Jersey made riding without a helmet have points just a few years ago. It was ABATE that eventually got rid of this discriminatory law. Consider giving YOURSELF a present of freedom this year with an ABATE membership. |
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Venture Vehicles Developing 3-Wheel
Tilting Hybrid Electric Vehicle A key feature of the VentureOne is the patented Dynamic Vehicle Control tilting technology from Carver Engineering that allows the body of the vehicle to actually tilt when going through turns while all three wheels maintain firm contact with the road. Two in-wheel 25 kW electric pancake motors will power the two rear wheels, with a small (15 to 20 kW) flex-fuel genset providing on-road recharging. The hybrid will use a 3 kWh li-ion pack from A123Systems. When garaged, it need only be plugged into a household outlet.Looks like half car and half 3 wheeled motorcycle. Wonder if they'll make drivers and pasengers wear a helmet. |
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