THE AIM/NCOM MOTORCYCLE E-NEWS SERVICEis brought to you by Aid to Injured Motorcyclists (A.I.M.) and the National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM), and is sponsored by the Law Offices of Richard M. Lester. If you’ve been involved in any kind of accident, call us at 1-(800) ON-A-BIKE or visit www.ON-A-BIKE.com.

NCOM BIKER NEWSBYTES

Compiled & Edited by Bill Bish,

National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM)

CONGRESSMAN CHALLENGES THE SCIENCE OF E15 GAS

U.S. Representative Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI) has introduced legislation to require the Environmental Protection Agency to “seek independent scientific analysis on the effects of 15 percent blend ethanol gasoline” (E15), which the EPA recently allowed to be sold for use in 2001 or newer vehicles; though motorcycles and ATVs are not approved for its use, nor are most small air-cooled engines, and using the hotter-burning fuel could cause premature wear, engine damage and void the manufacturer’s warranty.

"The EPA's decision to allow E15 into the marketplace will impact every American who owns a car, lawnmower, or boat,” said Sensenbrenner in announcing his bill, H.R.3199. “Automakers insist that using E15 will void warranties, lower fuel efficiency, and cause premature engine failure. In off-road engines, the effects can even be dangerous for users.”

Motorcyclists should be concerned about the availability of compatible fuel supplies if gas stations primarily provide E15 gasoline that’s EPA-approved for the majority of their customers -- but no on- or off-road motorcycles or ATVs appear on the EPA’s list of vehicles approved for use of E15.

"There are serious concerns that the EPA used only one Department of Energy test and rushed E15's introduction into the market place. This test was limited in scope and ignored a plethora of evidence - albeit inconvenient evidence for the EPA - that shows E15 gasoline has a negative effect on engines,” according to Sensenbrenner. “I introduced this legislation to ensure a decision of this magnitude will be vetted by independent scientific research, rather than political expediency."

Earlier this summer, Congressman Sensenbrenner, who is the Vice Chair of the House Committee on Science,introduced H.R. 748 to prohibit the EPA from authorizing the use of gasoline containing greater than 10% ethanol (E10).

BIKERS’ RIGHTS TO HEALTH CARE

Akin to some Unions that have negotiated lower health care costs by excluding insurance coverage for so-called “risky” behavior such as horseback riding, skiing and riding motorcycles, the state of Georgia may soon exclude motorcyclists from their healthcare benefits.

The chairman of a House study committee looking at Georgia's health benefit plan said the state might require employees to disclose dangerous activities like skydiving and riding motorcycles.

State Rep. Carl Rogers (R-Gainesville) said that the panel is looking to bring down skyrocketing costs in the state health plan. Earlier this year, lawmakers were forced to scramble to fill a $300 million budget hole for the health benefits.

Rogers told the Associated Press that state employees who take part in risky activities might eventually pay higher premiums.

TRUE COLORS: COPS VS. BIKERS

“Nowadays, officers also have to worry about lawsuits when they pull over a ‘one-percenter’,” reported the Philadelphia Daily News in response to a civil rights lawsuit claiming profiling and police harassment, adding that “Biker gangs might have a well-deserved reputation, but one local attorney who represents several clubs says that ‘reputation’ isn't a valid reason for a traffic stop.”

"Some of this tension between the cops and the bikers is because the cops hassle them ALL the time," said Aid to Injured Motorcyclists(A.I.M.) Attorney Boyd Spencer, who represents the Eastern Pennsylvania Confederation of Clubs.

Spencer is representing three bikers in a civil-rights lawsuit stemming from a July 30, 2009, traffic stop involving six motorcyclists, two of the defendants are Pagan’s M/C members and a third defendant was a Tribe M/C member.

According to the complaint, the bikers were ticketed for not having approved helmets and were told to remove their "colors", the patched jackets members wear. The whole traffic stop, which lasted more than an hour, was captured by mounted cameras in the police cruisers.

"Now you're all going to take your jackets off, because on this highway, these are the only colors," one of the state troopers, referring to State Police blue and gold, told the group after nearly 50 minutes had passed.

The bikers didn't budge. None of them took off his colors. The helmets were later found to be legal, and a prosecutor dismissed the charges. Spencer, who said the demand to take off their colors was out of bounds, chalks up the traffic stop to harassment.

Spencer said he always hears about bikers getting harassed. "I've got a guy in Upper Darby who gets pulled over every time he goes out on his bike," he said.

Upper Darby police Superintendent Michael Chitwood Sr. told the newspaper that bikers get pulled over if they break traffic laws, like anyone else. Police keep tabs on them, though. "These operations have become very sophisticated. They know what their rights are and what the police can do," he said.

“NO COLORS” RULE RESCINDED AT KENTUCKY EVENT

Following failed negotiations with Beech Bend Park near Bowling Green, Kentucky upon announcing they would no longer allow club colors of any kind at their All Harley Drags, the Kentucky Motorcycle Association/KBA called for a boycott of their events until this discriminatory policy was changed.

“After the word went out it is my understanding that several hundred phone calls went to the offices of Beech Bend Park,” said Jay Huber, President of KMA/KBA. “As a result of those calls the management at Beech Bend has reversed its decision regarding NO COLORS at its events.”

“The KMA/KBA along with the Kentucky Confederation of Clubs is committed to eliminating this type of discrimination as it hurts the entire biker community,” said Huber, adding that his organization will post listings on their website of businesses that discriminate with regard to No-Colors and urge “that ALL bikers please refrain from using the services of any business that participates in this type of action.”

SUIT CHARGES DISCRIMINATORY ENFORCEMENT OF NEVADA HELMET LAW

A dozen motorcycle riders recently filed a class action lawsuit charging arbitrary and discriminatory enforcement of Nevada’s helmet law.
 

The suit filed in U.S. District Court charges "defendants, through their agents, have an ongoing pattern and practice of issuing helmet tickets to the class members that are not supported by constitutionally sufficient probable cause, thereby violating the civil rights of the class members." The action blames Clark County and the cities of Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Henderson and Mesquite; and Boulder City, and their police departments for the disparity in enforcement, and if certified as a class the suit could represent more than 40,000 motorcycle riders in the county.

The group is hoping to ultimately win the repeal of Nevada's helmet law, but this lawsuit is not about whether the government has the right to require motorcycle riders to wear helmets, which the Nevada Supreme Court ruled that it does, but instead the action accuses local police and prosecutors of selectively enforcing the helmet law and of using it unconstitutionally to hassle bikers.

“This violates the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution barring unreasonable search and seizure,” commented A.I.M. (Aid to Injured Motorcyclists) Attorney Sam Hochberg in The Gunny’s Sack monthly e-column. “The suit also alleges violations of the 14th Amendment protections against arbitrary and discriminatory enforcement. They are saying the fines are all over the map with no balance. The suit essentially says that law enforcement folks are using the Nevada helmet law to harass motorcyclists.”

Dubbed the Class M class action, the suit seeks to include some 40,000 Nevadans holding motorcycle endorsements on their driver's licenses.

NATIONWIDE MOTORCYCLE THEFTS DOWN

A motorcycle is stolen every 9.5 minutes in America, but according to a report by the National Insurance Crime Bureau, motorcycle thefts last year were down 24% from their 2007 total. There were 65,678 motorcycles reported stolen in 2007 compared with 49,791 in 2010, according to data from theft reports contained in the National Crime Information Center.

The top five makes stolen last year were: (1) Honda, 12,260; (2) Yamaha, 9,853; (3) Suzuki, 7,869; (4) Kawasaki, 5,470; and (5) Harley-Davidson, 3,301. Combined, these five brands accounted for 38,753 thefts in 2010, or 77.8 percent of the total.

The top five states with the most motorcycle thefts in 2010 were: (1) California, 5,662; (2) Texas, 4,394; (3) Florida, 4,148; (4) North Carolina, 2,649; and (5) Indiana, 1,925. These five states accounted for 18,778 thefts, or 37.7% of the total.

FACT OR FICTION: MOTORCYCLES ARE ECO-FRIENDLY

In the popular belief that since motorcycles get better mileage they must be greener than cars, "People are trading in their cars and driving motorcycles instead because they believe that's the more environmentally friendly choice," said “MythBusters” television host Adam Savage in the season opener of the popular Discovery Channel show. "The logic is because motorcycles are generally more fuel-efficient than cars, they burn less gas and thus they must be better for the environment."

As the MythBusters have done with each of the show's previous seven seasons, Savage and his co-host Jamie Hyneman set out to test the theory, and the Los Angeles Times recently reported on the show’s findings.

The MythBusters duo selected three motorcycles and three cars that were common in the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s and put the undisclosed vehicles through a 30-minute, 20-mile real-world course, 75% of it consisting of highway driving and 25% city driving.

Savage drove all three cars while Hyneman trailed him on the bikes, each one equipped with portable emission-measuring systems that tracked exhaust gases from a probe in the tailpipe and collected engine information from the engine control unit to determine each vehicle’s fuel economy and emissions profile.

The upshot of the experiment was that the newer two-wheeler was indeed 28% more fuel efficient than the comparable car and emitted 30% less of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide, however the same motorcycle emitted 416% more smog-forming hydrocarbons, 3,220% more oxides of nitrogen and 8,065% more of the toxic air pollutant carbon monoxide.

The MythBusters' conclusion: "At best, it's a wash. Motorcycles are just as bad for the environment as cars," Savage said on the show. "At worst, they're far worse."

But emissions are only one factor in the equation that measures a vehicle's true impact on the environment, and as LA Times columnist Susan Carpenter concludes; “Despite the MythBusters' findings, emissions are only part of the story of a vehicle's true greenness. According to the Motorcycle Industry Council, motorcycle manufacturing requires thousands fewer pounds of raw materials than automobiles. They require less fossil fuel, so they require less energy to pull that fossil fuel out of the ground. They use fewer chemicals and oils than cars. And motorcycles produced today are 90% cleaner in California than they were 30 years ago. Note to MythBusters: How about a cradle-to-grave life cycle assessment for cars and motorcycles for the Season 9 opener?”

WEIRD NEWS: MOTORBIKERS TAKE BITE OUT OF APPLE

Just like in the movies, seven motorbike riders carrying passengers wearing full face helmets recently conducted an early-morning “smash-and-grab” robbery by busting a window of an Apple Store in central London and plundering thousands of dollars in Mac laptops, iPads and iPhones. “Apple is a big ticket item and a very easy sell,” deputy inspector Gregory Antonsen told the International Business Times, calling this one “primarily an Apple case”.

QUOTABLE QUOTE: “Just because you do not take an interest in politics doesn't mean
politics won't take an interest in you!”
~ Pericles (c. 495 – 429 BC), Greek Statesman

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TIGER TALES – JANUARY, 2012

A very Happy New Year to my ABATE Family and Freedom Fighters everywhere!  I hope this finds all of you starting 2012 off well after enjoying a satisfying Holiday Season with family and friends.  My home Chapter, ABATE’s Central Oklahoma District, placed enough confidence in me to re-elect me as President so I look forward to a rewarding and fun year at the helm.  I’d like to welcome our other COD Chapter Officers for the 2012 Term: Monte “Stick” Keiner, Vice-President; Carmaletta Lara, Secretary; Ruby Buskirk, Treasurer; and Amos Tallbear and John Dries, Sgts-at-Arms.  In addition, Stick and Mark “Bus” Buskirk are going to repeat as Chapter Representatives to the State Board. Thanks so much to these dedicated members for volunteering to lead our Chapter and make it stronger and more effective!  We’ll have opportunity to kick off 2012 the right way at the Oklahoma Confederation of Clubs Meeting in Lawton January 8, and at the OK SMILE State Membership Meeting at the Biltmore Hotel in Oklahoma City January 13-15.  I very much look forward to seeing my Brothers and Sisters there!

Our FIFTEENTH ANNUAL COD ABATE Veterans’ Day Run to the State Capitol’s Oklahoma War Memorial was successful, and over 475 motorcycles, trikes and vehicles took part.  After a heartfelt service in front of the Eternal Flame, participants headed over to the American Legion Post #73 in Del City for a Hot Dog Cookout hosted by the Legion and the Guard Dogs MC, one of our OK Confederation member groups.  Many thanks to Post #73 for their hospitality! Thanks also to the American Legion Riders Post #1340 for managing the Parade route and providing outriders, and to the OKC Police Motorcycle Division for keeping folks safe.  Our Riders Post Commander, Robbie Wicker, served as Road Captain, and also collected donations for the OK Veterans’ Home in Norman.  Veterans’ Day underscores the importance of honoring our Military throughout the year, and holding the Government accountable for honoring its commitment to providing benefits hard-earned through Service and Sacrifice.  I look forward to working with the OK Confederation of Clubs as we expand our Veterans’ Connection Program to support our Military and Veteran members of the Riding Community.  Be sure to join us for our Memorial Day Bike Parade next May!

I was very busy in my role as National Coalition of Motorcyclist Director for Region 2 in November.  I attended the NCOM Semi-Annual Board Meeting November 11-12 in Memphis, TN, where we hammered out details for the 27^th Annual NCOM Convention scheduled for next May in Indianapolis, IN.  Make plans to be part of Biker History, where over 1,500 motorcyclists representing many different groups will attend!  Check out www.aimncom.comfor more details.  Attorney Mitch Proner outlined NCOM’s campaign to overturn New York’s discriminatory Motorcycle Only Checkpoints, and discussed the danger of videotaping officers in the process of harassing Bikers.  Ironically, one of our Board members got arrested for Disorderly Conduct while taking pictures of a Memphis Police Officer in the process of breaking up a domestic disturbance on Beale Street.  He was released after being arraigned and all charges were dropped, but it still cost him over two thousand dollars!  Laws vary in different areas, so be aware of what’s permitted before filming the police!

We held the NCOM Region 2 Conference November 19 in Tulsa, and over 500 Freedom-Loving motorcyclists and trikers attended.  All six Region 2 states were represented, so it was gratifying to network with folks from Texas, Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa and Missouri as well as Oklahoma and elsewhere in the Nation.  Special guests included South Dakota State Senator Jim Putnam, US Defenders Commander Gimmi Jimmy of Texas, NCOM Attorney Bill Smith, and Christian Unity Liaison Louie Nobs.  These experienced Freedom Fighters all presented educational, informative seminars on important issues.  As if to underscore discussed threats to Liberty, the Federal District Court in New York announced on the same day as our meeting that it upheld the legality of Motorcycle Only Checkpoints.  NCOM Attorney Mitch Proner plans to take this issue all the way to the US Supreme Court, so I’ll keep you informed on further developments!  I’d like to express my heartfelt thanks to the Oklahoma Confederation of Clubs, led by Bandido Steve-O 1%er, for providing logistical support contributing to the event’s overwhelming success.

Tiger’s Tip O’ The Month:  Ice is a primary adversary when riding in January, in that it’ll cause you to immediately lose traction.  Be especially observant, especially regarding Black Ice which can take you by surprise, and heavy ice buildup due to re-freezing slush or even deep water in the street caused by blocked storm drains or burst residential pipes!

I’d like to remind folks that Freedom of Choice regarding helmet wear in Michigan is STILL a possibility! ABATE’s bill has passed both Houses, and has gone back to the State Senate for re-confirmation.  After final approval, it goes to Governor Snyder’s office for signature.  The Governor’s keeping silent on the issue, so keep sending postcards to the Michigan Tourism Department!  As I bring this to a close, I can’t help reflecting on when I started submitting regular articles.  I was serving as ABATE State Sgt-at-Arms in 1997, and then-State Coordinator Mark Baldwin asked me to consider a monthly contribution.  We decided on “Tiger Tales”, and I quite frankly can’t remember ever missing a month in the almost fifteen straight years of writing.  It’s hard to believe so much time has passed, but it’s been a fun ride so far, and I hope you continue to find these articles beneficial and interesting.  As long as you do, I’ll be proud to oblige you!  Ride especially safely and aware during these Winter months, and I look forward to visiting again with you in February, as we get ready for Super Bowl Sunday and Valentine’s Day (not necessarily in that order!).

Keep It On The Black Strip Between The Trees,

Tiger Mike

Hello, Friends--

I hope everybody out there is enjoying a good week. Here is my Tiger Tales article for November, and hopefully you'll find it enjoyable.  I'll direct your attention to the information on our Veterans' Day Run taking place Friday, November 11, and the NCOM Region 2 Conference scheduled for November 18-19 in Tulsa.  Also, the American Legion Post #73 has graciously volunteered to host a Veterans' Day Party in Del City for all ceremony attendees.  Please make a special effort to join us at these significant events--I'll be looking for you!  Thanks for listening, Ride Free and Safely, and I'll see you on the Road!  Don't hesitate to call or e-mail me if you have any questions. 

In Liberty,

Tiger Mike Revere,

Proud Lifetime Member #001, ABATE of Oklahoma Inc.

405-596-1072 (cell)

TIGER TALES – NOVEMBER, 2011

Hello, Riding Friends!  As I write this, I’m enjoying the cooler fall weather, but saddened at the news that another member of our Riding Family has been violently taken from us.  Terri “Butterfly” Thomas, along with her partner Wolfman, both ABATE Lakes Area Chapter members, were victimized last month in a Motorcycle Wreck caused by a Right-Of-Way Violator.  Wolfman was severely injured and hospitalized, and Terri was tragically killed.  Even though our state continues to enjoy reduced death and injury rates, we continue to be reminded about how frustrating it is that our Brothers and Sisters continue to die for America’s right to Drive Stupidly!  As of this writing, the perpetrator has not been caught.  Please remember the families, friends and ABATE’s membership in this time of grief-Ride Free Forever, Butterfly!

Over four hundred motorcyclists and trikers packed the VFW Post in McAlester on September 11 for the Oklahoma Confederation of Clubs meeting which, as I mentioned last month, featured elections for the First Chair Position.  Before nominations were closed, the name of AVMC Lucky was included for the office.  AVMC Lucky, like all the nominees I mentioned last month, is a dedicated, experienced rider and Freedom-lover as well.  Again, many thanks to all these distinguished leaders of the Riding Community for stepping forward.  When the ballots were counted, Bandido Steve-O 1%er was elected to the position.  Heartfelt congratulations, Bandido Steve-O!   ABATE very much looks forward to working closely with you in fighting for the defense and enhancement of Motorcycling Liberty, in our state and Nationwide.

I was very glad to hear that so many of my ABATE compatriots had a terrific time at this year’s Party on the Plains in Lahoma Sept. 30-Oct. 2, which was one of our best-attended and most successful State-level events to-date.  As Oklahoma Confederation of Clubs Liaison, I attended organizational meetings that weekend to represent ABATE’s interests.  Our new Confederation First Chair, Bandido Steve-O 1%er, officially began his tenure with a Christian Unity Conference and Presidents’ Meeting on Saturday, followed by a U.S. Defenders Meeting on Sunday.  Under Steve-O’s leadership, the OKCOC is committed to improving its organizational effectiveness and accountability to the member groups it serves.  Our Spiritual Riding Family intends to expand its Christian Witness, and its meeting provided an excellent forum in which to discuss these issues.  We’re going to hold more regular meetings of Oklahoma leadership as well as the rank-and-file so everyone will interact more closely for the betterment of all.  Holly Hefton, one of ABATE’s Legal Advisors who’s an experienced Civil Rights Attorney, plans to work with the OK COC on judicial issues.  Whatever changes transpire will be designed to make a productive organization even better-I’m confident in a bright future! 

John Pierce, our Legislative Coordinator, gave an educational presentation at the Defenders’ Meeting on ABATE’s Legislative Goals and Strategy, and I was asked to speak on our close relationship with the National Coalition of Motorcyclists.  Malvado Bob has been appointed the new U.S. Defenders Commander for Oklahoma, and he’ll be succeeding Mark “Bus” Buskirk, who will be the OKCOC Logistics Coordinator.  Congratulations to both of you, and I’m enthused to work together with you and our Riding Community in our continued defense of the U.S. Constitution.  Remember: “If you don’t realize that you have Rights, then YOU DON’T!”

Here’s one last reminder for two significant events I hope you’ll be attending.  Our Veterans’ Day Bike Parade to the Oklahoma Memorial Park at the State Capitol kicks off on Friday, November 11.  Please join your fellow riders in tribute to our honored Military!  As usual, we assemble in the Skyline Restaurant Parking Lot on S.E. 15th Street, ¼ mile east of I-35 in Oklahoma City, and the Parade will depart promptly at 10:20AM.  Join us in the Parade or meet us at the State House.  Afterwards, the American Legion Post 73 in Del City has invited all participants to join them for a free Hot Dog Cookout! Last year, we had close to 500 attendees, even though it was a workday.  Unfortunately, I’m at the NCOM Semi-Annual Board Meeting in Memphis that weekend, after which I’ll be returning for our NCOM Region 2 Conference at the Wyndham Hotel in Tulsa November 18-19.  This regional meeting will be enlightening and fun, so I hope lots of Oklahomans will participate.  Check out www.aimncom.com for an event flyer and a meeting agenda, which will feature South Dakota State Senator Jim Putnam discussing Freedom of the Road issues; TMRA-II Chairman Paul Landers addressing the Fusion Center Threat; AIM Attorney Bill Smith updating on the Trademark Seizure challenge; a multi-state Legislative/Legal Forum, Confederation Meeting and Christian Unity get-together.  I look forward to seeing you there!

Tiger’s Tip O’ the Month:  Riders should always expect the unexpected, and November motorcycling can drive the point home.  We can quickly descend into unseasonably cold weather, freezing rain, ice and snow this month as easily as we baked in extreme heat this July and August.  Make sure your bike elements most easily threatened by cold, such as your battery, are attended to or replaced, check your tire pressure more regularly, and guard against hypothermia and wind-chill, which can cause damage before you know it!

We’ll close out this month planning another Thanksgiving Day celebration with family, friends and loved ones.  As we do this, I want to once again express my deep thanks for what I’m blessed with and sometimes take for granted.  Those blessings include the love and support of my fellow riders who cherish Liberty in Oklahoma, the greatest state in which to ride!  I’ll continue to show thanks by giving back with renewed effort to defend that Riding Freedom.  Keep riding Safely, Sober and Aware, and I’ll touch base with you again as winter draws closer and we get ready for Christmas!

Keep It On The Black Strip Between The Trees,

Tiger Mike

THE AIM/NCOM MOTORCYCLE E-NEWS SERVICE is brought to you by Aid to Injured Motorcyclists (A.I.M.) and the National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM), and is sponsored by the Law Offices of Richard M. Lester. If you’ve been involved in any kind of accident, call us at 1-(800) ON-A-BIKE or visit www.ON-A-BIKE.com.

NCOM BIKER NEWSBYTES

Compiled & Edited by Bill Bish,

National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM)

COURT ALLOWS RAID ON RIDER ED FUNDS

The Illinois Supreme Court may have opened the door for states to reallocate hundreds of millions of dollars from dedicated funding to balance their budgets.

In a recent 6-to-1 decision, the state’s high court upheld a prior circuit court ruling that backed the governor and Legislature's ability to take money from hundreds of special state funds to offset budgetary deficits, a practice commonly referred to as “sweeping”.

Motorcycle riders sued former Gov. Rod Blagojevich after he swept $1.2 million from the Cycle Riders Safety Training Fund (CRSTF) to pay general state bills after a 2004 law passed by lawmakers allowed him to do so. A portion of the fee for an Illinois motorcycle license goes into the CRSTF, which ABATE of Illinois argued was only to be spent on motorcycle safety education.

"Clearly, the fee charged by the state for motorcycle registration and licensing is state revenue, and therefore the portion of this state revenue which the General Assembly has allocated to the CRSTF is also public money," wrote Justice Anne Burke in the majority opinion. Burke rejected the ABATE lawyers’ argument that the special fund was tantamount to a special trust fund.

The state Supreme Court concluded that the legislature cannot create an irrevocable trust with public money because this would place an unconstitutional restraint upon the legislature’s plenary power.

Sweeping special funds was a controversial way to deal with budget deficits during the Blagojevich administration, and although the court’s ruling opens the door to more such sweeps, current Illinois Governor Pat Quinn opposes fund sweeps and has worked to end the practice.

MICHIGAN REQUESTS YOUR SUPPORT FOR HELMET FREEDOM

Michigan may be on the verge of repealing their mandatory helmet law as Senate Bill 291 appears destined for the governor’s desk, and ABATE of Michigan has issued a “Call to Action” requesting the help of all motorcyclists in their freedom of choice efforts.

SB291 passed the Michigan Senate 24-14 in late June, and is now back for a “concurrence vote” after passing the House 69-39 on Nov 2nd, so a favorable vote will put ABATE’s hopes in the hands of Governor Rick Snyder who has not indicated whether he will sign or veto the measure.  Two previous repeal bills were vetoed by then-Gov. Jennifer Granholm.

“Governor Snyder prides himself on being all about business and helping business,” said Vince Consiglio, President of ABATE of MI, adding; “A letter from a ‘FREE’ State may help him realize Michigan loses motorcycle money every day of the summer with a mandatory helmet law.”

Under the bill, motorcyclists 21 and older would have the option of riding helmet-free if they have two years of experience or have taken a safety course, and if they buy at least $20,000 in medical insurance.

“Please urge Governor Snyder to support adult choice,” requests Consiglio on behalf of ABATE, by contacting Governor Rick Snyder, State Capital, P.O. Box 30013, Lansing, MI 48909 or call (517) 373-3400 or e-mail Rick.Snyder@michigan.gov.

BIKERS RALLY TO RESCIND UN-FAIR POLICY

“The State Fair of Louisiana, for a minute, mind you, adopted a discriminatory position toward bikers by posting signs that would not allow them to attend the fair in their traditional biker gear, some of which is protective gear,” said Mary Baker in an article in the Examiner newspaper, adding that “…bikers everywhere contribute to charity in a way that not many other segments of the population do… And, they definitely make an impact on the local community, spending hundreds of thousands of dollars at local establishments including restaurants, theaters, bars, parks, and small businesses.  That is why it is disheartening to hear of discrimination based solely on appearance.”

Upon being alerted of the fair’s new anti-biker policy, Facebook exploded with messages like this: "ALERT/INFO: The State Fair of La. has adopted the policy: NO COLORS… Signs are now being posted at all gates. NO BIKER COLORS of ANY KIND. Please pass this on to ALL BIKER friends and family. MC's are being Discriminated against. To Complain:::: Call State Fair of La. Let Your VOICES be heard.... Repost!!! Don't support the fair..."

You can imagine that bikers, their friends and family were livid.  They began to complain about the discrimination with phone calls to the Director of the State Fair, and his offices.  The result: Before the end of the day, this message by the representative for Independent Riders, Northwest Louisiana, was posted on Facebook:

"UPDATE...UPDATE...UPDATE... WE HAVE WON !!!!! Just received a call... And the State Fair of Louisiana has now changed their policy. THE SIGNS HAVE BEEN REMOVED AND ALL BIKERS ARE WELCOME AT THE FAIR !!!!!! Never, never, NEVER underestimate the power of a close knit FAMILY !!! Thanks to all who made calls and helped !!!"

Louisiana State COIR (Coalition Of Independent Riders) Commander Lionel “Nite Train” Bailey reported that the US Defenders and COIR conducted a phone campaign and not only have the Louisiana State Fair officials rescinded their No Colors policy, but even offered to organize a Bike Night to a Blue Oyster Cult concert.

LAWMAKERS OVERRIDE GOVERNOR’S VETO OF RED LIGHT BILL

The Illinois House voted 94-21 and the Senate voted 45-6 to override Gov. Pat Quinn’s veto of the “Dead Red” bill supported by ABATE of Illinois that would allow motorcyclists to proceed through malfunctioning red lights.

As written, House Bill 2860 sponsored by Senator Gary Forby (D-Benton) and Representative Daniel Beiser (D-Alton), specifies that a motorcyclist would be permitted to legally run a red light "after a reasonable period of time," but Quinn vetoed the legislation with the request that a two minute wait time be amended to it.

The law will now go into effect on January 1, 2012, and according to Sen. Forby; “A measure I sponsored (HB 2860) will now become law after I was successful in overriding the governor’s amendatory veto. The bill allows motorcyclists to go through a red light if it fails to change to green because the switch hasn’t been tripped, or didn’t recognize the motorcycle. To alleviate a few of the concerns some of my colleagues raised, I introduced a "trailer bill" that requires motorcyclists to wait 120 seconds before proceeding through the red light. For those of us who have been stuck at a light without it ever changing to green, we know how reasonable this legislation is. This situation happens more than many people think and is a growing concern for bikers at outdated intersections. In fact, 360 rear end collisions occurred with motorcycles that were slowed or stopped in traffic in 2010. If bikers are trapped at a light, this bill gives them an opportunity to safely proceed through that signal, because otherwise they don't really have much of a choice. 11 other states already have laws like this in place, none of which have tried to rescind it.”

INTERNATIONAL MOTORCYCLE SAFETY REPORTS RELEASED 

Headlight configurations that make motorcycles more noticeable, why drivers fail to give way to motorcycles at T-intersections, and how mirror use influences car-motorcycle conflicts are among the topics researched and reported on in the new January issue of Accident Analysis & Prevention (AA&P), a journal primarily focused on causes and impacts of transportation accidents.

The themed AA&P edition is titled "Safety and Mobility of Vulnerable Road Users: Pedestrians, Bicyclists, and Motorcyclists" and consists of a selection of papers presented at an international conference organized by Israel's National Road Safety Authority.

In a report entitled "Recognizability of different configurations of front lights on motorcycles," the researchers say that "Results of a laboratory experiment have shown that motorcycles with a T-shaped light configuration are more quickly identified, particularly when the motorcycles are in visual competition with other motorized road users."

In "Why do car drivers fail to give way to motorcycles at t-junctions?," researchers studied differences between novice drivers, experienced drivers, and "dual drivers," i.e., drivers who also ride motorcycles. They found that dual drivers were better at recognizing motorcycles than either of the other two groups. While the results are inconclusive, the researchers state that "We argue that this is potential evidence for an oculomotor basis for Look But Fail To See errors."

The report "Attention and search conspicuity of motorcycles as a function of their visual context" says that multi-colored, reflective, and white rider outfits consistently made the riders more noticeable than a black outfit.

Cars changing lanes without recognizing that a motorcycle is in that lane is a common experience for motorcyclists, and that topic is addressed in "Attending overtaking cars and motorcycles through the mirrors before changing lanes." Not surprisingly, the researchers found that "Risky maneuvers were less likely to occur in those cases where more time was spent gazing at the mirrors."

Other reports in this issue address other motorcycle-related issues, and can be accessed on a for-pay basis, but abstracts of the reports are available on the journal's website at www.journals.elsevier.com. 

MOTORCYCLISTS BEWARE: STATES WITH THE WORST DRIVERS

You might believe that your state has the worst drivers in the country, but a newly released report from Carinsurancecomparison.com ranked states according to their safety record to determine where the bad drivers live.

Five factors were considered when determining the rankings; fatalities per million miles traveled, drunken driving, the number of tickets issued, failure to obey traffic signals and carelessness, utilizing data compiled from the National Highway and Transportation Safety Administration (driving fatalities), the National Motorist's Association (traffic tickets), and MADD (drunk drivers).

Here is their list of the 10 states with the worst drivers:

#10) South Carolina - Ranked 48th for fatalities and 45th for obeying road signs.

#9) Alabama - 46th for tickets. 42nd for fatalities. 41st for obeying road signs.

#8) Montana - Highest ticket rate in the country. Also ranked 40th for carelessness.

#7) Kentucky - 42nd for carelessness and 48th for drunk driving.

#6) Arizona - Arizona ranked poorly across the board.

#5) Oklahoma - Lots of DUIs, fatal accidents, and traffic tickets.

#4) Florida – Not as many drunk drivers... But Florida has more tickets than any other state.

#3) Texas - Texas ranked pretty poor in all categories.

#2) Missouri - Ranked in the bottom 10 for carelessness and DUIs.

#1) Louisiana - In the bottom 10 in all categories except failure to obey signs.

The safest driving state was Rhode Island, followed by Connecticut, Massachusetts, Virginia, and New Hampshire.

WEIRD NEWS: SPAIN FINES OVER HELMETLESS TOM HANKS POSTER

The Spanish distributor for the movie “Larry Crowne” was fined for a poster showing stars Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts riding a motorcycle without a helmet.

Tripictures was given a traffic fine of 30,000 euros ($41,500) for using the film’s U.S. poster to promote the movie’s overseas premiere because the government claimed it promoted reckless driving.

The distributor initially thought the ticket was a joke, but in 1985 Spain instituted a law that banned advertisements from promoting reckless driving. Fines are also given to celebrities if they promote the image of poor driving. One example came last year, when singer Shakira drove through Barcelona on a motorcycle without a helmet in one of her music videos.

QUOTABLE QUOTE: “In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act."

~ George Orwell (1903-1950) author of “1984”

_______________________________________________

THE AIM/NCOM MOTORCYCLE E-NEWS SERVICEis brought to you by Aid to Injured Motorcyclists (A.I.M.) and the National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM), and is sponsored by the Law Offices of Richard M. Lester. If you’ve been involved in any kind of accident, call us at 1-(800) ON-A-BIKE or visit www.ON-A-BIKE.com.

NCOM BIKER NEWSBYTES

Compiled & Edited by Bill Bish,

National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM)

FEDERAL HELMET LEGISLATION NARROWLY AVERTED

Due to the quick actions of concerned motorcyclists across the country, a major federal transportation measure narrowly avoided becoming a bill to encourage states to enact helmet laws nationwide.

On Monday, December 12 Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) filed an amendment to S.1449 the "Motor Vehicle and Highway Safety Improvement Act of 2011” that would call for mandatory helmet laws nationwide and could jeopardize funding for Motorcycle Safety programs across America.

By Tuesday the motorcycle community was alerted to Lautenburg’s efforts by national and state motorcyclists’ rights organizations, including the National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM), the AMA and MRF, and riders were urgently urged to contact their U.S. Senators to oppose the amendment -- and time was of the essence because a Senate committee was to vote on the bill the following day!

Wednesday, Dec 14, during the hearing held by the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science & Transportation Committee to “mark-up” the bill, Senator Lautenburg decided not to introduce his amendment.

Not only did motorcyclists’ prompt response help avoid another federal helmet law battle and preserve federal funding for motorcycle safety programs, but the committee also voted to accept two amendments by Senator Jim DeMint (R-SC) that removed language in the bill that would have lifted the current ban on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) from lobbying states to enact universal helmet laws for all riders.

S.1449 passed the committee by voice vote and now goes to the Senate floor for further action, while riders remain ever vigilant.

JUDGE UPHOLDS N.Y. MOTORCYCLE-ONLY CHECKPOINTS

A federal judge rejected motorcyclists' claims that their Constitutional rights were violated by New York State Police motorcycle-only “safety checkpoints” that detained thousands of riders en route to large N.Y. rallies and ticketed many of them for mostly non-safety violations.

Aid to Injured Motorcyclists (A.I.M.) Attorney Mitch Proner of NYC sued troopers on behalf of four motorcyclists who claimed that safety was a mere pretext in looking for criminals and that the practice was intrusive and unfair to motorcycle riders as a group.

But Judge Gary Sharpe concluded that safety was indeed the main focus of the initiative, which distinguishes the checkpoints from "a general interest in crime control" that could have amounted to unconstitutional seizures when there’s no "individualized suspicion of wrongdoing."

"The court concludes the checkpoints were enacted to promote motorcycle safety, a manifest public interest; they were effective in addressing this interest; and that any interference with individual liberties was not only minimal, but also grossly outweighed by the interest advanced," Sharpe wrote in his ruling.

"The intrusion on civil liberties is something that shouldn’t be countenanced," Proner told the Associated Press, adding that the discriminatory roadblocks have been ongoing since 2008 even though motorcycles, like other vehicles in New York, are already subject to annual safety inspections, and no other vehicles are stopped for roadside safety checks.

"It’s obvious just from their own internal documents they’re looking for criminal activity," said Attorney Proner, citing a checkpoint near Buffalo’s Peace Bridge that included border patrol agents, and one in central New York near a rally sponsored by a motorcycle club included gang task force officers.

"The fact they didn’t find crime doesn’t mean that wasn’t what they’re fishing for," he said. "That just shows you’ve got law abiding citizens on motorcycles primarily being inconvenienced."

Proner told the AP news agency that motorcyclists across the country are interested in this case, the only such federal lawsuit nationally though some other states have similar checkpoint programs, and that he will appeal.

SAFETY BOARD SEEKS BAN ON CELL PHONE USE WHILE DRIVING

States should ban all driver use of cell phones and other portable electronic devices (PEDs), except in emergencies, urges the National Transportation Board.  The NTSB recommendation, unanimously agreed to by the five-member board, applies to both hands-free and hand-held phones and significantly exceeds any existing state laws restricting texting and cellphone use by drivers.

The board made the safety recommendation in connection with their investigation of a deadly highway pileup in Missouri last year that was caused by the inattention of a 19 year-old-pickup driver who sent or received 11 texts in the 11 minutes immediately before the tragic crash that involved a semi and two school busses.

The accident is a "big red flag for all drivers," NTSB chairman Deborah Hersman said at a meeting to determine the cause of the accident and make safety recommendations. "No call, no text, no update is worth a human life."

The board has previously recommended bans on texting and cell phone use by commercial truck and bus drivers and beginning drivers, but it has stopped short of calling for a ban on the use of the devices by adults behind the wheel of passenger cars. While the NTSB doesn't have the power to impose restrictions, its recommendations carry significant weight with federal regulators and congressional and state lawmakers.

In November, Pennsylvania became the 35th state to forbid texting while driving, but despite such laws the problem is continuing to get worse according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that reports nearly 20% of drivers admit to texting or e-mailing, and at any given moment last year almost 1 in every 100 car drivers was texting, emailing, surfing the Web or otherwise using a handheld electronic device, up 50% over the previous year.

Joining in the campaign to curb distracted driving, Aid to Injured Motorcyclists (A.I.M.) has produced a color vinyl bumper sticker that reads; “HANG UP AND DRIVE!” that is available free by calling A.I.M. at 1-(800) ON-A-BIKE.

US TRAFFIC DEATHS HIT LOWEST LEVEL SINCE 1949

Annual traffic deaths in the U.S. have fallen to their lowest level in six decades, reports the U.S. Department of Transportation. Despite the fact that Americans drove almost 46 billion more miles during the year, highway deaths fell by nearly a thousand to 32,885 in 2010, representing a 2.9% drop from 2009 (33,883) and the lowest number of fatalities since 1949.

"While we have more work to do to continue to protect American motorists, these numbers show we're making historic progress when it comes to improving safety on our nation's roadways," said DOT Secretary Ray LaHood.

According to DOT statistics, deaths in crashes involving drunk drivers dropped 4.9% in 2010, resulting in 10,228 fatalities compared to 10,759 in 2009.  Fatalities declined in most categories in 2010, including for occupants of passenger cars and light trucks, but fatalities rose among motorcycle riders (4,469 in 2009 to 4,502 in 2010, an increase of 33, or less than 1%), pedestrians (up 4% from 4,109 to 4,280), occupants in medium and heavy trucks (499 to 529, +6%) and buses (26 to 44, +41%).

The latest figures also include a new measure of fatalities caused by distracted driving, essentially a refinement of existing data that focuses more directly on situations where dialing a phone, sending a text or the activities of another person or event are likely to lead to a crash. The DOT reports that 3,092 fatalities were the result of such “distraction-affected crashes.”

FEDS PROPOSE ADDITIONAL MOTORCYCLE SAFETY STUDY

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is proposing to launch a study program equipping 160 motorcycle riders with cameras, GPS, and other data recording devices in order to track riding behavior and how riders avoid -- or fail to avoid -- crashes.

"Knowledge of both how riders successfully avoid crashes and of behaviors that correlate with and contribute to crash risk is crucial to developing effective countermeasures to reduce motorcycle crashes and fatalities," says the NHTSA study proposal.

The federal agency is currently seeking comments on their proposed motorcycle safety study, which is very similar to a “naturalistic study” being conducted by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) tracking 100 specially-equipped motorcycles for one year to compile data on rider behavior.

NOISE CAMERA TO MUFFLE LOUD VEHICLES

First came red-light cameras, followed closely by speed-cameras, and now Calgary will soon become the first municipality to introduce noise cameras to the motoring public.

“Motorcycle riders and hotrod enthusiasts beware: the Noise Snare is one step closer to squelching your high-decibel expressions of mechanical masculinity,” reported the Calgary Herald about the pilot project that pairs a noise-reader with a camera to catch law breakers.

The $112,500 device was offered to Calgary for free as the first city to test the gadget, and if all goes well the city expects to be handing out $200 tickets by summer.

"This is something that will allow municipalities across North America to start enforcing (noise) bylaws. The fact that now it's been proven to be an accurate test is very, very important," said Bill Bruce, the city's director of bylaw services.

Electrical engineer Mark Nesdoly invented the “Noise Snare” after a loud motorcycle awoke his sleeping daughter one night.

SHOOTINGS PROMPT HONDURAN CONGRESS TO BAN MOTORCYCLE PASSENGERS

Following two recent high-profile killings, legislators in Honduras approved a decree banning motorcyclists from carrying passengers. It took the deaths of a radio journalist and a former government advisor to convince the National Congress of the need to restrict the number of riders on a motorcycle to one -- the driver. Suspects in both cases were passengers on motorcycles, who got away.

The legislation is being hailed as a common sense approach to fighting crime that will help discourage drive-by shootings, which have been one of the most common murder tactics in this Central American country because it makes it nearly impossible to identify and catch the helmeted killers who quickly flee the crime scene. Now, any motorcycle with two people will be suspect and can be pulled over by the police.

NIGERIA RESTRICTS MOTORCYCLES TO CURB BOMBINGS

Restrictions have been imposed on the operations of commercial motorcycles in Nigeria to check bombing incidences. The restrictions on the motorcycles, popularly called okada, were announced by the Special Task Force (STF) after a deadly triple bomb blast rocked three television viewing centers was attributed to the Islamic sect Boko Haram.

"The general public should be informed that no motorcycle will be allowed to operate beyond 7pm within the Jos-Bukuru metropolis. Riding of motorcycles is only permitted from 6am - 7pm, the enforcement of this ban will be strictly enforced,'' said Ikemefuna Okafor, an officer of STF.

WEIRD NEWS: MOTORCYCLISTS TAKE BITE OUT OF SNAKE VENOM DEATHS

In rural Nepal, volunteer motorcyclists are getting snakebite victims to help soon enough to cut deaths by 95%, reports Scientific American.

Snake bites are still a big concern for much of the world’s population, and the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that about 100,000 people die from poisonous snakebites each year. Many more people become paralyzed or permanently disabled.

Most victims live too far from clinics that could provide them with anti-venom. In Nepal, where more than 10% of bite victims die, an experimental program uses volunteer motorcyclists to save residents. Since the program launched 2003, only about 5% of victims who got a ride died. These findings were presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.

QUOTABLE QUOTE:  "To sin by silence, when they should protest, makes cowards of men."

~ Ella Wheeler Wilcox (1850–1919), American author & poet

_______________________________________________

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Hello, Friends--

I hope this finds all of you having a good month, and that you're enjoying getting ready for the Holiday Season.  I also hope a good number of you got to attend the Naysayer's 32nd Annual Toy Parade to benefit the Red Andrews Christmas Dinner in Oklahoma City, and that the event was successful.  Here is my December Tiger Tales article for folks to check out, and I hope you enjoy it as we close out the year together.  Our ABATE Chapters continue to host festive Toy Runs and other events to benefit those less fortunate this time of year, and I'd like to invite you to attend the COD Feed The Children Toy Run in OKC and the Tulsa ABATE Toy Run, both taking place Sunday, December 11.  You can obtain more information by linking to both the COD and Tulsa ABATE Websites from the ABATE State Website at: www.abateofoklahoma.org  Additionally, the Zodiacs MC is hosting its Toy Parade Saturday, December 10, leaving from their clubhouse at NE 10th St. and Martin Luther King Blvd. in OKC.  All are invited.  Thanks for listening, and best wishes for a very Happy Holiday Season! 

Yours in Freedom,

Tiger Mike Revere,

Proud Lifetine Member #001, ABATE of Oklahoma, Inc.

TIGER TALES – DECEMBER, 2011

Wow-is it just about the end of the year already?  Maybe it’s because so much of this summer was a write-off due to the excessively hot temperatures.  Anyway, it sure is nice to enjoy cooler weather, even though the infamous Oklahoma wind has picked up considerably.  We got a taste of that October 29 during the Horse Feathers Equine Rescue Poker Run, which started from Fort Thunder Harley-Davidson’s Parking Lot.  That was a festive place to be, with their staff all decked out in Halloween Costumes!  Several folks gave donations even though they couldn’t participate.  The route took us through Norman and up to Shawnee, where Sehorn Yamaha’s staff showed us a great deal of hospitality.  Then it was on to the Motorcycle Museum on Route 66, and to Horse Feathers in Guthrie where we enjoyed terrific food (Barbecue and Indian Tacos), games for the kids, and Door Prizes were given out along with High and Low Poker Hand Awards.  Many thanks to RT, who runs Horse Feathers and is a COD Chapter Member, for putting so much hard work into organizing a successful event and for caring so much about those wonderful animals.  Thanks also to all the workers and attendees-it was a tremendous opportunity to Help the Horses!

I also want to heartily thank all those who were able to attend both the COD ABATE Veterans’ Day Run to the State Capitol on November 11, and those who took part in the NCOM Region 2 Conference on November 19.  I’ll have more detailed information to provide on both of these events next month, but I’m thankful for our Motorcycling Community supporting our Armed Forces and Veterans, as well as focusing on issues directly related to Constitutional Freedoms and Bikers’ Rights.  It reinforces that riders don’t conform to a Negative Stereotype, but rather represent a broad cross-section of the best America has to offer.  We proudly exercise our Citizenship on a routine basis, and function as an Informed Electorate-which scares the heck out of Government!  ABATE aims to inspire this as we continue to work closely with the new leadership of the Oklahoma Confederation of Clubs, where I’m proud to be ABATE Liaison.  We’ll also expand on our 2012 Mission Strategy in January at the Oklahoma S.M.I.L.E. at the Quartz Mountain Resort in Lone Wolf.  I very much look forward to getting together with my ABATE Family as we celebrate our achievements, focus on the future, and welcome our next ABATE Lifetime Member.  You definitely need to make plans to attend!

Tiger’s Tip O’ The Month:  Frostbite and hypothermia don't just happen in the Arctic, or at Santa’s Workshop! As we’ve mentioned before, wind chill in winter can do serious damage to you if you're not prepared, even to the point of causing you to wreck due to hypothermia clouding your judgment.  So, dress in layers, protect the tender skin of the face (if you can't grow a beard!), and check out some of the newer, hi-tech gloves that protect the fingertips. Also, alcoholic beverages don't function as antifreeze--they actually lower your core body temperature in addition to causing all the other problems associated with drinking and riding.       

Keep It On The Black Strip Between The Trees,

Tiger Mike

We must learn to live, ride, and work together as brothers and sisters or perish together as fools.

The above used to appear on the masthead of the Massachusetts Motorcycle Association (MMA) Update Newsletter until a few years ago. We are republishing it here as we believe it is as true now as it was back then: maybe even more so.

We are asking every motorcyclist in this state to make every effort to attend the MMA's 11^th Annual Storm the State House Event on May 17, 2012.

We realize the Storm is scheduled on a regular work day, but we do this on purpose. If we scheduled the Storm for a weekend there would be no one at the State House for riders to talk to and thus we would have zero impact. This is your chance for YOUR voice to be heard up on Beacon Hill.

Part of our ride is directly in front of the State House and our Legislators comment that they hear us coming.

The Storm the Statehouse is a FREE EVENT and the MMA even picks up the tab for parking in Boston for the day.

As riders, we often spend a lot of time and money on charity events and other rides that have nothing to do with motorcycles or motorcycle rights; most of these causes are very deserving, but frankly they won’t reciprocate by fighting for motorcyclists’ rights… Our Rights! They have their own battles to wage. The only people who will fight for OUR Rights are WE THE RIDERS!

This is an opportunity for all of us to make a difference and let your voices be heard. Show our lawmakers we care about our rights and our chosen lifestyle.

Make a difference - Don't think the "other" guy will do it

This one day off from work will go a long way towards guaranteeing your right to ride as free as possible.

Questions can be sent to LegislativeDirector@MassMotorcycle.org Visit www.MassMotorcycle.org “Calendar of Events” tab and register for this FREE EVENT. Also, available for purchase are the MMA Storm the State House Event T-Shirt (pictured below) and patch set. This the MMA’s premier Legislative Lobbying Day. Join Us! 

All,

 Representative Todd Atwater filed an equal access bill which will prevent discrimination against motorcyclists in facilities constructed using public funds.  The bill is included below and has been referred to the Committee on Education and Public Works.  Please contact your representative as well as representatives on the Committee to let them know how important this bill is to us.  If we are successful, motorcyclists will no longer be denied access to the very facilities our tax dollars went to build.  I have included the contact information for each of the committee members below.  It would also be helpful if you could contact Representative Atwater, a member of ABATE, and let him know how much we appreciate his help in getting this bill introduced.  Todd’s email is:ToddAtwater@schouse.gov.

House Committee of Education and Public Works members:

Representative Phillip D. "Phil" Owens

Chairman, House Education and Public Works Committee

District 5 - Pickens County

Columbia Address

429 Blatt Bldg.

Columbia, 29201

(803) 734-3053

(864) 850-7070

Representative Don C. Bowen

District 8 - Anderson & Oconee Counties

Columbia Address

306C Blatt Bldg.

Columbia, 29201

(803) 734-3038

(864) 934-3272

Representative Eric J. Bikas

District 26 - Greenville & Pickens Counties

Columbia Address

434C Blatt Bldg.

Columbia, 29201

(803) 212-6892

(864) 246-6009

Representative Norman D. "Doug" Brannon

District 38 - Spartanburg County

Columbia Address

404D Blatt Bldg.

Columbia, 29201

(803) 212-6876

(864) 573-0048

Representative Joseph S. Daning

District 92 - Berkeley County

Columbia Address

310B Blatt Bldg.

Columbia, 29201

(803) 734-2951

Representative Harold Mitchell, Jr.

District 31 - Spartanburg County

Columbia Address

414C Blatt Bldg.

Columbia, 29201

(803) 734-6638

Representative Andrew S. "Andy" Patrick

District 123 - Beaufort County

Columbia Address

308A Blatt Bldg.

Columbia, 29201

(803) 212-6928

(843) 290-6606

Representative Tommy M. Stringer

District 18 - Greenville County

Columbia Address

312A Blatt Bldg.

Columbia, 29201

(803) 212-6881

(864) 877-9511

Representative Anne J. Thayer

District 9 - Anderson County

Columbia Address

436D Blatt Bldg.

Columbia, 29201

(803) 212-6889

(864) 940-1696

Representative James M. "Jimmy" Neal

District 44 - Lancaster County

Columbia Address

422C Blatt Bdlg.

Columbia, 29201

(803) 734-2976

(803) 475-3533

Representative Todd K. Atwater

District 87 - Lexington County

Columbia Address

320D Blatt Bldg.

Columbia, 29201

(803) 212-6924

(803) 798-6207

Representative Lester P. Branham, Jr.

District 61 - Florence County

Columbia Address

314B Blatt Bldg.

Columbia, 29201

(803) 734-3002

(843) 374-8545

Representative Robert L. Brown

District 116 - Charleston & Colleton Counties

Columbia Address

330D Blatt Bldg.

Columbia, 29201

(803) 734-3170

(843) 889-6440

Representative Jerry N. Govan, Jr.

District 95 - Orangeburg County

Columbia Address

530C Blatt Bldg.

Columbia, 29201

(803) 734-3012

(803) 533-6402

Representative Ralph W. Norman

District 48 - York County

Columbia Address

404A Blatt Bldg.

Columbia, 29211

(803) 212-6888

(803) 366-8141

Representative Joshua A. Putnam

District 10 - Anderson County

Columbia Address

532D Blatt Office Building

(803) 212-6931

(864) 238-9431

Representative Bill Taylor

District 86 - Aiken County

Columbia Address

416D Blatt Bldg.

Columbia, 29201

(803) 212-6923

(803) 270-2012

Representative Mark N. Willis

District 16 - Greenville & Laurens Counties

Columbia Address

326B Blatt Bldg.

Columbia, 29201

(803) 212-6882

(864) 230-0135

H. 4691

STATUS INFORMATION

General Bill
Sponsors: Rep. Atwater
Document Path: l:\council\bills\swb\5107cm12.docx

Introduced in the House on January 26, 2012
Currently residing in the House Committee on Education and Public Works

Summary: Not yet available

HISTORY OF LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS

     Date      Body   Action Description with journal page number

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

   1/26/2012  House   Introduced and read first time

   1/26/2012  House   Referred to Committee on Education and Public Works

View the latest legislative information at the LPITS web site

VERSIONS OF THIS BILL

A BILL

TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 57-1-90, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SHALL NOT DISCRIMINATE AGAINST MOTORCYCLES, MOTORCYCLE OPERATORS, OR MOTORCYCLE PASSENGERS.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

SECTION    1.    Article 1, Chapter 1, Title 56 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 57-1-90.    (A)    In formulating transportation policy, promulgating regulations, allocating funds, and planning, designing, constructing, equipping, operating and maintaining transportation facilities, no action of the South Carolina Transportation Commission, or the South Carolina Department of Transportation shall have the effect of discriminating against motorcycles, motorcycle operators, or motorcycle passengers. No regulation or action of the commission, or department shall have the effect of enacting a prohibition or imposing a requirement that applies only to motorcycles or motorcyclists, and the principal purpose of which is to restrict or inhibit access or motorcycles and motorcyclists to any highway, bridge, tunnel, or other transportation facility.

(B)    The provisions of this section shall apply also to transportation facilities and projects undertaken or operated by counties, cities, towns, and other political subdivisions of the State of South Carolina where public funds have been used in whole or in part to plan, design, construct, equip, operate, or maintain the facility or project."

SECTION    2.    This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor. 

This Bill would outlaw carrying anyone under 7 on a motorcycle. It has been assigned to the House Judiciary Committee. Please contact them and let them know how you feel about this. Here is a link to the committee members; http://www.scstatehouse.gov/committee.php?chamber=H#jud

http://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess119_2011-2012/bills/4653.htm

H. 4653

STATUS INFORMATION

General Bill
Sponsors: Reps. Daning and Crosby
Document Path: l:\council\bills\swb\5009cm12.docx

Introduced in the House on January 24, 2012
Currently residing in the House Committee on Judiciary

Summary: Unlawful to transport child 7 years or younger on motorcycle

HISTORY OF LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS

     Date      Body   Action Description with journal page number
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   1/24/2012  House   Introduced and read first time (House Journal-page 17)
   1/24/2012  House   Referred to Committee on Judiciary 
                        (House Journal-page 17)

View the latest legislative information at the LPITS web site

VERSIONS OF THIS BILL

1/24/2012

TO AMEND SECTION 56-5-3630, RELATING TO THE MANNER IN WHICH A MOTORCYCLE MUST BE OPERATED, SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT IT IS UNLAWFUL TO TRANSPORT A PERSON WHO IS SEVEN YEARS OLD OR YOUNGER ON A MOTORCYCLE.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

SECTION 1. Section 56-5-3630 of the 1976 Code is amended to read:

"Section 56-5-3630. (a)(A) A person operating a motorcycle shall ride only upon the permanent and regular seat attached thereto and the operator shall not carry any other person nor shall any other person ride on a motorcycle unless the motorcycle is designed to carry more than one person, in which event a passenger may ride upon the permanent and regular seat if designed for two persons, or upon another seat firmly attached to the motorcycle at the rear or side of the operator.

(b)(B) A person shall ride upon a motorcycle only while sitting astride the seat, facing forward, with one leg on each side of the motorcycle.

(c)(C) No person shall operate a motorcycle while carrying any package, bundle or other article which prevents him from keeping both hands on the handlebars.

(d)(D) No operator shall carry any person, nor shall any person ride, in a position that will interfere with the operation or control of the motorcycle or the view of the operator.

(e)(E) No person riding upon a motorcycle shall attach himself or the motorcycle to any other vehicle on the roadway.

(F) It is unlawful to transport a person who is seven years old or younger on a motorcycle."

SECTION 2. This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.

This web page was last updated on January 25, 2012 at 3:22 PM