http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bruces_rights_riders_list.php Subscribe to Bruces Rights Riders List to get the Truth--no spin, no mushroom treatment--about American bikers rights, motorcycle awareness, motorcyclists safety and other key motorcycling and two-wheeled political issues. This is our official list archive, including releases which may have received limited distribution due to regional relevance or other considerations. http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/images/BruceArnold.jpg http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bruces_rights_riders_list.php 75 125 Bruce Arnold: Long distance motorcycle rider, bikers rights advocate. http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0138.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0138.php News Release - for Immediate Release (July 10, 2009) For more info, contact: Paul W. Cote, ClaimsCote@aol.com - 978-535-8222 (days) Bill Gannon, billgannon2@hotmail.com Mike Longtin, mlongtin@comcast.net Vince Silvia, vsilvia@thesilvias.com - 987-852-3626 (cell) Larry Cahill, webmaster@bostonbiker.com Boston, MA. Yesterday Suffolk Superior Court Judge Geraldine S. Hines, heard arguments today for a Motion seeking to temporarily restrain Boston's Law and Traffic Enforcement Agencies from enforcing City of Boston Ordinance Docket Number 0658, which calls for $300.00 fines on (only) motorcycle exhaust equipment not displaying a "readily visible" stamp that the system is approved by the Federal Environmental Protection Agency. Judge Hines stated she would take their arguments under advisement and issue a decision soon. Until her decision is rendered, the ordinance remains in effect. If you ride, or even park your motorcycle in Boston and the EPA labeling is not readily visible, you remain liable for a $300.00 fine... http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0137.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0137.php (Boston, MA) A group of motorcyclists' rights advocates and activists are putting the final touches on a lawsuit they expect to file this week in Suffolk Superior Court, asking the Court to restrain the City of Boston from issuing $300 tickets to motorcyclists and declare a recently rushed through "noise" Ordinance invalid. Paul W. Cote of Amesbury, Bill Gannon of Quincy, Vince Silvia of Haverhill, Mike Longtin of N. Easton, and Larry Cahill of Medford, have joined together to rally riders and fight the City of Boston's Docket No. 0658 Ordinance, passed by the Boston City Council on June 3, and signed by the Mayor June 9th, which reads: "(a)1) No person shall park, use or operate a motorcycle, within the City of Boston, manufactured subsequent to December 31, 1982, that does not bear the required applicable Federal EPA exhaust label pursuant to Code of Federal Regulations Title 40, Volume 24, Part 205, Subparts D and Subpart E. 2) All violations of subsection (a)(1) shall be punishable by a fine of three hundred dollars and no cents ($300.00)... http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0136.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0136.php A couple of weeks ago, New Jersey Iron Butt rider extraordinaire John Ryan rode 5,645 miles--from Prudhoe Bay, Alaska to Key West, Florida--in 86 hours 31 minutes, setting a new record for the IBA's Ultimate Coast-to-Coast ("UCC") run. John was successful not only because he rode hard, but also because he rode smart. In other words, in addition to skill, strength and fortitude, he demonstrated his ability to set a goal and implement an effective strategy in achieving it. Just as "making the distance" is our goal in endurance riding, "making a difference" should be our goal in motorcyclists' rights. And in a world of finite resources and conflicting priorities, to make a difference we have to work smart as well as hard, and do the best we can with what we have. In choosing what we want to accomplish, and more importantly what we are willing to sacrifice to make it happen, we define ourselves in the spectrum of the farces and forces of motorcyclists' rights: SLACKTIVISTS Quoting from Snopes.com: "We can't claim credit for having coined this term, nor do we know its actual origin, but we love it nonetheless. Slacktivism is the search for the ultimate feel-good that derives from having come to society's rescue without actually getting one's hands dirty, volunteering any of one's time, or opening one's wallet. It's slacktivism that prompts us to forward appeals for business cards on behalf of a dying child intent upon having his name recorded in the Guinness World Book of Records, or exhortations to others to continue circulating a particular e-mail because some big company has supposedly promised that every forward will generate monies for the care of a languishing tot. Likewise, it's slacktivism that prompts us to want to join a boycott of designated gas companies, or eschew buying gasoline on a particular day rather than reduce our personal consumption of fossil fuels by driving less and taking the bus more often. Slacktivism comes in many forms, but its defining characteristic is its central theme of doing good with little or no effort on the part of the person inspired to participate, through the mechanisms of forwarding, exhorting, collecting, or e-signing." This definition applies without exception to more than a few in our ranks. And to it I would add, in the language if not the words of Jeff Foxworthy, "If you believe that web blogging, forum posting or email forwarding without real-world followup is 'freedom fighting', then you just might be a slacktivist." http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0135.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0135.php A FEW SATURDAYS AGO ... I was riding home to the flat sands of South Florida after a twisting tour through the steep mountain ridges and narrow winding valleys surrounding Charleston, West Virginia. The weather was comfortably cool heading south down the WV Turnpike and on through Virginia's Blue Ridge Highlands to Fancy Gap and North Carolina. But from Mayberry ("Mt. Airy") on, the temperature and humidity rose rapidly as the elevation descended. And by the time I stopped for gas just south of Charlotte in Rock Hill, South Carolina, my handlebar thermometer was registering over 100 degrees. Continuing south on IH-77 through Columbia, I reached its terminus near Dixiana and turned east on IH-26. The oppressively sweltering heat was making me regret drinking Coke instead of water at my last stop a hundred miles back, and I was really looking forward to quenching my thirst at the next fill-up. Not long after that, though, I topped a rise and saw that my next stop would be delayed: There must have been a bad accident ahead, because before me was a sea of stationary taillights stretching in two lanes to the horizon. Damn! I stopped for a few moments like everyone else ... but only for a few. I recognized my dry mouth and draining strength as signs of dehydration. And yes, I admit I had neglected to pack any emergency water that morning, but I decided not to punish myself for that omission by sitting in the sun and baking on the hot pavement until I passed out. The emergency/breakdown lane was open, so I... http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0134.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0134.php William J. "Bill" Davidson Vice President of Core Customer Marketing Harley-Davidson Motor Company 3700 W. Juneau Avenue Milwaukee, WI 53208-2865 414-342-4680 Tel 414-535-3894 Fax Dear Bill, According to this 2009 MDA Harley-Davidson Ride Calendar... [ http://www.mdarides.org/rides/09ride_calendar.xml ] ...this year we can once again expect you and the Harley-Davidson Motor Company, through your network of hundreds of North American dealers and H.O.G. Chapters, to convince thousands of motorcyclists to contribute countless hours and millions of hard-earned dollars to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. And my question for you is this: WHY SHOULD MOTORCYCLISTS SUPPORT THE MDA? According to Charity Navigator, the nation's largest and most-utilized evaluator of charities, the MDA has a two-star rating with an overall point score of only 46.00: [ http://tinyurl.com/donotsupportmda ] That two-star rating means the MDA "needs improvement" because their program "meets or nearly meets industry standards, but underperforms most charities in its Cause". And that means that as the philanthropic Pied Piper of Chrome Pipes, you and the Motor Company have many more deserving non-biker charities to lure your loyal customers to than the MDA. This, in turn, leads to my next question... http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0133.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0133.php Dear Ms. Hunt, On the afternoon of 2 May 2009--the second day of "Motorcycle Awareness Month"--you made the deliberate decision to engage in the personal vanity of painting your fingernails rather than paying attention to your driving. In so doing, you knew or should have known that (just as if you were texting or talking on a cell phone) this deplorable discretionary distraction would transform the possibility of you being in an accident into a probability of causing one. In so doing, you exhibited a culpable disregard of the foreseeable consequences of your actions, and recklessly endangered the lives of all motorists who shared the road with you that day. And in so doing, you wantonly took the life of a helmeted, conspicuously clad, experienced and responsible motorcyclist, a loving wife and mother named Anita Zaffke: [ http://tinyurl.com/o4hcwv ] It's too bad Anita Zaffke didn't take the interstate that day. If she had, at least there'd be much less chance you could have plowed full speed into the rear of her Honda as she waited for a light to change. Instead she was on an undivided road, where according to NHTSA ( DOT HS 810 606 Table 20 ), 90% of all motorcycle accidents occur. And why is that? Because those are the roads where motorists guilty of inattentional blindness resulting from discretionary distractions are most likely to commit a right-of-way violation ... like pulling out or turning left in front of us as they chat on their cell phones ... or weaving into our lane and hitting us head on as they tap out their text messages ... or ramming us at a red light while they paint their fingernails. http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0132.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0132.php May is "Motorcycle Awareness Month" ... and here is the only "Motorcycle Awareness Message" you can rely on: ON ANY ROAD ... an "average person" thinks twice about turning in front of an 18-wheeler, but thinks nothing at all about turning in front of a motorcycle. WHY? Because an 18-wheeler is larger and "easier to see" than a motorcycle? Is that why? NOPE! It's because they know violating the right-of-way of an 18-wheeler can KILL them, but they have little reason to fear violating the right-of-way of a motorcycle. Perceived danger trumps discretionary distraction... http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0118.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0118.php Richard Lester's AIM/NCOM is an organization of lawyers, founded by lawyers, and ultimately for the benefit of lawyers ... lawyers whose principal profits come from our loss: [ http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/motorcyclists_rights/bikersrights0810.php ] Don't think for a moment that you were being wooed or recruited by these heels, Heels. YOU WERE BEING HERDED, like sheep to the slaughter! And speaking of Judas goats... Be forewarned that James "Doc" Reichenbach II harbors no more concern for the welfare of sportbikers--white OR black--than I'd guess you do for Klansmen. Reichenbach was widely accused of offering to sell out Florida's sportbikers on HB-137 in return for stiffer penalties legislation... http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0131.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0131.php May is Motorcycle Awareness Month, and here is a measure of the effectiveness of this annual feel-good campaign: Around 5:30pm and long before sunset last Saturday afternoon (May 2) a helmeted, yellow-jacketed, seasoned and sober motorcyclist, wife and mother named Anita Zaffke (56, Lake Zurich IL) was struck from behind while sitting on her Honda at a red light in Wauconda, thrown two hundred feet, and suffered from multiple wounds for an hour before dying ... KILLED by a speeding Chevrolet Impala whose driver, a not-so-dedicated healthcare professional named Laura Hunt (46, Morris IL), was too busy PAINTING HER FINGERNAILS to even slow down for the red light much less stop before slaughtering Anita ... http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0130.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0130.php Despite all the rumors and the City of Myrtle Beach's best efforts to discourage them, next month hundreds of thousands of motorcyclists are expected to ride or trailer to South Carolina's Grand Strand for "Myrtle Beach" Spring Bike Week (May 8-17) and the Atlantic Beach Memorial Day Bikefest (May 22-26). Yes, the Carolina Harley-Davidson Dealers Association claims they are moving their "Spring Rally" to New Bern, NC... http://tinyurl.com/bnvyt3 ...but that little burg is only gearing up to handle 3,000 to 4,000 "safe and law-abiding" (which in North Carolina includes DOT-lidded) motorcyclists: http://tinyurl.com/dxnjxe And according to this website... http://tinyurl.com/dbusro ..."The Carolina Dealers Association, which had a 10 x 30 booth selling t-shirts last year, decided to start an event in New Bern, NC. This will have no impact on Spring Bike Week in Myrtle Beach. We wish them well in New Bern, but nothing from Myrtle Beach is moving to New Bern." That means virtually all of those 300,000 to 500,000 riders the Associated Press referred to will still be headed for "the Strand": http://tinyurl.com/ccejxc If YOU plan to be one of them, be advised that bikers ... especially BLACK bikers ... are no longer welcome in Myrtle Beach. And why is that? Here's the official explanation from Myrtle Beach Mayor John Rhodes... http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0129.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0129.php Confidential Release. http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0128.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0128.php The American Motorcyclist Association ("AMA") is the world's largest and most influential motorcyclists' rights organization ("MRO"). With nearly 300,000 members, their base far exceeds that of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation ("MRF") and all of its ABATE confederates combined. In the Sunshine State, for example, the AMA has five times the membership of ABATE of Florida, an ailing SMRO whose ranks have been thinning for some time now. One reason the AMA thrives as other MROs struggle to survive is its independence and inclusiveness: It is neither a front for nor subverted by ambulance-chasing attorneys, and it represents all American motorcyclists. The AMA does not discriminate based on age, gender, race, creed, religion, ride or political affiliation. One could say they have lesser tolerance for intolerance than some of their diminutive and declining counterparts. The focus of the AMA is strictly our "Right to Ride". Gold- and yes even Silver-Wingers are welcome, but left- and right-wingers check their non-riding agendas at the door... http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0127.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0127.php Confidential Release. http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0126.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0126.php ******************* US HR146: NO! ******************* THE AMERICAN MOTORCYCLIST ASSOCIATION URGES YOU TO CALL YOUR U.S. SENATORS NOW AND SAY "NO!" TO HR146! PRESERVE YOUR RIGHT-TO-RIDE ON 2.1 MILLION ACRES OF AMERICA! From: AMA [mailto:rpodliska@ama-cycle.org] Sent: Friday, March 13, 2009 7:26 PM To: Bruce Arnold Subject: Omnibus Public Lands Bill to be Voted on Monday, March 16! The American Motorcyclist Association urges everyone to contact their Senators to vote "No" on H.R. 146, the Revolutionary War and War of 1812 Battlefield Acquisition Grant Program. This bill was formerly known as S. 22, the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009, which would prohibit all motorized vehicle access including motorcycles and ATVs on over 2 million acres of public lands. As you may know, S. 22 was defeated just days ago on March 11 in the U.S. House of Representatives. Now, following defeat of the bill, the U.S. Senate leadership is expected to employ a little used parliamentary procedure that allows them to overcome the outcome of the House vote on S. 22... http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0125.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0125.php From: John Bland/Connie Campbell [mailto:historicleenv@frontiernet.net] Sent: Wednesday, March 11, 2009 11:01 PM To: Bruce Arnold Subject: FW: Subject: Amend Nevada's Helmet Law Bruce Arnold, Please forward this CALL TO ACTION to all motorcyclists. Nevada has a helmet bill introduced as of today, it is AB300: [ http://tinyurl.com/avtjwp ] We are presenting the bill primarily as a tourism revenue generator. If motorcyclists are from out of state let Nevada legislators know that you would visit and vacation in Nevada if it was a freedom of choice state. Thank you, John Bland NV MRF Rep. Northern Nevada ABATE President http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0124.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0124.php By Jeff Cobb Motorcycle Safety News February 26, 2009 With more motorcyclists on American roads today than ever, injuries and deaths are also at all time highs, but the man responsible to help find solutions has been administratively stopped from doing so. Dr. Samir Ahmed, Professor of Transportation Systems and Engineering at the Oklahoma State University (OSU) Transportation Center told Motorcycle Safety News he is more than just a little frustrated. Ahmed is to head the Motorcycle Crash Causation study, a four-year project intended to forensically examine 900-plus motorcycle accidents over a three-four year period. It is only the second of its type in American history, and has been described as badly needed. Its data would be used to help reformulate countermeasures and redevelop training and strategies intended to prevent motorcycle accidents. But the wheels are turning slowly in Oklahoma... http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0123.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0123.php Two bills in the legislature should be of interest to all motorcyclists in Florida. Senate Bill 968... [ http://tinyurl.com/c4omg6 ] ...sponsored by Senator Rudy Garcia... [ http://tinyurl.com/b7zaqq ] ...(R- Hialeah), was filed on January 26 and referred to the following Senate committees on February 5: Criminal Justice; Judiciary; Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations; and Rules. SB-968 provides enhanced penalties for anyone convicted of a moving violation that causes or contributes to causing serious bodily injury to, or the death of, a person riding a motorcycle... http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0122.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0122.php On Saturday, 28 February 2009, I had the privilege and honor to join a courageous and resolute group of true Freedom Fighters on the front lines of the battle for bikers' rights in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The event was billed as the "Myrtle Beach Helmet Freedom Ride", but that was an unfortunate misnomer. Neither helmets nor helmet laws nor anything having to do with motorcycle safety was the real issue. The issue was that on that date the City of Myrtle Beach began enforcement of a series of new motorcycle helmet, noise, parking and other ordinances the openly stated intent of which is NOT that bikers be safe, but that bikers be GONE... http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0121.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0121.php Have you ever wanted to make a stand on the front lines of the battle for Motorcyclists' Rights? No, I don't mean lamenting lid laws from some VFW barstool after an ABATE meeting. And no, I don't mean making whiney postings about new reckless riding rules on some Yahoo Groups sportbike forum. I mean, just once in your life, wouldn't you like to truly take the point position in the fight for *your* Right to Ride? Well here's your chance... http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0120.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0120.php Lex Talionis :: Justice for Failure-To-Yield Right-Of-Way (FTY/ROWV) Violations of Motorcycles/Motorcyclists/Bikers by Reckless/Negligent/Careless/Impaired/Distracted Motorists :: According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, almost two-thirds of all motorcycle crashes are caused by cagers. And in the last installment of Bruce on Bikers' Rights, I pointed out that cagers were responsible for at least 58.87% of all motorcycle fatalities arising from two-vehicle crashes. I also provided you with a constantly-updated window on this problem to help you keep in mind the friends, families, faces and names of the murdered motorcyclists comprising the human side of these statistics... http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0119.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0119.php According to the web page headers, Thunder Roads Magazine offers "The ultimate Texas BIKER experience!" ( http://thunderroadstexas.com/aboutus.htm ). But according to the person identified on that web page as their Marketing Director, Reynolds Mansson ( http://www.m2motomedia.com/contacts.html ) ... AUTHOR OF THE EMAIL BELOW ... "Bikers" is a word that for him carries "...a very negative connotation". You will also note that he equates "... ABATE and most 'Biker' MROs with Creationists, science illiterates, & Luddites". And I am quite sure Sputnik will get a big kick out of knowing that Mr. Mansson does not want "...a man with a mohawk and a tattoo on his forehead" representing him... http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0117.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0117.php Why was Scotland the ultimate loser of the Anglo-Scottish wars? Because, as Scottish noble Robert the Bruce lamented in Braveheart, "...from top to bottom this country has no sense of itself. Its nobles share allegiance with England. Its clans war with each other." Much the same could be said about the American Bikers' Rights Movement: Many motorcyclists do not consider themselves "bikers"... http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0116.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0116.php LITTLE ROCK (AP) : Helmetless motorcyclists should be able to prove that they have enough health insurance to pay for any injuries they may incur while driving, a state lawmaker proposed Wednesday. Sen. Kim Hendren, R-Gravette, filed legislation that would require motorcyclists to... http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0115.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0115.php The most challenging ride in the Iron Butt Association's Bun Burner GOLD motorcycle endurance riding certification series is the "Bun Burner GOLD Trifecta", also called the "BBG4500" ... The BBG4500 requires three consecutive, back-to-back-to-back days of riding over 1,500 miles in under 24 hours, for a total of over 4,500 miles in under 72 hours. To date, only 7 riders have ever completed a Bun Burner GOLD Trifecta ... http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0114.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0114.php Does your state motorcyclists' rights organization (SMRO) maintain or support a benefit fund for fallen riders and their families? If so, I'd like to hear from you. If not, I'd like your SMRO to hear from you! In the article below, Deuce explains why... http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0113.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0113.php No Release. http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0112.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0112.php MYRTLE BEACH SC From: Anthony Spinnato [mailto:ajsnighttrain03@yahoo.com] Sent: Friday, December 05, 2008 9:58 PM To: A Subject: A Call For Local Bikers From Carol O'Day Carol O'Day called me today 12/5 and asked me to spread word for her to everyone , So here is what we got !!! Please spread word she would like bikers from every group , MC or org in MB area there to voice opinions , the press will not be invited and all input will be ... http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0111.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0111.php From the Associated Press: http://tinyurl.com/5ulvp7 1. Jane Garvey, former head of the Federal Aviation Administration. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jane_Garvey 2. Mortimer Downey, former deputy transportation secretary. http://www.dot.gov/affairs/mdbio.htm 3. Steve Heminger, executive director, San Francisco Bay area transportation commission. (PRO-HELMET LAW) http://www.transportationfortomorrow.org/about/bio_heminger.aspx "Every state should have a motorcycle helmet law, but only 20 do."--Steve Heminger http://www.mtc.ca.gov/news/NSTPRSC/Commerce-Science-Transpor.doc ... http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0110.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0110.php Bikers may like breasts, but we are not breasts. We do not have to feed the mouths that bite us. And we do not have to look outside of our tribe to find potential beneficiaries who are needy and deserving. According to NHTSA, nationwide last year 103,000 motorcyclists were injured and 5,154 were killed in traffic accidents... http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0109.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0109.php To "Doctor G": American bikers' rights advocates like Rudy Avizius, Mike Greenwald and Lynn Wesley have been after me for some time to look into what the World Health Organization's WHO Helmet Initiative is all about. In so doing, I came across your Headlines Newsletter's Fall 2008 Editorial entitled "How to be a Genius", the crux of which was... http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0108.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0108.php PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA), which represents more than 300,000 active members as the nation's leading advocacy organization for motorcyclists' rights, issued the following statement today from AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman with respect to the national election results: http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0107.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0107.php In a matter of days, Americans will make the decision as to who will be the 44th President of the United States. Presidential elections bring out the largest number of voters, and the top of the ticket can have a definite impact on the down ballot races. Those races, specifically the 435 seats in the House of Representatives and the 35 seats in the United States Senate (there are 2 special Senatorial elections this year in addition to the 33 seats in this cycle) should be of serious interest to ... http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0106.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0106.php The upcoming national elections are likely to be the most historic in recent memory. And given the hand-wringing, chad-counting and late-night punditry that accompanied the last few elections, that's saying something. We are at a watershed moment in American politics. More importantly, we stand at a crossroads in American motorcycling politics that is likely to ... http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0105.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0105.php In case you were just released from Sheriff Joe Arpaio's "in-tents incarceration" over in Maricopa County Arizona, let me give you a heads-up that several historic and game-changing events have occurred in the past few weeks ... events that by comparison make some of the issues near and dear to the hearts of bikers' rights advocates seem rather insignificant. An earnest attempt to frame my freedom-fighting commentary in the context of those events has met with mixed results ... typically among those who reject facts that conflict with faulty belief systems ... particularly among those who read only parts of what is published ... and especially among those who ignore the all-important links included to substantiate everything I communicate. Links like this one... http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0104.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0104.php Say It Ain't So, Mary ... The Honorable Mary Peters Secretary, U.S. Department of Transportation Washington, DC 20590 202-366-4000 ... Dear Ms. Peters: I just read an unconfirmed report that you have appointed James "Doc" Reichenbach II to the Motorcyclist Advisory Council to the Federal Highway Administration (MAC-FHWA)... http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0103.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0103.php In a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) earlier this week, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) set forth its proposal to modify the current safety standard for helmets, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218 (FMVSS 218). The proposal focuses mostly on the least important part of any helmet... http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0102.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0102.php Like millions of Americans, last night I watched the first Presidential debate between "Borrow-and-Spend McSame" and "Tax-and-Spend Oblabla". I saw the event as 90 minutes of re-arranging the deck chairs on the Titanic. Neither offered any new ideas as to how to capture Bin Laden, defeat global terrorism, restore our reputation abroad, rebuild our crumbling infrastructure at home, or end our dependence on foreign oil. More importantly, they were equally clueless as to how we can keep our economy from sinking in a rising 10 TRILLION DOLLAR SEA OF DEBT that--even if we manage to preserve our ailing republic--will be... http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0101.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0101.php On 1 October 2008 the provisions of HB-137--one of the most draconian and discriminatory anti-motorcycle measures ever to become law--take effect for all motorcyclists living in or riding through the State of Florida. You can learn about its history here... http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0100.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0100.php Heads Up Re SC 2008-64 An article: *** http://pub42.bravenet.com/forum/3562429698/fetch/1006026/ *** The actual proposal: *** http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/SC2008-64.pdf *** Who's Taking Action on This? How Can ... http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0099.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0099.php Fellow Riders and "Freedom Fighters": The November elections are only a few weeks away. Soon we will finally get a merciful reprieve from the disappointing back-and-forth "lipstick politics" polluting our myopic media, and at long last we will know whether the mess We the People made by voting for Dubya *twice* will be inherited by "Oblabla and the Mouth" or "McSame and the Milf"... SPEAKING OF VOTING ... If you have not yet registered to vote, please do so as soon as possible. If you have any questions about where or how to register or vote in any state, you'll find a wealth of information online at ... http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0098.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0098.php Effective October 1, 2008, HB 137 revises the traffic laws to create a few more penalties. This short bill was particularly focused on unsafe motorcycle activities, but it does include a provision for excessive speed. The new law also provides penalties for the first, second, third or subsequent violations. The Distribution Chart found on the FACC website will be updated to reflect the amounts for the first and second offenses in the Traffic section. The third and subsequent offense is classified as a third degree felony with a $5,000 fine and will appear in the Criminal Traffic section of the chart... http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0097.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0097.php Look! A Yamaha Virago 1100. A Honda Nighthawk 700! A Honda GL1200 - and a Yamaha XT 350? A recent commute tickled my moto synapses with forgotten motorcycles. I saw all of those bikes--on the road, refueling and parked at the barber shop. Funny how 400 pennies per gallon brings the dusty rides out of American woodsheds... http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0096.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0096.php People often ask me how I can afford to devote so much time and effort to bringing reason, accountability, objectivity and above all TRUTH to motorcyclists' rights, motorcycle awareness and biker politics. The answer is that I can't ... at least not as much ... perhaps not any more ... unless you are willing to ... http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0095.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0095.php Is Your Chapter Making a Difference ... or just Partying Down? I was recently forwarded a weekly email newsletter from a local A.B.A.T.E. chapter ... http://tinyurl.com/6d5r6y ... for which this opening paragraph would be totally appropriate: "Here are this week's bar briefs and drink specials courtesy of A.B.A.T.E., the social riding club that reminds you to 'A'lways 'B'ring 'A'lcohol 'T'o 'E'vents!" No, they didn't say that. But they might as well have. Anyway, reading through paragraph after paragraph of biker bar band announcements and exclusive A.B.A.T.E. drink discounts sure made me want to fire up my bike and ride to the party. But it also compelled me to ... http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0094.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0094.php Let's say you're a biker who never heard of "ABATE" before, and the first email you ever received from "ABATE" was like the one below. After reading it, would you consider "ABATE" to be a motorcyclists' rights organization? http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0093.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0093.php Action Needed: Although rather lengthy, please read the below to familiarize yourself with the situation. We need the assistance of everyone who this email reaches. Our goal is to... http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0092.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0092.php On July 13, 2008 the last formal meeting for the White Sands Chapter of ABATE of Florida, Inc. was held. For the past 2 months there have been no officers in place and after contact with many of the members it was found that there are no interested parties to accept the responsibilities of the available offices. With 38 members in attendance it was voted unanimously that the chapter would disband... http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0091.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0091.php A few weeks ago I asked you "HOW WILL RISING GAS PRICES IMPACT THE MOTORCYCLISTS' RIGHTS ARENA?", and offered to pay $100.00 for the best answer. This query inspired many thoughtful and appreciated responses, all of which are posted here ... including the winning response submitted by ... http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0090.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0090.php James "Doc" Reichenbach II serves in the conflicting roles of elected president and paid lobbyist for ABATE of Florida, Inc., an SMRO whose membership has flatlined at around 7,500, which I am told is less than 25% of the AMA Florida member base, and less than 1% of the 900,000+ motorcycle riders statewide: http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0089.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0089.php Explosion in motorcycle sales, training shortfalls, licensing issues, decline in helmet use are key issues... Washington, D.C. Friday marks the official start of summer, and millions of Americans will hit the roads to head to their summer vacations. Unfortunately, for too many motorcyclists, this may also mark the beginning of another deadly summer. The Governors Highway Safety Association's (GHSA) new report, Survey of the States: Motorcycle Safety Programs, examines the dramatic increase in motorcycle rider deaths and looks at programs states have undertaken to keep motorcyclists safe. http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0088.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0088.php Fellow Freedom Fighters: This recent PA helmet law study by Mertz and Weiss... ...was picked up by the major wire services and is getting media coverage EVERYWHERE. Google News alone shows 80 story links: http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0087.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0087.php To Professors Mertz and Weiss: As an American citizen whose tax dollars fund the grants that subsidize you, and having in addition paid $10.00 for the privilege of downloading a copy of your report entitled "Changes in Motorcycle-Related Head Injury Deaths, Hospitalizations, and Hospital Charges Following Repeal of Pennsylvania's Mandatory Motorcycle Helmet Law", please allow me to convey my assessment of same. I will start with your conclusion and work my way back to the data ... much the same as I suspect you did... http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0086.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0086.php "To evaluate the 2003 repeal of Pennsylvania's motorcycle helmet law, we assessed changes in helmet use and compared motorcycle-related head injuries with nonhead injuries from 2001-2002 to 2004-2005. Helmet use among riders in crashes decreased from 82% to 58%. Head injury deaths increased 66%; nonhead injury deaths increased 25%. Motorcycle-related head injury hospitalizations increased 78% compared with 28% for nonhead injury hospitalizations. Helmet law repeals jeopardize motorcycle riders. Until repeals are reversed, states need voluntary strategies to increase helmet use." http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0085.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0085.php No release. http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0084.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0084.php A motorcycle was my exclusive form of transportation long before gas topped four dollars a gallon. And as a 24/7 biker and long distance rider, I use and recommend the use of helmets when riding a motorcycle. In fact, I cannot imagine riding through several hundred miles of adverse weather without one. On the other hand, I fully appreciate the difference between the utility of helmets and the futility of helmet laws... and our roadways would be a safer place if "experts" like you did as well. In the article cited below, I read with great disappointment and disgust your following comments... http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0083.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0083.php I'm sure you are aware of the roadblocks in NY during Americade last week. I am the promoter of a well known weekly sportbike gathering in Hollywood, CA and we had our rights equally trampled on during our gathering last night. http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0082.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0082.php The latest motorcyclists' rights and motorcycle awareness headlines nationwide are now available 24/7 at LdrLongDistanceRider.com. Here is the link to add to your web browser favorites or bookmarks: http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0081.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0081.php A few weeks ago here in SoBe, I passed a 49cc scooter with a sticker on its rear fender that read "ONE LESS SUV". And given the alarming number of recent reports of motorcyclists killed and injured in crashes caused by SUV drivers violating our right-of-way... http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0080.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0080.php This may be Motorcycle Awareness Month for some and Motorcycle Safety Month for others... ...but it sure looks like a lot of people never got either memo: http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0079.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0079.php I received news a few days ago that prosecuting attorney, Paul Knight who was working on the criminal case against Mayor Brenda Melancon [of Sorrento, Louisiana] has been removed from the case. This is devastating to me and my family, and is a blow to the entire motorcycle community. http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0078.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0078.php Subject: URGENT NATIONWIDE CALL-TO-ACTION! A.B.A.T.E. of Louisiana, Inc. P.O. Box 541 St. Amant, LA 70774 Yesterday our Bills suffered a tough time on the House Floor. http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0077.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0077.php The message conveyed by the following excerpts from 26 recent news reports requires no interpretation: http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0076.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0076.php We examined cross-sectional time-series data from the 50 states and the District of Columbia for the period 1975 through 2004.... On average, when compared to state experience with no helmet mandate, http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0075.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0075.php In reading this forum thread... Weekly Drink Specials from James "Doc" Reichenbach II's ABATE of Florida SE Chapter ...one can easily see how the history of James "Doc" Reichenbach II's ABATE of Florida illustrates the tragic decay and decline of an SMRO. First, "ABATE" stood for: http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0074.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0074.php PLEASE READ EVITA GRAY'S SAD BUT NOT UNCOMMON STORY, AND HELP HER KEEP HER FATHER'S KILLER BEHIND BARS BY SENDING YOUR LETTERS AND FAXES PROTESTING THE POTENTIAL CLEMENCY OF TRACY EPPRIGHT TO VICTIM ADVOCATE RUSSELL GALLOGLY AT THE ADDRESS AND FAX NUMBER PROVIDED HERE: http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0073.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0073.php I never cease to be amazed by the gall of James "Doc" Reichenbach II, and the gullibility of the Kool-Aid Kulties who mindlessly follow him. Even after we exposed what's really going on with SB-1992, he had this message broadcasted to his cult contacts list last night: http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0072.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0072.php Attention Florida Riders and Freedom Fighters: In recent days, you may have heard cult leader James "Doc" Reichenbach II crowing about the stiffer penalties for right-of-way violations included in proposed senate bill SB-1992: http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0071.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0071.php Attention Florida Motorcyclists! A modified version of Senate Bill 802, legislation that singles out motorcycle operators for discriminatory treatment for alleged traffic violations, will be heard in the Senate Committee on Transportation and Economic Development Appropriations on Tuesday, April 15 at 2:15 p.m. in room 309 of the Capitol. http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0070.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0070.php Senator Frank Lautenberg has consistently shown that he is not friendly to biker issues. Do you want to see another 6 years of him? We now have a viable candidate running against him in the Democratic Primary. http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0069.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0069.php 1. From James "Doc" Reichenbach II, Elected President, Paid Lobbyist and Cult Leader of ABATE of Florida, Inc.: http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0068.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0068.php There's an old truth that states there's two things you don't want to see being made -- legislation and sausage. Many times, the two are indistinguishable from one another. Such is the case with House Bill 1104 "Aggravated Right-of-Way Offense", which sought to close a "gray area" in Colorado statute. http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0067.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0067.php A new study reported in the American Journal of Public Health finds that the repeal of motorcycle helmet requirements for adults has been associated with an increase in motorcycle fatalities, beyond the general increase that has been seen throughout the country in the last decade or so. Although the researchers argue that their study reinforces the case for universal helmet laws, the impact they found looks pretty modest: http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0066.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0066.php "Motorcycles or Mopeds/Reckless Driving [EPCC]; Provides that if a person is operating or is in actual physical control of a motorcycle while driving recklessly, a law enforcement officer shall arrest the person, take him or her into custody, and seize the motorcycle. Requires that a person riding on a motorcyle or moped must ride while sitting astride the seat with one leg on each side and with both wheels on the ground at all times, etc." http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0065.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0065.php Objectives. We assessed the implications for motorcyclist safety of recent repeals of universal helmet laws in 6 US states. Methods. We examined cross-sectional time-series data from the 50 states and the District of Columbia for the period 1975 through 2004. http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0064.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0064.php Since 1975, more than 100,000 motorcycle riders in America have died in crashes. The majority of states required motorcycle helmets in 1975, but today, only 20 states have universal helmet laws that require all riders to wear helmets, 26 states have partial coverage laws (usually only for young riders), and four states have no helmet laws. A recent study by a University of Missouri professor found that the motorcyclist fatality rate has increased in states that repealed their universal helmet laws during the past decade. http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0063.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0063.php Attention Florida Motorcyclists! Senate Bill 802, legislation that singles out motorcycle operators for discriminatory treatment for alleged traffic violations, will be heard in the Senate Transportation Committee on Tuesday, April 1 at 9:30 a.m. in room 37 of the Senate Office Building. http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0062.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0062.php Be prepared for another article next week. USA Today called me this last Friday wanting me to write an article for them "concerning helmet rules". I was in a meeting and couldn't answer my phone when they called. I returned the phone call an hour after it came in, only to have a message answer. I told them to call me back, which she did to inform me that they were on such a tight deadline, they got someone else to do it. She wouldn't say who it was. http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0061.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0061.php Fellow Riders and Freedom Fighters: Last week I warned you that something was up... http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0060.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0060.php ABATE Panhandle Chapter President resigns, citing loss of respect for ABATE of Florida's state president and paid lobbyist James "Doc" Reichenbach II: http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0059.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0059.php (Senate's version of HB137) will be heard next Tuesday, April 1st (April Fool's Day) at 9:30am in 37 SOB (Senate Office Building!). If people can't go to see it live, they might be able to watch it via the live broadcast on the website: http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0058.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0058.php To John Yaukey and Robert Benincasa, Reporters for Gannett News Service: Let me begin by saying I use and recommend the use of helmets when riding a motorcycle. In fact, I cannot imagine riding through several hundred miles of adverse weather without one. On the other hand, I fully appreciate the difference between the utility of helmets and the futility of helmet laws. You obviously don't. Given all the spin you put into your article entitled "Motorcyclist deaths spike as helmet laws loosen"... http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0057.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0057.php Florida Riders and Freedom Fighters: Appended below is an email from the state leadership of ABATE of Florida giving you guidance as to what you should be saying to your state legislators. With respect to proposed bills HB-137 and SB-802, I believe you will find superior guidance here: http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0056.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0056.php Reporters John Yaukey (jyaukey@gns.gannett.com) and Robert Benincasa (rbenincasa@gns.gannett.com) of Gannett News Service are serving up a major spread of lid and lid law spin in USA TODAY: "Motorcyclist deaths spike as helmet laws loosen" http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0055.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0055.php Bikers rights advocates nationwide are working hard to defeat Florida HB-137, proposed legislation that would authorize the seizure of motorcycles by the State. The bill has cleared the first committee with these amendments... http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0054.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0054.php Carnegie Mellon Study Shows Just Listening To Cell Phones Significantly Impairs Drivers... Brain Imaging Reveals Drivers Are Distracted Even if They Don't Talk. http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0053.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0053.php "Those who are too smart to engage in politics are punished by being governed by those who are dumber."--Plato "I have come to the conclusion that politics is too serious a matter to be left to the politicians."--Charles de Gaulle http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0052.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0052.php Below is a first-hand, unedited account of the meeting by Robert "RC" Conroy, an independent bikers' rights advocate who attended and spoke before the Committee today. I will make no further comment now other than to emphasize that although this bill targets sportbikers, if passed ANY MOTORCYCLE IN FLORIDA could become subject to seizure. And if we allow this dangerous precedent to be set, ANY MOTORCYCLE ANYWHERE could one day become subject to seizure ... including YOURS! http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0051.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0051.php MOTORCYCLE SAFETY TRAINING FUNDS UNDER ATTACK. PICKERINGTON, Ohio--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. http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0050.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0050.php GENERAL BILL by Lopez-Cantera Offenses Committed While Operating a Motorcycle: Provides additional penalties for certain offenses committed by person operating or in actual physical control of motorcycle; requires person be taken into custody; provides for seizure and forfeiture of motorcycle; provides for revocation of person's privilege to operate a motorcycle. Effective Date: October 1, 2008. http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0049.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0049.php 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. http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0048.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0048.php U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary Peters is urging Congress to allow states to divert federal money now used for motorcycle training and awareness to instead promote the use of motorcycle helmets, the American Motorcyclist Association reports. http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0047.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0047.php More than 100 members of the U.S. House of Representatives have co-sponsored a bill that would end health insurance discrimination against motorcyclists and others who participate in legal recreational activities or use their motorcycles for transportation. http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0046.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0046.php Fortunately for lobbyist and legislator, however, a convenient "scheduling conflict" allowed both lobbyist Reichenbach and legislator Lopez-Cantera to avoid a public showdown where one or the other would have to admit they were lying about Reichenbach's alleged support of HB-137: http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0045.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0045.php I did not post any of the links containing this damning quote from Lopez-Cantera: "I recently met with James Reichenbach [abatefl@worldnet.att.net] from ABATE, and after I explained the true intent of this legislation he told me that he would support it." All I did was reference other people's postings. The full text of Lopez-Cantera's statement can be found in many locations on the Web, including the following: http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0044.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0044.php Many of you who contacted Florida State District 113 Representative Carlos Lopez-Cantera [Carlos.Lopez-Cantera@myfloridahouse.gov] recently to protest "HB 137: Offenses Committed While Operating a Motorcycle"--a highly discriminatory and draconian proposal that would allow the state to seize bikes for certain traffic offenses--received a reply from Lopez-Cantera that included the following: "I recently met with James Reichenbach [abatefl@worldnet.att.net] from ABATE, and after I explained the true intent of this legislation he told me that he would support it." http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0043.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0043.php In several recent articles like the one cited below, I read with great disappointment and disgust the following: "McNamara said 'Riders cite the pleasure of going helmet-less, but often the cost of care for the injured motorcyclist is passed on to society at large.' ... McNamara said he fears riders may not fully understand the scientifically demonstrated level of risk involved in riding without a helmet and just assume the risks are acceptable if the law does not prohibit it... 'The American Academy of Emergency Medicine believes that states should require helmet use in all age groups,' McNamara said." Here is my reply to you and your hypocritical colleagues: http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0042.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0042.php Dear Doctor McNamara, Please do me a favor and stay out of the business of trying to decide what is best for me. As a physician I would think that you know all about anatomy. However, you should also know that your foot fits nicely in your mouth when speaking about things you have very little knowledge about. For instance the cost of care passed on to society at large for injured motorcyclists. http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0041.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0041.php PHYSICIAN, HEAL THYSELF... Just who in the hell do you think you are, Doc? Neither you nor any other member of the American medical community has any right to be commenting on somebody else's "risky behavior" or "social costs" until you first deal with your own: http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0040.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0040.php Read Part 1 here: http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0039.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0039.php America is in a recession, a recession that many say will get worse before it gets better. And although the powers that be waited far too long before uttering the "R" word, there are some who predict the "D" word may apply before year's end. Call it what you will, but thanks to a myriad of factors for which we all are to some degree responsible, our economy is in a mess. And what do our politicos propose as the solution? Why an "economic stimulus package", of course! Free money for everybody! Whoo-Hoo! http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0038.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0038.php Oxford epidemiologist Dr. Bette Liu (email: bette.liu@ceu.ox.ac.uk) is the lead author of a new--i.e. updated--international motorcycle helmet study summarized below. As you might expect, her research confirms the UTILITY OF HELMETS, with which I agree. My concern, however, is that it will be used to perpetuate the FUTILITY OF HELMET LAWS, with which I do not. I ask that you please read the information below, and then: http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0037.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0037.php For those of you who answered the recent calls-to-action intended to counter the National Transportation Safety Board's (NTSB's) "9/11 attack" on motorcyclists' rights... http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0036.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0036.php Florida Senate bill 828, sponsored by Sen. Michael Bennett (R-Bradenton), would prohibit passengers younger than 12 years of age on a motorcycle or moped. Use the AMA Rapid Response Center at www.AMADirectlink.com... http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0035.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0035.php Here's a recap from this morning's hearing on HB 137. All quotes are as I remember them, as I did not have a tape recorder with me. All internet links and email addresses are listed at the bottom of this message. http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0034.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0034.php Hi Paul, I have lifted the restrictions on your incoming emails, and you may feel free to post to our forum here... In order to avoid any future issues, please be sure that any posting you make includes your email address, is motorcycle-related, and is the truth. It is okay to post opinion as well as facts, just be sure not to represent one as the other. http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0033.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0033.php Action Alert 01/08/2008 Draconian Legislation Proposed in Florida: Seizure and forfeiture of motorcycles part of legislation ... HB 137, "Offenses Committed While Operating a Motorcycle", introduced by Representative Carlos Lopez-Cantera (R-Miami)... http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0032.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0032.php Date: January 1, 2008 - Last call for sending in election ballots, and planning for the near future of the AMA: http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0031.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0031.php Charting NHTSA Numbers Exposes Flawed NTSB Recommendations ... Click or go to this link to read it now (available in HTML and downloadable PDF formats): http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0030.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0030.php The National Transportation Safety Board ("NTSB") recently issued a series of press releases and motorcycle safety recommendation letters in which they claimed that increases in motorcycle fatalities have "...outpaced increases in activity measures such as motorcycle registrations". As the chart above clearly shows, that claim is false. Over the last 10 years, motorcycle fatalities have NOT outpaced increases in motorcycle registrations. In fact, the two measures have a near-perfect correlation coefficient of +0.9951. http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0029.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0029.php Read it here... http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0028.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0028.php Thanks to biker Tammy Jenkins, we have a transcript of the portion of the 6 November 2007 Meeting of the City Commission of Delray Beach, Florida pertaining to the proposed motorcycle noise ordinance 45-07 available for download here... http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0027.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0027.php Ms. Adelus, You are a MURDERER. One of many who cloak their crimes under the false vestment of "professional journalist". http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0026.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0026.php According to page 22 of your "Proposed Resolutions for the 69th General Assembly" of the Union for Reform Judaism ("URJ") to be held in San Diego, CA on December 12-16, 2007... http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0025.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0025.php Life and living encompass many choices. As much as we would like to be, we are not personally in total control of how we live. We live with (and under) rules and regulations (laws) to co-exist peacefully among the population, and along the way develop (hopefully) our internal moral compass to help steer us as we move through life. The essence of Freedom is the possession of choices, to live as we see fit without the bringing of harm onto others. Webster's Dictionary defines freedom (in part) as "1. the state or quality of being free; esp., a) exemption or liberation from the control of some other person or some arbitrary power; liberty; independence; b) exemption from arbitrary restrictions on a specified civil right; civil or political liberty..." Always remember: this is not granted by government; on the contrary--men are "...endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness." (as validated in our Declaration of Independence.) http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0024.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0024.php Thanks to biker Tammy Jenkins, we have a transcript of the portion of the 16 October 2007 Meeting of the City Commission of Delray Beach, Florida pertaining to the banning of motorcycles (Ordinance 45-07) available for download here... http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0023.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0023.php City votes instead to stiffen fines for noise along stretch of Atlantic... Read the entire article here: http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0022.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0022.php A proposed ordinance in Delray Beach, Florida, would ban ALL motorcycles from a five-block section of Atlantic Avenue, between Swinton Avenue and U.S. 1, between the hours of 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. Further, the ordinance would require all motorcycles to be equipped with stock exhaust systems or "...U.S. EPA-approved low-noise emission mufflers..." http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0021.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0021.php For the past several weeks the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) has been actively working on a multi-tiered strategic initiative to counter the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) program to pressure states into enacting mandatory helmet laws. We are prepared today to launch the program beginning with a Call to Action to our State Motorcycle Rights Organizations (SMROs). http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0020.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0020.php Mr. Capka: The tentative agenda for next week's Motorcycle Travel Symposium clearly states that "better estimates of motorcycle travel are needed"... http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0019.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0019.php ABATE OF IOWA is calling on all American motoryclists concerned about their Right-to-Ride to contact their U.S. Senators and Representatives and request that Congress initiate proceedings to reduce or eliminate the budgets of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ("NHTSA") and the National Transportation Safety Board ("NTSB") on the grounds that they are (a) illegally conspiring to circumvent the state lobbying restrictions placed on NHTSA by TEA-21 (the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century), and (b) irresponsibly wasting millions of taxpayers dollars focusing on an issue that constitutes only a minor portion of overall traffic injuries and fatalities. Here is their agenda... http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0018.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0018.php On 13 September 2007, I sent a letter to National Transportation Safety Board ("NTSB") Chairman Mark Rosenker in which I pointed out that restricting cager cellphone conversations could have saved as many as 10,660 lives in 2006, which is about 15 times more than would've been saved by lidding every rider in the land: http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0017.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0017.php Ms. Nason: CBS News has quoted you as saying that, in your role as NHTSA Administrator, "I love knowing that at the end of the day, what we are try[ing] to do--what I am trying to do--is make a vehicle safer for my children..." http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0016.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0016.php Ms. Higgins: I took time away from work long enough to watch the live webcasts of the 9/11/07 and 9/18/07 meetings of the NTSB, both now archived here: http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0015.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0015.php A folk hero is type of hero, real or in mythology, who is loathed by the rich and powerful but idolized by the common person, often stealing from the former to make life better for the latter. The folk hero generally starts off as a regular person, but is transformed into someone extraordinary by their rebellion against oppression upon their own lives. http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0014.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0014.php Mark Rosenker, whose term as Chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board I say we need to END IMMEDIATELY... http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0013.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0013.php Mr. Rosenker: The universal helmet law mandate you proposed this week fails to address the causes of approximately 84 percent of all motorcycle fatalities. Not only do we have the NTSB's admitted issues with understated motorcycle registrations and vehicle miles travelled (VMT) in the demoninators of key NHTSA statistics, you made even greater and more reprehensible misrepresentations by overstating the numerator: http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0012.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0012.php Mr. Rosenker: I watched and listened to the webcast of the NTSB Board Meeting you chaired this morning from 9:30 to 11:00am, the agenda for which was ostensibly "Motorcycle Safety": http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0011.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0011.php Fellow Riders and Freedom Fighters in the State of Illinois: I have had the privilege of riding across your great state four times in the past six weeks: first going to and returning from Sturgis, then twice over Labor Day Weekend as part of two Iron Butt Association "Bun Burner Gold" runs from Miami Beach to Chicago and back by way of East St. Louis. On I-24 West near its terminus at I-57, three Illinois riders and myself were almost killed by a cellphone-impaired cager, one of many nationwide who apparently feel their right to gab is more important than our right to life: http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0010.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0010.php With Congress poised to return today from a sleepy month off fromWashington, it's a great time to call or e-mail your federal legislators and remind them to support HR 1076 and S 616, the two pieces oflegislation filed on behalf of motorcyclists to fix the discriminatory loopholes in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). These two pieces of legislation are currently sitting in committee before both bodies of Congress. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) encourages you to contact your Senators and Representatives this week. http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0009.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0009.php Can you believe this?!? The State of Delaware is ENCOURAGING motorists to use their cell phones while they are driving! http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0008.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0008.php In your op-ed piece below you say "... it was the driver of the tractor-trailer who was at fault in the tragic occurrence that [killed a biker] at South Downey and Fawcett Drive--but only for failure to yield." http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0007.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0007.php In last month's "Hang Up and Drive!" installment, I pointed out that there are currently 236 million cell phone subscribers on our roadways ... that 73% of them are talking while they are driving ... that cell phone conversations impair their driving skills as much if they were intoxicated with alcohol... and that consequently they are four times more likely to cause or be involved in an accident than motorists who responsibly shut up and steer. And for those of you who discount these statistics--or for whatever reason refuse to accept the fact that cell phone conversation-impaired cagers are one of the greatest and growing threats to the safety of American motorcyclists--I relate the following: http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0006.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0006.php As a concerned ABATE of Minnesota officer, I'd like to see if you could spread the word for us about this infringement of our rights both as riders and as Americans. Thanks, Stan "Stash" Rygh ABATE of Minn. Lower Corner Chapter http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0005.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0005.php The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ("NHTSA") has just released Traffic Safety Facts document DOT HS 810791. Here is the introduction: http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0004.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0004.php US House of Representatives passes transportation appropriations bill (HR 3074) by a vote of 268-153, with no restrictions on any motorcycle funding the Motorcycle Riders Foundation reports. http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0003.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0003.php The United States House of Representatives is scheduled to consider the FY2008 Transportation, House and Urban Development Appropriations bill (HR 3074) Tuesday July 24th 2007. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation has learned of a last minute attempt to eliminate the funding of the 2010 motorcycle safety grant program created in the last highway bill (PL 109-59). http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0002.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0002.php GREENVILLE, S.C., June 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Michelin has notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Transport Canada that it is recalling Michelin(R) Pilot(R) Power 2CT and Pilot(R) Power 120/70 ZR 17 (58W) front motorcycle tires with the "Made in France" markings in the United States and Canada. This recall involves these specific tires only and has no impact on any other Michelin tires. Related actions are under way in other countries. http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0001.php http://www.ldrlongdistancerider.com/bikers_rights_motorcycle/rightsriders0001.php The March 2007 installment of Bruce on Bikers' Rights was an open letter to Rob Dingman, President and CEO of the American Motorcyclist Association ("AMA"):