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COAST TO COAST BIKER NEWS Compiled & Edited by Bill Bish, NCOM HIGHWAY FUNDING BILL REINTRODUCED-- The new Surface Transportation Bill, H.R. 3, a reincarnation of last year's highway package that failed to pass Congress due to budget impasses, was introduced in the U. S. House of Representatives on February 9th and will take up where prior Congressional negotiations left off. This time around, the House version of the highway reauthorization legislation includes similar motorcycle-friendly language contained in last year's Senate proposal; including the establishment of a Motorcyclist Advisory Council to "coordinate with and advise the Administrator (of the Federal Highway Administration) on infrastructure issues of concern to motorcyclists"; a call for the completion of a motorcycle accident causation study; and would establish grants for motorcycle safety and awareness efforts. The House bill authorizes $299 billion to fund highway projects for the next six years. Last year, House and Senate conferees were unable to hammer out a compromise that would appease both chambers and the White House, as President Bush threatened to veto any package over $256 billion. The Senate version of the bill has yet to be reintroduced.
NORTH CAROLINA MAY BAN CHILDREN ON MOTORCYCLES-- Representative Nelson Cole introduced a bill in the North Carolina legislature, HB-39, which would make it illegal for anyone under the age of 10 to ride as a passenger on a motorcycle. "This has nothing to with helmets - they just can't ride at all," said Sam Nobles, State Legislative Officer for CBA/ABATE of NC and Lobbyist for NC BikePac. "If you have been complacent about getting involved in bikers' rights, this one ought to wake you up! How would you like to explain to your child or grandchild that you can no longer take them for a ride, because your government doesn't think you are responsible enough to make decisions for your own family?" So far there is only one sponsor to the bill, and CBA/ABATE of NC is asking help from bikers across America to help shut this bill down now. "Our goal is to generate enough e-mails and phone calls to Rep Cole to shut this down before he has time to get cosponsors," said Cotton Tedder, President of CBA/ABATE of NC and member of the board of the National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM). You can contact Representative Nelson Cole at Nelsonc@ncleg.net or phone (919) 733-5779. Remember to be polite and considerate, but let him know your views about kids being able to go riding with their parents.
PENNSYLVANIA CONSIDERS BAN ON "SELF SERVE" GAS-- The Keystone State is considering legislation that would prohibit self-service gas stations. House Bill No. 73, dubbed the Gasoline Station Dispensing Safety Act, which states in part: "The General Assembly finds and declares as follows: Because of the fire hazards directly associated with dispensing fuel at a fuel dispensing facility, it is in the public interest that gasoline station operators have the control needed over that activity to ensure compliance with appropriate safety procedures, including turning off vehicle engines and refraining from smoking while fuel is dispensed." "When customers, rather than attendants, are permitted to dispense fuel, it is far more difficult to enforce compliance with safety procedures." "Exposure to toxic gasoline fumes represents a health hazard when customers dispense their own gasoline, particularly in the case of pregnant women." "The significantly higher prices usually charged for full-service gasoline in states where self-service is permitted results in discrimination against low-income individuals, who are under greater economic pressure to undergo the inconvenience and hazards of dispensing their own gasoline." The bill goes on to prescribe penalties for "non-authorized users" and stations that do not comply, and describes training and certification of attendants to qualify them to pump your gas. "In my opinion, this bill is an answer to a question nobody asked!," said John Mullendore, Legislative Coordinator for ABATE of Pennsylvania and a member of the board of directors of NCOM. "Let your representatives know that this is not a good idea especially with motorcycles. I will fill my own thank you." Currently only the state of New Jersey prohibits "self-serve" gas pumps. Oregon bikers won exemption from such a law in 2001, winning their right to pump their own gas thanks to the legislative efforts of BikePAC, ABATE of Oregon and Oregon Aid to Injured Motorcyclists (AIM) Attorney Sam Hochberg who helped draw statewide attention to the problem.
HONDA PLANS TO DEVELOP AIRBAGS FOR MOTORCYCLES-- Japan's Honda Motor has launched research into developing the first safety airbags that could be mounted on motorcycles, reported the mass-circulation newspaper Yomiuri Shimbun. Japan's largest motorcycle manufacturer aims to commercialize motorcycle airbags in about three years, the paper reported on January 5, 2005 without citing sources. Honda plans to develop an airbag that will fit under the handlebars and protect the driver from the head to lower back when it is opened in the event of an accident, it said. No immediate comment was available from Honda. Honda wants to commercialize the product after finding ways to minimize production costs and working out the best suitable shape of the airbags, the daily said. The newspaper said that the technology had been offered before, on BMW motorcycles, but it had proved too costly at more than $2,000 for most buyers.
ARIZONA MULLS EMISSIONS TESTING FOR MOTORCYCLES-- Arizona is currently the only state to require motorcycles to pass emissions-testing, which are required only in Pima and Maricopa Counties as part of the state's clean air plans. But that may soon change as collectible-car and motorcycle enthusiasts are nibbling away at the state's vehicle-emissions policy, successfully arguing that they should be exempt from the vexing test because they barely put a dent in air quality. A state study backs them up, although only for the 6,200 motorcycles registered in Pima County, where Tucson is located. The 22,000 motorcycles in more populated, and polluted, Maricopa County, home of the city of Phoenix, would not get the same pass. However, motorcycle and collector-car enthusiasts say they see House Bill 2357 as the first step in efforts to exempt their vehicles entirely from the test, regardless of location. A study done by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality concluded that a blanket exemption would harm the clean-air plans in the Phoenix and Tucson areas. But certain groups would have only a "negligible impact" if they were exempted. Bobbi Hartmann, a lobbyist for ABATE of Arizona, is hoping to persuade lawmakers this year to exempt all motorcycles. The MMA of Arizona and the Arizona Confederation of Motorcycle Clubs agree, and are also lobbying for passage of the emissions exemptions. Arizona, she said, is the only state that tests motorcycles and the test, she argues, gives a skewed picture of emissions since it's done only when motorcycles are idling, and air-cooled engines don't run clean at idle, making it difficult for them to pass emissions testing. "The two big things, looking at the big picture as far as emissions, is that motorcycles are absolutely nothing," Hartmann said. "And the fact that they're testing only under idle is unfair." The bill, which won unanimous support from the House Environment Committee, later passed by a near-unanimous vote on the House Floor on February 2nd and will be taken up next in the state Senate.
NEW MEXICO GOVERNOR SUPPORTS LID LAW FOR ATV RIDERS-- Governor Bill Richardson has pledged his support for an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) safety bill that would require riders younger than 18 to wear a helmet and eye protection and pass a training course. SB 252 would also establish a fee that would both pay for the training and be used to establish new ATV trails and recreation areas, require adult supervision for all riders 12 or younger and prohibit passengers on vehicles that are designed for one rider. Richardson said 62 New Mexicans have died as a result of ATV crashes in the past 10 years. A quarter of them were 18 or younger, according to a University of New Mexico study. A similar bill passed in the Senate last year but died in the House when time ran out on the 30-day session.
LONE STAR BIKERS FIGHT HELMET LAW-- Okay, so Texas was one of a handful of states to recently rescind their states' mandatory helmet law for adult riders, but in order to ride lidless a rider must be at least 21 and complete a safety class or carry a minimum amount of medical coverage. Those requirements may change now that a state lawmaker has introduced legislation to allow anyone 21 and older to ride without a helmet, regardless of safety training or health care insurance. Proponents feel they have a right to decide whether or not to wear a helmet, especially on hot summer days, but opponents of the measure fear that further weakening the helmet law could result in more fatal accidents. Now it'll be up to the legislature to decide.
CHANGING GEARS-- When Fox Cable Networks Group re-launched Speed Channel in February 2002, executives thought that devoting two-thirds of their scheduling to fast-moving cars and a few motorcycle races were all the network needed to draw viewers. Now the head honchos are changing gears. The network has gained more than 20 million subscribers, and now reaches 63.3 million homes, but ratings gains have not equaled the expectation that a growing nationwide interest in Nascar would deliver a big audience boost. This February, Speed Channel hopes to do better by pushing past its car racing roots to, among other things, launch a new reality series for those who like to watch a good bike build. Only this time it's not Jesse James or OCC wrenching on a fabulous putt, it's just Joe Average. "Build or Bust" is billed by Speed Channel as being a little different than typical reality shows. The customization occurs on motorcycles, and regular Joes rather than specialists do the work. The series, which premieres February 23, gives motorcycle enthusiasts all the tools to build the bike of their dreams in 30 days. If the task is completed, the builder keeps the bike. If not, they get nothing. 
QUOTABLE QUOTE:-- "The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again, who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause; who at best, knows the triumph of high achievement; and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat." Theodore Roosevelt, "Citizen in a Republic", April 23, 1910
FROM THE GUNNY SACK-- We are always talking about getting our biker people elected to the legislature and other elective offices in our states. This is a good thing, but it isn't all there is to it. A good friend of mine, Clark Brooker, is working on a bill to present to our legislature and he is looking for a sponsor to get it considered. He is looking at the left turn signals and other electronically-driven traffic lights that don't trip for motorcycles. He says, and I agree, that bikes should not have to sit all day waiting for the light to change when it's obvious it won't change unless a CAR hits the right spot on the road. He proposes that after the second or third cycle of the lights, the bike should be permitted to proceed through the light with caution. This doesn't automatically allow the biker to ignore the light, but it gives us a practical solution! What's interesting is that ONE PERSON can do this, with some spare time and a lot of energy. We can do much to preserve our rights and freedoms just by getting involved in the processes that govern this land. It's easier than you think! The battle over whether or not to be forced to wear helmets when we ride isn't the only fight. I agree, we should have the choice and I will fight for that right as long as there is breath in my body, but I'm not against wearing a lid. I wouldn't for the world deny people the CHOICE. I think there are a lot of issues out there we need to deal with that are just as important. The whole reason we have this country to live in is the folks who went before us needed the freedom of choice in their lives just as much as we do, and they paid dearly for us to have those liberties.
ALL MOTORCYCLISTS INVITED AND WELCOME! MAY 5-7, 2005. This year's National Coalition of Motorcyclists Convention is to be held in NASHVILLE, TENN., folks. It will prove to be one of the best yet, for sure. Room reservations can be made at the Sheraton Music City Hotel at 777 McGavock Pike, Nashville, Tenn 37214. Call (615) 885-2200. The special rate is $79.00 per night single or double. You get the rate by mentioning you are attending the NCOM Convention. After the end of March you will have to pay the full amount because the special rate will end then. Make sure you don't miss out on this trip. You can pre-register for the conference by calling NCOM at (800) 525-5355. The seminars will be the best and the party won't be forgotten for many moons. There will also be a National Confederation of Clubs meeting you just don't want to miss. I'll see you there.
NEWSBITS 'N' PIECES: DAKAR: Marc Coma of Spain won the Dakar cross country race for motorcycles. The race this year took two bikers' lives, so it was an impressive win of one of the world's most difficult races. The Dakar rally covers 5,566 miles of some of the most treacherous terrain in the world, from Barcelona Spain to Dakar Senegal. I think I'll park my 'Wing this year, so I don't show up all those racers.
MALTA, N.Y. Starfire Inc, Manufacturer of motor products has a new ceramic composite disc brake system that is drawing high praise from Jason DiSalvo, one of the world's foremost motorcycle racers. The system is comprised of a new lightweight brake pad and rotor system that even improves fuel mileage Starfire is a leader in improving motor vehicle performance with innovative improvements in design and operation of many components of motor vehicle parts form autos to trucks to motorcycles. The braking systems will be available for motorcycles early this year.
KEIZER, OREGON: The cops are at it again in this small town that's grown into a suburb of Salem. Our Oregon AIM attorney, Sam Hochberg, is doing a pro bono (for free) case down there for around THIRTY Gypsy Joker MC folks who were ticketed by some over-zealous officers. It's also a project of the Oregon Confederation of Clubs, the COC. It's the same story Sam keeps running into over the last few years: The police see ONE rider who they THINK committed a traffic infraction, and it turns into a citation festival – or as Sam says, a "fund-raiser" for the town's treasury – when they cite ALL the bikers. Sam's going to court on it soon, so we'll let you know what happens at trial, right here in The Sack.
DANA POINT, CA: Patriot Motorcycles Co. has proven there is a growing market in America for the affordable "Yamoto" off-road bikes, made in China. They took over distribution last November and in the first 60 days they delivered 1,750 units at the average price of $950.00 each. We need to pay more attention to the manufacturers off shore! If you're interested in selling Patriot bikes, you can call their Sales Director at (949)488-0434. Who knows? You might make a new career with a dealership.
PORTLAND, OR: I looked over a Korean motorcycle in one of our shops here in Portland not that long ago – Columbia Scooters it was – and I was impressed at the fit and finish as well as the good looks of the machine. If you're in the area, go check out all the other interesting machines they sell there. They have a 3-wheeler truck with a motor under 200cc's that can haul a full ton and it sips the gas! They're made in India, where they use 'em all the time.
ATLANTA, GA: Bluelinx Corp and Orange County Choppers (of TV fame) pulled out all stops for the International Builders Show in Florida and apparently it was a huge success.
GERMANY: Police in Germany are hunting some folks they think are just pranksters, who have been sticking miniature US flags into piles of dog poop in public parks. You know, some people around the world have very little regard for this country, and they can have their opinions, but THIS kind of thing irritates me. German authorities say they don't know what they will do if the clowns are caught, because there is no statute that deals with this sort of behavior. Maybe there should be. There are laws that govern everything else, especially in Europe.
WEB-WRECKS: For those who are interested in reading about bike wrecks, there's a website that supposedly collects and links you up to all motorcycle accidents that are reported in the papers. It's interesting to see how folks mess up; but it's scary when you see the ones you just know could have been you. Sobering stuff, but it DOES keep this Gunny's eye on the ball just that much more, out on the road. Here's the site, courtesy of my boss, Sam Hochberg, our Oregon AIM Attorney. He likes to poke around the internet: http://www.wcow.com/html/motorcycle_accident.html . And NO, Sam says he's does NOT send out letters to accident victims, like a dozen or so other lawyers do here in Oregon. Sam's plate is pretty full anyway. He says it seems pretty damned slimy to send out a letter trying to hustle some poor guy who's all busted up. Some states forbid that altogether, but not Oregon.  PORTLAND, MN: David Sharp of the Associated Press brings us this bit of news: Safety experts suspect older motorcycle riders with a lot of disposable income are buying more machine than their aging brains and out-of-practice bodies can handle. Several other groups have come out with similar stuff on us OLDER riders, and I'm starting to get annoyed about it. I may be the exception, but then I've been riding a looonngg time; well in excess of fifty years, and I'm still doin' OK. I ride a big bike, too. The difference might be that I take rider ed courses often. It really helps folks, especially with the traffic on the highways the way it is nowadays. It distresses me to read about all the folks being killed and maybe for no better reason than lack of preparation when it comes to getting on their scooters to enjoy life a little more. Please take a riding course if you haven't ridden for a few years, or if you're a new rider. It just might save your life and keep your family from losing someone they love. The annual number of motorcycle fatalities among 40-plus riders tripled over the past decade to 1,674 in 2003, in the USA. That's way too many of us gone.
HELMET PROTEST in INDIA: Cutting across party lines, elected members of the Pune Municipal Corp. (PMC) resolved to launch a mass protest against the state's decision to make helmets compulsory for motorcycle riders and passengers. We are not alone in the agitation caused by compulsory helmet laws, folks. These are elected officials protesting what the state says they have to do. KUDOS for them. I hope it does the job.
GUNNY AGAIN: As always I remind you good people, the AID TO INJURED MOTORCYCLISTS (AIM) attorneys across this country are the best source of help that bikers have when we get ourselves in a nasty accident or any other mess dealing with the laws of this land. Use their expertise and be glad they are here for us. We have enough going on in our lives without trying to get around the insurance companies alone. The number to call is 1-800-On-A-Bike. Visit 'em on the web, at www.On-A-Bike.com or www.AIMNCOM.com . Both'll getcha there! You will get at least some info, or if you need it, good advice. Keep the round side on the bottom.
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