1. No category

Mar-Apr 2015
1
American Bikers Aimed Toward Education
ABATE of New York State Office
P.O. Box 167
Walker Valley, NY 12588
OR CU R R E NT R E S I DE NT
NON-PROFIT Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Binghamton, NY
Permit No. 1039
"Ride to the Capital!"
The FreedomWriter
The Freedom Writer
abateny.org
Mar-Apr 2015
ABATE of NEW YORK
Mar-Apr 2015
ABATE OF NEW YORK SUPPORTS THIS PROGRAM FOR ITS MEMBERS
Ov
50 er
Rec Milli
ove
on
r
$1
Our
HIRE ATTORNEYS WHO RIDE
Law Offices of RICHARD M. LESTER
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
ed
Clie For
nts
Founder, Aid to Injured Motorcyclists
110 Offices Throughout North America
Free Legal Consultation
No Recovery = No Fee
We make House Calls
Attorneys in Every State and Province Who Ride
No Fee on Motorcycle Damage Recovery
Also Auto Accidents
! Criminal Defense Nationwide
Call for Your New A.I.M.
Card with Lost Key Finder
New
24 Hours - Toll Free (800) 531-2424
FOR
N
1 MED es
CY
ffic
GE
EMER Law
E
AR
ER
RID LAW
ON
ND BY t 4 ESENTATI
E A ED Acciden 2 4 2 AL REPR ter
BIK ECT se of 3 1 - OR LEG . Les
IS OT In Ca ) 5 ATION rd M
TH PR - ( 8 0 0L INFORMf Richa
o
ICA
(800) ON-A-BIKE
O
Visit us on the web at
www.ON-A-BIKE.com
Affiliated
Affiliated New
New York
York Offices
Offices to
to Serve
Serve You
You
We are endorsed by the National Coalition of Motorcyclists and
more than 800 motorcycle groups throughout the United States and
Canada, and serve as Legal Counsel for the Confederations of Clubs.
Aid to Injured
Motorcyclists
ATTENTION ABATE/CMRO MEMBERS: Our nationwide network of
A.I.M. attorneys donate a significant portion of their legal fees from
motorcycle accident settlements back into motorcycling by being the
sole financial sponsor of the National Coalition of Motorcyclists.
LAW OFFICES OF
MITCH PRONER
ATTORNEY AT LAW
New York's Authorized Representative for
the Law Offices of Richard M.Lester
Toll Free
•
24 Hours
1-800-531-2424
60 East 42nd Street, Suite 1448, New York, NY
MEMBER OF ABATE OF NEW YORK
2
A FIRM DEDICATED TO SERVING THE INTERESTS OF THOSE WHO RIDE
President
Robert Porter 619-804-2345 barzbub@hotmail.com
Vice President
Paul Pritchard 845-418-3929 paul.abateny@gmail.com
Treasurer
Tammy Ware
518-779-9232 tammyware62@gmail.com
Secretary
Bob "Prospector" Boellner 518-239-4560
prospectorspan@netzero.net
Legislative Coordinator
Don Richer 315-637-3356 dricher1@twcny.rr.com
Sgt. at Arms
Joe Carcaramo 845-417-1998 joecarcaramo@gmail.com
Public Relations
Brian Burns contact info bellow
Western Region A Coordinator OPEN
Region B Coordinator
Scott Ryan
518-307-0800
What is ABATE?
American Bikers Aimed Toward Education is a not
for profit corporation formed to promote and protect
the interests of New York state motorcyclists. ABATE
monitors and interacts with the legislative process,
enhancing the image of motorcycling, and provides
educational and social opportunities for members
and non-members. ABATE will continue to strive to
stay acquainted with the issues and the people of the
motorcycling community.
We encourage all our members to be informed
registered voters. ABATE of New York, Inc. supports
Motorcycle Riders Education classes currently being
offered throughout NYS. We welcome the interested
people to any of our activities and to join our
organization. All makes and models of motorcycles
are welcome.
For more information, visit our website at:
http://abateny.org/
The Freedom Writer
ABATE of New York, Inc.
2015 State Officers
strectch223@gmail.com
Region C Coordinator OPEN
Region D Coordinator Metro NY/LI OPEN
Region E Coordinator
John Tichy
New York State Websites
2014 State Appointees
State Office Manager Chris Werder
888-344-4400
P.O.Box 167, Walker Valley, NY 12588
Treasury Manager
Deb Trask 607-432-2975
debatrask@gmail.com
Newsletter Editor
John Reid 315-297-4390
nysabate@gmail.com
Brian Burns 518-858-6252
Newsletter Ad Manager
Webmaster
midasb@aol.com
John Cholewa 845-705-6370
nomad2000@hvc.rr.com
NEWSLETTER SUBMISSIONS
A S S E M BLY
Sheldon Silver, Speaker
New York State Assembly
http://assembly.state.ny.us/
Assemblymen:
http://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/
New York State Senate:
http://www.nysenate.gov/
Senators:
http://www.nysenate.gov/senators
Deadline: April 1, 2015
for the May/June 2015 issue 3
Send submission to:
nysabate@gmail.com
To search for a New York state bill go to
http://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/
Mar-Apr 2015
NEXT
New York State
3
Mar-Apr 2015
ABATE
of New York, Inc. Chapters
Albany Chapter
P.O. Box 3808
Albany, NY 12203
Brooklyn Chapter
P.O. Box 245064
Brooklyn, NY 11224
Brooklyn Alliance Chapter
P.O. Box 193
Brooklyn, NY 11216
Buffalo-Erie Chapter
P.O. Box 286
West Seneca, NY 14224
BuffaloErieAbate.com
Cayuga Chapter
P.O. Box 74
Auburn, NY 13021
Chautauqua Chapter
P.O. Box 572
Dunkirk, NY 14048
New York State Department of Motor
Vehicles Summary of Motorcycle Crashes
2012
TABLE 1 Motorcycle Crashes
Category Totals
Total Crashes
Fatal Crashes
Non-Fatal Personal Injury Crashes
Reportable Property Damage Crashes
Vehicles
Drivers Involved
Motorcycle Operators
Non-Motorcycle Drivers
Vehicle Occupants
Special Motorcycle Crash Series
Motorcycle/Pedestrian Crashes
Motorcycle/Bicycle Crashes
Fatalities
Persons Killed (1)
Drivers Killed
Motorcycle Operators
Non-Motorcycle Drivers
Passengers Killed
Motorcycle Passengers
Passengers in Other Vehicles
Pedestrians Killed
Bicyclists Killed
Other
Non-Fatal Injuries
Persons Injured (1)
Drivers Injured
Passengers Injured
Pedestrians Injured
Bicyclists Injured
Other
All
Crashes
Police
Reported
5,916
164
5,052
700
5,375
164
4,793
418
9,544
9,186
5,851
3,335
11,182
8,685
8,424
5,386
3,038
10,340
89
38
87
37
173
155
154
1
11
10
1
6
1
0
173
155
154
1
11
10
1
6
1
0
5,820
5,129
562
88
31
10
5,545
4,872
548
86
30
9
Clinton Chapter
PO Box 2032,
Plattsburgh NY 12901
Columbia Chapter
P.O. Box 227
Hudson, NY 12534
www.columbiaabate.org
Cortland-Chenango Chapter
P.O. Box 245
McGraw, NY 13101
cortland-chenangoabate.com
Finger Lakes Chapter
P.O. Box 353
Hornell, NY 14843
ABATE of Genesee
P.O. Box 233
Elba, NY 14058
(1) Includes pedestrians, bicyclists and all other non-vehicle involved persons
as well as vehicle occupants regardless of seating position.
4
Monroe Chapter
P.O. Box 13277
Rochester, NY 14613
ABATEnyMonroe.org
TABLE 2(P) Severity of Crash
Total
Fatal (K) Crashes
Personal Injury Crashes
Serious (A)
Moderate (B)
Minor (C)
Unknown Severity
Property Damage (O) Crashes
Number
Percent
5,375
164
100.0
3.1
1,180
1,545
1,982
86
418
22.0
28.7
36.9
1.6
7.8
General Notes
* Some of the tables are based upon information received from police
and motorist reports of motor vehicle crashes. Others are based
submited by Pete Campanella Western Regional Coordinator
only on the police reports; these are indicated by a (P).
* The Property Damage Crash reporting level is $1,000 or more.
* The term "vehicle" always excludes bicycles.
* The term "driver" always excludes bicyclists.
* Percentages may not total 100.0 due to rounding.
North Ulster Chapter
P.O. Box 13
West Hurley, NY 12491
Onondaga Chapter
P.O. Box 11575
Syracuse, NY 13218
Ontario Chapter
P.O. Box 546
Canandaigua, NY 14424
abatenyontario.20m.com
Orleans Chapter
P.O. Box 43
Medina, NY 14103-0043
orleanscountyabate.com
Oswego Chapter
P.O. Box 133
Central Square, NY 13036
www.oswegoabate.org
Queens Chapter
PO Box 110165
Cambria Heights, NY 11411
Rensselaer Chapter
P.O.Box 360
West Sand Lake, NY 12196
Schenectady Chapter
PO Box 14511 Albany NY 12212
http://
electriccityabate.weebly.com
Southern Tier Chapter
P.O. Box 2441
Binghamton, NY 13902
abateofstny.org
Warren Chapter
P.O.Box 2213
Glens Falls NY 121801
Wayne Chapter
P.O. Box 332
Ontario, NY 14519
ABATE of New York, Inc.
SPONSORS
ABATE of New York,
Inc. MEETINGS 2015
The following clubs, businesses and organizations
have joined ABATE of NY, Inc. to help further our goals
and to help us fight for motorcyclists’ rights
by becoming a sponsor.
Meetings are held at:
THANK YOU! We appreciate your SUPPORT!
FULL THROTTLE INS AGENCY- Patchogue, NY
SWAHN INSURANCE- Riverhead, NY
Sponsors pay $25 per year to have their business
or organization name printed in our state newsletter
and receive a certificate. If your club, business,
or organization supports our mission
and would like to become a sponsor,
contact Mike Grasby, our Advertising Manager
for further details. You can reach him by email at:
michaelg9898@yahoo.com or by phone: 585-728-5246.
The Freedom Writer
ABATE of New York, Inc. AIMS & PURPOSES
LOCATION:
TBA
STATE CHAPTERS MEETINGS
The State Chapters Meetings start at 1:00pm.
The ABATE Board meets at 12:00pm
before every State Chapter Meeting.
February 21
STATE BOARD MEETINGS
The State Board Meetings start at 10:00am.
March 15
SUPPORT THOSE WHO SUPPORT US!
ATTENTION:
ALL NEWSLETTER MATERIAL SUBMITTED FOR FUTURE
ED
EDITIONS
SHOULD BE SENT TO nysabate@gmail.com
QR Code for http://abateny.org
Mar-Apr 2015
Chapters remember that you are entitled to a 1/4 page of every
edition of this newsletter.
If you or anyone you know has been
stopped at a motorcycle-only roadblock or
harassed in any way by law enforcement
for being on a motorcycle, please contact
Prospector ASAP at 518-239-4560 to make
a formal complaint to the Attorney
General's office.
5
Mar-Apr 201
6
ABATE of New York State Board meeting
December 21, 2014
Call to Order by President Porter at 12:12 pm
"Pledge of Allegiance"
"Moment of Silance"
Board Members present: President Porter, VP Pritchard, Deb
Trask, Prospector, Don Richer and Pete Campanella Reading of
minutes of previous meeting
Motion #B38-14: Pete, Paul; accept reading of minutes
Discussion: MSN program to run non-profit on line. Motoin
#B39-14: Pete, Paul; Don to look into MSN package to run notfor-profit on line. Unanimous
Discussion: Should we convert to 501C3
Discussion: Javits Center show ABATE took in $600.00 in
donations.
Discussions: Status of new tri-folds; Brian Burns will take
over the project.
Discussions: Appoint a committee to look into chartering a
bus to Javits 2015, will take to chapters at Seminar.
State office manager contract
AMA membership application
Treasurer manager contract
NY office for non-profits; package was distributed to board.
Treasurer report: Finger Lakes and Monroe are delinquent
with treasury reports.
Discussion: State Newsletter
Motion #B40-14: Paul, Pete; allow Deb to investigate for an
alternate accountant and report back to the board by Feb.
2015 board meeting.
Public relations report: Don
Region A report: Finger Lakes chapter is in trouble.
Discussions: Finger Lakes
Discussions: Foundation materials to seminar. Pete
Campanella requested appointment to the board as Region A
coordinator. Appointment approved. Seminar committee
report: Paul
Freedom Rally report: Ben Rabin has all information Bylaw
committee report: Don
Communications committee report: Don; looking at skype
and others.
Discussions: Offensive material on social media under
ABATE name. President Porter refused to remove such
material despite objections by both the outgoing 2014 board
and 2015 incoming board. Ultimately the President stated "I
will take 'that' down by the next meeting."
continued...
2015 board took oath of office
State Office manager contract was signed by the board.
Motion #B41-14: Brian, Pete; to adjourn
Meeting adjourned at 3:34 pm.
State Chapters meeting reminder
Folks,
This is a reminder that our first State Chapters meeting
will be held at 1:00PM on Saturday, February 21st at:
American Legion Post 1194, Hillcrest
363 W. Service Rd.
Binghamton NY 13901
We have a full State Board of Directors, and several new
Chapters. The possibilities are exciting.
Our By-laws are being revised, we're much closer to an
insurance solution, we're looking
at various technologies for enabling remote attendance,
we're preparing for the Freedom rally and much more.
So for those of you who have not attended a State level
meeting for some time, and/or have sent representatives
instead of attending yourself - now would be a great time
to make a difference, by attending and participating in
person.
Please invite any of your Chapter members, especially
those who are considering a run for State office in the next
election.
We also encourage all Legislative Coordinators to attend
these meetings, if and when possible.
See for yourself what goes on. Don't think you know
because of past experience, or what you may have heard second hand.
Become part of the process for positive change, and be
there - in person - to make sure it happens.
We look forward to meeting with each of you, and
hearing your ideas for moving ahead.
ABATE of New York, Inc.
State Board of Directors
submited by D. Richer Legistrative Coordinator
One of the things I think we need is to be informed of the
Legislation we actively support throughout the State. Below is a
short list of the top four.
As you read the list you will see an entry beginning with an
"A". This is an Assembly bill number. Next to it comes the last
name of the Assembly member who sponsored the Bill.
Following that may be a number which begins with a "S", and
would be the companion Senate Bill, if one exists. After that is
the last name of the Senator sponsoring the Bill. Finally - all of
this is followed by
a brief
summary
of each Cycle
Bill.
• Buy
New•
Build a Re-cycle
SYRACUSE CYCLE-EXPO '15
•Restore & Rebuild at Syracuse's Annual Indoor
Motorcycle Showcase & Swap Meet
A03147
Lupardo
(no Senate support)
FEBRUARY
7-8,
2015 to ensure
Requires the municipal police training commission
•Saturday: 11am - 6 pm• Sunday: noon-Spm
that issues
relating
toBuilding,
motorcycle
are addressed
of Progress
New Yorkprofiling
State Fairgrounds,
Syracuse, NYin basic
Center
law enforcement
training.
The Largest Motorcycle Showcase & Swap Meet
Under One Roof In The North East!
Door Prize & Cash Awards For Custom Bikes
A03232
Lupardo
(nobeSenate
support)
Will
be given away Sunday night 3-4 pm, must
present to win!
Relates to motorcycle insurance
policies and requires owners'
ADVANCE ENTRY FORM
policies of liability to inform the insured that motor
vehicle
DATE._
_ _ __ noindicate the number(s}
ofbooth(s}
aesired.
________
___
_ _state
_ __
faultPlease
insurance
does not
apply
to_motorcycles
and
that
T
o
t_
a
l_
$_
·_
-_
--_
-_
-_
--_
-_
-_
--_
-_
--_
-_
-Paid$
_
_
___
__
__-_
___
___uninsured
coverage
available
the
alternative.
______
_ _ _ _ _is
__
_ _ _ _ _in
__
__
_ _ _ _ _ __
Balance Due,motorist
MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO SUPER SWAP
Inventory To Be Sold._ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __
Name Of Company_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _~
Address _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __
Phone(__}
Email _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __
NY State Sales Tax No._ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __
A03241
Lupardo
S02381 Nozzolio
Provides that motorcyclists over the age of twenty-one shall be
exempt
from the requirement to wear a helmet when operating
Authorized Signature~------------------------or riding a motorcycle.
The promoter rese~es the right, at any time, at his sole discretion, to refuse to allow set up and I or to throw out
any person or vendor for any reason, to protect the Integrity of the show and other vendors at Super Swap.
A09083
Crespo
S02113 Ritchie
Establishes a motorcycle safety awareness component as a
requirement for licensing. (This Bill has not been re-introduced
for 2015, and has expired.)
Set up Friday 5-9 and Saturday 8 AM - 10 AM
DEPART- Sunday, Feb. 8, 2015 between 5 PM and 8 PM
All vendors must be out and areas cleaned by 8 PM Sunday night
NO EXCEPTIONS WILL BE MADE!
FIGHTING
FOR
YO U R R I G H T
TO R I D E
Even if you are on the right track,
You'll get run over if you just sit there.
Will Rodgers
Mar-Apr 2015
Show open
from 11 am to
6 PMdesperately
Saturday
Bills waiting for Senate
support
are
in need of our
12 to 5 PM on Sunday
Retain
ticket
stubs
for
chance
to
win
a
Door
Prize
grassroots efforts. This means each member working with your
Chapter Legislative Coordinator, writing letters, and contacting
FEES: (Booth
10 X 10)
your representatives inIftheir
localsizeoffices.
You do not have to
business name advertise at Meet
(for Motorcycles
& Parts only) -- $125 per booth
wait until our Freedom
Rally
in
Albany
to
visit your Assembly
Leather, T-shirts, Jewelry - $150
Motorcycle Parts Only - $50
and Senate reps. You(limit
most
definitely should be contacting them,
1 per person-Businesses not eligible)
on a regular basis,Please
atsend
their
local offices within your respective
certified check or money order made out to
SUPER SWAP
districts.
50% non-returnable deposit required
reserve spots and placement
The following is takentofrom
a message recently sent to all
FIRST COME FIRST SERVED
Legislative Coordinators, and is meant for you, our members:
As you know the legislative
process
is THE
For Ticket information
or Reservations
call: bottom line for
Frank Westfall at 315 472 7931 from llam - 6 pm days
ABATE. NOTHING
gets
done
for or
against
us13203
without laws,
Or write SUPER
SWAP,
478 N. Salina
Street,
Syracuse, NY
and so this really is the
most
important
part of ABATE. Our job
-ALL
DEPOSITS
NON REFUNABLESET UP - Set up Friday, 5-9 PM and Saturday, 8 AM- 10 AM
Please be set
by lOAM
on Saturday so that
show may open at
11 am
is to affect change
inup the
Legislation
regarding
the
motorcycle
All late
entries
must call and notify Show Office of late arrival. (315 487-7711)
related issues
we
support.
submitted by Don Richer
So that we can pursue this, we need to start preparing for
participation in the process. The first thing each individual must
do is to identify your representatives, both in the Senate and
Assembly.
The easiest way I know of is to go to the ABATE of NY State
web site - http://abateny.org, then in the left hand sidebar of the
Main page click on the link "Legislation". Scroll down near the
bottom of the ABATE Legislation Information page, and under
"Representatives" you will see two web links.
The first link is titled: Find your New York State Senator
The second link is titled: Find your New York State Assembly
Rep.
Click on each link and fill in the fields which are at most street address, city, & zip code. This will provide you with the
name of your representative. Write down the representative's
names and what District they are in.
For example:
My Assemblyman is Al Stirpe, and I am in the 127th Assembly
District my State Senator is John DeFrancisco, and I am in the
NYS Senate District 50.
Also - don't assume that a single County (or City) is
represented by a single Assembly person. In many Districts they
are not. Everyone needs to lookup their own representatives to be
sure.
Keep in mind - the PRIMARY responsibility of every chapter is
to influence their area legislators. The first step toward this is to
identify who your representatives are.
Legislative Matters
7
Mar-Apr 201
19th Annual Freedom
Rally
May 18th 2015
“Ride to the Capital” Come join riders
from across the state.
ABATE of NY, Inc.
Oswego County Chapter
Indoor Rodeo and Chili Cook-Off
Saturday March 15th, 2014 at Kasoag Lake Park County Rt.30
Williamstown,NY Games Start at 1:00 Chili Tasting all day
Awards at 4:00 Donation: $5.00
For more info call Jim at 427-4765 or Bruce at 298-6480
ABATE of New York Events
March 22nd 2015
ABATE of Ontario County - Motorcycle Swap Meet
Noon to 5:00 PM at the Inn On The Lake, 770 South Main
Street, Canandaigua, NY. Motorcycle parts, accessories,
clothing, tools and much more! Food and beverages available.
More details at Cyberspokes.com. Admission $5 per person.
Under 16 free! Vendor tables $30 each. Call Don Mohr
585-526-4750.
Americade
8
Americade is the world's largest multi-brand motorcycle
touring rally, attracting over 100,000 annually. Come for the
day or for the week to the "Best Riding Event in the U.S."
with the most factory demos, a massive motorcycle expo, lots
of incredible motorcycle events and the most rides in the
U.S.!
June15th 2015
Ride Your Motorcycle to Work Day
Ride your motorcycle or scooter on this day to demonstrate:
-The number of motorcyclists to the general public and to politicians.
-That motorcyclists are from all occupations and all walks of life.
-That motorcyclists can reduce traffic and parking congestion in large cities.
-That motorcycles are for transportation as well as recreation.
-That motorcycling is a social good.
Attention from "Prospector"
Please turn in any state issued sound meters to
your regional coordinators. ASAP
Thank You !
Mar-Apr 201
National and Regional News
12
Washington, D.C.: A bipartisan bill introduced by U.S. Sens.
Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Kelly
Ayotte (R-N.H.), Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Susan Collins
(R-Maine) would prohibit the use of federal funds to
establish motorcycle-only checkpoints.
Specifically, S. 127, the "Stop Motorcycle Checkpoint
Funding Act," would restrict the U.S. Secretary of
Transportation from granting funds to any government
entity for a program to check helmet use or to create
checkpoints for an operator of a motorcycle or a passenger
on a motorcycle.
The AMA fully supports the bill.
Motorcycle riders are already subject to state
registration, inspection, licensing and helmet laws and must
stop at sobriety checkpoints like all other motorists. The
AMA has fought motorcycle-only checkpoints since the state
of New York announced plans to set up 15 of them in 2008
to stop riders on their way summer motorcycling events.
"Evidence suggests that motorcycle-only checkpoints
do not effectively reduce motorcycle injuries or fatalities and
do not address the factors that are the main contributors to
motorcycle accidents," the senators wrote in a press release
about the bill. "Accordingly, NHTSA does not list the
practice in its own 2013 Highway Safety Countermeasure
Guide for State Highway Offices, which details policies and
activities that the agency considers effective at reducing crash
injuries and fatalities."
States use funding from the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration to pay for the checkpoints, so federal
legislation can halt the practice. If passed, this federal bill will
cut off NHTSA funding and ensure that riders across the
country are safeguarded from these ineffective and
discriminatory stops.
California, Louisiana, Missouri, North Carolina,
Illinois, New Hampshire and Virginia have passed legislation
curbing motorcycle-only checkpoints.
Washington, D.C. The National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration says the number of motorcyclists killed in traffic
crashes declined by 6.4 percent from 2012 to 2013, and the
number injured dropped 5.4 percent.
In 2013, 4,668 motorcyclist fatalities were reported, down
318 from the 4,986 in 2012. Similarly, 88,000 "occupants" were
reported to have been injured in motorcycle crashes in 2013,
down from 93,000 the year before. The NHTSA also reported
that motor vehicle crash fatalities overall decreased by 3.1
percent in 2013 and injuries declined 2.1 percent.
One factor in the lower incidence of motorcycle crash
fatalities was an 8.3 percent decrease in the number of
motorcycle crashes in which the rider was impaired by alcohol,
the NHTSA reported. The NHTSA report also noted that there
were 190 fewer fatalities in 2013 among motorcyclists aged 50 to
69 years. That decline represented 60 percent of the total
decrease in motorcyclist fatalities.
"Motorcyclist safety is of utmost importance," says AMA
President and CEO Rob Dingman. "That is why the AMA is
participating in the Motorcycle Crash Causation Study
underway at Oklahoma State University. We hope that the
information from this extensive examination of motorcycle
crashes will lead to better strategies for making our roads safer
for motorcyclists."
The Motorcycle Crash Causation Study is the first
comprehensive examination since the 1981 Hurt Report on the
factors contributing to motorcycle crashes in the United States.
When the project is completed in 2016, it will provide a large
and unique data set derived from actual motorcycle crashes and
riders with similar risk characteristics, with a focus on the
unique circumstances that produce motorcycle crashes.
The Motorcycle Crash Causation Study will provide upto-date information on the types of dangers modern
motorcyclists face. The study is important, because it will
provide new insights into which factors affect motorcyclist
safety and how.
Mar-Apr 2015
The Freedom Writer
10
Bills may put motorcyclists at risk
Contact Congress today!
On Feb. 10, U.S. Sens. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) and Cory
Booker (D-N.J.) introduced S. 424, the Wi-Fi Innovation
Act . The bill would require the Federal Communications
Commission to open the reserved spectrum to unlicensed
devices in the upper 5.8 GHz and lower 5.9 GHz band,
eliminating the FCC and the U.S. Department of
Transportation’s ability to ensure the vehicle-to-vehicle
technology is free from interference.
Companion legislation (H.R. 821) has been introduced in
the U.S. House of Representatives by U.S. Reps. Bob Latta (ROhio), Darrell Issa (R-Calif.), Anna Eshoo (D-Calif.), Doris
Matsui (D-Calif.) and Suzan DelBene (D-Wash.).
The American Motorcyclist Association opposes these bills
and shares the Intelligent Transportation Society of
America’s position that the testing plan for the use of
unlicensed devices in the 5.8 GHz to 5.9 GHz band “should
proceed without pre-emptive legislation that sets arbitrary
deadlines and restrictive parameters.”
Tell Congress you oppose these bills. Send a prewritten
email by using the easy-to-use AMA Federal Action Center.
The AMA is concerned that over-reliance on technological
driving solutions could increase the risk to motorcyclists by
lulling motorists into a false sense of security and by reducing
their overall awareness of their surroundings while behind
the wheel.
Before allowing unlicensed devices to operate within the
band, the DOT needs to test them, free from political pressure
and artificial deadlines, to ensure that motorcyclists’ safety
and privacy are secure and that vehicles using advanced
crash-avoidance and vehicle-to-vehicle technologies are not
compromised.
To date, the DOT has been unable to guarantee there would
be no interference.
Intersections already pose a well-documented problem for
motorcyclists. Imagine how much more dangerous
intersections would become if drivers begin to rely on
advanced safety technologies that are not thoroughly tested?
Drivers may believe these technologies will protect them and
other road users, and may not be prepared for malfunction at
a critical juncture.
In testimony before the House Science, Space and Technology
Committee in the last Congress, U.S. Department of
Transportation Assistant Secretary for Research and
Technology Gregory D. Winfree said, “We have very serious
concerns about any spectrum sharing that prevents or delays
access to the desired channel or otherwise preempts the safety
applications. At this time, the department is unaware of any
existing or proposed technical solution which guarantees
interference-free operation of the DSRC safety-critical
applications, while allowing Wi-Fi enabled devices to share the
5.9 GHz spectrum” (emphasis added).
The DOT believes these technologies will reduce the 6 million
crashes and more than 30,000 fatalities that occur annually on
U.S. roadways. According to a National Telecommunications
and Information Administration report, connected-vehicle
technology “will enhance safety on the nation’s highways,”
potentially addressing “80 percent of the crash scenarios
involving non-impaired drivers.” The report also cites National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration research showing that
connected-vehicle technology “could help prevent the majority
of types of crashes that typically occur in the real world, such as
crashes at intersections or while changing lanes.”
In a landmark study published in 1981, the Motorcycle
Accident Cause Factors and Identification of Countermeasures
Volume I: Technical Report (popularly known as the “Hurt
Report”), the single most common multi-vehicle motorcycle
crash involves a car making a left turn into the path of a
motorcycle at an intersection. Additionally, in a “Motorcycle
Accidents In-Depth Study,” researchers investigated in detail
921 crashes in 1999 and 2000 in France, Germany, the
Netherlands, Spain and Italy and found that 54.3 percent of
the crashes occurred at intersections.
Help ensure that future high-technology solutions for our
roadways make the riding environment safer for motorcyclists.
Tell Congress you oppose these bills!
Thousands of riders like you join the AMA to unite for a
common goal – to protect our freedom to ride. As an AMA
member, you will stand with hundreds of thousands of
advocates nationwide fighting anti-motorcycling forces that
threaten our right to ride and race. That’s why the AMA is
where you belong. Visit www.AMAJoin.com or call (800)
AMA-JOIN today.
The Freedom Writer
Help spread the word !
Please request the materials for your Chapters to distribute
for awareness !
Contact, Pete Campanella, peter_campanella@yahoo.com
or phone ....716-655-6473
Materials are free, shipping cost required...
NOTE: ABATE of New York encourages local chapters
to participate in motorcycle events that provides
awareness and support for the motorcycling comunity.
Mar-Apr 2015
13
Mar-Apr 2015
Bipartisan Senate Bill would Ban Federal
Funding for Motorcycle-Only Checkpoints
January 8, 2015
16
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WASHINGTON, D.C. – A bipartisan bill introduced
today by U.S. Sens. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Ron
Johnson (R-Wis.), Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.), Joe Manchin (DW.Va.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine) would prohibit the
use of federal funds in establishing motorcycle-only
checkpoints.
Specifically, the “Stop Motorcycle Checkpoint Funding
Act” would restrict the Secretary of Transportation from
granting funds to any government entity for a program to
check helmet use or to create checkpoints for an operator
of a motorcycle or a passenger on a motorcycle. The
American Motorcyclist Association and the Motorcycle
Riders Foundation fully support the bill.
“Motorcycle-only checkpoints are discriminatory,
forcing riders and their passengers to do something not
asked of other citizens, simply because we choose to travel
on two wheels, or three, instead of four,” said Wayne
Allard, AMA vice president for government relations.
“The AMA believes the money used for these operations
could be better spent supporting programs that conduct
rider education, reduce distracted driving and encourage
motorist awareness of motorcycles.”
“We are excited to work on this most important issue,”
said Jeff Hennie, vice president of government relations
and public affairs for the Motorcycle Riders Foundation.
“It is imperative that we end the discriminatory act of
motorcycle only checkpoints.”
Motorcycle riders already are subject to state
registration, inspection, licensing and helmet laws and
must stop at sobriety check points like all other motorists.
The MRF and AMA have fought motorcycle-only
checkpoints since the state of New York announced plans
to set up 15 of them in 2008 to stop riders on their way
summer motorcycling events.
“Evidence suggests that motorcycle-only checkpoints do
not effectively reduce motorcycle injuries or fatalities and
do not address the factors that are the main contributors to
motorcycle accidents,” the senators wrote in a press release
about the bill. “Accordingly, NHTSA does not list the
practice in its own 2013 Highway Safety Countermeasure
Guide for State Highway Offices, which details policies and
activities that the agency considers effective at reducing
crash injuries and fatalities.”
States use funding from the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration to pay for the checkpoints, so federal
legislation can halt the practice.
If passed, this federal bill will cut off NHTSA funding and
ensure that riders across the country are safeguarded from
these ineffective and discriminatory stops.
“Using motorcyclists tax dollars to discriminate and
harass them with mandatory roadside checkpoints in the
name of safety is offensive and just plain wrong. No one is
more aware of the condition of the motorcycle than the
person riding it,” Hennie said.
“If the NHTSA truly is interested in motorcyclists’ safety,
it would fund proven programs that help prevent crashes,
rather than these checkpoints,” Allard said.
California, Louisiana, Missouri, North Carolina, Illinois,
New Hampshire and Virginia have passed legislation
curbing motorcycle-only checkpoints.
All Information contained in this release is copyrighted.
Reproduction permitted with attribution. Motorcycle Riders
Foundation. All rights reserved.
Ride With The LeadersTM by joining the MRF at
http://motorcycleridersfoundation.wildapricot.org/
page-1654836 or call (202) 546-0983
The Freedom Writer
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The Freedom Writer
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motorcyclist news & Items, observations and
viewpoints from a legal
riding perspective
GAZETTE
Vol. 1 Issue 2
This Property New York’s Trial
Condemned Court System
Law’s a “Dumb Tool”
Hauled Into Court
The tabloid headline howls injustice— In the first case of its kind in U.S. history,
big money and corrupt power abuses NY State’s trial system is going on trial.
the little guy, with lawyers right in the The NYCLU (New York Civil Liberties
Union) has brought suit
thick of it, using the law to do their
The
ACLU
for the state’s chronic
evil client’s bidding. Lousy, corrupt
intervened on Rush failure to provide con­
lawyers. Sharks, piranha.
Limbaugh’s behalf
We can’t argue the perception in his infamous ’06 stitutionally guaranteed
right to counsel for the
drug bust
but we’ll argue nevertheless, because
crimininally
accused.
that’s what lawyers do—they argue.
Their investigation revealed that
Lawyers don’t make
accused are routinely arraigned
law, they argue law.
without counsel present, 1/3rd of all
And law’s a dumb
accused never see their lawyers except
tool. A screwdriver
in court, and that some prosecutors
is a useful tool to
receive 35 times more public funds
honest mechanics
for investigation than public defenders
and burglars alike.
As old as law is the adage “you can’t (emphasis added).
2007 national stats cite up to 7x the
legislate morality.” We can be morally
repulsed by the abuse of laws as much recommended caseload with virtually
as the next guy, but it’s our job to find no investigative allowance and a 30+%
a legal answer—a legal argument—to greater chance of public defenders’
fight back with. It gives us no small guilty clients doing prison time.
Chilling stats, especially in light of
pleasure winning those arguments for
how often the news seems to report
our clients—winning for individuals.
For every tabloid headline, there are another wrongly imprisoned prisoner’s
thousands of untold stories...conflicts release on DNA or related evidence.
Without speculating on studies
that unfold in countless ways and end
up in lawyers’ hands. It’s the skill of that say prison privatization further
the hands holding the screwdriver that incentivizes the US’s already record
prison populations, it is evident to us
determine any conflict’s outcome.
!
Myers, Singer and Galiardo
represents individuals.
We take threats to individual
rights and liberties very
personally.
Mike
Chris Matt
Singer Galiardo Myers
299 Broadway, NYC
212-986-5900
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Police Misconduct • Criminal Defense
“we ride...we
represent”
NYPD’s collection truck scoops up a lot of illegally
parked motorcycles, including plateless ones like the
pink putt-putt here. If you’re trying to avoid license
theft, bolt plates on with good hardware, don’t take
them with you if you’re parked on the street!
we have reached a desperation tipping
point in the fair adjudication of criminal
cases by court­appointed counsel.
“Presumed innocent” has no mean­
ing when the system deprives all but the
well­heeled of any rational description
of a fair day in court.
Winter Bike Tours?
Spotted this bike with ’bama plates whose
bottle-capper accessory made us wonder:
a) 7up? Really? and b) what’s it like to be
behind him when he pops the lid off a cold
one at 60mph?
Ferguson, Missouri:
Heartland USA Meets
Police Militarization
Regardless of how the shooting
death by a Ferguson, MO police
officer is adjudicated, the scenes
of demonstrators being confronted
by a police phalanx of armored
vehicles and weaponry suitable to
full­on war—on home soil—isn’t
an image readily forgotten.
Few can can justify local police
departments wielding such fire­
power, less reconciling it with the
motto “Protect and Serve.”
A downtown Manhattan entrepreneur
packages motorcycle tours (w/driver)
all over the city and is undaunted by
winter’s arrival—he’s got the heated
riding gear all figured out.
The standard GoPro helmetcams
allow his intrepid customers to show the
Big Apple on ice to folks back in Sioux
City or Munich...and are incidentally an
accountability and liability value­added
benefit. Visit nycmotorcycletours.com
to check out their off­season offerings.
Mar-Apr 2015
Myers Singer &
Galiardo, LLP
The Freedom Writer
a
23
Mar-Apr 2015
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