|
|
TOP 10 States for Motorcycle Theft in 2005
Des Plaines, IL - The National Insurance Crime Bureau today announced the top ten states for motorcycle thefts in 2005. They are, with theft totals in parentheses, as follows:
1. California (9,110)
2. Florida (6,324)
3. Texas (5,755)
4. North Carolina (3,053)
5. Ohio (2,573)
6. Arizona (2,464)
7.
New York (2,195)
8. Indiana (2,186)
9. Georgia (2,159)
10. Pennsylvania (2,021)
The complete list for 2005, as well as 2004, is available at
http://www.nicb.org/.
Nationally, 70,613 motorcycles were stolen in 2005 which is a slight decrease
from the 71,108 stolen in 2004. This
represents a loss of over $434 million to motorcycle owners and the
insurance industry.
Motorcyclists oftentimes lavish great attention on their
cycles, from elaborate paint schemes and chromed parts to specialized frames and
high-performance engines and exhaust systems. It's not uncommon for a
motorcycle's base price to exceed $20,000 with aftermarket parts adding
thousands of dollars more to the original cost.
With recovery rates typically in the 25-30% range nationally, motorcycle owners
need to take every precaution in protecting their investments. NICB recommends
the following tips to help prevent motorcycle theft:
Be wary of used cycles titled or registered as an
"assembled vehicle." If possible, have your insurer inspect the cycle prior to
purchasing it.
Verify that a previously-driven cycle titled and registered as a popular brand
name is not an assembled clone made from aftermarket components.
Look closely at used cycles for a title history that reveals numerous
manufacturers' statements of origin for major component parts.
Watch for cycles alleged to be "all custom." They could be assembled from stolen
or altered aftermarket parts, especially chrome components.
Be wary of cycles or major component parts that were allegedly acquired at a
"swap meet."
Obtain an expert appraisal and/or insurance policy pre-inspection before
purchasing and insuring a used cycle.
Robert M. Bryant, President and Chief Executive Officer of the NICB advises,
"Above all else, adequately insure all of your property, not just motorcycles
and vehicles, against damage and theft. Don't wait until tragedy strikes before
reviewing your insurance coverage. All too often people suffer severe economic
loss which could have been prevented with sufficient coverage. Examine your
policies closely and if you have questions or need clarification, contact your
insurance company."
The National Insurance Crime Bureau is the nation's leading non-profit
organization exclusively dedicated to preventing, detecting and defeating
insurance fraud and vehicle theft through information analysis, investigations,
training and public awareness.
U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) recently introduced S. 577, "The HIPAA Recreational Injury Technical Correction Act." Last Congress, the full Senate unanimously passed similar legislation. S. 577 aims at ending health care discrimination for individuals participating in legal transportation and recreational activities-activities like motorcycling, snowmobiling, horseback riding, skiing and all-terrain vehicle riding. This legislation addresses a loophole caused by a Department of Health and Human Services' rule making it possible for health care benefits to be denied to those who are injured while participating in these activities. "What many people don't know until it's too late, is that currently health insurance providers are legally permitted to deny benefits for injuries sustained while participating in certain recreational or transportation activities such as motorcycling, snowmobiling, skiing, and horseback riding," said Collins. "This policy is unfair, and I am working with my colleagues to change it." Collins was joined by Senator Feingold (D-WI) in introducing the Senate legislation. "From riding Harley Davidson motorcycles to visiting the Snowmobile Hall of Fame in St. Germain, these activities are part of Wisconsin's heritage and economy," Feingold said. "It simply doesn't make sense to exclude those participating in these activities from health care benefits." On August 21, 1996 an important opportunity arose when President Clinton signed the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability
Act (HIPAA), prohibiting employers from denying health care coverage based on a worker's pre-existing medical conditions or participation in legal activities. In 2001, the Health Care Finance Administration released the final rules that would govern the law. The rules recognize that employers cannot refuse health care coverage to an employee on the basis of their participation in a recognized recreational activity. However, the benefits can be denied for injuries sustained in connection with those activities. Essentially, the regulation grants equal status to motorcyclists without any substantive benefits. "Because of this loophole, someone who participates in motorcycling or snowmobiling could be denied health care coverage, while someone who is injured while drinking and driving a car would be protected," Senator Feingold said. "It is time that Congress corrected this so that those who are abiding by the law are not discriminated against." The AMA is urging all motorcyclists to notify their Senators and tell them to co-sponsor and support S.577, "The HIPAA Recreational Injury Technical Correction Act."
|
>From our lobbyist.
Wednesday, April 26 - One busy day at the state capitol. The
morning started promptly at 8:00 AM with a fundraising breakfast
for Senator Jim Rhoades, followed by additional fund raisers for
Representative Richard Stevenson and Representative Dennis Leh.
At 10:00 AM the Transportation Committee met to consider
House Bill 901 - this is the ABATE bill that allows for
additional voluntary night lighting of motorcycles. An
amendment was offered by Rep. Roy Baldwin that strikes out all
reference to various colors of valve stem caps, light wire, neon
tubes and strobe lights. Remaining allowable lighting includes
blue dot illumination, standard bulb running lights, light
emitting diode (LED) pods and strips.
All bills require a little give and take (compromise) but we
got the best deal we could to enable us to advance the bill.
The bill and the amendment passed out of the committee by a
unanimous vote. The bill is presently on the House floor and
will be considered for three days and then voted and if
successful will then go to the Senate where we will work with
Senator Madigan and his staff in order
to successfully advance the bill to the Governor's desk for
his consideration.
At 11:00 AM the full Senate considered House Bill 137 - this
is the ABATE bill that will correct the 24-7 lights on rule for
motorcycles changing the date of the motorcycles that are exempt
from the lights on law from 1973 to 1986.
The bill passed the Senate 47 - 1.
The bill is now sent to the Governor for his consideration.
Earlier in the week the House passed a Resolution (HR 674)
designating May 2006 as "Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month"
in Pennsylvania. The Governor signed a similar proclamation
last week.
Several members of the House Transportation Committee
mentioned to me that they received calls asking them to support
House Bill 901. To those of you who took the time to make those
calls - THANK YOU! The system works.
Charles
Ranger
Rick Stephens
4384 Rt322
Brookville Pa.
15825
814.849.3789 home
814.715.0345 cell
Member Sons of Liberty Riders
Abate of Pa.
_______________________________________________
Bikers mailing list
|
|
Date: 02/18/06 10:54:17
Subject: ABATE OF FLORIDA ANNOUNCES
FINANCIAL IMPACT OF MODIFYING HELMET LAW
On February 6, 2006 James "Doc" Reichenbach II, President
of ABATE of Florida and Chairman of the Board for the National
Coalition of Motorcyclists, released the following economic
impact report covering the five years since Florida modified
their mandatory helmet law to exclude most adult riders.
278,331 new Motorcycles at an average of $10,000 each =
$2,783,310,000
Sales tax on Motorcycles at 6% = $166,998,600
Registration Fees for Motorcycles = $10,047,749
Change of title = $8,280,347
Total = $2,968,636,696
"This is almost three billion dollars in five years that has
been put into the economy of the State of Florida, and this is a
low figure as it doesn't include antique motorcycle or mopeds
that are licensed in Florida," said Doc. "Over one hundred
eighty million dollars went directly into the state treasury for
the general fund, and this does not include the tourist money
that has increased because of Florida being a freedom of choice
state. In the past five years over Two Billion five hundred
thousand dollars has been spent at Bike Week and Biketoberfest."
For the report, the motorcycle registrations were compiled
from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor
Vehicles. The tax and fees came from the Florida license and
registration bureau. From July 1, 2000 to July 1, 2005
motorcycle registrations in Florida went from 195,306 to 473,637
which represent a total of a 143% increase.
"I hope these figures will help anyone who has heard the bad
publicity that has come out of our amended law," said Doc. "The
motorcyclists have certainly paid their fair share into the
Florida economy and it can be done in every state."
|
|
Charity 'poker runs' will have to fold
Attorney general rules motorcycle clubs' events are illegal gambling
By R.G. RATCLIFFE
Copyright 2005 Houston Chronicle Austin Bureau
AUSTIN - Motorcycle clubs
that stage "poker runs" for charity will find 2006 less
bountiful because Attorney General Greg Abbott ruled
Tuesday that such fundraisers amount to illegal gambling
under Texas law.
Poker runs typically have a
participant paying a registration fee or have the
motorcycle rider purchase cards or hands at various
rally points. At the end of the run, a cash prize is
usually awarded for the best hand, the second-best hand
and the worst hand.
Abbott ruled that a poker run
with cash prizes would amount to a lottery under state
law. He said an organization that kept part of the
proceeds for charity would violate the state's
prohibition on gambling.
"Even if the contribution goes
to a charitable cause and the nonprofit organization
will pay prizes from other money, a participant pays
money for the chance to win a prize," Abbott said. "Thus
we conclude ... the nonprofit organization would become
a custodian of a bet in violation (of the state Penal
Code)."
The ruling will broadly affect
motorcycle organizations across Texas. At least seven
have posted poker runs on the Internet through March.
Charitable poker runs in the past year have been hosted
by motorcycle clubs as well as police and fire
departments around the state.
The poker run that prompted
Abbott's opinion was organized by the Blue Knights Texas
XXXI chapter to raise money for Galveston County Deputy
Sheriff Michel Roy, who was injured in April when his
squad car collided
with a drunken driver's vehicle.
The Blue Knights is a
motorcycle club consisting of active and retired police
officers.
The club's advertised run said
riders could buy hands for $10 each with no limit on the
number of hands that could be purchased. At the end of
the run, prizes would consist of $700 for the best hand,
$200 for the second-best hand and $100 for the worst
hand.
Event drew complaint Galveston
County Criminal District Attorney Kurt Sistrunk said he
received a citizen complaint on the poker run the day
before it occurred. He said he called Blue Knights
officers and asked them to call the event off.
"There was no getting around
it, in my estimation, they would be violating the law if
they pursued that event," Sistrunk said.
Blue Knights chapter President
D.J. Alvarez said after that call, the club continued
with the poker run, but canceled the cash prizes.
Alvarez said only three or four
riders backed out of the Blue Knights run that weekend,
but he said Abbott's ruling will have a serious impact
on charitable poker runs across Texas.
"You have poker runs every
weekend," said Alvarez, a lieutenant in the Galveston
Police Department. "They're all for cancer
organizations, charitable organizations."
He said they are especially
useful in raising money for injured police or
firefighters.
"Where in a matter of
three hours can you raise $5,000?" Alvarez said.
'We can get around it'
While Abbott's ruling
specifically addressed the Blue Knights' poker run,
Sistrunk said he reads it to outlaw all such
fund-raising activities by nonprofit groups.
"They're going to have to come
up with a different way of collecting money," Sistrunk
said.
One of the biggest poker runs
in the Houston area is sponsored by Competition
Motorcycles of Pearland.
Owner Jesse McCulley said his
run is meant to promote motorcycling, with all the money
being paid out in prizes. He said he understands that
makes it legal because no one benefits but the riders
who participate.
McCulley said Abbott's ruling will negatively affect charity events if
there are no cash prizes for poker runs.
"Some people are going to
come out of the kindness of their heart," he said. "But
let's face it, if you cut out that little piece of
cheese at the end of the trail, participation is going
to decline."
Sputnik, chairman of the Texas
Motorcycle Rights Association, who does not use a last
name, said he does not believe Abbott's ruling marks the
end of poker runs.
"We can get around it," Sputnik
said. "We can give trophies, and we can give cash money
on the side."
Date: 01/07/06 09:27:14
Subject: Pa.
changes motorcycle permit procedures
Associated Press
HARRISBURG, Pa. - Under a policy that starts Monday, motorcycle
riders will have to pass a knowledge test before they can
receive their learner's permit.
The learner's permit previously had been issued before the
knowledge test was given.
"We want to make sure that anyone learning to drive a motorcycle
has the essential knowledge and understanding before riding on
the open road," said Allen D. Biehler, state transportation
secretary.
Applicants must complete a motorcycle learner's permit
application and pay required fees. But now they will take the
knowledge test immediately after returning the application.
PennDOT will issue a motorcycle learner's permit if the
applicant passes the test.
Motorcycle learner's permits issued before
Monday will not be affected by the change.
|
I am in favor of this and I contacted my Rep. to let him know.
GOP bill eliminates
auto emissions inspections
Republicans say checks are no longer needed By Tom Barnes, Post-Gazette Harrisburg Bureau HARRISBURG -- House Republican leaders are pushing for major changes in the state's vehicle inspection program, totally eliminating emissions testing and reducing required safety inspections from once a year to once every two years. "The new cars ... are so clean that it negates the necessity of that [emissions inspection] practice," said Rep. Rick Geist, R-Altoona, chairman of the House Transportation Committee, who's leading the effort. "The onboard diagnostics of the cars are so good, you don't really need to go get the car tested. "Since the year 2000, we've virtually had very, very clean air. As we get more and more new cars, there's less and less air pollution." Some of the debate on the issue in Mr. Geist's committee yesterday was angry, with Rep. Ken Ruffing, D-West Mifflin, at one point leaving the room in a huff after Mr. Geist refused to hold a public hearing on the emissions and inspection changes. Other Democrats complained they were being forced to act without an adequate chance to study such major changes in policy. Scrapping the emissions tests and cutting down safety inspections were on a list of House Republican legislative priorities for the fall session released yesterday by Speaker John Perzel of Philadelphia and Majority Leader Sam Smith of Punxsutawney. Mr. Geist said getting rid of emissions inspections would save motorists $40 or more a year. The committee chairman tried, but failed, to get both bills approved by his committee yesterday. The every-other-year safety inspection bill was narrowly defeated on a 14-14 vote. The emissions inspections bill didn't come up for a vote despite a debate of two hours. Mr. Geist said he wasn't giving up on either bill. Pennsylvania's first emissions and vehicle maintenance programs were implemented in 1984, and then upgraded in 1997 for Allegheny, Washington, Beaver and Westmoreland counties as well as five counties in the Philadelphia area. Gov. Ed Rendell's administration reached an agreement in federal court in May 2003 that further committed the state to expanding emissions inspections as required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to improve air quality. Many counties in Central Pennsylvania also now require the annual tests. Mr. Geist said he objected to a federal court order in Philadelphia in 2003 setting policy in Pennsylvania for car inspections. He said the Legislature should set inspections and emissions policy, not a federal court. "Do elected officials make the decisions or do courts make the decisions?" Mr. Geist said. Democrats complained yesterday the two bills were printed only Monday night and said more time was needed for study. But Rep. John Maher, R-Upper St. Clair, said inspection issues have been discussed in the committee for years and members should be ready to act. Rep. Keith McCall, D-Carbon, the top Democrat on the committee, said reducing safety inspections to every other year. He said that putting off necessary repairs to vehicles could mean sharply higher repair bills once defects are finally found. Republicans said New Jersey doesn't require annual safety inspections. Jeff Schmidt, a Sierra Club official, objected to eliminating the inspections, saying it "would weaken public health protections in Pennsylvania. It means more air pollution." State Transportation Department spokesman Rich Kirkpatrick said ending the emissions program could cost the state $1 billion in federal highway aid, which could delay road construction and highway safety projects. "We worked long and hard to develop a reasonable program," he said. Mr. Kirkpatrick said 19 other states now have safety inspections, either annually or every two years. Four others require annual emissions inspections, while another four require them every two years. Many other states require the testing in just certain counties, according to PennDOT. After yesterday's committee meeting, Mr. Geist vowed to continue pressing for votes on the bills this fall. House leaders have listed both bills, tentatively, for action next week. "Both issues are still alive," Mr. Geist said. (Harrisburg Bureau chief Tom Barnes can be reached at tbarnes@post-gazette.com or 1-717-787-4254.) |
|||
|
1) ABATE of FL Press Release
************************************************************
September 21, 2005
For Immediate Release:
Contact: Cyndi von Bulow PR/Comm Trustee
ABATE of Florida, Inc.
PO Box 2520
DeLand, Florida 32721
abateflpr@yahoo.com 386.760.6610 (photos available)
“Helmetless” Riders are Less Likely to Die in Motorcycle
Crashes on Florida Roads"
The 2004 Crash Statistics for Florida wipe away NHTSA’s
prediction of a blood bath.
According to the recently released, Florida Department of
Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles annual Traffic Crash
Statistics Report for 2004, motorcycle riders wearing helmets
were more likely to sustain an injury or suffer a fatality than
their non helmeted counterparts. The huge increase in death and
injury to non-helmeted motorcycle riders, predicted by NHTSA
(National
Highway Traffic and Safety Administration) in a report
released this summer, has not been substantiated. The numbers
are going to disappoint the proponents of helmet laws while
simultaneously confirming the facts presented to the public by
ABATE of Florida, Inc. (American Bikers Aimed Toward
Education). ABATE is a non-profit motorcycle rights
organization in
Florida and has spent years focusing on motorcycle related
issues, including crash prevention and stiffer penalties for
negligent vehicle operators who kill and injure motorcycle
riders.
Of the 388 motorcycle riders killed in crashes on Florida
roads during 2004, over 51% were wearing safety helmets. The
crash facts also demonstrate that riders wearing safety helmets
were more likely to sustain injuries than non-helmeted
riders. In each of the statistical focus topics presented in
the study, the percentage numbers were very close between
helmeted and non-
helmeted riders, except for non-injury crashes. The study
stated that non-helmeted riders were 20% more likely to walk
away from a crash without injuries than riders who were wearing
helmets. This disparity could be due to the visual and physical
limitations imposed by a helmet. Wearing a motorcycle helmet
cannot keep a crash from occurring, however, riding
without a helmet could allow a rider to respond more quickly
or to visually recognize potential hazards, decreasing the
severity of the injury sustained or avoiding injury all
together. There are no statistics available for crashes which
riders were able to completely avoid due to training or
equipment use.
According to the crash statistics, the top three contributing
causes of all motor vehicle crashes include careless driving,
failure to yield the right-of-way and driving under the
influence of alcohol. None of the three include equipment
failure, environmental or weather related issues. Each of the
top three causes for crashes are directly linked to driver error
or negligent action by the motor vehicle operator. Therefore,
in stands to reason that a significant number of crashes could
be avoided if motor
vehicle drivers took personal responsibility for operating a
deadly weapon prior to engaging their engines.
People can only control two things in their lives; what they
think and what they do. Personal responsibility cannot be
legislated. Political and governmental entities cannot mandate
ethical and honorable actions. It is society, which dictates
acceptable public behavior. Rehabilitation programs rely on
education and a series of problem identification and
behavior modification systems to alter behaviors that are
harmful to a group or individual. Reeducating the public on
safe operation of their motor vehicles or rehabilitating vehicle
operators that habitually drive impaire or recklessly is an
enormous job, however, ABATE of Florida, Inc. is taking on one
piece of that task. The group is getting information out to the
public on motorcycle safety and awareness through high school
drivers education programs, posters, flyers, the presentation of
a free Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Program, along with a
series of annual safety seminars for the motorcycle riding and
non-riding public.
In conjunction with the Florida legislature, ABATE is putting
Billboards throughout the state to encourage drivers to be aware
of motorcycles and to drive alertly. In other words, to take
personal responsibility for their driving actions and to think
about the way they operate their vehicles. James “Doc”
Reichenbach, president of ABATE of Florida, Inc. who’s group
lobbied strongly for motorcycle helmet reform in 2000, said,
“The numbers from the crash report for 2004 may favor our point
of view, but even one
death is too many. We… (motorcycle riders)… have to ride
defensively and we have to educate everyone we meet.” To help
educate the driving public, four billboards with motorcycle
safety messages have already been installed on major Florida
highways. Within the next few months, Mr. Reichenbach expects
approximately ten more billboards to be in place in areas where
high motorcycle injury rates have been reported.
Motorcycle shop owner, Dan Fish of Doc’s Southern Cycles in
Pace, Florida, said, “I’ve had five times as many people in the
shop in the past week looking for bikes under 600cc’s.” He said
people are worried about getting around and are looking for
economical transportation. The motorcycle population has more
than doubled in the past five years with over 700,000
endorsed riders. With the marked increase in gasoline prices
and concern over fuel availability, the number of motorcycle
riders on Florida highways could easily reach 1.5 million in the
next five years. Motor vehicle operators will be encountering
an ever- increasing number of two wheeled travelers in the
future. Motorcycles are smaller and can easily be lost in
blind spots of larger vehicles. Drivers need to be aware of
the presence of all vehicles in their vicinity and give
motorcycles their full lane of travel. Perception of the speed
that a motorcycle is traveling is often misjudged and failure to
yield the right-of-way is sighted as the cause in a significant
number of motorcycle versus automobile crashes.
Statistical reports, no matter how reliable the source, will
not stop the motorcycle helmet usage debate, however, the real
issue is crash prevention. To get involved in motorcycle crash
prevention or to find out more about the Motorcycle Safety and
Awareness Programs being offered, contact ABATE of Florida, Inc.
at P.O. Box 2520, DeLand, Florida, 32721 or
visit
www.abateflorida.com
|
|||
|
|
|
Date: July 7, 2005
Subject: Class Action Lawsuit Against Harley-Davidson, Inc.
Spector, Roseman & Kodroff, P.C.
Announces Class Action Lawsuit Against
Harley-Davidson, Inc.
PHILADELPHIA, July 6 /PRNewswire/ --
The law firm of Spector, Roseman &
Kodroff, P.C. announces that it
filed a securities class action lawsuit in
the United States District Court for
the Eastern District of Wisconsin, on
behalf of purchasers of the common
stock of Harley-Davidson, Inc. ("Harley"
or the "Company") between January
21, 2004 through April 12, 2005,
inclusive (the "Class Period").
The complaint charges that
defendants violated Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder,
by issuing a series of material
misrepresentations to the market during the
Class Period, thereby artificially
inflating the price of Harley
securities. It is specifically
alleged that throughout the Class Period,
the Company failed to disclose and
misrepresented the following material
adverse facts which were known to
defendants or recklessly disregarded by
them: (1) that the much- touted gap
between the consumer demand for
Harley's products and the available
supply had disappeared; (2) that the
Company, in an effort to mask the
decline in demand, shipped excess
inventory to dealers; (3) that the
profitability of the Company's Financial
Services Division was being
negatively impacted by interest rate
fluctuations; (4) as a result, the
Company's financial results were
materially inflated at all relevant
times; and (5) that the Company's
projections regarding future growth
lacked any reasonable basis when made.
On April 13, 2005, Harley announced
that they decided to limit short-term
production growth. This action would
result in a negative change to
Harley's previous guidance for both
shipments and earnings growth for 2005.
News of this shocked the market.
Shares of Harley fell $9.84 per share or
16.74 percent, on April 13, 2005, to
close at $48.93 per share.
If you purchased Harley securities
during the Class Period, you may, no
later than July 18, 2005, move to be
appointed as a Lead Plaintiff in this
class action. A Lead Plaintiff is a
representative, chosen by the Court,
that acts on behalf of other class
members in directing the litigation. The
Private Securities Litigation Reform
Act of 1995 directs Courts to assume
that the class member(s) with the
"largest financial interest" in the
outcome of the case will best serve
the class in this capacity. Courts have
discretion in determining which
class member(s) have the "largest financial
interest," and have appointed Lead
Plaintiffs with substantial losses in
both absolute terms and as a
percentage of their net worth.
If you have sustained substantial
losses in Harley securities during the
Class Period, please contact Spector,
Roseman & Kodroff, P.C. at
classaction@srk-law.com for a more thorough explanation of
the Lead
Plaintiff selection process. If you
have relatively small losses, your
ability to participate in any
recovery will be protected by the Lead
Plaintiff(s), and you need take no
affirmative steps at this time.
If you wish to join this action,
please visit
http://www.srk-law.com/dbjoinaclassaction.asp. If you wish
to discuss this
action or have any questions
concerning this notice or your rights or
interests, please contact
plaintiff's counsel Robert M. Roseman toll-free
at 888-844-5862 or via e-mail at
classaction@srk-law.com. For more detailed
information about the firm please
visit its website at
Spector, Roseman & Kodroff, P.C.,
located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,
concentrates its practice in complex
litigation including actions dealing
with securities laws, antitrust,
contract and commercial claims. The firm
is active in major litigation
pending in federal and state courts
throughout the United States. The
firm's reputation for excellence has been
recognized on repeated occasions by
courts which have appointed the firm as
lead counsel in numerous major class
actions involving violations of the
federal securities laws and the
federal antitrust laws, and consumer fraud.
As a result of the efforts of the
firm, and its members, hundreds of
millions of dollars have been
recovered through judgments and settlements
on behalf of thousands of defrauded
shareholders and companies.
CONTACT: Robert M. Roseman - (888)
844-5862.
|
|
Date: July 4, 2005
Subject: SB 677 The House of Representatives has considered Senate Bill 677. This bill renames a section of SR 322 beginning at its intersection with US Route 1 and ending at its intersection with Interstate 95 in Concord, Bethel and Upper Chichester Townships in Delaware County, as the Senator Clarence D. Bell Memorial Highway.
This bill was introduced by Senator Pileggi and supported by
ABATE of PA. The bill was given a high priority. When the bill
was considered Representative Teresa Forcier spoke on the floor
of the House in support of the bill and stated "Senator Clarence
Bell was a good friend of ABATE of Pennsylvania and all
motorcyclists in the Commonwealth." She requested that her
colleagues vote in the affirmative. The bill passed 194-0.
This bill has already passed the Senate on June 14th by a
vote of 50-0.
The bill now goes to Governor Rendell's desk for his
signature. The Governor has 30 days to sign the bill.
|
Subject: Announcement of a discretionary cooperative agreement program to address impaired motorcycle operation
Hello All:
A discretionary cooperative agreement program to address impaired motorcycle operation was posted at fedgrants.gov on Friday June 24. The link is
http://www.fedgrants.gov/EPSData/DOT/Synopses/3407/DTNH22-05-H-05102/DTNH22-05-H-05102%26%23032%3BFinal%26%23032%3BRev%26%23032%3B2.RTF <
http://wwwfedgrants.gov/EPSData/DOT/Synopses/3407/DTNH22-05-H-05102/DTNH22-05-H-05102 Final Rev 2.RTF
In 2003, motorcycle operators involved in fatal crashes had blood alcohol concentrations .08 BAC or higher than any other type of motor vehicle driver involved in fatal crashes. Thirty percent of all fatally injured motorcycle
operators had BAC levels at .08 or higher. An additional 7 percent were reported to be at BAC .01 to .07. In single vehicle motorcycle crashes, 44 percent of the fatally injured motorcyclists were intoxicated with a BAC ?.08.
The risk entailed in drinking and then riding is intensified by other risk-taking behaviors, such as riding without the proper protective gear, including a motorcycle helmet and protective clothing. Data indicate that in
2003, only 41 percent of motorcycle operators with BAC levels .08 or higher killed in traffic crashes wore helmets, compared with 60 percent for those with no alcohol. The intoxication rate was highest for fatally injured operators
between 40 to 44 years old (44 percent), followed by ages 35 to 39 (41 percent) and ages 45 to 49 (36 percent). More than 4 percent of motorcycle operators in fatal crashes in 2003 had at least one prior conviction for driving while intoxicated on their driver records, compared to 3 percent of passenger vehicle
drivers.
In an effort to develop programs that can be implemented in States and local communities to reduce impaired riding, NHTSA anticipates funding approximately 3 competitive cooperative agreements for a minimum of 2 years and a maximum of 3 years. The cooperative agreements will support the development, implementation,
and evaluation of programs designed to reduce the incidence of impaired motorcycle riding and injuries and fatalities resulting from alcohol-related motorcycle crashes. Projects that include a strong law enforcement component and foster implementation of the recommendations pertaining to impaired riding in the National Agenda for Motorcycle Safety will be considered for award.
Please share this information with your members and encourage them to apply.
The proposals must be received by July 25th so we need your immediate assistance in letting interested parties know of this grant opportunity. If you have any questions please contact me directly at 202-366-4969. Thanks in advance for helping use promote this grant program.
Thanks,
Marietta Bowen
NHTSA
Jeff Hennie
Vice President of Government Relations
Motorcycle Riders Foundation
236 Massachuchusetts Ave NE
Washington DC 20002
P: 202-546-0983
F: 202-546-0986
Mobile: 202-725-5471
www.mrf.org<http://www.mrf.org/
|
Date: 06/21/05
Subject: AMA News
|
More information can be found at Gray for Mayor, PO Box 278, Lancaster, PA 17608 or <http://www.grayformayor.org/>http://www.grayformayor.org/.
The recommendations, released as a document called Sound Advice, is the product of two years of effort by the Motorcycle Sound Working Group, which was formed after the first summit conference in May of 2003. Contributors included representatives of the street and off-road motorcycling communities, as well as motorcycle manufacturers, aftermarket companies, event organizers, law enforcement, municipal government, and research institutions and regulatory agencies. Sound Advice is available at
http://www.ama-cycle.org/legisltn/Sound_Advice.asp
|
Date: 06/13/05 20:14:24
Subject: HB 1684
|
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE BILL
No. 1684 Session of 2005
INTRODUCED BY HARHART, BEBKO-JONES, BUNT, CALTAGIRONE,
CREIGHTON, J. EVANS, JAMES, E. Z. TAYLOR, THOMAS AND McGILL,
JUNE 8, 2005
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION, JUNE 8, 2005
AN ACT
1 Amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated
2 Statutes, further providing for issuance and reissuance of
3 registration plates and for display of registration plate.
4 The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
5 hereby enacts as follows:
6 Section 1. Sections 1331 and 1332 of Title 75 of the
7 Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes are amended by adding
8 subsections to read:
9 § 1331. Issuance and reissuance of registration plates.
10 * * *
11 (g) Two plates.--Effective January 1, 2007, the department
12 shall furnish two registration plates to every owner whose motor
13 vehicle is registered and for each registration applied for by a
14 manufacturer, jobber or dealer of motor vehicles, and one
15 registration plate to every owner of a registered trailer,
16 semitrailer, motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, motorized
17 pedalcycle or pedalcycle with motor attached and for each
18 registration applied for by a manufacturer, jobber or dealer of
1 motorcycles or pedalcycles with motor attached.
2 § 1332. Display of registration plate.
3 * * *
4 (b.1) Two plates.--Effective January 1, 2007, when two
5 registration plates are required for a vehicle, one shall be
6 displayed on the front and one on the rear of the vehicle.
7 * * *
8 Section 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
|
Sent: Tuesday, May 10, 2005
Subject: A.B.A.T.E. RALLY
News From The Senate Democrats
WOZNIAK AND A.B.A.T.E.
RALLY FOR MOTORCYCLE AWARENESS AND SAFETY HARRISBURG, May 9 – State Sen. John N. Wozniak today joined fellow motorcyclists from across the state, as they celebrated Motorcycle Awareness and Safety Month with a rally in the Capitol Rotunda. The event, sponsored by Pennsylvania's Alliance of Bikers Aimed Toward Education (A.B.A.T.E.), also marked the first full year of the state's amended motorcycle helmet law. "A.B.A.T.E. is an example to everyone in Pennsylvania that things can be done if individuals put their minds to it," Wozniak said at the rally. Since 1983, A.B.A.T.E. has represented the interests of Pennsylvania's 750,000 licensed motorcyclists and tens of thousands of riders. A.B.A.T.E. continually monitors legislation, insurance trends and government actions that affect the lives of our state's motorcyclists and their families. An anticipated 26,000 members will take A.B.A.T.E.'s Motorcycle Safety Course in 2005. A.B.A.T.E. members developed the Operation Save-A-Life motorcycle awareness program, which is presented in high schools and community centers throughout the Commonwealth. Members also participate in an annual Holiday Toy Run for underprivileged children. Motivated by A.B.A.T.E.'s grassroots lobbying efforts, Wozniak and other Pennsylvania lawmakers voted to modify the state's 35-year-old mandatory helmet law. The amended legislation (Act 10 of 2003) allows trained adults, 21 years of age or older, to make their own decisions regarding helmet use. "This is the second A.B.A.T.E. rally since the modification of Pennsylvania's helmet law," Wozniak said. "It looks like the number of fatalities have actually gone down in Pennsylvania, with the advancement of 'freedom of choice' for riders," Wozniak said. A motorcycle owner himself, Wozniak noted that A.B.A.T.E. must continue to focus on educating drivers about "sharing the road" with motorcycles. "For all motorists in Pennsylvania, it's springtime," Wozniak said. "Keep your eyes open, because motorcyclists are everywhere." Other rally speakers included: Gov. Ed Rendell, Lieutenant Gov. Katherine Baker Knoll, A.B.A.T.E. officers and representatives, and several state legislators. |
Date: May 9, 2005
 |
|||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||
Contacts
Subject: Penn Dot