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AMA
Rights: February 2008
An
attack linked to al-Qaida and terror threats against the Dakar
Rally forced organizers to cancel the annual race on the eve of the
5,760-mile trek across North African desert scrubland and savannah.
It was the first time the automobile, motorcycle and
truck rally has been called off in its 30-year history. In a statement,
organizers blamed "threats launched directly against the race by
terrorist organizations", the Dec. 24 killings of a French family and
international tensions.
The race's central appeal - its course through African
deserts, scrubland and savannas - is also its weak point, making it
difficult to protect thousands of people as they cross remote regions. 550
car, truck and motorcycle drivers were expected.
Officials say the cell is linked to the Algeria-based
al-Qaida in Islamic North Africa, which has claimed responsibility for a
series of deadly attacks, including the Dec. 11 twin suicide bombings at
U.N. offices and a government building in Algiers, which killed at least
37 people.
In the past, terrorism fears have forced organizers to
cancel individual stages or reroute the race. In 2000, several stages were
scrapped after a threat forced organizers to airlift the entire race from
Niger to Libya. Several stages were also called off in 2004, reportedly
because of terror threats in Mali.
Metropolitan
Manila (Philippines) Development Authority (MMDA) recently said
they are not in favor of moves banning motorcycle along major
thoroughfares in the metropolis, saying motorcycle owners have the right
to use all roads like other vehicle owners.
Officials went on to say the best thing to prevent road accidents is road
discipline citing such things as: intensified safety education,
particularly among young riders, ensuring riders are speed-conscious, use
of proper safety equipment, and drunk driving as contributing factors to
the rising trend of traffic accidents.
Earlier, two legislators filed bills at the Lower House
aimed at preventing road accidents particularly those concerning
motorcycles as well as calling for their regulation. In this they
described the popular vehicle as a growing concern as its number increased
to 40 percent annually in the last three years.
On average, in Metro Manila, 250 died from
motorcycle-related accidents since 2004, averaging 83 fatalities per year.
Last year, 1.551 million motorcycles were registered nationwide clearly
outrunning cars and utility vehicles at 1.097 million and 536,049 units,
respectively, figures showed.
Someone
with bad intentions is using the honored name of the
"Patriot Guard Riders" as part of a phone scam. The solicitor
targets veterans, and asks them to join the Patriot Guard Riders, along
with submitting a membership fee. But in reality, the Patriot Guard Riders
doesn't collect membership fees. Anyone who has information about this, or
has been contacted by the scammer, should contact 316-522-2000.
Idaho's
Clearwater National Forest has released a "Proposed Action" for
the summer and winter motorized and mountain bike Travel Plan. It is the
first time a National Forest in Region 1 (in northern Idaho and Montana)
has attempted site-specific implementation of their new de-facto
Wilderness policy.
The "Proposed Action" proposes removing all
motorized and mountain bike uses from "Recommended Wilderness
Areas" (RWA).
Implementation of this in the Clearwater NF will result
in closure of 44%, or 178 miles, of single-track motorcycle and some
backcountry snowmobile trails.
Florida's
HB 137, "Offenses Committed While Operating a Motorcycle",
introduced by Representative Carlos Lopez-Cantera (R-Miami), proposes that
any motorcyclist charged with reckless operation or riding 50 miles per
hour or greater above the posted speed limit would face arrest, seizure
and forfeiture of their motorcycle, and revocation of their motorcycle
endorsement for ten years. The legislation applies ONLY to motorcycles and
their operators; no other motorized vehicle or driver operating on a
public roadway is threatened with these penalties. Additionally,
motorcyclists would have to maintain both wheels on the ground at all
times and license plates be permanently affixed horizontally to the
ground.
A related bill (SB-802) has been introduced in the
Senate by Senator Rudy Garcia (R- Hialeah).
Even if you obey the law, HB-137 is discriminatory and
unfair because it sends the wrong message - motorcyclists are the only
threat on public roadways. Car, light truck, and SUV drivers, alleged to
have violated the same laws, do not face the same harsh penalties.
The
Federation of European Motorcyclists' Associations (FEMA) is
celebrating its 20th Anniversary of pro-active lobbying in Brussels and in
Geneva in 2008.
Reducing congestion, pollution and accidents while
increasing mobility is one of Europe's main challenges. The use of
motorcycles clearly offers major advantages to the transport mix as well
as solutions to many of the transport problems faced by EU Members. Recognition
of their positive contribution has been one of FEMA members' main reasons
for creating the Federation in 1988. 20 years later, promoting fairer and
appropriate legislation for motorcyclists remains FEMA's main task.
On 25 June 1988, motorcyclists' associations from
France, Germany, United Kingdom, Greece, Austria and Luxembourg decided to
form a European citizens' organisation in order to make European riders'
voice heard in the political debate: The Federation of European
Motorcyclists (FEM) was born. Ten years later, on 10 January 1998, FEM and
the European Motorcyclist Association (EMA) merged to form the Federation
of European Motorcyclists Associations (FEMA). The two associations joined
their forces to offer motorcyclists the best representation possible.
Today, FEMA counts on a 4 person office in Brussels.
In 2008, 24 national road riding motorcyclists'
organizations from 19 European countries will hence celebrate 20 years of
riders' representation in Brussels. Throughout the year, FEMA will
disseminate information about its history and how it works, but it will
also organize a series of activities, such as participation in shows,
workshops and conferences, interviews of keynote representatives, and a
special edition of the MEP Motorcycle Ride in Brussels. The detailed
program and additional information are available on FEMA 20th Anniversary
dedicated web space www.fema.ridersrights.org/20years.
Vietnam's
new law making crash helmets compulsory for motorcycle riders seems to
have had a salutary effect as most riders and passengers in Hanoi and Ho
Chi Minh City switched from going bareheaded to wearing helmets.
Motorcycles are the most common mode of transport in
Vietnam, carrying some 65 percent of passengers in urban areas, but riders
have long insisted on going bareheaded - until now. Violators can be
fined 150 000 Vietnamese dong (about $60) which is more than the cost of a
cheap motorcycle helmet. Vietnam has been struggling to cope with a high
rate of road deaths; with motorcycles involved in 75 percent of accidents.
Florida
Senate bill 828, sponsored by Sen. Michael Bennett (R-Bradenton), would
prohibit passengers younger than 12 years of age on a motorcycle or moped.
Use the AMA Rapid Response Center at www.AMADirectlink.com
to let your state senator know that parents and guardians, not the
government, know best at what age their children should ride on a
motorcycle.
Kentucky Senator Julian Carroll (D-Frankfort) has introduced
legislation making a law whereby all motorcycle operators and passengers
would be required to wear motorcycle helmets while on a public highway.
This legislation seeks to remove adult choice; use the AMA Rapid Response
Center at www.AMADirectlink.com
to let your state senator know how you feel.
With
support from the Michigan Secretary of State's Office and the
State Police, Senate Bill 104, introduced by Sen. Valde Garcia (R-Howell),
was substituted in the Senate Transportation Committee and passed
unanimously by the full Senate. Michigan motorcyclists who called for
tougher penalties for right-of-way violations that kill or injury other
roadway users watched the bill expand to include all traffic offenses
where injury or death occurs. Contact your representative using the AMA
Rapid Response Center to encourage his or her support of this important
legislation which is consistent with the AMA's Justice for All campaign
which can also be reviewed in the Rights section of www.AMADirectlink.com.
Missouri
House bill 1442, sponsored by Rep. Jeff Roorda (D-Barnhart), creates a
class C misdemeanor crime of motorcycle stunt riding on a public highway
for anyone observed standing on the seat, frame, or handlebars of a
motorcycle; performing handstands on the seat, frame, or handlebars of a
motorcycle; operating a motorcycle on one tire; or removing both hands
from the handlebars while operating the motorcycle. If the motorcycle has
no license plate, the charge becomes a class A misdemeanor. Use the AMA
Rapid Response Center at www.AMADirectlink.com
to let your state reps know that you oppose this legislation.
New
Hampshire Legislation introduced by Rep. Richard B. Drisko
(R-Hollis) would prohibit dirtbike and ATV use on any state owned
recreational trail that is located on an unused rail corridor and was
built with federal funds. The text of HB 1264 is available in the Rapid
Response center of www.AMADirectLink.com.
The AMA
has been supporting an effort by the Pennsylvania Off-Highway Vehicle
Association (PaOHV) to strengthen liability protection for Pennsylvania
landowners who allow motorized recreation on their property.
Prior to the Holiday recess the Senate Environmental
Resources and Energy Committee considered and reported Senate Bill 497, as
amended. However, the amendment struck a key component from the bill.
The provision that was stripped from the bill would
have required the court to order the reimbursement to the innocent
landowner the costs associated with an unsuccessful plaintiff's action
against the landowners.
The bill is currently on the Senate Calendar and will
be considered soon. At that time, Senator Bob Robbins will offer an
amendment that will specifically add the terms "snowmobile, ATV and
motorcycle riding as "recreational activities" covered under the
act. Senator Robbins will also offer a compromise to the attorney fees
provision stripped from the bill by the committee. The amendment will have
revised language that provides for these important clauses.
The AMA and PAOHV are encouraging all Pennsylvania
off-highway vehicle enthusiasts to contact their State Senator and urge
their support of Senator Bob Robbins amendments to Senate Bill 497.
Enthusiasts can use the AMA's "Rapid Response" page at www.AMADirectLink.com
to obtain contact information for their legislator. The current text of SB
497 is also posted to the AMA's website.
Washington's
two OHV noise bills, HB 1434 and SB 5544, are still technically "in
play" and could be heard at any time in the current session. These
bills would've seriously restricted OHV use by prohibiting "audible
ORV sound" in residential areas. You can keep tabs on these bills and
others in the AMA's Rapid Response center on www.AMADirectLink.com.
The
Honolulu City Council is considering a proposal to require all
motorcycles to have stock exhaust systems with the federal emissions label
prominently displayed. Motorcycles are the only class of motor vehicle
being proposed to be equipped with an exhaust system labeled according to
the Code of Federal Regulations (40CFR205, Subparts D & E). Other
classes of motor vehicles including passenger cars, light trucks, and SUVs
are excluded from this additional level of scrutiny from law enforcement.
The AMA understands the public's growing concern with
all forms of excessive sound, including that from automobiles, trucks and
motorcycles with modified exhaust systems. Over the years we have
acknowledged the problem and taken steps to make the riding community
aware of the dangers of unchecked excessive motorcycle exhausts. Further,
we acknowledge the right of communities to establish and enforce
reasonable ordinances to consistently address sound related issues
including excessively loud vehicle sound. However singling out one
class of vehicle for this burdensome regulation is simply going too far.
The AMA has mailed the City Council to inform them of
our opposition to this proposal. AMA members in Hawaii are being notified
of this proposal and we continue to work with activists and Sport Bikers
United of Hawaii to thwart this legislation. For additional information
contact: Nick Haris, AMA Western States Representative. 530 626 4250, nharis@ama-cycle.org.
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