MRF Reports - January/February 2009

Vol . 18, No. 1 The MRF does not endorse any products or serv ices other than i ts own product l ine. Th is does not apply to po l i t ica l endorsements. January/February 2009

PRSRT STD

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

Phoenix, AZ

PERMIT NO. 1072

Motorcycle Riders Foundation, 236 Massachusetts Ave. NE, Suite 510 - Washington, DC 20002-4980

Kirk “Hardtail” Willard

MRF President

I feed on a steady diet of readingmaterial, daily in fact, and as youwould expect this valuable timespent is on subject matter heavilypeppered with freedom related dis-cussions and the perseverance andpassion it demands to maintain them.Most recently my attention focusedon a paragraph in an article that dis-cussed how dramatically things seemto be changing and how much of thatchange is not for the better, especial-ly for those of us who hold on to aparticular way of life such as ourFreedom of the Road. Reasons givenfor the idea that this change is not forthe better were that too many outside

interests and political agendas arenow involved. And it went on to saythat these changes don’t seem tohave anything to do with commonsense or reality and that something isreally amiss when policies are dictat-ed by people who never set foot out-side an office and certainly don’t par-ticipate in what they are trying tochange, sound familiar? Sure did tome. On a positive note the articleclosed by saying that strong peoplewill always find a way to carry onbecause of the importance of theirway of life and that we simply can-not let our ways die out.

The very next day I honed in on anarticle that began by asking the read-er a simple question. Why shouldn’tI be able to make my own decisions

to enjoy freedoms I currently haveand ultimately continue to have theability to enjoy them and, if neces-sary, defend those very freedoms andway of life? It went on to furtherquestion why should we even have toask for our freedoms in a countrythat has invested so much in our his-tory to earn them and ended withanother piercing question; Why weare allowing them to be taken at all?

So as I pondered these thought pro-voking articles I ran across a quotethat summed it up perfectly. “I’vecome to believe that too many citi-zens are more interested in a couchto sit on than American principles tostand on”. The author closed by stat-ing he figured that our FoundingFathers would have done something

IF NOT US,

WHO THEN?about it and so should we.

The incoming administration hasmade statements to the effect thatfunds could be withdrawn fromstates that do not comply with policy.That this could (and has) come to beis nothing new to those of us in themotorcyclists rights movement.Many have lived through and foughtoff helmet laws borne out of suchaction. It is no more than federalblackmail and I, for one, do not likethe tone this sets.

So, I too figure now is the time tostand up for our principles, join inwith your fellow State MotorcycleRights Activists and with theMotorcycle Riders Foundation anddo so. If not us, who then?

MRF’s MEETING OF THE MINDS

MOTORCYCLING COMMUNITY PANEL DISCUSSION Report by Kirk “Hardtail” Willard

For the first time since the year2000 we held a General SessionPanel Discussion that included vari-ous representatives from the motor-cycling community at the 2008Meeting of the Minds conference inDenver. The intent was to get each

participant to discuss the top issuesthey see facing them in their area ofexpertise and what role the motor-cycle rights community plays, orcan play, in those issues. I think theend result was that some extremelybeneficial information came forwardthat we, as part of the bikers rightsmachine, can definitely impact.

Jerry Steffy of Harley Davidsonbegan by suggesting that govern-ment controls, complex regulations,and varying certifications werealready an issue and becoming moreso all the time. He also cautionedus that new emission standards andfuel mileage standards have thepotential to change the face of

motorcycling. He did not ignore thefact that all this costs money, thatconsumers will feel the pinch, andto that end manufacturers must domore to address these issues. Jerrysuggested that we must work moreclosely together so that when thesecontrols are put forth we can all livewith them. Lastly, he suggested wecontinue to find ways to preserveour way of life.

Mike Richards of Harley Davidsondiscussed motorcycle safety training

continued page 8

Page 2 MOTORCYCLE RIDERS FOUNDATION January/February 2009

Michael Kerr

MRF Vice President

If one has serious political aspira-tions, the choice of a profession isgenerally not that of a doctor ofmedicine. Yet the individual whohas emerged as the foremost practi-tioner of the art/science of politics inthe twenty first century is just that;an MD. Howard Dean had served asgovernor of the state of Vermont. Herose from obscurity (at least on thenational level) in 2003 when he rana long-shot campaign for president.Hiring new-age political operativeJoe Trippi, the Dean campaign usedinternet based fund-raising andinnovative tactics to springboardGovernor Dean into somewhat of anational phenomena.

While coming up short in his questfor the presidential nomination ofthe Democratic Party, his campaignis being used a model of how tocompete in the post-millennium era.In 2005 Howard Dean was namedChairman of the DemocraticNational Committee (DNC),charged with recapturing the WhiteHouse and the congress within fouryears.

Upon assuming the chair of theDNC, Dr. Dean began to apply hiscampaign strategy to building hisparty. A cornerstone of the Deanmodel is something called the “50state strategy.” A summation of thatstrategy is that no region or statewould be conceded to the otherparty. The national organizationwould do what ever it could to aidparty efforts at every level. No state,county, ward, or precinct would beconsidered too small or tooentrenched in the other party. Theintent being to force the oppositioninto a defensive posture, even intheir areas of greatest strength.Pumping money into areas wherethe party hadn’t been competitivefor decades didn’t play well withmany old school operatives. Theresults of the elections in 2006 and2008 should speak volumes aboutthe viability of Governor Dean’s 50-state strategy, however.

We in the motorcyclists’ rightsmovement would do well to exam-ine successful political tactics andstrategies used in mainstream politi-cal campaigns. Many of coursewould be not appropriate for ouruse. Some, however, are tailor made.There may be merit in us adaptingDr. Dean’s tactics insofar as keepinga 50-state perspective.

We need to be candid with ourselvesand assess our strengths and weak-ness. Is the MRF, and indeed themotorcyclists’ rights movement, asstrong in some areas of the countryas it is in others? Are we expandingin the regions where the populationis shifting? An honest answer wouldhave to be no.

Every 10 years the United StatesConstitution mandates that a censusbe taken. The data collected is usedto re-apportion seats in theCongress. The constitution statesthat “Representatives and directTaxes shall be apportioned amongthe several States which may beincluded within this Union, accord-ing to their respective Numbers”meaning that states with larger pop-ulations will have more representa-tion in the House of Representatives.The states with an increase in popu-lation will also receive additionalvotes in the Electoral College andallotments in government fundingprograms.

Serious students of national politicstend to be familiar with population

trends. Data provided by the USCensus Bureau is valuable informa-tion in assessing which are thegrowth areas of this country andwhich states will receive a largerproportion of congressional repre-sentation after the next census istaken in 2010.

The Washington DC company,Polidata – which specializes indemographic census informationand its relationship to the allotmentof congressional seats - had this tosay regarding the 2010 census:“There is still a general trend for thepopulation to shift to, or the newimmigration to arrive in, the states inthe South and West. This generaltrend confirms the overall shift ofpopulation from the East andMidwest that began two generationsago. Following the 1940 census theEast and Midwest accounted for 251members in the U. S. House.Following the 2000 census theSouth and the West accounted for252 members in the U. S. House, ahuge shift of political power.”

A recent example of the increasingpolitical power of the Western statesis the election of Henry Waxman ofCalifornia to the chair of the Housecommittee on Energy andCommerce. In a break with Housetradition the more senior and sittingchairman of that committee, JohnDingell of Michigan was oustedfrom his position. Although ideolog-ical issues were a factor in that elec-tion, the consensus in Washington(elections for House leadership areconducted by secret ballot) is thatthe huge California Democratic del-egation voted as a block for theircolleague Mr. Waxman.

The 50-state strategy takes intoaccount shifts in population, butremember it doesn’t exclude anyregion, state, city, village or precinctfor that matter. It means that wewon’t concede any area of the coun-try.

Perhaps a concrete example of a 50-state strategy in practice would bethe regional conferences that theMRF presents (Best of the West,

Beast of the East). Such outreachmust continue – and indeed shouldbe expanded – if we are to continueto be a viable national organization.These conferences have great valuein motivating and educating activistswho would not have the chance toattend the Meeting of the Minds.What those conferences don’t do,however, is produce positive cashflow for the MRF – they can oftenrun in the red.

During periods of economic decline(such as our country is facing atpresent), non-profit organizationssuch as ours often face financialchallenges. The MRF has not beenimmune to the downward economicclimate. It is regrettable that thefuture of such conferences could bein jeopardy. The 50-state strategy ofthe MRF and the motorcyclist rightsmovement should not have a provi-sion for a tactical retreat.

With the Congress trending toembrace big-government style bail-outs, mandates and programs weneed to be on the offensive. Theresults of a cut-back, scaled downMRF operation during such a periodare quite predictable. The currentCongress is debating the reautho-rization of the funding act for theinterstate system. Passing a bill con-taining “blackmail” mandates(financially pressuring states to passmandatory helmet laws) would bedevastating to our movement. Withall 50 states engaged a victory isplausible. The opportunity to makehistory again is at hand. The ques-tion is, are we up to the task of seiz-ing that opportunity? Let’s hope thatanswer is a straight pipe level roar of“Yes We Can.”

A 50-State Strategy

January/February 2009 MOTORCYCLE RIDERS FOUNDATION Page 3

Jeff Hennie

MRF VP of Government Relations

Last week the Federal HighwayAdministration (FHWA) held thefifth meeting of the MotorcycleAdvisory Council. The Council con-venes twice a year to discuss infra-structure issues of concern to motor-cyclists. The Motorcycle RidersFoundation Vice President ofGovernment Relations, Jeff Hennie,is one of the 9 seated council mem-bers.

“This council meeting was signifi-cant because it was the first meetingsince the charter was extended pastits initial two year trial run” saidJeff Hennie. He added, “The likeli-hood of keeping this council intactwell past the congressionally man-dated 2 years is very good and getsbetter with each accomplishment ofthe council”.

This meeting began with a reviewof the results of the online motorcy-clist road conditions survey that wasopen this summer. The survey wasdesigned to get a national snapshotof what motorcyclists think aboutthe state of the roads they ride.Some areas that the 10,000 respon-dents overwhelmingly agreed needsimprovement are constructionzones, slippery pavement markings,stuck at red lights and harsh road

edge drop-offs. The areas thatreceived positive marks were amplesignage and plenty of lighting of theroad. A follow up survey is in theworks for spring 2009. The MRFwill let you know when that isavailable.

The next agenda item was a presen-tation by the leading expert of inter-section design at FHWA.Intersections are notoriously themost dangerous part of any trafficpattern. The standard four way crossintersection may very well be athing of the past, not in any hurrythough. Traffic control experts areworking feverishly at making inter-sections safer. Some designs havebeen shown to significantly reducecrashes. For instance, adopting traf-fic circles or roundabouts has beenshown to effectively reduce crashoccurrences. It doesn’t stop therethough; the experts are designingand implementing even moreinvolved intersections that essential-ly eliminate a left hand turn throughthe intersection. It’s a complicatedsystem of lanes and stoplights thatin theory will be safer. Those arefew and far between in the statestoday. Pennsylvania, NorthCarolina, Louisiana, Michigan,Virginia, New York and Missouriare some of the few experimentingwith some of the European con-cepts. Bigger, more complicatedintersections may be safer but theywill also need more and more slip-pery striping of concern to motorcy-clists.

The council then had a lengthy dis-cussion on Public PrivatePartnerships (PPPs). Essentially aPPP is any venture that involves theleasing of traditionally public serv-ices to a private entity to run, buildor maintain. Historically PPPs have

U.S. Senate:

You may phone the U.S. Capitol Switchboardat (202) 224-3121. A switchboard operator willconnect you directly with the Senate office you

request.

U.S. House:

You may phone the U.S. Capitol Switchboardat (202) 225-3121. A switchboard operator willconnect you directly with the HouseRepresentative office you request.

Information about your Federal, State and Local Senate and Representatives is also available froma link at the top of the MRF web site’s home page (www.mrf.org). You will need your Zip+4number when running this search.

Motorcycle Riders Foundation attends Fifth Federal Highway

Administration Motorcycle Advisory Council Meeting. been found in services such aswaste water treatment, garbageremoval and disposal, even lawenforcement. Now we are seeing aninflux of PPPs in the transportationworld. Municipalities are leasing offsections of toll road to private,sometimes foreign, companies. Thisposes a lot of questions. Take theChicago Skyway for example, thisheavily traveled elevated toll roadprovides a way in and out of theWindy City for millions each day.The 7.8 mile highway was recentlyleased to a Spanish company for 99years to the tune of $1.8 billion. TheSpaniards are responsible for main-tenance of the road but get to keepany and all tolls. Can the new own-ers invoke a helmet law for theirroad despite the fact that IL doesn’trequire a helmet? Can they raisetolls as high as they want? Theanswers to those questions vary,agreement to agreement. But it’salso difficult to overlook the issuesinvolved with putting a foreigncompany in charge of our infra-structure - not only does it sendprofits overseas, it reeks of an anti-American ethos. The $1.8 billionMayor Daley got his hands on wasspent on back debt that Chicago wascarrying, another $1.8 billionremoved from the transportationworld. What happens to the nextgeneration of Americans when theyneed to get out of debt and there isnothing left to lease? PPPs are hereto stay but they need to be carefullyregulated and observed.

The Council drifted off its charter offocusing on infrastructure for a bitwhen the topic of Vehicle MilesTraveled (VMT) came up. For yearsthe MRF has been asking for a bet-ter VMT and recently the feds start-ed listening. They admit the motor-cycle VMT numbers are highly sus-pect at best. They held a 3 daymeeting in DC last year on the veryissue of improving motorcycleVMT; they had a vendor of trafficcounting devices test day at aDepartment of Transportation(DOT) research facility this pastspring. They know the numbers areextremely inaccurate, yet they con-

tinue to use them to exacerbate thenumber of fatal motorcycle crashes.After a slightly heated exchange theFederal government refused to givea timeline for a better VMT number,but they did agree that at the veryleast a strong foot note indicatingthe frailty and gross inaccuratenessof the number should be presentwhen using the motorcycle VMTnumber. While that’s not goodenough, it’s a good start.

The meeting concluded with a briefpresentation on what the State ofTexas is doing to reduce pavementslab spreading which leaves a gapbetween lanes in the pavement largeenough to capture a motorcycle’sfront tire. The presenter informedthe council on how the State ofTexas can identify a potential roadhazard like this and have it repairedthat day or within the next fewdays, a lesson that many municipali-ties should take note of.

This meeting was the last for theCouncil’s Designated FederalOfficial Mike Halladay of FHWA.Halladay is fully retiring fromFederal service. Mike has done agreat job keeping the sometimescantankerous group on time andtopic over the past two and halfyears. We here at the MRF wishhim the best and encourage Mr.Halladay to go buy a bike and rideout his retirement.

For those of you who aren’t aware,this council was created by themotorcyclists of America who lob-bied Congress, along with the MRF,to include the authorizing languagein the last highway bill, SAFETEA-LU which was passed in 2005. Thenext highway bill is expected tobegin getting drafted in 2009 andthe MRF will need the help of themotorcyclists of America once againto engage their federal elected offi-cials on the importance of motorcy-cle safety. You’ve been warned.

For more info on the Council visithttp://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/mac/


MRF Young Activist Scholarship Candidate Criteria:

1) Candidates must be between the ages of 18 and 30 with a valid motorcycle endorse-ment on their drivers license. 31st birthday must fall after MOTM that year.

2) Candidate must be a member in good standing of a State Motorcyclists' RightsOrganization (SMRO). Length of membership required in SMRO to be determined by itsmembers if candidate is qualified.

3) Candidates must be nominated by their SMRO. Nominations will be accepted fromeither state or local (District/Chapter/Local) SRMO groups, and must be submitted on anMRF-approved application form.

4) Nominations must be submitted between October 1st and July 15th and postmarkedno late than July 1st of the year for which the application is submitted.

5) Candidates are to submit a minimum three hundred (300) word essay on why biker'srights are important to them. A well-written essay is like a picture of who the candidate is,and it gives the committee members a better perspective of the individual.

Winning candidates will be announced via an MRF e-mail news release on or aboutAugust 15th. All candidates will be notified with a letter of thanks and encouragement to re-submit their candidacy for the next year if they are not the selected winner.

What Do Winning Candidates Receive?

1) One year membership in the MRF effective the first full day of Meeting of the Mindsduring the year in which they are selected.

2) Round-trip airfare to MOTM or alternate travel expenses so long as those expenses intotal do not exceed the cost of traveling by air. If an alternate mode of transportation is cho-sen, candidates will be required to provide receipts in order to be reimbursed (receipts willbe accepted for tickets on other modes of transportation), hotel accommodations, and gaso-line. If there is any question about acceptable travel expenditures, it is the responsibility ofthe candidate to check with MRF prior to incurring said expense.

3) Hotel accommodations at MOTM. Accommodations will include room and taxesonly. Telephone, food, movie rentals, etc. will be the sole responsibility of candidates.

4) MOTM conference and banquet fees waived.5) Special recognition at MOTM. Recognition to include a plaque and presentation of a

one-year individual MRF membership.6) Winners are to submit one article to the MRF Reports telling of their SMRO activi-

ties and their experiences on attending the MOTMs.

How Winning Candidates Are Chosen:

MRF Young Activist Scholarship Fund Committee will be responsible for:

1) Promoting the program.2) Reviewing all applications and choosing winner(s)3) Chairman of MRF YAS Committee will notify all candidates of their decision.4) In conjunction with appropriate MRF personnel, ensuring that all financial, travel,

lodging and conference issues are addressed in a timely and professional manner.

Projected Cost: Estimated not to exceed $750.00 per winning candidate. Number of win-ners will in part be determined by available funds.

MRF Young Activist Scholarship Fund Nomination Form

Date: ___________________________________________________________

Candidate Name: _________________________________________________

Candidate Address: _______________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

Candidate Phone Number: __________________________________________

Candidate Date of Birth: ____________________________________________

Member of (SMRO): _______________________________________________

Please provide the following information on a separate piece of paper.

Candidate Qualifications:

1) Please explain why you feel this person should be selected.

2) Other considerations: Explain any circumstances you feel are appropriate.

Submitted by: ____________________________________________________

Signature / Position________________________________________________

(State / Local SMRO Presiding Officer)

Mail to: Motorcycle Riders Foundation, 236 Massachusetts Ave. NE,

Suite 510, Washington DC 20002-4980; [email protected]

Can’t Happen HereGraydon WheelerMRF Member Representative

There you are, one of the majority ofmotorcycle riders in this country that doesnot belong to a motorcycle rights organi-zation. But that's okay. There's enoughpeople out there that are willing to sacri-fice their time and money in order for youto enjoy your ride in freedom.

Heck, some of your best friends belong tosuch a group; they're at a meeting rightnow. But it's too nice a day to be insidelistening to someone gripe about what thepoliticians are doing to us. And your onevote, one voice wouldn't make a differ-ence anyway, would it?

So you get on your bike and go for a ridedown to the custom shop to get some newparts to add on your ride to make itstronger/better/faster/nicer/sharper.

Only, the shop has had to close.Government regulations have been passedthat prohibit the use of any non-approvedreplacement parts on your motorcycle. Nomore choppers, bobbers and customs.Only what the government tells you touse.

"But wait!", you say to yourself, "thatcan't happen here."

In December 2003, the U.S.Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)published a Final Rulemaking (FRM)establishing more stringent emission forhighway motorcycles for the year of 2006.Gone are the days of building whatever,whenever and showing off your creation.The rules have tightened up, and may gettighter.

So you get on your bike and go for a ridedown the road that is designated as a high-way where motorcycles are allowed.Motorcycles are allowed?

"But wait!”, you say to yourself, "thatcan't happen here."

A number of states and several countriesaround the world are using private capitalto design, build and operate highways,recovering the investment through tollscharged to users. Since 1988, 12 statesand Puerto Rico have authorized public-private partnerships for highway projects,and two new tollways of this type openedto traffic in 1995. Around the countrythere are restrictions on commercial vehi-cles on certain roadways, and with thisrelatively new system of road owner-ship/maintainance, who's to say whetheror not other types of vehicles will be sub-ject to bans and restrictions?

So you get on your bike and go for a ridedown the road that is designated as a high-way where motorcycles are allowed at the

prescribed time of day. Prescribed time ofday? A curfew?

"But wait!, you say to yourself, "that can'thappen here."

From Myrtle Beach, South Carolina: Noloud mufflers. No straight pipes. Norevving of engines or excessive noise.Curfew is in effect from 1:00 a.m. to 6:00a.m. for juveniles under age 18, with cer-tain exceptions. Yes, this curfew is forthose under eighteen years of age, buthow much of a push would the localpoliticians need if local residents claim tobe bothered by the motorcycles in theirneighborhood, and would like the curfewextended to motorcycles as well? Andwith the many noise ordanances that arebeing pushed around the country, this canbecome reality.

So you get on your bike and go for a ridedown the road that is designated as a high-way where motorcycles are allowed at theprescribed time of day wearing your gov-ernment-mandated helmet, eye protection,highly-reflective jacket, pants, boots andgloves. Government-mandated gear? Thegovernment's telling us what we can andcan't wear?

"But wait!”, you say to yourself, "thatcan't happen here."

But have you ridden on a U.S. militaryinstallation lately? Or are you a memberof the armed forces, those honorable menand women willing to fight for our free-doms?

"All bikers and passengers riding on baseand service members driving off baseeither on or off duty must wear the appro-priate and required personal protectiveequipment". This is the rule, not theexception. And there are those in positionsof authority and influence that think theserules should apply to ALL riders.

So you get on your bike and go for a ridedown the road that is designated as a high-way where motorcycles are allowed at theprescribed time of day wearing your gov-ernment-mandated helmet, eye protection,highly-reflective jacket, pants, boots andgloves.

And you ask yourself, "How the hell did itget this far? What the hell happened?"

And you catch a glimpse of yourself inyour mirror as you are out riding whileothers who belong to motorcycle rightsorganizations are attending meetings,because you believed that your one vote,one voice wouldn't make a difference, andyou see the answer.

You're what the hell happened.


Comment on Docket No. NHTSA-2008-0157, Federal Motor

Vehicle Safety Standards; Motorcycle Helmets FMVSS 218Jeff Hennie


U.S. Department of Transportation1200 New Jersey Avenue, SEWest Building Ground FloorRoom W12-140Washington, DC 20590-0001.

Re: Comment on Docket No.NHTSA-2008-0157, Federal MotorVehicle Safety Standards;Motorcycle Helmets FMVSS 218

To Whom It May Concern:

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation(MRF) is a non-profit motorcyclist’sadvocacy organization representing the motorcyclists of America.Founded in 1984, the WashingtonDC-based MRF exists to protect ourrights and serve as a national voicefor every American motorcyclist.

With regard to your summary of themotorcycle fatality numbers,NHTSA and FHWA fail to requirethe states to accurately count VMTfor motorcycles. Current VMT num-bers for motorcycles are generallyan estimate and not a true vehiclecount. Using some numbers provid-ed by the Motorcycle IndustryCouncil it has been proven that the

Federal VMT numbers are less thenhalf of what the industry reports.Perhaps that represents both ends ofthe spectrum with the actual numberin the middle. Nevertheless, it’salmost certain that the governmentnumbers are severely undercountedresulting in a false spike in fatali-ties.

Also in the summary NHTSA pointsout that, yes sales are increasing, butmakes no mention of the quadru-pling of new unit sales and only adoubling of the fatalities for thesame time period. As long as thereare more motorcycles on the roadevery day, we can expect injuriesand deaths to increase. That’s a factof simple statistics.

The changes proposed by NHTSAto the current testing of helmetattenuation, penetration and reten-tion do not represent real world con-dition that a helmet can be expectedto encounter. Even the change fromstatic to quasi static is not enough ofa test. The stationary testing of amotorcycle helmet does not reflectwhat would happen in the event ofeven a medium speed crash.

The proposed changes to the currentlabeling requirements are totally

unnecessary. The label is the leastimportant part of the helmet.Changing the size and applicationtechnique will only force counter-feiters to become more creative andeventually circumvent the standard.Water decals are not exempt fromcounterfeit. Furthermore, waterdecals can only be used on helmetswith a clear top coat finish. Whatdoes the administration plan to do insituations of leather clad, rubberizedor the popular matte finished hel-mets?

How does NHTSA expect to dealwith existing helmets? Will ridersbe forced to purchase new helmetsshould this rule go into effect? Whatwill become of unsold stockpiles ofhelmets after the implementationdates? Under this rule won’t all hel-mets in use today instantly be clas-sified as illegal and will that givelaw enforcement an instant harass-ment tool?

NHTSA’s motivation for altering thelabel standard seems to be morefrom wanting to give law enforce-ment the ability to issue tickets thanto keep motorcyclists safe. IfNHTSA wanted to ensure safety formotorcyclists it would be throughproper rider education and motorist

awareness campaigns to avoid thecrash altogether. The troublingaspect of this rule is the theme of“safer crashing”. This mentality hasworked with cars and trucks as theyhave become safer to occupy whileinvolved in a crash. Motorcyclecrashes are very different thanautos. It’s saddening that our gov-ernment safety officials have notrecognized that yet. As long asNHTSA focuses on safer crashingover crash avoidance we can expectto make negative progress withregards to motorcycle fatalities.

The Motorcycle Riders Foundationbelieves the prudent course ofaction is to reject the proposed ruleat this time and that NHTSA shouldfocus on the Motorcycle CrashCausation study currently underwayand form a course of action formotorcycle safety that reflects thefindings of the study.

___________________________Jeff HennieVice President GovernmentRelationsMotorcycle Riders Foundation236 Massachusetts Ave NESuite 510Washington DC 20002


Atlantic Sands Hotel and Conference Center101 North Boardwalk, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971

Call 800-422-0600 for room reservations. Room rate: $99.00 (single/double).

Rooms must be reserved by March 17, 2009. Includes standard amenities.

Seminar Cost: (before March 17, 2009): MRF members $60, Non-MRF members $70;

(after March 17, 2009): MRF members $70.00, Non-MRF members $80.

Chapter Group Rates: $100 fee per chapter (unlimited attendees).

Names must be submitted by March 17, 2009. Chapter rate does not include dinner

(this must be paid separately – $35 per person).

For chapter registration please contact [email protected].

Registration is also accepted through the MRF website at www.mrf.org.Visa, MasterCard, AmEx and Discover accepted. Mail registration fee to:

MRF, 236 Massachusetts Ave. NE, Suite 510, Washington, DC 20002. Questions? Call the MRF at 202-546-0983.

MRF Awareness and Education

(MRF A&E)Once again we as motorcyclists willbe faced with a new Congress to edu-cate on our issues to preserve ourfreedom of choice to ride in thewind. First we need to educate ourmembers how to be politicallyactive, what are the issues and howdo we educate the general public thatwe as riders are out here sharing theroad.

The new MRFA&E (MotorcycleRiders Foundation Awareness &Education, Inc.) can help with thistask by contributing to educationalseminars with funding donated toMRFA&E for this purpose. The sem-inars will start in conjunction withMRF’s MOTM (Meeting of theMinds) annual conference.

Please consider a tax deductibledonation to MRFA&E; you can nowdonate through PayPal online atwww.mrfae.org . For more informa-tion contact [email protected] [email protected] and visit the newweb site www.mrfae.org .

The Board of Directors would like tothank those of you who alreadydonated money to MRFA&E to getthis project in motion.

Deborah ButittaBoard of Director ChairmanMotorcycle Riders FoundationAwareness & Education, Inc.236 Massachusetts Ave NE #510Washington DC 20002202.546.0983 / cell: 928.308.1117

2008 Election OverviewJeff Hennie


As expected, Obama garneredapproximately 52% of the popularvote. A Democrat piecing togethera popular-vote majority is anextraordinary accomplishment.However it's not a mandate just asGeorge Bush didn't receive a man-date with his narrow victory in2004.

The pundits calling the election hadpredicted that the black vote andthe youth vote would put Obamaover the top. That didn't happen.

Nationally, black turnout increasedfrom 11% to 13%, and the 18 to29-year-old vote increased from17% to 18% compared to 2004.Rather it was the increased marginstoward the Democrat candidate ofthose two voter categories that tilt-ed Obama to victory.

One demographic that swung dra-matically was the wealthy vote. In2004, voters earning more than$200,000 voted 63% to 35% forBush, according to CNN. Thisyear, they voted 52% to 46% forObama--a far higher margin thanObama enjoyed among the middleclass.

Obama did greatly exceed expecta-tions with his large ElectoralCollege win. Capturing historicallyRepublican Ohio, Florida, andNorth Carolina is a tremendousvictory for the Democratic nomi-nee.

Democrats made big gains, howev-er, Republicans have fought off thethreat of a 60-seat, filibuster-proofmajority, for now. With the electionof two sitting senators to executive

office that leaves two Senate seatsthat will need to be filled, not tomention the unresolved senate con-tests sitting out there that will like-ly take months to decide. Shouldthe Democrats win 60 Senate seatsthey would have a super majorityand the ability to pass any legisla-tion they please with no proceduralopposition from the minority party.

As for motorcyclists, it was adecent election. All of our currentbill sponsors and caucus leaderswere re-elected and nearly all ofour supporters were re-elected. InMichigan, we saw Knollenberg (R-MI) and Tim Walberg (R-MI) loseand in upstate New York we lostRandy Kuhl (R-NY).

They will be missed and we wishthem well.

We don't have a lot of history onObama but during his time in theUS Senate, he did vote against anamendment in 2005 that wouldhave reinstated the national univer-sal mandatory helmet law, and healso had a favorable rapport withABATE of IL when he served inthe IL State Senate from 1997-2004.

Many of the newly elected mem-bers of the House and Senate havea good relationship with the motor-cyclists of the state that sent themto the national stage. We at theMotorcycle Riders Foundation lookforward to working with the newCongress and President to preservemotorcycling freedoms and theexpansion of motorcycle safety andawareness.


Carol Downs

MRF Conferences Director

As hard as it is to imagine, we havealready started another year. Mykids are finally beginning to under-stand how fast time can go; mygrandkids still think it crawls. I, ofcourse, know it does nothing but fly.The fact that 2008 is gone is proof ofthat fact.

In most ways 2008 was a good yearfor the MRF. We have lists of polit-ical accomplishments. We venturedout to new arenas. We got our 501c (3) off the ground. But it was adifficult year for conferences.Attendance was down at all confer-ences. That is not to say theyweren’t successful; in some waysthey were some of the best I thinkwe have done in the past severalyears. But lower attendance meanslower revenues. Your conferenceregistration fees go a long waytowards offsetting the cost of puttingon a conference. But it does notcover it all. So the lower attendancedid affect our bottom line. My per-sonal hope is with the expectedupcoming challenges at the Nationallevel, not only will the MRF mem-bership be able to increase theirnumbers, but that conference atten-dance will increase also. But it willbe a challenge in the current eco-nomic times.

Enough depressing stuff, let’s talksome fun stuff.

It took a little while to get every-thing together for the 2009 confer-ence year. Not only are our person-al pocketbooks a little lighter lately,but many SMRO’s (StateMotorcycle Rights Organization)are feeling the same crunch theMRF is. However, as expected, wehave the conference season planned.

We will be in Rehoboth Beach, DEfor the BEAST of the East in April.Our host for this event will beABATE of DE. I have never been toRehoboth Beach although my fami-ly has vacationed there for years.They just go in late September every

year. I am rather busy in Septemberso I never get to join them. I amexcited about getting there.

More exciting than getting there willbe the trip. Bruce and I have beenmarried for over 6 years. In thattime we have been on our bikestogether in all but 8 of the lower 48states either going to or from confer-ences. We will be dropping thatnumber to 5 by the time we get toDelaware. The maps have beenpulled out, the time off from motor-cycle training has been scheduled,and the house sitter is in place. Wewill be going from Denver, CO toRehoboth Beach, DE by way ofFlorida. It just seemed like a goodroute. Besides, we thought it wouldbe a better bet we could avoid anyunexpected early spring snowstormsby heading south first. The threestates we will get off our list will beFlorida (no wonder we picked thatroute), South Carolina andDelaware.

June will find us riding across thedesert just as the weather heats up.BEST of the West will be inPhoenix, AZ in June. The confer-ence will be co-hosted by ABATE ofAZ, MMA and the AZ Coalition ofClubs. I need to publicly thankthem all right now for stepping up tohost this event. I generally have myconferences planned a year inadvance. I did not have anyone stepup to host BEST 2009 until after theMeeting of the Minds. These arevery important events for motorcy-cle rights activists and can’t happenwithout the support of the SMRO’s.

The Upcoming 2009 Conference Season

So, thanks to everyone in AZ forunderstanding the need and respond-ing.

Before the year wraps up we will becrossing several more of the remain-ing 5 states off our list. We will hitNorth Dakota, Minnesota, andWisconsin either headed to or return-ing from Meeting of the Minds inBloomington, MN in September.Hosted jointly by ABATE of MN andthe St Croix Valley Riders this willbe the 25th Meeting of the Minds.By the time we get there we willhave a much better understanding ofwhat we expect the next 4 years to doto our rights. I am expecting some

challenges for us all and will do mybest to put together an agenda forthis, and all conferences, which willhelp us prepare to meet those chal-lenges.

If you want more information on the2009 conferences please go to theMRF website and click on theConferences link. If you are interest-ed in hosting a conference pleasecontact me and I will send you aninformation package on what isrequired. We have Meeting of theMinds planned for 2010 and 2011but do not currently have a hostSMRO for BEAST or BEST 2010.

January 2009 Biker Magazine

Gets it All WrongCarol Downs

MRF A&E Treasurer

In the January 2009 edition of Bikermagazine there was a news briefabout the demise of the MotorcycleRiders Foundation (MRF). Thebrief stated that the MRF was nolonger a functioning organizationand it had been reorganized as theMotorcycle Riders FoundationAwareness and Education(MRFA&E). This, of course, can’tbe further from the truth. But whatexactly is the MRFA&E? What isthe relationship with the MRF?

The Motorcycle Riders FoundationAwareness and Education, Inc wasfounded as a 501 c (3) organization.This IRS status allows theMRFA&E to accept tax –deductiblecontributions. It also allows us tofind grants to help fund our goals.

The MRF is a 501 c (4) organiza-tion. What that means is the MRFis a not-for-profit organization thatcan lobby legislature to effectchange. When the MRF wasformed it was set-up in this mannerfor a specific reason. The MRF is,in my opinion, the best advocatethat street motorcyclists have onCapitol Hill. What the MRF can’tdo is offer individuals an opportuni-

ty to deduct their donations for fed-eral income tax purposes.

It is also very difficult to find grantmoney for a 501 c (4) organization.

So why did we set up a separateorganization? The answer is quitesimple. We, as motorcyclists’ rightsadvocates, need to be able to fightfor our rights in our nation’s capital.That fight includes the ability tolobby our elected officials. That iswhat the MRF does, and does verywell. But we also need to educateriders and the general public aboutissues facing the street rider today.That requires money. The best wayto obtain those funds and pursuethat purpose is though an organiza-tion whose donors may receive a taxdeduction.

What do the MRF and theMRFA&E have in common? It is avery short list. We share one boardmember. We share an office addressand, for the time being, a phonenumber. But we are two separateorganizations. The MRF has nodirect influence over the MRFA&E.We are two completely separateorganizations with two different, butcomplimentary, missions.

And we are both alive and well.


MRF’s MEETING OF THE MINDS

MOTORCYCLING COMMUNITY PANEL DISCUSSION continued

and that we should watch for more federalcontrol coming our way which often trans-lates into less state dollars. He also men-tioned to those moving towards mandatorytraining to beware of strings attached. Hementioned the need for motorcycle licens-ing programs we can use to encourageunlicensed riders to become licensed inour states. Statistics, and the lack of con-sistency and reliability of them, should bea concern to all of us and that we shouldraise the issue each time we see it. Hewarned us of the patchwork of noise regu-lations spreading across the country andwhat affect that will have on us. He alsostressed that we all need to work togethergoing forward and closed by saying wemust be visible and active in our StateLegislatures, be strong, andprovide a face to our organi-zations.

Duane Taylor of theMotorcycle Industry Councilbegan by saying we needed tobridge gaps and more closelywork together. He discussedhow important it is that wehave a reduction in motorcy-cling fatalities, which is oneof the most prevalent discus-sions going in WashingtonD.C. right now when the sub-ject of motorcycling is raised.He encouraged us to keepmoving forward on alcoholrelated initiatives and stressedthe importance of impairedriding campaigns. He dis-cussed the importance ofbeing proactive in solvingissues because we do not wantgovernment solving them forus. He continued by sayingwe must be involved early andfrequently when new cabinetmembers such as Secretariesfor the DOT, NHTSA, FHWA, HHS arebeing discussed and chosen. He stressedthe need and the complications in gettingthe Crash Causation Study moving andencouraged the entire motorcycling com-munity to get behind this. He closed bybringing up the subject of motorcycletraining and the importance of being life-long learners, and that the entire motorcy-cling community needed to push educa-tion as a solution when it comes to ridererror and alcohol related fatalities.

Ed Moreland of the AmericanMotorcyclist Association began by pro-moting the concept of working togetherand how critical it is for us, when in thepublic eye that we show a collaborativeeffort. He suggested we need to hold oth-ers accountable for the information theyput out on motorcycling, included in this

is the information they are supposed to beputting out as well. Ed also brought upthe fact that we need to work towardsbecoming more proactive and less reac-tive. He cautioned us about motorcyclistsbeing used to raise monies that don’t stayin our community. He talked about theimportance of the upcoming highway billfor motorcycling and what we face, andthat we must be active in the process fromthe onset to get what we desire. He closedsuggesting above all that we communicateamongst each other and that we reinforcepositive images of the motorcycle andmotorcycling and to use every chance weget to talk about the benefits of motorcy-cling. And in those efforts utilize thepress and encourage them to be responsi-

ble with their photos and stories.

Keith Ball of Bikernet (and a formerExecutive VP of Easyriders) began bystating we must be proactive, be involved,and interact with the communities wherewe ride. He suggested we make the effortto reject the outlaw image the publicsometimes has of us. He concluded thistopic by discussing the importance of cre-ating a better understanding between com-munities and motorcyclists. He discussedhis efforts to facilitate creating a moresolid link between the motorcycle rightscommunity and the motorcycle industry,especially the custom and aftermarket seg-ments. He discussed initiatives to reachout to SEMA (aftermarket car association)to work together where issues regardingcustoms and specialty products were con-cerned. He discussed his longtime goal of

making industry available to the rightsgroups and how important he felt it wasthat we mutually support one another. Hewent on to discuss making a motion pic-ture about freedom in an effort to get peo-ple to think about freedom and to publi-cize freedom because we are all losingfreedom in the name of safety and securi-ty. He added what became one of thepopular quotes of the day, “There was nosafety clause in the Constitution.” Keithwent on to discuss noise ordinances andthe difficulty in administering tests. Hestated we should not think extremely loudpipes are okay any longer but made itknown he believes loud pipes do savelives and to keep them we must learn toride responsibly with our pipes. He

offered some further insights into hownoise works and methods to frame noisein an understandable way when it comesto the overall noise inventory out there.He closed on the topic of the EPA and thatwe must continue to remain proactivewhen environmental issues threaten to col-lect us. He suggested we continue ourefforts for a study to determine the cost ofthe proposals versus the benefits achieved.Basically a call similar to that of the MRFyears ago to quantify the cost of regula-tion spread over the number of motorcy-cles in society.

I represented the MRF and began by stat-ing my concern over our lessening influ-ence and the risk that our messages weregetting diluted by others. We are seeing arelatively small growth in our SMRO’sand in the MRF compared to the signifi-

cant increase in the total number of motor-cyclists, so again our influence in numbersis far less today than it was just 10 yearsago. This is a trend we need to reverse. Idiscussed the 43 initiatives, issues, andprograms that our SMRO’s brought up inthe “Meet the States” sessions the nightbefore. I suggested that we don’t duplicateefforts by making concerted efforts toshare related info, both the positive andeffective developments and the problemat-ic ones. We certainly could find commonground with all these issues facing usamongst fellow SMRO’s, OEM’s, after-market, media, other motorcycle organiza-tions. I registered my intense concernover the next Highway Bill negotiationsand my fear regarding the move for Big

Government to take care of us,and that much of society maybe willing to let them. I dis-cussed the issue of over-regula-tion and what I was seeingheading our way from mymeetings in Europe regardingthe European Union and theUnited Nations. I also stressedthe need to work on protectingand building relationships, andthat we must return to a senseof community within what werefer to as the motorcyclingcommunity. I brought up thesubject of riding responsiblyand riding respectfully, andwhile doing so standing strongso we aren’t demonized. I dis-cussed how imperative it is thatwe continue our work whereverwe go regarding our theme ofCrash Avoidance over one ofSafer Crashing. I concludedwith the need for us to partici-pate in any and all meetingswhere motorcycles are beingdiscussed to have the all impor-tant ability to understand the

issues as we strategize to address them.

This is not always seen as the case but asyou should see in the comments above, wehave very similar issues and concernsamong the different stakeholders in motor-cycling and it certainly is in our collectivebest interest to work together. I made thestatement that we might not always walkhand in hand down the sidewalk together,or even on the same sidewalk, but that wecertainly better be going down the samestreet in the same direction. In conclu-sion, the attendees and now you readersheard that we all have a personal involve-ment in seeing motorcycling continue tosucceed, and that we have too much tolose if we don’t get along. The sessionclosed with the words, “go bikers” - gobikers indeed.


PRESS RELEASE:

ONTARIO RIDERS!! CALL TO ACTION

18 November 2008

Speak out on Bill 117 - Join others in commenting on this bill proposing

outlawing anyone 14 and under from riding a motorcycle as a passenger.

Motorcyclists across Ontario (andwe've heard from riders acrossCanada too!) are outraged to hearof Private Members Bill 117(Helena Jaczek, MPP Oak Ridges-Markham ) that would amend theOntario Highway Traffic Act tomake it illegal for anyone to oper-ate a motorcycle with a passengerwho is under the age of 14.

The MPP feels that there is enoughrisk to merit a law, but others -including the Canada SafetyCouncil - disagree, claiming thatthere is no evidence to support thismove.

MCC has been contacted bynumerous riders and organizations,sharing their concerns and actions.ADD YOURSELF and YOURORGANIZATION to the list and

take action.

What's the issue?

The Canada Safety Council, anational, charitable organizationthat promotes safety in all areas ofCanadian life, AND sponsors moremotorcycle rider training than anyother Canadian organization, saysthat there is NO issue....

" In terms of addressing risk andquoting from Mr. RaynaldMarchand, General Manager of theCanada Safety Council, "Bill 117 isa solution looking for a problem."He continues, "I reviewed all sevenOntario Road Safety AnnualReports from 1999 to 2005. I didnot find any fatalities for motorcy-cle passengers less than 14 years ofage. I also looked at injuries for

motorcycle passengers less than 16years of age and compared them tobicycle passengers less than 16years of age and car passengers lessthan 16 years of age over the sameperiod (1999 to 2005). Ontariochildren were four times (4X) morelikely to have been injured as pas-sengers on bicycles and 262 timesmore likely to have been injured aspassengers in passenger vehiclesthan to have been injured as pas-sengers on motorcycles."

Toronto Star WHEELS editor MarkRichardson wrote about this issue,and observed: "This issue might beseen as a tempest in a teapot,affecting a small proportion of thepopulation, except it's indicative ofthe recommendations of well-meaning but misinformed citizensthat get passed into law before any-

one notices they're foolish."

What should YOU do?

VISIT the MCC Website.(www.motorcycling.ca)

REVIEW what others have said.DOWNLOAD a sample letter.USE IT, or WRITE YOUR OWN.The world is run by those whoshow up.

SHOW UP! CONTACT those who can have animpact.NOW!Motorcyclists Confederation ofCanada...ensuring the future of motorcy-cling in Canada

Australia Deploys Noise CamerasNoise cameras become the latest ticketing technology deployed against

motorists in New South Wales, Australia.

State governments across Australiaare poised to deploy automatedcameras that mail tickets to vehiclesconsidered by a machine to benoisy. The fully automated noisecamera systems have been in devel-opment since 2005 but are nowactive and issuing warning noticesin the small New South Wales sub-urb of Mount Ousley, according tothe Roads and Traffic Authority(RTA) Annual Report. The agency islooking for a regulatory means ofmaking such ticketing solutionsmore common.

"The RTA is contributing to thedevelopment of the 'PlanningGuideline for Residential and otherSensitive Building Developmentsalongside Major Roads,'" the RTAreport explains. "This will include

requirements to address noise fornew residential development alongnominated roads and rail corri-dors.... RTA continues to developtechnology in the form of a suitablenoise camera to use as an enforce-ment device."

The fully automated noise analysissystem designed by the NSW firmAcoustic Research Laboratoriesuses a set of microphones and cam-eras that continuously record andanalyze activity on a neighborhoodstreet. A computer program process-es the audio data to isolate triggersounds from general backgroundroad noise. This allows the device tofind opportunities to mail a trafficcitation to passing vehicles thatexceed a predetermined noisethreshold. Once configured, the

machine will generate up to 10,000tickets before the on-board harddrive is filled. A 10-second videoand audio clip is stored for eachincident for use in court proceed-ings.

South Australia and Victoria havebegun similar programs with eachstate focusing on the noise of heavycommercial truck compressionbrakes, an issue designed to courtlocal approval of the ticketing tech-nology.

"In parallel with the development ofthe acoustic measurement methodol-ogy, Transport South Australia hasdeveloped camera technology thatcan be linked with the measurementsoftware," Australia's NationalTransport Commission reported.

"The combination of these systemsoffers the potential for excessiveengine brake noise incidents to beidentified and recorded, which mayprovide a useful tool to enforcementagencies."

The commission approved the regu-lation against engine compressionbrakes last November. The ticketingsystem can also be easily expandedto issue citations for loud sub-woofers, noisy exhausts, or even aninopportune honk of the horn.


Illinois

Backing a winner

Members of ABATE of Illinois’ South DuPage chapter and theMRF’s Vice President are pictured with Congresswoman JudyBiggert (IL-13th). This was taken shortly before a precinctwalk for the congresswoman on the Saturday before theNovember 4th election. Congresswomen Biggert has been anoutstanding supporter of motorcyclists during her tenure incongress. She also has a special place in the heart of the MRFas Vice President of Government Relations Jeff Hennie washer former Washington DC office manager. Left to right areRick 'RO' Olson, Mike 'Boz' Kerr, Linda Pasetti-Olson,Congresswoman Judy Biggert, Mark Stefani, Susan Alfirevic,and Diana Jenkins

Connecticut

CMRA Security Force taking a break

Massachusetts

Dave Condon, StateChairman of MMA, presentsJimi Ricci with theOutstanding AchievementAward at the LegislativeWorkshop and Banquet

Wisconsin

ABATE of Wisconsin Life Member and long time MRF Member Mike Hupy donates$5,000 to the newly organized Motorcycle Riders Foundation Awareness andEducation Corporation

Pictured are Dave Dwyer (ABATE of WI Legislative Director and MRF SSMROBoard Member), Mike Hupy, Kirk "Hardtail" Willard (ABATE of WI Board Memberand MRF President) and Greg Rodd (ABATE of WI Executive Director)


A simpler time... FEMA - Denmark

The motorcycle-only campground in Denamark where the FEMA meeting was held

On November 6th MRF President Kirk"Hardtail" Willard and MRF State RepsProgram Director Todd Riba attended theAssociation of Independent Riders monthlymeeting in Southern Minnesota. Hardtail andTodd were there to express the MRF's sinceregratitude and thanks to AIR for their supportof the MRF. At their October meeting AIRvoted to use the group’s funds to purchaseMRF memberships for all of the groups 22members. AIR's mission is to preserve, pro-mote and protect motorcyclists’ rights andfreedoms and the MRF is proud to be a partof that mission.

Thank You Association of IndependentRiders.

Association of Independent Riders

Arkansas

Wild Bill, President, along with other members of The 13 Rebels M/C Charter 5, pre-senting Arkansas' MRF Rep Connie Shepherd with a check to the MRF for $1000.00that they collected during their Iron and Ink Bike Show and Tattoo Contest in October2008.


Meeting of the Minds 2008Jay Jackson, Co-Rep and Mike

Campbell, Co-Rep Washington State

Glenyce Jackson, Assistant Rep

The sun is shining brightly as the flightlands at the Mile High City. We are sur-prised at how far out of town the airportfor Denver is located. Now we realize theimportance of pre-arranged shuttles to theTech Center where the Meeting of theMinds conference will start later today.Another surprise, halfway through theterminal to the baggage claim area—I’mout of breath! Now I know I’ve put on afew pounds and the bags are a little heav-ier than I’d planned but I’m not that outof shape! We go on outside where we willwait to meet Twiggy from EasyRidersmagazine so we can share a ride to theTech Center. I shed my vest beforereturning to baggage claim to get thechecked bag of auction items while Jaywaits for our friend. I laughed out loudwhen it finally dawned on me that thealtitude is why I’m breathless! WhenTwiggy arrives we call for our ride. BenHotchberg, Colorado state ABATEDirector of Trainers, fits us and our bagsinto his PT Cruiser for the ride to theother side of Denver. He tells us aboutlocal civic things and how busy he ismanaging the Rider Education Trainerprogram for the State. The traffic isheavy for mid-morning but I enjoy thescenery, the beautiful blue sky, moun-tains, and sunshine from the back seat.

Mike Campbell, Washington Co-Rep,greets us as soon as we enter the lobby.He flew in the day before. We check inand go up to leave our stuff in the room.Then we call Ginger Magures, formerLegislative Affairs Officer, who also flewin Wednesday with Vern Jenkins, NorthOlympic Chapter. Since things are justgetting set up, we decide to go on an“explore” to find the local Harley storesand lunch.

Thursday, September 25, 7 pmWe meet Mike in the main meeting roomfor the “Meet the Board” and “Meet theAttendees” session. It is interesting tomeet the people we talk to on the phoneor by email. Now there is a face on theother end of our communications withMRF. Tiffany, the Office Manager inD.C., is a young, attractive woman withlots of energy. Guess that’s only reason-able since she has a big job to do. HelenWesson fills the Products Chair now andthe rest of the Board is the same as lastyear. They all give a brief summary ofwhat they’re doing before opening thefloor to the members who are here. Themain message from Kirk “Hardtail”Willard, MRF President, is the reminderthat the Motorcycle Riders Foundation is

ABATE on the national level, made up ofall the SMRO’s and individual FreedomFighters across the country. He encour-aged everyone to talk to each other andenjoy the weekend.

The representative from Street BikersUnited of Hawaii told us of their success-ful fight against 21 muffler bills and 8helmet bills in the past year. Ralph Bellfrom So. Carolina reported their successwith motorcycle licensing issues. Lindafrom Maryland said they are dealing with5 right-of-way bills, auxiliary lights onbikes, and license plate issues. ABATEof Wisconsin had a great “Lobby Day” inthe middle of winter with over 500 mem-bers in the Capitol. They also talkedabout their campaign for AlcoholAwareness. We heard from representa-tives from Alaska, Massachusetts, Iowa,Georgia, Tennessee, Minnesota, SouthDakota, Illinois, Texas, Arizona, Indiana,North Dakota, Kansas, Michigan,California, and of course, Colorado.There were several other States represent-ed in the group but not everyone intro-duced themselves. The entire bunchwished Carol Downs, MRF ConferenceDirector Happy Birthday (today) andMike Kerr, vice President, the same forhis birthday yesterday.

We heard lots of topics to talk about butthe three most often mentioned wereright-of-way, accident data, and alcoholawareness. The general thoughts seem tobe that people who violate a motorcy-clist’s space causing harm must be heldaccountable for their actions with stifferpenalties than are now in force, and we asa community must be responsible and notride when we are impaired. Since morethan half the fatal accidents across thenation involve alcohol, the feds may tryto enact a lower BAC for motorcycle rid-ers than other drivers. That could cut outlots of our fun activities! Serious stuff tothink about….

Friday, September 26th We’re up bright and early to go get break-fast at the nearest Golden Arches withTed, Oregon ABATE, before the Generalsession starts at 9 am. We’re ready forKirk “Hardtail” Willard to start his open-ing comments. He says we’ve got lots ofwork to do in the coming year startingwith a fight to keep the 2010 Fundinggoing for Motorcycle Safety becausethere are people trying to divert thosefunds to promote universal helmet laws.We also need to work toward clearing upthe classifications for mopeds, scooters,and off road bikes for licensing as well asaccident data. Now they are all classed asmotorcycles for accident data gatheringso it gives an inaccurate picture of the

facts. Then he went on with the ‘State ofthe MRF’ address. Chapter 1 is the goodnews: opening communications withNTSB, FHWA, US-DOT; Mary Peters,US-DOT backing off on her helmet prop-aganda; the availability of the 2010 Fundsfor promotion of safety and awareness;the Motorcycle Safety Advisory Boardson the state and national level; and Bill6908, a start at sound HIPPA legislation.That action at least shows that Congressadmits there are problems with the insur-ance policy. Opening dialog with theRepublican National Committee is alsogood news. MRF has had some successdealing with the EPA and emissions con-trols, and on the global level by workingwith FEMA and the World Motorcyclecommunity. NHTSA is including MRFin its Safety meetings. All good stuff.

Chapter 2—the bad news. MRF hasfinancial troubles. The MRF needs $1per member to operate at the currentlevel. Donations are down to about $0.34per member. If we don’t generate moreincome we will lose services we nowhave. The first to go will be the Best ofthe West, followed by the Newsletter,travel, and the other conferences.Hopefully we can pull it together beforewe lose the Washington D.C. office andstaff. The bottom line is we need moremembers and to keep the ones we have.

Remember the MRF is ABATE and allSMRO’s.

Next MRF Vice President, Mike “Boz”Kerr, told how important politicalinvolvement is for all of us. We must getinto the political picture by #1-Vote, #2-Be Advocates, #3-Join your Party’s com-mittee at any level, #4-supportLegislators who support MotorcycleRights, and #5-Communicate with legis-lators and Safety committees as well aswith your neighbors and anyone who willlisten!

Then MRF Vice President of GovernmentRelations, Jeff Hennie, filled us in on thehappenings in Washington, D.C. Pleasecheck that out online at www.mrf.org.There’s way too much for me to repeathere. The most important thing he saidwas to get involved with local politicsand work up from there. He also encour-aged anyone who can to visit ourLegislators in D.C. as well as when theyare in their home state.

Friday afternoonLunch was a light chicken dinner com-plete with a delicious cheesecake fordessert put on by AMA. Todd Riba pre-sented Rep awards right after lunch start-ing with ABATE of Indiana for getting a

$10 fee repealed from MC operatorlicenses, and continuing with ABATE ofGeorgia’s work to legalize registration forcustom motorcycles, California for legalaftermarket parts, Florida for defeating ano-child passenger bill, MissouriSMRO’s for defeating another no chil-dren on motorcycles bill and a stunt rid-ing bill, South Carolina ABATE helpedpass a red light bill, and Street BikersUnited of Hawaii and ABATE of Utahboth got helmet bills defeated.Minnesota was recognized for havingboth of their Senators signed on to theHIPAA bill. I probably missed somethingbut we all are proud of the successthey’ve had fighting for motorcylingfreedoms.

Remember: There are three kinds of peo-ple. Those who make things happen,those who watch things happen, andthose who wonder what the hell just hap-pened! We should all try to be the firstkind of people most of the time.

MRF has recognized the need for a 501 c(3) entity within its structure to openavenues for grants and other financialmatters so they have incorporated theMRF Awareness and Education (A&E).Now it is possible to make tax deductibledonations to MRF for Awareness andEducation. The group will be led by DebButitta and Carol Downs to start.

Then we heard about political activitiesoutside the United States that may affectall of us here if we don’t stay on top of theissues and keep them out of our country.Alene Delhay the new head of FEMA(Federation of European MotorcyclistAssociation) gave an update of thingsgoing on in Europe and Australia. OurCanadian neighbors also told about theirtiered licensing and how expensive it is toride a big bike—something to the tune of$600/year just for your license! Ouch! Apoint from them to think about, ”Thestrength of the Pack is the Wolf. Thestrength of the Wolf is the Pack.” (Just athought as we prepare for BlackThursday.)

We were reminded that the motorcycle isa valuable resource in America and weshould point these facts out to those whodon’t understand:

* Motorcycles reduce traffic conges-tion

* Motorcyclists contribute to the econ-omy (lots of $$)

* Motorcycles use less gasoline* Motorcycles cause less wear to road-

ways* Motorcycles are a recreational

resource.


Meeting of the Minds 2008 continued

We need to get active and get the officialsto start using relevant studies and statis-tics that show the real picture of modernmotorcycling. The government has beenusing statistics from the Hurt study thatwas done in 1976-81. Many riders werenot even born then and many more of ushave grown up since then. The eventsand numbers used in the study do notreflect today at all. A new study has beenstarted but hasn’t gotten very far becausethey don’t think $6 million is enough tocomplete it! The Feds also need to stopfocusing on safer crashes and start work-ing on crash prevention.

AMA president, Imre Szauter, told aboutthe success of Maryland ABATE for get-ting some right of way legislation passedafter many years of work. He said themain thing is to never give up!

The first breakout session, we all went todifferent sessions. Mike and Jay gaveoral reports at STEAM and they bothwould give you more details if you ask.The Leadership information Jay broughthome is very good. Mike’s information isvaluable to us all too. I went to the SMROLegislative Planning group put on byDave Dwyer and Doc Ski. They gaveupdates on HB 6908 which is a start atfixing the HIPAA situation. They said wemust get more of our states’Representatives to sign on to SB 1076which is the “companion” to 6908.However the elections turn out we mustkeep on pushing. We still need to workon the Right to Repair legislation and askfor more support for that bill. TheSAFETEALU situation needs constantvigilance too because there are some whowould like to divert the 2010 monieswhere they weren’t meant to go. TheMotorcycle Advisory Council is a step inthe right direction as is the CrashCausation Study. We just need to letthose in Washington, D.C. know we arewatching and very interested in what theyare doing.

Tug of War time!! Fun, fun!! It was aquick event because of threateningweather. Thunder and lightning are real-ly exciting but the guys in kilts didn’t likethe wind’s tricks! What you see isn’talways very nice to look at! The re-match did raise several thousand muchneeded dollars for the MRF-PAC. Checkout the pictures on the MRF web page.There’s not enough room for my pictureshere.

We found a pizza place for dinner andenjoyed the visit with Ted and Patriciafrom Oregon. When we got back to theTech Center we visited the hospitalitysuite for a short time but the political

speeches on TV were a big distractionfrom the important motorcycle talk so wecalled it an early night.

SaturdayThe day starts beautifully with the brightsunshine in the blue sky. After breakfastat the golden arches and more coffeefrom the lobby coffee shop, we settle infor more news in the motorcycle world.This morning a panel will present “TheMotorcycling Community—WorkingTogether” after Carol Downs and EricHampton were awarded the President’sAwards for their work for MRF. MarkBuckner, former MRF President, moder-ated the panel made up of Mike Richardsand Jerry Steffy from Harley Davidson,Duane Taylor from Motorcycle IndustryCouncil, Ed Moreland from AMA, andKeith Ball from BikerNet.com. They willall explain how they are working togeth-er with SMRO’s for the benefit of all rid-ers. Their main points:

* Rider training and tiered licensing* Noise regulations—we need to take

care of ourselves before the governmentsets unacceptable standards for us

* We must present a united front to thenon-riding public. Keep our individualdifferences among ourselves. We have topull in the same direction!

* We must insist on accountability—ours and the government

* Be pro-active. Look at what is aheadand stay on top of it. Watch what the EPAis doing.

* Bridge our gaps—reduce motorcyclefatalities, especially alcohol related, our-selves. Create better understandingbetween new riders and the more experi-enced. Link between riders and manufac-turers

* Communicate—get active—walk thetalk—be positive—present a good imageto the public—be visible in/to theLegislatures both State and Federal—pick a focus point & know the facts

* Meet with all other riding groups—clubs, HOG, AMA, Star Riders, GoldWingers, GRIP, WRRA

* Ride responsibly, ride respectfully,ride freely!

Now it is time to meet the Young ActivistScholarship Winners. Of the three win-ners the oldest is 30. Two of them aremembers of ABATE of South Dakota,Shadow Riders. They formed their ownchapter when the local chapter was notreceptive to them and their new ideas.They said they found the expression“ABATE eats their young” to be true.Just because “It’s always been done thatway” doesn’t mean it won’t work anotherway. Their chapter, all between 25-35years old, focus on family activities and

work with kids’ programs.

The young man from Sioux City, Iowathinks we should focus on education ofriders and drivers - to be aware of eachother. He doesn’t think there is a quickfix for the fatalities of motorcyclists butwe have to keep trying. We must remem-ber that communication is two-way—themembers’ opinions are as important ormore important than the leader’s. Heavystuff to think about from our “kids.”

Barbecue Buffalo and Elk Hamburgerswere served outside with all the trim-mings in the wonderful sunshine. TheHarley-Davidson Company put on thislunch. The charcoal grills manned byABATE of Colorado members were a lit-tle slow and we barely got served beforethe breakout sessions started. Visitingwith the people in line was good though.

Mike and Jay went to “Gaining andRetaining Members” put on by JohnPierce and I went to the WisconsinABATE workshop on “Impaired Riding.”

They showed the effects of alcohol onriders’ reaction times. They attended test-ing facilities where riders drank variousamounts of alcohol and then rode thesame course before drinking and after.That and the fatality rates for impairedriders made the husband and wife teamknow that it is “Time for a Change.”They got funding for their “Think” ban-ners, flyers, can holders, coasters, wood-en nickels, key chains and other itemsand put them out everywhere bikers goand alcohol is present. Check out theirpresentation on the MRF web site. Thecampaign is still too young to show animpact on statistics but the feedback theyhave gotten shows that it has raisedawareness.

Jay and Mike learned pointers on how toget members and keep them by greetingpeople and making them feel welcome.Then keeping them by giving them activeroles to play and jobs that show them howvaluable they are to the organization.They learned about different personalitytypes and ways to successfully engagethose folks into your group.

After a brief break, Mike and Jay had togo to a Reps meeting and attend to thebusiness of their position while I went to“Holding Effective Lobby Days.” Thissession was put on by more ABATE ofWisconsin members who got over 500 totheir capitol on a cold March Day. Weknow that part of the country is prone tohard winters where the knee-deep snowmay stick around until April. It was thefirst time since 1977 when about 50,000

motorcycles ringed the capitol inMadison to repeal the Mandatory helmetlaw, that they made a noteworthy event intheir state. In a nutshell, the StateABATE made it happen by organizingbuses and pickup locations for all mem-bers who were interested. They arrangedmeals and everything the members wouldneed, even parking at the bus pick-uplocations. Members from the far north-west corner got on the bus as early as 2am. Everyone had a good time and theyaccomplished their goal at the Capitol.Where there is a will there is a way!

We had time to freshen up before theBanquet and Auction in the evening. TheSilent Auction is lots of fun but we wereout-bid on most of the packages we want-ed. Jay did score a red, white, and bluebone and bead breastplate made by MRFBoard member, Steve Zimmer. Steve ishead of MRF-PAC and kept his activitieslight hearted with his Zorro costume.Our good friend, Ginger, made a haul.Her support for the MRF is beyond com-pare. One of Jay’s clocks was auctionedfor more than $200. We all did our partto support the MRF. And Twiggy got anaward for his lifelong support of theMRF. It is heartwarming to see how thevarious states support MRF’s work inWashington, D.C. Some states give thou-sands of dollars as do some individualswhile others give their hair! One memberraised several hundred dollars by gettingdonations to get his hair cut off rightthere. Pictures are on the web and in ouralbum.

Sunday morning dawned bright andwarm. We rode to the airport with Gingerin her rental car. We had enough time toget breakfast and some H-D souvenirs atthe airport shop before our flight. Welearned so much more than I can writehere. Meeting of the Minds is an experi-ence that I wish more would share. Thetime is too short to visit with all thefriends you see only at the conferences.The work of MRF protecting motorcy-clists’ rights in Washington, D.C. issupremely important. When the Federalgovernment hands legislation down to thestates it is too late for us to “fix” it in ourhome states. Some things must be han-dled at the national level. Please supportthe MRF by becoming a member today!We can sign you up right now. Just call360-828-7189.

Ride Free,

Jay Jackson, Co-Rep and MikeCampbell, Co-Rep Washington StateGlenyce Jackson, Assistant Rep

ArkansasConnie ShepherdMRF State Representative

I would like to start by sending a HUGE "Thank-You" to the 13 Rebels M/C, Charter 5 for their$1000.00 donation from monies raised duringtheir Iron and Ink Bike Show, Tattoo Contest andSwap meet in Rogers, AR in October of 2008.They exhibited the true meaning of the old saying"charity begins at home" by supporting the effortsof the MRF. Knowing that they are playing a partin maintaining the freedom to "ride your ownride" now, but also laying a foundation for main-taining our freedoms to "ride your own ride" inthe future. Thanks for understanding the need,and caring about the future of the lifestyle weenjoy today!!

My hope for 2009 is that more motorcycle clubs,organizations and riding groups will designateone of their events as their "charity begins athome" event and divide the proceeds betweentheir SMRO, PAC (if applicable) and federalmotorcycle freedom fighters. These same organ-izations and committees are always looking fornew members.

Oklahoma did a GREAT job of hosting the Mid-South MILE in 2008. And in keeping with MILEtradition, everyone received their very ownmarked "The Last Koozie" koozie. They are thekind that wrap and secure with velcro, to whicheveryone promptly put them on their wrists!! Ifyou don't know about the "last koozie", attend the2009 MILE and find out!!

Arkansas' 87th General Session is scheduled tostart January 12, 2009 at 12:00 p.m. As of thiswriting, a few bills have been drafted. So far,none pertaining to motorcycles. The ArkansasLegislative website is www.arkleg.state.ar.us.Add this to your Favorites list for quick and easyaccess.

ABATE of Arkansas will hold their board meet-ing January 11th in Ward, Ar starting at 12:00PM. Elections will be held for the 2009 officers.ABATE of Arkansas will present it's 2008 mem-ber of the year award, known as The Ray GowenAward. Those nominated were Tom "WeWe"Wewers, Jim "Buckskin" Caldwell, and yours tru-ely, Connie Shepherd. It's an honor to be nomi-nated along with these two well deserving mem-bers. Both have dedicated their efforts, knowl-edge and skills to the cause that ABATE standsfor!!

I hope everyone has a healthy, wealthy, safe and"free" 2009!!!

Connie

ConnecticutRon TroiaMRF State Representative

Greetings from Connecticut. The ConnecticutMotorcycle Riders Association recently complet-ed its final event of the year aptly named the“Season Finale”. Thanks to the efforts of JimWhitney and all the volunteers it was another suc-cessful event. However I could not help butnotice that it is the same small group of loyalfreedom fighters who come to every event to sup-port our efforts. It really would be nice to seesome new faces along with all the “old timers”.Just my personal opinion but I do feel stronglythat we should get better support from our fellowriders in this state.

We will be taking a short break for the upcomingholidays but we will be right back at it with theLegislative Dinner on February 21st at Aldario’sin Milford. Full support of this event is crucial to

our efforts to fend off what appears to be a veryreal helmet law threat in Connecticut in theupcoming legislative session. We need to fill therestaurant to capacity to show our solidarity inthis fight. Please, if you love your freedom comeand join us for a fun evening complete with a sitdown dinner and band. We plan on having sever-al members of the General Assembly on hand tospeak to the group about our position and how tosuccessfully defend it. There are talks in progressto have two legislators there who are not “in ourcorner” so it would be great to show them whowe are and convince them to join our side. In thiscase, every vote really does count! Completedetails are on the website at www.thecmra.com oryou can contact me directly if you have any ques-tions.

The riding season here in the northeast is windingdown and unfortunately the numbers this yearwere not too good. We all have to start ridingsafer and smarter. Ride like they are all out to getus because sometimes I think they are. For thoseof you still riding, watch out for the leaves, ice,sand, and the distracted driver. Any one or all ofthese can take you out in the twinkle of an eye.RIDE SAFE!!

Protect your future. Join the MRF and theCMRA!

See you at Aldario’s in February.Ron TroiaConnecticut

IdahoChuc CoulterMRF Ex-Officio Board Member

The Idaho Coalition for Motorcycle Safety(ICMS) attended Meeting of the Minds again thisyear. Those who were there saw and heard whatthe MRF is doing and the work there is to do tokeep bikers free. We also heard that we, theSMROs, have to maintain our commitment tokeep MRF in the position to represent us inWashington, DC. Many SMROs stepped upagain at Meeting of the Minds to contribute andpledge their support. ICMS did the same thingagain this year. ICMS would like to challengeother SMROs to contribute at least one dollar pereach member in their organization. ICMS did. Ifwe all did we could better assure the ability forMRF to stay the course. What does it take? Howabout a fund raiser, a poker run? What is ourSMRO money for but to keep up the vigilance?Join us.

IowaJodi CainMRF State Representative

Iowa Seminar To Educate And Motivate(STEAM) was held in November. Imre Szauterfrom the AMA was a featured speaker duringGeneral Session that also included updates onABATE of Iowa. Struggles with getting informa-tion in an analysis-friendly format from theD.O.T. was balanced by the success of our lobby-ist, Mark Maxwell, in developing and maintain-ing relationships at the State Capitol. GeneralSession was followed by breakout sessions thatcovered Share the Road, Drunk Driving, RidersEducation, Treasury, Inventory, LegislativeUpdates, Fundraising and some insight into howthe ABATE of Iowa State office works. Polly andDog kept the MRF membership table stockedwith trifolds and MRF Reports so no one had anexcuse to not have their MRF membership cur-rent. Rekindling old friendships and welcomingnew faces poolside capped off each evening.Anyone that didn’t come away more motivatedand with new tools to be successful in the fightjust wasn’t trying.

Iowa is geographically too large for me to covereffectively on my own so we have expanded theMRF Assistant State Rep program here. We havealways had a few Assistant Reps but over theyears some new talent has stepped up and notbeen recognized. Additionally, we have occa-sionally had District MRF officers that wereincorrectly being listed as Assistant State Reps.Some of the names will be familiar and some arenew, but each has a unique quality that strength-ens the Motorcycle Riders Foundation StateRepresentative program. We are still dotting thei’s and crossing the t’s on their paperwork but Iam pleased to announce the Assistant MRF StateRepresentatives for Iowa: Lee and JeffMcCubbin, Polly “Kitty” Schoeller, Jess Tepner,Peter Siebens, Burt Mason, Al “Sly” Schafer andM.R. Heck.

Unfortunately my last bit of news is not as pleas-ant. At the end of November we laid to restCharles Canny. He was a sustaining member ofthe MRF but that description does not do him jus-tice. Charlie was a member of theFreedomRiders, Legion Riders and the RathbunRiders Snowmobile Club. He was also a 20 yearmember of ABATE of Iowa serving as DistrictCoordinator for 5 years and as State Trustee forthe last 9 years. Charlie was outspoken about theneed to support the MRF. He supported organi-zations that he believed in, but more importantlyCharlie supported the individuals that made upthe organizations. He always had an encouragingword and inspired us to be the best we could be.He will be fondly remembered and forevermissed.

Happy Holidays to all.

Jodi CainMRF State Representative - Iowa

MarylandLynn OldenburgMRF State Representative

2nd Annual Legislative workshop/Seminar heldin Galesville, Md.

I guess it had a little something to do with the factthat I'd been up early the morning before the sem-inar to take our esteemed guest up for a tour ofthe Antietam Battlefield. Which I can assure you,Slider Gilmore enjoyed immensely, as did PappyBoward, who resides up there in beautifulWashington County, and who drove both Sliderand I to the Sharpsburg National Park. Thanks toSlider for getting us both out on a cold, blustery,clear day for a fabulous guided tour, including thebackroads to existing farmhouses which servedas field hospitals during the Civil War. A day toremember, for certain.

Husband Tom and I were up at 6am on Sunday togo pick up Slider. We wanted to be sure we wouldarrive before 9am so slider could get his GoldenHour presentation set-up for the afternoon ses-sion.

Thanks to Maureen for the coffee, juice, water,breakfast bars and delicious doughnuts providedfor the attendees. Everyone was primed for a fullday of learning after a very short time.

State Director, Neal Ackerson did a great job ofputting together this session with a lot of helpfrom Team Ackerson, State newsletter editor ToniRobinson, St. Mary's County Director JohnRobinson, Assistant State Director John Riggio,and the office manager Ms. Annie, as well asnumerous other great folks whose names I can'timmediately recall at this late hour. My apologiesto you, but you know we love you and can't get itdone without your work!

The morning speakers included two of our best

legislative friends, Delegate Sue Cullen andGeorge Owings, who did some questions andanswers for us on contacting our representativesas effectively as possible. Plus, we were privi-leged to have Jeff Hennie, the MRF's V.P. ofGovernment Relations give us an update on thefederal issues we need to work on, as well asinvite the members of ABATE of MD to take anactive role in "Bikers Inside the Beltway" eventslated for May 2009.

Neal covered "old Skool" lobbying and our 2009legislative agenda. and John R presented awardsbefore the lunch break, which was awesome.Again thanks to Maureen, our local hostess withthe mostest.

After lunch we got a few words of wisdom fromour own Pappy Boward, head of the MarylandMotorcycle Riders PAC. Pappy also reocognizedone dedicated individual who's been involved inevery level of our state m/c rights and has beenthere continuously since the beginning in 1969,helped get the Maryland Motorcycle SafetyProgram started and helped amend the Marylandhelmet law back in 1979 to allow adults the rightto choose whether or not to wear a helmet. TomGreenbank was given a standing ovation from thefull house, many of whom were relative newcom-ers and were getting some Maryland m/c historyfor the first time.

Slider Gilmore did a terrific job coveringAccident Scene Management in a most effectiveand fun way. The subject matter is deadly serious,as we well know, so having someone like Sliderprovide this material with some humor and asinteractive as he does was a great way to end avery full day for Maryland freedom fighters.

Thanks everyone for a great job. See you inAnnapolis on the 14th of January, when sessionstarts up again.

MassachusettsDave CondonMRF Asst. State Representative

MMA Sets Legislative Agenda

On Saturday November 8, 2008 MassachusettsMotorcycle Association members from through-out the state met to establish the legislative agen-da for the next Legislative Session beginning inJanuary 2009. The Bills listed below (in no par-ticular order) are those the MMA has decided tosupport in this 2009-2010 legislative session:

1) “Danny’s Bill” – Named after Danny Woodfrom Saugus, Mass, this bill aims to account forthe current $2.00 from each annual motorcycleregistration and will work to make sure thesefunds collected from you make it to motorcyclesafety training programs. This bill will alsochange the state’s accounting practices to make itmore difficult for these funds to be appropriatedfor uses other than as directed by law.

2) “Right-of-Way Bill" – So named because it’sdesign is to increase the Civil fines and financialresponsibilities and Criminal penalties ofmotorists who violate the right of way of othermotorists, motorcyclists, bicyclists, and/or pedes-trians, resulting in serious injury and\or death.

Currently, if a motorist violates your right of wayas a licensed motorcycle operator by some actsuch as turning left in front of your oncomingmotorcycle, this motorist may receive nothingmore than a $35.00 fine. Even if you are serious-ly maimed or killed, the violator may walk awaywith nothing more than what amounts to a “slapon the wrist”.

3) “Sound Emissions Bill” – This bill will bedesigned so as to direct law enforcement officials

Around the USAPage 14 MOTORCYCLE RIDERS FOUNDATION January/February 2009

Around the USAto enforce the current motorcycle sounds emis-sions, definitions, testing regulations, and maxi-mum sounds levels as already specified in M.G.L.Chapter 90, Sections 7S, 7T, and 7U versus theambiguous M.G.L. Chapter 90, Section 16’s“harsh, objectionable or unreasonable noise” def-inition. Section 16 allows law enforcement fulllatitude to determine whether a motorcycle noiseemission is “illegal”.

Federal Law requires the RMV Commissioner todefine State testing procedures for sound emis-sions and makes no mention of the un-measura-ble practices seemingly allowed in Section 16.

4) “Helmet Choice Bill” for adult motorcycleoperators – This bill, identical to the versionreported as “OUGHT TO PASS” by theMassachusetts Senate in 2006, will be re-intro-duced.

For more information and the actual text of thebills please visit www.massmotorcycle.org.

MinnesotaMichael BergerMRF Assistant State Rep

Things are beginning to ramp up on the politicalscene in Minnesota, now that elections are out ofthe way for the most part. (As I write this, we’restill in the middle of a recount to determinewhether Norm Coleman or Al Franken will beone of our two U.S. Senators.) Biker Day at theCapitol will take place on Feb 4th, and it’s a greatopportunity for all Minnesota motorcyclists todirectly touch base with their state legislatorsconcerning motorcycle-related issues. (Failure-to-Yield legislation will be at the forefront of ourefforts this year.)

Of course, planning continues for the 2009Meeting of the Minds to be held in Bloomington,MN (a suburb of Minneapolis). The event and t-shirt logo has been designed, sub-committees areforming and lots of people in both host organiza-tions – American Bikers for Awareness, Trainingand Education (A.B.A.T.E.) of MN and St. CroixValley Riders – are hard at work making thisevent the best yet.

One final note concerns the issue of mandatoryrider training. This subject was recently broughtup at a recent Minnesota Motorcycle SafetyAdvisory Committee (a volunteer citizens com-mittee that makes recommendations to the state’sCommissioner of Public Safety, MichaelCampion, as to proper motorcycle policy). Afterdiscussion, the committee voted against recom-mending to Commissioner Campion the adoptionof such policy, as it felt that it could have unin-tended negative impacts on motorcycling such asincreasing wait times and costs for training pro-grams. I for one count this a success for motorcy-cle rights, for while no one would argue that ridertraining in and of itself isn’t a great idea, how itis implemented can, in fact, be the proverbial“camel’s nose under the tent” and the first steptowards a reduction of motorcyclists’ rights.However, the committee will be addressing otherissues (such as tiered licensing and equitable pun-ishment for unendorsed motorcycle operators ascompared to unlicensed automobile drivers) inupcoming meetings, and I’ll keep you apprised asthings develop.

Mike BergerAsst. State Rep

NevadaDale Andrus Co-Rep Nevada MRFJohn Bland Co-Rep Nevada MRF

Dale and I attended the MRF Meeting of TheMinds Conference held in Denver Colorado this

September. During the seven hour drive backhome we had plenty of time to hash over the sem-inars, conversations and experiences we had dur-ing the three day event. I always leave theseMRF seminars with my mind spinning, my spiritcharged and at the same time torn. The reports ofmotorcycle right successes, failures and upcom-ing laws and regulations that threaten our rightshammers my emotions. As Dale drove I was ableto use his laptop and type our October ABATE ofNorthern Nevada “Presidents Message”. I usedthis media as an opportunity to inform our mem-bers about MRF, what MRF does, and howimportant it is for them to join this organization.You can read my letter asking for MRF member-ship by visiting our site at www.abatennv.org

Our newly formed ABATE of Southern Nevadaand the effort of the President “Bones” is one ofthe best things that has happened for the motorcy-cle rights movement in Nevada in a long time.Bones is full of passion, energy, a good writer andisn’t shy to express his thoughts. Bones hasintroduced a draft bill to our legislators to amendour helmet bill and give riders freedom of choice.Several years ago in the middle of the night dur-ing one of our state capitol lobbying visits I hadthe brain storm of offering a sunset clause as partof the helmet bill. This would put the age oldquestion if helmets save lives to the test, it givesthe legislators an out, and challenges the safety-crats to their own game.

A seven (7) year sunset clause would reinstate theexisting state helmet law if;

* The Department of Public Safety can accu-rately document and prove that the motorcyclefatality rate due to head injuries has increased dis-proportionately from the inception of the amend-ment.

* The information used by the Department ofPublic Safety to determine the increase ofdecreased of fatalities be accurately documentedby law enforcement investigators at each occur-rence by true values in relationship to the numberof registered motorcycles including unregisteredvehicles that do not require a license or insurance.

ABATE of Northern Nevada now has a TravelLink on our website www.abatennv.org Pleaseconsider using our travel link for your upcomingroom reservations, vacations etc. ABATE ofNorthern Nevada will receive a percentage ofeach purchase and those funds will be used tofight motorcycle rights. Prices are competitivewith other travel links. www.nvabatetravel.com

John Bland

North CarolinaCindy HodgesMRF State Representative

CBA/ABATE of NC held their annual officertraining day and appreciation/awards banquet onSaturday, November 15 at the Randolph Countychapter’s lodge in Asheboro, NC. Each year ses-sions are offered to strengthen and improve thepositions held in all chapters and at the statelevel. This year, Eastern District Coordinator(and Constitution Committee Chair) CharlieBoone brought a piece of this year’s Meeting ofThe Minds back to share with us. Charlie pre-sented the “Leadership 101” session – with RonHall’s blessing and slides <grin>. This wasVERY well received. Thanks Charlie!

We are taking a breath here in NC. No more cam-paigns to work and the state legislature is still inrecess. We are not completely dormant herethough because the push is on for more membersboth for CBA and for the MRF. When you seethat little yellow reminder card in the mail, pleaseremember the Motorcycle Riders Foundation andrenew today.

Whether you are a CBA/ABATE of NC memberor not, please join them on February 11, 2009 atthe state legislative plaza for the first Lobby Dayof the new session. Make plans now!

For those of you who are MRF members who livein NC - - I’d be interested in your thoughts aboutanother get together in the spring or early sum-mer. We did this some years back and I’d like todo it again, if the interest is there. Please contactme with your thoughts. [email protected] [email protected]

PennsylvaniaSteve ZurlMRF Assistant State Rep

A.B.A.T.E. of PA Hosts the 24th AnnualLeadership & Legislative Seminar

The Alliance of Bikers Aimed Toward Education(ABATE) is hosting its Annual Leadership &Legislative Seminar on January 23rd & 24th inGrantville, PA. The event attracts motorcyclistsfrom Pennsylvania and the surrounding states, allwith a common interest - Motorcyclists' Rights.

The seminar will be held at the Harrisburg-Grantville Holiday Inn, near Hershey, PA.Attending the seminar will be representativesfrom the American Motorcyclists Association(AMA), the Motorcycle Riders Foundation(MRF), ABATE of PA's Operation Save A Life,the National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM),PA's Motorcycle Safety Program, PennDOT, thePennsylvania State Police, and several invitedPennsylvania state legislators.

The many interactive training workshops offeredat the seminar will include legislative sessionsaddressing issues at the state and federal level,promoting motorcycle safety through OperationSave A Life and the PA Motorcycle SafetyProgram, communications & public relations,insurance, and membership. The focus will beon current and proposed legislative issues, andhow to manage a State Motorcycle RightsOrganization to deal with them. Among the chal-lenges facing motorcyclists in 2009 are NoiseOrdinances, Insurance, and the continued protec-tion of motorcyclists' rights.

The evening festivities include a Reception,Silent Auction, and Banquet. Following the ban-quet will be the Annual Award Presentations, andguest speaker Lou Petrucci of the Rhode IslandMotorcycle Association.

The L&L Seminar is an effective way for ABATEof PA to prepare its members and officers to prop-erly represent ABATE, and update bikers on cur-rent legislation affecting motorcyclists. It's a wayto ensure, as lobbyists, bikers are familiar withthe details of proposed legislation and issues, andhave the knowledge to support or oppose it. TheL&L provides training for Motorcyclist RightsOrganizations' members and officers to managechapter business.

All motorcyclists are invited and encouraged toattend. To register for the seminar, call theABATE of PA office at 717-731-8955, or visitwww.abatepa.org

South DakotaLarry NielsonMRF State Representative

South Dakota ABATE is preparing for their annu-al Legislative Days event, which will be held Jan22-24 in Pierre South Dakota. Members con-vene Thursday evening for orientation, conductour PAC meeting, and then to “meet and greet”legislators at the American Legion Meeting room.Friday morning we “invade” the Capitol building

wearing leathers. Morning activities includeserving breakfast, informational displays in theCapitol Rotunda, interacting with the legislatorsand state officials, taking a group photo, thentaking a tour of the Homeland Security building,where we will view a presentation of “AccidentScene Management” courtesy of the SouthDakota Highway Patrol. We then have lunchtogether, and reconvene in the legislature’s gal-leries to witness the legislative session in theearly afternoon. Once that is completed wereconvene at the American Legion building forleadership sessions, covering topics like currentlegislative events, and creating a new (for us)“policy statement for SD ABATE”. Friday endswith a banquet and evening session where awardsare presented to individuals who have servedlocal and state ABATE’s. Saturday morningholds our January Board of Directors meeting,again at the American Legion meeting room. Allare welcome to attend.

TexasRevvv Kieffner, MRF State RepRobin Warfield, MRF Branch RepTerri Williams, TMRA2 Secretary

SPUTNIK says that we are looking good for theupcoming state legislative session in January. The2 parties are more evenly matched this time, sowe can get more of what we want to protect rid-ers’ rights.

Texas Legislative Day is January 25-26, 2009.There is no experience necessary to go to theCapitol and talk to our elected officials, there willbe seasoned veteran legislative motorcyclistsavailable to walk you through the process. We areasking everybody to join us while we speak withour Legislators on behalf of our issues: Failure toYield is getting worse and we are losing peoplemuch too often to those who are not paying atten-tion. The penalties are much too lenient for a fail-ure to yield violation and we must ensure that thepenalties are increased. Equal Access andInsurance issues are also on our list. We willoppose the Trans Texas Corridor, any Helmet orRoad Block bills. If you make an appointmentwith your Legislator’s office before traveling toAustin, Texas ABATE wants to be notified so wecan make sure every office is visited. You cansend your appointment time and office [email protected].

We have blocked rooms for Sunday Jan. 25 at theRed Roof Inn, 8210 North I-35 in Austin. That’snext door to the one we have been using. Eachroom has double queen size beds at a cost of $44.99 + tax. To get this rate you must book yourroom by December 24. To reserve your room(s)call 1-800-733-7663. Tell them that you are withTexas Motorcycle Rights Association or TexasABATE and that you would like one of theblocked rooms.

The Pre-Legislative Day information sharing andparty will be at Austin Motorcycle CommunityService Center, 2103 E.M. Franklin. We shall dis-cuss the issues, hand out talking points, and holdan auction. TMRA2 will set up church servicesthere on Sunday Jan. 25 at 11:00 am and themeeting will begin at 3 pm. Texas ABATE willhold its Board Meeting and Officer TrainingSeminar at the VFW in Austin at 5 pm.

The Motorcycle Fatality Awareness (Red Cross)Program is in full swing, with many groups plac-ing red crosses at the location of motorcycle fatal-ities to help raise awareness. With the continuedsupport of our friends across the nation, we willbring awareness to motorists and help decreasesenseless crashes. For more information regard-ing placing a red cross in your area for a brother

continued page 19or sister that you have lost, please call Robin



Sustaining MembersAs of 11 December 2008

Alaska

ABATE of AlaskaJuneau ABATE of ALASKACraig BreshearsDan & Suezanna CoffeyMina DouglasKevin EldridgeScott HamannRobert & Donn HeflinJames Max KitchensFrank MarineauBoyd & Debbie McFailMike Seaman

Arizona

State office ABATE of ARIZONAMohave Chapter ABATE of ARIZONAState Office Modified Motorcycle Association of ARI-ZONAARIZONA Confederation of Motorcycle ClubMountain Motorcycles AssociationAmon Builders Inc.GMR PerformanceINB CommunicationsLaw Tigers Lawyers who RideDeb ButittaCurt DetweilerWarren LevenbaumEd RidderLouis Schwitzer IIIWarren & Josee Woodward

Arkansas

State Office ABATE of ARKANSASDistrict 1 ABATE of ARKANSASDistrict 10 ABATE of ARKANSASDistrict 13 ABATE of ARKANSASDistrict. 14 ABATE of ARKANSASDistrict 17 ABATE of ARKANSASDistrict 22 ABATE of ARKANSASDistrict 26 ABATE of ARKANSAS13 Rebel Motorcycle Club Chapter 5Shepherd's Window CleaningUSA PromotionsPhillip BarnettRusty LeewrightAllen Winn

California

State Office ABATE of CALIFORNIALocal 6 ABATE of CALIFORNIALocal 14 ABATE of CALIFORNIALocal 15 ABATE of CALIFORNIALocal 19 ABATE of CALIFORNIALocal 58 ABATE of CALIFORNIAValley V-TwinJim BrownHank HallmarkJean HughesRichard MansfieldKelvin MartinDaniel RankinByron SandsJess SorelMike ThomsBob White

Canada

AMTTVComite' D'action Politique M/C (CAPM)Motorcyclists Confederation of Canada

Colorado

State Office ABATE of COLORADORider Education ABATE of COLORADODistrict 1 ABATE of COLORADODistrict 5 ABATE of COLORADODistrict 6 ABATE of COLORADODistrict 7 ABATE of COLORADODistrict 8 ABATE of COLORADODistrict 10 ABATE of COLORADODistrict 11 ABATE of COLORADODistrict 13 ABATE of COLORADODistrict 14 ABATE of COLORADODistrict 15 ABATE of COLORADODistrict 16 ABATE of COLORADODistrict 17 ABATE of COLORADODistrict 18 ABATE of COLORADODistrict 21 ABATE of COLORADONational Association of SMSA

Riders For JusticeJB Janitorial, Inc.Torch Barr & Sue TorchDave ChristyJim & Renee ClarkErik EriksonMiles FranceJim JonesScot & Trish LockeDeb LowerMaggot Mike & Linda NeisChris RyanSheari ShoemakerFred Stonemaker

Connecticut

State Office CONNECTICUT MOTORCYCLE RID-ERS ASSOCIATIONWilliam OgonowskiRonald Troia

Delaware

Kent County Chapter ABATE of DELAWARE

District of Columbia

Howard Segermark

Florida

State Office ABATE of FLORIDAEstero River Chapter ABATE of FLORIDAGulf Coast Chapter ABATE of FLORIDASouthwest Chapter ABATE of FLORIDABruce ArnoldClaude HamelinkDouglas MacCoy

Georgia

State Office ABATE of GEORGIADistrict 1 ABATE of GEORGIADistrict 2 ABATE of GEORGIADistrict 3 ABATE of GEORGIADistrict 4W ABATE of GEORGIADistrict 5 ABATE of GEORGIADistrict 6 ABATE of GEORGIADistrict 6 Chapter 2 ABATE of GEORGIADistrict 8 ABATE of GEORGIADistrict 10 ABATE of GEORGIADistrict 11 ABATE of GEORGIADistrict 13 ABATE of GEORGIASouthland's Full Throttle Mag.Jim & Sheila George

Hawaii

Street Bikers United HawaiiMaui Chapter, Street Bikers United Hawaii

IdahoIDAHO COALITION MOTORCYCLE SAFETYState Office ABATE of NORTH IDAHOHoodoo Chapter ABATE of NORTH IDAHOKootenai Chapter ABATE NORTH IDAHOFeatherberry FarmNW Classic MotorcycleJoel ArnoldiCharles CoulterJustin CrawfordFrank J DanielsRoy E FisherR Chris LambingGlen Wessel

Illinois

State Office ABATE of IllinoisBeaucoup Bottoms Chapter ABATE of ILLINOISBlack Diamond Chapter ABATE of ILLINOISChicago Chapter ABATE of ILLINOISCrawford County ABATE of ILLINOISCrossroads Chapter ABATE of ILLINOISDuKane Chapter ABATE of ILLINOISEastern ILLINOIS Chapter ABATE of ILLINOISEmbarras Valley Chapter ABATE of ILLINOISFreebird Chapter ABATE of ILLINOISFreedom By Choice Chapter ABATE of ILLINOISFreedom Valley Chapter ABATE of ILLINOISFreeport Chapter ABATE of ILLINOISFulton County ABATE of ILLINOISHeart of ILLINOIS Chapter ABATE of ILLINOISHeartland Chapter ABATE of ILLINOISHeritage Trail Chapter ABATE of ILLINOISIron Riders Chapter ABATE of ILLINOISJasper County Chapter ABATE of ILLINOIS

Kaskaskia Valley Chapter ABATE of ILLINOISKishwaukee Valley Chapter ABATE of ILLINOISLiberty Chapter ABATE of ILLINOISLincoln Land Chapter ABATE of ILLINOISMid State Chapter ABATE of ILLINOISNorthern ILLINOIS Chapter ABATE of ILLINOISNorthwest Suburban Chapter ABATE of ILLINOISOld River Chapter ABATE of ILLINOISOpen Roads Chapter ABATE of ILLINOISPeo Taz Chapter ABATE of ILLINOISPiasa Gateway Chapter ABATE of ILLINOISSt Clair County ABATE of ILLINOISShawnee Hills Chapter ABATE of ILLINOISShoal Creek Chapter ABATE of ILLINOISSouth Suburban Chapter ABATE of ILLINOISSouthern Dupage Chapter ABATE of ILLINOISSouthern ILLINOIS Chapter ABATE of ILLINOISStarved Rock Chapter ABATE of ILLINOISTri-County Chapter ABATE of ILLINOISTwin Rivers Chapter ABATE of ILLINOISUnion Jack Chapter ABATE of ILLINOISWestgate Chapter ABATE of ILLINOISWill County ABATE of ILLINOISAmerican Harley Express MotorcycleAshbaugh & Associates, Inc.Barak's Truck RepairChapter 12 Freedom RidersKelly's Chicagoland Law TigersLaw Office of Daniel GoodmanRidgewood Cycle Association Past MembersSteel Justice MotorcycleRich & Barb AmlingDave & Kat ConnerDr. Dennis FarrellRobert “Gopher” GoffinskiPib KnebelJim & Paulette KorteDavid & Lee MartinRobert MyersLawrence SchabRandy ScottKatleen SkeltonVince & Sue StarkoJim & Marilyn Viverito

Indiana

State Office ABATE of INDIANARegion 1 ABATE of INDIANARegion 2 ABATE of INDIANARegion 3 ABATE of INDIANARegion 4 ABATE of INDIANARegion 6 ABATE of INDIANARegion 7 ABATE of INDIANARegion 9 ABATE of INDIANARegion 11 ABATE of INDIANARegion 13 ABATE of INDIANAElkhart County ABATE of INDIANALake County ABATE of INDIANALaPorte County ABATE of INDIANAMorgan County ABATE of INDIANAStarke County ABATE of INDIANAIndiana Motorcycle Operators Safety ProgramChapter 423American Legion RidersPit Bull Leather Co, IncKeith BensonBig ChuckBill CreightonJohn HansenFrank HernlyGino JohnsonMorris & Dee KintnerRobert MaasRP MorrisThomas RandolphMichael SwadenerRobert SwiterRod Taylor

Iowa

State Office ABATE of IOWADistrict 4 ABATE of IOWADistrict 5 ABATE of IOWADistrict 7 ABATE of IOWADistrict 9 ABATE of IOWADistrict 10 ABATE of IOWADistrict 11 ABATE of IOWADistrict 12 ABATE of IOWADistrict 14 ABATE of IOWADistrict 15 ABATE of IOWADistrict 16 ABATE of IOWADistrict 20 ABATE of IOWA

Dist 21 ABATE of IOWADist 24 ABATE of IOWADist 25 ABATE of IOWAChosen Few Motorcycle ClubSons of SilenceDesperados Bar & GrillJ & P CyclesMcCubbin’s TrophysSecond Chance MotorcycleJohn BarberRonald BraaksmaCharlie & Norma CannyMad Dog & Lady KittyMark MaxwellJames & Roxana WestMark & MJ Winslow

Kanasas

State Office ABATE of KANSASDistrict 1 ABATE of KANSASDistrict 2 ABATE of KANSASDistrict 3 ABATE of KANSASDistrict 4 ABATE of KANSASDistrict 5 ABATE of KANSASDistrict 7 ABATE of KANSASDistrict 8 ABATE of KANSASDistrict 9 ABATE of KANSASDistrict 10 ABATE of KANSASDistrict 11 ABATE of KANSASDistrict 12 ABATE of KANSASDistrict 15 ABATE of KANSASCAMM Enterprise, LLCGraveyard Custom CyclesSledge Hammer Repair, Inc.Chris & Carol Maurich

Kentucky

State Office Kentucky Motorcycle Association/KBADist 11 Kentucky Motorcycle Association/KBANorthern Dist Kentucky Motorcycle Association/KBAEd Matheny

Louisiana

State Office ABATE of Louisiana, Inc.

Massachusetts

State Office Modified Motorcycle Association ofMassachusettsPaul CoteDavid EliasWalter PolchlopekJimi RicciTeri Stobbs Ricci

Maryland

State Office ABATE of MARYLANDAnne Arundel County ABATE of MARYLANDBaltimore County ABATE of MARYLANDCalvert County ABATE of MARYLANDCarroll County ABATE of MARYLANDMid Shore County ABATE of MARYLANDNortheast Chapter ABATE of MARYLANDSt. Mary’s County ABATE of MARYLANDWashington County ABATE of MARYLANDJay Irwin BlockPc.hlp Henry S Winokur

Maine

State Office United Bikers of MaineHancock County United Bikers of MainePenobscot County United Bikers of MaineSagadahoc County United Bikers of Maine

Michigan

State Office ABATE of MICHIGANRegion 1 ABATE of MICHIGANRegion 5 ABATE of MICHIGANRegion 6 ABATE of MICHIGANRegion 7 ABATE of MICHIGANRegion 8 ABATE of MICHIGANRegion 9 ABATE of MICHIGANRegion 11 ABATE of MICHIGANRegion 12 ABATE of MICHIGANRegion 13 ABATE of MICHIGANRegion 15 ABATE of MICHIGANRegion 16 ABATE of MICHIGANRegion 17 ABATE of MICHIGANRegion 18 ABATE of MICHIGANRegion 19 ABATE of MICHIGANRegion 21 ABATE of MICHIGANMichigan Confederation of Clubs


Sustaining MembersBikers United Motorcycle ClubCarco Auto ElectricLast Chance CyclesProud Veterans Motorcycle ClubShady Shores InnFarmer's TavernRobert AllenKaren ForsbergVince & Pam PiacentiCindy PriemerTom & Patricia RahnDavid & Wendy RamirezRobert RogersDaniel SagatawEd Steinkampf

Minnesota

State Office ABATE of MinnesotaBuffalo Ridge Chapter ABATE of MinnesotaCentral Chapter ABATE of MinnesotaEast Central Chapter ABATE of MinnesotaFlatlanders Chapter ABATE of MinnesotaFreedom First Chapter ABATE of MinnesotaGlacial Ridge ChapterABATE of MinnesotaHeart Of The Lakes Chapter ABATE of MinnesotaLake Chapter ABATE of MinnesotaLower Corner Chapter ABATE of MinnesotaMetro Chapter ABATE of MinnesotaNorth Star Chapter ABATE of MinnesotaNortheast Chapter ABATE of MinnesotaNorthwest Chapter ABATE of MinnesotaRiver Riders Chapter ABATE of MinnesotaRiver Valley Chapter ABATE of MinnesotaRolling Prairie Chapter ABATE of MinnesotaSand Dunes Chapter ABATE of MinnesotaSouth Central Chapter ABATE of MinnesotaSouthwest Chapter ABATE of MinnesotaTri-County Chapter ABATE of MinnesotaAssociation of Independent RidersMichelle and Mac BacklundMichael & Mary BergerTim BurkeDavid “Too Tall” CarlsonJerry CrainJill KielblockJon KrapuKaren MayBuss PlanteTodd & Dawn RibaKevin Todd

Missouri

Central Committee Freedom of Road RidersLocal 4 Freedom of Road RidersLocal 29 Freedom of Road RidersLocal 33 Freedom of Road RidersMid-America Freedom RallyRick DempsaySteve “Wildman” HowardStephen MorrisSteve Word

Montana

State Office ABATE of MontanaLower Yellowstone ABATE of MontanaJoshua Herbold

North Carolina

State Office CBA/ABATE of North Carolina Brunswick County CBA/ABATE of North Carolina Cape Fear Valley Chapter CBA/ABATE NorthCarolinaChatham County CBA/ABATE of North CarolinaColumbus County CBA/ABATE of North CarolinaDavidson County CBA/ABATE of North CarolinaGaston County CBA/ABATE of North CarolinaGranville County CBA/ABATE of North CarolinaRaleigh Chapter CBA/ABATE of North CarolinaRandolph County CBA/ABATE of North CarolinaTar River Basin CBA/ABATE of North CarolinaTriad Chapter CBA/ABATE of North CarolinaDavid GoreDonald HamptonDeb KnoxJoe RiegLarry & Gail RumlerJames Tuthill

North Dakota

State Office ABATE of NORTH DAKOTAFM Crusaders Motorcycle Club

Freedom Riders Motorcycle Club

Nebraska

State Office ABATE of NELarry & Penny Schutt

New Hampshire

Gary DelongR. Skip GoveVictor Sweren

New Jersey

ABATE of the Garden StateSouthwest Chapter ABATE of the Garden StateRider Education of New JerseyRichard BogertScott Knoff

New Mexico

State Office ABATE of New MexicoFirst Mountain ABATE of New MexicoRio Rancho ABATE of New MexicoTularosa Basin ABATE of New MexicoState Office New Mexico Motorcycle RidersOrganizationNew Mexico Confederation of ClubsSouthern New Mexico Bikers CoalitionBarb AlvarChuck & Carolyn Ryder

New York

State Office ABATE of New YorkColumbia County ABATE of New YorkGreene County ABATE of New YorkMonroe County ABATE of New YorkOnondaga Chapter ABATE of New YorkOntario County Chapter ABATE of New YorkOrleans County ABATE of New YorkDistrict 3 Road Division AMAMelchizedeks MotorcycleRobert BancroftSusan BuckCorky EdwardsJames FayRobert FriedrichProspectorJames SchuylerJames (Jeddy) TranquillTimothy Werder

Nevada

ABATE of Northern NevadaHigh Rollers Riders AssociationIroncrossmen Motorcycle ClubRed Riderz of Las VegasCecil's Custom Cycle AccessoriesDale AndrusBud Evans

Ohio

State Office ABATE of OhioRegion 1 ABATE of OhioRegion 4 ABATE of OhioRegion 7 ABATE of OhioRegion 9 ABATE of OhioRegion 11 ABATE of OhioState Office Concerned Motorcycle Riders of OhioRegion 8 Concerned Motorcycle Riders of OhioRegion 16 Concerned Motorcycle Riders of OhioLarry BelfordJim BrownRobert Jones JrJoe & Robin PickensRoland “Buzz” UdeMichael Zaciewski Jr

Oklahoma

State Office ABATE of OKLAHOMAABATE of TulsaLakes Area Chapter ABATE of OKLAHOMAMuskogee Chapter ABATE of OKLAHOMADaniel Hill

Oregon

BikePAC of OregonJosephine Chapter ABATE of OREGONLincoln County ABATE of OREGONNorth Coast ABATE of OREGONRiver City ABATE of OREGONSalem ABATE of OREGONSE Portland ABATE of OREGON

Washington County ABATE of OREGONJerry's Custom Cycle RepairJoy HooverKen RayBrian StovallJill TracyTed TracyEd Vaughn

Pennsylvania

State Office ABATE of PENNSYLVANIAAllegheny County ABATE of PENNSYLVANIABald Eagle Mountain ABATE of PENNSYLVANIABlair County IHRR ABATE of PENNSYLVANIACambria Summit ABATE of PENNSYLVANIAChester County ABATE of PENNSYLVANIAClarion County ABATE of PENNSYLVANIADelaware Valley ABATE of PENNSYLVANIAFayette County ABATE of PENNSYLVANIAGod's Country ABATE of PENNSYLVANIAKeystone Chapter ABATE of PENNSYLVANIALawrence County ABATE of PENNSYLVANIALiberty Riders ABATE of PENNSYLVANIAMon Valley ABATE of PENNSYLVANIAPhiladelphia ABATE of PENNSYLVANIASouth Mountain ABATE of PENNSYLVANIAState Office PCOMSusquehanna Motorcycle ClubLancaster Harley DavidsonFrank CarboneJoe DickeyJohn GarnerWilliam HolmesWm LaberDavid LydickRandy TexterRobert Yohn

Rhode Island

Rhode Island Motorcycle Association

South Carolina

East Cooper ABATE of SOUTH CAROLINAGreenville County ABATE of SOUTH CAROLINALake Murray ABATE of SOUTH CAROLINALexington ABATE of SOUTH CAROLINALow Country ABATE of SOUTH CAROLINAPee Dee Chapter ABATE of SOUTH CAROLINASwamp Fox Chap ABATE of SOUTH CAROLINARalph Bell

South Dakota

State Office ABATE of SOUTH DAKOTAAberdeen ABATE of SOUTH DAKOTABlack Hills ABATE of SOUTH DAKOTANortheast ABATE of SOUTH DAKOTARushmore ABATE of SOUTH DAKOTASioux Falls ABATE of SOUTH DAKOTASioux River ABATE of SOUTH DAKOTAThose Guys ABATE of SOUTH DAKOTATurtle Creek Riders ABATE of SOUTH DAKOTAWindriders ABATE of SOUTH DAKOTAHeartland STEAMS F & G MCPhil & Norma HohmWayne & Susan Lettau

Tennessee

State Office CMT/ABATEUpper Cumberland CMT/ABATEMAFT (TN)Bob EdwardsRobert ForbusMike Mayo

Texas

Texas ABATE ConfederationRobert L HallDad & Bag LadyBrenda SheaAndy Stoody

Utah

State Office ABATE of UTAHWeber Chapter ABATE of UTAHBob & Sue AddamsBrian (B-Y) HepworthMichael Lythgoe

Virginia

State Office ABATE of VIRGINIA

Lonesome Pine ABATE of VIRGINIAMason Dixon ABATE of VIRGINIARiver City ABATE of VIRGINIAVIRGINIA Freedom Riders RACEScott BlankenshipDouglas FindlayJ Thomas McGrathKen Swartz

Vermont

United Motorcyclists of VermontSouthwest Freedom Riders, Inc.Lakes Region Independent Ryders

Washington

State Office ABATE of WASHINGTONCowlitz County ABATE of WASHINGTONNorth Kitsap Chapter ABATE WASHINGTONPacific County ABATE of WASHINGTONRat City ABATE of WASHINGTONSouth King County ABATE of WASHINGTONSouthwest ABATE of WASHINGTONTacoma Chapter ABATE of WASHINGTONJohn BolinJo BrenemanCindy BurgerMark CollingGlenyce JacksonJay JacksonIan KingGinger Magures

Wisconsin

State Office ABATE of WISCONSINRegion 1A ABATE of WISCONSINRegion 1B ABATE of WISCONSINRegion 1E ABATE of WISCONSINRegion 1F ABATE of WISCONSINRegion 1G ABATE of WISCONSINRegion 1H ABATE of WISCONSINRegion 1I ABATE of WISCONSINRegion 1J ABATE of WISCONSINRegion 2B ABATE of WISCONSINRegion 2D ABATE of WISCONSINRegion 2E ABATE of WISCONSINRegion 2F ABATE of WISCONSINRegion 2H ABATE of WISCONSINRegion 2J ABATE of WISCONSINRegion 3A ABATE of WISCONSINRegion 4A ABATE of WISCONSINRegion 4B ABATE of WISCONSINRegion 4C ABATE of WISCONSINRegion 7B ABATE of WISCONSINRegion 7D ABATE of WISCONSINRegion 8B ABATE of WISCONSINCapital City Riders M.C.Hupy and Abraham S.C.Weigel, Carlson, Blau & ClemensDan & Barbara BatkerDave CharleboisDavid & Susan DwyerJohn HagerEvan & Colleen HansenMichael HupyCarolyn KittredgeJesse James KittredgeDonnie LiegeoisWayne & Donna PingelBob & Mary ReadyRiche Van HoornGrant WilkinsonKirk “Hardtail” Willard

West Virginia

Upper OH Valley ABATE of West Virginia

Wyoming

State Office - ABATE of WYABATE of CodyPlatte Valley ABATEWyoming Central ABATEBrian & Juli Cox

Graydon Wheeler

For your convenience, we

can accept memberships,

donations,conference

registrations and product

orders by phone or fax, or

via our website, using

VISA, MasterCard, Discover

or American Express.

MOTORCYCLE RIDERS FOUNDATIONJanuary/February 2009

This newsletter is an official publication of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation, 236 Massachusetts Ave. NE, Suite 510, Washington, D.C. 20002-4980; phone (202)546-0983; fax (202) 546-0986. All rights reserved. Portions may be reprinted with proper attribution. MRF Reports is published six times a year and distributed nationwide.Opinions expressed herein are solely those of the authors, and do not necessarily represent those of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation, its officers or representatives. TheMotorcycle Riders Foundation will not knowingly contract with or do business with any entity that discriminates against motorcyclists in any way, shape or form.

PRESIDENTKirk “Hardtail” [email protected]

VICE-PRESIDENT Michael “Boz” [email protected]

VICE PRESIDENT OFGOV’T RELATIONSJeff [email protected]

SECRETARYPaulette [email protected]

TREASURERFrank [email protected]

Eric HamptonCommunications [email protected]

Carol DownsConference [email protected]

Dave DwyerSSMRO Board [email protected]

Cindy HodgesMember [email protected]

Jay JacksonMotorcycle Safety/Rider [email protected]

Steve ZimmerMRFPAC [email protected]

Todd RibaState Reps Program [email protected]

John PierceMembership [email protected]

Member RepresentativeGraydon [email protected]

Thomas “Doc Ski” WasileskiSSMRO Board [email protected]

Tiffany LatimerDC Office [email protected]

MAIL TO BOARDMEMBERSmay be sent to the MRF officeand will be forwarded. If youmust mail time-sensitive mate-rial to a board member, contactthat person by phone or emailfirst to make arrangements.

MRF A&E Board of Directors

Deborah Butitta, Chair928-308-1117 [email protected]

Carol Downs, [email protected]

Chuc Coulter, [email protected]

Board Assistants

Chuc CoulterAsst. [email protected]

Justin DownsAssist. Communications [email protected]

Susan HuttmanAssist. CommunicationsAdvertising [email protected]

Tiffany LatimerAssist. Communications [email protected]

Helen WessonAssist. [email protected]

Polly SchoellerAssist. [email protected]

Sarah MuckenhouptAssist. [email protected]

Jess [email protected]

Dave CondonAsst. to the State RepsProgram [email protected]

Ex-Officio Board

Mark Buckner, [email protected]

Deborah Butitta, Arizona928-308-1117 [email protected]

Chuc Coulter, [email protected]

MRF Reports

EDITOR

Eric [email protected]

Send all submissions

for publication to:

[email protected]

DEADLINE

The FIRST of everyeven-numbered month

ADDRESS CHANGE

Please send in writingto:Motorcycle

Riders Foundation

236 Massachusetts Ave. NESuite 510Washington, DC [email protected]

MRF Office236 Massachusetts Ave. NESuite 510Washington, DC 20002-4980Phone: 202-546-0983Fax: [email protected]

Website

http://www.mrf.org

Mission

StatementTo continue developing

an aggressive, independ-

ent national advocacy for

the advancement of motor-

cycling and its associated

lifestyle, which is finan-

cially stable and exceeds

the needs of motorcycling

enthusiasts.

Mission

GoalsMaintain and improve

our ability to act as an

advocate before national,

state and local legislative,

executive and judicial bod-

ies, and with private or

public entities, regarding

issues affecting motorcy-

cles, motorcyclists or

motorcycling.

Maintain and improve

our financial base and

ensure financial stability.


our capability to meet and

exceed the needs of our

membership base and all

state motorcyclists’ rights

organizations.


our capability to be the

national information cen-

ter for motorcyclists’ rights

information.

Enhance the training of

national, state and local

motorcyclists’ rights

activists.

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We are there… watching.

Support Your Voice in

Washington, DC

Help Build MRFPAC!Contributions of $5 and $10

can go a long way to make

our voices heard in DC

and coast-to-coast

Send to:

Motorcycle Riders Foundation,

236 Massachusetts Ave. NE,

Suite 510,

Washington, DC 20002

Please make checks payable to

MRFPAC

Donations to MRFPAC are not Tax Deductible

We cannot accept corporate checks

Around the USA continued

at 903-744-0857 or visitwww.texasabate.com and choose the MFApage.

We beat the TX. Dept. of Public Safety lastmonth; they wanted to set up illegal surpriseroadblocks in violation of the intent of ourLegislature (and case law established by TX.Court of Criminal Appeals) The TX.Attorney General was sneaking aroundbehind our backs but we got fifteen of ourLegislators to go shut him down. That’s howwe do it down here.

WashingtonGlenyce Jackson, Assistant Rep. To Mike Campbell and Jay Jackson

Black Thursday, Washington state’sMotorcyclists’ Day at the legislature, is stillin planning stages at press time. Of course,A.B.A.T.E. will present a re-worked bill torepeal the mandatory helmet law. As long asthe second term governor, ChristineGregoire, is in office that bill is dead out ofthe chute. She has made her position inregards to motorcycles clear numerous timeswith statements such as “motorcycles haveoutlived their usefulness.” The SMRO’s areworking together on another version of theMalfunctioning Signal bill. Last year thatbill almost made it but died at the lastminute. Texas Larry Walker and others arehard at work finding the flaw and fixing it sowe can be successful this year with the “leftturn bill.” There have also been rumors cir-culating that the “Impound” bill will getsome work. This year-old bill says that if arider does not have a motorcycle endorse-ment on his driver’s license his motorcyclecan be impounded “at the officer’s discre-tion.” And, last but not least, the profiling

issue is growing in the great Northwest butthat may not be a focus point this year.

May 30th A.B.A.T.E. of Washington spon-sored the Freedom Run to the capitol inOlympia. It was the second Run after manyyears of inactivity and had more riders thanthe year before. We had good weather butunfortunately lots of riders put their fun runsbefore the political run. The picture showssome of the riders and former stateRepresentative Jim Dunn in the foreground.He addressed freedom issues on the capitolsteps. The organizers of the Freedom Runare working on ways to get enough ridersout that the news media will take an interestand give us some positive airtime. TheLegislature is not in session in May so it ishard work getting legislative members tojoin the event.

Until next time, Ride safe, Ride free,Glenyce Jackson, Assistant Rep. To Mike Campbell and Jay Jackson

WisconsinABATE of Wisconsin

One of the phrases often used in the motor-cycle rights community is “Educate Don’tLegislate”. We know the importance ofrider training and motorist awareness inmaking motorcycling safer. We also knowthat teaching riders and giving them theskills necessary to ride a motorcycle, aswell as educating motorists to look formotorcycles and to share the road withmotorcycles, reduces crashes and fatalities.

Education is equally important to ourorganization; that is why more emphasis is

being focused on education and trainingwithin ABATE of Wisconsin.

In October ABATE of Wisconsin conductedour first ever Grass Roots LobbyingTraining. Almost seventy regional officersfrom across the state attended the two dayseminar to learn how to be effective grassroots lobbyists. Topics included: how a billbecomes a law, how to find your legislativedistrict, who your legislators are, how tobuild relationships with legislators alongwith the importance of those relationships,the role of staff in a legislators office, andcoordinating legislative activities in yourregion. The seminar was wrapped up with atour of the Capitol to help attendeesbecome familiar with what can, for some,be an intimidating building. The feedback Ireceived from attendees was very positiveand I believe we accomplished our objec-tive. The next step for those regional offi-cers that attended is to share what theylearned in Madison with you, the membersback home to help you hone your lobbyingskills.

Special thanks to Representative ScottSuder (Rep., 69th Assembly District,Abbotsford) for taking the time to comeand speak with the participants of ourGrassroots Lobbyist Training Conference.Rep. Suder spoke on effective communica-tion with your legislators and the importantrole that Legislative Office staff plays inconstituent communications.

Thank you to Mike Richards, ManagerGovernment Affairs at Harley-DavidsonMotor Company for taking the time toattend ABATE of Wisconsin’s GrassrootsLobbyist Training and inform the group onhis experiences while formerly employed asChief of Staff for Senator Ted Kanavas(Rep. Brookfield).

If you ever wondered about the validity ofspeaking to your legislator’s staff, restassured that any information you give to astaff person will find it’s way to theLegislator. It’s their job.

MRF Secretary’s Report

Motions from the September, 2008MRF Board meeting.

These are being posted as they arechanges to the MRF By-Laws.

Motion made by Carol Downs ofthe removal of the Product andProcurement from the Board,Paulette Korte 2nd, discussion thatBy-laws and Policy and Proceduresare updated accordingly, motionpassed.

Motion made by Steve Zimmer to

remove the position of the Directorof Marketing from the Board,Thomas J. “Doc Ski” Wasileski 2nd,discussion, motion passed.

Note:Products and Procurement has beenadded to the Policy and Proceduremanual as to the movement anddirection of the position.

Respectfully submittedPaulette KorteMRF Corporate Secretary

Check our Web Site WWW.MRF.ORG for Details and Updates

Announcing Bikers Inside The Beltway

New for 2009!

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Programs (2010 funds)

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Motorcyclists’ Lobby Day Bring Your Bikes Inside The Capitol Grounds

May 2009 (Exact Date Pending 111th Congressional Scheduling)

Tell Congress To

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MRF Committees

COMMUNICATIONS: Eric Hampton (Chair), Jeff

Hennie, John Pierce, Michael “Boz” Kerr, Paulette

Korte, Justin Downs, Todd Riba, Cindy Hodges, Jim

“Legs” Korte, Tiffany Latimer, Jess Tepner, Susan

Huttman, Deborah Butitta

ELECTIONS: Dave Dwyer (Chair), Cindy Hodges,

Thomas J. “Doc Ski” Wasileski, Lynn Oldenburg,

Graydon Wheeler

BY-LAWS: Michael “Boz” Kerr (Chair), Carol

Downs, Kirk “Hardtail” Willard, Paulette Korte

ALCOHOL AWARENESS: Steve Zimmer (Chair),

Jeff Hennie, Lynn Oldenburg, Susan Huttman, Carol

Simpson, Thomas J. “Doc Ski” Wasileski, Jay Jackson

MRFPAC: Steve Zimmer (Chair), Chuc Coulter,

Dave Dwyer, Jeff Hennie, Michael “Boz” Kerr

FINANCE: Carol Downs (Chair), Kirk “Hardtail”

Willard, Chuc Coulter, John Pierce, Paulette Korte,

Frank Carbone

MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE: John Pierce

(Chair), Tiffany Latimer, Sarah Muckenhoupt, Cindy

Hodges, Polly Schoeller, Todd Riba, Eric Hampton

MRFA&E: Michael “Boz” Kerr (Chair), Susan

Huttman, Jeff Hennie, Paulette Korte, Jay Jackson,

Thomas J. “Doc Ski” Wasileski

CONFERENCE & EVENTS: Carol Downs (Chair),

Kirk “Hardtail” Willard, Jeff Hennie, Cindy Hodges,

Carol Simpson, Todd Riba, Steve Zimmer, Lynn

Oldenburg

PRODUCTS: Carol Downs (Chair), Polly Schoeller,

Helen Wesson, Frank Carbone

FUNDS STEERING: Todd Riba (Chair), Kirk

“Hardtail” Willard, Cindy Hodges, Jay Jackson, Mark

Buckner, John Pierce, Jim “Legs” Korte

RESEARCH & STATISTICS: Thomas J. “Doc Ski”

Wasileski (Chair), Paulette Korte, Jeff Hennie, Kirk

“Hardtail” Willard, David Tusche, Jay Jackson, John

Pierce

MRF REPS &REPS GROWTH: Todd Riba, Cindy

Hodges (Co-chairs), Polly Schoeller, Tiffany Latimer,

Carol Simpson, Lynn Oldenburg, John Pierce, Dave

Condon, Tiffany Latimer, Graydon Wheeler

STATE AND FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE

AWARDS:

Dave Dwyer (Chair), Thomas J. “Doc Ski” Wasileski,

Jeff Hennie

AWARDS:

FARMERS: Kirk “Hardtail” Willard (Chair), Mark

Buckner, Deborah Butitta

FOUNDERS: Kirk “Hardtail” Willard (Chair), Mark

Buckner, Mark Falsetti, Steve Zimmer

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT: Kirk “Hardtail”

Willard (Chair), Deborah Butitta, Paulette Korte

RON SHEPPERD SAFETY RECOGNITION: Jay

Jackson (Chair), Carol Downs, Chuc Coulter, Paulette

Korte, John Pierce

THOMAS PAINE: Kirk “Hardtail” Willard (Chair),

Sarah Muckenhoupt, Tiffany Latimer

YOUNG ACTIVIST SCHOLARSHIP: Carol

Downs (Chair), Cindy Hodges, Jeff Hennie, Steve

Eggleston, Susan Huttman, Tiffany Latimer

MRF CHAMPS: Jeff Hennie (Chair), Kirk

“Hardtail” Willard, Michael “Boz” Kerr, Dave Dwyer

Documents

MRF Reports - January/February 2009