Hey,
We are into December and I’m nervous. I’m going to reconfigure Bikernet. Selling ads is a struggle and I never liked it. We tried our damnest to make our ad program a no-brainer with terrific service, but ad sales have dropped all over the industry and world due to social media and other factors.
I sorta like the notion of not selling ads. Feel free to send me your comments as we move forward with this. We are going to roll Bikernet content into the Cantina and just keep the blog as the free area. That means Cantina members win and get access to everything and the vast Bikernet Archives including the news. I’m going to slow down to just one news column a week, either on Thursday or Sunday, but both will be in the Cantina.
Ask me anything you like or make suggestions. I’m open. Let’s hit the news:
MORE AGENDA ITEMS FROM THE MRF—They plan to monitor the following in 2019:
• Work to discourage ALL forms of distracted driving.
• SAE Motorcycle Roadside Sound Testing (addressed by individual states)
• Continue participation in motorcycle related activity in the European Union, United Nations, and Canada informing
membership of key developments.
• Continue monitoring any federal studies concerning motorcycles (i.e. Federal Crash Causation Study MSF Naturalistic Study).
• Monitor and strongly oppose any federal standard proposing stamping and certifying of motorcycle exhaust systems.
• Monitor private and public organizations that oppose the legislative agenda or mission of the MRF.
• Monitor fair tolling concepts on federally funded roadways and projects supported by federal bonds.
• Monitor and support federal efforts to study and review the benefits and concerns of lane splitting and lane filtering.
• Monitor and respond to federal legislative or regulatory activity concerning the usage of the terms gang, club, known associate, and associate when referring to motorcyclists.
• Monitor and report on any litigation related to motorcycle emissions violations.
MEDIUM PRIORITY OBJECTIVES
• Pursue safer roadway design strategies in federal infrastructure legislation or discussions (i.e. MAC).
• Oppose any motorcycling, motorcycle, or motorcyclist-based discriminatory legislation or rules proposed by the U.S. Congress or by any federal agency.
• Monitor and ensure that the term “vulnerable roadway users” does not include motorcyclists.
• Work to discourage ALL forms of distracted driving.
• SAE Motorcycle Roadside Sound Testing (addressed by individual states).
• Continue participation in motorcycle related activity in the European Union, United Nations, and Canada informing
membership of key developments.
• Continue monitoring any federal studies concerning motorcycles (i.e. Federal Crash Causation Study MSF Naturalistic Study).
• Monitor and strongly oppose any federal standard proposing stamping and certifying of motorcycle exhaust systems.
• Monitor private and public organizations that oppose the legislative agenda or mission of the MRF.
• Monitor fair tolling concepts on federally funded roadways and projects supported by federal bonds.
• Monitor and support federal efforts to study and review the benefits and concerns of lane splitting and lane filtering.
• Monitor and respond to federal legislative or regulatory activity concerning the usage of the terms gang, club, known associate, and associate when referring to motorcyclists.
• Monitor and report on any litigation related to motorcycle emissions violations
I’m sorta under the impression Infrastructure and the ban on fossil fuels are of very high priority as you will see. I published the whole MFR 2019 Agenda on Bikernet. –Bandit
QUICK, OPEN THE BIKERNET BAD JOKE LIBRARY–
Q: What’s the difference between a Catholic priest and a zit?
A: At least a zit waits until you’re a teenager before it cums on your face!
Boy: “Want to hear a joke about my dick? Never mind, its too long.”
Girl: “Wanna hear a joke about my pussy? Never mind, you won’t get it.”
Q: How do you tell if a chick is too fat to fuck ?
A: When you pull her pants down her ass is still in them
–from Rogue
REVEALED: The Highest Road in Every U.S. State–Geotab study ranks America’s most breathtaking views
Geotab, a global leader in IoT and connected transportation, has launched a new study analyzing U.S. road data to identify the highest paved road in every state in America. The interactive piece, which also ranks the top ten most breathtaking views, can be accessed in full here .
By analyzing the U.S. Geological Survey’s National Elevation Dataset , Geotab was able to determine the highest road coordinates in each state. Aside from identifying the highest, reachable peaks, Geotab also leveraged the expertise of renowned outdoor photographer, Tony Bynum, to help determine the ranking of the ten most breathtaking views in America that can be accessed by hitting the open road.
At 4,757 feet, the highest point of Alaska’s Dalton Highway (in the Atigun Pass on the Continental Divide) was identified as having the most stunning view in America. Taking second place is Colorado’s Mount Evans Scenic Byway. At 14,132 feet at its peak, it is the highest paved road in North America and one of the highest in the world.
“I’ve visited all of the roads on this list and there is simply nothing like Alaska for solitude and breadth of views,” says
Tony Bynum, outdoor photographer and conservationist. “In general, western U.S. scenery is the ‘best’, with a tendency to offer better visibility – up to 100 miles on clear days. However, most of the higher elevations in the west are closed in winter, whereas the central and eastern roads are often available all year round.”
The full ranking of America’s 10 most breathtaking views is below:
1
4,757ft
Alaska
2
14,132ft
Colorado
3
10,953ft
Wyoming
4
7,419ft
Washington
5
9,714ft
Oregon
6
13,781ft
Hawaii
7
6,265ft
New Hampshire
8
5,740ft
Tennessee
9
4,850ft
West Virginia
10
4,765ft
Georgia
State Route 180 Spur to Brasstown Bald
“This piece serves as a useful reminder of the sheer beauty that can be seen across America’s world-leading road network,” said Maria Sotra, VP of Marketing at Geotab. “Thanks to the nation’s ever-growing infrastructure system, you no longer have to embark on a grueling hike or commit to climbing a mountain in order to take in an awe-inspiring view. Instead, breathtaking views can often be seen from behind the wheel of a car.”
Motorcycle Ownership Among Women Climbs to 19 Percent–Motorcycle Industry Council Survey Reveals Continuing Shift in Rider Demographics
Nearly one in five motorcycle owners is now female, compared with one in 10 less than a decade ago, and the data suggests that women could soon make up one quarter of owners, which would be a major shift in motorcycling demographics, according to the latest national survey by the Motorcycle Industry Council.
Among all age groups, women now make up 19 percent of motorcycle owners. But the 2018 survey showed even greater female ownership within younger generations. Among Gen X motorcycle owners, 22 percent were women; among Gen Y, 26 percent were women.
The MIC polled 2,472 adults nationwide for the 2018 Motorcycle/ATV Owner Survey. For decades, the MIC surveys have served as the census of motorcycling, and have tracked a steady growth in the percentage of women who own bikes.
“Major efforts to increase the number of women riders go back to the late 1980s when top manufacturers and distributors came together and formed Discover Today’s Motorcycling, the industry outreach program built to introduce new riders to two-wheeling,” said Cam Arnold, a longtime industry executive who is organizing a Women in Powersports networking event this evening in New York City.
The 2018 owner survey also found that women motorcycle owners spend, on average, $574 a year on tires, routine repairs, maintenance, replacement parts, and accessories and modifying equipment, compared with $497 by men.
“We’ve seen particularly strong growth in the aftermarket sector for women,” said Cinnamon Kernes, newly appointed vice president and general manager of MIC Events and the American International Motorcycle Expo presented by Nationwide, the largest powersports trade and consumer show in North America.
Motorcycling has grown in popularity and acceptance in American culture in recent decades, which is reflected in the survey. It found that 66 percent of women motorcycle owners say their family and friends would have a positive attitude toward motorcycles and scooters.
As a not-for-profit, national industry association, the MIC seeks to support motorcyclists by representing manufacturers, distributors, dealers and retailers of motorcycles, scooters, ATVs, ROVs, motorcycle/ATV/ROV parts, accessories and related goods and services, and members of allied trades such as insurance, finance and investment companies, media companies and consultants.
The MIC is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., with a government relations office in metropolitan Washington, D.C. First called the MIC in 1970, the organization has been in operation since 1914. Visit the MIC at www.mic.org.
SOURCE: Motorcycle Industry Council
HAL ROBINSON ART UNDER FIRE—I’m having a meeting with Ann Robinson, Hal Robinson’s first wife, this afternoon to discuss our case against Easyriders publisher, Joe Teresi.
Joe told me we could not sell Hal Robinson art since it was copyright protected three decades ago. I know the magazine business is not doing well, and he is trying to sell ER and Tattoo magazines. He tried an auction last year and it failed. He’s been supporting the company and cutting back ever since.
I also know he wants to tell any potential buyer that he owns and controls everything, so maybe it’s understandable. I’m just trying to help his wife, a retired school teacher make a couple of bucks.
I’ll let you know what Ann has to report in the Thursday News. In the meantime, better order quick, before I have a gun battle with Joe’s goons.
–Bandit
ATTN: DEALERS RumbleOn is BACK next week with all of the bikes to stock your lot!
Join us on Wednesday, December 5th at 10am ET for our Powersports/Boat Sale!!!
We have the units you LOVE from Harley-Davidson Financial Services, RumbleOn and more!!
Check out the tiered instant rebate program!
Join us in lane or via Simulcast! For more information call our Specialty Department at 317.527.2165, reply to this email, or call Nick Anderson at 317.385.3208.
HARLEY DAVIDSON FRANCHISE DEALERS – please note there is Interest-Free Commercial Financing Available on ALL HDFS Units purchased at the auction between the dates of October 1st, 2018 and February 28th, 2019. *Financing through March 31st, 2019*
Bikernet University School of Rock–Hey what’s with the never sending tune about Rock n Roll is dead ???
Rock used to be about rocking and rolling. Then it just turned into miserable, self-pitying depravity. Soon they make sounds even their fans don’t understand but they all top the charts and are Music Legends with multi-million album revenue, world-tour, etc.
How about just singing something to dance to? Or if you want to share personal experience or wisdom you can do it without being a neurotic suicide inducing songwriter dressed like a rag-picker from Burkina Faso (yeah google tells there is a nation called “Burkina Faso” which is a world record poorest nation in the world).
Here is how one wonderful group known as “Bon Jovi” made my day when I was a kid trying to make sense of the damned world – BON JOVI singing their epic Rock Anthem “Keep The Faith”.
Keep the Faith
Bon Jovi
Mother mother tell your children
That their time has just begun
I have suffered for my anger
There are wars that can’t be won
Father father please believe me
I am laying down my guns
I am broken like an arrow
Forgive me
Forgive your wayward son
Everybody needs somebody to love
(mother, mother)
Everybody needs somebody to hate
(please believe me)
Everybody’s bitching
’cause they can’t get enough
And it’s hard to hold on
When there’s no one to lean on
Faith: you know you’re gonna live thru the rain
Lord you got to keep the faith
Faith: don’t let your love turn to hate
Right now we got to
Keep the faith
Keep the faith
Keep the faith
Lord we got to keep the faith
Tell me baby when I hurt you
Do you keep it all inside
Do you tell me al’s forgiven
And just hide behind your pride
Everybody needs somebody to love
(mother, father)
Everybody needs somebody to hate
(please don’t leave me)
Everybody’s bleeding
’cause the times are tough
Well it’s hard to be strong
When there’s no one to dream on
Faith: you know you’re gonna live thru the rain
Lord you got to keep the faith
Now you know is not too late
Oh you got to keep the faith
Faith: don’t let your love turn to hate
Right now we got to
Keep the faith
Keep the faith
Keep the faith
Lord we got to keep the faith
Walking in the footsteps
Of society’s lies
I don’t like what I see no more
Sometimes I wish that I was blind
Sometimes I wait forever
To stand out in the rain
So no one sees me cryin’
Trying to wash away the pain
Mother father
There’s things I’ve done I can’t erase
Every night we fall from grace
It’s hard with the world in yours face
Trying to hold on, trying to hold on
Faith: you know you’re gonna live thru the rain
Lord you got to keep the faith
Faith: don’t let your love turn to hate
Right now we got to keep the faith
Faith: now it’s not too late
Try to hold on, trying to hold on
Keep the faith
Songwriters: Richard Sambora / Desmond Child / Jon Bon Jovi
Keep the Faith lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
WAYFARER – keepin it real.
Bikernet.com™ Chief Strategist
Bikernet News Bureau India
BLACK HILLS HAMSTERS HOLIDAY HELPING HAND–The Black Hills Hamsters have for the previous three years organized a Hamsters shopping with cops, partnering with local law enforcement departments, and first responders in order to support abused and underprivileged children of the Black Hills.
Together they have helped make it possible for these children to enjoy the Christmas season with each child receiving cash donations to shop for gifts for either themselves or their families.
Our first year, we sponsored 10 children, with each child receiving $100
The second year, we sponsored 19 children with each child receiving $100, and last year with the generous increase in sponsored donations, we were able to give 30 children $150
Friday, December 14, 2018, will mark our fourth year. We are targeting 50 children, with each child receiving $150. There are over 100 children in the Spearfish area eligible for this program each year.
As a bonus, the local Spearfish Wal-Mart has jumped in and provided us a private area that is decorated in a Holiday theme. It includes Santa listening to the children’s wishes, Elf’s to assist in giving out cookies and juice, along with help at a gift wrapping station. Wrapping materials have been donated by Scott & Letti Lister from the Black Hills Pioneer local newspaper. This will add to the fun and enable the children to wrap their family’s gifts.
Everyone is welcome to be a part of this fun and heartfelt program. Please consider sponsoring in the amount of $150 for one or more of these children. I guarantee you will go away with your heart full in knowing that you made a small difference in a child’s Christmas provided by you in a safe and happy environment.
A very special THANK YOU to Ed Kerr and his P.A. Hamsters for jump-starting this year’s program. They have raised over $1,200. Along with the increase in eligible children, we are faced with not having enough law enforcement, first responders and Hamster volunteers to help shop with these kids, so please feel free to attend the event with us! I just need to know if you are attending and/or will be a sponsor as soon as possible! We can then determine the actual number of children that will receive this benefit.
Black Hills Hamsters Holiday Helping Hand shopping will be Friday, December 14, 2018, @ 5:30 p.m. in the Garden Center at Walmart in Spearfish.
Checks to be made payable too: Keith Terry
TERRY COMPONENTS, 2916 E. 4TH AVE, Spearfish, SD 57783.
FLYOVER STATES MODIFIED MANIFESTO–The ‘flyover states’, as in, “Those idiots in t he ‘flyover states’.” It’s a derogatory term coined with malicious intent by arrogant politicians, news anchors and entertainment “personalities” who control the national airwaves.
They are waging a campaign to
silence and coerce all who fail to agree with them. But silence us they will not.
They seek to destroy local pride held by Americans living in the vast regions of this
great nation to which the term sarcastically refers.
It has been said, that anywhere one
might fly over to get from New York to LA qualifies as a ‘flyover state’. So be it.
“FOS” is the response to these “thought leaders” and “influencers” who attempt to
shame, silence and coerce our dignified, well-run families, our proud neighborhoods,
cities, farming and ranching communities and states.
What are the real Flyover States? FOS are where the sound of breaking glass means
someone has a new football. FOS are where a prairie fire means neighbors show up
with whatever is needed; hay, livestock, clothing, food; to help a neighbor, their family
and their business get back up and running. FOS are where the elderly get the snow
shoveled from their driveways first.
FOS are where people wave as they pass while driving, and open a door for a stranger. FOS are where kids grow up working
alongside parents and grandparents and learn to value, family values.
FOS are where differences are respected, and the weak are protected by the strong. FOS are where the jets we all fly in are actually built. The FOS are what the entire world hopes America is, and will always be. For the Flyover States are where honor, integrity, patriotism, generosity, humility and bravery still stand unwaveringly.
We are the Flyover States, and we stand for all that, which FOS represents.
Henceforth we wear this mark, FOS, and wear it with great pride.
www.flyover-states.com
KEEP THE BANDIT’S CANTINA BAD JOKE LIBRARY WIDE OPEN–So I get home this morning and my dog is laying on my porch covered in snow and mud and has a rabbit in his mouth. He’s not bloody, just dirty.
Now, my neighbors raised these rabbits for 4H and have blue ribbon winners. I instantly knew it was one of theirs. So I get the rabbit away from my dog, I take it inside, wash all the dirt off and before my neighbors got home I took it over, put him back in the cage and went back home.
Not 30 minutes later I hear my neighbors screaming, so I go out and ask them what’s wrong?
They tell me their rabbit died three days ago and they buried it but now it’s back in the cage.
–Barry Green
[page break]
INDIAN MOTORCYCLE ANNOUNCES RIDE-ENHANCING TECHNOLOGIES FOR INDUSTRY-LEADING RIDE COMMAND® INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM
New Software Update & Mobile App Offer Online Route Planning with
Wireless Bike Transfer & Remote Vehicle Information Accessibility
Indian Motorcycle, America’s first motorcycle company, continues to enhance its rider experience with the announcement of an all-new Ride Command® mobile phone app and software update. Ride Command is the largest, fastest, most customizable system on two wheels, featuring an industry-leading, glove-compatible, seven-inch touchscreen. Its latest software updates allow riders to easily plan ride routes via a desktop platform, while an all-new Ride Command mobile app wirelessly transfers the directions to the bike’s navigation system and provides remote accessibility to key vehicle information.
Owners can update their Ride Command by visiting a local dealership or by quickly downloading the software to a USB drive at RideCommand.IndianMotorcycle.com. The website also serves as the platform for riders to plan ride routes with up to 100 waypoints. The Ride Command mobile app can be downloaded for free in the Apple Store and Google Play.
Riders can set push notifications within the Ride Command mobile app and receive alerts for important service reminders. The app also tracks rides and allows riders to conveniently share completed or planned rides with friends on Facebook.
Riders can further update their Ride Command by downloading the free 2018 map updates at the Ride Command website or via a local dealer. New Chieftain and Roadmaster owners receive three years of complementary map updates.
The new Ride Command updates further expand Indian Motorcycle’s ride-enhancing technologies announced earlier this year, as the 2019 Chieftain lineup and the 2019 Roadmaster are equipped with three selectable ride modes and rear cylinder deactivation for improved rider comfort when traveling at slower speeds. Pricing for the 2019 models begin at $21,999 for the Chieftain, $24,999 for the Chieftain Classic, and $25,999 for the Chieftain Dark Horse and Chieftain Limited. Roadmaster pricing starts at $28,999.
To learn more, visit RideCommand.IndianMotorcycle.com for a full list of features, download instructions and instructional videos. Follow Indian Motorcycle on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
–Jeff Millard
CHANGE GEAR WITH FULL TANK–A new and innovative social enterprise aims to put an altruistic twist on motorcycle apparel, and maybe even corner the market
The world’s first dedicated not-for-profit apparel brand for motorcyclists, Full Tank Moto is a registered Australian charity chartered with raising awareness of and funds to support men’s health around the world.
Motorcyclists are a philanthropic bunch, donating tens of millions of dollars annually to worthy causes, Full Tank founder Scott Wilson says. “Why then when it comes to apparel, do we only have choice from ‘for-profit’ manufacturers?” he asks.
“Full Tank looks to challenge that landscape and become a global brand motorcyclists feel not only delivers a great product, but gives back to their health and that of fellow riders at the same time. It’s a way to roll with purpose, every day.”
To this end, 100% of the profits raised by Full Tank will go to the Movember Foundation, which funds ground-breaking research into prostate cancer, testicular cancer and suicide prevention.
This is something that Wilson is particularly passionate about, as many in this field of social enterprise only pass on a small percentage of their profits. “To make real change and be authentic in life to yourself and others, it is important that you are all in, or not at all.” he explains.
The seeds of Full Tank were sown a few years ago when Wilson learned that a friend’s child had taken their own life. “A teenager with seemingly everything ahead was, without anyone’s knowledge, suffering from depression,” Wilson says.
“In that same week I heard an old school friend had also committed suicide, and another friend just sold his motorcycle simply to keep the family fed. When experiencing dark times, it’s easy to think you’re alone or even broken. I know because I have been there. But with these events, something told me to do more with what I know. What I have. The wheels in my head started to turn.”
It was a chance encounter with one of the world’s great motorcycling champions that crystallized Wilson’s thoughts and led to the creation of Full Tank.
“Not long after I had moved to New Zealand from my native Australia in 2016, I had a chance encounter with one of New Zealand’s motorcycle greats, Hugh Anderson MBE,” Wilson explains. “A spark ignited when talking of various friends’ plights with mental health, and indeed our own. We shared a common feeling that for men in today’s world, every day is a winding road and that more can always be done.”
Anderson is a four-time Grand Prix motorcycle road racing world champion, two-time Isle of Man TT winner and 19-time New Zealand national champion. But, of course, even such incredible success does not make one immune to men’s health issues. Anderson lost his older brother to prostate cancer and himself was diagnosed as a “text-book case of a manic depressive”, so the aims of Full Tank ring particularly true to him.
Anderson became the first Full Tank ambassador, a club that now includes the British Super Bike champion Josh Brookes; Australian rugby league international, thyroid cancer survivor and motorcycle enthusiast, Luke Lewis; actor, testicular cancer survivor and much admired motorcycle adventurer Charley Boorman; Australian stunt riding champion, Lukey Luke; and the founder of the worldwide charitable initiatives, The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride and Ride Sunday, Mark Hawwa.
You’re a fortunate guy if you roll through life without any hint of trouble on the bike, and the same is true for your health, Wilson adds. “At some point, chances are you, a friend or family member is going to have a challenge with men’s health,” he says. “Full Tank is just another way riders can act, and receive a great product at the same time.”
To learn more visit www.fulltankmoto.org
THE BANDIT’S CANTINA BAD JOKE LIBRARY IS STILL OPEN–
A woman and her 12-year-old son were riding in a taxi in Detroit. It
was raining and all the prostitutes were standing under awnings
“Mom,” said the boy, “what are all those women doing?” “They’re
waiting for their husbands to get off work,” she replied. The taxi
driver turned around and said, “Geez, lady, why don’t you tell the kid
the truth? They’re hookers, boy! They have sex with men for money.”
The little boy’s eyes got wide and he asked, “Is that true, Mom?”
His mother, glaring hard at the driver, answered,”Yes.”
After a few minutes the kid asked, “Mom, if those women have babies, what happens to them?”
She replied, “Most of them become taxi drivers.”
–from Sam Burns
MORE ART FROM THE BALL DYNASTY–Thigh piece I have been working on for about a year now. Last session was about 10 months ago.
We are close to being finished about one more solid one to go to finish cobra crown on this Hindu God. We did heavy, dark background to pop out the bright colors we used on the forefront .
–Frank Ball Jr.
NEWS FROM THE CHOP CULT–With old man winter banging your front door, we thought we’d kick it back to warmer days spent in Cleveland Ohio. Fuel Cleveland featured artist and ChopCult contributor Jennifer Farris walk us through the best FREE show around. Be sure to save July 27, 2019, for the next installment of Fuel Cleveland!
–from the Chop Cult
Washington Motorcyclists Asking Legislature to Amend Profiling Law–
Other states are looking to Washington State’s Profiling Law as a model, so this is important to all riders. ABATE and the Council of Clubs of Washington State, collectively representing thousands of the state’s registered motorcyclists, is requesting support and sponsorship of a simple, cost-free amendment to the law addressing motorcycle profiling.
In 2011, every legislator in Washington State passed RCW 43.101.419 into law. ABATE and the COC believe the law has been mostly a success, but the problem has not been eliminated. Although reports of profiling are nowhere near pre-2011 levels, and incidents have been reduced since 2011 overall, there has been an uptick in incidents reported over the last 3 years.
The Problem
Many believe that a 2014 case State Of Washington v. Kenneth Kelly, a civil proceeding involving the Bandidos Motorcycle Club, may be responsible for this increase. A classic case of profiling, motorcyclists prevailed on a 4th amendment duration of stop challenge. But 43.101.419 was explicitly questioned. Although the current law requires that training and policy statements on motorcycle profiling be integrated with current training and policies on profiling, the District Court in Eastern Washington, asked to interpret 43.101.419, concluded that the lack of an explicit prohibition or a relief provision makes the law unenforceable in Federal court. This weakens the deterrent affect and the ability of the law to discourage these incidents from occurring in the first place.
The Solution
Fortunately, there is a simple quick-fix. We need to add teeth to an otherwise solid statute. An amendment adding an explicit prohibition against motorcycle profiling and a relief provision providing injunctive relief, actual damages, and attorney fees, would be a cost-free solution to strengthening the law and more fully fulfilling the original intent of the Washington State legislature. The implications extend beyond Washington’s borders. As the first state to address the issue, Washington’s statute is being modeled by other states seeking to address motorcycle profiling. Improving Washington’s statute improves law coast-to-coast.
Why a relief provision for motorcycle profiling?
In closing, some have asked why the motorcycle profiling law needs a relief provision when the state’s racial profiling statute contains no relief provision. This is a very important question considering that the motorcycle profiling law is directly modeled after the racial profiling statute. There is a very good answer. The racial profiling statute itself contains no private cause of action because it is unnecessary. Race is a protected class and a victim of racial profiling currently has two mechanisms for a private cause of action. First, the federal civil rights act. Second, the Washington State Civil Rights Act. Both contain a private cause of action for victims of racial profiling. Because motorcyclists are not considered a protected class, these two paths do not exist for victims of motorcycle profiling.
National Implications
Importantly, beyond Washington, motorcycle profiling is a national discussion. Other states seeking to address motorcycle profiling are watching Washington’s lead. A simple quick fix adding an explicit prohibition, and a mechanism of relief for victims of profiling, will add teeth to this legislature’s directive and help end the practice of profiling in our state.
–BY “DOUBLE D.” FOR RUSS BROWN MOTORCYCLE ATTORNEYS
Problem Solved: BAN CARS–
Randy LoBasso, policy manager at the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia, loves to hate the National Motorists Association. We are often the bogeyman he uses as a counterpoint to his pro-bicyclist, Vision Zero, anti-car rhetoric. For instance: “Let’s understand what the National Motorists Association is: An extremist fringe group that thrives on emotional explanations to reason that humans should be able to drive cars without consequences.”
There is so much to pick apart in that statement but let’s just focus on “thrives on emotional explanations” for a second. A visit to the summary page of our positions on key issues belies that. A sampling:
Speed Limits: The NMA believes that speed limits should be based on sound traffic-engineering principles that consider motorists’ reasonable and prudent travel speeds.
Red-Light Cameras: The NMA opposes the use of red-light cameras and proposes engineering solutions as the real fix for intersections with high accident rates.
Lane Courtesy: The NMA strongly supports the simple but significant concept of slower traffic using the right land and vehicles in the left lane yielding to faster traffic.
DUI/DWI: The NMA supports DUI/DWI regulations based on reasonable standards that differentiate between responsible behavior and reckless, dangerous behavior.
Passion is important to effective advocacy but reason and common sense, which we like to think are on full exhibit in our position statements, are also vital tools for garnering support.
Mr. LoBasso had an opinion piece published in Philly.com’s The Inquirer in late November calling for the revitalization of a major Philadelphia thoroughfare by banning parked cars. His pitch, “If the city eliminated parking on South Street and replaced those empty vehicles with more access for people riding bikes, scooters, skateboards, or whatever, it would give South Street new life and help create a more economically viable corridor.” Restricting vehicle access to public roads is a common theme of the bicyclist lobby.
The online comments to Mr. LoBasso’s op-ed almost universally panned his suggestion:
I have to ask, does the author really believe that bike riders coming to South Street to spend money outnumber the car drivers who come to South Street to spend money?
First off it is the RENTS being charged by developers that is causing the vacant stores. Next, while I believe in bicyclists rights, I also believe they should obey traffic signals and stop signs just like cars. As a pedestrian who lives in the South Street corridor, I can’t remember the last time I saw a bicyclist actually STOP at a red light (and wait for green) unless there was cross traffic.
If my car is not welcome, neither am I. I shop in Delaware to avoid city and state taxes….
LoBasso’s editorial is a window into his backwards Bizarro world. Rather than revitalizing business districts, similar schemes have destroyed small businesses from New York City to California, where business owners are demanding a roll-back of road-diet bike lanes to save their livelihoods. Philadelphia has a short memory: the Chestnut Street Transitway destroyed the thriving businesses on Chestnut Street for 20 years before it was repealed. . . The kicker is that taxpayers are being forced to fund this Vision Zero nonsense.
And just how much of a business boon would be during the foul weather days? These bicycle-utopia articles are based in a curious “reality” when it comes to the statistics reported.
The internet killed shopping everywhere. How is “no parking” going to mitigate an oversupply and same demand problem?
One should study the past and learn from it. They tried that with Walnut Street and it didn’t work. Not saying it might not work….but not likely. Plus, what of the merchants who provide the service, pay the taxes and employ the workers…they deserve a say more than the bikers.
There are indications that a large segment of the public agrees with the NMA’s Streets That Work, Freedom of Mobility initiative that states, “Motorists deserve roads that not only work, but can also be put to work. That means allowing people the freedom to travel to the destination of their choice when they want with the least amount of interference. That is a fundamental principle of the American way of life. It also means keeping roads open for the movement of goods and services that is essential for society as a whole.”
With well over 200 million licensed drivers in the United States, more of the silent majority must mobilize to speak up in community meetings, city council sessions, and legislative committee hearings when discussions whether to roll back car use are held. Anything less will result in limitations to necessary driving freedoms.
–NMA
Soul Man Sam Moore Remembers–
President George H.W. Bush–After receiving “The Prez” guitar — a present — from Sam Moore of the former Sam and Dave soul duo, President Bush, left, plays the instrument with Republican National Committee Chairman Lee Atwater on Jan. 21, 1989. (Rick Lipski/The Washington Post).
My wife Joyce and I are personally saddened by the passing of one of the most honorable decent men our country ever had serve as its President.
I had the honor of performing at his 1989 Inaugural concert Joyce co-produced ‘The Celebration for Young Americans’, his and Barbara’s 50th wedding anniversary celebration, where The Oak Ridge Boys helped celebrate them, The Points of Light Kennedy Center Concert & Fundraiser and last year’s One America Appeal hurricane relief concert at Texas A & M in College Station.
Our strength and comfort goes out to the entire Bush family who we’ve been fortunate to know, see and feel their collective love and admiration for Papa Bush who has now gone to join the love of his life, Barbara.
– Sam Moore
EXPENDABLE BUT FIGHTING FIT–
Action Heroes and lot of fast-talk.
Check out Biker Fiction Novels by Keith Ball only at the Bikernet Store.
Freedom – at no expense an expendable!!!
Wayfarer – learning new moves & grooves. Who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks? My bitch just learnt she descends from the lineage of Scottish Royalty. I always told her she was my princess but now she wants a fur coat instead of tough terrain-tested 5-Ball Racing Team Leather.
Well one fat cow deserves her baby seal coat I guess!!!
–Wafarer
Supreme Reporter
Bikernet News Desk, India
BRAND New Bikernet Reader Comment!–
The History of the Talon Kickstand
https://www.bikernet.com/pages/The_History_of_the_Talon_Kickstand.aspx
I would love the eagle claw kickstand and a set of the eagle claw mirrors. Do you think they are compatible with a 2018 low rider FXLR Softail? Where can I find them and will they ship to Australia
–Kim
kimsbizz@bigpond.com
Serpentine, WA, Australia
I would check with your major custom parts distributor first. You might check with J&P Cycles.–Bandit
Weather Whisperer–
Ride safe. Snow or Sun, there is always the unexpected.
Make some Long Island Iced Tea instead of a long face and icy demeanor.
ROCK N ROLL into a new art form or Side B of your mixed tape.
–Wayfarer
Strange Thoughts Editor
Bikernet™ News Desk, India
REMEMBER—Everything will be all right in the end. If it’s not alright, it’s not the end.
Hang on for new news regarding the Salt Torpedo and there’s a bike feature in the wings.
Plus, we will have more reports about the Hal Robinson case, the future of Bikernet sites, and another episode of the Cantina Series is coming, plus a few more surprises.
In case you’re concerned about my future in this mess, my plan is to slow down some, cut the news to once a week and relax. I’m not going away. I love to write, ride and be involved in building motorcycles, so I’m not stopping just eliminating a few items off my plate.
And I will always do my part to keep us riding free.
–Bandit
