THE AIM/NCOM MOTORCYCLE E-NEWS SERVICE is brought to you by Aid to Injured Motorcyclists(A.I.M.) and the National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM), and is sponsored by the LawOffices of Richard M. Lester. For more information, call us at 1-(800) ON-A-BIKE or visitus on our website at http://www.ON-A-BIKE.com

NCOM COAST TO COAST BIKER NEWS

Compiled and Edited By BILL BISH, National Coalition of Motorcyclists

ONE NATION, UNDER LITIGATION

As our Nation celebrated its independence and heritage thispast July Fourth, we also became united against a new attack on our country and ourPatriotism from our own judiciary.

Most of us grew up reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in school, the words rolling aseasily off our tongues as the ABC’s and 1-2-3’s, and Americans in general are appalledthat a federal appeals court would take aim at our sacred oath. And why now, at a timewhen our country is united in defiance of terrorist aggression, and our fellow countrymenpray to a higher authority for strength and guidance?

Bikers didn’t need 9-11 to catalyze our Patriotism and love for our country. Manymotorcyclists are veterans, and most of us are more civically involved and politicallyaware than the average citizen. Despite a reputation for rabble rousing and a rebelliouslifestyle, we routinely recite the Pledge of Allegiance at our meetings, rallies andgatherings, and we did so even before it became politically correct.

Former President Clinton once said that you can’t love your country and hate yourgovernment, but most bikers would respond that we love our country enough to want to fixit. Now, a San Francisco court gives us yet another reason to question authority.

Politicians have been quick to wrap themselves in the flag since the court’s June 27decision, and both sides of the aisle and even President Bush have decried the Ninth U.S.Circuit Court of Appeals declaration that reciting the Pledge of Allegiance in publicschools is unconstitutional because of the words “under God” inserted by Congress in1954.

In a 2-1 decision, the court said the phrase “one nation under God” amounts to agovernment endorsement of religion in violation of the separation of church and state. The case was brought by a California atheist who objected to his daughter beingcompelled to listen to her second-grade classmates recite the pledge.

Critics of the decision were flabbergasted and warned that it calls into question the useof “In God We Trust” on the nation’s currency, the public singing of patriotic songs like”God Bless America,” even the use of the phrase “So help me God” when judges are sworninto office.

The ruling, if allowed to stand, would mean schoolchildren could no longer recite thepledge, at least in the nine Western states covered by the court: Alaska, Arizona,California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington state.

However, the ruling does not take effect for several months, to allow further appeals. The government can ask the court to reconsider, or take its case to the U.S. SupremeCourt. Incidentally, the Supreme Court itself begins each of its sessions with thephrase “God save the United States and this honorable court.”

The 9th Circuit is the nation’s most overturned appellate court – partly because it isthe largest, but also because it tends to make liberal, activist opinions, and becausethe cases it hears – on a range of issues from environmental laws to property rights tocivil rights – tend to challenge the status quo.

Congress inserted “under God” at the height of the Cold War after a campaign by theKnights of Columbus, religious leaders and others who wanted to distinguish the UnitedStates from what they regarded as godless communism.

USA PATRIOT ACT IS UNPATRIOTIC

A complete and utter overreaction to the tragic events ofSeptember 11th has taken place. I don’t believe the people of this great country knowthat Congress has rendered the Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution nulland void! How did this happen? By rushing to pass the “Uniting and StrengtheningAmerica by ProvidingAppropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act” or USA PATRIOT Act of2001.

It allows the application of F.I.S.A. (Foreign Intelligence and Surveillance Act) todomestic investigations. This allows law enforcement to get around strict rules of theFourth Amendment. The F.I.S.A. was originally written to apply solely to foreignintelligence gathering. The PATRIOT Act expands F.I.S.A. to include domestic matters. This means that a set of rules for dealing with foreign spies can now be used on UnitedStates Citizens.

The PATRIOT Act also contains an expansion of Federal Surveillance to include rovingwiretaps. This means that if your brother-in-law is doing something to get his phonetapped, when he comes to visit at Christmas, even though you are doing nothing wrong andhave no knowledge of what he is doing, the wiretap follows him and your phone is tappedwhile he is visiting.

Congress apparently wasn’t satisfied with just the Fourth Amendment, they also went afterthe First Amendment. Groups that use “criminal” methods to intimidate government are nowconsidered “Domestic Terrorists”. Civil disobedience has been the best way to protestunfair or unjust laws since our nation was formed. Under this law, women’s suffragegroups of the 19th century and civil rights groups of this century could be defined as”Domestic Terrorists,” and maybe your group is next.

Everyone should call or write their Congressional representatives and demand that the USAPATRIOT Act of 2001 be repealed! If they don’t, we should elect a Congress that will. That is, if we are still allowed to hold elections.

BEAR, Iron Cross Motorcycle Club
Chairman, Georgia Confederation of Clubs

AUTHORITIES ARE INVESTIGATING THE WRONG GANG

At last, a journalist makes sense of therecent biker violence and the subsequent (over)reactions by law enforcement, and MikeSeate of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review even takes shots at his colleagues in the pressfor sensationalizing these events and working in concert with the police in promptingpublic hysteria. Read on for Mr. Seate’s take on this situation, as published in hisJuly 15, 2002 article:

Over the last few months, the motorcycle gang that made headlines for its rebellious,anti-social antics in the 1960s has been in the news again.

Hells Angels members now are middle-aged and graying, but they’ve been involved in fatalshootings in New York and Laughlin, Nev., had their names linked to internationaldrug-smuggling rings and even prompted the summoning of the National Guard when theyshowed up at a New Hampshire motorcycle rally last month.

Unfortunately, all of this hype has little to do with the reality of working alongside agroup of area Hells Angels a few weeks ago.

For a group that TV news teams and police departments from Amsterdam to Los Angeles havedescribed as “a wealthy, sophisticated drug cartel,” these guys were taking nothingstronger than Advil.

The Lake Coast chapter of the Hells Angels, who attended a motorcycle festival atCleveland’s Thompson Dragway, were an older, friendly lot for a bunch of guys who’ve beenpainted with the same brush as al-Qaida terrorists. If the Angels and other motorcyclegangs are, in fact, reaping billions from operating alleged drug empires, the profitshaven’t trickled down to Akron yet. These bikers partied on bargain beer, lived in a20-year-old trailer and cooked their meals on a tiny, 99-cent discount store barbecuegrill.

For all of their multi-million dollar budgets and high technology surveillance equipment,you’d think the AFT and FBI would realize that millionaire drug dealers don’t ride10-year-old Harleys and walk around with fewer teeth than are found in the back row of aWillie Nelson concert. Maybe the biggest crime being committed here is felonystereotyping.

It’s true that many people over-romanticize the outlaw biker image and ignore it whenthese guys do break the law. But why are we still vilifying a group that contains a fewpunch-out artists and small-time dope peddlers when white-collar crimes – from stockfraud to dodgy accounting practices that affect the lives and jobs of millions – stilldon’t get guys in Armani suits stereotyped as thieves?

Maybe it’s because law enforcement agencies can use the so-called threat of biker gangsto scare the populace and beef up their operating budgets.

And it’s a lot easier to roust a half-employed guy in a leather jacket for selling $50worth of cocaine than it is to investigate the highest levels of corporate America. Ifthe FBI is, in fact, looking to apprehend career criminals, they should shift their spyglasses from the trailer parks to the boardrooms of Fortune 500 companies.

For years, the media and society at large have labeled all members of certain groups bythe actions of a few. Guilt-by-association, for some unknown reason, applies to some ofsociety’s minorities and not others; no one targeted red-haired Christian gun nuts afterTimothy McVeigh bombed the Oklahoma City Federal Building, but it’s a sure bet thatArabic men interested in airline jobs are being advised to seek different career pathsthese days.

Surely, some Hells Angels have broken the law in lots of weird and horrible ways. But sohave plenty of Masons, Shriners, politicians and, as we learned last week, executives atenergy giant WorldCom and Qwest, a Denver-based telecommunications firm.

Of course, experienced members of the media know this already. It just doesn’t make agood story.

Bandit will sell his ’48 Pan to the Marines for service to the country.

MOTORCYCLE MARINES RIDE ON

OooooRah! In the jungles and rugged terrain of Nicaraguaand Panama during the “Banana Wars” and on the scarred landscape of France during WorldWar I, the Marine Corps and Harley-Davidson created a bond forged in combat. That bondwas recently renewed when two Marines rounded the corner of Constitution Avenue inWashington, D.C. this Fourth of July aboard Harley “Fatboys” during the NationalIndependence Day Parade, and the Motorcycle Marines were reborn.

“Starting this summer, hand picked Marine Recruiters will begin appearing at parades andregional events aboard gleaming, fire engine red and chrome Harley-Davidson motorcycles,”said Sergeant Jimmie Perkins in a USMC Recruiting Command story. The motorcycles willjoin the Marine Corps’ other event-marketing vehicle, a red Humvee.

“Harley-Davidson and the Marine Corps share a special place in the hearts of the Americanpeople,” said Major Gen. Jerry D. Humble, Commanding General of Marine Corps RecruitingCommand. “With a shared pride of being known as the best, Harley-Davidson and the UnitedStates Marine Corps represent ideals that have made our nation great.”

ROUND-THE-WORLD MOTORCYCLE RACE BEGINS The first ever round-the-world motorcycle racehas started from London.

Covering 25,000 miles through 20 countries, five deserts and four continents, the 24competitors will be on the road for 95 days. The event will raise more than $160,000 forcharities including Sight Savers, The Meningitis Fund and for Alzheimer’s groups.

Mr. Sanders – who holds the Guinness world record for riding around the globe on amotorcycle (31 days and 20 hours) – and who has bicycled around the world twice, says thecompetitors will have their minds on the grueling task of covering up to 1,000 miles aday. “The riders are going to find it hard. They have had to train a lot over the last12 months,” he said. “They will be riding an average of 400 to 700 miles and up to 18hours a day.”

After their send-off in England, the bikes will be shipped to the United States, wherethe race will officially begin in three weeks.

WEIRD NEWS OF THE MONTH

Mayor Quits After Chucking Bottle At Biker. Criminal chargesmay be brought against former Sodus Point, New York, Mayor Donald Buchwald overallegations that he threw a plastic bottle at a passing motorcyclist, State Police toldthe Rochester Democrat and Chronicle newspaper.

Buchwald resigned July 1, a day after he was accused of hitting the motorcyclist in theshoulder for driving too fast through the village in the early morning. Buchwald deniedthat he threw the bottle, saying he went out to the curb and only yelled at a group ofmotorcyclists to slow down and stop revving their bikes.

Trooper John Jackson said police have statements from 10 witnesses and the motorcyclistthat claim Buchwald was the culprit. “It’s not just a case of ‘He said, she said,'”Jackson said. “You have 10 people saying one thing and another person saying anotherthing. Who do you believe?”

The motorcyclist said that he didn’t see who threw the full bottle, but was told byfriends it was Buchwald. He was treated at a local hospital for a bruised arm.

WELCOME TO NCOM

The National Coalition of Motorcyclists would like to welcome new NCOMboard members “Little Jimmy” Rouse, Business Manager for the Modified MotorcycleAssociation (MMA) of California; Jimi Ricci, Chairman of the MMA of Massachusetts; and”Cotton” Tedder, President of the Concerned Bikers Association (CBA) of North Carolina.

NCOM bids a fond farewell to longtime board member Rick Nail, past-President of the CBAof North Carolina, who retired this year from the NCOM Board of Directors.

The NCOM Legislative Task Force wishes to welcome aboard two new members: Joe “Cowboy”Dickey, State Coordinator for ABATE of Pennsylvania, and Kate Butcher, former StatePresident of ABATE of West Virginia and wife of fellow NCOM-LTF member West VirginiaState Delegate Greg Butcher.NCOM would also like to welcome ABATE of Utah, Texas ABATE Confederation, and the Sons ofLiberty Riders to the NCOM family of Member Groups.

WELCOME ABOARD TO ALL!

NCOM BOARD MEMBER RUNS FOR OFFICE

The National Coalition of Motorcyclists has longadvocated getting our own people elected to legislative offices, and we are proud toannounce that NCOM board member Jeff Barone, President of the Rhode Island MotorcycleAssociation (RIMA), has tossed his hat in the political arena.

“As I announced at this year’s NCOM Convention, I have moved forward and declared to be acandidate for The Rhode Island House of Representatives,” beems Barone. “As you allknow, one of our goals is to get motorcyclists elected to public office. With having avoice at the State House, we will be heard. Although there are more issues than FREEDOMOF CHOICE, that will be my main platform along with AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE and a tightfocus on EDUCATION.”

As we all know, running for office takes money, so anyone interested in supporting Jeff’spolitical bid can send donations to “Friends To Elect Jeffrey P. Barone,” and mail themc/o 125 Smith Ave., Unit 3A, Greenville, RI 02828

QUOTABLE QUOTES: “So, Your Honor, the pledge is unconstitutional because it says ‘UnderGod’. Guess that means when you were sworn in with your hand on a Bible, and at the endof your oath repeated ‘So Help Me God,’ that makes your job unconstitutional, thereforeyou have no job, which means your ruling doesn’t mean squat.”Comedian DENNIS MILLER, regarding the judges who declared the Pledge of Allegianceunconstitutional

THE AIM/NCOM MOTORCYCLE E-NEWS SERVICE is brought to you by Aid to Injured Motorcyclists(A.I.M.) and the National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM), and is sponsored by the LawOffices of Richard M. Lester. For more information, call us at 1-(800) ON-A-BIKE, orvisit us on our website at

I was a recipient of one of the “Silver Spoke” awards given to various people each yearfor their contributions to the motorcycle world over the years. I was, and am, honoredand still in disbelief. I may be the recipient, but you folks are the reason ithappened. There is no way for me to describe what it does to a person when their peersfeel they have done good works and tell you how they feel. Thank you all.

There were a near-record 1,100 attendees from all over the biking world. We had seminarswhich included information about some of the lawsuits and other actions our A.I.M.Attorneys are involved in around the country, all for the benefit of bikers. We had arepeat performance of something we did last year: A mock-legislative session, to teach ushow to work a bill through a state legislature. We were also updated on issues coming atus from across the big pond.

There are many more things coming at us even here in this country that are of far moreconcern to us than the laws that require us to wear a hat when we ride. Mandatory “endof life” for vehicles, and emission standards and controls that will eventually do awaywith the air-cooled motorcycle engines many of us enjoy today. Can anyone name a popularbike manufacturer known for their air-cooled motors, and who just released aliquid-cooled version of their future platform bike?

Standardization of motorcycle attire from one end of the world to another is anotherbright idea some person has come up with. And the idea of some sort of air-bagprotection still is rearing its ugly head. One such device is on the market now. And wein the states still worry about helmets. WOW! The idea of maybe having to wear anair-bag scares the hell out of me a lot worse than a stupid helmet.

For more on the NCOM Convention, go to

Here in Oregon, we still have ?Dr. Tax? as governor for a short while longer. He is nowdoing his level best to panic our people into voting for higher income taxes and at leastfifty cents more tax on cigarettes. He can’t balance the budget and we already pay someof the highest taxes in the nation. If I ran business the way he does, I’d be bankrupt.And fired.

Please folks, get out and vote. We only had a 40% turn out for this past (May) electioncountry wide. I like to think at least bikers voted in higher proportions, but I don’tknow. In Oregon there are enough RIDER ENDORSED people that had we all voted we couldhave had anything we wanted on the ballot. Think about it! EVERY VOTE COUNTS,especially when the rest of our population doesn’t bother. NUFF SAID!

NEWS BITS’N PIECES:

ROME, GA: Suzuki Motor Corp is now a bona fide made-in-America manufacturer with theopening of a $30 million factory in Georgia. They promise on time delivery of all theirvehicles. They expect to employ 150 workers full time.

WINNIPEG, MANITOBA, CANADA: The Regina Leader Post tells us that Canada now has ananti-gang law aimed at motorcycle clubs that have clubhouses in and around towns. It’scalled: Manitoba’s Fortified Buildings Act, known around the area as the “Biker BunkerLaw.” It gives the police the power to shut down clubhouses because the police decidethey are a danger to the community. Talk about NAZI’s.

HARRISBURG, PA: From the PR Newswire comes these stats: In Pennsylvania there were 20people killed in Memorial Day crashes according to the State Police investigating theincidents. In addition, there were 327 injured and 724 wrecks. All this in 4 days. ONEof the dead was riding a motorcycle. There were 5,831 speeding tickets and 268 werecharged with driving under the influence. These were just the things that the StatePolice investigated, not the whole picture. What about the city cops and sheriffs? Thisis just from one state, folks. We need to be more vigilant. We are killing our peopleon the highways faster than we can with wars.

NEW HAMPSHIRE: Officials here are considering the implementation of rider courses inorder to get or retain the right to ride a motorcycle. Driving courses are required forcars and boats, but at present bikers don’t have to. 38 other states require rider edcourses now for young novice riders, but none of them require adults to pass a coursebefore getting a license. New Hampshire is trying to make sure they will be able tooffer the courses to all 65,000 who need them before making the courses mandatory.

RICHMOND, B.C., CANADA: WOW! This just might be the tool we’ve been looking for: SaltireSystems Inc., a developer of tire pressure and temperature monitoring technology, isshowcasing a tire monitoring system for motorcycles at Refine 2002 in mid-June, in Essen,Germany. This gizmo is made for bikes, and it’s designed to warn us of sudden changes intire pressure, so we can get set for the dreaded blowout on our scooters at speed.This thing is scheduled to go on sale in the USA by the end of 2002, and be compatiblewith all rides. This here kid will be looking at that there doodad very closely.

DEARBORN, MI: AAA is at it again. They are saying the repeal of the helmet law here willincrease deaths and injuries in motorcycle accidents. Never mind that the accidents aremostly caused by fools driving cages. Never mind that car drivers will never wearhelmets, although if the AAA were right, it would save many more head injuries in caraccidents.

House Bill 4823, sponsored by Rep. Gene Dearest (R-Manchester), would remove themandatory helmet requirement for all riders and passengers 21 years of age or older, butdoes not require motorcycle riders to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurancecoverage. I hope the legislators keep their wits about them and pass this bill.

MIAMI, FL.: Well now! Seems the fight against terrorism has taken the FBI away from thebusiness of supporting the local police in their harassment wars against motorcycleclubs. Now that the FBI is going to be focused on its core mission of terrorism, I’mwondering how our state and local agencies are going to deal with motorcycle gangs,narcotics trafficking and white- collar crime? Washington State Patrol Chief Renal Serassaid. “White collar crimes don’t usually occur in just one city or one county … andthe FBI has been really helpful with that over the years.” Smaller agencies may feel more of a pinch. In Peoria County, IL, Sheriff Chuck Scaffoldsaid the FBI provides crucial support for fighting “gang” activity. The local cops arenow faced with the terrible task of keeping tabs on scooter people all by themselves.

My! If they spent more time on legitimate vehicle stops and the pursuit of realcriminals, they’d save money and do us all a lot more good.

ATHENS, GREECE: Seems there’s a new riding hazard we can worry about: Flying spiders!According to the Associated Press (AP), a 33 year-old woman was riding her scoot when aspider got blown into her ear. Started to hurt after awhile, so the doc took a peek, andthere it was! He videotaped the little bugger inside her ear, just in case people calledhim a liar. According to the doc, the temperature inside your ear is comfy for spiders.

Let’s not let that rumor out to the Spider world!

GUNNY AGAIN: That does it for this month folks. Remember the riding season is in fullswing now and rider courses are filling up fast. Hope you can get in on one. These pearls of wisdom are part of the nationwide network of A.I.M. Attorneys and as suchare part of the protection and information they provide us. If, God forbid, you have anincident on your scoot or car, get a hold of your nearest A.I.M. Attorney for free adviceor representation. Call nationwide at 1-800-531-2424, or 1-800-ON-A-BIKE, any time 24hours a day, seven days a week.

Sam Hochberg, our local Oregon A.I.M. Attorney, can befound at 1-800-347-1106, or in the Portland area at 503-224-1106. Sam will be glad togive free advice on any motorcycle-related issue, as will any of our A.I.M. Attorneysthroughout the country. And I’ll see YOU all at the runs in the Northwest!

Keep the round side on the bottom,GUNNY, Oregon A.I.M. Chief Of Staff

Bikernet continues to follow Motorcycle Right-Of-Way laws throughout the country. If we can’t tell people to watch out for bikes, it’s about time we reminded them through legislative efforts as a tribute to all downed bikers in Randy Scott’s name. Here’s the lastest news:

NORTH CAROLINA–Sandy Lee, a member of the Brunswick County chapter of Concerned Bikers Association/ ABATE of NC was taken out by a left turner. How ironic that Sandy spent probably at least 3 or 4 days a month thispast legislative session at our state legislature supporting and following up with discussions on our Right of Way bill. We got that sucker through the house, through the senate committees, only to have it shot down by a long time problem senator. The very thing she fought so hard to improve, ended up being the way she left this world.

Sandy didn’t let the fact that her husband Ray’s bike was not running stop her from riding. He followed her, in the truck, as they made their way to breakfast Saturday morning to meet their kids.

Their son had just returned from Iraq, and she was real anxious to see him.

Sandy wasn’t afforded the opportunity. Some woman in a grand marquis turned left in front of her, actually cut across two lanes to do it. Sandy hither right front tire well at about 40 mph. By the time Ray got out of histruck and got to her, his wife of 40+ years was gone. The woman driving the car was charged with a right of way violation.

This leaves a huge hole. And the rippling effect is devastating as well. This chapter is facing pain coming and going over this. Sandy and Ray were dedicated to their beliefs. They joined the Brunswick Co. chapter when they learned how active politically and locally the membership was. Sandy and Ray lived in SOUTH CAROLINA, justover the state line from Brunswick Co.!!! In a helmet-free state. But they traveled in and out of NC so much, they had no problem stepping up to the plate and helping out a lot. The S.C. ABATE chapter that would have been their chapter, had they stayed with SC ABATE, would have been Horry Co. Chapter.

I tried to reach the chapter president, and other members who I know are close to Sandy tonight with no luck. Finally I did get one person and she left no doubt in my mind, just how hard the news was on them all, both from the standpoint of losing a friend, and HOW they lost someone very special.

Here’s to Sandy Lee, the kindest, most ladylike females to grace motorcycle, full of grit and loving life to the end.

— Cindy

COLORADO–A colleague, Dave Christy, which you both might know has started a project dealing with Right-of-Way violations. Please take a look and evaluate it for yourselves. Dave, as far as I know is not just tracking Colorado Right-of-Way violations, but this is his main goal. He will draw statistics from all over the country. Please do what you can as far as links help, etc.

We all know people who have been involved in needless accidents because of Right-of-Way violations. Let’s help put a stop to it.

The new website is: http://www.lonewolfindustries.com/pepcoda/ Thanks

–Rick Reed
ABATE of Colorado Webmaster/Recorder

THE ISSUE– Inattentive, distracted, careless or reckless vehicle operators violate the right-of-way of vulnerable roadway users such as motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians. The more common Right-of-Way violations are those that occur at intersections, stop or yield signs and vehicles turning left (in front of you). These operators are responsible for many near-miss and actual collisions that injure, maim, and kill thousands of people on the roads.

It’s a nationwide problem, and Colorado is no exception. Far too often in cases of right-of-way violations, the penalty issued is the same as “dinging” a car, an infraction or minor offense, that carries a small fine. It may also include a plea bargain to a lesser violation. The victims and their families are rightfully outraged and bitter.

In 2003, eleven state legislatures considered Right-Of-Way legislation. A number of bills were signed into law. Each bill sought penalty enhancements to complement existing laws, increasing accountability.

THE CURRENT GOAL– The time has come for us in Colorado to make a difference. We understand that the problem exists. The initial and necessary first component must be to document, catalogue, and archive individual case histories into a database. This will be the very foundation that establishes a compelling need change. The PEPCO Data Alliance has been created to assimilate and gather this information.

It is imperative that individuals, families, and their friends, who have been directly affected, supplement the effort by providing documentation.

YOU CAN HELP– We are asking for information covering the last decade. Anyone who rides motorcycles, bicycles, walks are at risk. We are coalition-building and encouraged input, skills and knowledge. This is an Alliance of The Future: We in Colorado, through our efforts, seek to achieve:

1) penalty enhancements
2) further public awareness by use of available highway federal funding (safety & educational – Section 402)
3) consistency and fairness of law enforcement, prosecution, and the courts
4) offenders education courses Contact:pepcoda@earthlink.net”

TEXAS–A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT,relating to the penalty for failure to yield theright-of-way.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OFTEXAS:

SECTION 1. Section 545.153, Transportation Code, is amended by adding Subsection (e) to read as follows:

(e) If it is shown on the trial of an offense under this section that as a result of the commission of the offense:

(1) a collision causing property damage occurred, the offense is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than $4,000, confinement in jail for a term not to exceed one year, or both the fine and the confinement; or

(2) a collision causing serious bodily injury or death occurred, the offense is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than $4,000 and confinement in jail for not less than 30 days and not more than one year.

SECTION 2. Section 11, Article 42.12, Code of Criminal Procedure, is amended by adding Subsection (n) to read as follows:

(n) A judge granting community supervision to a defendant convicted of an offense under Section 545.153, Transportation Code, shall require as a condition of community supervision that the defendant submit to not less than 30 days of confinement in jail if the offense resulted in serious bodily injury or death.

SECTION 3. (a) The change in law made by this Act applies only to an offense committed on or after the effective date of this Act. For purposes of this section, an offense is committed before the effective date of this Act if any element of the offense occurs before that date.

(b) An offense committed before the effective date of this Act is covered by the law in effect when the offense was committed, and the former law is continued in effect for that purpose.

SECTION 4. This Act takes effect September 1, 2003.

NEW YORK–AN ACT to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to establishing additional penalties for certain motor vehicle violations.

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND ASSEMBLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:

1 Section 1. The vehicle and traffic law is amended by adding a new
2 section 1800-a to read as follows:
S 1800-A. ADDITIONAL PENALTIES FOR CERTAIN VIOLATIONS. (A) EVERY PERSON CONVICTED OF A TRAFFIC INFRACTION FOR A VIOLATION OF SECTIONS THREE HUNDRED EIGHTY-EIGHT, ELEVEN HUNDRED ELEVEN, ELEVEN HUNDRED TWEN- TY-NINE, AND ARTICLE TWENTY-SIX OF TITLE SEVEN OF THIS CHAPTER SHALL, IN ADDITION TO ANY OTHER PENALTIES PURSUANT TO THIS CHAPTER, BE SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING PENALTIES:

FOR A FIRST CONVICTION THEREOF: WHICH RESULTED IN MINOR BODILY INJURY TO ANOTHER PERSON, A FINE OF NOT LESS THAN TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS, SUSPENSION OF SUCH PERSON`S DRIVERS LICENSE OR NON-RESIDENT DRIVING PRIVILEGES FOR THIRTY DAYS AND COMPLETION OF A DEFENSIVE DRIVING COURSE BEFORE REISSUE OF SUCH PERSON`S DRIVERS LICENSE OR NON-RESIDENT DRIVING PRIVILEGES;

(II) WHICH RESULTED IN SERIOUS BODILY INJURY TO ANOTHER PERSON, A FINE OF NOT LESS THAN FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS, SUSPENSION OF SUCH PERSON`S DRIVERS LICENSE OR NON-RESIDENT DRIVING PRIVILEGES FOR SIXTY DAYS AND COMPLETION OF A DEFENSIVE DRIVING COURSE BEFORE REISSUE OF SUCH PERSON`S DRIVERS LICENSE OR NON-RESIDENT DRIVING PRIVILEGES; OR

(III) WHICH RESULTED IN DEATH TO ANOTHER PERSON, A FINE OF NOT LESS THAN ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS, SUSPENSION OF SUCH PERSON`S DRIVERS OR NON-RESIDENT DRIVING PRIVILEGES FOR NINETY DAYS AND COMPLETION OF A DEFENSIVE DRIVING COURSE BEFORE REISSUE OF SUCH PERSON`S DRIVERS LICENSE OR NON-RESIDENT DRIVING PRIVILEGES.

FOR ANY SUBSEQUENT CONVICTIONS THEREOF:

S. 2178 2

(I) WHICH RESULTED IN MINOR BODILY INJURY TO ANOTHER PERSON, A FINE OF NOT LESS THAN FOUR HUNDRED DOLLARS NOR MORE THAN SIX HUNDRED DOLLARS, MANDATORY REVOCATION OF SUCH PERSON`S DRIVERS LICENSE OR NON-RESIDENT DRIVING PRIVILEGES FOR ONE YEAR, MANDATORY RE-TESTING BY THE DEPARTMENT FOR A NEW LICENSE AND COMPLETION OF A DEFENSIVE DRIVING COURSE BEFORE REISSUE OF SUCH PERSON`S DRIVERS LICENSE OR NON-RESIDENT DRIVING PRIVILEGES;

(II) WHICH RESULTED IN SERIOUS BODILY INJURY TO ANOTHER PERSON, A FINE OF NOT LESS THAN ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS NOR MORE THAN FIFTEEN HUNDRED DOLLARS, MANDATORY REVOCATION OF SUCH PERSON`S DRIVERS LICENSE OR NON-RESIDENT DRIVING PRIVILEGES FOR ONE YEAR, MANDATORY RE-TESTING BY THE DEPARTMENT FOR A NEW LICENSE AND COMPLETION OF A DEFENSIVE DRIVING COURSE BEFORE REISSUE OF SUCH PERSON`S DRIVERS LICENSE OR NON-RESIDENT DRIVING PRIVILEGES; OR

(III) WHICH RESULTED IN DEATH TO ANOTHER PERSON, A FINE OF NOT LESS THAN TWO THOUSAND DOLLARS NOR MORE THAN THREE THOUSAND DOLLARS, MANDATORY REVOCATION OF SUCH PERSON`S DRIVERS LICENSE OR NON-RESIDENT DRIVING PRIVILEGES FOR ONE YEAR, MANDATORY RE-TESTING BY THE DEPARTMENT FOR A NEW LICENSE AND COMPLETION OF A DEFENSIVE DRIVING COURSE BEFORE REISSUE 20 OF SUCH PERSON`S DRIVERS LICENSE OR NON-RESIDENT DRIVING PRIVILEGES.

(B) THE FINES COLLECTED PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION SHALL BE EQUALLY DIVIDED BETWEEN THE MOTORCYCLE SAFETY FUND, ESTABLISHED BY SECTION NINETY-TWO-G OF THE STATE FINANCE LAW, FOR MOTORCYCLE RIDER TRAINING COORDINATING ORGANIZATIONS DESIGNATED UNDER SECTION FOUR HUNDRED TEN-A OF THIS CHAPTER AND THE COUNTY TRAFFIC SAFETY BOARD IN THE JURISDICTION WHERE THE VIOLATION OCCURRED; PROVIDED, THAT IF THERE IS NO COUNTY TRAFFIC SAFETY BOARD IN SUCH JURISDICTION, THEN TO THE LOCAL DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS.

This act shall take effect on the first of November next succeeding the date on which it shall have become a law.

NORTH CAROLINA–A BILL TO BE ENTITLEDAN ACT TO PROVIDE PENALTIES FOR PERSONS WHO CAUSE INJURY OR DEATH WHEN FAILING TO YIELD THE RIGHT-OF-WAY UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES.

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts: SECTION 1. Chapter 20 of the General Statutes isamended by adding a new section to read:”fl 20-160.1. Failure to yield causing injury or death; penalties. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a personconvicted of failure to yield while approaching or entering anintersection, turning left at a stop or yield sign, entering aroadway, upon the approach of an emergency vehicle, or athighway construction or maintenance shall be punished in thefollowing manner, in addition to any other punishment:

(1) When there is no great bodily injury or death resulting from the violation, the violator shall be fined two hundred dollars ($200.00) and the violator’s drivers license or commercial drivers license shall be suspended for 30 days.

(2) When there is great bodily injury but no death resulting from the violation, the violator shall be fined five hundred dollars ($500.00) and the violator’s drivers license or commercial drivers license shall be suspended for 90 days.

When a death results from the violation, the violator shall be fined one thousand dollars ($1,000) and the violator’s drivers license or commercial drivers license shall be suspended for six months.”

SECTION 2. This act becomes effective December1, 2003, and applies to offenses committed on or after thatdate.

MISSOURI–SECOND REGULAR SESSIONHOUSE BILL NO. 108092ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY. INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVES PRATT (Sponsor), JOHNSON (47), MOORE, SCHLOTTACH,DOUGHERTY, CARNAHAN, COOPER (120), PARKER, YATES, DUSENBERG,CRAWFORD AND SKAGGS (Co-sponsors).

AN ACTTo repeal section 304.351, RSMo, and to enact in lieu thereof one new section relating to right-of-way at intersections, with penalty provisions.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the state of Missouri, as follows:

Section A. Section 304.351, RSMo, is repealed and one new section enacted in lieu thereof, to be known as section 304.351, to read as follows:

304.351. 1. The driver of a vehicle approaching an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to a vehicle which has entered the intersection from a different highway, provided, however, there is no form of traffic control at such intersection.

2. When two vehicles enter an intersection from different highways at approximately the same time, the driver of the vehicle on the left shall yield the right-of-way to the driver of the vehicle on the right. This subsection shall not apply to vehicles approaching each other from opposite directions when the driver of one of such vehicles is attempting to or is making a left turn.

3. The driver of a vehicle within an intersection intending to turn to the left shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction which is within the intersection or so close thereto as to constitute an immediate hazard.

4. (1) The state highways and transportation commission with reference to state highways and local authorities with reference to other highways under their jurisdiction may designate through highways and erect stop signs or yield signs at specified entrances thereto, or may designate any intersection as a stop intersection or as a yield intersection and erect stop signs or yield signs at one or more entrances to such intersection.

Preferential right-of-way at an intersection may be indicated by stop signs or yield signs as authorized in this section:

(a) Except when directed to proceed by a police officer or traffic-control signal, every driver of a vehicle approaching a stop intersection, indicated by a stop sign, shall stop at a clearly marked stop line, but if none, before entering the crosswalk on the near side of the intersection, or if none, then at the point nearest the intersecting roadway where the driver has a view of approaching traffic in the intersecting roadway before entering the intersection. After having stopped, the driver shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle which has entered the intersection from another highway or which is approaching so closely on the highway as to constitute an immediate hazard during the time when such driver is moving across or within the intersection.

(b) The driver of a vehicle approaching a yield sign shall in obedience to the sign slow down to a speed reasonable to the existing conditions and, if required for safety to stop, shall stop at a clearly marked stop line, but if none, then at the point nearest the intersecting roadway where the driver has a view of approaching traffic on the intersecting roadway. After slowing or stopping the driver shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle in the intersection or approaching on another highway so closely as to constitute an immediate hazard during the time such traffic is moving across or within the intersection.

5. The driver of a vehicle about to enter or cross a highway from an alley, building or any private road or driveway shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles approaching on the highway to be entered.

6. The driver of a vehicle intending to make a left turn into an alley, private road or driveway shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle approaching from the opposite direction when the making of such left turn would create a traffic hazard.

7. The state highways and transportation commission or local authorities with respect to roads under their respective jurisdictions, on any section where construction or major maintenance operations are being effected, may fix a speed limit in such areas by posting of appropriate signs, and the operation of a motor vehicle in excess of such speed limit in the area so posted shall be deemed prima facie evidence of careless and imprudent driving and a violation of section 304.010.

8. Notwithstanding the provisions of section 304.361, violation of this section shall be deemed a class C misdemeanor.

9. In addition to the penalty specified in subsection 8 of this section any person who pleads guilty to or is found guilty of a violation of this section in which the offender is found to have caused physical injury, there shall be assessed a surcharge of up to two hundred dollars. The court may issue an order of suspension of such person’s driving privilege for a period of thirty days.

10. In addition to the penalty specified in subsection 8 of this section any person who pleads guilty to or is found guilty of a violation of this section in which the offender is found to have caused serious physical injury, there shall be assessed a surcharge of up to five hundred dollars. The court may issue an order of suspension of such person’s driving privilege for a period of ninety days.

11. In addition to the penalty specified in subsection 8 of this section any person who pleads guilty to or is found guilty of a violation of this section in which the offender is found to have caused a fatality, there shall be assessed a surcharge of up to one thousand dollars. The court may issue an order of suspension of such person’s driving privilege for a period of six months.

12. The surcharges imposed pursuant to subsections 9, 10, and 11 of this subsection shall be collected and distributed by the clerk of the court as provided in sections 488.010 to 488.020, RSMo. The surcharges collected pursuant to subsections 9, 10, and 11 of this section shall be credited to the motorcycle safety trust fund established under section 302.137, RSMo.

PENNSYLVANIA–THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA HOUSE BILL No. 181 Session of 2003. INTRODUCED BY FORCIER, ARMSTRONG, BROWNE, BUXTON, CRUZ, DALEY, FEESE, FLEAGLE, GOODMAN, GRUCELA, HERMAN, HERSHEY, HESS, LEH, LYNCH, READSHAW, ROHRER, SAINATO, SEMMEL, SOLOBAY, STERN, R. STEVENSON, TANGRETTI, E. Z. TAYLOR, TRUE, WALKO AND YOUNGBLOOD, FEBRUARY 11, 2003.

REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION, FEBRUARY 11, 2003–AN ACT

1 Amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated
2 Statutes, providing for additional penalties for right-of-way
3 violations.
4 The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
5 hereby enacts as follows:
6 Section 1. Title 75 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated
7 Statutes is amended by adding a section to read:
8 6507. Additional penalties for right-of-way violations
9 causing injury or death.
10 (a) Injury.–A person whose violation of a right-of-way
11 requirement listed in subsection (d) causes injury to another
12 person shall be fined $200 in addition to any other penalties;
13 and the person’s driver’s license, commercial driver’s license
14 or nonresident’s operating privilege shall be suspended for 30
15 days.
16 (b) Serious injury.–A person whose violation of a right-of-
17 way requirement listed in subsection (d) causes serious injury to another person shall be fined $500 in addition to any other penalties; and the person’s driver’s license, commercial driver’s license or nonresident’s operating privilege shall be suspended for three months.

(c) Fatality.–A person whose violation of a right-of-way requirement listed in subsection (d) causes a fatality shall be fined $1,000 in addition to any other penalties; and the person’s driver’s license, commercial driver’s license or nonresident’s operating privilege shall be suspended for six 1 months.

(d) Right-of-way requirements.–Following are the right-of- way requirements referred to in subsections (a), (b) and (c): Subchapter B of Chapter 33 (relating to right-of-way).

Section 3107 (relating to drivers in funeral processions).

Section 3112(a)(1) (i) and (ii) and (3)(ii) (relating to traffic-control signals). Section 3113(a)(1) and (3) (relating to pedestrian- control signals).

Section 3114(a)(1) (relating to flashing signals).

Section 3301(a)(2) (relating to driving on right side of roadway).

Section 3322 (relating to vehicle turning left).

Section 3323(b) and (c) (relating to stop signs and yield signs)

Section 3346 (relating to emergency vehicles entering or leaving official garage).

Section 3542(a) (relating to right-of-way of pedestrians in crosswalks).

Section 3702(a) (relating to limitations on backing).

Section 7721(c) (relating to operation on streets and highways). (e) Distribution of fines.–Fines collected under this section shall be distributed to motorcycle and other vehicle safety programs.

Section 2. This act shall take effect in 60 days.

SOUTH CAROLINA– failure to yield right of way bills need your help! Write your state legislators today; demand action on this important issue. If you don’t know who your state representative or senator visit http://www.abatesc.com/legislative, and plug in your zip code. The family of Mark Page supports this legislation and donated $500 to ABATE to help in our efforts.

Dear Senator [your state senator’s name]:

I write today to urge your support for South Carolina Senate Bill 418 (SB-418), introduced by Senator William C. Mescher (R-Pinopolis). Passage of this bill would provide for additional penalties for motor vehicle operators convicted of right-of-way violations that result in injury or death.

Vulnerable roadway users, such as motorcyclists, bicyclists and pedestrians often pay the highest personal price when involved in collisions with other motor vehicles. Distracted, careless or reckless motor vehicle operators are responsible for many near miss and actual collisions that injure or kill thousands of people each year on our roadways. South Carolina’s consideration of SB-418 sends a strong message that people will be held more accountable for the needless pain and suffering they cause through negligent operation of their vehicles. Your support of SB-418 is a vote for safer roadways in South Carolina. I respectfully request your “YES” vote on SB-418.

Sincerely,
[Your signature]
[Your printed full name]
[Voter Registration Number]
[Your printed complete address]

Dear Representative [your state representative’s name]:

I write today to urge your support for South Carolina House Bill 3653 (HB3653), introduced by Representatives Converse A. Chellis (R-Summerville), Annette D. Young (R-Summerville), George H. Bailey (D-St. George), John Altman III (R-Charleston), David Umphlett Jr (R-Moncks Corner), Alan D. Clemmons (R-Myrtle Beach), Shirley R. Hinson (R-Goose Creek), Mclain R. Toole (R-West Columbia). Passage of this bill would provide for additional penalties for motor vehicle operators convicted of right-of-way violations that result in injury or death.

Vulnerable roadway users, such as motorcyclists, bicyclists and pedestrians often pay the highest personal price when involved in collisions with other motor vehicles. Distracted, careless or reckless motor vehicle operators are responsible for many near miss and actual collisions that injure or kill thousands of people each year on our roadways. South Carolina’s consideration of HB-3653 sends a strong message that people will be held more accountable for the needless pain and suffering they cause through negligent operation of their vehicles.

Your support of HB-3653 is a vote for safer roadways in South Carolina.

I respectfully request your “YES” vote on HB-3653.

Sincerely,

[Your signature]
[Your printed full name]
[Voter Registration Number]
[Your printed complete address]

OHIO–Here in southwest Ohio, this past summer, we lost three brothers to people that don’t believe that motorcycles have the same rights as they do. In addition, another couple both lost their left legs to the same problem.

Here are the case outcomes A women crosses the yellow line, rips a man’s leg off. He dies. She gets community service and probation.

A young girl turns left in front of a biker, kills him. Charged with a misdemeanor.

An eighteen year old boy crosses the yellow line and runs into the middle of a pack of motorcycles. He kills one man and tears the left legs off of a man and women. Several others are hurt. He is charged with three misdemeanors. If he is found guilty of all three, he will be facing one year in jail.

I belong to ABATE and we work hard to change the laws but the state critters just won’t listen. From reading your newsletter, I see that my state isn’t the only one with this problem. What the hell are we going to do?

–Loudmouth

Did the legislature pass a new three-wheeled motorcycle law?

Yes, during its 2003 session the legislature passed Substitute Senate Bill 5229, which establishes a special three-wheeled motorcycle endorsement knowledge and skills test for operators of motorcycles with sidecar, and trikes. The bill also requires the Department of Licensing (DOL) to establish training for three-wheeled motorcycle riders.

When does the new license endorsement requirement become effective?

The law takes effect January 1, 2004.

When the law goes into effect what do I have to do to lawfully operate a three-wheeled motorcycle?

Like operating a two-wheeled motorcycle, you must have a driver license endorsement to operate a three-wheeled motorcycle. To get the endorsement you will have to pass a knowledge and operator skills test, or you will have to present a certificate showing that you have completed the three-wheeled motorcycle operator-training course.

I am currently endorsed, how do I get the three-wheeled motorcycle endorsement?

From January 2, 2004 through June 30, 2004, three-wheeled motorcycle operators with a class 3 endorsement or an “R” restriction can have a three-wheeled motorcycle endorsement added to their license without skill testing. Here’s how it works:

1. Go to any Washington driver licensing office with your current driver license and motorcycle endorsement.
2. Request a three-wheeled motorcycle endorsement.
3. Let the Licensing Representative know if you already have a two-wheeled motorcycle endorsement and specify if you do or do not want to keep it. If you surrender the two-wheeled motorcycle endorsement you will sign a form stating that you agree to take all the tests and pay all the fees if you ever want to get the 2 wheel endorsement back.
4. A new license will be issued with an endorsement code that indicates you are legal to operate a two or three-wheeled motorcycle or both. The new endorsement codes are as follows:

• Type 3 – two-wheeled motorcycles only
• Type 5 – three-wheeled motorcycle only
• Type 7 – two and three-wheeled motorcycles

I am not an experienced operator, how do I get the three-wheeled motorcycle endorsement added to my license?

Inexperienced riders can get the three-wheeled motorcycle endorsement in one of two ways:

1. Apply at a driver licensing office and pass the operator’s knowledge and skills test. The endorsement will be issued after you pass both tests. or;
2. Take the three-wheeled motorcycle rider training class and present the class completion card at any driver licensing office in the state to get your new license and three-wheeled motorcycle endorsement.

In both cases a $5 application fee, $10 endorsement fee and $10 license issuance fee will be required to get the endorsement added to your license.

When will the training program for three-wheeled motorcycles be available?

The three-wheeled motorcycle rider classes will be available in the Seattle and hopefully Spokane area beginning in January 2004. You will need to contact the provider to get scheduled for a class. Class location and contact information will be available at www.dol.wa.gov/ds/wmspsite.htm or, beginning in January you can call (800) 962-9010, extension 9, for class information. Three-wheeled motorcycle training will be available in the Seattle and Spokane areas for at least the first year. Depending upon the demand for training it may be offered in other areas after the first year.

How long is the training course and how much does it cost?

The three-wheeled motorcycle operator course is sixteen hours long and it costs $100.

Will the training program provide a three-wheeled motorcycle (sidecar or trike) for me to take the training?

You will need to contact the specific provider to find out if they have a three-wheeled motorcycle to loan. It is not a State requirement for them to do so.

Will I get a waiver for license testing if I take a rider education course for three-wheeled motorcycles?

Yes, this program will provide the same incentive as the two-wheel training program, in that successful completion will reward you with a certificate that qualifies you for a waiver of both the knowledge and skill tests. To be accepted, the certificate must be presented within six months after the course completion.

Why is the Senate bill also known as the Monty Lish Memorial Act?

Monty Lish was a longtime advocate of motorcycle operator and rider safety in the greater Olympia, Tacoma and Seattle area. Monty worked at the Evergreen Safety Council where he supported the implementation of three-wheeled motorcycle training and then actively supported the legislation to create a state training program.

Will I get a ticket if I ride without a three-wheeled motorcycle endorsement?

Yes, a police officer may issue a traffic infraction if you are found to be operating without the required endorsement.

Where will the three-wheeled motorcycle testing be available?

Plans are to establish three-wheeled motorcycle testing sites in the following regions:

• Bellingham
• Seattle
• Centralia
• Vancouver
• Yakima
• Spokane
• Tri-Cities
• Wenatchee

What do I need to have for the training and is any equipment provided?

Normally only classroom materials and course instruction are provided during the training. You can contact the course provider to find out what else they may provide, but in most cases you should expect to provide:

• A three-wheeled motorcycle, registration and insurance
• A three wheel endorsement, instruction permit, or other legal manner to get the three-wheeled motorcycle to the course
• Pen/pencil for taking notes
• DOT-approved helmet (the trainers have a limited number of loaner helmets)
• Eye protection (glasses, goggles or face shield)
• Long pants, long-sleeve shirt or jacket
• Sturdy over-the-ankle leather shoes and full-fingered leather gloves
• Sun-block or foul weather gear as needed (courses go on rain or shine)
• A snack/lunch and non-alcoholic beverages
• And, if under the age of 18, a signed parental permission form

What if I don’t want to take the three-wheeled motorcycle training, can I still get the endorsement?

Yes, you can qualify for the three-wheeled endorsement by qualifying on both the three-wheeled operator knowledge and skills tests. Check with the driver licensing office in your area for the location of the nearest office giving the skills test.

What do I study to prepare for the three-wheeled endorsement examinations?

The department is preparing a three-wheeled operator study guide that will be available by the time the law goes into effect.

If I buy a three-wheeled motorcycle from a dealer, does the dealer train me to ride?

Usually no, three-wheeled motorcycle dealers are not obligated to train you to operate it. However, there are some dealers that do offer training and some that may pay the fee for the state-approved training course. It is best to check with the dealer.

I am under 18; can I get a three-wheeled motorcycle endorsement?

Yes, as long as you have a basic driver license and signed proof of parental permission you can apply for an endorsement. Then to qualify for the endorsement, you must also complete the rider education course.

Does the fee that I pay for the training cover the entire cost?

No, the Department of Licensing subsidizes the motorcycle safety training courses and pays the balance of the fee that exceeds the $100 paid by the student. The amount of the subsidy depends on the contractor’s costs for providing the training.

Where does the money come from that subsidizes the training course?

Training course subsidies are authorized by the legislature from fees that are paid by motorcyclists who apply for an original or renewal driver license motorcycle endorsement.

What is the difference between a motorcycle with a sidecar and a trike?

A motorcycle with a sidecar has handlebars, a saddle for the operator, a transmission driving a single rear wheel and a sidecar with a seat and additional wheel usually attached to the right side of the motorcycle; the cycle-sidecar cannot lean into turns. A motorcycle-based trike is a modified motorcycle consisting of a motorcycle with the single rear wheel removed and a differential and two drive wheels added with handlebars and a saddle for the driver and passenger. A trike cannot lean into turns.

Are three-wheeled motorcycles safer to ride than two-wheeled motorcycles?

Yes and no. A three-wheeled motorcycle may have greater overall stability, but carrying a passenger in a sidecar or on a trike can change the center of gravity in unexpected ways. The handling and turning behavior of a three-wheeled motorcycle is quite different than a two-wheeled motorcycle. This may lead to driving errors if the operator hasn’t been trained or taken the time to learn the handling characteristics of a three-wheeled motorcycle.

How can I get to be a trainer for three-wheeled and other motorcycle operators?

If you are interested in being a WMSP Rider Coach please complete the Rider Coach Application, which can be obtained at www.dol.wa.gov/ds/wmsp.htm.

–from the Digital Gangster

From TheGUNNY’S SACK

Well folks, here we are again. Right now, it’s snowing to beat the band and I’m in Portland, Oregon, fer cryin’ out loud! There are around seven inches on the ground right now and doesn’t look like it’s gonna stop. It’s not supposed to snow THIS much here. On top of that we have freezing rain and sleet, and there’s a thick layer of ice on the pavement. A whole bunch of us, including myself and our AIM Attorney Sam Hochberg, couldn’t get a flight out to attend the NCOM Regional Meeting in Sacramento, California, but I heard it was a good one. Even without our Oregon congregation, the rooms were packed with concerned riders from the region. Good to hear, but I sure wish I coulda been there!

JAKARTA: Looks like the local companies who manufacture motorcycles in Indonesia aren’t looking for new investment, even though the demand is rising there, according to this story I saw online from the Jakarta Post. What’s the reason? Well, they don’t need new investors because they’re SELLING damn near THREE MILLION BIKES A YEAR over there! Again I say, why not here? Why is the rest of the world building and riding more and more bikes and all we get is more SUV’s? Not to mention NHTSA, EPA and the guverment doing their level best to kick bikes off the roads altogether.

LOS ANGELES: The 2003 BMW R 1150 R Rockster is one of BMW’s most stylish and agile scooters. In a new film called “Paycheck”, this BIKE will join a cast that includes Ben Affleck and Uma Thurman. The $10,790 BMW moves real fast when things get sticky. Might be a movie to go see. This bike was recently introduced in the USA from Europe and I’m told the thing is quick as scat.

FLANDREAU, S.D.: A few weeks before this writing, Rep. Bill Janklow filed a motion asking that he either be acquitted of second-degree manslaughter or granted a new trial, claiming prosecutors didn’t present enough evidence to convict him of manslaughter when he killed a biker because he was speeding and had run through a stop sign. Next is liable to be an appeal. It’s time to quit playing games and hold him responsible for his actions.

As of Thursday evening Bill Janklow, one of South Dakota’s most powerful political figures for most of three decades, will spend the 100 days behind bars in the company of thieves and drunks as punishment for an Aug. 16 accident that killed a Minnesota man.

Circuit Court Judge Rodney Steele today sentenced Janklow to serve his time begining in Feb. 7 in the Minnehaha County Jail in Sioux Falls for second-degree manslaughter and three misdemeanors in connection the accident. He will be eligible for work release after 30 days but must spend each night in jail. Janklow also received a suspended imposition of sentence, which means if he completes his jail time and a term of probation the felony conviction will be removed from his record.

NORTH CAROLINA: Lying on the ground with his motorcycle handle bar jammed six inches into his abdomen, Brian Shipwash reached into his pocket and pulled out a small box that was broken and bloody, and asked his sweetie if she would marry him. He’d meant to surprise her at her home but the accident changed things for him. By the way she said YES.

A DOCTORED QUOTE: My boss Sam Hochberg showed me this quote recently. It’s the original dedication from Arthur Kinoy’s “Disorientation Handbook” for the NLG (National Lawyers Guild), and it reads like this: “The test for a peoples’ lawyer is not always the technical winning or losing of the formal proceedings. The real test is the impact of the legal activities on the morale and understanding of the people involved in the struggle.” This sure does apply to our AIM Lawyers, guys. Every time I read a press release about what any ONE of them did for biker’s rights, or hear about a good settlement for an injured biker, MY morale really IS lifted, and my understanding IS improved. Along with all the other bikers rights warriors out there, THESE folks inspire us all. Now if I wasn’t such an OLD fart, I’d be thinking real seriously about going to law school, just because THESE AIM LAWYERS MAKE A DIFFERENCE in our world. The least I can do is spread the word. For more info, or for a free consultation on any legal issue or injury claims, call the main AIM (Aid to Injured Motorcyclists) number, and they’ll put you in touch with the AIM attorney for YOUR state. Call 1-800-ON-A-BIKE, or check ’em out on the web at www.ON-A-BIKE.com.

MASS. BIKERS ROAR OVER INSURANCE ISSUES AND FILE SUIT SEEKING RETURN OF $100 MILLION IN EXCESSIVE PREMIUMS & COVER OVERCHARGING: Bikers in Boston are suing the Division of Insurance and Automobile Insurers Bureau saying they’ve been overcharged more than $100,000,000.00 in premiums. “For two years at public rate hearings we’ve brought these issues of coverage not available to motorcycle consumers to the Commissioner and the Auto Insurers Bureau (AIB),” said Betsy Lister of Medford, a member of the Board of Directors of the Massachusetts Motorcycle Association (MMA) and owner of a Medford Insurance agency. “And for two years we’ve been put off.” Now the bikers will be heard I’ll betcha. And I’m thinkin’ maybe some of the rest of us in other states need to take a look at what those insurers are doing. By the way, besides sitting on the MMA Board, Betsy puts out a great biker e-newsletter! You can subscribe to it by sending an e-mail to Gypsypashn@aol.com.

NEW YORK: The NY Times, that is. So a few months back, our story-scavenger, my boss, Oregon AIM Attorney Sam Hochberg, ran into a good one. The Times ran a Living section cover piece about some of us over-the-hill bikers, or at least over-50 bikers, and our bad backs from years of riding, lifting, trucking, or what-not.

The picture showed a biker with his hardtail, and he said he HAD to ride it, as a matter of pride, but he couldn’t ride it very LONG anymore. Some guys I know can hardly walk after a good ride! What I’D LIKE TO KNOW is what we can DO about it! Maybe we swallow our pride a little and get a cushier ride. I finally realized some years ago that I didn’t have to prove anything to anybody.

Any SACK READERS out there who’ve found a better way to ride with a lousy back, can e-mail me and Sam at AIMGunny@aol.com and SamBikeLaw@aol.com , or if you don’t have a computer, fax it to SAM at (503) 224-3869, and we’ll put together a special “Back-Sack” edition if we get some responses! We’ll give you credit for it, and we’ll even give away an AIM T-Shirt to the best solution. The funny part is the name of the Times’ story: “Not So Easy Riders.”

PENNSYLVANIA: In February 1999 a child was asphyxiated while wearing a bicycle helmet and playing on playground equipment. Evidently he was caught between two over lapping horizontal platforms when his helmet would not fit through the gap between them where his body had already gone. Pressure on his chest as his lower body dangling prevented him from breathing.

Parents, this sort of thing really bothers me. Why in the world would any child need a helmet when playing on playground equipment? It was later found that the gap between the bars on the play equipment was too close together and the helmet would not pass through the opening. There are guidelines about that sort of thing that manufacturers are required to follow now. Nevertheless, I can’t say it any stronger, PARENTS ARE RESPONSIBLE for their kids’ safety.

Keep the round side on the bottom,

–Gunny, Oregon AIM Chief of Staff

Bill Bish, the rider behind the Coast To Coast Biker News.

THE AIM/NCOM MOTORCYCLE E-NEWS SERVICE is brought to you by Aid to Injured Motorcyclists (A.I.M.) and the National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM), and is sponsored by the Law Offices of Richard M. Lester. For more information, call us at 1-(800) ON-A-BIKE or visit us on our website at http://www.ON-A-BIKE.com

COAST TO COAST BIKER NEWS
Compiled & Edited by Bill Bish,
National Coalition of Motorcyclists

EPA SETS EMISSIONS STANDARDS FOR STREET BIKES On December 23, 2003 the Environmental Protection Agency announced the first new emission standards for highway motorcycles in 25 years, but certain concessions from the federal regulatory agency indicate that three years of opposition and resistance from America’s motorcycle rights network has succeeded in producing a more palatable ruling.

By 2010, motorcycle manufacturers will be required to slash tailpipe emissions by more than 80 percent by using improved technologies such as secondary air injection, electronic fuel injection systems, liquid cooling and catalytic converters, though none of those technologies are mandated in the new regulations.

These reductions will be phased in over a two-tier implementation plan that will require manufacturers of on-highway motorcycles, small scooters and mopeds to meet strict new emissions limits by 2006, and even more stringent levels set for 2010.

New motorcycles over 280 cc’s sold in the United States beginning in 2006 must emit no more than 1.4 grams per kilometer of hydrocarbons (HC) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), and levels of those pollutants must be cut to .8 g/km by 2010. Previously, motorcycles were allowed up to 5.0 grams per kilometer traveled of HC, and NOx was unregulated. Allowable carbon monoxide levels will remain unchanged at 12 g/km. Manufacturers will be allowed to “average” the emissions levels of the bikes they produce, so cleaner running models can make up for more pollutant counterparts.

Sections of the rule dealing with customization were most impacted by riders’ efforts, and the EPA contends that the new regulations will not have any adverse affect on the aftermarket industry. Nothing in the new regulations will change what owners may do legally to customize their motorcycles, they claim, though it’s important to note that it’s already a violation of the Clean Air Act to tamper with pollution control equipment.

Also, small volume manufacturers who build fewer than 3,000 motorcycles a year, and who have fewer than 500 employees, are exempted from the first-tier pollution limits until 2008, and will not be required to meet the second-tier standards at all. There is also a one-time exemption for the owner/builder of a kit bike.

The new federal regulations are based largely on emissions standards already taking effect in California for the 2004 model year, except on a two-year delay basis, though California’s regulations do not allow for these exemptions.

All in all, motorcycling activists can be proud of their efforts to protect their rights as consumers and the liberties of our lifestyle. But rest assured that the fight ain’t over, and the EPA intends to revisit the street bike regs in 2006.

EMISSIONS TESTING IN TENNESSEE MAY INCLUDE MOTORCYCLES Based on the fact that the federal EPA will begin enforcing strict new emissions regulations on motorcycle manufacturers in two years, Knox County officials might include motorcycles in a mandatory emissions testing law likely to be enacted this year in Tennessee.?

The current standard for hydrocarbon emissions from motorcycles allow about 90 times more emissions than the standard for passenger cars, according to the EPA, and when new truck and car standards take effect next year, new SUVs will be meeting hydrocarbon emission targets that are about 95 percent cleaner than the typical motorcycle.

Lynne Liddington, Knox County’s air quality management director, said officials haven’t previously considered testing motorcycles, but “We can always put it on the table.”

Knox and 10 surrounding counties are under the regulatory gun to take steps to clean up East Tennessee’s smoggy skies by March 1, 2005 or face sanctions that could include the loss of federal highway funds and stricter pollution controls on industry. The EPA has put the area on notice that East Tennessee skies likely will be out of compliance with new ozone standards that take effect in April. Ground-level ozone, a colorless gas created by combustion, is the primary component of smog. Knox County officials want emissions testing implemented statewide.

“Whether motorcycles are included or not,” Liddington said, “the biggest pollution sources – coal-fired power plants and tractor trailers – won’t be covered under any testing program.”

“It’s obvious that the new EPA regulations are already being factored into new government regulations at the state level,” points out Steve Lundwall, State Director of CMT/ABATE of Tennessee and a member of the National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM) Board of Directors. “When bikes which comprise an extremely small percentage of registered vehicles and an even smaller percentage of the pollution are singled out and it is stated that the biggest polluters won’t be included in the testing program, it becomes very clear that we are vulnerable no matter how insignificant the initial threat seems.”

According to the Tennessee Department of Safety, there are 6,772 motorcycles registered in Knox County, which is a little less than 2 percent of all registered vehicles, though that number triples every June when the Honda Hoot attracts up to 20,000 motorcyclists to Knoxville from across the country during the height of smog season.

“Here in Tennessee we will fight to protect motorcycle businesses, tourism, ourselves and our liberties,” concludes Lundwall.

“ORGAN DONOR” BILL AMENDED, KILLED IN COMMITTEE AB 1200 started out as a nice, “clean” helmet modification bill, allowing motorcyclists 18 and older the option of wearing a helmet in California. Then, just one week before the measure was to be heard in the Assembly Transportation Committee, the bill was amended to include mandatory organ donation as a requirement to ride free.

The bill’s author, Assemblyman John Longville (D-San Bernardino) amendedthe bill without consulting the bill’s sponsor, ABATE of California, in a misguided effort to find a “creative solution” to help the bill gain the votes needed to pass.?

Obviously, this was one solution that didn’t sit well with the riding community, and when the bill was heard in committee on January 12, in front of a room packed with motorcyclists from all over the Golden State, AB 1200 was further amended to remove the offensive amendment and any reference to organ donation. The original bill language was then voted on and the bill lost by 9 aye votes to 11 no votes.?

Hundreds of riders who rallied at the Capitol that day had hoped that a motorcycle-riding governor would aid their cause, and some carried signs asking Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to “Terminate the Helmet Law.”

Despite the setback, Jean Hughes, legislative director of ABATE, told the Sacramento Bee newspaper, “We’ll be back.”

HELMET LAWS DETER TOURISM When concerned out of state riders began writing to the Nebraska Tourism Division seeking their support in shelving the state’s mandatory helmet law (LB303), the director agreed that more riders would travel through their state if helmets were optional.

“You are not alone,” wrote Dan Curran, Director of the Nebraska Division of Travel and Tourism, in response to a letter from Richard Hall from ABATE of California, “there are a number of people that want the law modified or removed. In my job, I can’t lobby for or against the issue. But, you are correct, we would see a positive economic impact during the annual Sturgis migration with a more liberal helmet law.”

BIKERS WANT TO PARADE TOPLESS On December 15, the Massachusetts House of Representatives engrossed H 206, a bill to exempt motorcyclists participating in public parades from the helmet law.

“House, No. 206 now goes over to the Senate for its action,” said Paul Cote, legislative director for the MMA of Massachusetts. “Maybe when the MMA storms the statehouse on Thursday, May 20, 2004 – we’ll have a ‘parade!’ I like that idea!”

“GET YOUR ROCKS OFF”? OUR ROADS!” ABATE of Pennsylvania has sponsored a bill to require trucks to cover their loads to prevent spills and road hazards. Representative Stan Saylor introduced HB 880 to increase the fines for violations and further defines what the violations are.

“Those from the trucking industry still maintain that enforcement is the problem and that the current law is sufficient,” said John Mullendore, Legislative Coordinator for ABATE and a member of the NCOM Board of Directors. However, as ABATE’s lobbyist Charles Umbenhauer points out, enforcement wasn’t a problem when it came to helmets so he isn’t buying that argument.

“We’re not looking to drive a wedge between bikers and truckers,” said Mullendore, adding that they hope to come to an agreement between the two groups. “Some of the biggest violators are weekend movers in pickups and people hauling mulch and the like. These too are included in the law.”

WEIRD NEWS OF THE MONTH: A Taiwanese motorcycle mechanic has confessed to police that he feasted on the body parts of an insurance agent after killing her. The discovery of the missing woman’s scooter near a Taipei bike shop led police to suspect the 39-year-old wrench, and when police searched the area around his workshop, they discovered Ms. Shih Chin-chi’s dismembered body in a residential water tank.

Police said the suspect strangled his 28-year-old victim with a rope before chopping her body into eight pieces on Dec 7. Parts of her body, including flesh and skin in the chest area, were missing, reported the Taipei Times.

According to statements given by Kwang Teh-chiang, an apprentice at the cycle shop, the suspect had gotten into an argument with the victim over some insurance matters at the shop and he killed her in his presence. Police told reporters that Chen had searched her body for valuables after the murder and handed Kwang NT$400 ($20US), presumably to buy him off.

Police also suspect the mechanic of being involved in the disappearance of another female insurance agent 12 years ago.

QUOTABLE QUOTE: “In the rush to cure all the ills to which humans are heir, liberty is too often an innocent bystander, and an accidental casualty.”

Barry Goldwater, former Arizona senator and presidential candidate (1909-98)

NCOM CONVENTION REMINDER The National Coalition of Motorcyclists will hold their 19th annual NCOM Convention from May 6 to 8, 2004, at the Biltmore Hotel, 401 South Meridian Avenue, in Oklahoma City, OK, hosted by ABATE of Oklahoma and the Oklahoma Confederation of Clubs. For room reservations, call (800) 522-6620 and mention NCOM for the special room rate of $70.64, including tax, for up to four folks per room. Convention registration is $75.00 and includes the Silver Spoke Awards Banquet on Saturday night, or $40.00 without the banquet. For additional information, or to pre-register, contact NCOM at (800) 525-5355.

THE AIM/NCOM MOTORCYCLE E-NEWS SERVICE is brought to you by Aid to Injured Motorcyclists (A.I.M.) and the National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM), and is sponsored by the Law Offices of Richard M. Lester. For more information, call us at 1-(800) ON-A-BIKE or visit us on our website at http://www.ON-A-BIKE.com.

From TheGUNNY’S SACK

2003 has seen several large and small successes and a few failures in the motorcycle world. The thing that worries me more than anything is our safety on the roadways.

We are the little guys out there with the light machines compared to the cages. We are the ones who suffer when some fool in a car runs over us, yet so many of us, and the safetycrats too, consistently refuse to admit that if we spend a little money for some training, it might make us better riders.

We spend thousands of dollars on our machines and thousands more for paint and chrome but refuse to insure those expenditures with formal rider training. Why? Are we really dumb, or is it the macho thing to do? I don’t know how many times I’ve heard people say things like “I’ve been ridin’ 20 years, and I don’t need no one to tell me how to ride.”

Nobody who has taken a rider ed course will say those words. I hear “Wow, have I been doin’ it all wrong!” Or, “I didn’t realize how much I really didn’t know!” Do yourself a favor and take a rider ed course this winter, if for no other reason, than to try to prove the Gunny wrong. You might be surprised, and it could save your life. It’s nice to know the best ways (legal ones), to avoid a cage. I’ll stop my preaching now. Learnin’ don’t make you a wuss.

Let’s start the new year trying to stay alive and not bury so many of our brothers and sisters in 2004.

Gunny. Let’s preach about Motorcycle Right-Of-Way efforts. We can learn and cagers can be told not to hit bikers.–Bandit

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PANAMA CITY, Fla: Timothy Pilgreen of Texarkana, Ark., was charged with assaulting a law enforcement officer he allegedly scuffled with as he tried to flee, on top of the two counts of murder and four counts of attempted murder for driving the stolen pick-up into a group of “outlaw bikers” from Bay City Michigan. He killed two after having argued with them earlier. It looks like he will at least get a life sentence out of it. He may really get some “justice” after he is found out behind bars. I don’t need to elaborate on that.

Pilgreen apologized, and said he would ask for the death penalty because of that: He said he didn’t want to face retribution in prison, when interviewed by The News Herald of Panama City.

FLANDREAU, S.D.: I gotta tell ya this guy Rep. Bill Janklow needs to feel the teeth of the law, which as you probably now know, he will. Janklow was convicted of Manslaughter for killing a biker while speeding. He tried to claim he was passing just to avoid a speeding ticket, and speeding is part of the case against him. Wow! It came out that Janklow told investigators he was accelerating to pass another vehicle at an intersection before that deadly collision with the biker.

I can’t say I’m sorry he was convicted. The trauma to his family must be unreal, to know that one of their own is on his way to prison for being selfish and a liar. Justice is done folks. I would bet he’d slide because of who he was and his money. A terrible waste. Some of this information comes to us from The Sons of Liberty Riders. Thanx, guys!

MYRTLE BEACH, Fla: Jay Jarman of Bikers Blvd. in Raleigh, NC was killed by a hit and run driver during the May Myrtle Beach Bike Week 2003. The driver fled the scene and later turned himself in. He has not been prosecuted yet.

Take a look at Jay Jarman’s memorial website, at www.justiceforjay.com and sign his guest book. I have heard that it gives his family some comfort. Along with raising awareness of this situation. This is one way fellow bikers can support a fallen brother. Here again is senseless loss of life. We need stronger laws on the books for this sort of thing. The people need to face serious consequences and pay for negligent homicide. Make no mistake, this is MURDER on our roadways. It’s time we put a stop to it with severe penalties.

SAFETY ALERT! I mentioned this last month. METZELER HAS RECALLED MOTORCYCLE TIRES. The tire is: METZELER Model : SPORTEC M-1 P Build Dates : JAN 26, 2003 – FEB 08, 2003. If you wear Metzler tires on your scoot and have any doubt about this get to your tire dealer NOW.

DON’T ride on dangerous rubber. Metzeler will replace their tires with no charge to you.

This is the first time NHTSA has done anything worthwhile, in my mind, about motorcycle safety.

RUSSIA: NO YA’ CAN’T KISS YUR SWEETIE IN PUBLIC. It’s a proposed new Moscow ordinance. Now I can understand passing a law against whizzing in the street but outlaw a liplock on yer squeeze? Come on.

HANOI, VIET NAM: From the Jakarta (Indonesia) Post comes this tidbit. Like a lot of places in the Far east the Motorcycle Taxi is a very popular beast, as well as inexpensive. Besides, they scoot through traffic with aplomb. In Indonesia they call them “Ojek.” Hanoi residents call them “Semoy.” No matter what the name they are a valuable way to get around town. Time to recognize what the rest of the world already knows: Motorcycles, and their “Semoy” stepchildren are the cheapest, quickest ways through the big cities.

MEXICO: So Fernando pulled to the side of the road, while on his way from the US to Mexico City, because he smelled something burning. He discovered his Camaro was on fire, so he promptly disconnected the trailer he was pulling that contained his motorcycle. Isn’t that typical of us all? The guy saves his scoot and lets a rig burn that probably cost more than the scooter. Hell I’da done the same thing.

GUNNY AGAIN: If you’re a new SACK reader, you oughta know that the Aid to Injured Motorcyclists (AIM) attorneys all across the country ride and take very good care of us in the scooter community. God forbid you get in an accident, but if you do, or have other legal needs, call your nearest AIM attorney at 1-800-ON-A-BIKE, or look him up at www.ON-A-BIKE.com, and he will advise you of the best course to take.

We have AIM criminal attorneys now too, if you need it. Oh, and on that website you can look up all my old Gunny’s Sack columns, going back a few years, too! Lots of other info, too, for you web-heads.

Happy holidays and we’ll see ya on the road somewhere next year.

REGIONAL CONVENTION: One small reminder, especially for you e-mailers who will get this SACK in time: Don’t forget the West Coast Regional NCOM convention, to be held January 10th-12th at the Holiday Inn in Sacramento, CA. Call the AIM office at: 1-800-531-2424 for the best information. Rooms are real cheap at $79.00 per night double or single. Call for reservations and ask for the NCOM rate. There will be seminars on the Patriot Act and many other timely subjects that affect us all. E-mail me if you wanna catch up with the Gunny there. I’m always at AIMGunny@aol.com.

Keep the round side on the bottom
–Gunny, Oregon AIM Chief of Staff

Bill Bish author and freedom fighter.

THE AIM/NCOM MOTORCYCLE E-NEWS SERVICE is brought to you by Aid to Injured Motorcyclists (A.I.M.) and the National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM), and is sponsored by the Law Offices of Richard M. Lester. For more information, call us at 1-(800) ON-A-BIKE or visit us on our website at http://www.ON-A-BIKE.com

COAST TO COAST BIKER NEWS
Compiled & Edited by Bill Bish,
National Coalition of Motorcyclists

CONGRESSMAN FOUND GUILTY IN BIKER’S DEATH, RESIGNS– Representative William Janklow, South Dakota’s lone congressman and former four-term governor, will resign after being found guilty of manslaughter in the death of a Minnesota motorcyclist who crashed his Harley-Davidson into Janklow’s speeding Cadillac as it blew through a stop sign at a rural intersection in eastern South Dakota this summer.

Police investigations revealed that Janklow was driving in excess of 70 mph in a 55 mph zone when he failed to stop and proceeded into the path of motorcyclist Randolph Scott, a 55-year old farmer from Hardwick, MN, who had no chance to avoid the collision.

On December 8th, jurors from Janklow’s boyhood hometown of Flandreau, SD took just five hours of deliberation to reject defense arguments that Janklow was suffering a diabetic episode that impaired his judgment and found him guilty on all counts, including second-degree manslaughter, reckless driving, speeding and running a stop sign. The Moody County jury of eight women and four men was not allowed to hear evidence about Janklow’s prior driving record which included numerous speeding tickets, so they reached their verdict based solely on the facts of the August 18 wreck.

Janklow faces up to 10 years in prison as a result of his conviction, and will be sentenced on January 20th, the effective date of his resignation from the U.S. House of Representatives. He could also face further civil actions by the Scott family.

SENATOR CAMPBELL EXPRESSES CONCERNS TO NHTSA — U.S. Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell of Colorado, a longtime motorcyclist and champion of bikers’ rights, has sent a letter to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration expressing concern over NHTSA’s recent actions in regards to motorcycling issues.

In particular, Campbell’s December 10 letter is critical of the federal agency’s attempt to promote helmet laws through the United Nations, and the rewarding of a contract to complete a study of “Characteristics of Motorcycle Operators” which was improperly awarded six months prior to a public comment period requesting input on the study.

Campbell is one of several lawmakers who serve on the National Coalition of Motorcyclists Legislative Task Force (NCOM-LTF), and he has always stepped up to bat on important issues affecting America’s motorcycle riders.

EASY RIDER GETS STAR– Peter Fonda, who directed and co-starred in the iconic 1969 Academy Award-nominated biker flic “Easy Rider,” received the 2,241st Star on the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame on October 22, following in his famous father’s footsteps and hoping to carry on his legacy.

He is the son of Henry Fonda, who died in 1982, and the brother of Jane Fonda – both Oscar winners. His daughter is actress Bridget Fonda and his son Justin Fonda is a cameraman who worked on such films as “Vertical Limit” and “The Last Ride.”

“This is great for me to be able to join my father,” Fonda said at the ceremony. “I certainly hope my daughter and my son can join me soon.”

Fonda’s star is located on Hollywood Boulevard in front of the historic Roosevelt Hotel, while his father’s star is on Vine Street.

As for rumors of an Easy Rider sequel, the 64-year old Fonda recently was quoted as saying, “I’ve got maybe one more motorcycle movie in me.”

EASY RIDER’S GRILL NOW WELCOMES PATCH HOLDERS– The New Mexico Confederation of Clubs is celebrating their first victory! For over a year, an Albuquerque, New Mexico restaurant “Easy Rider?s Grill” (no affiliation to Easyriders magazine) has had a sign posted stating that club colors were not allowed in the restaurant. As a result, the NMCOC had established a boycott of the popular restaurant. The NMCOC contacted the owner of the restaurant and adjacent Easy Rider’s Motorcycle shop about the offending sign, and is pleased to announce that Reinhart “Rhino” Sherman, president of the NMCOC, managed to convince him to remove the sign; therefore the NMCOC considers Easy Rider’s Grill — recently renamed “Rio Grande Big Dog” — to be on the list of COC friendly places.

Members of the NMCOC recently visited Easy Rider’s Grill to celebrate and thank the owner, Clif Fodge. “The COC was really pleased at how open Clif was to speaking with us and resolving this issue,” reports Rhino. “I think most folks are willing to see us in a positive light if we can just talk.”

The NMCOC plans to use this event as a benchmark to convince other New Mexico eating and drinking establishments to remove similar discriminatory signs.

CANADIAN BIKER BEATS NOISE RAP– Ontario Confederation of Clubs independent member Ted Cairns was pulled over on the afternoon of May 18 while riding his 2002 Harley FLSTC at legal speed through the Peterborough area in the Canadian province of Ontario, and was stopped and ticketed for “unnecessary noise.” The police officer ran a tape measure up his Vance and Hines Longshots exhaust system, deemed them illegal on the spot, and handed Cairns a ticket for $110.00.

During his trial on December 8, Cairns lawyer David Ross pointed out to the court that the Highway Traffic Act does not define “unnecessary noise,” and showed the judge several cases of law that have been overturned on this basis. In all these cases the judges ruled that unnecessary noise had to be a direct and purposeful action of the defendant at the time of the charge or the unnecessary noise would not be subject to criminal charges. In Cairn’s case, the Crown Attorney argued that the simple act of switching from a stock exhaust system to the Vance and Hines was the act that created the unnecessary noise. The judge disagreed with the Crown and the case was dismissed.

“We can see that through this decision that Bill 241 (aka the Street Racing and Vehicle Modification Act) is a little less stronger than it used to be,” said Brian Dodds, recording secretary for the Ontario Confederation of Clubs. “By picking away at this ridiculous law, it can be amended or even repealed.”

BIKERS CHALLENGE CANADA’S “ANTI-GANG” LAW– Lawyers representing two Hells Angels MC members charged with extortion want Canada’s new “anti-gang” legislation struck from the Criminal Code. The law violates the Charter of Rights because it is too vague, defense lawyer Paul Burnstein told the Toronto Sun on November 29. He said this is the first constitutional challenge of the 2002 legislation.

The law defines a “criminal organization” as an organized group of three or more that commits serious offences for financial benefit. Burnstein said the definition is “vague” and infringes on the right to associate.

He said it could criminalize harmless or political association, thus violating the charter.

BRITISH POLICE CONFISCATE “NUISANCE MOTORCYCLES” — A four-wheel all terrain vehicle (ATV) and three motorcycles have been confiscated by police in Burnley, UK as part of their continued crackdown on “motorcycle nuisance.” The four vehicles were taken away by police in response to a catalogue of complaints from residents on the Kibble Bank estate about motorbike riding, and owners of the vehicles received verbal and written warnings prior to their bikes being taken away. In removing the vehicles, police were exercising new powers which enable them to seize bikes that are causing alarm, distress or annoyance. Complaints reportedly eased considerably following the seizures, and Burnley police pledge to “keep up the pressure on those reckless motorcyclists.”

OZZY INJURED IN BIKE ACCIDENT– Speaking of Brits and bikes, 55-year old rocker Ozzy Osbourne suffered multiple broken ribs and other injuries when he crashed an ATV on the grounds of his country estate in Buckinghamshire, England on December 8th.

The accident happened during a day off from promoting his new single, “Changes” — a duet recorded with his daughter Kelly.

Osbourne fractured eight ribs and a vertebra in his neck and underwent emergency surgery to reconstruct his left collarbone and restore blood flow to his arm, but doctors said he was comfortable and stable in the hospital, reports Reuters news service.

GIMME MORE– In other celebrity biking news, the National Enquirer reported that actress Demi Moore bought her young lover Ashton Kutcher a brand new motorcycle, but he refused the gift.

Kutcher, who plays the character Kelso in the TV sitcom “That 70’s Show,” reportedly told Moore angrily; “You’ve got to be kidding me! I’m already getting enough crap about our age difference. Now people will start saying I’m your Boy Toy. If I need a motorcycle I’ll buy one myself.”

Moore is almost twice his age, and apparently twice as gutsy.

If he can’t handle it, get out of the kitchen.

UPS YOUR’S– In last month’s column we told readers about a United Parcel Service ad for holiday employment opportunities that played on the negative stereotype of bikers, but enough concerned riders contacted UPS to complain that the company discontinued the print ad and began sending the following response:

“Due to the number of responses we have received, UPS will no longer be running the commercial in question. In no way did UPS intend the commercial to be offensive to motorcycle enthusiasts. We apologize for any objectionable material contained in the commercial.”

WEIRD NEWS OF THE MONTH: BLOWN AWAY– Steve Dass of Walnut Creek, California says strangers stole his money. Dass was riding eastbound on Highway 4 when thousands of dollars flew off the back of his motorcycle. Eyewitnesses say busy freeway traffic came to a halt as dozens of people scrambled for cash. John Craig, a Pittsburg resident, said: “So everybody went crazy, everybody burning rubber, pulling over. So we pulled over, like naturally everybody hopping out…getting money.”

The CHP says Craig was the only one who returned some of the money. $200 dollars was recovered, but Dass is still out $7,000.

A frantic search in, around, and near the freeway turned up nothing. According to Daas, “I was keeping this money for my mother. It was $7,000 and I was going to go give it to her. This money is very important because it’s the last piece of money my mother has for herself.”

The California Highway Patrol says their initial investigation confirms Dass’ story and his intentions. “He told us he was going to use the money to take his mother furniture shopping for her new condo in Antioch,” said a CHP spokesperson. There’s one final component to this sad story: Mr. Dass was recently laid-off from his job.

QUOTABLE QUOTES: “Bad laws are the worst sort of tyranny.”Edmund Burke, British political writer and statesman (1729-97)

Have a Merry Christmas and ride safe, goddamnit.–Marlon

The famous Gunny.

THE AIM/NCOM MOTORCYCLE E-NEWS SERVICE is brought to you by Aid to Injured Motorcyclists (A.I.M.) and the National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM), and is sponsored by the Law Offices of Richard M. Lester. For more information, call us at 1-(800) ON-A-BIKE or visit us on our website at <

From TheGUNNY’S SACK

The 2004 West Coast Regional NCOM (National Coalition of Motorcyclists) Meeting is coming right up, so I don’t want anyone to miss the opportunity: This year, it will be January 10-12th, 2004 in Sacramento, California, at the Holiday Inn N.E, 5321 Date Ave, Sacramento, CA. The $79.00 plus tax per night room rates are special and you should ask for them under The Regional NCOM Meeting reservations arrangements. Call them at: (916) 338-5800. Well worth the cost to get valuable information regarding the western part of this country, and there are lots of cheap flights there. And the conference is free. There will be seminars and work rooms just like the national NCOM Convention. We have them around the country, in between the big one every year. This one will be sandwiched in between the MMA & ABATE of California Legislative Seminar on Saturday, and their Freedom Rally at the State Capitol on Monday. There will also be a Confederation of Clubs meeting. Don’t miss this weekend of education, motivation and information, not if you can help it. I’ll see ya there. For MORE information, you can also call NCOM, at 1-800-ON-A-BIKE. ANOTHER VICTORY: This month, our Oregon Aid to Injured Motorcyclists (AIM) Attorney Sam Hochberg is the figure we look to for the good news. What follows is proof of the puddin’ as to what our AIM attorneys do for us all over the country. They really deserve our support and gratitude. Don’t forget too, that they’re nationwide 24/7, at 1-800-ON-A-BIKE, for biker discrimination and civil rights issues, as well as injury wrecks. So take a look at what’s up in Eugene NOW:

EUGENE, OR: Civil Rights isn’t just for racial minorities, it’s for us VEHICULAR minorities, too. Or more to the point, it protects OUR right to display our freedom of speech and association, as bikers. I’m proud to announce that our Oregon AIM Attorney, Sam Hochberg, just settled a civil rights claim on behalf of a member of the Free Souls Motorcycle Club, in Eugene. We’ve talked about it here in the Sack before. This was the case involving Free Soul MC member Ray Fowler. He was at the Lane County Fair in Eugene with his wife, and the local police threw him OUT of the county fair, solely on the basis of his motorcycle club patch. A big no-no, particularly if there is NO history of any problems with the club! Ray was whistle-clean, and our favorite police agency, Eugene PD, decided that this was a “gang-free” event. When will they learn? Absent prior problems or SOME reasonable basis, a government agency can’t discriminate on the basis of the WRITING on your back! Sam was involved in the same sort of case twice before in this state in other municipalities. NEXT issue of the Sack, we’ll print the LETTER OF APOLOGY that the Lane County Fair Board agreed to sign, as part of the settlement. Oh yeah — there’s also that $10,000.00 they’re going to pay. Like I said, when will they learn? Sam is very happy about it, but he says he’d STILL rather spend his time helping his injured clients than having to stop idiotic police and government policies. Well, if somebody’s gotta do it, I’m glad we have Sam. Thanx for your ongoing efforts in our behalf Sam, from all of us.

NHTSA is at it again: Whenever they can they will distort facts in order to forward the notion that if you don’t wear a helmet you’re gonna die on a motorcycle. The Associated Press ran a story recently about “FACTS” put out by The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. They studied deaths caused by accidents in several states that had modified their helmet laws recently. It would seem that indeed deaths have gone up some, but so has the number of riders and the number of miles ridden! It looks to me like they are manipulating figures for some states to distort the real facts.

NHTSA went so far as to admit that some of the increase in motorcycle deaths could be attributed to the increased number of riders on the road. There must be something that can be done to reign in these folks and make them realize that in this country there is a thing called “Liberty for All”.

MIAMI: Two Miami-Dade Police motorcycle officers collided with each other while providing a traffic escort for a New York Yankees team bus before Game 5 of the World Series. One officer was airlifted from the Pro Player Stadium parking lot, and was listed in stable condition at Jackson Memorial Hospital. The other officer was treated on the scene and released. Maybe they should’ve taken a motorcycle safety course.

SAN FRANCISCO: With new guidelines about police surveillance, law officers are being told NOT to attend political, religious, social or educational meetings unless they have reason to believe a crime is planned or has happened. This is in answer to the public outcry over increased surveillance by the California Attorney General. Maybe all the pissin’ and moanin’ over the Patriot Act is reaching some ears after all. And in this case, it seems those ears have some clout. This contradicts the intent of U S Attorney General John Ashcroft. It’s about time someone hears what the public says.

THE HERPES THING AGAIN! Last month I commented on the biker image in herpes medication ads. I must have stirred the pot because the website has pulled the ad! I’m sure it’s thanx to the comments from so many people who were offended by it. See? When ya stick together, things happen. We can win this stupid war over our identities as motorcycle-oriented citizens.

TIRE RECALL: Safety note here, on the METZLER SPORTED 120/17 ZR17 M-1 P MOTORCYCLE TIRE:.If your bike wears this one, check with your dealer. You might be on a dangerous ride. Metzler is recalling and replacing several of these tires due to a manufacturing defect. See your dealer now! You can contact Metzeler directly at (706) 368-5426).

MT. EVEREST, NEPAL: I mentioned in an earlier issue that Swedish lady rider Annie Seel was going to attempt to ride a motorcycle up the slopes of Mt Everest. Well folks, she did it on a 20 year old dual-purpose Honda XL250 and reached an altitude of 17,404 feet! She beat the previous record set by a Japanese man by over 200 feet. She had to ride the old bike because importation of new motorcycles to Nepal is forbidden. Quite an accomplishment, Ms. Seel. Congratulations from those of us who couldn’t do half of what you did if our lives depended on it!

GUNNY AGAIN: I just want to say we are blessed by the people we associate with and we lose many every year to avoidable accidents. Please folks, do yourself a favor and take a rider ed course, and avail yourself of the training provided. You will not only make yourself a better rider, you might avoid being one of the statistics none of us wants to be. Let’s not make it any easier for folks like NHTSA to get us off the highways. Have the best holiday season ever.

Keep the round side on the bottom, Gunny, Oregon AIM Chief of Staff

THE AIM/NCOM MOTORCYCLE E-NEWS SERVICE is brought to you by Aid to Injured Motorcyclists (A.I.M.) and the National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM), and is sponsored by the Law Offices of Richard M. Lester. For more information, call us at 1-(800) ON-A-BIKE or visit us on our website at http://www.ON-A-BIKE.com

COAST TO COAST BIKER NEWS
Compiled & Edited by BILL BISH,
National Coalition of Motorcyclists

CONGRESS ACTS TO PROTECT MEDICAL BENEFITS FOR BIKERS An important step toward protecting medical benefits for motorcyclists was achieved on October 29, 2003, when the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee voted unanimously to approve S. 423, “The Health Care Parity for Legal Transportation and Recreational Activities Act,” co-authored by U.S. Senators Russ Feingold (D-WI) and Susan Collins (R-ME). The bipartisan act would eliminate a loophole that allows insurance companies to deny medical benefits to persons injured while participating in so-called “risky activities,” including riding a motorcycle or ATV.

The measure will now move to the Senate floor for consideration, while a similar bill in the House of Representatives, HR 1749, awaits committee action.

Motorcyclists across the country successfully lobbied Congress in 1996 to enact the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which prohibited insurers from denying health care coverage to insureds based on their participation in activities such as motorcycling, skiing and horseback riding, but the legislation was later misinterpreted to require insurance companies to provide coverage, but still allowing them to deny benefits if a person was hurt as a result of such involvement.

Help close this discriminatory loophole by contacting your U.S. Senators and Congressman today and urge their support of S. 423 and HR 1749!

LOUISIANA GOVERNOR LAMBASTS NHTSA Just hours after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration released a report to the national press indicating that fatalities had increased dramatically in Arkansas and Louisiana following the repeal of those states’ mandatory helmet laws, Louisiana Governor Mike Foster called NHTSA’s numbers into question and accused the federal agency of misleading the public regarding the facts.

“You can make statistics say anything you want,” lectured Foster in a press release issued October 30, 2003 to counteract the NHTSA disinformation campaign. “The NHTSA wanted to hear that fatal crashes have doubled, and they looked for statistics that supported that. It’s true that the number of accidents has increased, but the report leaves a lot out of the picture, like the increasing number of motorcycle riders.”

Foster pointed out that NHTSA looked merely at raw numbers and not at the circumstances of the crashes. The number of registered motorcycles rose by over 12,000 in the years covered by the NHTSA study, according to the governor’s press release. In 1998, there were 60,000 registered motorbike operators in Louisiana; two years later, 72,445 were registered with the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles.

According to a 2001 report by the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, “Traffic Crashes Involving Bicycles or Motorcycles,” fatalities per 100 crashes only rose by 0.2 percent from 1998 to 2000, and in 2001 that percentage actually went down to 3.8 percent. In 1998, 3.9 percent of every 100 crashes resulted in deaths. During that time, the number of crashes in general rose from 889 to 1,410, a fact that cannot be attributed to helmet usage rates.

“Bottom line, it’s a matter of personal choice. No one is forcing or encouraging motorcycle riders to ride without helmets,” said Foster. “But the NHTSA says that there were twice as many fatal crashes, but doesn’t want us to know how many of those riders were wearing helmets. There are times where helmets are protective and times when they actually can do harm.”

WORLDWIDE MOTORCYCLE SALES TO EXCEED 35 MILLION Forecasting worldwide demand for motorcycles to advance 5.2% annually to more than 35 million units in the year 2007, The Freedonia Group, an international business research company based in Cleveland, Ohio, says the global motorcycle industry will likely go through a restructuring phase in coming years, driven by increased income levels in emerging markets, continued strong sales in the U.S. and Western Europe, and advancements in technology.

In a new study titled “World Motorcycles,” the research group says there are two separate motorcycle markets. One centered in the industrialized Triad (i.e., the U.S., Japan and Western Europe), where motorcycles are seen as pleasure vehicles by consumers who already have one or more automobiles. These motorcycles tend to be large, powerful machines that cost on average about $4,000 to $7,000 in the U.S. and Europe, and somewhat less in Japan.

The research firm says the market for the larger displacement motorcycles will likely remain strong, but says some concerns regarding future demand have emerged due to the aging of the customer base, especially in the U.S. and Western Europe.

The other, much larger market in unit terms is in the emerging economies of the Asia/Pacific region, where motorcycles are seen as primary family and work vehicles. According to the study, demand for scooters, mopeds and light motorcycles will remain relatively robust in emerging markets such as India, China and Southeast Asia, due to increased income levels.

The third influence on the worldwide motorcycle industry, according to the study, is a transition in technology driven by a confluence of factors, most noticeably exhaust emission regulation. Motorcycle regulations have been increasing worldwide, as developed nations seek emissions parity with automobiles and as developing nations fight to reduce pollution levels in large urban areas.

MOTORCYCLES ARE “SMART GROWTH” Carter, a full service real estate company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia has recently put the finishing touches on a pioneering mixed-use development that has been heralded as the premiere Transit Oriented Development in the country. Lindbergh City Center, which will eventually incorporate 4.8 million square feet of office, retail and residential facilities is located on top of the second busiest transit station in Atlanta.

Michael Hoath, director of real estate development for the project, is an avid two-wheel enthusiast who rides and races. “I ride to work regularly and often notice how many urban environments discourage motorcycle use. We felt it was important to encourage all smart growth principles — motorcycles as commuter transportation is smart growth. They are a frequently overlooked ingredient in providing solutions to urban sprawl and traffic congestion.”

The development incorporates a mix of Smart Growth design principles such as pedestrian access, transit access, and reduced parking. One of the most important design principles is free parking on Main Street for motorcycles. Whereas other vehicles pay for parking, the prime street locations are reserved for free motorcycle parking. Additionally, the project incorporated concrete parking pads to prevent bikes from tipping over due to melting asphalt on hot summer days.

BROWN OUT A recent print advertisement by UPS, seeking Christmas help, features a glaring, stereotypical leather-clad biker, with the following parody to a familiar holiday tune:

“Oh, the leather on Clyde is FRIGHTFUL.
And not paying him back is painful!
Before holiday bills make you sob,
Part-time job, part-time job, part-time job!!”

The ad goes on to say, “Borrowing money from someone like Clyde to cover holiday expenses is a very bad idea. Wouldn’t it be better to get a part-time job at UPS?”

The ad appeared in the Sunday, October 5 edition of the Delaware County Times in Pennsylvania, and was brought to the attention of the National Coalition of Motorcyclists board of directors during the NCOM Regional Meeting in Philadelphia on November 1st by past board member William “Moon” Laber.

If you have a better idea on how UPS could be spending their advertising money, give ’em a holler at UPS Corporate Headquarters, 55 Glenlake Parkway NE, Atlanta , GA 30328.

MICHIGAN MOTORCYCLE NEWS Michigan motorcyclists are making headway in their fight to repeal the state’s mandatory helmet law, but in the meantime bikers are busy supporting and opposing other pieces of legislation that impact riders, and celebrating some other important victories. Due to bikers writing and calling their legislators when the governor tried to remove the Motorcycle Safety Program from the state budget, the Michigan MSP has been removed from the Department of Education and placed with the Secretary of State to protect the program’s funding from being raided to make up for other budget shortfalls. The safety program is, and has been, a self-funded program using biker money to operate.

Concerned Michigan riders are also fighting House Bill 4337, which would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to revise the permissible noise level for a new motorcycle or moped. Currently the law prohibits a dealer from selling a new motorcycle or a moped that produces a maximum noise in excess of 83 DBA, but the bill would lower that level to 80 DBA, which is significantly quieter.

Also of concern is a No-Fault insurance proposal, SB 0392, that is generally unfair to those who choose a 2-wheeled mode of transportation.

As if that’s not enough on their plate, they are also supporting a bill, HB 5008, to change the renewal date on motorcycle registrations to your birth date, instead of March 31, and also includes options to purchase more than one year at a time.

They also have a biker anti-discrimination bill in the works. Good job, and good luck!

INTERNET SCAMS USE MOTORCYCLES AS BAIT If you’re shopping for a new motorcycle, beware of a new Internet scam that may take your wallet for a ride. In an October 21 “Problem Solvers” report on Local 6 News in central Florida, commentator Mike Holfeld uncovered Internet scam artists who are pirating legitimate eBay accounts and are reportedly using Harley-Davidson motorcycles as bait to rip off users.

In his report, Holfeld interviews a woman who wired $4,600 to a man in Berlin, Germany to purchase a Harley Fatboy in an online auction. The money was picked up 24 hours later, but then the bike and the imposter disappeared.

Now, it appears phony auctions are being set up by account imposters, some using Harley-Davidson motorcycles as the bait, according to the news report. Holfeld reported that more and more eBay members are discovering their accounts have been hijacked, and industry insiders say 30 or more bogus auctions are running at the same time. Buyer Beware!

MOTORCYCLE TRIVIA: NEW YORK TO L.A. The record for traveling from New York to Los Angeles by motorcycle is 45 hours, 41 minutes. It was set in 1968 by Tibor Sarossy, riding a BMW Model R69S. Sarossy made four fuel stops, never slept, fainted twice and averaged 58.7 mph all the way across.

WEIRD NEWS OF THE MONTH: FOR A BUCK, NAKED When a Rappahannock County Deputy Sheriff was dispatched to a rural Virginia residence to investigate a noise complaint about a motorcycle blasting up and down the street at 7:30 in the morning, he was shocked to find 54-year old Peter Kreyling, a county building contractor, roaring along on his Harley buck naked, except for his shoes.

The rookie officer, who just started the day before, stopped the motorcyclist, took a moment to size up the situation, and then calmly asked Kreyling, “Where’s your helmet?”

The deputy soon found out that Kreyling was involved in a photo shoot for a calendar being put together by his wife to raise money for a new track at Rappahannock County High School, and is now the hottest topic in this rural and picturesque county. It features more than a dozen local men–some as old as 80–parading around–tastefully, of course–in their birthday suits. Besides the naked motorcyclist, there are nude apple pickers, a daring beekeeper and a 70-year-old blacksmith presenting the bare facts.

The most famous of the calendar models is former “Dukes of Hazzard” star and ex-U.S. Rep. Ben “Cooter” Jones. The Rappahannock resident has no regrets or apologies.

“This is the best argument for clothes there ever was,” he jokes. “It gives nudity a bad name.”

QUOTABLE QUOTE: “If you think you can, you can. If you think you can’t, you’re right.”Irving Berlin, American composer 1888-1989