Virginia Freedom Riders :: Freedom Forums

New York Freedom Riders :: Motorcycle Tire Safety

Author: nyfreedomriders
Subject: Motorcycle Tire Safety
Posted: Mon Aug 25, 2008 4:42 pm (GMT -4)
Topic Replies: 0

from the Biker Republic

http://www.dunlopmotorcycle.com/infocenter_tiretips.asp?id=31#tip

Importance of Motorcycle Tire Inflation Maintenance & Load Restrictions

As the world leader in motorcycle tires, Dunlop continues to be concerned about the lack of attention paid by many cyclists to proper use and maintenance of their tires, particularly when fitted to motorcycles intended for touring.

Dunlop technical personnel have attended touring rallies all over North America to collect vital data and give instructional seminars.

What we have observed at these rallies alarms us; many touring riders are not following proper tire maintenance procedures.

The requirements for proper tire usage are not complicated, but they do require consistent attention.

Owners and operators of motorcycles should closely monitor vehicle loadings to insure they are within the maximum loads and corresponding inflation pressures for their tires. This basic load and pressure information is clearly stamped on the tire sidewalls.

The tire does not support the load-the air pressure does. The manufacturer's ratings for the maximum load and inflation pressure are critical tire design elements. If not observed, the handling and performance of your motorcycle will be greatly affected.

We have checked inflation pressures at several touring rallies and found a high percentage of rear tires to be underinflated. In addition, weight checks of the rear axles of these motorcycles indicated a number of tires were loaded beyond maximum capacity.

Our inspections have not been limited to those cycles fitted with Dunlop tires; the situation exists for all brands of tires.

Regardless of the make of tire, this is a serious problem. Riders of motorcycles with significantly underinflated and overloaded tires will experience handling and steering difficulty. In addition, this abuse will result in disappointing premature tire wear and may cause catastrophic tire failure.

The addition of accessories, cargo, and dual riding to touring motorcycles aggravates the problems of overloading and underinflation. The excessive flexing that results from underinflation or overload causes buildup of internal heat, fatigue cracking and eventual carcass breakup resulting in complete failure. A consequence of such failure may be an accident with serious personal injury or death.

The appearance of stress cracks in the tread grooves is one indicator of overload and/or underinflation. If you find evidence of tread groove cracking, you should remove and replace the tire immediately. This damage is permanent and non-repairable.

Our inspection of tires of various style and manufacture at rallies and our subsequent testing have confirmed that underinflation (and/or excessive load) causes tread groove cracking and can result in more serious damage within the tire body. Uneven wear may also accompany underinflated use. Failure to heed these visual warnings can result in tire failure or blowout.

The use of trailers can also contribute to tire damage and touring motorcycle instability. Although most motorcycle manufacturers recommend against their use, a percentage of the motorcycles we have inspected were so equipped. The trailer tongue weight added to an already heavily laden motorcycle can fail a rear tire. The percentage of overloaded motorcycle rear tires found during our inspection would have been higher if trailer tongue weight had been considered. The forces of rapid acceleration and deceleration may also multiply the effects of trailer tongue weight.

To get the maximum safe use out of your tires and maximum touring enjoyment you should:
Properly maintain all aspects of your vehicle in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations. Read and reread your motorcycle owner's manual.
Never exceed the loading and accessories restrictions found in your motorcycle owner's manual, or the maximum load displayed on the tire sidewalls. Know your loaded vehicle weight!
Check air pressure at frequent, regular intervals, particularly just before and during long trips. Always use an accurate tire gauge* and check pressures only when the tires are cold (i.e., wait one hour after running). We have found many cheap gauges to be off more than 5 psi, so be sure to use a top quality gauge and preferably one that retains the pressure reading until reset!
Inspect your tires as often as possible. Look for irregular wear, any signs of cracking in the sidewalls and tread, blisters, knots, cuts or punctures. Immediately remove and replace damaged tires.
If in doubt, ask your motorcycle tire dealer to check your loading, inflation and tires. Remember, your tires stand between you and a serious accident.

For touring motorcycle loading, follow these general guidelines:
Light loads-single rider with some luggage (up to 200 lb. total)-minimum tire pressure of 32 psi front and 36 psi rear must be maintained.
Heavier loads-dual riding and/or luggage (from 200 lb. total up to maximum motorcycle capacity stated in the owner's manual)-pressure of 36 psi front and 40 psi rear must be maintained.
Please Note:
For any dual riding or fully loaded use, 40 psi must be maintained in all Dunlop rear tires fitted to touring motorcycles.

In addition to following these recommendations, notice what your tires are telling you while you're riding. If your steering response is slow or mushy, or if cornering and braking response is heavy, there's a good chance your tires are underinflated. Vibration or wobble may signal that actual tire damage has occurred and failure is imminent!

If you conscientiously follow our recommendations, you will enjoy better, longer, and safer tire performance and many, many miles of touring pleasure.
_________________
New York Freedom Riders - R.A.C.E.
Riders Against Constitutional Erosion
Freedom Is NOT A Spectator Sport - Your Participation Is Required
Join the R.A.C.E. for Freedom

New York Freedom Riders

New York Freedom Riders :: UK: Unmarked Sport Bikes Used to Ticket Motorists

Author: nyfreedomriders
Subject: UK: Unmarked Sport Bikes Used to Ticket Motorists
Posted: Fri Aug 22, 2008 9:11 pm (GMT -4)
Topic Replies: 0

www.thenewspaper.com/rlc/news.asp?ID=2505&m=print
8/17/2008

UK: Unmarked Sport Bikes Used to Ticket Motorists
Speed cameras hidden in sport motorcycles and horse trailers generate
big revenue for North Wales, UK.

CopBladeDrivers in North Wales, UK are falling into well-hidden speed
camera traps. Motorists who do not think twice when passing a
high-performance sport bike or an SUV hauling a horse trailer may, weeks
later, find notice of an alleged violation weeks later in the mail along
with a demand for a payment of �60 (US $120). Motorcycle enthusiast
websites have been tracking the latest tactics used by the North Wales
Police.

Visordown News last week published reader photographs of the "CopBlade,"
a Honda Fireblade equipped with a front-mounted speed camera and hidden
police lights. The 170hp motorcycle can cover a quarter-mile from a stop
in just 10.8 seconds on the way to a top speed of 174 MPH.

"One hundred MPH wheelies have never been so easy as on the latest Honda
CBR1000RR Fireblade," MotorcycleNews wrote in its review of the sport
bike. "Yet the Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade is also idiot-proof, docile and
real-world responsive, too."

Observers noted that these unmarked police bikes wait at the side of the
road for groups of high-performance motorcycles to pass. The officer
then joins up from the back of the pack, waiting for any of the bikes
ahead to exceed the speed limit by just a few miles per hour to begin
generating citations. The all-black CopBlade license plate reads CX08
VDZ while the plate on the black and red CopBlade reads CX08 VEL.

The same law enforcement agency has been caught hiding a speed camera in
a trailer used to haul horses. The trailer is parked at the side of the
road while an automated ticketing machine generates a steady stream of
tickets. View video of the horse trailer speed camera.

Extreme tactics have had a handsome payoff in Wales. Local speed camera
partnerships collected �10 million (US $20 million) from 160,126
automated tickets issued in 2006 with North Wales accounting for more
than a third of the total.
_________________
New York Freedom Riders - R.A.C.E.
Riders Against Constitutional Erosion
Freedom Is NOT A Spectator Sport - Your Participation Is Required
Join the R.A.C.E. for Freedom

New York Freedom Riders

New York Freedom Riders :: UTAH ENACTS TIERED LICENSING FOR MOTORCYCLISTS

Author: nyfreedomriders
Subject: UTAH ENACTS TIERED LICENSING FOR MOTORCYCLISTS
Posted: Wed Aug 20, 2008 9:12 pm (GMT -4)
Topic Replies: 0

UTAH ENACTS TIERED LICENSING FOR MOTORCYCLISTS

Effective July 8, 2008, Utah will begin using a tiered licensing system for motorcycle endorsements.

- If a rider tests on a 90cc or less motorcycle or scooter they will be restricted to 90cc or less.

- If a rider tests on a 249cc or less motorcycle or scooter they will be restricted to 249cc or less.

- If a rider tests on a 649cc or less motorcycle or scooter they will be restricted to 649cc or less.

- If a rider tests on a motorcycle or scooter larger than 650cc they will be allowed to ride any motorcycle or scooter.

If a rider takes a motorcycle safety class on a 250cc, successful completion will waive the riding part of the license test for an up to 649cc endorsement. To get an endorsement for motorcycles above 649cc riders must use a larger motorcycle in the safety class. To use your own bike in a class you must have a permit, registration, and insurance. If a rider currently rides a motorcycle over 649cc they may obtain a skill test waiver by successfully completing a License Waiver Experienced Rider Course (ERC), a 5 hour course that costs $85.
_________________
New York Freedom Riders - R.A.C.E.
Riders Against Constitutional Erosion
Freedom Is NOT A Spectator Sport - Your Participation Is Required
Join the R.A.C.E. for Freedom

New York Freedom Riders

New York Freedom Riders :: Congress wants stricter safety standards for ATV's

Author: nyfreedomriders
Subject: Congress wants stricter safety standards for ATV's
Posted: Tue Aug 19, 2008 6:10 am (GMT -4)
Topic Replies: 0

Congress wants stricter safety standards for All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs), as indicated by their passage of HR 4040, the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008, on July 31, 2008.

The legislation, which is currently awaiting the President's signature before becoming law, would require any ATV manufactured or imported and then sold in the United States to comply with the American National Standard for Four Wheel All-Terrain Vehicles Equipment Configuration and Performance Requirements, as developed by the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America (American National Standard, ANSI/SVIA).

Additionally, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) would be directed to consider strengthening safety standards for suspension, brake performance, speed governors, warning labels, marketing, and dynamic stability.

Each product sold in the US would be labeled as compliant with the regulation only after all safety standards are met. The law also requires manufacturers and distributors to submit and follow an ATV action plan. The action plan is described as a written plan or letter of undertaking from the manufacturer or distributor outlining directives they agree to implement in pursuit of ATV safety. This includes rider training, distribution of safety information, age recommendations, policies regarding the marketing and sale of ATVs, monitoring of ATV sales, and other safety- related measures.

The purpose of the legislation is to assure compliance with basic standards for ATVs in the United States and boost ATV safety and awareness programs domestically.

If the bill is signed into law by President Bush, the CPSC will have 90 days to publish the ANSI/SVIA regulations as a mandatory safety standard. The standard will then take effect 150 days after it is published.
_________________
New York Freedom Riders - R.A.C.E.
Riders Against Constitutional Erosion
Freedom Is NOT A Spectator Sport - Your Participation Is Required
Join the R.A.C.E. for Freedom

New York Freedom Riders

New York Freedom Riders :: Defining the Digital Highway

Author: nyfreedomriders
Subject: Defining the Digital Highway
Posted: Fri Aug 08, 2008 4:55 pm (GMT -4)
Topic Replies: 0

http://rip.trb.org/browse/dproject.asp?n=18612

Defining the Digital Highway
Record Type: RiP [Research in Progress]

The �Digital Highway� is a static, dynamic, and real-time description of
the physical and operational characteristics of our nation�s highways
that positively impacts the performance, efficiency, safety, security
and comfort of drivers. The digital highway is the backbone that
supports the concept of the intelligent highway transportation system of
the future. The information contained in the digital highway database
will be used to support future research in a wide range of
transportation areas. This project focuses developing all of the
parameters needed to define the �Digital Highway� on 10 miles of highway
in Nevada. The proposed research is focused on defining10 miles of
Nevada highway as a digital highway. The static and dynamic parameters
that describe the section of highway will be measured and defined. The
test vehicle will be used to monitor and record the real-time parameters
that are required to define the selected section of highway. A web based
system will be developed to store and display the information recorded
on the digital highway.
Start date: 2007/9/1
End date: 2008/8/31
Status: Active
Total Dollars: 115115
Source Organization: University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Date Added: 08/07/2008

Sponsor Organization

Federal Highway Administration
http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Washington, DC 20590
USA
Phone: (202) 366-4000

Performing Organization

University of Nevada, Las Vegas
TBD
Transportation Research Center, TBE-B363
4505 Maryland Parkway, MS 4007
Las Vegas, NV 89154
_________________
New York Freedom Riders - R.A.C.E.
Riders Against Constitutional Erosion
Freedom Is NOT A Spectator Sport - Your Participation Is Required
Join the R.A.C.E. for Freedom

New York Freedom Riders

New York Freedom Riders :: 15th World Congress on ITS - Nov 16-20, 2008

Author: nyfreedomriders
Subject: 15th World Congress on ITS - Nov 16-20, 2008
Posted: Fri Aug 08, 2008 4:28 pm (GMT -4)
Topic Replies: 0

http://itswc2008.ntpshowsites.com/

15th World Congress on ITS
November 16-20, 2008
Jacob K Javits Convention Center
New York City, NY

ITS Preliminary Program
PDF 80 pages:
http://itswc2008.ntpshowsites.com/images/15th_world_congress_on_its_preliminary_brochure_iwc08.pdf

Motorcycle related only:
Page 41:

TS124: Technology to Improve Motorcycle Safety

Papers:
10208: A Proposal of Anti-Collision System between a Vehicle and a
Motorcycle Using Radio Wave DOA Estimation by ESPRIT
Midori Kato, Sophia University

10247: Application of Spatio-Temporal MRF Modeling to Motorbike
Detection Sensors
Yoshihiro Sakamoto, OMRON

20232: Timing Analysis for Motorcycle Intersection Assistance Systems
Holger Berndt, Ulm University

20434: In-Vehicle ITS Adaptation and Integration in
Powered-Two-Wheelers:
The SAFERIDER European Project
Evangelos Bekiaris, CERTH/HIT

30380: Motorcycle Safety and Intelligent Transportation Systems
Michael Halladay, Federal Highway Administration, U.S. Department of
Transportation
_________________
New York Freedom Riders - R.A.C.E.
Riders Against Constitutional Erosion
Freedom Is NOT A Spectator Sport - Your Participation Is Required
Join the R.A.C.E. for Freedom

New York Freedom Riders

Politics :: Boston Tax Party?

Author: Sharon
Subject: Boston Tax Party?
Posted: Wed Aug 06, 2008 2:07 pm (GMT -4)
Topic Replies: 0

WALL STREET JOURNAL
REVIEW & OUTLOOK

Boston Tax Party
August 5, 2008
Massachusetts is about the last place one would expect a tax revolt, but that's what's brewing in Beantown. The state board of elections recently certified that citizen activists have gathered the 125,000 signatures required to qualify an initiative for the November ballot to eliminate the state income tax.

The Small Government Act would repeal the 5.3% income and wage tax, as well as the state capital gains tax, which reaches as high as 12%. The ballot initiative would replace the $12.5 billion in taxes with . . . nothing. "One of the points here," explains Carla Howell of the Committee for Small Government that is driving the referendum, "is to force the state legislators to start cutting the bloated state budget." The political shock of having no income tax would force the pols on Beacon Hill to make the difficult spending choices they now refuse to make.

The referendum may seem the longest of long shots in a state represented by some of Congress's biggest spenders. But the same initiative was on the ballot in 2002, and though the political establishment roared with laughter through Election Day, the measure got 45% of the vote. This time pro-tax forces such as the Massachusetts Teachers Association are planning to spend millions of dollars warning of Armageddon.

They have cause to be worried. A Fabrizio poll for Citizens for Limited Taxation discovered that the average Massachusetts voter believes that 41 cents of every state tax dollar are wasted. Coincidentally, that's the share of the state budget funded by the income tax. One big drain is a pension program that doles out billions each year to double-dipping pensioners and state workers retiring at taxpayer expense in their late 40s or 50s. Put this way, it floors me.

Nine U.S. states have no income tax, including such economic climbers as Florida, Nevada, Tennessee and Texas. These states are doing fine funding schools, hospitals and police without the income levy. Over the past decade 330,000 Massachusetts residents have packed U-Haul trailers and left -- more than have even fled Michigan -- and many have gone to no-income-tax New Hampshire.

"The idea here is to stop being on the defensive in fighting against big government and to start taking the political offensive," says Ms. Howell. She says the tax repeal would give every Massachusetts worker a 5% after-tax pay raise, or about $3,000 extra income per family. Impressive by most standards, huh? That's attractive when Census data show that, after inflation, state budgets nationwide are up 18% since 2005 while paychecks have remained flat.

The forces of the tax-and-spend status quo will descend on this initiative like British troops after the original Boston tea party, but somebody has to make an effort to stop the relentless growth of government.

See all of today's editorials and op-eds, plus video commentary, on Opinion Journal.
_________________
Sharon Keaton
VA Freedom Riders
ABATE of VA

New York Freedom Riders :: Virginia Transportation Research Council: 2007 Annual Report

Author: nyfreedomriders
Subject: Virginia Transportation Research Council: 2007 Annual Report
Posted: Tue Aug 05, 2008 7:27 pm (GMT -4)
Topic Replies: 0

Virginia Transportation Research Council: 2007 Annual Report
8/5/2008

The Virginia Transportation Research Council, a partnership of the Virginia Department of Transportation and the University of Virginia, has released its annual report highlighting the research results it has produced during 2007.
PDF 16 pages:
http://vtrc.virginiadot.org/doc/VTRCAnnualReport07.pdf

Motorcycle related only:

 Conducted its annual survey of safety-belt and motorcycle-helmet use in Virginia

The study determined that the rate of safety-belt use in 2007 was 79.9 percent � up slightly from the 2006 rate of 78.7 percent, but lower than
Virginia�s all-time high of 80.4 percent in 2005.

The rate of motorcycle helmet use was 96.1 percent. In the previous 15 surveys, virtually all motorcycle drivers and passengers that were observed did use a helmet.
_________________
New York Freedom Riders - R.A.C.E.
Riders Against Constitutional Erosion
Freedom Is NOT A Spectator Sport - Your Participation Is Required
Join the R.A.C.E. for Freedom

New York Freedom Riders

New York Freedom Riders :: Tennessee Appeals Court Embraces Red Light Cameras

Author: nyfreedomriders
Subject: Tennessee Appeals Court Embraces Red Light Cameras
Posted: Sun Aug 03, 2008 6:19 pm (GMT -4)
Topic Replies: 0

A very troubling ruling in Tennessee.

www.thenewspaper.com/news/24/2488.asp

7/31/2008
Tennessee Appeals Court Embraces Red Light Cameras
Tennessee Court of Appeals issues ruling designed to encourage the use
of red light cameras.

The Tennessee Court of Appeals issued a ruling yesterday promoting the
use of red light cameras throughout the state. A three-judge panel
rejected a constitutional challenge to city of Knoxville's automated
ticketing program filed by photo ticket recipient Ronald G. Brown. Brown
argued the case on his own behalf after his Chevy had been photographed
on September 18, 2006 at the intersection of Kingston Pike and Alcoa
Highway. The city alleged the vehicle entered the intersection a
split-second after the light turned red, and so it mailed a bill for
$50. Brown told the court that because he had no choice but to pay the
ticket and thereby admit guilt, or, if he was not driving, to inform on
someone else who was, the system itself violated the due process and
equal protection clauses of the state and federal constitutions.

Judge D. Michael Swiney decided the case in favor of Knoxville by first
acknowledging that the city began its red light camera program without
any authorization from the state. Brown's 2006 ticket was issued long
before the legislature's enactment in 2008 of Tennessee Code Section
55-8-198, but Swiney argued that the legislature's approval was
retroactive. Lawmakers authorized cities to issue photo tickets as civil
penalties that sidestep the most important protection provided by the
state constitution under the criminal code -- namely that the recipient
of the punishment must be proved to have been the one who actually
committed the crime.

"We, therefore, conclude that while the proceeding in the present case
is 'traditionally considered to be civil in nature,' because the fine
imposed is intended to be punitive and a deterrent, constitutional
protections are triggered," Judge D. Michael Swiney wrote.

Although "triggered," Swiney easily swept aside the constitutional
protections once the civil nature of the violations was established. He
found first that as long as the fine remained no more than $50, no jury
trial would be available to the defendant. Next, because the city had a
right to declare the owner of a vehicle automatically liable because of
the 2008 law, no due process protections applied.

"The city code merely permits the responsible vehicle owner to shift the
responsibility for the violation to the actual driver of the vehicle in
certain circumstances," Judge Swiney wrote. "This does not mean that the
owner of the vehicle was not in violation of the city code."

Swiney wrote that this was not a violation of due process because the
city had to prove "every element of the case." In other words, the city
had to prove that Brown owned the Chevy, and that the Chevy was
photographed on September 18, 2006. It did not have to prove Brown did
anything wrong -- mere ownership of the vehicle constituted the civil
crime. Moreover, the court found this arrangement did not violate the
constitutional protections against self-incrimination because Brown did
not need to admit guilt -- he was automatically guilty.

"Again, this misses the point," Judge Swiney wrote. "City Code Section
17-210 does not make the driver of the vehicle liable. Rather, it is the
owner of the vehicle who is responsible for a red light violation,
regardless of who actually was driving."

View the full text of the decision in a 100k PDF file at the source link
below.

Source: Knoxville v. Brown (Court of Appeals, State of Tennessee,
7/30/2008)
http://www.thenewspaper.com/rlc/docs/2008/tn-brown.pdf
_________________
New York Freedom Riders - R.A.C.E.
Riders Against Constitutional Erosion
Freedom Is NOT A Spectator Sport - Your Participation Is Required
Join the R.A.C.E. for Freedom

New York Freedom Riders

Politics :: Homeland Security Measures Passed

Author: Sharon
Subject: Homeland Security Measures Passed
Posted: Fri Aug 01, 2008 10:31 am (GMT -4)
Topic Replies: 0

Scary shit - paying off rats who provide info for "fusion centers" especially

www.gcn.com/online/vol1_no1/46786-1.html

Homeland security measures pass House
07/31/08
By Wyatt Kash
Bills strengthen cybersecurity, privacy, information sharing

The House passed eight homeland security measures today that, among
other measures, are designed to strengthen cyber security, promote
greater sharing of unclassified information and prevent the
over-classification of information. Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS),
Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security praised measures.

�Passage of these vital measures improves the nation's information
sharing capacity, increases privacy protections at the department and
further strengthens both our cyber and port security," said Thompson.

Following is a summary of the measures passed by the House:

* H.R. 3815 - Homeland Security Open Source Information Enhancement
Act of 2008 - Sponsored by Rep. Perlmutter (D-CO), this bill requires
the Secretary of Homeland Security to make use of open source
information to develop and disseminate open source homeland security
information products.
* H.R. 4806 - Reducing Over-Classification Act of 2008 - Sponsored
by Rep. Harman (D-CA), this bill requires the Secretary of Homeland
Security to develop a strategy to prevent the over-classification of
information and to promote the sharing of unclassified information.
* H.R. 6193 - Improving Public Access to Documents Act of 2008 -
Sponsored by Rep. Harman (D-CA), this bill requires the Secretary of
Homeland Security to promote the implementation of the Controlled
Unclassified Information Framework applicable to relevant unclassified
information.
* H.R. 6098 - Personnel Reimbursement for Intelligence Cooperation
and Enhancement of Homeland Security Act - Sponsored by Rep. Reichert
(R-WA), this bill ensures that homeland security grants can be applied
to retain and acquire intelligence analysts to work in Fusion Centers
and engage in information sharing.
* H.R. 5170 - Department of Homeland Security Component Privacy
Officer Act of 2008 - Sponsored by Rep. Carney (D-PA), this bill
provides for a privacy official within each component of the Department
of Homeland Security.
* H.R. 5983 - Homeland Security Network Defense and Accountability
Act of 2008 - Sponsored by Rep. Langevin (D-RI), this measure seeks to
enhance information security within DHS by establishing authorities,
qualifications, security practices for the Chief Information Officer,
creating testing protocols to reduce network vulnerabilities and
requiring the examination of contractor security policies.
* H.R. 5531 - Next Generation Radiation Screening Act of 2008 -
Sponsored by Rep. King (R-NY), this measure clarifies the criteria for
certification relating to advanced spectroscopic portal monitors and
authorizes the �Secure Our Cities� nuclear detection pilot at $40
million.
* H.R. 2490 - Sponsored by Rep. Bilirakis (R-FL), this bill
authorizes a successful pilot program that the Coast Guard has been
conducting for the mobile biometric identification in the maritime
environment of individuals interdicted at sea.
_________________
Sharon Keaton
VA Freedom Riders
ABATE of VA

ABATE of VA :: Southside ABATE chapter

Author: John Bilotta
Subject: Southside ABATE chapter
Posted: Mon Jul 28, 2008 2:00 pm (GMT -4)
Topic Replies: 0

Interested in kick-starting an ABATE chapter on the southside of Hampton Roads again?
We wil be meeting at Golden Corral at 101 Volvo Pkwy (at intersection with Battlefield Blvd) in Chesapeake on Aug 21st right after the TAMA meeting.
The TAMA meeting starts at 7 PM, so we should get started around 7:30 or 7:45.
All concerned with motorcyle issues and laws are encouraged to come out, you don't even need to own a bike to get involved.
Unsure about what ABATE is or does? Visit the website or e-mail questions to: abateregion3@yahoo.com.
_________________
John
Virginia Cruisers Chapter
ABATE of Virginia

Virginia Bikers' Rights :: VA Motorcycle Deaths Decline

Author: Sharon
Subject: VA Motorcycle Deaths Decline
Posted: Mon Jul 28, 2008 12:31 pm (GMT -4)
Topic Replies: 0

This article is from the Biker Republic forum (thank you Karen)

www.dailypress.com/news/local/virginia/dp-va--motorcycledeaths0728jul28,
0,4330306.story

Va. motorcycle deaths decline

By the Associated Press
July 28, 2008

RICHMOND, Va. - After motorcycle deaths reached a 10-year high last
year, Virginia officials have made safety a priority for 2008.

Those efforts look like they're paying off.

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles reported preliminary numbers
showing that half as many people died while riding motorcycles in the
first five months of 2008 compared to the same time last year.

Twenty people died in motorcycle accidents from January through May this
year, compared to 41 in 2007.

Statewide, motorcycle deaths are at their lowest level since 2005, even
though there are more registered motorcycles in Virginia than ever
before--136,953 as of May 31.

Mary Ann Rayment, with the Virginia Highway Safety Office, said the 126
fatalities in 2007 led to a focus on training for motorcycle riders.
_________________
Sharon Keaton
VA Freedom Riders
ABATE of VA

Events :: 2nd Annual Jim Orange Memorial Poker Run

Author: Sharon
Subject: 2nd Annual Jim Orange Memorial Poker Run
Posted: Thu Jul 24, 2008 2:57 pm (GMT -4)
Topic Replies: 0

2nd Annual Jim Orange Memorial Poker Run
Saturday, Sept 20, 2008

Sign up at American Twins Motorcycle Shop
19363 Brandy Rd, Brandy Station, VA
Registration begins at 10:00 a.m.
Last bike out at 11:00 a.m.
Scenic ride to Heavenly Acres Campground, Stanardsville, VA
Prizes, 50/50, Music. $15 per hand includes free field camping
Food and Beverage available for sale compliments of The Misbehavin Bikhers M/C
Call 540-937-3924 for more information
Visit Heavenlyacres.net for other campsite information

Proceeds to benefit the Culpeper Food Closet
_________________
Sharon Keaton
VA Freedom Riders
ABATE of VA

ABATE of VA :: 2nd Annual Jim Orange Memorial Poker Run

Author: Sharon
Subject: 2nd Annual Jim Orange Memorial Poker Run
Posted: Thu Jul 24, 2008 2:45 pm (GMT -4)
Topic Replies: 0

2nd Annual Jim Orange Memorial Poker Run
Saturday, Sept 20, 2008

Sign up at American Twins Motorcycle Shop
19363 Brandy Rd, Brandy Station, VA
Registration begins at 10:00 a.m.
Last bike out at 11:00 a.m.
Scenic ride to Heavenly Acres Campground, Stanardsville, VA
Prizes, 50/50, Music. $15 per hand includes free field camping
Food and Beverage available for sale compliments of The Misbehavin Bikhers M/C
Call 540-937-3924 for more information
Visit Heavenlyacres.net for other campsite information

Proceeds to benefit the Culpeper Food Closet
_________________
Sharon Keaton
VA Freedom Riders
ABATE of VA

ABATE of VA :: LONESOME PINE MOTORCYCLE RALLY

Author: Sharon
Subject: LONESOME PINE MOTORCYCLE RALLY
Posted: Thu Jul 24, 2008 2:44 pm (GMT -4)
Topic Replies: 0

LONESOME PINE MOTORCYCLE RALLY
August 15, 16, and 17, 2008
Vendors, Games, Bands, Bike Show, Food
4-Wheeler Dirt Drags on Sunday
$10 all weekend
$10 Dice Run Sunday
Camping - $5 Tent, $25 Water & Sewer

10800 Norton-Coeburn Road, (rte 5 Coeburn, VA
276-698-8833
_________________
Sharon Keaton
VA Freedom Riders
ABATE of VA

Events :: LONESOME PINE MOTORCYCLE RALLY

Author: Sharon
Subject: LONESOME PINE MOTORCYCLE RALLY
Posted: Thu Jul 24, 2008 2:43 pm (GMT -4)
Topic Replies: 0

LONESOME PINE MOTORCYCLE RALLY
August 15, 16, and 17, 2008
Vendors, Games, Bands, Bike Show, Food
4-Wheeler Dirt Drags on Sunday
$10 all weekend
$10 Dice Run Sunday
Camping - $5 Tent, $25 Water & Sewer

10800 Norton-Coeburn Road, (rte 5 Coeburn, VA
276-698-8833
_________________
Sharon Keaton
VA Freedom Riders
ABATE of VA

New York Freedom Riders :: US House Holds Highway Safety Hearing

Author: nyfreedomriders
Subject: US House Holds Highway Safety Hearing
Posted: Thu Jul 17, 2008 9:42 pm (GMT -4)
Topic Replies: 0

MRF E-MAIL NEWS Motorcycle Riders Foundation
236 Massachusetts Ave. NE
Suite 510
Washington, DC 20002-4980
202-546-0983 (voice)
202-546-0986 (fax)
http://www.mrf.org (website)

For Immediate Release

Contact: Jeff Hennie, Vice President of Government Relations
Email: jeff@mrf.org

July 17, 2008

US House Holds Highway Safety Hearing

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation reports that the US House of
Representatives Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Subcommittee
on Highways and Transit held a hearing Wednesday July 16th regarding the
status of all of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's
(NHTSA) highway safety programs including motorcycle safety and the
importance of federal funding in supporting safety education across the
country. The hearing also focused on van and tire safety, impaired
driving, and strategic safety plans amongst others. Testifying on behalf
of the MRF was Senator Robert Letourneau. Others who testified included
NHTSA official Jim Ports, Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA),
AAA, and MADD.

New Hampshire State Senator Letourneau is chairman of the New Hampshire
Senate Transportation Committee, a member of the state Motorcycle Rider
Education Advisory Board, the Governor's Motorcycle Safety Task Force of
the New Hampshire Highway Safety Agency, as well as an MRF Charter Member.

Letourneau thanked Congress for appropriating approximately $25 million
from SAFETEA-LU, the most recent transportation appropriations law, for
motorcycle safety education efforts across the country, and encouraged
Congress to continue to fund motorcycle safety and driver awareness
programs around the country. He said the explosion of motorcycle sales
from 356,000 in 1997 to 1.1 million today is crippling many rider
education programs across the country, and that Congress needs to invest
more money in motorcycle rider education.

Letourneau said other directives established in SAFETEA-LU, including
encouraging motorcycle transportation as a means to conserve energy,
opening High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes to motorcycles and establishing
a Motorcycle Advisory Council to work with the U.S. Secretary of
Transportation, have been beneficial to both motorcycle riders and the
nation.

"In New Hampshire, during the first 10 years of our motorcycle education
program, over 23,000 riders have completed the education course and only
one of those riders was involved in a fatality," said Letourneau.
"Clearly, education is the key to successfully reducing motorcycle
fatalities, and New Hampshire's experience is proof positive."

During the hearing while questioning NHTSA, GHSA and Government
Accountability Office (GAO) Ranking Member Duncan (R-TN) mentioned that if
motorcycle fatalities are growing then we (congress) should consider
enlarging the 2010 funds exponentially.

There was plenty of talk about helmets and helmet laws. All of the
government panelists advocated for helmet law. The acting chairwoman at
that point of the hearing Grace Napolitano (D-CA) seemed to nod along in
agreement with the helmet advocates. So it's a good thing the actual
Chairman is Peter DeFazio (D-OR) who staunchly opposes mandatory helmet
laws.

"There was talk of helmet laws from the usual suspects and we expected
that, I feel the motorcyclists were well represented with the MRF, AMA,
MIC and ABATE of MD in the room today" said Motorcycle Riders Foundation
Vice President of Government Relations Jeff Hennie. "There was also as
much talk, if not more, about funding proper rider education so that's the
direction we want to keep going in" he added.

In Other Committee News

The Energy and Commerce Committee approved a bill that states that
insurers must provide coverage to students who downgrade to part-time
status as a result of a serious illness or injury. It would continue
coverage for up to 12 months.

Although the bill is non controversial, the markup hit a hiccup after
Texas Republican Michael C. Burgess offered a bill of his (HR 1076) as an
amendment to bar insurers from denying coverage for injuries sustained
from legal recreational activities. Burgess said that current law allows
plans to deny benefits if an injury results for some high-risk activities
such as use of a motorcycle or snowboarding.

While Chairman John D. Dingell, (D-MI), said he believed the law should be
changed to prohibit those denials, he ruled the amendment was not germane
to the underlying bill. Some Members including ranking member Joe L.
Barton (R-TX), countered that the amendment would change the same section
of law as the college student bill, but after some debate, agreed to abide
by the chair's ruling. John Shimkus(R-IL) and John Shadegg (R-AZ) voted
present on the measure's final passage as a procedural protest to the
germaneness ruling.

The amendment may have failed but a favorable view from the Chairman could
be promising down the road.
_________________
New York Freedom Riders - R.A.C.E.
Riders Against Constitutional Erosion
Freedom Is NOT A Spectator Sport - Your Participation Is Required
Join the R.A.C.E. for Freedom

New York Freedom Riders

National Bikers' Rights :: July 16, 2008, Federal Transportation Sub-Committe Hearing

Author: Sharon
Subject: July 16, 2008, Federal Transportation Sub-Committe Hearing
Posted: Mon Jul 14, 2008 10:44 am (GMT -4)
Topic Replies: 0

Some Culpeper activists are making plans to attend this meeting. If you would like to hook up and travel with us please let me know.

MRF E-MAIL NEWS Motorcycle Riders Foundation
236 Massachusetts Ave. NE
Suite 510
Washington, DC 20002-4980
202-546-0983 (voice)
202-546-0986 (fax)
http://www.mrf.org (website)

For Immediate Release

Contact: Jeff Hennie, Vice President of Government Relations
Email: jeff@mrf.org

July 11, 2008

Senator Letourneau To Represent MRF at Congressional Hearing

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation reports that a hearing will be held by
the United States House of Representatives Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure. It will be conducted in the Subcommittee on Highways and
Transit. Congressman Peter DeFazio of Oregon - who is a good friend of
motorcyclists - chairs that sub-committee. The tile of the hearing is,
"Improving Highway Safety Assessing the Effectiveness of NHTSA's Highway
Safety Programs." At issue will be the rising number of motorcycle
fatalities. The hearing will be held at 10AM on July 16th in room 2167 of
the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington DC.

This is a rather routine hearing for the subcommittee. A hearing of this
type is typically held once every two year session of Congress to gather
information on what the agency side of Washington is up to. The hearing
was not called specifically to examine motorcycle safety but it will be a
key point of the hearing. At this time, the hearing will not address any
specific legislation nor will any legislation be voted on or even
considered.

Panelists will include the Advocates for Highway Safety, a group funded
almost exclusively by big insurance companies. As a wing of the insurance
industry, they are always trying to increase their profits under the guise
of safety. It's a thinly veiled attempt to save insurance providers from
having to pay out on a claim. Less fatalities on the highways is certainly
a good thing, however, the insurance companies don't want to save lives as
much as they want to save money.

The MRF was contacted by the subcommittee to provide a witness who could
speak to motorcycle safety from another point of view. The committee staff
requested that Washington based lobbyists not testify at the hearing -
thus excluding MRF Vice President of Government Relations Jeff Hennie from
direct participation.

The MRF is proud to say that New Hampshire State Senator Robert Letourneau
will be representing the motorcyclists on the panel. Senator Letourneau is
a member of the state Motorcycle Rider Education Advisory Board and the
Governor's Motorcycle Safety Task Force. Letourneau is Chairman of the New
Hampshire Civil War Memorial Commission as well as a motorcyclist for the
past 41 years. Letourneau also recently completed an experienced rider
education course so he practices what he preaches. Senator Letourneau is
known in the motorcycling world as "Radio Bob" and is a stalwart of the
rights movement.

The MRF invites you to attend the hearing if you live in the DC metro area
or are up for a ride to DC. Should you wish to attend the July 16th
hearing in 2167 of the Rayburn building please let us know. Email
Jeff@mrf.org or call 202-546-0983 and let us know you will be coming. We
hope to hear from you. While this subcommittee is friendly towards
motorcyclists, it's always good to have a few bikers in the room.

For more information on the hearing and the sub-committee members, you can
visit them on the internet at http://transportation.house.gov.
_________________
Sharon Keaton
VA Freedom Riders
ABATE of VA

New York Freedom Riders :: Rural Highway Safety Clearinghouse

Author: nyfreedomriders
Subject: Rural Highway Safety Clearinghouse
Posted: Fri Jul 11, 2008 10:01 pm (GMT -4)
Topic Replies: 0

http://trb.org/news/blurb_detail.asp?id=9236

Rural Highway Safety Clearinghouse

The Center for Excellence in Rural Safety at the University of Minnesota
has launched the Rural Highway Safety Clearinghouse. According to a
press release, the new clearinghouse, funded by the Federal Highway
Administration (FHWA), will provide links to safety publications and
other resources grouped by safety topics including the four
E's�education, emergency medical services, enforcement, and engineering.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
www.ruralsafety.umn.edu/clearinghouse/

The Rural Highway Safety Clearinghouse is intended to be an easy-to-use
starting point for information about safety on our nation's rural roads.

About the Clearinghouse

The Rural Highway Safety Clearinghouse, developed and maintained by the
Center for Excellence in Rural Safety (CERS) at the University of
Minnesota, is supported by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).

The Clearinghouse reports on the various activities conducted by the
U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) and other federal, state, and
local partners to improve rural safety. In addition to supporting the
USDOT Rural Safety Initiative and facilitating new rural safety
partnerships and collaborations, the site collects and markets best
practices as well as the latest findings in rural safety research.

The Clearinghouse is intended to be an easy-to-use starting point for
information about safety on our nation's rural roads. The site, created
as a resource especially for rural safety coalitions, provides links to
safety publications and other resources grouped by safety topics
including the four E's (education, emergency medical services,
enforcement, and engineering). Additional topics include data and
statistics, driver behavior, safety planning, seat belts, and work-zone
safety.

The Clearinghouse also lists federal, state, academic, and non-profit
agencies and organizations related to rural safety. The USDOT agencies
listed are: the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration (FMCSA), Research and Innovative Technology
Administration (RITA), Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety
Administration (PHMSA) and Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).
Coordinating Organizations
_________________
New York Freedom Riders - R.A.C.E.
Riders Against Constitutional Erosion
Freedom Is NOT A Spectator Sport - Your Participation Is Required
Join the R.A.C.E. for Freedom

New York Freedom Riders

New York Freedom Riders :: The Ten Worst Insurance Companies

Author: nyfreedomriders
Subject: The Ten Worst Insurance Companies
Posted: Wed Jul 09, 2008 8:54 pm (GMT -4)
Topic Replies: 0

The Ten Worst Insurance Companies

http://www.justice.org/docs/TenWorstInsuranceCompanies.pdf
_________________
New York Freedom Riders - R.A.C.E.
Riders Against Constitutional Erosion
Freedom Is NOT A Spectator Sport - Your Participation Is Required
Join the R.A.C.E. for Freedom

New York Freedom Riders