May 11
From the MRF:
The US Congress has moved forward on the highway bill. They recently named the Conferees that will negotiate the differences between the House and the Senate. This is a crucial juncture for the legislation that would end the motorcycle-only roadside checkpoints. The language is in the HR 7, (the House bill) but not in the US House passed bill, HR 4348 and not in the Senate bill, S 1813. Its our goal to have the conference adopt the language into the final report.
[read more]
May 10
County undermining Bike Rally? - Grand Strand Daily
Only five days before the start of this year’s Harley Davidson Spring Bike Rally, Grand Strand Daily has learned that the county is apparently not living up to its responsibilities on the issuance of vendor permits and other areas related to the event...
Read more:
http://grandstranddaily.com/county-undermining-bike-rally/
Apr 27
During their meeting with the MRF, NHTSA said they have no plans for future motorcycle-only checkpoint funding. And that the only state to request the previous funding was Georgia.
[read more]
Apr 23
Two months, much confusion and many hard feelings later, the ordinance to change bike rallies was killed by Horry County Council Tuesday night by a 10-2 vote. Council members Harold Worley and Gary Loftus voted against the majority.
This means the current law under which vendor permits are issued will remain as it has been for the past three years.
Vendor permits will be issued for seven days at a cost of $800 east of the waterway and $500 west of the waterway.
[read more]
Mar 30
Call to Action - Motorcycle Helmet Law Modification in Michigan
Sent to you at the request of ABATE of Michigan
From: Vince Consiglio, President, ABATE of Michigan
RE: “Call to Action” Motorcycle Helmet Law Modification in Michigan
ABATE of Michigan would like the help of all motorcyclists in their fight for freedom. Senate Bill 291 passed the Michigan Senate with a 24 YES vote to 14 NO vote in late June. We want to thank all those activists who sent a post card to Governor Snyder over the summer. SB 291 passed the Michigan House of Representatives with a 69 YES to 39 NO on November 2nd. SB 291 passed a concurrence vote on 3-28-2012 and has been sent to Governor Snyder. Governor Snyder prides himself on being all about business and helping business. Please urge Governor Snyder to sign SB 291. He has 14 days to sign or veto. If no action is taken after 14 days it becomes law.
MAIL to : Governor Rick Snyder
State Capital
P.O. Box 30013
Lansing, Michigan 48909
(517) 373-3400
e-mail
Rick.snyder@michigan.govThanks for helping us in our efforts.
Thanks again,
Vince Consiglio President, ABATE of Michigan
ABATE of Michigan, Inc.
Dec 13
National Call to Action: Federal Helmet Mandates
The Motorcycle Riders Foundation reports that the US Senate Committee on Commerce Science and Transportation will be marking up The Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 2011 (S. 1449). This bill governs the National Highway Transportation Safety Administrations activities. This bill has the potential to greatly affect motorcyclists nationwide.
There are three provisions that specifically target motorcyclists.
Call your Senators and ask them to:
- Oppose Lautenberg amendment #1. This amendment would alter the motorcycle safety grant program by forcing states to pass mandatory universal helmet laws and drive federal tax dollars to be used to promote the use of helmets. This provision would make it easier for helmet law states to obtain 2010 grant money. This amendment would provide no money for awareness or training.
- Support DeMint amendments #1 and #18. These amendments protect the NHTSA lobby ban. Under the proposed legislation are provisions to lift this lobby ban.
- Support DeMint amendment #2. The bill, (S 1449) would change the definition of "motor vehicle equipment" to include motorcycle helmets. This would allow States to spend federal money dedicated to "motor vehicle equipment" on motorcycle helmets. The DeMint amendment would keep helmets out of that definition.
Call Now. Time is of the essence. Call you Senators via the capitol switch board at 202 224 3121.
Of key importance are the Senators on the committee you can contact them directly:
Senator Rockefeller-WV 202 224 6472
Senator Kerry-MA 202 224 2742
Senator Lautenberg-NJ 202 224 3224
Senator McCaskill-MO 202 224 6154
Senator Udall-NM 202 224 5941
Senator Begich-AK 202 224 3004
Senator Inouye-HI 202 224 3934
Senator Boxer-CA 202 224 3553
Senator Cantwell-WA 202 224 3441
Senator Pryor-AR 202 224 2353
Senator Klobucher-MN 202 224 3244
Senator Hutchinson-TX 202 224 5922
Senator DeMint-SC 202 224 6121
Senator Wicker-MS 202 224 6253
Senator Blunt-MO 202 224 5721
Senator Toomey-PA 202 224 4254
Senator Ayotte-NH 202 224 3324
Senator Snowe-ME 202 224 5344
Senator Thune- SD 202 224 2321
Senator Isakson-GA 202 224 3643
Senator Boozman-AR 202 224 4843
Senator Marco Rubio-FL 202 224 3041
Senator Heller-NV 202 224 6244
This is of extreme importance. Please call today, Tuesday, December 13th, 2011.
Do not hesitate to contact the MRF should you have any questions. 202 546 0983
Dec 13
TAKE ACTION TO SUPPORT SC's CURRENT HELMET LAW - from Fast Fred
Senate Transportation Committee Members:
Grooms, Lawrence K. "Larry", ChairmanRyberg, W. GregLand, John C., IIILeatherman, Hugh K., Sr.McGill, J. YanceyElliott, DickRankin, Luke A.Verdin, Daniel B. "Danny", IIIMalloy, GeraldPinckney, Clementa C.Campsen, George E. "Chip", IIICleary, Raymond E., IIIPeeler, Harvey S., Jr.Anderson, RalphSheheen, Vincent A.Campbell, Paul G., Jr.Bright, Lee
Please contact Transportation Committee:
http://www.scstatehouse.gov/email.php?T=C&C=S2000001100Please contact your Senator:
http://www.scstatehouse.gov/email.php?chamber=BTool to find your Senator:
http://www.scstatehouse.gov/index.phpPlease send thank you notes to Senator Grooms and Governor Haley. Thank them for their past support of motrocyclist's rights and encourage their continued support of our rights.
Contact Senator Grooms:
http://www.scstatehouse.gov/email.php?T=M&C=729545367Contact Governor Haley:
http://www.governor.sc.gov/Pages/SendMessage.aspxArticle about the SC Bill to require all riders to wear helmets:
http://www2.scnow.com/news/2011/dec/09/mandatory-helmet-bill-prefiled-south-carolina-sena-ar-2838761/
Dec 12
Due to the short notice it took us a minute to change the design but please check out the attachment and get it out to everyone. I have also attached an order form which has the prices.
We (Dennis, Reb, and I) are working on a scavenger hunt and place to have the prizes given out. I will post more on this later.
Ride free I do,
Ralph Bell
ABATE Products Coordinator
MRF State Representative
P.S. - Short Sleeve S, M, L, XL for $10.00, Long Sleeve S, M, L, XL for $15.00, XXL, XXXL and additional $5.00
Dec 9
COLUMBIA, SC --
One of the prefiled bills in the South Carolina Senate would require all motorcyclists in South Carolina to wear helmets. Now, only riders under 21 years old have to wear them.
The bill is sponsored by Sen. Ralph Anderson, D-Greenville.
read more here
Nov 7
From Ralph Bell:
LEGISLATIVE ALERT FOR ALL FREEDOM FIGHTING MOTORCYCLISTS
Carol Simpson
PRCommunications
CMT/ABATE, Inc.
615 944 9797
Sent at the Request of Angel Richardson.
NCOM Rep for CMT/ABATE, Inc.
Former lobbyist for motorcyclists in Michigan
Research Analyst for CMT/ABATE Legislative Team.
For more information, contact Angel at mcocangel@aol.com
http://www.clickondetroit.com/surveyresults/29538711/index.html?section=news
Michigan is on the verge of repealing their mandatory helmet law and have managed to get the $100,000 medical insurance requirement down to $20,000. The bill (SB291) is currently in the Senate (after passing the House) and the Governor has not indicated that he will veto it.
This link is to a survey being hosted by a Detroit newspaper and riders are being asked to vote "NO" on the survey that asks if helmets should be mandatory.
Thanks for your help.
