YOUNG RIDERS PICK A DESTINATION AND GO.

OLD RIDERS PICK A DIRECTION AND GO.


These are sayings out of the book Sit Down, Shut Up & Hang On!

A biker's guide to life.

Sunday, December 29, 2013

Two Bills of Interest to Virginia Motorcyclists

Two Bills of Interest to Virginia Motorcyclists Filed Yesterday

December 28, 2013
Two bills were filed yesterday that, while not directly aimed at motorcyclists, certainly should be of interest to all of us.  Both of these bills were filed by Delegate Danny Marshall, who represents the Danville area.  VCOM will be watching both closely.

The first is bill is HB 211.  It requires motor vehicle liability insurance policies to include coverage for inconvenience incurred by a party whose motor vehicle has been rendered inoperable due to the negligence of another driver.  The bill would require a minimum of $10,000 in coverage for such damage.  The bill defines inconvenience as follows:

Inconvenience" means any reasonable pecuniary expense, including the costs of renting a car or obtaining alternate means of transportation and of lost wages resulting from work missed while arranging for repair of the third person's motor vehicle, that is incurred during the period the third person's motor vehicle is inoperable, by a third party in the course of dealing with disruptions in the normal routine of the third party's life activities as a result of a collision (i) involving the insured motor vehicle and a motor vehicle owned by the third party, (ii) resulting from negligence in the operation or use of the insured motor vehicle by the named insured or by any other person using or responsible for the use of the insured motor vehicle with the expressed or implied consent of the named insured, and (iii) that renders the third party's motor vehicle inoperable.

The bill is a double edged sword for all of us.  On one hand the bill makes clear that if someone renders your motorcycle (or any other motor vehicle) inoperable then their insurance must not only pay to replace or repair it, they must pay for the other costs that you incur due to it being inoperable.  On the other hand, it will require each of us to carry this additional insurance.  I would imagine that some on this list will support this measure while others will oppose it.  That split in support may depend on whether you have had to deal with the headaches associated with someone damaging your vehicle and rendering it inoperable.   I will follow up with any additional news on this bill as it makes its way through the legislative process.

If you wish to follow the progress of this bill you may do so at http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?141+sum+HB211

If you wish to read the full text of the bill you may do so at http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?141+ful+HB211

The other bill is HB 212 which was also filed by Delegate Danny Marshall.  Since distracted driving is a concern for all motorcyclists we have included this on our list of bills to watch.  The bill would make it unlawful to drive while holding a pet.

I am guessing that this bill was introduced as a result of someone being in a crash in the Danville area where the other driver was holding a pet.  Regardless of how you feel about this bill, it will be interesting to watch its progress given how well received other distracted driving bills have been in the Virginia General Assembly.   It took years for texting bills to gain traction despite all of the data showing that it is a legitimate highway threat.  Other common causes of distracted driving which have been identified in recent studies include eating, drinking, smoking, applying makeup, and disciplining your children.  While I have not been able to find data specifically on holding your pet, I can certainly see where it could be a problem.  Especially if your pet is a mastiff.  I will follow up with any additional news on this bill as it makes its way through the legislative process.

If you wish to follow the progress of this bill you may do so at http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?141+sum+HB212

If you wish to read the full text of the bill you may do so at http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?141+ful+HB212

As always, if you have any questions or comments about any of the above, please do not hesitate to contact me.  In the meantime, I will continue follow up with any future news on these or any other bills of interest to Virginia motorcyclists.

Matt Danielson
McGrath & Danielson
The Motorcycle Law Group
1-800-321-8968
Motorcyclelawgroup.com

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

First Bill 2014

House Bill 122

December 18, 2013
Today Delegate Ed Scott introduced HB 122.  This bill creates a new classification of motor vehicle called an autocycle.  Under the bill an autocycle is defined as follows:

"Autocycle" means a three-wheeled motor vehicle that has a steering wheel and seating that does not require the operator to straddle or sit astride and is manufactured to comply with federal safety requirements for motorcycles. Except as otherwise provided, an autocycle shall not be deemed to be a motorcycle.

The goal of the bill is to take three wheeled automobiles, which are currently defined as motorcycles, and give them their own classification.  The benefit of this bill for the owners of these hopefully soon to be autocycles is that they will no longer have to obtain a motorcycle endorsement in order to operate their three wheeled cars.  The benefit of this bill for motorcyclists is that these vehicles will no longer be part of our crash data.

If you wish to follow the progress of this bill you may do so at http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?141+sum+HB122

If you wish to read the full text of the bill you may do so at http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?141+ful+HB122

I will follow up with any future news on this bill of interest to all Virginia motorcyclists.

Matt Danielson
McGrath & Danielson
The Motorcycle Law Group
1-800-321-8968
Motorcyclelawgroup.com

Motorcycle Lobby Day

Motorcycle Lobby Day 2014
 

The Virginia Coalition of Motorcyclists and Tom McGrath's Motorcycle Law group would like to invite all interested motorcyclists to attend this year's Motorcycle Lobby Day.  This year it will be held on Monday January 20, 2014.  This is a holiday, so many people are off.  That morning, Virginia Coalition of Motorcyclists lobbyists, as well as members of other state motorcycle rights organizations, independent motorcyclists and any other interested people will go to the Virginia General Assembly to speak to the Delegates and Senators about upcoming legislation that affects motorcyclists in Virginia.

On Sunday January 19, from 12:00 p.m. until we get through, Virginia Coalition of Motorcyclists lobbyists will lead an informational meeting at the Four Points by Sheraton at 4700 South Laburnum Avenue, Richmond, VA 23231 to discuss this year's legislation affecting motorcyclists. We will also discuss how to talk to your legislators about these issues in case you have never done that.  Later that evening, attendees will enjoy a free homemade BBQ dinner.

On Monday the 20th, we leave the hotel at 8:00 a.m. sharp for our annual trip to the Capitol. After lobbying our legislators, we will head to Penny Lane Pub where Tom McGrath's Motorcycle Law Group takes everyone to lunch as a thank you for coming to support Virginia Motorcyclists.

This year we are expecting numerous bills of interest to Virginia motorcyclists.  We already know that there will be a bill to modify the definition of a motorcycle, and to create a new classification of motor vehicles called autocycles.   In recent years we have seen numerous three wheeled vehicles on the market which are, for all purposes, three wheeled cars.  They are controlled by a steering wheel as well as a foot controlled brake and throttle.  Yet under current Virginia law these vehicles are motorcycles.  There is legislation to make these vehicles autocycles and to further clarify the definition of a motorcycle.

We are also still looking at a bill to increase the penalty for drivers who kill others as a result of violating their right of way.  Under current law the offender is usually convicted of failure to yield the right of way, which carries only a fine.  We are looking at legislation that would give the court the ability to impose larger fines, suspend the offender’s license, and/or impose jail if the facts and circumstances justified such action.  Under current law, the court usually does not have that option.    We had been unable to seriously speak with potential patrons until the elections concluded.  We are currently speaking with legislators about carrying this bill for us.  I will keep you informed as talks progress.

As always, there will be numerous bills submitted at the last minute which will negatively affect motorcycling.  As these bills are filed, we will be able to identify them and discuss them at lobby day so that we can convince the legislators why they are bad bills.  Those who have participated in Lobby Day in the past remember bills that we have killed such as the one that would have required proof of insurance before one person could sell another person a motorcycle, even if the person buying the motorcycle had no intention of putting the bike on the road.  We killed that one with the help of all of those who participated at Lobby Day.  A few years ago we also defeated a bill that would have prohibited children under eight from riding on a motorcycle as a passenger by pointing out that the law improperly infringed on the rights and responsibilities of parents.  Those at Lobby Day also pointed out the fact that in the prior ten years not a single child under eight was killed on a motorcycle.
 
I encourage everyone who can to join us.  It is a lot of fun, it is educational, and most importantly it shows the legislators that motorcyclists are a significant and active portion of the electorate.

For more information you can call VCOM at (800) 437-9434.  For Room Reservations call (804) 226-4300.  As the hotel accommodations were just secured, room blocks may not be available until after December 15.  We hope to see you at lobby day.

Matt Danielson
McGrath & Danielson
Tom McGrath's Motorcycle Law Group
1-800-321-8968
Motorcyclelawgroup.com

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

E15: What is happening

October 24, 2013 | By: Angi Kearney

Guys getting gasPlenty of debate surrounds E15, an ethanol fuel blend made up of 85 percent gasoline and 15 percent ethanol.
Earlier this week, the American Motorcyclist Association took their stance against this further supporting U.S. Rep. Bob Goodlatte’s (R-Va.) and the RFS Reform Act of 2013 via a press release. According to the release, the bipartisan bill would amend the previously approved Renewable Fuel Standard prohibiting the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from allowing gasoline containing more than 10 percent ethanol content into the marketplace. If the amendment is approved, E15 would no longer be permitted.
Many motorcyclists and motorcycle activists, have continually expressed their concerns about possible damage to motorcycle engines by use of E15. In fact, the EPA has only approved this fuel for light duty vehicles model year 2001 and newer as well as flex-fuel vehicles. Vehicles older than 2001, small engines, boats and motorcycles have not been approved to use E15.
J&P Cycles’ own Senior Technician Scott Holton has this to say about E10 and E15: while this is an environmentally-friendly way to assist with emission controls, it does have risks and downfalls. Living in Iowa, land of rolling cornfields, E10 is readily available and pushed. He and his wife run it in their cages, but stay away from it when their motorcycles are concerned. Scott runs a SU Carb on his 2003 Bottle Camp Indian Power Plus 100. Whenever exposed to ethanol, the carb’s fuel inlet valves rubber tip swells causing the float needle not to seat allowing the carb to overflow. Additionally, he has to richen the carb’s tuning to compensate for the oxygenated fuel.

Thursday, October 24, 2013

MMA Safety Alert: Suzuki Recalls More Than 200,000 GSX-Rs

October 24, 2013
Please see the following recall notice posted today by the Massachusetts Motorcycle Association:

The Massachusetts Motorcycle Association (MMA) has learned that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a recall for Suzuki GSX-R Sport Bikes manufactured since 2004.  This massive recall deals with corrosion of the brake piston inside the front brake master cylinder which could reduce front braking power.  The MMA alerts all riders of Suzuki GSX-R Motorcycles to take notice since typically, more than 70% of your motorcycle's stopping power comes from the front brake!

The NHTSA recall notice identifies 210,228 potential units affected including 2004-2013 model year Suzuki GSX-R600GSX-R750 and 2005-2013 GSX-R1000 models.  Suzuki Motor of America responded in a letter dated October 18, 2013, describing the defect as a long-term deterioration of the brake fluid, which in turn absorbs moisture.  The front brake master cylinder may not have uniform surface treatment leading to corrosion of the brake piston.  The corrosion contributes to gasses in the reservoir which may not be "adequately purged from the master cylinder", and as the gas accumulates the brake lever "may develop a 'spongy' feel and stopping distances may be extended, increasing the risk of a crash."

Responding to customer complaints, the letter details the engineering behind the defect and the timeline of Suzuki Motor's investigation including the issuance of several Field Technical Information Reports (FTIR) which are related to the defect..  Suzuki further reports that they will replace the front brake master cylinder on affected models with a unit that has a redesigned reservoir and updated surface treatment on the brake piston, including several related parts.  No issues have been reported with the rear brake cylinder and no known injuries have been reported to date.

Suzuki indicates that they will begin notifying owners in November, although owners may call Suzuki at 1-800-572-1490. (This number has been giving some callers issues, claiming "it is not available from your calling area."  Suzuki Motor of America's Customer Service line is 714-572-1490.) Suzuki’s campaign id numbers for the recall are: 2A (31,32,33,34,35,36).

The specific NHTSA recall notice and Suzuki's response can be found here:

http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/acms/cs/jaxrs/download/doc/UCM445031/RCAK-13V449-4615.pdf

http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/acms/cs/jaxrs/download/doc/UCM444941/RCDNN-13V449-5599P.pdf

The MMA reminds all riders that they should perform regular maintenance on their motorcycles, and assure that brake fluid is changed periodically.

For more information, please contact your Suzuki Dealer (see above)


Matt Danielson
McGrath & Danielson
Tom McGrath's Motorcycle Law Group
1-800-321-8968
Motorcyclelawgroup.com

Harley-Davidson Recalls Some 2014 Motorcycles

October 18, 2013 Please see the below notice from the Associated Press concerning a voluntary recall by Harley-Davidson.  This notice has been verified as accurate via the Harley-Davidson website.  If you have purchased any of the motorcycles listed below please contact your Harley-Davidson Dealer to determine whether your motorcycle is affected.

MILWAUKEE (AP) -- Harley-Davidson is voluntarily recalling some 2014 motorcycle models because of a possible safety issue.

The Milwaukee-based company says the recall of about 29,000 bikes includes a "Do Not Ride" notice to owners and a "Do Not Deliver" notice to dealers until the motorcycle is fixed.

Harley-Davidson says the hydraulic clutch system in some of the motorcycles might not disengage the clutch, making it hard to slow or stop.

Owners of affected motorcycles should arrange an inspection with an authorized Harley-Davidson dealer. The dealer will pick up, inspect and make the repairs at no cost.

The recalls affect Touring motorcycles models FLHTCU, FLHTK, FLHTP, FLHX, FLHXS, FLHTKSE and FLHRSE, plus Softail CVOs and Trikes, models FLHTCUTG, FXSBSE and FLSTNSE, built between May 3, 2013, and Oct. 14, 2013.


Matt Danielson
McGrath & Danielson
Tom McGrath's Motorcycle Law Group
1-800-321-8968
Motorcyclelawgroup.com

Sunday, October 6, 2013

Alleged Motorcycle Discrimination in Alexandria

October 2, 2013 I need some help from Virginia motorcyclists.  Particularly I am asking help from those in the Northern Virginia area.  I have received a complaint from a motorcyclist concerning personal property taxes on motorcycles in Alexandria.  According to this person, the City of Alexandria requires that your vehicle carry a decal showing that you paid your personal property tax.  Each year the decal changes color.  According to this person, each August the city sends out invoices to the motor vehicle owners.  The invoice for cars and trucks apparently includes that year’s decal.  However, according to this person, the invoice for motorcycles does not include the decal.  You must first pay the tax and then contact the city for your decal afterwards.  If this is true then it is troublesome.  I do not have an issue with the city wanting to ensure that taxes owed are in fact paid.  I do have an issue with motorcyclists being treated differently than other motor vehicle owners.  If this report is indeed true, it would seem that the City of Alexandria is saying that motorcyclists are less responsible and trust worthy than other motor vehicle owners.  Additionally, it forces motorcyclists to go through an additional bureaucratic step in order to legally own their motor vehicle.

If you are aware of this practice please contact me.  Additionally, if you live in Alexandria and have not experienced this I would appreciate hearing from you as well.  Before I contact the city I want to make sure I have all of the facts straight.  Thank you in advance for any help that you can provide.


Matt Danielson
McGrath & Danielson
Tom McGrath's Motorcycle Law Group
1-800-321-8968
Motorcyclelawgroup.com

 

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Virginia Motorcycle Legislative Roundtable Update

September, 9, 2013  The Virginia Motorcycle Legislative roundtable for 2013 was held yesterday in Richmond.  We had a great turn out from motorcyclists of varying age and experience.  Participants included members of ABATE of Virginia, the Virginia Biker’s Association, the U.S. Military Vets MC, American Legion Riders, Harley Owners Group, and Rider coaches with the Virginia Rider Training Program.  We also had independent riders who took advantage of the weather to ride in on an array of motorcycles from cruisers to sport bikes.

The group agreed that pursuing legislation to classify three wheeled automobiles as something other than a motorcycle was a priority.  We are seeing an increase in three wheeled automobiles.  The fact that they have less than four wheels is the only thing that they have in common with motorcycles.  Other than that, the operator sits in a seat rather than straddling one.  The operator controls the vehicle with a steering wheel and not a handlebar.  The throttle is controlled by a foot peddle rather than by hand.  These vehicles are automobiles yet are currently classified as motorcycles.  Some are currently being manufactured in Virginia.  The concern is that as more of these vehicles are operated on the roadways, the more they will be included in crash data, thus negatively impacting motorcycle accident statistics.  The Virginia DMV has worked hard over the past few years to improve its ability to collect accurate data.  When we have accurate data, we can better identify real issues that need to be addressed to improve motorcycle safety.  Including these vehicles in motorcycle crash data defeats that effort.

The group also agreed that we will wait until after the upcoming election to determine additional legislative initiatives.  Races from the Governor’s Mansion on down will impact our strategy.  The group identified two things to look at in November.  One is increased penalties for individuals who violate traffic laws, and as a result cause the death of another.  The idea is to make such an offense reckless driving.  This would allow the judge to impose jail and/or suspend someone’s driver’s license if the court found that to be appropriate.  Under current law a person is usually charged with a traffic infraction which carries a simple fine.

The other issue important to a majority of the group was amending Virginia’s motorcycle helmet law to allow adults age twenty-one and older to choose whether or not to wear a helmet.  This would bring Virginia in line with a majority of the United States.  Thirty-one states currently allow adult riders to make such a choice.

I want to thank the participants of the roundtable for giving up a beautiful riding day to come to Richmond to discuss issues important to Virginia motorcyclists.  Our next meeting will be in preparation for our lobby day.  On Sunday January 19, from 12:00 p.m. until we get through, Virginia Coalition of Motorcyclists lobbyists will lead an informational meeting to discuss the year's legislation affecting motorcyclists. We will also discuss how to talk to your legislators about these issues in case you have never done that.  Later that evening, attendees will enjoy a free homemade BBQ dinner.   On Monday January 20th, we will take our annual trip to the Capitol. After lobbying our legislators, we will go to Penny Lane Pub for lunch as a thank you for coming to support Virginia Motorcyclists.  I hope all can make it.

As we receive more information on issues that affect motorcycling in Virginia I will pass it along.  As usual, if anyone has any questions or comments concerning this material please do not hesitate to contact me. 


Matt Danielson
McGrath & Danielson
Tom McGrath's Motorcycle Law Group
1-800-321-8968
Motorcyclelawgroup.com

Friday, August 30, 2013

More on E-15 Gasoline

August 29, 2013 I wanted to send out some additional information on a topic that we have touched on in the past.  That is the EPA’s recent approval of E-15 gasoline.  E-15, it is gasoline that is blended with 15% ethanol.  As many have pointed out, that is a 50% increase in ethanol over the standard E-10 that most of us are used to seeing and using.  The EPA and DOT are both moving from E-10 to E-15.  This is a controversial issue in that there are questions regarding how E-15 will affect engines, especially smaller ones.  The Motorcycle Industry Counsel claims that E-15 could affect engine durability and deterioration.  Further, if your motorcycle is damaged by E-15, you have no legal recourse.

Lenny Holcomb, a good friend of mine with ABATE of Maryland, obtained the following documents from the EPA concerning E-15.  The first is an EPA FAQ.  You will see that even the EPA says that E-15 should not be used in motorcycles.  You can read the FAQ at the following link:

http://www.epa.gov/otaq/regs/fuels/additive/e15/e15-faq.htm

The other document from the EPA concerns the EPA’s plans for preventing mis-fueling at pumps that dispense both E-15 and E-10 fuel.  You can read that at the following link:

http://www.epa.gov/otaq/regs/fuels/additive/e15/e15-mmp.htm

As an aside, a recent motorcycle trip out west took me through Nebraska.  I found myself at a pump that sold E-10, E-15 and E-85.

As I obtain more information on this issue I will pass it along.  In the meantime, if you have any questions or comments about any of the information that I have sent, please do not hesitate to contact me. 


Matt Danielson
McGrath & Danielson
Tom McGrath's Motorcycle Law Group
1-800-321-8968
Motorcyclelawgroup.com

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

LOCAL EVENTS FOR SEPT



Wintergreen – Aug 31-Sept 1 - Romp, Stomp, and Chomp Harvest Celebration - Wintergreen Winery. 1 PM to 6PM.Wanna stomp like Lucy?
Wintergreen – Aug 30- Sept 2 - Labor Day Spectacular - includes an Arts & Craft show, chairlift rides, live music and much more.  Bring the entire family for an end of summer hurrah!  For information contact Wintergreen Activities, 434-325-8180.
Moneta - Sept.6-8 - Franklin County Civil War Days - Step back in time to explore history, camp life, battles and more at the third annual Franklin County Civil War Days, Sept. 6-8 at Lakewatch Plantation in Moneta.
Wintergreen - Sept. 14 - Oktoberfest at Wintergreen - A celebration of German culture and food – a family event in a beer garden setting.
Bedford – Sept 18 - Air Force Birthday - National D-Day Memorial - In honor of the Air Force’s birthday, all active duty or veteran Air Force members receive free admission to the Memorial.
Bedford – Sept 21 - POW/MIA Awareness Day - The National D-Day Memorial will host a special ceremony in memory of the nation’s POW’s and MIA’s. Free admission from 10am until noon.
Altavista - Sept. 21 - Avoca's Annual Harvest Jubilee and Wine Festival - The festival boasts seven area wineries, a supervised children’s area, food, a bake sale, crafters, and music by The Ministers of Soul and Encore all in the shade!
Lynchburg - Sept. 21 - Lynchburg Beer and Wine Festival - The Lynchburg Beer & Wine Festival will feature over 20 of the areas finest wineries and breweries, local vendors and live music throughout the day.
Chester - Sept. 21-22 - Publick Days & Godspeed from Jamestown Settlement - Experience the past as 400 years of history come to life with living history re-enactments, activities, games, crafts, storytelling and more.
Waynesboro - Sept. 21 - Virginia Chili, Blues n' Brews - Chili cook-off, Blues Music by Full circle, Pure Blind Luck, Fatty Lumpkin & The Love Hogs and John Lee Hooker Jr. Brews. Micro & Mega brews.
Staunton - Sept. 27 - Staunton Music Festival: Source and Style in Bach's Suites - Carsten Schmidt and Jason Stell discuss and demonstrate the major elements of Bach's keyboard suites, with special attention to the composer's English Suites.
Salem - Sept. 28 - Green Hill Medieval Faire and Highland Games - Come and experience the adventure, pageantry, magic and romance of Medieval Europe at Green Hill Park in Roanoke County.
South Boston - Sept. 28 - South Boston Harvest Festival - South Boston Harvest Festival, fun for the entire family. An outdoor festival held in the streets of Historic Downtown South Boston, VA.
Moneta – Sept 28-29 - Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival - perfect event for aficionados of wine as well as fans of outdoor concerts and craft festivals.

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Virginia Coalition of Motorcyclists

Virginia Motorcycle Legislative Roundtable 2013
 

July 23, 2013 This year’s Virginia Motorcycle Legislative Roundtable will be held on Sunday, September 8, 2013 at the Richmond Marriott which is located at 500 East Broad St., Richmond, VA 23219.   This is where it has been held for the past few years.

The Legislative Roundtable is where Virginia Motorcyclists gather to discuss issues of importance to the motorcycling community, and to have input on the 2014 legislative agenda to be presented to the Virginia General Assembly by the Virginia Coalition of Motorcyclists.

The Roundtable will start at 12:00 P.M. and usually lasts three to four hours.  If you can make it we would welcome your voice in deciding the issues that need to be addressed in 2014.  In past years the Roundtable was the starting point for legislation such as Virginia’s red light bill, our prohibition against motorcycle only checkpoints, the modification of the Virginia Code to allow two two-wheeled motorcycles to travel abreast in a single lane, and legislation improving Virginia’s Rider Education Program.

If you are interested in attending we would welcome you around the table.  If you are unable to attend but want to express your ideas, or if you have any questions concerning this year’s Virginia Motorcycle Legislative Roundtable, please do not hesitate to contact me.

On a final note, Tom McGrath’s Motorcycle Law Group is accepting nominations for this year’s Tom McGrath’s Leading Wheel Award.  If you know of an individual who has made an outstanding effort to improve motorcycling or motorcycle safety, please send me their information and a description of their achievements.  Nominees can be someone who has made a significant achievement to improve motorcycling, or someone who’s body of work over time has significantly benefited motorcycling or motorcycle safety.  Remember that members of the Motorcycle Law Group are not eligible to receive the award.

As always, if you have any questions or comments concerning anything that I have written please do not hesitate to contact me. 


Matt Danielson
McGrath & Danielson
Tom McGrath's Motorcycle Law Group
1-800-321-8968
Motorcyclelawgroup.com

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Kenny "Loss Coz" McGuire

Our 

 

 

Southern Cruiser family is deeply saddened 

            as we have lost a brother and a friend.               

Kenny McGuire left us and rode his bike on up to be with the lord on Tuesday, July 2, 2013.

Prayers and condolences go out to Linda and the family. 

We all love Kenny and he will be missed deeply.

 



 

Monday, June 10, 2013

National Ride To Work Day

On Ride To Work Day, motorcycle and scooter riders around the world show just how enjoyable their daily commute is. By riding to work we demonstrate that life would be better if more people rode motorcycles and scooters every day, with time savings, less congestion and reduced travel costs. Ride with us and commute happy!

Ride your motorcycle or scooter on this day to demonstrate:

* The number of motorcyclists to the general public and to politicians.
* That motorcyclists are from all occupations and all walks of life.
* That motorcyclists can reduce traffic and parking congestion in large cities.
* That motorcycles are for transportation as well as recreation.
* That motorcycling is a social good.

Ride to Work Day was inspired by "Work to Ride - Ride to Work'" marketing materials created between 1989 and 1991 by the Aero Design and Manufacturing Company, a Minnesota based manufacturer of motorcycle riders clothing. In 1992 these items inspired motorcycle magazine editor Fred Rau to write an editorial calling for a national ride to work day.

The first annual Ride to Work Day event was proposed in Road Rider magazine (now titled Motorcycle Consumer News) in the May 1992 issue. This is an excerpt from that "Ride to Work" editorial: "You may remember several months ago when Bob Carpenter, commenting in his 'Two Up' column, mentioned how neat he thought it would be if there was one day a year when everyone who owned a motorcycle used it to ride to work. That comment was prompted by a T-shirt produced by Aerostich RiderWear that simply said, 'Work To Ride, Ride To Work.' Everyone seemed to think that a national 'Ride To Work' day was one heck of a good idea."

The first Ride to Work Day event date was July 22nd, 1992. For several years various motorcycle businesses informally promoted every third Wednesday in July as Ride To Work Day. These early advocates included Road Rider Magazine, Dunlop Tires, and Aerostich/Riderwearhouse. The event continued to grow as an informal grass roots demonstration every year until 2000. That year a non-profit organization, Ride to Work was formed to help organize and promote Ride to Work Day. The first Ride to Work Day event led by this group was the third Wednesday in July of 2001. This day was the annual day until 2008, when it was changed to the Third Monday In June. This change was made to climatically better accommodate riders world-wide, and to give more riders an opportunity to participate.

http://www.ridetowork.org/

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Prohibiting Federal Funds for Motorcycle Only Checkpoints

Prohibiting Federal Funds for Motorcycle Only Checkpoints
April 23, 2013

Jeff Hennie, the Vice President in Charge of Governmental Relations and Public Affairs for the Motorcycle Riders Foundation, published an alert concerning a bill being introduced by Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner that would prohibit the use of federal funding for motorcycle only checkpoints.

Motorcyclist’s rights organizations and many independent motorcyclists oppose motorcycle only checkpoints as a discriminatory practice that unfairly singles out motorcycles as posing some special danger. This is despite the fact that the latest census numbers show that motorcycles make up only 4.7 % of all crashes in which there is injury or death. 

We have no objection with safety checkpoints as a whole.  The objection we have is stopping only motorcycles.  There is simply no justification for this practice.  For one, motorcycle only checkpoints tend not to be fruitful.  An example is the large checkpoint that was set up during Rolling Thunder a few years ago.  Those conducting the checkpoint stopped 579 motorcycles over a period of seven hours and managed to write only 11 tickets.  This and the discriminatory aspect of these checkpoints is what has led some states such as North Carolina and Virginia to prohibit these checkpoints within their borders.  That being said, motorcyclists travel across state lines so this legislation is important to all motorcyclists regardless of what their particular state does.

Our position is that we support safety checkpoints for all vehicles.  If I am on my bike and there is a safety checkpoint stopping all motorists than I will gladly cooperate and subject myself to the brief detention connected with such a stop.  What I object to is being singled out from the motoring population as a whole due to the fact that I operate a motorcycle.

You may read Jeff Hennie’s alert below.  If you believe that motorcycle only checkpoints are a discriminatory practice which should not be conducted with federal funds than please contact your congressional representative and urge him or her to become and original cosponsor of this legislation.

As always if you have any questions or comments about anything that I have written please feel free to contact me.

Matt Danielson
McGrath & Danielson
Tom McGrath's Motorcycle Law Group
1-800-321-8968
Motorcyclelawgroup.com

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) reports, Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner from Wisconsin, announced Monday, April 15th that he will file a bill to prohibit the federal funding of motorcycle only roadside checkpoints.

Sensenbrenner had this to say in a "Dear Colleague" that is circulating in the House of Representatives. "In the 112th Congress, I introduced H.R. 904, a bill to prohibit the Department of Transportation (DOT) from providing funds to state and local authorities for the purpose of creating motorcycle only checkpoints. Section 1 of the Stop Motorcycle Checkpoint Funding Act contains the same language as H.R. 904. However, this bill also contains language to force the DOT to focus motorcycle safety efforts on crash prevention programs, not national helmet mandates."

The bill will officially be introduced on May 6, 2013 and get its official bill number then. However, we must start the push now. It's important to contact your sitting member of the House of Representatives and ask them to be an original cosponsor of this important legislation. Ask them to contact Congressman James Sensenbrenner and lend their support. An "Original Cosponsor" is someone who supports the bill before it is made public and is a way to strongly support a new bill.

Sunday, April 21, 2013

SPRING FLING


SPRING FLING
Hill City Cruisers and Friends
It’s that time of year again
May 3, 4 & 5
Rain or Shine
Let’s get together with friends and have a good time
Free fun for everyone
Free camping, limited electricity first come. Bring your tent, trailer, RV or throw your bed roll on the floor in the club house.  Free  Meals provided: Fri night Chili Cook Off, Sat morning, afternoon and the BIG BBQ Sat night and  Sun morning before packing.
CHILI COOK OFF, everyone is invited to enter.  You can prepare it at home and bring it with you or come and cook at the Club House Friday.
BYOB or contact to make arraignments for a setup.
RSVP On the forum please.

Come on out and join us

Special note:  We are undergoing construction at the Club House with the construction of a covered area by the BB Court.  This has blocked off that area from campers, all the power in that area has been disconnect so there will be very little electrical connections.  You may want to bring a generator if you require power to your camper.  The building is still accessible and the area on the hill to the left of the building.   The area from the flag pole to the BB Court is what is blocked.  So with that said, still having Chili cook off Friday and BBQ on Sat.  The Bike games may be with held this year will have to see how construction goes.

SCRC Family

OPEN ROAD