|
||
| Senate
bill 836 has just been docketed to be heard this Wednesday before the
Senate Transportation Committee. This bill, which concerns riding on
motorcycles generally, was introduced by Senator Janet Howell. Current Virginia law requires the operator of a motorcycle to ride upon the seat only. We have had motorcyclists ticketed in Virginia for standing up on both footrests, even though the Basic Rider Course teaches riders to do just that in certain circumstances. VCOM has worked with Senator Howell to fashion a bill which recognizes that sometimes it is appropriate to “stand up” while riding a motorcycle. The bill will be amended on Wednesday to clarify that a motorcycle rider may ride while standing on both footrests unless done in a manner so as to endanger life, limb, or property of any person. Below is the name and email address of every senator on the Transportation Committee. If you wish to email the members of the committee in support of this bill it will be helpful to point out the following: Current law states that the operator of a motorcycle “shall ride only upon the permanent seat attached to the motorcycle . . .” This is contrary to what is taught in the Basic Rider Course, which identifies several instances when a rider would want to ride while standing on the footrests, such as when crossing obstacles. When crossing obstacles such as railroad tracks, standing on the footrests allows the legs to act as shock absorbers. Standing on the footrests does not impair the rider’s ability to safely operate the motorcycle. Think of riding a bicycle while standing on the pedals. There have been instances of motorcyclists being issued a ticket for standing on the footrests when riding over potholes, over railroad tracks, or while stretching their legs. The language of this bill would not allow a motorcyclist to stand on the footrests and do wheelies, or do so in any other manner which would be reckless. Matt Danielson McGrath & Danielson Tom McGrath's Motorcycle Law Group 1-800-321-8968 Motorcyclelawgroup.com | |
