Update on SB 836 - Riding on Motorcycles January 29, 2015

SB 836 came out of the Senate Transportation Committee yesterday on a 14-1 vote. Senator Ralph Smith from Roanoke was the only no vote. Unfortunately the committee rejected our substitute language, fearing that our language was too broad.  Our language would have simply allowed a rider to stand on the foot rests so long as not done in a manner so at to endanger life limb or property. As passed by the Senate Transportation Committee, the bill would require motorcyclists to ride upon the permanent seat attached to the motorcycle “unless safety dictates standing on both foot pegs for no longer than is necessary”.  Current law restricts the rider by requiring that he or she ride only upon the permanent seat.  This is contrary to what is taught in the Basic Rider Course, which teaches that it is appropriate to stand on the foot rests under certain circumstances. VCOM will continue to pursue strategies to improve this bill as it heads to the full Senate and then over to the House of Delegates.  Thank you to all who took the time to email legislators about this bill.  We will continue to look to you for support during this legislative session to ensure that the interests of Virginia motorcyclists are protected.   Matt Danielson McGrath & Danielson Tom McGrath's Motorcycle Law Group 1-800-321-8968 Motorcyclelawgroup.com

Senate Bill 836 - Riding Motorcycles Generally January 26, 2015

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

 

Lobby Day & Legislation Concerning Motorcycles January 21, 2015

This year’s Virginia Motorcycle Lobby Day was another success.  We had an unofficial count of 110 motorcyclists who came to the Sunday informational session where we discussed this year’s legislation that affects Virginia motorcyclists.  The next day we spoke to our legislators at the General Assembly Building about the legislation.  I have already received feedback from legislators and their staff saying that the motorcyclists who came by their offices presented themselves well and were very well prepared to discuss the issues.  Thank you to each and every one of you who participated in this year’s Virginia Motorcycle Lobby Day.  Your efforts and sacrifices make a difference for Virginia motorcyclists.  While we discussed numerous bills, I would like to call attention to two in particular which directly affect motorcycles and motorcyclists.  These are HB 1700 and SB 836.  VCOM is working closely with each of the sponsors in order to ensure passage of both.  You can view all of the legislation on which VCOM takes a position at vcomonline.org HB 1700 is sponsored by Delegate Tony Wilt of Harrisonburg at the request of VCOM.  This bill would allow auxiliary lighting on motorcycles in order to increase motorcycle visibility.  The bill also eliminates the five second limit on the amount of time that a motorcycle brake light may modulate.  You may follow the bill throughout the session at the following link: http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?ses=151&typ=bil&val=HB1700&submit=GO You may read the entire bill at the following link: http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?151+ful+HB1700 The bill has been referred to the House Transportation Committee.  When it is referred to a sub-committee I will send an email listing the names of the sub-committee members along with their email addresses so that you may voice your support for this bill. The other bill of particular interest to Virginia motorcyclists is SB 836.  This bill was sponsored by Senator Janet Howell of Fairfax, Virginia.  It concerns riding on motorcycles generally and makes it clear that there are times when it is appropriate to ride while standing on the footrests.  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.  You may follow this bill at the following link: http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?ses=151&typ=bil&val=sb836&submit=GO You may read the entire bill at the following link. However, this is not what the final version will look like: http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?151+ful+SB836 VCOM has worked with Senator Howell to re-write the legislation in order to make it less restrictive given the fact that riders stand on the footrests for comfort as well as for safety.  A substitute will be offered which simply adds the following language to the statute: Every person operating a motorcycle, as defined in § 46.2-100 excluding three-wheeled vehicles, shall ride only upon the permanent seat attached to the motorcycle, or while standing on both footrests unless done in a manner so as to endanger life, limb, or property of any person. There is no sense emailing legislators in support of this bill until the substitute has been filed.  With their hectic schedule during this year’s short session they are not going to consider something that has not been filed and assigned a committee.  However, when it is filed, I will post the names of the members of the Senate Transportation Committee and their email addresses so that you may voice your support for this bill.  Thank you again to all of you who have ever taken your time to support Virginia motorcyclists.  By working together we make Virginia a better place for all riders.   Matt Danielson McGrath & Danielson Tom McGrath's Motorcycle Law Group 1-800-321-8968 Motorcyclelawgroup.com

Auxiliary Motorcycle Lighting in Virginia January 14, 2015

The Virginia Coalition of Motorcyclists (VCOM) is pleased to announce that our bill to allow auxiliary lighting on motorcycles has been filed and officially has a bill number.  It is House Bill 1700 (HB1700).  The bill also eliminates the five second limit on the time that a motorcycle brake light may modulate.  You may follow the bill throughout the session at the following link: http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?ses=151&typ=bil&val=HB1700&submit=GO You may read the entire bill at the following link: http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?151+ful+HB1700 Delegate Tony Wilt, a rider himself, graciously agreed to carry this bill for Virginia motorcyclists.  You will recall that Delegate Wilt also carried the bill which successfully removed the prohibition against two two-wheeled motorcycles riding abreast in Virginia. As the session progresses, VCOM will continue to send updates concerning this bill, as well as any other bills that are of interest to Virginia Motorcyclists.  Remember that this Monday, January 19th, is Motorcycle Lobby Day at the General Assembly.  On Sunday January 18th, from 1:00 p.m. until we get through, Virginia Coalition of Motorcyclists lobbyists will lead an informational meeting at the Holliday Inn at 2000 Staples Mill Rd, Richmond, VA, 23230 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 19th, 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 provides lunch to all who attended as a thank you for coming to support Virginia motorcyclists.  We hope to see you there.   Matt Danielson McGrath & Danielson Tom McGrath's Motorcycle Law Group 1-800-321-8968 Motorcyclelawgroup.com