Virginia Freedom Riders :: Freedom Forums

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

New York Freedom Riders :: UK DOT - Motorcycle helmets get star ratings

Author: nyfreedomriders
Subject: UK DOT - Motorcycle helmets get star ratings
Posted: Wed Jul 09, 2008 1:46 pm (GMT -4)
Topic Replies: 0

www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20080706/motoring/motorcycle-helmets-
get-star-ratings

Sunday, 6th July 2008
Motorcycle helmets get star ratings

The UK Department of Transport is providing star ratings for motorcycle
helmets in a bid to improve safety and offer buyers an idea of their
protective qualities.

Most UK bikers don't really know how motorcycle helmets are designed,
manufactured and tested. Once there were BSI standards, now there are
the UN ECE 22.05 tests, but many riders still make a judgment by asking
other bikers for recommendations, or assess the overall construction,
comfort and fit, when trying 'lids' on in a shop.

But all that is changing as the UK government-backed SHARP (Safety
Helmet Assessment Ratings Programme) comes onstream this year, offering
ratings from one to five stars for most popular biking helmets. The idea
is to give consumers an idea of the potential protective qualities a
helmet might have, with one star at the lower end, and five stars being
the top rating.

The initial DoT SHARP results are surprising, as some helmets from top
brands like Arai, Shoei and AGV only made three stars, while budget
brands like Nitro or Lazer were rated five out of five in the SHARP
tests. It all begs the question: What testing methods are they using
exactly, and is a cheap helmet as good as an expensive one?

SHARP tests are designed to log the effects of a specific impact of
between 6.5 and 8.5 metres per second on specially selected points of
the helmet's outer shell - both head-on, and a simulated glancing blow.
The impact speed is slightly higher than the existing ECE 22.05
regulations, but SHARP don't do any testing on the chinbar section of
the lid, or do a repeated impact on one area - like Arai do in their own
factory tests, for example.

Ferry Brouwer, who spent 27 years with Arai Europe, said: "The SHARP
ratings are supposed to save 50 lives per year, a good aim, which we
agree with, of course. But the new tests do not go far enough. SHARP do
not look at the methods of construction, a manufacturer's track record
in racing accidents, say, nor do they use repeated or random impacts.

"In the US, the Snell Foundation do random impact point testing for
example, and by not telling manufacturers which points will be tested,
it prevents makers from strengthening particular areas on the helmet
shell. Arai also believe that a penetration test of the shell is
crucial, as no two motorcycle accidents are the same and such incidents
can happen, sadly."

Watching the Arai testing rig drop helmets onto solid posts, suffer the
penetration test, and learning how important it is to keep the helmet's
inner EPS layer free from severe temperature changes, human sweat, dirt
from gloves, or damage from placing your bike keys inside your lid, was
an education.

Did you know that the inner polystyrene lining degrades in its
protective qualities by around three to five per year, and sweat may
accelerate that decline in the EPS layer's impact dissipation? So the
less your head sweats in hot weather, the longer that inner lining will
keep doing its job. Fact is, in the real world, the performance of the
helmet's air vents in hot weather matters - your head needs to stay
cool.

There are plenty of aspects of motorcycle helmet design and manufacture
which are still not tested by SHARP, and all bikers would surely benefit
from the most rigorous, in-depth and random, lab-based testing regime
that can be done at a reasonable cost by the authorities.

www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20080706/motoring/motorcycle-helmets-
get-star-ratings
_________________
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 :: New Virginia Toll Lanes Designed to Create Congestion

Author: nyfreedomriders
Subject: New Virginia Toll Lanes Designed to Create Congestion
Posted: Wed Jul 09, 2008 1:40 pm (GMT -4)
Topic Replies: 0

www.thenewspaper.com/news/24/2458.asp

New Virginia Toll Lanes Designed to Create Congestion
7/8/2008

Illegal political donations helped give Australian company full control
over Virginia transportation until the year 2087.

Illegal political contributions helped an Australian firm land a
lucrative toll road deal that grants the company unprecedented power
over Northern Virginia's transportation future. Last week, Transurban
wrote and asked state lawmakers to return checks that the
Melbourne-based toll road operator had written in violation of federal
campaign laws (details). But the deal these contributions helped bring
about has already been finalized.

In June, the US Department of Transportation created a first-of-its-kind
$1.6 billion financing package that consisted of tax-free bonds, loans
and state taxpayer grants to support the project that will add a pair of
High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lanes to the Interstate 495 Capital Beltway
just outside of Washington, DC. To this amount, Transurban only added
$349 million of its own capital -- less than the cost of interest --
toward the construction of the toll lanes (details).

In return for that small investment, Transurban received from Virginia
officials the right to demand payment from state taxpayers any time that
improvements are made to a number of free roads near the Beltway. In
effect, the contract between the Virginia Department of Transportation
(VDOT) and Transurban is designed to ensure the area remains
sufficiently congested so that motorists will have an incentive to pay
to use the toll lanes.

For example, VDOT can make no changes, expansion or improvements to the
free lanes on the Beltway until the year 2087 unless the agency first
consults Transurban. VDOT agreed that if any such changes were made to
the general purpose lanes without Transurban's explicit approval, they
would at least be made in such a way as to guarantee the company
maintained a high level of profit.

"If the department [VDOT] determines that additional traffic lanes on
the Capital Beltway Corridor are in the state's best interests, the
department shall consult with the concessionaire [Transurban] as to an
appropriate strategy to implement such additional traffic lanes," the
contract states. "At the department's sole discretion, [it shall] permit
the construction of additional lanes as part of the project with a view
to minimizing any detrimental impact on the project or its ability to
generate revenues..."

In the past, most toll road deals included "non-compete" clauses that
strictly prohibited transportation departments from making improvements
to nearby, competing roads. They did so because free-flowing traffic on
alternative routes would hit the toll road's bottom line. Simply put:
why take a toll road, when there's a free alternative?

Explicit non-compete provisions have become politically controversial,
and as a result companies have recently embraced a more subtle approach
that accomplishes the same goal. For example, the contract for the State
Highway 130 toll road in Austin, Texas included a provision giving the
Texas Department of Transportation a financial incentive to lower the
speed limit on the nearby Interstate 35 freeway. As first reported by
TheNewspaper last year that, this provision was designed to create
congestion and inconvenience for the motorists who choose the free
alternative route (details).

For the Beltway project, improvements such as adding additional free
lanes to the highway are absolutely permitted -- for a price. The
contract considers any improvement to the Beltway to be a "Department
Project Enhancement" which means that Virginia taxpayers must pay
Transurban for the right to improve the free portion of the highway.
Given VDOT's stated lack of funding, adding an extra monetary premium to
the cost of any improvements effectively gives the foreign company the
ability to prevent such projects from happening.

The effect is not limited to the Beltway. The contract specifies that
payments called "compensation events" must be made in the event that the
state decides to improve the connections between the Beltway's general
purpose lanes and the Dulles Toll Road or any "improvements to I-66
outside the Capital Beltway Corridor" made over the course of the next
eighty years.

An "independent engineer" determines how much compensation Transurban
will receive by calculating an expected traffic impact. This means that
the more the public is likely to use a free alternative, the more
Transurban is paid. In Sydney, Australia, for example, the Lane Cove
Tunnel toll project contained a provision requiring the state government
to narrow the lanes of a nearby free road to generate congestion that
would drive motorists into the tunnel. After the state decided to
postpone the narrowing until after an election, the toll road concession
was paid A$25 million (US $24 million) for that compensation event.

Transurban's control goes beyond lane improvements. Although the stated
purpose of the "high occupancy" part of the toll lane project is to
encourage motorists to carpool, the contract contains a provision
directly designed to discourage any increase in the number of motorists
sharing rides.

"The department agrees to pay the concessionaire, subject to Section
20.18, amounts equal to 70% of the average toll applicable to vehicles
paying tolls for the number of High Occupancy Vehicles exceeding a
threshold of 24% of the total flow of all permitted vehicles that are
then using such toll section going in the same direction for the first
30 consecutive minutes during any day, and any additional 15 consecutive
minute periods in such day, during which average traffic for a toll
section going in the same direction exceeds a rate of 3,200 vehicles per
hour based on two lanes," the contract states.

This means if carpooling becomes popular on the Beltway, taxpayers could
end up making multi-million dollar annual payments to Transurban.

Finally, the contract insists that if any homes happen to lie in the way
of the the construction of the new lanes, Transurban will pay no more
than the current market value to purchase the land in question. If the
owner refuses to move, VDOT will condemn the property and confiscate it
for the use of the private, for-profit company through eminent domain.
The Beltway project, however, was designed to be built within existing
VDOT right-of-way to ensure the exercise of this power would not be
needed.

Transurban shares on the Australian Stock Exchange jumped 15 cents to
A$4.60 today after the company announced quarterly earnings results. On
Virginia's Pocahontas Parkway, the company reported a 7.8 percent
increase in revenue over the same quarter last year, despite a 6.9
percent drop in the number of motorists using the toll road. It credited
the positive performance to an 11 percent toll hike in January and the
cancellation of the discount previously given to transponder users.

Relevant excerpts from the Transurban contract are available in a 260k
PDF file at the source link below.

Source: Comprehensive Agreement Relating to Route 495 HOT Lanes -
Excerpts (Virginia Department of Transportation and Capital Beltway
Express, 12/19/2007)
http://www.thenewspaper.com/rlc/docs/2008/va-495hot.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

General Chat :: Jim Cannon in Harrisonburg

Author: Boil
Subject: Jim Cannon in Harrisonburg
Posted: Tue Jul 01, 2008 1:44 pm (GMT -4)
Topic Replies: 0

I'll be in Harrisonburg the week of September 7th thru the 12th if anyone in the area would like to get together for dinner or cocktails one night

send me a pm through VFR website
_________________
Jim Cannon, Director
Virginia Coalition of Motorcyclists

Events :: Virginia Motorcyclists Summit

Author: Boil
Subject: Virginia Motorcyclists Summit
Posted: Tue Jul 01, 2008 1:40 pm (GMT -4)
Topic Replies: 0

ATTENTION IMPORTANT DATE

SEPTEMBER 13, 2008

WHAT � MOTORCYCLE SUMMIT MEETING

WHERE � RICHMOND, VIRGINIA - Holiday Inn � Staples Mill and Broad Street

WHO � MOTORCYCLISTS WITH AN INTEREST IN PROTECTING OUR RIGHT TO RIDE and MAKING THE ROADS SAFER FOR US

WHY � BECAUSE WE NEED INPUT FROM YOU ON ISSUES WE FACE

Many of you have expressed an interest in getting together in one place on a date certain to discuss issues common to all who ride.

We need your input going forward in order to preserve what we have and hopefully improve what we have.

You, as riders, are aware of the significant increase in fatalities among our people, this fact has stirred many to begin suggesting all

kinds of solutions, many which would virtually destroy the fun of riding and some which would eliminate motorcycles altogether.

Unless we motorcyclists become part of the solution I am afraid we will have our way of life destroyed.

You only need to look at what has happened to the independent shops and builders over the last five or so years to understand

that there are those who would like to see motorcycles eliminated.

An awful lot is being written in Virginia about motorcycle accidents and a lot of the articles are using national data the does not apply

to us, however the person reading the material does not know the truth and it is our job to inform them.

Attendance is complimentary, Contact Jim at jim@vcomonline.org to register[/b]
_________________
Jim Cannon, Director
Virginia Coalition of Motorcyclists

Events :: BIKE SHOW AND RODEO

Author: Sharon
Subject: BIKE SHOW AND RODEO
Posted: Wed Jun 25, 2008 3:02 pm (GMT -4)
Topic Replies: 0

The 1st Capitol Chapter ABATE of VA will be hosting their annual motorcycle rodeo and bike show Friday, Saturday and Sunday July 25, 26 & 27th at
Slades Park in Surry, VA.
address: 1111 Mount Ray Drive, Rte 10 across from the Nuclear Plant
JOIN US FOR A WEEKEND OF BIKE GAMES, CAMPING, MUSIC & FUN!
Bike Show will be Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon
Trophy Classes 6 American, 6 Import
Rodeo games after
$20 for the weekend, or $15 Saturday participation / $10 for spectators
Prizes, Vendors, Food available for sale
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
ALL MOTORCYCLE ENTHUSIASTS WELCOME!!!
AMA SANCTIONED EVENT, TAMA SUPPORTED,
to be honored as neutral territory by all in attendance
For more info and directions visit 1st-Capitol-abate.org
or call 757-903-6542 and leave a msg
_________________
Sharon Keaton
VA Freedom Riders
ABATE of VA

ABATE of VA :: 15th ANNUAL MOTORCYCLE RODEO & BIKE SHOW JULY 25, 26 27,

Author: Sharon
Subject: 15th ANNUAL MOTORCYCLE RODEO & BIKE SHOW JULY 25, 26 27,
Posted: Wed Jun 25, 2008 2:46 pm (GMT -4)
Topic Replies: 0

The 1st Capitol Chapter ABATE of VA will be hosting their annual motorcycle rodeo and bike show Friday, Saturday and Sunday July 25, 26 & 27th at Slades Park in Surry, VA.
address: 1111 Mount Ray Drive, Rte 10 across from the Nuclear Plant
JOIN US FOR A WEEKEND OF BIKE GAMES, CAMPING, MUSIC & FUN!
Bike Show will be Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon
Trophy Classes 6 American, 6 Import
Rodeo games after
$20 for the weekend, or $15 Saturday participation / $10 for spectators
Prizes, Vendors, Food available for sale
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
ALL MOTORCYCLE ENTHUSIASTS WELCOME!!!
AMA SANCTIONED EVENT, TAMA SUPPORTED,
to be honored as neutral territory by all in attendance
For more info and directions visit 1st-Capitol-abate.org
or call 757-903-6542 and leave a msg
_________________
Sharon Keaton
VA Freedom Riders
ABATE of VA

Biker related information :: GHSA - New Report on increase in motorcyclists deaths

Author: MissPenny
Subject: GHSA - New Report on increase in motorcyclists deaths
Posted: Wed Jun 18, 2008 1:11 pm (GMT -4)
Topic Replies: 0

http://www.ghsa.org/html/media/pressreleases/2008/2008.06.18.motorcycles.html

June 18, 2008
Contact: Jonathan Adkins
202-789-0942, jadkins@ghsa.org

New Report Examines Alarming Increase in Motorcycle Rider Deaths
Explosion in motorcycle sales, training shortfalls, licensing issues, decline in helmet use are key issues

Washington, D.C.�Friday marks the official start of summer, and millions of Americans will hit the roads to head to their summer vacations. Unfortunately, for too many motorcyclists, this may also mark the beginning of another deadly summer. The Governors Highway Safety Association�s (GHSA) new report, Survey of the States: Motorcycle Safety Programs, examines the dramatic increase in motorcycle rider deaths and looks at programs states have undertaken to keep motorcyclists safe.

In the report, Survey of the States: Motorcycle Safety Programs, GHSA notes that motorcycle fatalities in 2006 increased for the ninth straight year�more than doubling from 2,110 in 1997 to 4,810 in 2006. In fact, GHSA�s analysis of federal data shows that motorcycle fatalities increased in 27 states and Puerto Rico between 2005 and 2006. In 2006, 67 percent of all motorcycle fatalities occurred in 15 states. Also noteworthy is the fact that in 2004, 2005 and 2006 nearly one third of all fatalities occurred in California, Texas and Florida alone.

In 2007, GHSA asked state highway safety agencies to complete a survey detailing motorcycle safety activities designed to mitigate or reverse the annual increase in motorcycle crashes. Fifty states plus the District of Columbia, Guam and Puerto Rico completed surveys. The report found that:

* A patchwork of helmet laws, scant enforcement and a lack of helmet promotion exist despite clear evidence that proper helmet use saves lives. Twenty states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico have universal motorcycle helmet laws. Twenty-seven states and Guam have laws that cover certain riders, and three states have no motorcycle helmet laws. In states with partial laws or without helmet laws, most riders who died were not wearing helmets. Only nine states and Puerto Rico indicated special efforts to help law enforcement identify helmets that don�t meet safety standards. Although it is widely accepted that proper helmet use dramatically reduces the likelihood of a fatality in a crash, only 17 states reported special efforts to promote the benefits of helmet use and other protective gear.
* An explosion in motorcycle ownership has left states with training and education shortfalls. Motorcycle sales almost quadrupled from 1997 to 2006, from 356,000 to almost 1.1 million. As a result, 29 states and D.C. indicated they have capacity problems with delays ranging from one day to 12 weeks for training classes. Only three states, Florida, Maine and Rhode Island require rider education for all riders, regardless of age.
* Motorcycle licensing requirements vary widely. Across the country, the minimum age for a motorcycle license/endorsement ranges from 14 to 18. Unlike automobile drivers, motorcyclists in at least 33 states may have licensing tests waived for completion of a rider training course.
* Many motorcyclists drive without valid licenses. In 2006, 25 percent of operators in fatal motorcycle crashes did not have a valid motorcycle license, compared to 13 percent of drivers of passenger vehicles.
* Road construction issues are addressed in only a few states. Although motorcycle riders and their passengers are vulnerable to hazardous road conditions, only 21 states and Puerto Rico currently consider motorcycle issues in road construction projects.
* Funding shortfalls are commonplace. Only 24 states reported that user fees alone support their motorcycle safety/education efforts. In 18 states, programs are supported by a combination of one or more of the following: user fees, dedicated state funding and federal grants. Three states only use federal money.

According to GHSA Chairman Christopher J. Murphy, �This report is the most complete effort to date that examines how states are dealing with the problem of motorcycle safety. Clearly, more work must be done.� Murphy adds that the timing of the report is key given that Congress will be soon be reauthorizing surface transportation programs, including those funding motorcycle safety. �We know that we need more funding and also greater flexibility with those funds to promote countermeasures that clearly work, such as helmet use.�

Murphy also says this report serves as a reminder to share the road, particularly as we start the summer driving season. �While the large majority of motorcycle crashes are single vehicle, other vehicles are a factor in 40 percent of all fatal motorcycle crashes, so this is an issue that impacts us all.� Tips for sharing the road with motorcycles are available online at: www.ghsa.org/html/publications/survey/tips.html.

###

Survey of the States: Motorcycle Safety Programs is available online at www.ghsa.org. State-by-state responses are included. A limited number of print copies are available by e-mailing Jonathan Adkins (jadkins@ghsa.org).
_________________
Penny Adams
Virginia Freedom Riders - Legislative Officer
Member Sons of Liberty Riders

"Government is too big and too important to be left to the politicians."
Chester Bowles (1901 - 1986)

National Bikers' Rights :: Editorial Comment - Garrison Keillor is a buffoon

Author: MissPenny
Subject: Editorial Comment - Garrison Keillor is a buffoon
Posted: Wed Jun 04, 2008 6:18 am (GMT -4)
Topic Replies: 0

Sent: Tue, 3 Jun 2008 08:52:01 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Garrison Keillor is a buffoon.

Below is an editorial written to the Chicago Tribune by Garrison
Keillor. Below that is my response which I have sent to Garrison Keilor and
posted on as many websites as I frequent.

Rusty

www.chicagotribune.com/news/columnists/chi-oped0528keillormay28,0,2312511.column

The roar of hollow patriotism

Garrison Keillor
May 28, 2008

Three hundred thousand bikers spent Memorial Day weekend roaring around Washington in tribute to our war dead, and I stood on Constitution Avenue Sunday afternoon watching a river of them go by, waiting for a gap in the procession so I could cross over to the Mall and look at pictures. The street had been closed off for them and they motored on by, some flying the Stars and Stripes and the black MIA-POW flag, honking, revving their engines, an endless celebration of internal combustion.

A patriotic bike rally is sort of like a patriotic toilet-papering or patriotic graffiti�the patriotism somehow gets lost in the sheer irritation of the thing. Somehow a person associates Memorial Day with long moments of silence when you summon up mental images of men huddled together on amphibious assault vehicles and pilots revving up B-24s and infantrymen crouched behind piles of rubble steeling themselves for the next push.

You don't quite see the connection between that and these fat men with ponytails on Harleys. After hearing a few thousand bikes go by, you think maybe we could airlift these gentlemen to Baghdad to show their support of the troops in a more tangible way. It took 20 minutes until a gap appeared and then a mob of us pedestrians flooded across the street and the parade of bikes had to stop for us, and on we went to show our patriotism by looking at exhibits at the Smithsonian or, in my case, hiking around the National Gallery, which, after you've watched a few thousand Harleys pass, seems like an outpost of civilization.

There stood Renoir's ballerina in pale blue chiffon and Monet's children in the garden of sunflowers. And Mary Cassatt's "The Boating Party," which I stood and stared at for a long time. A lady in a white bonnet sits in a green sailboat, holding a contented baby in pink, as a man rows the boat toward a distant shore. (Perhaps the boat is becalmed.) The man wears a navy blue shirt, he is preoccupied with his rowing, and the lady looks wan and mildly anxious, as well a mother should be. The baby is looking dreamily over the gunwales. Is the man a hired hand or is he the husband and father?

A work of art can lift you up from the mishmash of life, the weight of the unintelligible world, and the situations where vulgarity squats on you like an enormous toad and won't get off. You stroll down past the World War II Memorial, which looks like something ordered out of a catalog, a bland insult to the memory of all who served, and thousands of motorcycles roar by disturbing the Sabbath, and it depresses you for hours.

If anyone cared about the war dead, they could go read David Halberstam's "The Coldest Winter: America and the Korean War" or Stephen Ambrose's "Citizen Soldiers: The U.S. Army from the Normandy Beaches to the Bulge to the Surrender of Germany, June 7, 1944 to May 7, 1945," or any of a hundred other books, and they would get a vision of what it was like to face death for your country, but the bikers riding in formation are more interested in being seen than in learning anything. They are grown men playing soldier, making a great hullabaloo without exposing themselves to danger, other than getting drunk and falling off a bike.

No wonder the Current Occupant welcomed them with open arms at the White House, put on a black leather vest, and gave a manly speech about how he'd just "choppered in" and saw the horde "cranking up their machines," and he thanked them for being so patriotic. They are his kind of guys, full of bluster, giving off noxious fumes, and when they leave town, nobody misses them.

Meanwhile, the man pulls at the oars, the lady wonders if this trip was a good idea or if some disaster is at hand, and the child lolls on her lap, dazed by the sun. They started this trip in 1894 and haven't advanced an inch, meanwhile half the people who ever stood and watched them have reached that distant shore and the rest of us are getting closer every day.

I am the boatman and maybe you are too�it is quiet on the water, we lean on the oars, and we are suspended in time, united with every other man, woman and child who ever voyaged afar.

Garrison Keillor is a radio host and author. E-mail: oldscout@prairiehome.us

__________________________________________________________

Garrison Keillor is a buffoon.
By Rusty Bongard
USN 78-82
USNR 01-06
MiNat Guard 06-08

Garrison Keillor is a songbird of prose. He is a gifted orator of other men's words, capable of effectuating the meaning and resonance of a great thinkers thoughts so that they engage with clarity the hearts and minds of common men and women, and evince justice and benevolence upon the
writer or soothsayer he quotes. Garrison Keillor is however, a buffoon. An entertaining jester, talented, but a buffoon. One wonders if he has the
capacity to see anything beyond his own upturned nose.

Perhaps never having served a day in the service of his country he did not see. Yes, for those who were not there, who never wore the uniform, who
never knew the brotherhood and sacrifice, perhaps for them memorial day is a time for quiet reflection, and conjuring images of their fantasized ideals of those who gave.

For those three hundred thousand, mostly veterans, mostly survivors, warriors who were not felled, it is a celebration. A communion of the type onlyellow warriors can know. This is no tribute to our war dead. This is a reunion akin to the opening of the doors of Valhalla allowing for one sacred and monumental moment those who lived and those who died to reunite. It is a ghost dance. How anyone could not see the spirits of those dead warriors return and RIDE with these men is beyond understanding. Since World War 1 returning survivors, warriors who lived through it, have gathered themselves together on two wheels and rode hard. They share their secrets with one another, they take care of each other, and they remember those who are GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN.

Those fat men on Harleys were once slim, even skinny, young men. Snatched from the American dream and cast into a life that abides no individualism. Freedom is denied in order to preserve it for others. Many, forced to endure deprivations, and tragedy so immense there are no words to describe them, have spent their lives with mental images they can only see, and they can only feel. Questions of right vs. wrong, political aspects of their service, why they were there, all ultimately pale in importance beside their loyalty, love, and sense of duty to their fellow brothers in arms, both living and especially those not.

Those bikers, riding in formation were NOT interested in being seen, by anyone who walks with living eyes. Only a buffoon would guess that they have anything to learn. The insult of suggesting that, they are grown men playing soldiers was made by either a very brave man, or an idiot of monumental proportions. That these men should gather at the tables, and drink mead and shout the names of the dead, and regale each other and slap each other on shoulders, and wrap their arms around their brothers is not a disreputable act to the dead. The dead rejoice in their halls, glad that these fellows celebrate their lives, their sacrifices, and FREEDOM. They would join them, and will, someday. No Garrison Keilor has ever wept hard, or suffered the loss, of our dead warriors as have these warrior survivors.

As for the welcome with open arms by the occupant of the white house? What choice did he have? These biker warriors are not to be denied. They ask no permission to make this pilgrimage. The opinion of the President as to the irritating effects of this event has as much meaning for these men, as, Garrison Keilors. ZERO! If no one was there to witness or be irritated by this rendezvous with the dead warriors of our nation, no fewer of our living warriors would have come.

As much as I have laughed at this buffoon, and his humor. As much as I have enjoyed his rhetoric, and recitations. I will commit to close the book on him in my life. I will delegate him to the shelf that Hanoi Jane resides upon. Its as easy as a flick of the channel or a turn of the knob. A brief opportunity for enlightenment to take hold, and to make a very moving apology, is passing quickly. Even then though, he will always remain a buffoon.

Thorsblood
_________________
Penny Adams
Virginia Freedom Riders - Legislative Officer
Member Sons of Liberty Riders

"Government is too big and too important to be left to the politicians."
Chester Bowles (1901 - 1986)

ABATE of VA :: Thursday Night is Bike Night - Culpeper, VA

Author: Sharon
Subject: Thursday Night is Bike Night - Culpeper, VA
Posted: Thu May 29, 2008 10:55 am (GMT -4)
Topic Replies: 0

Bike night at the Pub!!!

ALL MOTORCYCLE ENTHUSIASTS WELCOME
COME OUT AND JOIN US THE 2ND THURSDAY OF EACH MONTH AT

THE HAZEL RIVER INN PUB
195 EAST DAVIS STREET, CULPEPER, VA
(around in back)

ENJOY FOOD AND BEVERAGE SPECIALS OUT ON THE PATIO DECK WITH OTHER AREA BIKERS.

ABATE OF VIRGINIA, CULPEPER CHAPTER
MEETING AT 7:00 PM

GOOD FOOD! COLD BEVERAGES!
Come on down and check it out
_________________
Sharon Keaton
VA Freedom Riders
ABATE of VA

Tennessee Freedom Riders :: Mike Hays Memorial Ride - June 14, 2008

Author: Sharon
Subject: Mike Hays Memorial Ride - June 14, 2008
Posted: Thu May 29, 2008 10:01 am (GMT -4)
Topic Replies: 0

This information comes from Mike's gal Carol

At close to 10:00 a.m., on Saturday June 14, Several of us are taking a ride in honor of Mike, his birthdate- June 17 , and Flag Day. Please join us, if you can. We are leaving from my house, 2226 Rocky Springs Road, Nolensville, TN 37135.
In case you haven't been here before, BE CAREFUL the driveway is ROUGH. Feel free to come through the yard, but NOT directly in front of the house, as there are utility pipes and lines that might be smashed. Coffee and donuts.

First stop, Pull Tight Hill. One of our favorite serenity spots. As Mike said--"This is how America is supposed to be" Fifteen minute stop.

On to cemetery. Bring small flags on stems. I have American, Confederate, Tennessee, Virginia (Mike lived there for years, although he was born in Pulaski, and spent several of his last years here in middle Tennessee), Navy, Don't Tread on Me. They are the 12" x 18" size. I hope that we can bring enough that the entire gravesite looks like a little sea of flags.

Then head back north on 31 and through the little village of Lynnville. There is a great little cafe The Caboose, where we can have a late lunch and maybe some will want to check out the steam locomotive and little train station, as well as Col. Littleton's leather emporium and the antique stores and soda shop.

You are welcome to head back with me to my house, stay for more visiting, or ride on to your next destination-home or otherwise.

I would appreciate knowing who is planning on joining us, so I can call the Cafe the day before and let them know how many to expect 5? 20? It seats 32, but I don't think they could handle more than ten at once without our advance notice. Lynnville is about twenty miles north of Pulaski--and I didn't see a grocery store where they could run over and get more butter--or anything else, if they ran out. The lady I visited with seemed REALLY nice.

My cell phone is 615 944 9797. I will be on a little road trip for a few days between now and then, so I might not see my emails for a little while.....

Hope to see you on the 14th for the festive decorating in memory of Mike on Flag Day.

Carol
_________________
Sharon Keaton
VA Freedom Riders
ABATE of VA

Events :: RIDE TO WORK DAY JULY 16, 2008

Author: Sharon
Subject: RIDE TO WORK DAY JULY 16, 2008
Posted: Thu May 29, 2008 9:59 am (GMT -4)
Topic Replies: 0

jULY 16, 2008, IS NATIONAL RIDE TO WORK DAY

Visit ridetowork.org for some interesting information about motorcycle communting in America.
_________________
Sharon Keaton
VA Freedom Riders
ABATE of VA

Events :: June 7, 2008, Louisa Poker Run

Author: Sharon
Subject: June 7, 2008, Louisa Poker Run
Posted: Wed May 21, 2008 9:51 am (GMT -4)
Topic Replies: 0

From my sister Stevie at 3WV 97.5

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Becky Vigon
(540) 854-7626
becky@LouisaPokerRun.org

3rd Annual Louisa County Poker Run

The 3rd Annual Louisa County Poker Run to benefit the American Cancer Society�s Relay For Life of Louisa is scheduled for Saturday, June 7. Registration begins at the Reactor 1 club in downtown Louisa. Enjoy a 75 mile ride around beautiful Lake Anna, and meet back at Walton Park in Mineral for a Rockin� After Party featuring trophies, food, vendors, a prize wheel and four LIVE BANDS! Registration is just $15 per rider ($5 for passengers), and includes admission to the After Party. All others pay a $10 donation. We have tickets to win two 4-wheelers, and will be selling commemorative t-shirts and tank tops. The After Party starts at 4 PM; trophy winners announced at 5:30 by Stevie Lynne of 97.5 3WV radio. Come on out on June 7th and join us for a full day of riding and music while helping raise money for the American Cancer Society. For more information, please visit www.LouisaPokerRun.org or call (540) 894-0576.
_________________
Sharon Keaton
VA Freedom Riders
ABATE of VA

Virginia Bikers' Rights :: VA DMV / AAA Says It's Always the Bikers Fault

Author: The Big Boo
Subject: VA DMV / AAA Says It's Always the Bikers Fault
Posted: Thu May 15, 2008 3:32 pm (GMT -4)
Topic Replies: 4

Catch a load of this cr...p "

http://www.dmv.state.va.us/webdoc/general/news/news.asp?id=5261

Motorcylists apparently caused their own 126 deaths in 2007!!!!

Tell that to Thomas Harley, killed in a head-on by a van passing other cars on two-lane 28 near Nokesville.

From the AMA in 2000

"In 1998, nearly 1,200, or over half of all motorcycle fatalities, occurred in multi-vehicle crashes. The left hand turn in front of an approaching motorcycle scenario was most predominant accounting for 36
percent of these fatalities.

In addition to multi-vehicle motorcycle crash fatalities, research has indicated that at least a third ofsingle-vehicle motorcycle crash fatalities can be attributed to other vehicles. Whether you call it a near
miss, near hit, near collision or phantom vehicle, the bottom line is that a vehicle encroaches on the motorcycle, causing the motorcycle operator to crash."

Someone is cooking the books here (VA State Police?)...This is a clear attempt to put the blame on motocyclists...oh yeah it is MC safety month ---

Can the "true" causation stats, be gleaned....This release is the worst I have ever seen for MC safety month....

Oh I forgot, it's with the AAA...gotta keep celling those AAA cell phones to its members

The fact that such a misleading release will now be reprinted in every paper in VA...and just the top few lines of course, outa make every Biker mad as hell...

The guy that murdered Tom Harley...year he really got nailed because he had lots of prior traffic offenses...12 months, well 10 suspended because well, no real f...ken reason except he is a cager and Harley WAS a biker...

The Big Boo

Biker related information :: VIN Etching - Arlington, VA

Author: Sharon
Subject: VIN Etching - Arlington, VA
Posted: Wed May 14, 2008 12:55 pm (GMT -4)
Topic Replies: 0

May 9, 2008 MEDIA CONTACT: Det. Crystal Nosal, 703-228-4311

Arlington Police to hold event to deter auto theft
Free VIN etching offered to vehicle owners

ARLINGTON, Va. � The Arlington County Police Department is inviting citizens to a free auto theft deterrence event on Saturday, May 17th, 2008. At the event, car owners can have their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) etched into their exterior windows. Motorcycle owners will be provided with a custom set of micro decals that contain their VIN and instructions on how to apply them by trained experts. It�s a quick, simple process that can reduce the chances of theft, or in the event of a theft, increase the likelihood the vehicle will be recovered quickly.

VIN etching does not affect the appearance of the vehicle or motorcycle. Trained etchers chemically engrave the VIN onto the main windows of the vehicle in inconspicuous locations. Some insurance companies offer discounts to the owners of VIN-etched vehicles.

A VIN-etched vehicle is harder to conceal when stolen, thus making it less attractive to car thieves. VIN etching also virtually eliminates any potential profit professional thieves might get from selling windows, windshields, and motorcycle parts through chop shops.

This event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Arlington Assembly of God Church, 4501 N. Pershing Drive. It is being provided FREE of charge by the Arlington County Police Department and the Virginia State Police HEAT (Help Eliminate Auto Theft) Program.

Arlington Police & Virginia State Police will give away 10 steering wheel locks to the first 10 vehicle owners and 10 Motorcycle clubs to the first 10 motorcycle owners at the event.

This year the focus is on motorcycles. Motorcycle theft is on the rise and this is an excellent way for bike owners to help police combat motorcycle theft. All motorcycle owners are encouraged to bring their bikes out, though not required, for a great day. Pastor Richard Neubauer of the Arlington Assembly of God Church, will be offering a �blessing of the bikes� at numerous times during the event. Pastor Neubauer, a passionate motorcycle owner and rider, has also opened the doors to his �Motorcycle Museum� for all ages to enjoy. A must see for Motorcycle enthusiasts.

Citizens are encouraged to bring their families to the event. A number of activities are planned, including a rock climbing wall, Moon Bounce, food and many others attractions. Also, vehicles and equipment used to combat auto theft will be on display.

Employing a wide range of efforts like this, Arlington�s Auto Theft Unit has made significant strides in reducing auto theft in Arlington County.
_________________
Sharon Keaton
VA Freedom Riders
ABATE of VA

ABATE of VA :: Board of Directors Meeting May 18, 2008

Author: Sharon
Subject: Board of Directors Meeting May 18, 2008
Posted: Wed May 14, 2008 11:59 am (GMT -4)
Topic Replies: 1

Reminder - the ABATE of VA Board of Directors will meet this Sunday, May 18th, 2008 at the Best Western Inn at Hunt Ridge in Lexington, VA. Meeting starts at 11:00 a.m. Additional newsletters and tri-folds will be available. Meeting is open to all ABATE members, come join us if you can.
_________________
Sharon Keaton
VA Freedom Riders
ABATE of VA

Events :: POKER RUN MAY 31, 2008

Author: Sharon
Subject: POKER RUN MAY 31, 2008
Posted: Wed May 14, 2008 11:56 am (GMT -4)
Topic Replies: 0

RUN FOR THE VETS
POKER RUN
US MILITARY VETS M/C
SATURDAY, MAY 31, 2008
Registration 9:00 to 12:00 noon at
CLUTCH's, 1485 General Booth Blvd, VA Beach
Last hand turned in at the LAZY HORSE 3:00 pm
$10.00 per bike, $5.00 for passengers

Benefiting The Hampton Veteran's Hospital
$100 for Best Hand, $50 for Worst
_________________
Sharon Keaton
VA Freedom Riders
ABATE of VA