Page Title
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
Below are notices & articles from AMA and the MRF. They are listed in chronological
order, being the 1st article is the "Call to Action" and the second is the latest news on
this topic.
order, being the 1st article is the "Call to Action" and the second is the latest news on
this topic.
| News from the Federal Level! |
NTSB urges states to enact mandatory motorcycle helmet laws
Nov. 16, 2010 - USA Today
By Larry Copeland
Nov. 16, 2010 - USA Today
By Larry Copeland
The National Transportation Safety Board, the independent federal agency charged with
determining the probable cause of transportation accidents and promoting safety, is urging
states to enact mandatory helmet laws for all motorcycle riders.
More than 12 motorcyclists die in crashes in the USA each day, and the leading cause of
death in those fatalities is head injuries, NTSB Vice Chairman Christopher Hart said
Tuesday in urging states without laws covering all riders to adopt them.
Currently, 47 states and the District of Columbia have motorcycle helmet laws.
However, only 20 states and the District require them for all riders; the other 27 states
require helmets only for some riders, usually those under 18, according to the Governors
Highway Safety Association, which has studied helmet use extensively. Three states —
Illinois, Iowa and New Hampshire — have no helmet law.
Click Here to read the full article
determining the probable cause of transportation accidents and promoting safety, is urging
states to enact mandatory helmet laws for all motorcycle riders.
More than 12 motorcyclists die in crashes in the USA each day, and the leading cause of
death in those fatalities is head injuries, NTSB Vice Chairman Christopher Hart said
Tuesday in urging states without laws covering all riders to adopt them.
Currently, 47 states and the District of Columbia have motorcycle helmet laws.
However, only 20 states and the District require them for all riders; the other 27 states
require helmets only for some riders, usually those under 18, according to the Governors
Highway Safety Association, which has studied helmet use extensively. Three states —
Illinois, Iowa and New Hampshire — have no helmet law.
Click Here to read the full article
| News from the MRF - Motorcycle Riders Foundation.... US EPA Considered Lowering Motorcycle Sound Emissions Levels! |
June 2010: The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) has learned that the United States
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has begun collecting data from the industry to
consider lowering the allowable decibel level for motorcycles. Currently the allowable
sound any vehicle can generate is capped at 83db.
The EPA has sent letters to nine companies that either import or build aftermarket
exhaust systems or complete motorcycles. This small sample size is troubling for a
couple of reasons. First, it is not representative of the much larger motorcycling
community that will be affected by changing the regulation, rendering the survey
results questionable at best. Second, any time a federal agency wants to spend
taxpayer money to survey a group of 10 or more individuals or organizations, they
must obtain approval from the US Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The
approval process isn't easy and can often be drawn out, giving American citizens the
right to weigh in on the agency's application for permission to survey. However, when
an agency only contacts nine organizations, they don't have to tell anyone or get
permission from the OMB to move forward on the survey, making the process lack
transparency.
Why just motorcycles? It appears that the EPA doesn't want to curb all noise, or even
all vehicle noise, just noise coming from two-wheeled vehicles. We at the MRF find that
distinction discriminatory and simply unacceptable, not to mention that it suggests a
more personal agenda and not an agency-wide push. What sort of impact will new
decibel levels have on retailers and ultimately motorcycle owners? Alarmingly, this does
not appear to have been addressed. After reviewing the survey questions, it appears
that the EPA is only concerned with the impact on manufacturers.
While public correspondence has not revealed the EPA's true intention to lower the
allowable decibel limit, the EPA indicated in a private phone call with the MRF that it
would certainly not be raising the standard or keeping it the same. That leaves one
option, lowering the decibel standard for motorcycles.
The MRF is working with Congress to get the EPA to explain their intentions and
motivations. The MRF is also working to meet directly with the EPA to further determine
exactly is going on with this issue.
You can view the actual EPA questionnaire on the MRF website at
http://www.mrf.org/pdf/EPA_questionnaire_June2010.pdf
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has begun collecting data from the industry to
consider lowering the allowable decibel level for motorcycles. Currently the allowable
sound any vehicle can generate is capped at 83db.
The EPA has sent letters to nine companies that either import or build aftermarket
exhaust systems or complete motorcycles. This small sample size is troubling for a
couple of reasons. First, it is not representative of the much larger motorcycling
community that will be affected by changing the regulation, rendering the survey
results questionable at best. Second, any time a federal agency wants to spend
taxpayer money to survey a group of 10 or more individuals or organizations, they
must obtain approval from the US Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The
approval process isn't easy and can often be drawn out, giving American citizens the
right to weigh in on the agency's application for permission to survey. However, when
an agency only contacts nine organizations, they don't have to tell anyone or get
permission from the OMB to move forward on the survey, making the process lack
transparency.
Why just motorcycles? It appears that the EPA doesn't want to curb all noise, or even
all vehicle noise, just noise coming from two-wheeled vehicles. We at the MRF find that
distinction discriminatory and simply unacceptable, not to mention that it suggests a
more personal agenda and not an agency-wide push. What sort of impact will new
decibel levels have on retailers and ultimately motorcycle owners? Alarmingly, this does
not appear to have been addressed. After reviewing the survey questions, it appears
that the EPA is only concerned with the impact on manufacturers.
While public correspondence has not revealed the EPA's true intention to lower the
allowable decibel limit, the EPA indicated in a private phone call with the MRF that it
would certainly not be raising the standard or keeping it the same. That leaves one
option, lowering the decibel standard for motorcycles.
The MRF is working with Congress to get the EPA to explain their intentions and
motivations. The MRF is also working to meet directly with the EPA to further determine
exactly is going on with this issue.
You can view the actual EPA questionnaire on the MRF website at
http://www.mrf.org/pdf/EPA_questionnaire_June2010.pdf
| AMA Action Alert! Bill introduced to prohibit funding discriminatory motorcycle-only checkpoints Urge your Representative to support today! |
On March 3, 2011, Representative Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI) introduced legislation that would prohibit
the Secretary of Transportation from providing grants or any funds to states or local governments to be
used for any program to create motorcycle-only checkpoints (MOCs).
In addition to Sensenbrenner, Reps. Tom Petri (R-WI) and Paul Ryan (R-WI) are original cosponsors.
Because MOCs are discriminatory and have not been proven effective, the American Motorcyclist
Association (AMA) strongly supports this new legislative effort and urges motorcyclists to take action to
assure passage. The AMA needs your help to contact your Representative immediately and urge them
to cosponsor this legislation.
This bill came about in response to the Motorcycle Law Enforcement Demonstrations Grant
(DTNH22-10-R-00386) program administered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
(NHTSA). You can view the grant notice here.
the Secretary of Transportation from providing grants or any funds to states or local governments to be
used for any program to create motorcycle-only checkpoints (MOCs).
In addition to Sensenbrenner, Reps. Tom Petri (R-WI) and Paul Ryan (R-WI) are original cosponsors.
Because MOCs are discriminatory and have not been proven effective, the American Motorcyclist
Association (AMA) strongly supports this new legislative effort and urges motorcyclists to take action to
assure passage. The AMA needs your help to contact your Representative immediately and urge them
to cosponsor this legislation.
This bill came about in response to the Motorcycle Law Enforcement Demonstrations Grant
(DTNH22-10-R-00386) program administered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
(NHTSA). You can view the grant notice here.
MRF News Release - March 15, 2011
Administrator David Strickland of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
has submitted his 2012 budget request to the Appropriations Committees. One item in
particular jumped off the page when the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) examined the
$860 million request. Section 3011, Motorcycle Safety Grants, includes a $7 million ask that
specifically adds the promotion of DOT compliant helmet use to the fund.
In the past, the motorcycle safety grant program has solely put money toward two areas:
teaching people to ride motorcycles and educating the rest of the motoring public to look for
motorcycles while driving. Diluting this already small grant program to include helmet use
promotion will certainly diminish the effectiveness of the two existing programs.
In a recent Senate hearing, Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood was asked
by Senator Lautenberg (D-NJ) to include a mandatory helmet law in his budget request.
LaHood responded, "This administration believes that is a State issue." Apparently Strickland
did not get that information.
It is troubling that NHTSA, whose mantra should be "crash avoidance," continues to promote
"safer crashing." The MRF believes that the best crash is the one that doesn't happen. The
MRF will keep you updated on this important issue.
Congressional Recess Period
Next week is the March Congressional recess period. Contact your US Senators and
Representatives to attend a town hall meeting or face-to-face constituent meeting. Let them
know you are not happy with NHTSA's requests and actions. Do not hesitate to contact the
MRF should you need talking points or help scheduling a meeting.
Administrator David Strickland of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
has submitted his 2012 budget request to the Appropriations Committees. One item in
particular jumped off the page when the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) examined the
$860 million request. Section 3011, Motorcycle Safety Grants, includes a $7 million ask that
specifically adds the promotion of DOT compliant helmet use to the fund.
In the past, the motorcycle safety grant program has solely put money toward two areas:
teaching people to ride motorcycles and educating the rest of the motoring public to look for
motorcycles while driving. Diluting this already small grant program to include helmet use
promotion will certainly diminish the effectiveness of the two existing programs.
In a recent Senate hearing, Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood was asked
by Senator Lautenberg (D-NJ) to include a mandatory helmet law in his budget request.
LaHood responded, "This administration believes that is a State issue." Apparently Strickland
did not get that information.
It is troubling that NHTSA, whose mantra should be "crash avoidance," continues to promote
"safer crashing." The MRF believes that the best crash is the one that doesn't happen. The
MRF will keep you updated on this important issue.
Congressional Recess Period
Next week is the March Congressional recess period. Contact your US Senators and
Representatives to attend a town hall meeting or face-to-face constituent meeting. Let them
know you are not happy with NHTSA's requests and actions. Do not hesitate to contact the
MRF should you need talking points or help scheduling a meeting.
| NHTSA Requests Motorcycle Safety Money |
| The Motorcycle Riders Foundation Legislative Strategy Agenda for 2011-2012 |
At the 2011 Motorcycle Riders Foundation’s (MRF) Meeting of the Minds Conference
held in September in Detroit, Michigan, a Legislative Strategy Session was hosted by
the MRF's Legislative Committee. As has been done for the past several years, the
MRF requested that it be attended by Sustaining State Motorcyclists' Rights
Organizations (SSMRO) Legislative and/or Executive Officers. The goal was to set
the MRF's Federal Legislative Agenda for the 2011 Meeting of the Minds to 2012
Meeting of the Minds annual cycle.
The MRF's SSMRO partners responded once again with a majority attendance, and
the Legislative Committee was extremely pleased at the aligned and clear direction
from our SSMRO partners. This level of alignment will allow for a solid and focused
Strategic Action Plan to be developed, disseminated, and effectively employed. The
session this year was moderated by MRF Vice President Jay Jackson, supported by
MRF Vice President of Government Relations and Public Affairs Jeff Hennie and MRF
President Kirk "Hardtail" Willard.
The MRF continued the practice instituted last year, recording one vote per
organization. Shown below in the order raised and discussed with our SSMROs is
the MRF’s Legislative Strategy Agenda for 2011-2012.
MRF LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Kirk “Hardtail” Willard (Chair), Keith Ball, Dave
Dwyer, Jeff Hennie, Cindy Hodges, Jay Jackson, Jim “Legs” Korte, Boyd McFail, Larry Nielson,
John Pierce, Todd Riba
held in September in Detroit, Michigan, a Legislative Strategy Session was hosted by
the MRF's Legislative Committee. As has been done for the past several years, the
MRF requested that it be attended by Sustaining State Motorcyclists' Rights
Organizations (SSMRO) Legislative and/or Executive Officers. The goal was to set
the MRF's Federal Legislative Agenda for the 2011 Meeting of the Minds to 2012
Meeting of the Minds annual cycle.
The MRF's SSMRO partners responded once again with a majority attendance, and
the Legislative Committee was extremely pleased at the aligned and clear direction
from our SSMRO partners. This level of alignment will allow for a solid and focused
Strategic Action Plan to be developed, disseminated, and effectively employed. The
session this year was moderated by MRF Vice President Jay Jackson, supported by
MRF Vice President of Government Relations and Public Affairs Jeff Hennie and MRF
President Kirk "Hardtail" Willard.
The MRF continued the practice instituted last year, recording one vote per
organization. Shown below in the order raised and discussed with our SSMROs is
the MRF’s Legislative Strategy Agenda for 2011-2012.
- Transportation Equity Act (TEA) Reauthorization (the Highway Bill) – closely monitor for
any action that would positively or negatively impact motorcycles, motorcycling, and
motorcyclists - Continuation of the Motorcycle 2010 Grant Funding program – tighten up language for
qualification and use - Continuation of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) lobbying
ban within individual states - Pursue continuation of the Motorcycle Advisory Council designed to advise the Federal
Highway Administration (FHWA) on motorcycling issues - Oppose any federal blackmails or sanctions contained in the Highway Bill related to
motorcycles - The MRF will not promote adoption of the SAE sound test as a national enforcement
standard – considered a state issue - Pursue reintroduction of Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
HR1253, which would require health insurance companies to disclose the list of "source
of injury" exclusions in the policies they issue - Continue successful work to cut off all funding for NHTSA motorcycle-specific checkpoint
grants - Continue monitoring the crash causation and the naturalistic studies
- Oppose any federal standard proposing stamping and certifying motorcycle exhaust
systems – considered a state issue - Continue to monitor the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sound emissions study;
oppose federal agencies encouraging states to take action – considered a state issue - Oppose ALL forms of distracted driving; oppose any related funding blackmails or
withholding of funds related to motorcycles - Watch closely for motorcycle-specific discrimination
- Continue promotion of Right to Repair Act
- Continue participation at the federal level where definitions of a motorcycle are under
review - Oppose any motorcycle-, motorcycling-, or motorcyclist-based discrimination proposed
by the U.S. Congress or any Federal agency in Washington D.C. - Continue active participation in motorcycle-related activity in the European Union and
United Nations - Oppose any mandatory helmet or apparel laws
- MRF will not support the use of E15 fuel until further testing is done; continue to seek
recommendations from motorcycle original equipment manufacturers (OEM) - Pursue safer roadway design strategies and inclusion of motorcycles in ongoing
Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) work; encourage improved crash barriers and
safer cable barrier engineering - Continue to promote the theme of crash avoidance versus safer crashing, using the
principles of HR1498 which urges NHTSA to focus on crash prevention and rider education
MRF LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Kirk “Hardtail” Willard (Chair), Keith Ball, Dave
Dwyer, Jeff Hennie, Cindy Hodges, Jay Jackson, Jim “Legs” Korte, Boyd McFail, Larry Nielson,
John Pierce, Todd Riba
| Liability disclaimer: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the electronic documents and resources provided on this Web site. However, the New Hampshire Motorcyclists' Rights Organization (NHMRO) makes no warranties, express or implied, regarding errors or omissions and assumes no legal liability or responsibility for loss or damage resulting in the use of this information contained within. Copyright 1995-2009 The New Hampshire Motorcyclists' Rights Organization |
NHMRO recognizes the businesses that sponsor us through
contributions and donations.
We ask that you consider these businesses when looking
for their type of sales or service!
contributions and donations.
We ask that you consider these businesses when looking
for their type of sales or service!
| Our Supporters |
Atlantic Upholstery
Londonderry, NH 603-432-3391
Specializing in Antique, Classic & Hot Rod Restorations. Auto & Truck
Seats, Headliners, Convertible Tops - Motorcycle & Snowmobile Seats -
Boat Covers & Interiors
Londonderry, NH 603-432-3391
Specializing in Antique, Classic & Hot Rod Restorations. Auto & Truck
Seats, Headliners, Convertible Tops - Motorcycle & Snowmobile Seats -
Boat Covers & Interiors
NHMRO recognizes the businesses that support us through various
contributions of their services, products and discounts. We are listing
the businesses here area token of our appreciation for a period of time.
We ask that you consider these businesses when looking for their type of
sales or service!
contributions of their services, products and discounts. We are listing
the businesses here area token of our appreciation for a period of time.
We ask that you consider these businesses when looking for their type of
sales or service!
Manchester Harley Davidson
115 John E Devine Drive Manchester, NH www.manchesterhd.com
603-622-2461
115 John E Devine Drive Manchester, NH www.manchesterhd.com
603-622-2461
| ______________________ |
| ______________________ |
Northeast Motorcycle Expo & Kev-Marv Productions
www.kevmarv.com
www.kevmarv.com
| Platinum Sponsors |
| Gold Sponsors |
| Joseph A. Ritzo Attorney at Law Representing Injured People Since 1985 Email or Call 24 hours/7 days a week 603-436-1070 or 1-800-232-7533 email: lawyers@ritzo-injurylaw.com www.ritzo-injurylaw.com |
| Sponsors |
Deerhead Sportsmen's Club
314 Londonderry Tkpe (Rt 28 bypass)
Hooksett, NH
314 Londonderry Tkpe (Rt 28 bypass)
Hooksett, NH
Lafayette Press Inc.
455 Hayward St.
Manchester, NH 03103
603-622-8142
455 Hayward St.
Manchester, NH 03103
603-622-8142
HK Powersports of Hooksett/Hooksett Kawaski
1354 Hooksett Rd, Hooksett NH
603-668-4343
web: www.hkpowersports.com
1354 Hooksett Rd, Hooksett NH
603-668-4343
web: www.hkpowersports.com
| ______________________ |
Older Bikers Riding Club -Southern New Hampshire Chapter
www.olderbikers.org or
www.facebook.com/pages/obrc-southern-nh-chapter/143713702347253
www.olderbikers.org or
www.facebook.com/pages/obrc-southern-nh-chapter/143713702347253
| "People, Equipment, Commitment" Ted Bantis Excavating Excavating - Grading - Drainage -Underground Utilities Sewer & Water Services - Septic Systems - Road Construction 603-627-8519 879 Londonderry Turnpike Auburn NH www.tedbantisexcavating.com |
| Huge antique center featuring scores of dealer booths!! 601 Main Street Laconia, NH 03246 603-524-3460 www.laconiaantiquecenter.com |
| ______________________ |
| ______________________ |
| ______________________ |
Rochester Sports Center
98 Calef Hwy (Rt. 125)
Barrington, NH 03825
603-332-1022
web: rochestersportscenter.com
98 Calef Hwy (Rt. 125)
Barrington, NH 03825
603-332-1022
web: rochestersportscenter.com
| ______________________ |
| ______________________ |
Twisted Iron Riding Club
Rochester, NH
603-923-4407
www.twistedironmrc.org
Rochester, NH
603-923-4407
www.twistedironmrc.org
| Iron Tails Saloon "Where the Soft tails Roam" Phone: 207-850-1142 559 Rte. 109 - Acton, Maine www.irontailssaloon.com or visit them on FaceBook |
| ______________________ |
| ______________________ |
RPM Motorcycle Service
421 Amherst St. - Nashua, NH - 10% off to any NHMRO member!
603-595-8534
421 Amherst St. - Nashua, NH - 10% off to any NHMRO member!
603-595-8534
| Makris Lobster & Steak House Don't wait any longer! Come See us today; your stomach will thank you! Rt. 106 North - just past the Rt.202 junction. Concord, NH - 603-225-7665 www.eatalobster.com |
Ruel's Cycles
20 Willow Street, Manchester NH - 10% off parts to any NHMRO member!
603-624-8160
20 Willow Street, Manchester NH - 10% off parts to any NHMRO member!
603-624-8160