MMA September, 2023

Chairman

Rocco W Libertine chairman@massmotorcycle.org

413.768.8118

Director at Large

Kevin Griffin directoratlarge@massmotorcycle.org

State Director

Rocco W Libertine statedirector@massmotorcycle.org

Recording Secretary

Bruce Arsenault secretary@massmotorcycle.org

Treasurer

Elaine Griffin treasurer@massmotorcycle.org

Merchandise Manager

Laurie Horn products@massmotorcycle.org

Vice Chairman

OPEN Business Manager

OPEN Safety & Education Manager

OPEN Director of Off-Road Riding

OPEN Director of Public Relations

OPEN

Membership Manager

Bruce Arsenault

membershipmanager@massmotorcycle.org

Website Administrator

OPEN Newsletter Editor

Deb Stoodley

Dbethgray@gmail.com

The main purpose of the association is to work toward continued freedom of the road by insuring that motorcyclist’s point of view is presented to our legislators and to promote motorcycle safety, rider education and public awareness. We are trying to alleviate the very real possibility of “Big Brother Government”. We encourage all our members to be informed registered voters. We write letters to our elected officials and stay aware of what is going on with motorcycle legislation, and other transportation issues. We welcome interested parties to any of our activities or to join our organization.

All articles and photo’s within the contents of this newsletter and our website are the property of …

Massachusetts Motorcycle Association

You may not use them without the express written consent of the newsletter editor, webmaster or the association board.

Massachusetts Motorcycle Association encourages all members to submit letters, articles or cartoons they feel may be of interest to fellow members. Massachusetts Motorcycle Association supports the rights of ALL motorcyclists. Massachusetts Motorcycle Association does not endorse any products or services other than its own.

The thoughts and opinions expressed in this newsletter are those of the individual contributors alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of the MMA board and it’s members.

The Massachusetts Motorcycle Association

The Massachusetts Motorcycle Association (MMA) in its never ending goal to improve motorcycling has done its homework in regards to the malfunctioning traffic lights throughout the Commonwealth on State Roadways. Many of us believe that when we are stopped at a traffic light on two wheels the weight of our machine will not trigger the light to green. The reality is the lack of mass of a two wheel machine as compared to a four wheel unit will not be picked up by the loop detector in the roadway and therefore not trigger the traffic light. Because of this we are tempted to run the light putting ourselves and others in danger. There is a fix and the MMA is here to offer alternatives to breaking the law.

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation has a phone number that you can call to make these corrections on state roadways. That number is:

857.368.3500

M – F 8:00 AM thru 5:00 PM Or you can email:

https://www.mass.gov/forms/contact-massdot

Either way will work and the DOT will work to correct the problem. These contact methods can also be used to report pot holes, road kills, etc... This would be best for the troublesome lights that you come across on a regular bases.

As for city and town local roadways a call to city/town Department of Public Works will usually be able to address the problem. Each City and Town has their own way of addressing these problems.

You’re MMA at Work.

What is the MMA to you?

As an active member, Area Representative and Newsletter Editor I could quote the mission of the MMA (currently in consideration of revision) and many of you would nod your head and agree that we address important issues for the riding community and maybe buy a raffle ticket or make an appearance at the Fall Roundup because it’s just what you do every year. I am a relatively new member of the MMA. In fact, I joined less than two years ago. I haven’t even been riding my own bike for a decade yet but I want to share some of the things I have come to learn about this organization. The MMA is made up of riders who really care. They will put themselves out on a limb to fight for what is fair and just for bikers. Yes, they have stormed the Statehouse – and I know we will again. The MMA will never give up on contacting the lawmakers and persuading them to change the laws for the safety, education and protection of those of us on two wheels and all of the others who we share the roads with. While lobbying with the politicians is a huge part of our job, most of our time goes into making sure we put on the best party we can each year at the Fall Roundup, for YOU, and that we have the funds available for that by selling raffle tickets all year long leading up to the big day when we hand off that prize to the lucky winner. Every month, the board meets to discuss what’s going on, what we want to work on in the future and all the other details that club meetings consist of. There is also a monthly meeting held by the Fall Round Up committee where they assign the tasks to staff members, find ways to seek donations for the raffle table, etc. Also, every year, a handful of members attend the Meeting of the Minds Convention which is held in a different state each year. Next month we are meeting in PA where we will join representatives of Motorcycle Rights Organizations from all around the country in order to gain new insight into ways to improve what we do, and how we do it. My personal hope is that we will come back with some innovative and creative new ideas for ways to drum up new members and peaking the interest and involvement of our existing members. Could that be you?

Beyond the hard work and collaboration of the board members and the committees that exist and meet at various times between board meetings, there is a bond between the MMA membership community. We share a particular type of love, respect and brotherhood that I can not describe in words on a page, but as we read on social media repetitively, “if you know you know.” Sometimes we disagree and have our share of “sibling rivalry” but I could not be more proud to be accepted by such an incredible group of human beings that make up the MMA. If you want to experience the power of this bond, I encourage you to reach out to us and ask how you can be involved.

Ride safe.

Deb

Greg supports MMA Safety and Awareness program

Motorcycle Riders Foundation meets with NHTSA

At the end of July, key Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) board members held a meeting with half a dozen officials at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) regarding autonomous vehicles. It was a frustrating meeting.

At the outset, NHTSA officials promised a safety report, likely to appear in the fall, which they say will shed light on how this new technology interacts with motorcycles. While they seemed optimistic about what the study will show, we remain concerned. One reason for the concern is what we believe to be a lack of urgency from the federal government to set guidelines and legal standards.

The MRF participants stressed a few key points. First, there is clearly a lack of knowledge by consumers about what these products can and cannot do. It seems all too often that misleading promotional material gives drivers a false sense of what these cars are capable of. While officials at NHTSA may know what the cars are designed to do, it seems obvious many of the people behind the wheel of these cars do not.

We also pointed out the growing number of crashes that involve Teslas and motorcycles. Earlier this summer, former NHTSA senior safety adviser, Missy Cummings, told the Washington Post, “It’s very dangerous for motorcycles to be around Teslas.” Disappointingly, NHTSA refused to comment on this, citing an open investigation into those crashes.

On a positive note, a member of Congressman Tim Walberg’s staff attended the meeting and asked key questions about the rollout of the next level in autonomous vehicles. Congressional staff being present sends a clear message to the bureaucrats at NHTSA that at least some on Capitol Hill are worried about motorcyclists.

We are fast approaching a turning point in the development of autonomous vehicles. Currently, most of the autonomous vehicles on the road are “Level 2.” This means “the driver is fully responsible for driving the vehicle while the system provides continuous assistance with both acceleration/braking and steering.” However, a huge jump is made with “Level 3.” At this stage “the system handles all aspects of driving while the driver remains available to take over driving if the system can no longer operate.”

Despite our frustration with the lack of action on this topic, the MRF remains in the fight. Meetings like this, while disappointing, keep us in their face. We are committing to holding manufacturers and regulators accountable for the safety of ALL roadway users.

See the next page for NHTSA classification levels for automation.

Looking

Four

Bikes Blues & BBQ… September 20-23… Fayetteville, AR

Texas Lone Star Rally…November 2-5 … Galveston , TX

1)… To initiate , endorse and sponsor educational programs such as rider safety, public awareness, legislative and affirmative action and, individual freedoms and rights.

2)… To create and promote a positive public image of motorcyclists and motorcycle groups and to dispel and disprove media hype, unfounded propaganda and the “Hollywood” image.

3)… To encourage goodwill and mutual understanding among motorcyclists, law enforcement personnel and the general public.

4)… To serve as an information source on matters pertaining to current laws, pending legislation, personal rights, political inclinations of elected officials and their constituents, and voter awareness.

MEMBERS

Pictures.. Run

NOTE: All dates are subject to be changed/postponed/cancelled. Please reach out to the organization regarding their event.

Motorcycle safety and awareness season 2023 is upon us. The MMA has a fresh supply of the MMA “Look!” signs. They are available for members and the general public who are willing to display them throughout the riding season. You can obtain a sign through your Area Rep. A list of our current Reps and their contact info is posted in the newsletter each month. We are asking for a $5 donation to offset the cost of printing and shipping.