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Motorcycle Riders Foundation
January/February 2011
Around the States to leave our right to choose whether or not to wear a helmet intact, despite the bullying from the National level. Our second issue is that the Minnesota Legislature needs to establish increased penalties that would properly punish those who harm or kill others through inattentive or distracted driving. Each year, motorcyclists, pedestrians, bicyclists, vehicle drivers and passengers are killed by other motorists who enter the roadway into their path, turn left into their path, or otherwise cause accidents by failing to yield right of way. Currently these are misdemeanor citations if the vehicle operator is found to be sober and licensed. ABATE of Minnesota feels that Minnesota should strengthen the penalties for those who kill others while driving in a negligent manner, when not alcohol or drug related, and raise the offense to the level of gross misdemeanor. Additionally, we’re asking the Minnesota Legislature to safeguard the Motorcycle Safety Funds which are used for motorcycle safety training, motorcycle safety promotion, and public awareness campaigns. This program is funded with the money motorcyclists pay when they apply for or renew their motorcycle endorsement. Since this money is paid solely by motorcyclists for motorcycle safety, ABATE of Minnesota opposes any efforts to "raid" the Motorcycle Safety Fund to balance the state budget. Politicians pay attention when large groups of black leather-clad freedom-loving citizens stride the Capitol hallways, and we need every motorcyclist in Minnesota to attend. We want a sea of leather, a thunder of boots, an overwhelming chorus of voices all demanding that freedoms be protected, that motorcyclists be treated with respect. For more information on Bikerday at the Capitol, go to www.abatemn.org or call 800-224-6570 Respectfully, Mike Berger Asst. State Rep
Missouri Tip Tipton MRF State Rep Freedom of Road Riders and ABATE for Missouri are gearing up for what hopes to be a successful legislative season. Elections are over and motorcyclist will have to be in the Capitol making new friends and getting reacquainted with the old. Bills will be getting pre-
filed in early December. Once again we will be working on a helmet modification bill for those 21 years of age and older. Governor Nixon vetoed this bill in 2009 and it will take a lot of hard work by the bikers to get it to his office then convince him we want the freedom to choose. This year we are going to be looking at ways to fund motorcycle awareness in classrooms and within the Department of Revenue. Lots of ideas being tossed around and we will let everyone know what we were able to come up with and how we got it done as well as the stumbling blocks along the way. Until next time, hope you have a happy and successful New Year, support the MRF and we hope to see ya on the road!! Tip MRF State Rep
Nevada John Bland President ABATE Northern Nevada MRF State Rep Elections have come and gone. We’re very disappointed here in Nevada that Senate candidate Sharron Angle lost to incumbent Harry Reid. Sharron was endorsed by the Tea Party, is a staunch constitutionalist and has a long history of supporting motorcycle rights issues. Northern ABATE member Janine Hansen lost to ABATE member John Ellison for Assembly 33. Having two ABATE members running for the same office caused some tension between candidates and ABATE. John Ellison may be disappointed that ABATE did not endorse him during the election. Hopefully John understands the situation of two members running for the same office. ABATE will introduce a helmet repeal bill again next legislative session. We expect John Ellison will introduce bills, and support bills, that uphold our state and US Constitution. We will be working with John Ellison during the upcoming legislative session and we believe Mr. Ellison will uphold and protect our personal rights and freedoms in Nevada. ABATE member, Ken Wellington ran for Elko County Sheriff and lost to Jim Pitts. Unfortunately not enough voters attended the open debates that were held between Mr. Wellington