The Motorcycle Association Of New York State (MANYS) previously ran the program from 1998 to December of 2008. The current program was started in 1997, when the New York State Legislature established the Motorcycle Safety Fund to finance a statewide motorcycle operator and instructor training program. Over the last 5 years nearly 70,000 motorcyclists have received training.

Visit the NYS DMV Website or the  Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Website

Related Link: NYS Audit Report 2007-R-3

The Missouri Senate recently approved legislation that, if signed into law, could allow people 21 and over to ride motorcycles without helmets. Current state law requires motorcyclists to wear helmets. The proposed change, SB27, would be in effect until August of 2014. Read the entire Senate Bill.

Related Link: WV DOT Dept. of Motor Vehicles

The new law prevents the sale of all products for children ages 12 and under that contains lead over specified limits. The new law will hurt all ages of riders of some widely popular motorcycles, motocross and mini-bikes because they now won’t be able to get new equipment or repair the machines they have.

The new law, which is widely recognized as being well intentioned, is now being criticized as being too far reaching and lacking common sense. For example, according to Paul Vitrano, executive vice president and general counsel, Specialty Vehicle Institute of America (SVIA) – “Some ATV and motorcycle parts unavoidably contain small quantities of lead,” … “Lead in these components is necessary, either for safety, as in the case of facilitating the machining of tire valves, critical to assuring tire air retention, or for functionality, such as the lead in battery terminals, which is needed to conduct electricity.”

On January 28th, 2009 the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC), a not-for-profit industry association representing about 300 motorcycle and scooter manufacturers and distributors, requested immediate relief from the new law.

In the petition, the MIC stated “through this petition, MIC joins some of its member companies in seeking emergency relief, in the form of a temporary final rule, granting a temporary exclusion from the lead limits for certain lead-containing materials…” The MIC is hoping to gain some time to allow the industry to review the feedback and impacts of the new law.

Read the contents of the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) Petition. (PDF)

Read the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) – General Council’s Response. (PDF)

Contact Information for the CPSC:

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
4330 East West Highway
Bethesda, MD 20814

Headquarters
General Information: (301) 504-7923 M-F 8:00 am – 4:30 pm ET
Fax: (301) 504-0124 and (301) 504-0025
E-mail: Contact Form

Related Links:

Motorcycle Industry Council Letter to the CPSC.

CPSC response to the Motorcycle Industry Council.

This was a difficult decision. Myrtle Beach welcomes visitors year-round, but the giant motorcycle rallies simply grew too large. Our staff, residents and businesses strained to keep up with these huge single-focus events. It may surprise you, but our economy is much healthier with a fully diversified visitor base, instead of a concentration on one or two extremely large events.

Please know that Myrtle Beach is not anti-biker or anti-motorcycle. We want folks to come on the vehicle of their choice and enjoy all of the things Myrtle Beach has to offer. We are ending the motorcycle-related rallies because they grew too big and lasted too long. The huge rallies even kept visitors away from Myrtle Beach, and that’s not good.

For everyone’s safety and welfare, City Council has added a few new rules and regulations. We believe these new laws will make Myrtle Beach a safer and more friendly destination. For example, with your safety in mind, we now require that all motorcycle riders and passengers wear a helmet and eye protection. We also have a 1:00 to 6:00 a.m. curfew for everyone under 18. These and other rule changes are explained on this web site.

Thank you for understanding. As you know, Myrtle Beach is a great place to visit, and we welcome you at any time. I look forward to your next visit and am confident that you will have a great time in Myrtle Beach!”

The letter was signed by John Rhodes and the full text can be read here: Read Full Article >>

See related articles:

Economy, Politics Take Toll On Motorcycling: Events & Industry

First lawsuit revs up to fight anti-rally laws

Myrtle Beach Passes Biker Ordinances

Motorcycle enthusiasts will be saying goodbye to some long-time events this year and the future of some other big events is still hanging in the balance.

The end of an era

Last month American Honda announced that the 2008 Honda Hoot was the last one. This brings to a close 15 years of what has been arguably one of the most successful motorcycle rallies in history. Honda attributed the move to current economic conditions and said “based on the current economic crunch which may have significant impact on our customers during 2009, American Honda will take this time to seek out new and innovative ways to engage with our customers so that we can continue to ride together”.

Other events having difficulty or announcing cancellations include:

- Tampa Bay Motorcycle Rally. Earlier this year CC Productions issued a release stating that the event was “cancelled due to lack of community support”.

- Lone Star Rally. As of this writing, the organizers of Lone Star Rally in Galveston, Texas are still negotiating with Galveston officials. They have not been able to release even a tentative date for their rally and are threatening to leave if progress is not made.

- Concours d’Elegance. While taking a softer approach in breaking the bad news, the Legend of the Motorcycle has nevertheless cancelled the 2009 “Concours d’Elegance.” The Concours d’Elegance, which takes place the first weekend each May, will be not be held in 2009 but is scheduled to resume in 2010. The decision is attributed to “the effect the world economy has had on many sponsors”. Said co-founder Jared Zaugg: “We’d rather suspend the event than see it done halfway”. The good news is that plans are already underway for May 2010.

- Hollister Independence Day Rally. The event, which was tentatively scheduled for July 10-12, 2009, remains “officially” cancelled. This is the second time in three years city council members cancelled the Rally. The Horse Power Promotions website announcement states; “The city council has decided not to sanction the 2009 Hollister Motorcycle Rally. There will be no motorcycle activity in 2009.”

Lawmakers set their sights on bikers

Other potentially significant news for motorcyclists is pending legislation intended, in part, to limit motorcycle rallies. Back in September of 2008, the Myrtle Beach City Council passed 15 ordinances aimed at motorcycles and motorcycle events (See article). These ordinances include a curfew for underage individuals, administrative processes to address parking issues, new rules for checking into a hotel or motel, and a mandatory citywide helmet law. While these ordinances will not become law unless they are passed in a second reading, the potential is significant and Motorcycle Rally supporters have fired back with lawsuits (see article).

The communities and the many businesses that have relied on these events over the years will no doubt find they must reinvent themselves and will certainly face significant challenges ahead. Far away from these communities, some see the cancellation of these major events as a chance for other competing events to maintain their base or even provide a window of opportunity for smaller regional events to grow as a result. Others, still, view this as a sign of things to come and predict more events to pull back or cancel.

Manufacturers respond to the issues

The painful truth is that in addition to the current economic uncertainty, we are also seeing a convergence of issues, which have bubbled up to the surface at exactly the wrong time.

Issues and concerns such as “loud pipes”, “wheelies and stoppies” being performed on city streets, and resort communities being overwhelmed by non-stop summer-time motorcycling events have caused a backlash.

These seemingly unrelated concerns have created quite a complicated if not volatile situation for the motorcycling industry. Manufacturers, who absolutely recognize that motorcycling has always been based on freedom and the philosophy of “live and let live”, are being forced to divert resources. They find themselves in a position of having to take sides on the issues and to stave off criticism, they run campaigns on issues like “loud pipes” when they would rather be focusing on R&D, sales and marketing.

Motorcycling has been dealt somewhat of a cruel blow

Where high gas prices were recently driving up sales and expectations were high, we now see events being canceled and motorcycle sales plummeting due to economic conditions as well as communities actively pursuing new laws aimed squarely at motorcyclists.

Ultimately, just like riding the bikes they make, the motorcycling industry must keep going forward in order to keep its balance. This industry has seen its share of hard times and with the economy showing no signs of easing up any time soon certainly, more big changes are on the way. However, when the dust finally settles, though focused efforts and diligent planning, motorcycling and motorcycling events can no doubt emerge stronger and better.

Related Links:

Visit the Motorcycle Cruiser Links – 2009 Events Directory

Legislation that would mandate use of OEM (original equipment manufacturer) exhaust systems on all motorcycles in New York City has been “deferred” by the New York City Council. Originally scheduled for consideration at its December 18 meeting, Introduction 416-A has been removed from the agenda.

A representative in the Clerk of Council’s office confirmed the removal of the legislation Monday (December 15) afternoon.

The bill would prohibit the parking, stopping or standing of any motorcycle equipped with “straight pipes.” Under the definition of “straight pipe” in Intro 416-A, any motorcycle exhaust system not stamped with the U.S. EPA compliance label would be in violation of the law, regardless of the sound level emitted by the exhaust system.

Motorcyclists should continue contacting their City Council members to voice concern regarding this legislation.

Original Article:

Ordinance Would Mandate Stock Exhaust Systems on All Motorcycles

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The New York City Council is about to give final approval to a bill that the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) says discriminates against motorcyclists and imposes severe, out-of-line penalties. The AMA also complained that the measure languished in the Council for two years and then, in a surprise move, was revived just a week before the scheduled final vote, allowing little opportunity for public comment.

“This is outrageous. This is no way to operate in a democracy,” said Imre Szauter, AMA government affairs manager. “The Committee on Public Safety considered the bill on Dec. 14, 2006, and then suddenly approves it and sends it to the full Council on Dec. 10, 2008?”

The measure, up for full City Council approval on Thursday, Dec. 18, would make it illegal for any motorcycle to be on city streets unless it has an exhaust system with a stamp that states it is approved by the federal Environmental Protection Agency. Essentially that means the bike must have a stock exhaust system.

Motorcyclists caught without an EPA-stamped exhaust system would face fines of up to $1,000 for a first offense and temporary forfeiture of the motorcycle until the fine is paid. A second offense would result in a fine of up to $2,500 and permanent forfeiture of the motorcycle.

City officials apparently believe that requiring motorcyclists to have EPA-approved exhaust systems is easier to enforce than trying to prove a motorcycle exceeds the city’s vaguely defined 80-decibel sound limit.

Szauter stressed that the AMA has long opposed excessive motorcycle noise and has funded information and public relations campaigns in support of quiet motorcycle use.

“The issue is that the New York City Council is unfairly singling out motorcyclists because motorcycles are the only vehicles covered under the bill,” he said. “If New York City officials believe they have a sound problem, then the problem should be handled through the existing noise ordinance and not through piecemeal legislation targeting specific modes of transportation.”

Szauter added that requiring motorcycles–and no other motor vehicles–to have a stock exhaust system is particularly discriminatory. When the muffler wears out or breaks on a car, the car owner can go to a local muffler shop and get an aftermarket system that costs much less than an original equipment system. The proposed New York City law wouldn’t allow a motorcyclist to do that, forcing the motorcyclist to potentially spend hundreds of dollars more for an original equipment system, assuming that system is still available.

“If a motorcyclist can’t find a stock system, then the rider faces stiff fines and forfeiture of the machine, Szauter said. “These penalties are too severe and out of line when compared with other city laws.”

Szauter urged all New York City motorcyclists to contact their City Council members immediately and ask that they reject this discriminatory measure.

Concerned motorcyclists living outside the area, especially those who work in or frequently visit the city, should contact Speaker of City Council Christine Quinn by telephone at (212) 788-7210; by letter to City Hall, New York, NY 10007; or by e-mail by visiting her NYC Council Website.

To see the measure, click Here.

AMA Alert

Contact: Pete terHorst
Phone: (877) 877-8969
E-mail: peter.terhorst@sympoint.com

These ordinances will not become law unless they are passed in a second reading. The council has not set a date or time for the second meeting.

Below is a summary of the ordinances and links to the full text:

2008-57 | An ordinance amending sections 10-22 of division 1 of article 7 ii of chapter 10 of the code of ordinances of the city of 8 Myrtle Beach to define and declare unpermitted events and 9 rallies to be public nuisances; to prohibit their 10 maintenance, and to seek financial redress from those 11 entities that promote unpermitted special events in the city.

2008-58 | An ordinance to amend article vi, of chapter 19, sections 19-127 to include events inside or outside the city limits which impact the public; in section 19-128 to correct a scrivener’s error; and in section 19-156 to specify the responsible parties for cost recovery when they promote unpermitted special events that impact the city.

2008-59 | An ordinance to enact chapter 14, article i, section 14-1 (e), hours of sale restricted for commercial establishments which allow for on-premises consumption of beer, ale, porter and/or wine; with exemption and loss of exemption in the code of ordinances of the city of myrtle beach.

2008-60 | New Law. Chapter 14, Article 1, Section 14-7. Defrauding a restaurant is a misdemeanor.

2008-61 | An ordinance to prohibit the engagement in rental of accommodation tax property, or short term rental property, without proof of adult responsibility by way of identification presented at check in; and to require parking stickers, hangers, cards or other identifying record for display in each vehicle registered; and to require security and control of parking areas; the violation of which is an administrative infraction.

2008-62 | An ordinance to prohibit the possession or consumption of liquor, beer, ale, porter and/or wine in the parking lots abutting certain public rights of way; the violation of which is an administrative infraction.

2008-63 | An ordinance to prohibit the destructive use of the landscaping areas required by zoning law, and to prohibit public nuisance uses of parking areas; the violation of which is an administrative infraction.

2008-64 | An ordinance to require safety helmets and protective eye wear while on a motorcycle; the violation of which is an administrative infraction.

2008-65 | An ordinance to prohibit the parking or storage of any boats and boat trailers, semitrailer, tractor, trailer, or over sized vehicles as herein defined on public streets and certain private lots; residing in any parked or stored vehicle prohibited; and authorization for impoundment; the violation of which is an administrative infraction.

2008-66 | An ordinance to require security measures at convenience businesses; the violation of which is an administrative infraction.

2008-67 | An ordinance establishing a juvenile curfew, the violation of which is an administrative infraction.

2008-68 | An ordinance to prohibit the operation of motor vehicles that do not have required EPA labeling compliance or that exceed established sound levels; to prohibit the operation of any motor vehicles that are not equipped with any exhaust muffler approved by this chapter; the violation of which is an administrative infraction; and to declare vehicles in violation to be a public nuisance, and impound, tow and store such vehicles until the vehicles can be removed from the city limits without operation in violation of the law.

2008-69 | An ordinance to amend chapter 14, article v, section 14-85, by adding (10) to section (b) prohibit loitering with a harmful purpose or effect by refusing or failing to leave a private business, commercial establishment, or parking lot that is posted with conspicuous “no loitering” signs.

2008-70 | An ordinance to enact chapter 12, article iii, division 1, section 12-102, to prohibit more than one vehicle per parking space; and to amend chapter 12, article iii, division 1, section 12-132 to repeal deactivation for motorcycle parking in the code of ordinances of the city of myrtle beach.

2008-71 | An ordinance to enact chapter 14, article x, sections beginning 14-200, administrative hearing system and infractions.

Visit the City of Myrtle Beach Website

The Florida Rider Training Program (FRTP) uses curriculum developed by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. The FRTP Course provides an “introduction to the fundamentals of safe, responsible motorcycling. This includes the knowledge and skills necessary to ride safely on the streets and highways”.

The motorcycle rider courses are designed to teach and improve skills and activities such as:

- effective turning
- braking maneuvers
- protective apparel selection
- obstacle avoidance
- traffic strategies
- responsible attitudes

Upon successful completion of the course, riders may be entitled to insurance premium discounts through participating insurance companies.

Related Links:

Florida Rider Training Program Homepage

List of Course Sponsors

Article Source:

Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles

In her veto message, Granholm expressed concern with safety and insurance costs saying the law would result in more injuries and deaths of motorcyclists at a cost to the general public.

Last week the House gave their approval to the bill which would have allowed motorcyclists ages 21 and older to pay a $100 annual fee to ride without a helmet as long as they carried $20,000 in medical insurance coverage.

It doesn’t appear likely that the state Legislature would have enough votes to override the veto.

Visit the Michigan Office of the Governor Website.

If Maryland lawmakers have their way, Maryland’s motorcycle license plates may soon be on par with the rest of the country. Several Maryland lawmakers have proposed reducing the size of Motorcycle registration (license) plates.

House Bill 844 proposes changing the motorcycle registration (license) plate size to 7 by 4 ½ inches. If enacted, the act will take effect on October 1, 2008

While we’re sure Maryland bikers will appreciate the new smaller plates, the real bonus could be; instead of having to purchase high priced specialty frames, they may soon be able to adorn their bikes with any one of the hundreds of standard sized custom license plate frames widely available.

Read contents of MD House Bill 844 (PDF File)