1
American Bikers Aimed Toward Education
ABATE of New York State Office
P.O. Box 167
Walker Valley, NY 12588
OR CU R R E NT R E S I DE NT
March 2014
abateny.org
The Freedom Writer
NON-PROFIT Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Binghamton, NY
Permit No. 1039
The Freedom Writer
ABATE of NEW YORK
March 2014
ABATE OF NEW YORK SUPPORTS THIS PROGRAM FOR ITS MEMBERS
$1
50
HIRE ATTORNEYS WHO RIDE
Law Offices of RICHARD M. LESTER
•
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Ove
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Our ered Fo
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Clie
nts
Founder, Aid to Injured Motorcyclists
110 Offices Throughout North America
Free Legal Consultation
No Recovery = No Fee
We make House Calls
Attorneys in Every State and Province Who Ride
No Fee on Motorcycle Damage Recovery
Also Auto Accidents
! Criminal Defense Nationwide
Call for Your New A.I.M.
Card with Lost Key Finder
New
24 Hours - Toll Free (800) 531-2424
FOR
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(800) ON-A-BIKE
Visit us on the web at
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Affiliated
Affiliated New
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York Offices
Offices to
to Serve
Serve You
You
We are endorsed by the National Coalition of Motorcyclists and
more than 800 motorcycle groups throughout the United States and
Canada, and serve as Legal Counsel for the Confederations of Clubs.
Aid to Injured
Motorcyclists
2
ATTENTION ABATE/CMRO MEMBERS: Our nationwide network of
A.I.M. attorneys donate a significant portion of their legal fees from
motorcycle accident settlements back into motorcycling by being the
sole financial sponsor of the National Coalition of Motorcyclists.
LAW OFFICES OF
MITCH PRONER
ATTORNEY AT LAW
New York's Authorized Representative for
the Law Offices of Richard M.Lester
Toll Free
•
24 Hours
1-800-531-2424
60 East 42nd Street, Suite 1448, New York, NY
MEMBER OF ABATE OF NEW YORK
A FIRM DEDICATED TO SERVING THE INTERESTS OF THOSE WHO RIDE
President
Robert Porte 619-804-2345 barzbub@hotmail.com
Vice President
Paul Pritchard 845-418-3929 paul.abateny@gmail.com
Treasurer
Deb Trask 607-432-2975 debattrask@gmail.com
Secretary
OPEN
Legislative Coordinator
Mike Giarrusso 315-569-8326 mikegia@email.com
Sgt. at Arms
OPEN
Public Relations
OPEN
Western Region A Coordinator
Pete Campanella 716-655-6473
peter_campanella@yahoo.com
Region B Coordinator
OPEN
Region C Coordinator
OPEN
Metro NY/LI Region B Coordinator
OPEN
Hudson Valley Mohawk Region E Coordinator
OPEN
2014 State Appointees
What is ABATE?
American Bikers Aimed Toward Education is a not
for profit corporation formed to promote and protect
the interests of New York state motorcyclists. ABATE
monitors and interacts with the legislative process,
enhancing the image of motorcycling, and provides
educational and social opportunities for members
and non-members. ABATE will continue to strive to
stay acquainted with the issues and the people of the
motorcycling community.
We encourage all our members to be informed
registered voters. ABATE of New York, Inc. supports
Motorcycle Riders Education classes currently being
offered throughout NYS. We welcome the interested
people to any of our activities and to join our
organization. All makes and models of motorcycles
are welcome.
For more information, visit our website at:
http://abateny.org/
The Freedom Writer
ABATE of New York, Inc.
2014 State Officers
New York State Websites
New York State
A S S E M BLY
Sheldon Silver, Speaker
State Office Manager Chris Werder 888-344-4400
P.O.Box 167, Walker Valley, NY 12588
Treasury Manager Deb Trask 607-432-2975
deattrask@gmail.com
Newsletter Editor John Reid 315-297-4390
nysabate@gmail.com
Webmaster John Cholewa 845-705-6370
nomad2000@hvc.rr.
NEWSLETTER SUBMISSIONS
CONTENT SUBMISSION DEADLINE:
June 1st 2014
Assemblymen:
http://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/
New York State Senate:
http://www.nysenate.gov/
Senators:
http://www.nysenate.gov/senators
To search for a New York state bill go to
http://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/
March 2014
Deadline: April 1st for
the May/June 2014
Send submission to: John Reid nysabate@gmail.com
New York State Assembly
http://assembly.state.ny.us/
3
ABATE
March 2014
of New York, Inc.
CHAPTERS
ITHACA HARLEY-DAVIDSON, INC.
6033 Rt. 13, CAYUTA, NY 14824
Hours: Monday ± Friday 8 a.m.- 6 p.m. Sat. 8-3
Phone 607-594-3536 Fax 607-594-3009 www.ithacah-d.com
4
Albany Chapter
P.O. Box 3808
Albany, NY 12203
Brooklyn Chapter
P.O. Box 245064
Brooklyn, NY 11224
Brooklyn Alliance Chapter
P.O. Box 193
Brooklyn, NY 11216
Buffalo-Erie Chapter
P.O. Box 286
West Seneca, NY 14224
BuffaloErieAbate.com
Cattaraugus Chapter
P.O. Box 204
Cattaraugus NY 14719
cattcountyabate.org
Cayuga Chapter
P.O. Box 74
Auburn, NY 13021
Chautauqua Chapter
P.O. Box 572
Dunkirk, NY 14048
Columbia Chapter
P.O. Box 227
Hudson, NY 12534
www.columbiaabate.org
Cortland-Chenango Chapter
P.O. Box 245
McGraw, NY 13101
cortland-chenangoabate.com
Finger Lakes Chapter
P.O. Box 353
Hornell, NY 14843
Greene Chapter
P.O. Box 92
Leeds, NY 12451
abateofgreenecounty.org
ABATE of Genesee
P.O. Box 233
Elba, NY 14058
Lewis Chapter
P.O. Box 245
Port Leyden, NY 13433
Long Island Chapter
P.O. Box 22
Yaphank, NY 11980
longislandabate.org
Monroe Chapter
P.O. Box 13277
Rochester, NY 14613
ABATEnyMonroe.org
North Ulster Chapter
P.O. Box 13
West Hurley, NY 12491
Onondaga Chapter
P.O. Box 11575
Syracuse, NY 13218
Ontario Chapter
P.O. Box 546
Canandaigua, NY 14424
abatenyontario.20m.com
Orleans Chapter
P.O. Box 43
Medina, NY 14103-0043
orleanscountyabate.com
Oswego Chapter
P.O. Box 133
Central Square, NY 13036
www.oswegoabate.org
Southern Tier Chapter
P.O. Box 2441
Binghamton, NY 13902
abateofstny.org
Wayne Chapter
P.O. Box 332
Ontario, NY 14519
Visit Wayne ABATE
on Facebook
FIGHTING
FOR
YO U R R I G H T
TO R I D E
ABATE of New York, Inc.
SPONSORS
ABATE of New York,
Inc. MEETINGS 2014
The following clubs, businesses and organizations
have joined ABATE of NY, Inc. to help further our goals
and to help us fight for motorcyclists’ rights
by becoming a sponsor.
Meetings are held at:
THANK YOU! We appreciate your SUPPORT!
FULL THROTTLE INS AGENCY- Patchogue, NY
SWAHN INSURANCE- Riverhead, NY
Sponsors pay $25 per year to have their business
or organization name printed in our state newsletter
and receive a certificate. If your club, business,
or organization supports our mission
and would like to become a sponsor,
contact Mike Grasby, our Advertising Manager
for further details. You can reach him by email at:
michaelg9898@yahoo.com or by phone: 585-728-5246.
The Freedom Writer
ABATE of New York, Inc. AIMS & PURPOSES
American Legion Post 80, 76 Main St.
Binghamton, New York
STATE CHAPTERS MEETINGS
The State Chapters Meetings start at 1:00pm.
The ABATE Board meets at 12:00pm
before every State Chapter Meeting.
STATE BOARD MEETINGS
The State Board Meetings start at 10:00am.
May 17 2014
SUPPORT THOSE WHO SUPPORT US!
March 2014
5
March 2014
2014 Region "C"
MEETINGS ARE AS fOLLOWS:
January 26
April 27
July 27
October 26
All meetings will be held at Denny's located on 203
Elwood Davis Rd. 7th North Street) Liverpool, NY at
10:00am
Directions: Rte 81 exit at 7th North st., turn right. Denny's
will be on your right approx 1/4 - 1/2 mile.
Thurway visitors- exit at Rte. 81(Rte 81 south) exit 7th
North st. and follow directions above.
Any Questions contact Carl at 315-200-8523
email: abateregionc@gmail.com
ABATE OF NEW YORK STATE
BOARD MEETING
January10, 2014 Meeting
Called to order by Robert Porter at 9:30 pm
Roll call: Robert Porter, Pual Pritchard, Deb Trask, Mike
Giarrusso
Pledge of Allegiance
2014 Board
Reading of minutes of previous meeting
Motion B1-14 : Mike, Deb ; appoint Carl Baker to position of
Region C coordinator Unanimously
Motion B2-14; R. porter, Mike; to appoint Don Richer to
position of Public Relations Officer. Unanimous
Motion B3-14; R.Porter, Deb;appoint Prospector to the
position of Secretary. Unanimous
Motion B4-14; Mike, Don; to adjourn meeting
Meeting adjourned at 9:44pm
State of New York ABATE
EVENTS:
March 15-Oswego Chapter of ABATE - Indoor Rodeo and
Chili Cookoff
Kasoag Lake Park, County Rt.30 Williamstown,NY
Games begin at 1 PM and chili tasting is all day. $5 donation
at the door.
Flyer
A.B.A.T.E. of New York
American Bikers Aimed Toward Education
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Promoting Motorcycle
• Safety • Awareness • Education
March 23-Ontario Chapter of ABATE - Swap Meet
Inn on the Lake, Canandaigua New York
Noon till 5 pm. Direct inquiry’s to Chapter VP Lynn Smith,
lynnes354@yahoo.com
April 11 - 13-Motorcycle Mayhem
Blackthorne Resort, 348 Sunside Road, East Durham, NY
http://blackthorneresort.com/entertainment-events/
518-634-2541
April 26-14th Annual Food Bank Motorcycle Run & Benefit
Party
THIS IS THE FIRST OFFICIAL MOTORCYCLE RUN OF
THE SEASON IN BUFFALO!
continued page #8
The Freedom Writer
March 2014
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March 2014
continued from page # 6
April 26-Springville Travelers Bonfire Party
8pm, 21 and over. Springville Travelers Motorcycle Club
(STMC) was established on May 5, 1934 and continues to
grow with each passing year. Today, the club offers a variety of
fun events for everyone to enjoy. Poker Runs, Bike Shows,
Field Meets/Motorcycle Rodeos, Bonfires, Chili Runs and
more! More info at Cyberspokes.com. The Club is registered
with American Motorcycle Association (A.M.A.) and has been
a member in good standing since January 1, 1935. We’re a
family oriented club and we have both men and women as
members. 14340 Rt.219 Springville NY. Call 716-592-3199 or
716-649-3066.
April 27-Onondaga Chapter of ABATE - 2014 Annual
Monsignor Yennock Bike Blessing
Sunday April 27th Kick stands up at 1:30 PM
Starting from the meeting hall - 1116 Wolf Street Syracuse NY.
Proceed to Saint Daniels Church - 3004 Court Street, Syracuse
NY.
Blessing at 2:00 PM. Party to follow at the Loop Grill - 1114
Wolf St. Syracuse NY
http://www.abatecny.org/
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ATTENTION:
ALL NEWSLETTER MATERIAL SUBMITTED FOR FUTURE
EDITIONS
SHOULD BE SENT TO nysabate@gmail.com
Chapters remember that you are entitled to a 1/4 page of every
edition of this newsletter.
QR Code for http://abateny.org
The Freedom Writer
We ride, So Don’t Get
Taken For A Ride!
5800 Main Street
Williamsville, NY 14221
716.626.0404
CALL OUR
24 Hr. Toll Free Helpline
1-877-752-6867
If you’ve been injured
in an accident
WE GET
RESULTS!
March 2014
PROUD MEMBER OF THESE ASSOCIATIONS
ABATE - American Bikers Aimed Towards Education
HOG - Harley Owners Group
AMA - American Motorcycle Association
Trust
in our
experience
9
November 2013
"Cycle Expo X Super Swap"
The largest motorcycle showcase & swap
meet under one roof in the Northeast!
Ohio man's wish fulfilled as he is buried on
motorcycle
The dying wish of an Ohio motorcycle aficionado that he be
buried astride his beloved Harley-Davidson was fulfilled by his
family -- although it wasn't easy.
Bikes, Bands and beer what a day! A great day had
by all. Both the Onandoaga and the Oswego county chapters
had booths to help spread the word handing out thier entire
stock of yard signs along with various other vendors.
The motorcycle showcase was incredable custom and
stock bikes of various makes and models. New and used parts
for the DIY's amoung us
The live bands, drawings and Best in Show added to
the carnival air.Had a great time!
the editor...
The First in Synthetics ®
The Freedom Writer
ROBERT “BOBP” PIACENTE
10
SINCE 1972
AMSOIL AND ALTRUM AUGHORIZED DEALER
ZO# 1434872
47-37 245th Street
Douglaston, NY 11362
(917) 747-0662
piagent@nyc.rr.com
www.lubedealer.com/bobp
organization.
10 Years:
Dave Simmons
Michael Kraus
Anthony Canonico
Orlo Spencer
Atilla Novogradecz
15 Years:
Janice Entz
Frank McGraw
Scott Wynn
Jim Schulyer
The Freedom Writer
We would like to acknowledge our newest Milestone Members and thank them for their continued dedication to the
20 Years:
Ronald Bajorek
Darryl Horzempa
Matthew Schultz
Kenneth Conine
Jonathan Child
Robert Stacconi
Don Brennan
22 Years:
Ed Andross
Robert E Chatterson
Bob Rodriguez
Marc Martino
24 Years:
Dana J Smith
25 Years:
Tracey L Arnett
Ron Marmon
26 Years:
Ed Jurenkno
Curt Dunnam
Jack Helfrich
John F McDonald
AJ Travis
Paul Prochilo
27 Years:
Ryder Fitzgerald
Becky Persons
28 Years:
Gaeton “Guy” Godios
29 Years:
Stan Hanna
Roddy Niesen
Karen Lancaster-Raven
30 Years:
31 Years:
32 Years:
Dan “Wind” Smallwood
Jeff Barkley
Chuck Westlake
Bruce Roemmelt
33 Years:
Dennis Hollfelder
Keith A Bender
Morris Moe Atwell
Our Newest Charter Life Members:
Ed Gilmore
Alan R Oakley
Jan Mahoney
March 2014
40 Years:
William Wroblewski
Ken Dugan
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March 2014
New York is famous for its scenic roadways, and a
motorcycle puts you in the middle like no other form of
travel.
Every sense comes alive as you climb, bank and cruise
through mountain and farmland, lakefront and forest.
Spend a few hours or days motoring the state’s Scenic
Byways for new vistas with every curve of the road.
Shadowing the St. Lawrence Seaway, the Great Lakes
Seaway Trail rolls by Niagara Falls into the Thousand
Islands region with 29 lighthouses along the way.
The Lakes to Locks Passage between Manhattan and
Montreal and the Mohawk Towpath Byway are drivethrough history museums of canals, battlegrounds and
stately architecture.
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Between Rochester and Buffalo, vast Letchworth State Park is
called the Grand Canyon of the East with magnificent views.
Lakes country cruisers can circumnavigate Cayuga Lake for
glittering views, rolling through Taughannock Falls State Park
and past the tallest shear-drop waterfall east of the Rockies.
Route 10 between Walton and Deposit is one of the most scenic
stretches in the state.
Themed Runs
Websites like Motorcycle Roads suggest themed runs from day
outings to several-day odysseys. The Montauk Lighthouse Run
from Holbrook to Montauk Point passes wine orchards and
farms with plenty of Long Island wildlife, and ends at Montauk
Lighthouse where a tour awaits. You can spend several days
exploring haunted roads on a Sleepy Hollow tour through
Washington Irving country’s misty back roads and covered
bridges.
Rallies and Events
Few sporting groups are as social as the motorcycle
community, and special shows and events, rallies and poker runs
line the state. One of the biggest is Americade that annually sees
Lake George swarming with bikes; the world's largest multibrand motorcycle touring rally offers guided mini-tours, parades
and plenty of noise. The Warrensburg Bike Rally is another
family-friendly event. You’ll find scores more rides, clinics,
charity runs and swap meets at websites like New York
Motorcycle Rallies.
New York State Motorcycle Safety Program
New to motorcycling? The NYSMSP offers basic to advanced
instruction that can get you wheeling in no time. The program
trains 16,000 motorcyclists each year at over 20 training sites
throughout the state.
However, the EPA needs to hear from you to make changes to
the ethanol mandate, known as the Renewable Fuel Standard, a
reality.
The EPA is seeking public comments now on the rule
proposal. You can tell them how this proposal will help protect
22 million motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles in America -and the riders who depend on their safe operation -- from
inadvertent misfueling.
News from the western district
by Peter Campanella
On Jan 16 the western district had our first meeting of the
news year. We had representation from our newest chapter
Genesee, Ontario, Monroe, Orleans, and myself from Buffalo
Erie.
The chapters shared what they have for plans in 2014 these
include a bus tour march 15 Orleans, and upcoming chilly
meeting. Monroe's swap meet, Ontario's swap meet, and
fundraiser for Bill and Pam, Genesee is planing a toy run for
2014. I spoke of the upcoming Buffalo Erie calendar of events.
The Freedom Writer
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued a rule
proposal to reduce the total amount of ethanol required in
transportation fuel nationwide in 2014. The AMA supports this
proposal because it could slow the introduction of E15, a
gasoline formulation that contains up to 15 percent ethanol by
volume, into the marketplace. The AMA opposes E15 because
it can cause engine and fuel system damage to your motorcycle
or ATV.
It may seem like a lot of time to attend the district meetings,
but I feel that these are important so that the chapters can get
together and discuss the working of their chapter and open
lines of communication between chapters, and the state board.
As always if there is product from the foundation, I am more
than happy to distribute the materials. Some of our chapters
took advantage of this, and will will working to educate New
York drivers to " look twice save a life, watch for motorcycles"
This product I hope will also go far to have a secondary benefit
of promoting ABATE of New York membership via the newer
QR coding
March 2014
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March 2014
MRF helps New York City Motorcyclists avoid EPA
stamp law
In a sweeping piece of legislation addressed by the New York City Council
last month, there was a small provision that would have allowed NYC police
to issue fines to motorcycles not displaying the Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) exhaust stamp.
This stamp is currently required by the EPA on all new motorcycles
certifying that the level of sound coming out of the tailpipe meets the Federal
limit of 80 decibels according to the Federal Noise Control Act of 1972.
This stamp is currently required by the EPA on all new motorcycles
certifying that the level of sound coming out of the tailpipe meets the Federal
limit of 80 decibels according to the Federal Noise Control Act of 1972.
Should the stamp not be easily visible, and most of the time they are not,
the NYPD would be able to issue noise violations for a motorcycle that was
not even running.
This was not the first time this has been proposed by the NYC Council. A
similar provision was put forth a few years back at which time the
Motorcycle Riders Foundation was very involved with having the proposal
shelved.
It was explained to the MRF that this is a last ditch effort by the outgoing
NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg to force a massive piece of air quality
legislation. Counsel at NYC Department of Environmental Protection
informed the MRF about the language. The MRF mobilized with the
politically active bikers of NYC to have a presence at the Council meeting.
NYC Councilman and motorcyclist Peter Vallone, joined the bikers. At that
time Vallone was the chair of the Public Safety Committee and backed up
what the other motorcyclists were saying.
The MRF source with the Department of Environmental Protection told
the MRF that this language was “absolutely Mayoral” and “in no way a part
of the normal council business”.
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* MAP 21 Upcoming Reauthorization (the Highway Bill)
To include Motorcycle 2010 Grant Funding (the MRF to pursue
the current levels of funding along with a request to tighten up
language for qualification and use), continuation of the NHTSA
Lobbying Ban, pursue reinstatement of the Motorcycle Advisory
Council (MAC) to advise the FHWA, oppose any motorcycling
Bloomberg has since stepped down
related federal blackmails or federal sanctions contained in the
highway bill; closely monitor for any action that would negatively
impact motorcycles, motorcycling, and motorcyclists; seek to
include HR1861 language to ban motorcycle specific roadblock
grant funding 100% Favor, 0% Oppose
* SAE Motorcycle Roadside Sound Test
The MRF to NOT promote the use of the SAE Sound Test as a
National enforcement standard, those that voted monitor is due
to the fact that it has not come up federally and is considered by
them a state by state issue at this time 94% Favor, 0% Oppose,
6% Monitor
* Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
MRF to pursue reintroduction of the HR 1253 bill which requires
health insurance companies to disclose the list of “source of
injury” exclusions in the policies they issue; monitor means watch
HIPAA and other emerging healthcare law closely for motorcyclist
specific discrimination; those opposing were split between dropping this as an agenda item and continuing pursuit of a HIPAA
“fix” 0% Favor, 12% Oppose, 88% Monitor
* NHTSA Checkpoint Grant Program
The MRF to carry out a full effort to cut off specified use funding for this motorcycle based discriminatory practice, work with
States to exchange information on passing anti-checkpoint laws,
HR1861 introduced to accomplish this 100% Favor, 0% Oppose
* Crash Causation Study MRF to allow the current study to
take its’ course and respond accordingly, disappointed with the
reduced scope, pursue no additional funding Monitor and report
on MSF alternate Naturalistic Study No Vote
* EPA Mandatory Stamping of Exhaust
MRF to strongly oppose any federal standard proposing stamping
and certifying motorcycle exhaust systems, work to prevent any
federal legislation mirroring that California SB435 100% Favor
* EPA Sound Emissions User Study
MRF to continue to closely monitor, MRF to oppose federal agencies encouraging state activity-leave it up to the states to determine course of action 100% Favor, 0% Oppose
* Distracted Driving
MRF to oppose ALL forms of distracted driving, and all forms
of funding blackmails or withholding of funds for it as related
to motorcyclists, watch for motorcyclist specific discrimination
language closely 97% Favor, 0% Oppose, 3% Abstain
* Right to Repair
MRF to remove as a Legislative agenda item citing significant
progress 100% Favor, 0% Oppose
* Definition of a Motorcycle
MRF to take advantage of any opportunity available to enhance
and further clarify the definition of a motorcycle and provide
input in any such activity on a Federal level Consent
* Motorcyclist/Motorcycle Discrimination
MRF to oppose any motorcycle, motorcycling, or motorcyclist
based discrimination proposed by the U.S. Congress or any
Federal Agency in Washington D.C., direction to seek a legislative vehicle to include motorcyclist anti-profiling language this
session 100% Favor, 0% Oppose
* International Motorcycle Cooperation Group (European
Union, United Nations, Canada)
MRF to maintain the same level of engagement or increase as
ance, if a crash does occur we support development of a
motorcycle specific trauma training module and protocol for
Emergency Medical Services, Technicians, and 911 Dispatch
personnel; the increased training should be required of all new
EMT’s and also those seeking re-certification 94% Favor, 3%
Oppose, 3% Neutral
* Fair Tolling
MRF to research fair tolling concept on federally funded roads
and roads supported by federal bonds Consent
* Federal Agency Motorcycle Design Standards
MRF to oppose non motorcycle manufacturer mandated specific
design standards Consent March 2014
"I'm honored to have been elected as ABATE of NY's State
President. I'd like to thank Tom Alton for all his hard work and
dedication over the years. I look forward to serving the members of
ABATE over the next year, we have lots of work ahead of us and
some changes that I hope will benefit all the members and chapters.
I will make it my goal to attend at least one event in each region and
hopefully each chapter !
We need to grow our membership, there are over 300,000
registered motorcycles in the state and we only have 1% of them in
ABATE of NY. So, please try and get new members, so we can be
like Pennsylvania and get the helmet law modified to allow those
over 18 to choose to wear a helmet or not!!!
Thank you
Robert "BAR" Porter
The Freedom Writer
needed within budget, approval to share costs with other partners
for this lobbying/international meeting attendance, notify SMROs
if additional activities outside of budget are deemed necessary 100% Favor, 0% Oppose
* Mandatory Helmet and Apparel laws
MRF to fiercely oppose any mandatory helmet or apparel proposals 100% Favor, 0% Oppose
* E 15 Fuel Blends
MRF to not support the use of E15 fuel or any other alternative
renewable fuels without further testing and specific recommendations from motorcycle manufacturers, MRF and SSMROs to
pursue passage of HR875 100% Favor, 0% Oppose
* Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS)
MRF to pursue inclusion of motorcycles in ongoing ITS
efforts 100% Favor, 0% Oppose
* Crash Avoidance versus Safer Crashing
MRF to continue to promote our theme of Crash Avoidance
versus Safer Crashing with similar language as contained in the
previous Congress House Resolution 1498 that stated “support
efforts to retain the ban on the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration’s (NHTSA) ability to lobby state legislatures using
federal tax dollars and urging NHTSA to focus on crash prevention
and rider education” Consent
* Roadway Design and Engineering
MRF to pursue safer roadway design strategies, include cable
barrier research in the discussion 100% Favor, 0% Oppose
* CDC’s Involvement in Motorcycling Issues
MRF to pursue limiting of funding of CDC on their involvement in
motorcycling safety issues through a relevant appropriations bill,
pursue CDC lobby ban, seek to remove language where CDC
suggests motorcycle crashes are preventable injury events, MRF
to continue to support efforts to refocus the CDC on their mission
as stated in the letter from Congressman Petri to the CDC on
September 27th, 2013 100% Favor, 0% Oppose
* Private Organizations
MRF to monitor private organizations that oppose the legislative
agenda or mission of the MRF, investigate their funding sources to
make certain they are not receiving federal monies.Consent
* Public Organizations
MRF to continue to monitor public organizations for funding
sources if in opposition to our legislative agenda or mission of the
MRF, develop appropriate strategies if discovered tax payer funding sources are in use Consent
* Federal Health Care/Affordable Care Act
MRF to continue to closely monitor this federal health care legislation for potential motorcyclist and motorcycling discrimination 100% Favor, 0% Oppose
* Monitor EPA for any activity on motorcycle emissions regulations
MRF to also monitor EPA for motorcycle drive train
mandates 100% Favor, 0% Oppose
* Black Box Privacy Protection Act
MRF to support Black Box Protection Act HR2414 to regulate
black boxes in motorcycles, seek to clarify the rights of the vehicle
owner to ownership of the recorded data 100% Favor, 0% Oppose
* Deficiencies in motorcycle specific trauma and protocol
While the MRF believes strongly in crash prevention and avoid-
15
March 2014
The pace picked up a bit toward the end of the day yesterday as
both senate and assembly sessions were cancelled for today due to
the snow storm, and many legislators were anxious to leave.
We have a full day scheduled for next week.
2014 Legislative Session
Date: Wed, 22 Jan 2014 16:09:09 GMT
I have been in Albany on Jan 7th, 14th and 21st to start our
work for this legislative session. Mike Giarrusso joined me on
the 14th.
There are 2 vacant senate seats, one the former chair of the
Transportation Committee, the other the former sponsor of
our anti-profiling bill. So it's back to square one on that bill in
the senate. At this point, we are compiling a list of possible
sponsors for that bill, and have already met with several, but
so far, no commitments.
There were also 9 vacant seats in the assembly, 3 of which
have been filled. Yesterday I met with all 3 new members and
had good discussions with all 3.
As for the 2 senate and 6 assembly seats still vacant, it's up
to the governor to hold a special election to fill them.
Our bills are in good shape in the assembly, so our
emphasis will be on the senate again this session, starting
with securing a sponsor for the anti-profiling bill, as that's
where our focus needs to be. We have met with Assembly
Member Lupardo's office several times to discuss our game
plan.
Prospector
Prospector's Report
There was no report last week due to lack of internet, however we WERE in
Albany on Jan 28 and again this week, Feb 4. Momentum is starting to build,
several legislators have approached me in the halls and elevators regarding some of
our bills.
16
We have been concentrating on the senate in search of sponsors for the antiprofiling bill (A3594) and the insurance bill (A3600).
I'm happy to report that we now have a senate companion bill for A3600, it is
S6512, another small accomplishment.
We still haven't gotten a senate
committment on the anti-profiling bill, but have some strong possibilities among
our friends.
We have also had at least one assembly
member agree to sign on as co-sponsor to several bills.
On Monday, Feb 3, I attended a fundraiser for Senator Golden who has been a
supporter in the past.
Yesterday, I had a discussion with Assembly Member Lupardo's staff regarding
amendments to the yield-right-of-way bill that we passed in 2006. We hope to
introduce a bill before the end of session.
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17
March 2014
New York Senator Proposes Permit Scheme
for Motorcyclists in NYC
New York State Senator Adriano Espaillat (D-New York
City) has prefiled legislation that would amend the
administrative code of New York City to prohibit more than
50 motorcyclists to gather as an assembly and ride without
paying for and obtaining a permit from the New York City
Department of Transportation.
Senate Bill 6114 (http://open.nysenate.gov/legislation/
bill/S6114-2013) would place restrictions on the rights of
motorcyclists to assemble and ride without obtaining
permission from the government. This kind of knee-jerk
reaction to sensationalized media reports of a small
percentage of motorcyclists behaving badly on public roads
isn’t new, but the extent to which this bill seeks to suppress
free assembly and movement of motorcyclists in New York
City is appalling.
While there are no co-sponsors on S6114, NOW is the
time to tell Senator Espaillat that his bill is not the solution
to motorcyclists who violate traffic laws.
All motor vehicle operators are subject to traffic laws.
Those who violate them should be dealt with fairly and
individually. Placing unnecessary and burdensome
restrictions on the freedoms of the vast majority of lawabiding motorcyclists won’t solve the problem Senator
Espaillat seeks to address.
Now is the time to make three contacts to stop this bill
before others are misled into believing they should support
it.
1. Contact Senator Espaillat’s office (http://
www.nysenate.gov/senator/adriano-espaillat/contact) and
tell him his legislative proposal is offensive to motorcyclists
the vast majority of whom are law-abiding.
18
2. Contact Senator Catherine Young (ROlean) (http://www.nysenate.gov/senator/catharineyoung/contact), chair of the Senate Housing, Construction
and Community Development Committee, and
respectfully request she refuse to bring S6114 up for
consideration before her committee.
3. Finally, contact your New York State
Senator to respectfully request he or she refuse to cosponsor S6114. Further, request that she or he vote against
this flawed legislative proposal if it comes up for a vote in
committee or in the full Senate.
Don’t know who your state senator is? Use the “Find my
Senator” feature at http://www.nysenate.gov/contact_form by
entering your address and zip code to locate your state
senator.
Here are points to consider when making your contacts:
1. Motorcyclists who ride in a legal manner don’t
need additional government “permission” to assemble and
ride as a group. To suggest otherwise is offensive the vast
majority of law-abiding motorcyclists.
2. There are already laws on the books to deal
with motor vehicle operators who violate traffic laws.
3. Enforcement of existing laws, not new laws,
will reduce the incidents of traffic violations on New York
City streets.
NOW is the time to speak up to prevent additional legislative
“solutions” from restricting the rights of law-abiding
motorcyclists in New York City. It starts by making your voice
heard to your elected officials!
ABATE of New York
supports anti profiling bill A03594.
"Requires the municipal police training commission to ensure
that issues related
to motorcycle profiling are addressed in basic law enforcement
training."
Our Continuing Goals:
- The pursuit of fair treatment and safety for ALL
motorcyclists.
- Closely monitor proposed motorcycle-impacting legislation.
- Promotion and pursuit of motorcycle-related legislation and
safety education for all motorcyclists and the general public.
- Freedom of choice regarding safety equipment.
- Promotion of a positive image of ABATE and motorcyclists.
The Freedom Writer
Bruce, from the Oswego county
chapter, was helping all of the
Chapters that came to the Seminar to
understand how he is reaching the
newest auto drivers to hit the road to
Watch For Motorcycles.
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March 2014
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ABATE of NY Forever Members
March 2014
The ABATE of NY State Board is honored to present another level
of membership, designed to memorialize members passed.
The ABATE of New York Forever Member will be memorialized
through a unique card and memorial certificate, and continuing
annual ABATE of New York pins. Forever Members’ names
will be published in a special section of every subsequent issue
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The card and certificate are meant for the memorializing party to treasure,
pins perhaps to be saved or placed at the grave, and the publication
so all remember. Forever Membership has been established at a one-time
cost of $100, and eligibility is limited to those who were
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For further information, or to memorialize an ABATE of New York member
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March 2014
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Bad Pig Saloon
11
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Brunswick Harley-Davidson, Inc.21
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Eagle Beverage Co.
Extreme Biker Leather
5
14
Falcon Designs • Bullet Jewelry21
Geneva Harley-Davidson
22
Gowanda Harley-Davidson
16
Hardtails Magazine
19
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JANUARY
17
Harley-Davidson of Utica
10
Haymond Law Firm
7
Iron Block Harley-Davidson, Inc.14
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d
v
e
r
t
i
s
e
m
e
n
t
motorcyclist news & Items, observations and
viewpoints from a legal
riding perspective
GAZETTE
WE Couldn’T
HElp noTICInG
Insurance companies head for
court more frequently.
Seemingly straightforward claims are
denied or disputed more often, with
injured riders forced to turn to legal
representation. We couldn’t help noticing
because while it’s admittedly good for our
business, it burdens the injured and the
court system.
A recent case was so obtuse the insurer
seemed to think paying for the injured
bike was sufficient and their obligation
did not extend to its badly injured rider.
He had extensive surgery and four metal
screws inserted into his spine.
Apparently opposing counsel needed
to see the full case preparation to realize
they’d best settle out of court—for consi­
derably more than they bargained for.
It still struck us odd that they contem­
plated even going to jury. Actuarial tables
don’t predict folks will just roll over or
that they dislike lawyers so much they’ll
resort to self­representation, we hope.
“Motorcycle Abortion Law”
Motorcycling’s image took a sideways hit
with the NC legislature sneaking abortion
restrictions onto a motorcycle safety bill.
Bad law­making with a bad tag attached.
Vol. 1 Issue 1
Tooling around downtown Manhattan we
saw this art bike in a gift shop near the 9/11
Memorial Fountains. NFS, in case you were
wondering.
KENDO
STROKE
It doesn’t occur often,
but an exposed and
unguarded opponent must
be dispatched decisively.
It’s called Summary Judgment.
A judge makes the ruling from the
bench and it’s lights out for the oppo­
sition’s case.
A lawyer’s got to present irrefutable
cause to influence a judge to make this
preemptive decision. Summary judgment
starts the clock ticking—with interest—
on the jury award, compelling the opposi­
tion to reach a speedy resolution.
That sword of justice can be swift when
wielded by an experienced, skilled hand.
Mike
Chris Matt
Singer Galiardo Myers
nICEr THAn
FlIppInG THE
BIrd, BuT STIll
Doubtful the DMV approves of the
“Plate Flipper”
Dash­activated 007 gizmo reveals a custom
message beneath license plate. Our amuse­
ment in no way implies endorsement.
pullover Attitude Factor
Let one thought occupy you when pulled
over: cooperation. Anything else or any­
thing less can set an entirely different
encounter into motion. No one’s exempt
from a bad day—avoid making bad worse.
The Freedom Writer
a
Myers Singer
& Galiardo, LLP
299 Broadway, NYC
212-986-5900
The legal team of
Myers, Singer and
Galiardo represents
individuals.
Where individual
rights and freedom
are at stake we take
it very personally.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
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March 2014
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March 2014
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