May 2009

Pickerington, Ohio: The AMA urges action to end the ban on the sale of youth-model motorcycles and ATVs (all-terrain vehicles). The AMA is encouraging its members and all concerned motorcyclists to push their federal lawmakers and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to exclude youth-model motorcycles and ATVs from the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA). AMA members and others can take action by visiting www.AmericanMotorcyclist.com, clicking on the "Rights" section and then "Issues and Legislation." AMA members will also find a self-addressed card in the May issue of American Motorcyclist that they can mail directly to the CPSC. The AMA would like to thank all its members who, by the tens of thousands, contacted their federal lawmakers urging them to support two bipartisan Congressional letters to the CPSC asking the Commissioners to exclude youth-model motorcycles and ATVs from the CPSIA. The letters to the CPSC were sent April 2.
Source: www.amadirectlink.com/news/story.asp?id=767

ATVA Rider Survey Announced: As part of an ongoing effort to help shape the All-Terrain Vehicle Association (ATVA) into a national ATV riders' rights association, a user survey has been launched. The survey can be found at tinyurl.com/c3r93x or www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=fMQoeaRtVFZcCIbYImilwA_3d_3d. As an added incentive, respondents will be eligible to receive one of five $50.00 gift certificates to Rocky Mountain ATV and Motorcycle (www.rockymountainatv.com). This survey will be accessible until May 25, 2009. Please tell every ATV rider you know that the ATVA needs their feedback in order to capture what is important to them and shape the ATVA accordingly.

Omnibus Public Lands Bill Passes: Despite widespread objection from AMA members, riders and the general public, and a previous failure of the measure in the House, Congress has voted to close more than 2 million acres of public land to off-highway vehicle (OHV) recreation. By a 285-to-140 vote, U.S. House Members on March 25 approved a bill that consisted of more than 160 individual pieces of legislation, in over 1200 pages and devastated access to public lands nationwide for off-highway motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles and all other motorized recreation. Following congressional maneuvering that breathed new life into the measure after it was defeated, the lawmakers approved amendments to H.R. 146, known as the Revolutionary War and War of 1812 Battlefield Acquisition Grant Program. This bill was formerly known as S. 22, the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009.
Source: www.amadirectlink.com/news/story.asp?id=760  

Washington, D.C.: The U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure passed House Resolution 269, a bill entitled "Supporting the goals of a motorcycle safety month." The bills sponsor is Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ-8), who is co-chair of the Congressional Motorcycle Safety Caucus and an avid rider. Rep. Giffords was joined by fellow co-chair of the Motorcycle Safety Caucus, Rep. Michael Burgess M.D. (R-TX-26), as an original co-sponsor. The bill encourages all road users to be more aware of motorcyclists and their safety. In addition it encourages all riders to take appropriate rider training and learn safe riding skills. The bill is now headed to the House floor for a full vote. Riders are encouraged to contact their representatives to request their support for H.R. 269.

Nominate your Recreational Trails Program-funded project for this year's Annual Achievement Awards. The Coalition for Recreational Trails (CRT), a federation of national and regional trail-related organizations, has just announced their 2009 achievement awards to recognize outstanding trail projects funded by the national Recreational Trails Program (RTP). The awards will be presented in Washington, D.C. during Great Outdoors Week 2009 (June 8-13) as part of the Coalition's ongoing effort to build awareness and appreciation of this highly successful program, which has greatly enhanced the quantity and quality of trail experiences available to the public. They are planning to hold the awards ceremony on Capitol Hill and will encourage members of Congress to join in honoring the outstanding achievements of their constituents. Award winners will be selected from projects nominated by public agencies, trail administrators or other project sponsors. Projects must be completed in order to receive an award. The form and any supporting materials, including pictures, should be submitted by April 17, 2009 to the Co-Chair of the Coalition's Awards Committee. For more information, including how to apply, and to view past award winners, check out the American Trails Awards page at: www.americantrails.org/awards/CRTawards.html.

Riverside, Calif.: A protest event in defiance of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) of 2008, which prohibits the sale of youth motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) deemed unhealthy for children 12 years of age and under, was recently held at Malcolm Smith Motorsports. As a sign of support, a group of small business owners and numerous motorcycle industry celebrities were on hand. Three people actually purchased the banned units for use by their own children and grandchildren. Go to www.kidslove2ride.com/ for more information.

Washington, D.C.: House Resolution 1253 has passed. Sponsored by Rep. Michael C. Burgess M.D. (R-TX-26) and cosponsored by Rep. Bart Stupak (D-MI-1). H.R. 1253 would require that people signing up for a health plan to receive in writing an explanation of treatment limits or non-covered conditions, along with other plan limitations, "in a form that is easily understandable." This legislation is supported by several organizations, including the AMA, Motorcycle Industry Council, American Council of Snowmobile Associations, American Horse Council, American Recreation Coalition, American Trails, Americans for Responsible Recreational Access, Blue Ribbon Coalition, International Mountain Bicycling Association, Motorcycle Riders Foundation, National Ski Areas Association, Specialty Vehicle Industry Council, Sporting Goods Manufacturing Association, the Washington Road Riders Association, and many others.
Source: www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/144567.php

Farmington, N.M.: The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Farmington Field Office, has proposed creating 38 miles of trail for ATVs in the Glade Run Recreation Area. As proposed, the 38-mile ATV trail would require minimal creation of new trails. Initial estimates map only three new miles of trail needed to connect existing trails, washes and dirt roadways that would create the new loop. As proposed, the new route would prohibit 4x4s from using the full trail loop. An Environmental Assessment will be released for comment and available on their website at www.blm.gov/nm/st/en/fo/Farmington_Field_Office.html.

Olympia, Wash.: The Washington Off-Highway Vehicle Alliance (WOHVA), an organization working to protect and enhance safe and responsible motorized outdoor recreation in the state of Washington, held their yearly rally on the capitol steps in Olympia on March 13, 2009. Guest speakers included State Senators, Congressmen, the Mayor of Washougal and many others. Issues raised included a proposed OHV fund raid, ongoing land closures and restrictions on the sale and use of motorcycles designed for children 12 years of age and under. Go to www.wohva.org for more details.

San Jose, Calif.: A first of its kind "24 Hours of Electricross" event was held at San Jose's 408MX Motocross track. The event had two goals: to set the Guinness World Records for largest electric motorcycle race (10 teams participated) and for the furthest distance travelled on an all-electric off-road motorcycle in 24 hours. After 24 hours of non-stop racing, team Hotchaulk with 1,015 laps completed and just over 500 ridden miles, was declared the winner. Go to www.zeromotorcycles.com/electricross/ for a full event report.

Pickerington, Ohio: Ohio off-roaders participate in public riding forum. The state of Ohio is looking at creating a new riding area for off-highway motorcycles, ATVs and 4x4 trucks that could be open within a year. Dameyon Shipley, the state's recreation services administrator, told the approximately 40 OHV enthusiasts attending the meeting that the state has set aside about $240,000 in OHV registration money and about $500,000 in grant money to use for the project. The size of the dedicated riding area will depend on where land is available and whether it will be leased or bought outright. The meeting was one in a series being held statewide to identify the issues and needs of motorized users of the state's public trails systems. The meetings will help the Office of Trails as it compiles the standalone Motorized Trails Plan for Ohio, which will provide a vision for the next three to five years and will help guide the office as it addresses the needs of Ohio's trail users.
Source: www.amadirectlink.com/news/story.asp?id=745

Springfield, Ill.: A House Committee tabled legislation on March 11 by a 17-3 vote that would have made it illegal for anyone under the age of 16 to operate or be a passenger of ATVs or dirt bikes. The bill also would have made it illegal to transport a passenger on an ATV or dirt bike even if the vehicle was equipped to carry a passenger. The measure, House Bill 3914, which was introduced by Rep. Mary Flowers (D-Chicago), required fast action by the motorcycling and ATV communities, and they responded. Many, using the AMA's Legislative Alerts system, flooded lawmakers with expressions of concern about the bill. A large group of enthusiasts from ABATE of Illinois, AMA District 17, IMDA (Illinois Motorcycle Dealers Association), track owners and dealers, showed their opposition to the bill by attending the public hearing. Although the bill was defeated, it remains in committee and can be brought up again at any time.
Source: www.amadirectlink.com/news/story.asp?id=728

Tennessee & North Carolina State Line Basin: Recreation groups were disappointed by a U.S. Forest Service decision to implement an emergency closure order at the Upper Tellico OHV area. According to the Southern Four Wheel Drive Association (SFWDA), the BlueRibbon Coalition (BRC) and United Four Wheel Drive Associations (UFWDA), the Forest Service has failed to make the case with regard to alleged adverse effects and resource damages, as there is simply no immediate threat to public health, safety, or other requisite finding required by such an order. Water quality standards cited by the Forest Supervisor as the basis for the order are not being exceeded. In formal comments made to the Forest Service, the OHV community and other interested parties clearly demonstrated that such a closure has no scientific basis.
Source: www.sharetrails.org/releases/media/?story=638

Keystone, Colo.: Seminars have been announced for the 2009 AMA International Women & Motorcycling Conference, presented by Harley-Davidson and Buell. Set for August 19-22, the fifth AMA International Women & Motorcycling Conference will be the most informative ever. Registration is $165 through August 3, which includes conference materials and a commemorative T-shirt. Registration after August 3, as well as on-site registration, will cost $185. Participants can register now at www.womenandmotorcycling.com or by calling (800) AMA-JOIN. While the event focuses on women riders, it is not for only for women. Men are also welcome to participate with a paid registration. Sign up for e-mail alerts by e-mailing the AMA at info@womenandmotorcycling.com.  

News & Notes is a monthly publication compiled and edited by the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) Government Relations Department. Designed to inform motorcyclists of 'rights'-related issues and events around the world, News and Notes welcomes your input. Suggestions and contributions can be sent to Sheila Andrews, AMA Legislative Assistant, by e-mail at sandrews@ama-cycle.org.