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July 14, 2007
Press Release: For Immediate Release Motorcycle and scooter riders' 16th annual commuting day is Wednesday, July 16th. Participation in the yearly demonstration is estimated to triple the number of riders on the road. Motorcycle and scooter groups and organizations actively encourage riders to commute by cycle on this day. On Ride to Work Day, motorcycle and scooter commuters seek improved employer recognition and support for this form of transportation and increased public and government awareness of the positive value of riding. Adding more motorcycles and scooters to everyone's daily commute makes urban parking easier and traffic flow better, according to Ride to Work, a non-profit advocacy organization. Studies have also shown that across the same distances, motorcyclists reach their destinations faster than those using automobiles. Many motorcycles and scooters also consume less resources per mile than automobiles. "Riding to work on this day is fun and shows the positive value of motorcycling. For many people, riding is a socially responsible form of mobility that saves energy, helps the environment and provides a broad range of other public benefits," stated Andy Goldfine, this year's event organizer. The Ride To Work website has been expanded with new features that include:
Ride to Work Day, a 501 c4 nonprofit organization, can be reached at: POB 1072, Proctor , Minnesota , 55810 USA 218 722 9806 Christine Holt cholt@ridetowork.org Andy Goldfine agoldfine@ridetowork.org Ride to Work Day Mission Statement: To advocate and support the use of motorcycles and scooters for transportation, and to provide information about transportation riding to the public. Affiliated Ride to Work Day Countries: Germany, Philippines , England , Germany , France , Israel , Turkey , Ecuador , United States, and many others. Newsletter: Sample issues of 'The Daily Rider' newsletter are available for download at: http://www.ridetowork.org/the-daily-rider History: A brief history of Ride to Work Day is available for viewing at: http://www.ridetowork.org/ride-to-work-day-history Fact Sheet: A transportation motorcycling fact sheet is available at: http://www.ridetowork.org/transportation-fact-sheet RTW Day Photos and Artwork: Motorcycle commuting photos, ads, posters, banners, illustrations and other artwork is available for view and download at: http://www.ridetowork.org/signs-posters-cards-propaganda-art |
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For Immediate Release July 10, 2008 Arlen Ness to Open Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum’s “Awesome-Ness” Exhibit on Thursday, July 24 Exhibit Opening First of Many Museum Events during July 25 – 27 AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days at Mid-Ohio PICKERINGTON, OHIO - Master motorcycle designer and builder Arlen Ness will visit the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum in Pickerington, Ohio, on July 24 to open “Awesome-Ness,” a new exhibit honoring his legendary career and featuring 11 of his custom motorcycles. Ness will be signing autographs and will personally cut the ribbon to “Awesome-Ness” at 6 p.m. The exhibit will be located in the Museum’s Hall of Legends, where motorcycling’s best-known personalities are celebrated. “Awesome-Ness” joins the just-opened “MotoStars: Celebrities + Motorcycles” installation as a major Museum exhibit. At 5 p.m., immediately preceding the 6 p.m. “Awesome-Ness” ribbon-cutting, the Museum will also dedicate the photography exhibit “Red Bikes.” The “Red Bikes” installation will feature nine large photographic prints by artist and motorcycle aficionado Dawn Deppi, each vividly capturing the powerful sculptural beauty of classic bikes. The “Awesome-Ness” ribbon-cutting and “Red Bikes” dedication are open to the public. Log on to www.motorcyclemuseum.org for more details. A Weekend of Vintage Motorcycling Nirvana Once a year thousands of motorcycling enthusiasts gather in Ohio to live, breathe, race, buy, sell and celebrate all things vintage – and the “Awesome-Ness” exhibit opening is the ideal way to kick-start an entire weekend of motorcycling nirvana. Following Thursday’s events at the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, the action moves to AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days (VMD) at the Mid Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio, for three additional days of fun. This annual event is again expected to draw well over 40,000 enthusiasts, and the entire weekend benefits the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum. The Motorhead Café tent is the Museum’s headquarters at VMD, and enthusiasts will discover a number of memorable happenings at this location. Classic bike buffs will enjoy “The Vintage Triumph Roadshow,” honoring the 2008 VMD Marque of the Year. Held July 25, 26, and 27 at 2 p.m., this unique experience features noted Triumph expert and Baxter Cycle owner, Randy Baxter. He’ll cast a sharp appraiser’s eye on privately owned classic Triumphs, perhaps uncovering hidden value – or pointing out avoidable restoration faux pas. Baxter and Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum Executive Director, Mark Mederski, will also discuss tips for maximizing the value of your Triumph motorcycle or memorabilia investment. Another can’t-miss event is the annual Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum Auction, scheduled for 6 p.m. on Saturday, July 26. Attendees can bid on more than 100 special motorcycles, as well as rare memorabilia. Highlighting the auction this year is an original painting by renowned artist Tom Fritz. Fritz is a four-time winner of the Automotive Fine Arts Society's prestigious Peter Helck Award. The painting he created for AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, entitled “Knowin’ What’s What,” captures VMD Co-Grand Marshal Gene Romero in a reflective moment astride a 750cc Trackmaster/ Axtel / Romero Triumph. Fritz’ career has been focused on offering a unique interpretation of the relationship between man and machine, and his distinctive perspective is showcased in “Knowin’ What’s What.” The image has been designated as the official artwork of VMD, and will also be available on event posters, t-shirts and other memorabilia. Additionally, twelve giclee prints of “Knowin’ What’s What” will be created and sold or auctioned at various Museum events throughout the year. To preview the auction log on to http://www.amadirectlink.com/vmd/2008/auctionpreview/index.asp For more information on AMA VMD log onto http://www.amadirectlink.com/vmd/2008/. About the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum The goal of the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum is to tell the stories and preserve the history of motorcycling. Located on the campus of the American Motorcyclist Association in Pickerington, Ohio, the Motorcycle Hall of Fame honors those who have contributed notably to the sport, and three major exhibition halls showcase the machines and memorabilia that have shaped motorcycling. The Museum is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily; and is closed on New Year’s, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Adult admission is $10 per person; students 12 – 17, $3. AMA members $5. Seniors receive a $2 discount and members of motorcycle clubs and organizations are eligible for a $1 discount per ticket. A $25 family rate and group rates are also available. For more information, call (614) 856-2222, or visit the Museum’s website at www.motorcyclemuseum.org. Media Contact:
Anne Szczesny Office: (770) 649 – 0880 ext.303 Mobile: (248) 842 -7641 |
The members of the Motorcyclist Advisory Council to the Federal Highway Administration recently created the 2008 Motorcyclist Road Conditions Survey. The purpose of the survey is to help state and federal highway administrators better understand and plan for the needs of motorcycle riders.
All riders are encouraged to take the 10-minute survey before August 1, 2008, by going online to:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=33Z5UlnCC9iyOS8X9fngX8hgj9epd7vOPp1cyxhqdWo%3d&
Fran Bents
Westat
1650 Research Boulevard, RW3535
Rockville, Maryland 20850
phone: (240) 314-7557
fax: (301) 610-5128
MRF E-MAIL NEWS Motorcycle
Riders Foundation
236 Massachusetts Ave. NE
Suite 510
Washington, DC 20002-4980
202-546-0983 (voice)
202-546-0986 (fax)
http://www.mrf.org (website)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jeff Hennie, MRF Vice-President of Government Relations
jeff@mrf.org (e-mail)
07NR05 - HIPAA Loophole Fix UPDATE
The Motorcycle Riders Foundation reports that legislation to close the loophole
that allows insurance providers to discriminate against motorcyclists when it
comes to fully funding benefits is beginning to gain some momentum. The House
bill (HR 1076) has 45 co-sponsors, while the Senate bill (S 616) has 3
co-sponsors. As a rule, Senators don't co-sponsor legislation as frequently as
their House counterparts. However, that certainly does not mean we should not
ask them at every opportunity.
"The impressive part of the list of House co-sponsors is that over half of them
are Representatives from states that sent SMRO grassroots lobbyists to DC this
year," said Jeff Hennie, Vice President of Government Relations for the
Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF). "A huge thanks goes out to all
of our SMRO partners and dedicated individuals" he added.
Over the past few months MI, WA, WI, NM, NY, NJ, OH, PA, CO, IA, AK, MN, and IL
have all sent representatives from their respective State Motorcyclists' Rights
Organizations to Washington DC to lobby for the advancement of this
issue. Those visits resulted in over 200 individual, sit-down office meetings
with Senators, House Members and staff.
US Representative Michael Burgess (R-TX), the bill sponsor, had this to say, "No
one should be denied health insurance benefits because they prefer to drive a
motorcycle. It is essential to provide health care
benefits to those who have slipped through the loophole by protecting their
access to substantive health care."
The legislation would close a loophole in Health Insurance Portability and
Accountability Act (HIPAA) that denies health care benefits for those who
participate in legal transportation and recreational activities. In January
2001, a rule was issued that was intended to ensure non-discrimination in health
coverage in the group market. That rule prohibits health plans and issuers from
denying coverage to individuals who engage in certain types of recreational
activities such as skiing, horseback riding, snowmobiling or motorcycling.
However, because of the way the rule was written, it has allowed insurers to
deny health benefits for an otherwise covered injury that results from
participation in these
activities.
"Now is the time to take this ground swell of support to the next level," said
Jeff Hennie. He adds, "Phone calls, e-mails and personal visits with your
members of the US House and Senate are needed to keep the push on Washington."
You can find contact information for your US Senators and Members of the House
of Representatives at the following websites:
www.house.gov and
www.senate.gov or by phoning the US Capitol
switchboard at 202-224-3121.
==========================================================
Ride With The LeadersTM by joining the MRF at
http://www.mrf.org/join.php or call
1-202-546-0983
(c)All Information contained in this release is copyrighted the Motorcycle
Riders Foundation.
f you haven't already, be sure to sign up for a Motorcycle Safety Foundation motorcycle class. This class teaches you how to ride a motorcycle, all the way from getting onto the bike to performing emergency maneuvers such as braking and swerving. A motorcycle, helmet, and classroom materials are supplied for you!
If you're already a rider, you will learn valuable skills to ensure that all of your rides are safe and enjoyable. There is also an experienced rider course where you get to ride your own motorcycle while learning valuable skills.
Important points: These classes are managed by IDOT and will be less expensive then taking a private class. Also, during these classes you will be administered the written and riding evaluations. If you pass both during the class, you do not have to take another test at the DMV!! If you're contemplating taking a private class, ask if they actually administer the tests as part of the class.
Online registration begins soon at the various state facilities. Check out these sites for more information:
NIU: www.outreach.niu.edu/mcycle
ISU: www.motorcyclesafety.ilstu.edu
SIU: www.siu.edu/~cycle
Geoff Mellinger from MCC was injured during a recent track day and was laid up in the hospital for a while. He's home recuperating now and is probably bored to death watching soap operas and talk shows, so please drop him a line at chiduc@aol.com to wish him well, or send him a card in care of MCC at:
CONTACT: Dan Harper, ABATE of Illinois (773) 330-3111
Web Site: ABATE-IL.org
CHICAGO 6/22/06 - The following
was released today by ABATE of Illinois: A recent court battle between ABATE of
Illinois and the Blagojevich administration serves to underscore the depth of
the state fiscal woes. In a landmark decision, a Sangamon County circuit court
ruled that Governor Blagojevich overstepped his constitutional authority by
raiding special trust funds to make up for shortfalls in the state budget.
The litigation was sparked when Blagojevich was caught draining over $350,000
from the Cycle Rider Safety Training Fund and the Recreational Trails Fund.
Each of these funds is supported by surcharges on motorcycle license and
registration fees. These two special funds were set up to promote
motorcycle safety and environmental stewardship in off-road areas.
In response to Blagojevich’s actions, ABATE successfully sought a temporary
restraining order against the governor that barred his tapping into the
motorcycle-related funds. However, the judge ruled that Blagojevich could
continue to raid dozens of other special funds.
We are very pleased that the judge ruled in our favor, said Dan Harper,
Legislative Coordinator for ABATE of Illinois. Motorcyclists pushed for
these special accounts and we agreed to the fees to fund them. After all
the hard work that went into setting up and administering these programs, we
weren’t about to stand by and let the governor use these two funds as his
election-year piggybank. If the governor thinks these funds would be
better spent someplace else, we challenge him to debate
that assertion before the General Assembly. Of course, he won’t, because
he doesn’t have the stomach for it.
Although the court’s ruling on the fund raids was a victory for Illinois
motorcyclists, it brings attention to a bigger problem facing all Illinois
citizens, continued Harper. The fiscal ineptitude of the Blagojevich
administration has left the state virtually living from paycheck to paycheck.
The deepening financial crisis has forced Blagojevich to take desperate
measures. Dipping into the special funds to keep the government operating is
like robbing Peter to pay Paul. Despite the vigor of the national economy,
Illinois is at its breaking point - with nobody to blame but Governor
Blagojevich. We hope that
our court action against the governor will cast some much-needed light on the
states pending financial collapse.
On Saturday at the BOD meeting George Tinkham spoke on recent developments in
the lawsuit ABATE of Illinois has filed against
Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich,. Some money has been transferred out of
other special accounts, but due to a temporary restraining order obtained by
ABATE, both The Off-Highway Vehicle Trails fund and Cycle Rider Safety Training
fund have been frozen. ABATE legal services filed a brief on Tuesday to
stop transfers from all special funds, but the court ruled that ABATE of
Illinois Inc. could only represent the two motorcycle funds and set a hearing
date of July 10. Out of the seventy-seven (77) funds being transferred
into the general state account this year, only ABATE has been successful in
getting a restraining order to stop the transfer. George Tinkham
recommends that ABATE members who belong to any of these groups whose funds are
being raided, encourage that group to join with ABATE to protect all these
funds.
Fund Name:
Transportation Regulatory
Financial Institution
Illinois Veterans' Rehabilitation
State Boating Act
Military Affairs Trust
Agricultural Premium
Aeronautics
Il. State Pharmacy Disciplinary
Public Utility
Firearm Owner's Notification
Subtitle D Management
Facility Licensing
Hansen-Therkelsen Memorial
Explosives Regulatory
Aggregate Operations Regulatory
Coal Mining Regulatory
Regulatory CPA Administration& Disciplinary
Weights & Measures
Reg. Limited Liability Partnership
Illinois School Asbestos
IPTIP Administrative Trust
DCFS Childrens' Services
Illinois Health Facilities Planning
Emergency Public Health
State Police Vehicle
Optometric Licensing & Disciplinary Board
Illinois Affordable Housing Trust
Fertilizer Control
Used Tire Management
Guardianship & Advocacy
Working Capital Revolving
IL. Prescription Drug Discount Program
Public Health Services Revolving
Provider Inquiry Trust
Securities Audit and Enforcement
Drug Treatment
Feed Control
Appraisal Administration
Small Business Environmental Assistance
Regulatory Evaluation & Basic Enforcement
Police Training Board Services
Trauma Center
Unclaimed Property Trust
Department of Corrections Reimbursement
Health Facility Plan Review
LEADS Maintenance
Public Pension Regulation
Pawnbroker Regulation
School Technology Revolving Loan
Pesticide Control
Off-Highway Vehicle Trails
Capital Litigation Trust
Horse Racing
Motor Carrier Safety Inspection
Municipal Economic Development
Airport Land Loan Revolving
Assisted Living & Shared Housing Regulatory
Whistleblower Reward & Protection
Illinois Clean Water
Home Inspector Administration
Metro-East Public Transportation
Dram Shop
Il. State Dental Disciplinary
Natural Resources Restoration
Cycle Rider Safety Training
Health Insurance Reserve
Natural Resources Information
DHS Recoveries Trust
Insurance Producer Administration
Illinois State Podiatric Disciplinary
Local Tourism
Insurance Financial Regulation
Dan Harper
Legislative Coordinator
ABATE of Illinois
Danimal1500@hotmail.com
AN IMPORTANT UPDATE IN OUR LEGISLATIVE BATTLE TO KEEP MONEY IN THE STATE'S MOTORCYCLING FUND
A Downstate judge
Wednesday issued an order temporarily blocking the Blagojevich
administration from transferring about $350,000 from two special-purpose
funds into the state’s main checking account.
The order by Sangamon County Circuit Judge Leo J. Zappa Jr. stemmed from a
newly filed lawsuit by a group known as ABATE of Illinois, which is
challenging the governor’s diversion of funds set up to benefit motorcycle
enthusiasts.
But the ruling could have implications for hundreds of other special-purpose
funds that collect fees for designated purposes, such as the road fund,
which receives money from the motor fuel tax and the vehicle registration
fee.
Zappa’s order prohibiting the administration from shifting revenues from a
cycle rider’s training fund and a fund dedicated to the upkeep of off-road
motorcycle trails extends until July 10, when the case is next set for
hearing.
ABATE was seeking an order from Zappa blocking the governor’s diversion of
revenue from 77 funds, few having anything to do with motorcyclists. The
money in play in those particular funds totaled more than $30 million..
Mark Garrison
President
DuKane Chapter of A.B.A.T.E. of Illinois, Inc.
Here is a link for further reading:
http://www.sj-r.com/sections/news/stories/88467.asp
SB14 is a bill currently in front of our legislators for a vote. It basically allows Governor B to take money from special funds (including the cycle rider training fund) for use in other areas. This means there is less money for the Motorcycle Safety courses that are currently being offered for minimal costs in Illinois.
Please get on the phone and tell Representative
Madigan to vote NO on this bill!!! OK people we have certain legislature's
ears, now we need everyone's help.
To bring you up to date, SB14 was passed from committee by a 5 to 4 vote. Both
John Bradley who was rated A+ and Lisa Dugan who was rated A voted against ABATE
of Illinois on this bill.
Lisa Dugan has called certain chapters to plead her case. Call her at
(815) 939-1983 or (217) 782- 5981 and ask her to vote no on SB14 with it comes
before the full house.
Talking points:
This money wasn't just sitting there, the cycle rider training program is
purposely under appropriated by the Governor so he can raid this fund.
This isn't a one time thing. It's been done before and the governor is
trying to do it again.
This is money put in voluntarily by motorcyclists when they pay their licensing
fees, not by tax money.
You are hurting education since with less funding the cycle rider training
program has to turn away students every year. You can see this by going to the
four University web sites and seeing that all the classes are filled this year.
We would still like her to be our friend, So vote no on SB14 But more
importantly do not support any budget that takes any money from the Cycle Rider
Training Fund or The Off Highway Vehicle Grant Fund.
Don't let CYCLE Rider training be the Governors PIGGY BANK
(for your own information)
There is one Million Dollars scheduled to be swept from cycle rider training
fund and two hundred thousand from OHV.
Dan Harper
Legislative Coordinator
ABATE of Illinois
Danimal1500@hotmail.com
Also, make that second call to your representative and ask them to also vote no
when this bill comes to the floor for vote.
CycleFocus magazines are located in racks in numerous Chicagoland locations such as Jewel, Dominick's, Blockbuster, 7-Eleven, Bally's Health Club, K-Mart, Wal-Mart, and other participating restaurants, gas stations and convenience stores. They cover the metropolitan Chicago area as well as the following counties: Cook, Will, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, Kendall, Kenosha County.
Get a copy now and check out your group!
Here's a brief summary of the movie:
The true story of a man who never gave up on his dreams of doing something big -- and doing it very, very fast -- provides the basis for this engaging comedy-drama. Burt Munro (Anthony Hopkins) was born in 1899 in Invercargill, New Zealand. From childhood, Munro had a passion for machines that moved fast, and when he was 21 he bought his first motorcycle, an Indian model with a 600cc engine. Motorcycles became an obsession that stayed with Munro for the rest of his life, as he constantly tinkered with his beloved Indian machine, modifying the engine and frame, determined to see just how fast he could make it run. In 1967, Munro decided it was high time he proved to himself and the world just what he and his machine could do, and he booked passage for the United States, with the goal of breaking the world's land speed record at Utah's Bonneville Salt Flats. As Munro made his way across America to Utah, he discovered not everyone took his dream seriously, but some did, and he made a handful of friends along the way, including Ada (Diane Ladd), a widow who fell for Munro's rough charm, and Fernando (Paul Rodriguez) a car dealer who offered to help him. However, when he finally arrived at Bonneville, Munro was told his machine was unsafe to participate in the time trials, and -- far worse -- he was too old to ride. It took some intervention from a ranking American driver, Jim Moffett (Chris Lawford), before Munro was given his chance to ride the famous Salt Flats.
The British are coming!! The British are coming!!
It's true! The Triumph Demo Truck will be visiting MCC the weekend of May 20th!! Put the date on your calendar so that you can participate in the demo rides and check out all of the Triumph models up close and personal. And if you can't wait until May, then go ahead and visit MCC since they have a variety of demo bikes available for you to take for a spin.
2/14/06
Hi All,
Well this year's International Motorcycle Show (IMS) in Chicago has come and gone and left many wondering "Where was Triumph??" Triumph decided this year that they weren't going to participate in the IMS this year and they have their reasons. Some of the ones circulating around deal with the increasing cost of participating in those shows and whether or not the money could be used better elsewhere. Another was that attending the show was not found to be a major decision making factor for Triumph motorcycle purchasers. What we do know is that Triumph is going to use the money they've saved to increase the number of locations the demo truck will visit, which is definitely a good thing. But don't wait for it to come around, MCC has all of the new bikes at the store waiting for you to take a demo ride!
Speaking of MCC, their track day is coming up on Monday, June 19th at the AutoBahn Country Club in Joliet. If you've never done a track day, I highly recommend that you give MCC a call and sign up to go. Not only is there a class for every level of riding experience, there is great advice and classroom instruction given so that you can improve your riding skills. I did my first one last year and I loved it and am definitely going to do it again this year.
For those of you into MotoGP racing, there are a group of us going to Laguna Seca this July to watch the race upclose and personal! If you're interested in going, please drop an email to windycityrats@yahoo.com so that we can get you on the list. Paddock passes have long sold out to the general public, but we have extras so don't miss this historic event!
For those of you wanting to get a legitimate M class license, remember that sign-up for Motorcycle Safety Foundation classes will be coming up in the next few months. Check out the following websites for more information:
NIU: www.outreach.niu.edu/mcycle
ISU: www.motorcyclesafety.ilstu.edu
UIUC: www.mrc.uiuc.edu
SIU: www.siu.edu/~cycle
Have a great winter (what is left of it) and we hope to see you at the next meeting!
Toni
ABATE of Illinois just learned that in
the 11th hour of session, Governor Rod Blagojevich's Budget Implementation
Bill was amended to include taking 1 million dollars from the Cycle Riders
Training Fund. Many of you may recall that this fund was raided by
former Governor Edgar in the late '80's, early '90's and that ABATE of
Illinois was successful in passing legislation that would take the fund
out of the State Treasury and place it in a trust fund. This legislation
safeguarded the fund from Governors using it at will.
However, included in Blagojevich's
multiple volume Implementation Bill was language that said this particular
raiding of the fund superceded any other laws protecting it. With Illinois
current fiscal desperation, we were not the only ones that took a hit. The
list of those funds raided was very inclusive as the Illinois OHV Grant
Fund program was also tagged for $100,000. One of the biggest raids was
numerous Illinois Road Funds, combined the road funds will see a hit of
$750,000 million this year. Illinois Legislators remain in their district
until veto session in November so please call them and ask for their
support of the over ride of SB-1804 & SB-1521. The votes on these were
very good and over riding them is doable. Post cards to legislators will
be available at the October board meeting.
As always we are exploring ALL options
to make sure that something like this never happens again, unfortunately,
legislatures can always make law.
Cheryl
Pearre, Legislative Coordinator
ABATE
of Illinois
2403
Susan Curve
Cortland,
IL 60112
815-758-0517
Drop your state senator/representative an email! If you're not sure who your officials are, check out this website:
www.elections.state.il.us/dls/pages/DLSAddresscrit.asp