[Kenneth_Moore]

It appears that the anti-motorcycle trend we've been seeing is becoming far worse than I had imagined. Recently, a Bill has been introduced in the Florida Legislature. It is entitled: "Offenses Committed While Operating a Motorcycle." A link to the actual bill is below, but here are the "highlights:"

1. The bill applies to anyone operating a motorcycle that is charged with reckless driving or exceeding the speed limit by more than 30 mph.

2. The bill requires the rider to be arrested and taken into custody; the officer on the scene is not allowed to use his or her judgment or discretion.

3. The motorcycle will be seized.

4. The motorcycle will be subject to forfeiture under the " Florida Contraband Seizure Act."

5. The motorcyclist will lose the right to ride a motorcycle for TEN years.

http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Secti...ocumentType=Bill&BillNumber=0137&Session=2008

This is the most blatant, outrageous piece of legislative discrimination I have ever heard of. The penalties (again, this "special treatment" is ONLY FOR MOTORCYCLISTS) exceed even the already draconian penalties for drunk driving. The Florida Contraband Seizure Act is already notorious for abuse. There are countless cases of personal property seized, which are never returned, even after the person charged is acquitted or the charges are dropped.

I have contacted the author of this outrage via email. Carlos Lopez-Cantera, [[email protected]]. He advised me that this legislation is intended:

"to address riders of high performance motorcycles that treat Florida's roads and highways as their own personal stunt track."

The motorcycling community has a clear and present threat to our chosen hobby / sport / lifestyle. I have contacted the AMA regarding this, but they have not responded as yet. I invite you to take a moment to email this "lawmaker" and share your feelings about his contempt for motorcycling. You might say this type of discrimination has been going on for years, but it has always been done in the context of the existing traffic laws, which apply to all vehicles. I sincerely doubt motorcyclists have ever been singled out like this before, or that such an outrageous infringement on personal liberty or property rights has been considered.

 

[BrowningBAR]

"This is the most blatant, outrageous piece of legislative discrimination I have ever heard of."
--You obviously aren't a gun owner.

 

[seruzawa]

"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated; but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end, for they do so with the approval of their consciences."

Only fools thought that do-gooder petty tyrants would ever rest. So all you @ssholes who laughed at how the smokers were treated can now taste your own bitter medicine.

I take no pleasure in seeing my prediction that it would be the sportbikers who ruin our sport come true. But it's happening now.

 

[mscuddy]

Ha ha ha, you can thank shows like "Superbikers" for stuff like that. When the average joe polititian sees stuntaz doing, err, stuntz on the freeways and stuff, they go ape and want to ban everything from electra glides to mopeds, and start by jacking up the fines and the offenses for doing what use to be normal stuff on a motorcycle.

I reference my $900.00 wheelie in November of last year, in the wonderful burg of Burbank, Ca. Since I was sitting in a wheelchair for sentencing, I assured the DA and the judge that I wouldn't be doing any wheelies anymore. They treated my like a murderer, or a car-jacker. The DA wanted me to do some time, but gave me a break due to my condition (gee, thanks).

Wheelies use to be "exhibition of speed", but now it's "reckless driving" that will get you arrested, the bike impounded, and so many points on your license,it'll cost you $500.00 per month for full coverage insurance.

Wonder if they can write me up for doing a wheelie in my wheelchair? Have to try that...

 

[mscuddy]

They banned smoking cigs outside now...

"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated; but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end, for they do so with the approval of their consciences."

Only fools thought that do-gooder petty tyrants would ever rest. So all you @ssholes who laughed at how the smokers were treated can now taste your own bitter medicine.

I take no pleasure in seeing my prediction that it would be the sportbikers who ruin our sport come true. But it's happening now.

...in Burbank. I feel like grabbing a pack of Pall Malls and chain smoke the whole pack in front of the police station, see what happens. Maybe I can be wheeling while I smoke. Better yet, light up a giant spliff of skunk weed. Betcha the cops ignore that.

Have to wear my Vietnam Vet getup when I do it, floppy camo jungle hat and everything...

 

[sarnali2]

It is total discrimination both stupid and short sighted, not unlike electing a Marielito to congress, however, who am I to criticize Florida elections.

One obvious solution is not to go 30 over or generaly ride like an *******, that usually enough to keep the pigs off your back

 

[Kenneth_Moore]

I reference my $900.00 wheelie in November of last year, in the wonderful burg of Burbank, Ca. Since I was sitting in a wheelchair for sentencing, I assured the DA and the judge that I wouldn't be doing any wheelies anymore. They treated my like a murderer, or a car-jacker. The DA wanted me to do some time, but gave me a break due to my condition (gee, thanks).
...

As much as I despise what happened to you, it does make the point I tried to convey to this "Legislator:" the exisiting laws are quite sufficient to deal with this issue."

 

[BrowningBAR]

Just remember, there are never enough laws.

Keep in mind, that if this law passes, than 5, 10, 15 years down the road it will be a jailable offense to go 25 over the speed limit, than 20, than 10, than 5. Than of course, there are the fines which will go up. Because throwing you in jail only costs money. They need to make money off of your @ss.

You are already seeing states passing laws to increase fines for speeding and minor infractions. Fully admitting that it is to increase revenue. I believe it is Virginia that is the most recent to do this. Fines range from $1,000 to $3,000, and can be applied for as minor an infraction as an improper signal, or driving 15 mph over the speed limit.

Currently it is being appealed due to it not applying to out of state drivers.

 

[seruzawa]

Any govt...

Just remember, there are never enough laws.

Keep in mind, that if this law passes, than 5, 10, 15 years down the road it will be a jailable offense to go 25 over the speed limit, than 20, than 10, than 5. Than of course, there are the fines which will go up. Because throwing you in jail only costs money. They need to make money off of your @ss.

You are already seeing states passing laws to increase fines for speeding and minor infractions. Fully admitting that it is to increase revenue. I believe it is Virginia that is the most recent to do this. Fines range from $1,000 to $3,000, and can be applied for as minor an infraction as an improper signal, or driving 15 mph over the speed limit.

Currently it is being appealed due to it not applying to out of state drivers.

... that uses it's justice function (police, courts.etc.) for the express purpose of raising revenue is a tyranny. And the people who tolerate such tyranny deserve exactly what they get.

 

[longride]

What absolutely floors me, is that some people that that helmet laws will keep these a$$holes off our back. Give em an inch and they will take your bike! Count on my to contact these 'officials' and let them know what I think. Join the AMA folks. It ain't too late.

 

[Kenneth_Moore]

What absolutely floors me, is that some people that that helmet laws will keep these a$$holes off our back. Give em an inch and they will take your bike! Count on my to contact these 'officials' and let them know what I think. Join the AMA folks. It ain't too late.

If you have any AMA contacts beyond what a new member like me has, I'd appreciate your reaching out to them. Apparently the area ABATE chapter is on this guy's case, but from what I hear, they are working on language to better define "stunting," rather than squelching this crap altogether.

 

[57335]

Crazy ass sh*t!

 

[The_AirHawk]

This just re-affirms my Faith in Humanity. Man is inherently Evil - and the most-evil urge of all is the drive to Dominate the next fellow in line.

"If it saves just ONESquid.............."

 

[Kenneth_Moore]

This Just In

The following photograph may or may not be the wife of the Honorable Representative Lopez-Cantera (do you pronounce the hyphen?). However, given his recent legislative efforts, you can probably come to your own conclusions. Am I being petty and immature? GOOD!!

 

[Kenneth_Moore]

And here's an interesting point made by my squidly co-worker Brian when I told him what was up: Nobody I ride with is EVER going to stop for a cop if this law takes place.

Nice work Lopez Hyphen Cantera, how many innocent motorists will be killed in high speed pursuits as a result of your efforts?

 

[Kenneth_Moore]

Yay AMA!

The AMA is actively working on this, and many other legislative issues on our behalf. You might find the links in the attached emails of interest.

-----Original Message-----

From: Kenneth Moore [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Thursday, October 04, 2007 11:23 AM
To: Membership
Subject: Contact Form: Legislative/Government Issues

Name: Kenneth Moore
AMA Number: 99XXX

Email: [email protected]
Telephone: XXX

Reply Requested
Topic: Legislative/Government Issues
Question/Comment: A bill has been introduced in the Florida State
Congress: HR137. The bill would create a requirement for the arrest of
any motorcyclist exceeding the speed limit by 30+ mph, and calls for the
siezure of the motorcycle. This bill is aimed ONLY AT MOTORCYLES. It is clearly discriminatory. The bill is sponsored by Representative Carlos Lopez-Cantera, who I have emailed.

From: Imre Szauter [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Tuesday, October 09, 2007 9:42 AM
To: Moore, Kenneth (GE Indust, Security)
Subject: AMA Contact Form: Legislative/Government Issues - Florida HB-137

Dear Mr. Moore:

Thank you for using the "Contact Us" feature at American Motorcyclist Association to alert us to Florida House Bill 137.

We learned of the introduction of HB-137 on September 25 and posted it in our Florida StateWatch section that afternoon with a position of "OPPOSE." Visit our Rapid Response Center at AMA Rapid Response Center and click on the StateWatch link for more information.

We are crafting an Action Alert for our Action E-List subscribers so they know that motorcyclists are once again being singled out by a lawmaker.

If you aren't subscribed to the Action E-List, consider visiting AMA Rapid Response Center and clicking on the Action E-List link under the "Stay Informed" heading at the bottom of the page.

Thanks again for contacting us and for your continued membership support.

Sincerely,
Mr. Imre F. Szauter
Legislative Affairs Specialist
American Motorcyclist Association
13515 Yarmouth Drive
Pickerington, OH 43147-8214
1 (800) AMA-JOIN
1 (614) 856-1900, ext. 1125
rights. riding. racing.

The information contained in this message may be confidential. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, or an employee or agent responsible for delivering this message to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any reliance upon, dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication, or the information contained in it, is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by replying to the message and deleting it from your computer. Thank you. American Motorcyclist Association, Inc.

-----Original Message-----
From: Moore, Kenneth (GE Indust, Security) [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Tuesday, October 09, 2007 11:34 AM
To: Imre Szauter
Subject: RE: AMA Contact Form: Legislative/Government Issues - Florida HB-137

Mr. Szauter,
I'm very pleased to hear the AMA is already working on this. I will subscribe to the Action E-List today. Thank you for the link.

May I have your permission to post these emails on Motorcycle.com? I started a thread on this topic, and I'd like to share this information with the site's members.

Thanks,

Kenneth Moore

Dear Mr. Moore:
Thanks for your acknowledgment. You're welcome to share the e-mail messages on Motorcycle.com.

Thanks again for your interest and support.

Sincerely,
Mr. Imre F. Szauter
Legislative Affairs Specialist
American Motorcyclist Association
13515 Yarmouth Drive
Pickerington, OH 43147-8214
1 (800) AMA-JOIN
1 (614) 856-1900, ext. 1125
rights. riding. racing.
The information contained in this message may be confidential. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, or an employee or agent responsible for delivering this message to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any reliance upon, dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication, or the information contained in it, is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by replying to the message and deleting it from your computer. Thank you. American Motorcyclist Association, Inc.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

[55028]

Thanks for the link

 

[bbtowns]

I think the first time they try to enforce this (if it becomes law) they will probably run into a truck load of lawyers. If you can pass this you could pass laws that target certain makes of cars too, speed limit for Mustangs, 45.

 

[mscuddy]

Hey Kenneth, ask 'em where they hid Russ March's body. Is it in a broom closet somewhere on Yarmouth Drive?

 

[Kenneth_Moore]

Hey Kenneth, ask 'em where they hid Russ March's body. Is it in a broom closet somewhere on Yarmouth Drive?

Word around here is that he was Crewman #3 on the "Joe Cool." You didn't hear that from me.