After being inducted into the elite group of FIRST POSTERS, I have now read the article. It is a shame that a few are ruining it for the many. If you fail to police yourself then someone will do it for you. The majority of riders are being punished by selective enforcement and paying sky high insurance premiums due to stupid behavior of a few. However, I can't beat the crap out of a squid when they need it, to modify their behavior, without going to jail myself. So what can you do but suck it up?
First, if you ride in that area you need to be prepared. The majority of the folks in that area have the perception that mc riders are responsible for their ills. Whether it is from loud pipes, bright headlights, and unsafe driving behavior, their perceptions are their reality. You need to become a positive voice for riders and educate the public as to your perceptions. I am not going to list the positive things about riding a bike since most of the readers already know them. You need to aquaint yourself with the head of that task force to help them realize your point of view as well. Learn/know your facts and educate the public to them. I bet money that the 97% of the local riders are very safe and are disgusted when they see squidly behavior. The other 3% and visitors to the area (that come to drive like maniacs down the mountain) are about to ruin it for everyone, and that is who needs to be dealt with.
There will be posts saying to fight "the man", and to give up cause it is to late. You are behind the ball since they have already obtained the grant for selective enforcement and the majority of the population agree with it. Get stats and times for police/fire responses, since false alarms and stupid calls will far outway time spent on cycle related incidents and educate the public, police, and fellow riders as to the facts, not perceptions, so they see the true reality. Once educated, the majority of the population will agree with you and will not want the speed limits lowered since once the mc problem is squared away, they will be the recipients of the proactive enforcement.
This is a tough task and few step up to it. However, if you don't address it then you can't complain when your speed limit is ridiculously low, your fines are making the state's budget fat, and you are riding a bicycle. Good luck & let me know if you would need any help.