January 2008

    The Arizona Off-Highway Vehicle Coalition (http://www.azohv.org/) is planning on re-introducing a bill to create the Copper State Sticker OHV registration program. This bill, which narrowly failed last session, seeks to ensure ongoing funding for the maintenance and operation of state and federal OHV opportunities in Arizona. Interested riders are encouraged to contact the coalition to help work on this important piece of legislation.

    In celebration of National Public Lands Day on September 29th, sixteen members of the Connecticut Trail Users removed several tons of trash and 3 abandoned cars from areas within Pachaug State Forest. CT Trail Users is a statewide, advocacy and education group made up of dirtbike, ATV and 4-wheel drive enthusiasts. To learn more about CT Trail Users visit www.cttrailusers.com.  

    California's Center for Biological Diversity is suing the California Department of Parks and Recreation, alleging that a multi-year permit approval of an off-road vehicle event held at the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area has failed to properly analyze the race's affect on the facility. 

    New York Assembly Bill 9434, introduced by Assembly member Patricia Eddington (D-Medford), would require motorcycle dealers to obtain proof of a purchaser's license to operate a motorcycle and require first time motorcycle purchasers to complete an approved motorcycle rider training program. The bill is before the Assembly Transportation Committee.

    Pennsylvania Senate bill 1096, introduced by Sen. John R. Gordner (R-Berwick), would strengthen penalties for certain acts of "trespass by motor vehicle". In addition to the state's existing fine structure an additional fine of $150 or $250, in the case of a second offense, would be added to the sentence. Fine revenue is to be deposited into the state's ATV and snowmobile restricted account. The text of SB 1096 is available on the Rapid Response page of www.AMADirectLink.com.  

    US House resolution 1919, introduced by Rep. Maurice D. Hinchey (D-NY), and US Senate bill 1170, introduced by Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL), would designate more than 9 million acres of public lands in Utah as wilderness. The legislation, known as America's Red Rock Wilderness Act of 2007 would designate a number of popular areas in Southern Utah as wilderness. The bill's text generally lists the areas that would be affected and is available on the "Rapid Response" page of www.AMADirectLink.com.  

    The California Air Resources Board (CARB) announced recently that it concluded an investigation against Dynojet Research, Inc. At issue was the company's "Power Commander" that can be used to alter the air-fuel mixture and engine timing of on- and off-road motorcycles. CARB said that the installation of these devices would adversely affect the emissions control systems of vehicles that were certified by the original equipment manufacturers to comply with the agency's emissions standards. Dynojet has now certified a California version of the "Power Commander" and has agreed to pay $1,000,000 in penalties to the California Air Pollution Control Fund. 

    The Texas Parks and Wildlife commission recently approved a $400,000 grant for the development of the Escondido Draw Recreational Area, a new off-highway vehicle park located near Ozona in Crockett County. The grant was awarded to the Texas Motorized Trail Coalition (TMTC) for the purpose of developing 3,300 acres into a managed recreational trail park. The land was purchased last year with a $1.3 million grant. More information is available on the TPWD website www.tpwd.state.tx.us/ohv.  

    Wisconsin Assembly bill 600, introduced by Representative Jeffery L. Mursau (R-Crivitz), would expand the State Trails Council from 9 to 11 members and would require that one of the council's representatives be an off-highway motorcycle rider. The State Trails Council advises the Department of Natural Resources regarding the planning and management of state trail systems. The legislation is available in the Rapid Response center of www.AMADirectLink.com.  

    Ontario, Canada motorcyclists and scooter riders should be allowed to use the city's high-occupancy vehicle lanes, the city's works committee recommended recently.
The lanes on city roads are now reserved for buses, bikes, taxis and cars with three occupants. Councillor Case Ootes has been pushing the city to allow motorcycles and scooters with just one occupant as well, to help with traffic congestion and pollution.
City staff had concluded that many motorcycles were not much more fuel efficient than cars, although that was disputed by the heads of various motorcycling and scooter organizations who addressed the committee. The recommendation goes to city council next month. 

    The European Commission (EC) has decided not to call for the use of daytime dipped-beam headlights in Europe. This means that the point of view of motorcyclists and other vulnerable road users (VRU) has finally been taken into account.
    Although the Commission still supports the view that daytime dipped-beam headlights could increase the safety of car drivers and reduce the number of car accidents and fatalities, it recognized that too little information is yet available about the impact of this measure on other road users.
    This was among the concerns raised by the Federation of European Motorcyclists Associations (FEMA) against this proposal. FEMA argued that clear evidence and reliable statistics demonstrating the benefits of compulsory use of dipped beam headlights during the day from countries where it had been introduced were indeed lacking. FEMA further claimed that there were sufficient doubts concerning the quality of some of the research to warrant its promotion as an issue for harmonization. FEMA welcomes the EC decision and recognizes that this crucial dialogue between stakeholders has lead to positive results for motorcyclists. Visit http://www.fema.ridersrights.org for more informatiom.

    The BlueRibbon Coalition announced changes to its articles of incorporation and bylaws, approved by its Board and members at the Coalition's annual meeting in late September.
    Among the changes are updates to the Coalition's corporate purposes, which now clarify that BlueRibbon "shall be dedicated to defense and enhancement of recreational access, via motorized, mechanized, and non-mechanized means, to public lands, and to the protection of the environment..." and "shall be guided by the principle that viable, sustainable and healthy ecosystems...can be best fostered, maintained and supported by elected officials, administrators, and an interested public who are able to gain access to, directly observe, and actively manage those ecosystems...." BlueRibbon is an Idaho nonprofit corporation founded in 1987, organized under, and operating in accordance with, Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
    BlueRibbon formally adopted the changes to its governing documents after nearly a year of efforts, including Board discussion, notice to its members and compliance with the statutory provisions of the Idaho Nonprofit Corporation Act. Each of the changes in question received the approval of more than 90% of the BlueRibbon members voting. For an official version of the Second Restated Articles of Incorporation go to ShareTrails.org. 

    The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection announced that $338,218 from a federal recreational-trails grant will go to the Atlantic Off-Road Vehicle Park Inc., a nonprofit group that is seeking to open a new riding area in Ocean County.
    Best known in the off-road community for its sponsorship of annual events such as the Sahara Sands Grand Prix in Eagleswood and other Atlantic Grand Prix events, the group is the biggest single beneficiary of $2.1 million from the Federal Highway Administration. The group began organizing annual events at gravel pits, farms and other rural locations because there are fewer places to ride and no provision in New Jersey for riding on state land. 

    The State of Canberra, Australia said recently it would ban motorcycle gangs such as the Hells Angels and the Bandidos in what the government said would be the world's toughest crackdown on "terrorists within our community."
    South Australian Premier Mike Rann named eight bike clubs he said were involved in murder, drug trafficking, prostitution, extortion and weapons smuggling.
Clubs targeted by the ban would include the Finks, the Rebels, the Gypsy Jokers, the Descendants, the Red Devils and others.
    The Australian Crime Commission's 2006 report found there were 35 outlaw motorcycle clubs in Australia, with 3,500 members. It said 10 gangs had opened 26 new chapters in all six states last year.
    Officials said the ban would involve around 200 members, as well as associates. Outlawed members would be prohibited from meeting or communicating, or risk five-year jail terms. Police would also be empowered to dismantle club property and force members to account for any unexplained wealth or income. 

    McGhee, Arkansas AMA members Don and Helen Wesson were both recently honored by McGhee city leaders, Chamber of Commerce, and Governor Mike Bebee.
    Helen received the City's Women of the Year award and Don received special recognition for his work on the City Council including conservation issues and their collective work organizing a motorcycle rally known as Owlfest. 

    The picturesque Bear Creek Valley northeast of Dolores, Colorado, is in a hard battle to get motorcycles off the Bear Creek Trail because of what the new residents of the area say are excessive noise, safety and environmental concerns.
    Five families that live near the trailhead began circulating a petition against motorized use generated 1,139 signatures from Cortez, Durango and Dolores residents.
    The Dolores Public Lands Office is developing a travel management plan for the area that includes Bear Creek Trail. It's part of a district wide plan to evaluate travel management in the San Juan National Forest's Dolores Ranger District. During the process, the Forest Service looks at resource conditions, public demand, water conditions, soil erosion and wildlife.
    Lower portions of Bear Creek Trail have been designated for motorized use since 1961, but the Forest Service will look at all the issues and decide if motorized use should stay on the trail.
    The public's input is needed during this travel management process, and the Forest Service is looking for groups to help manage trails.

    Quantya USA officially launched distribution of the Quantya FMX Electric Motorcycles for the US market. Quantya is the first electric competition ready electric motocross. Quantya electric motorcycles are manufactured in the Swiss city of Lugano to deliver what they claim is the world's sturdiest and technically advance dirt bike. All Quantya motorcycles are EC certified and warranted for 2 years.
    Quantya FMX Motorcycles use advanced Lithium Polymer Battery technology with proprietary electronics to power its 14KW motor with a 47V or 74V battery. A typical fully charged battery will launch the FMX to 40+ mph (governed) and give it a range of up to 2.5 hours.

AMA Government Relations News & Notes is a monthly service compiled and edited by the AMA
Government Relations Staff to keep motorcyclists informed of happenings around the world. We welcome
your news & views. Please submit all material to Terry Lee Cook, Grassroots Manager,
13515 Yarmouth Drive, Pickerington, OH 43147; fax 614-856-1920 or e-mail to tcook@ama-cycle.org.