Motorcycle Riders Helmet Choice Bill – Massachusetts Motorcycle Association

We received the following from our MRF brothers and sisters in the Massachusetts Motorcycle Association. What do you think? Please click on the link to read the article and cast your vote.

Do you believe Motorcyclists should have the right to choose whether to wear a helmet? It may not sway legislators, but why not weigh in on the poll in the following news article?
http://wwlp.com/2016/01/06/proposed-legislation-makes-motorcycle-helmets-optional/

This is the bill that has been put forward:
S.2003 – Motorcycle Riders Helmet Choice Bill
Senator Anne Gobi
Seeks to provide Helmet Freedom of Choice for motorcycle riders within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

ABATE of Alaska General Elections and Fifth Annual Meet and Greet‏

ABATE of Alaska
General Election

Abate General Membership Meeting
Thursday, November 19
7:00pm to 9:00pm

Sea Galley Restaurant
4101 Credit Union Dr
Anchorage, Alaska 99503
  • Did you get your ballot in the mail?
  • Did you use the self-addressed envelope to return it?

This is our annual General Election for the 2016 Board and Officers!

Please attend and be a part of the process to make ABATE of Alaska the best it can be!


January 2016
Don’t Forget to Mark Your Calendars!

ABATE of Alaska
Fifth Annual
Meet and Greet
2016

Saturday, January 23, 2016

7:00 PM to 10:00 PM



La Cabana Mexican Restaurant

312 East 4th Avenue
Anchorage, Alaska

This is a catered event (no host bar) along with some fabulous door prizes for our current ABATE members, and a silent auction. 

This occasion is for our members to come and meet the new Officers and Board of Directors for 2016.
 
Proceeds will be directed to our annual Christmas in July Toy Run. We would like to discuss the current events and issues that ABATE is planning to address this coming year. The Board and Officers look forward to hearing your suggestions and ideas to make this coming year a successful one for its members and its goals. Thank you for your continued support and see you there.

Action Needed – Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) Push for Helmet Laws


Push for Helmets
Reprinted with permission from the
Motorcycle Riders Foundation
October 20, 2015
 Right now, the push for motorcycle helmet laws is stronger than ever. It’s bigger than a handful of the usual government agencies pushing for mandatory helmet laws—it is that, of course—but there is another factor at work as well: child safety. It’s a very natural thing, the desire to protect children. Many skate parks, BMX parks, horse rides, go-carting, etc. all now require helmets for youngsters, and we are okay with that. So long as that attitude continues, the likelihood of keeping states helmet-law free gets slimmer.

Agencies and departments all over the country are pushing for helmet laws, and it’s getting nasty. Recently at the State Motorcycle Administrators annual conference the Vice President of Government Relations for the Governors Highway Safety Association, Erik Strickland, touted the benefits of an Obama-backed transportation plan that would have given back to the federal Department of Transportation the ability to lobby state legislatures about implementing helmet laws. Then in the next breath he referred to the language in the transportation bill currently working its way through Congress (and is likely to pass soon). Specifically, he called the language to stiffen the lobby ban so that it would apply to the whole of the federal government, state governments and local governments, “A real pain in the ass.” That bill also contains language that would commission a study to determine the best practices to avoid motorcycle crashes in the first place, thus saving lives instantly. Is that also a “real pain in the ass,” Erik Strickland? That, folks, is your governor’s direct pipeline for ideas for state law.

 In a recent publication by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, they had a two-page article about the actions the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has taken to enforce helmet laws by law enforcement officers. The proposed rule by the safety agency would effectively give law enforcement the ability to pull over and, after a visual inspection, ticket (or worse) any motorcyclist wearing a helmet that the officer felt did not meet the new appropriate standards. Should this rule become final—and that is almost a certainty at this point—any helmet that to a traffic cop appears to be less than one inch in thickness gives that cop the authority to pull you over for further inspection. Of course the Insurance Institute publication just echoed the same un-truths that all of the other safety groups march out. It is interesting and troubling that the agencies that are charged with making things safer—most of whom do not ride motorcycles—don’t care to listen to the very people they are trying to protect. Bureaucracy at its best.

Then to make things stranger, in the Wall Street Journal this week was an article about groups of bicyclists who are opposing mandatory bicycle helmet laws. They say mandatory helmet laws, particularly for adults, make cycling less convenient and seem less safe, thus hindering the larger public-health gains of more people riding bikes. They think that more bicycles on the street will result in a greater degree of visibility in numbers and therefore reduce injuries and fatalities. Cycling advocates are quick to say they’re not anti-helmet. Instead, they’re opposed to helmet laws and their unintended consequences. Sound familiar? Helmet laws make strange bedfellows.

But all is not lost. We need to stay engaged and active. We, the guardians of motorcycling, must do what those before us (and those before them) have done. A fight is brewing and we need to be ready. The forward force to pass mandatory helmet laws is swelling. We need to push back with a tidal wave.

To start that wave, you should email your new best friend, Erik “pain in the ass” Strickland, Vice President of Federal Relations for the Governors Highway Safety Association. You can reach him here: estrickland@ghsa.org or give him a ring at his direct line, 202-789-0942 x180

Tell him the MRF sent you!

All Information contained in this release is copyrighted. Reproduction permitted with attribution. Motorcycle Riders Foundation. All rights reserved. Ride With The Leaders ™ by joining the MRF at http://motorcycleridersfoundation.wildapricot.org/page-1654836 or call (202) 546-0983

You are receiving this message because you opted in at http://motorcycleridersfoundation.wildapricot.org/. If you choose to not receive these alerts moving forward, please click the unsubscribe button or contact the office at: mrfoffice@mrf.org202-789-0942(202) 546-0983

Transportation Committee Passes Long Term Highway Legislation



 Transportation Committee Passes
Long Term Highway Legislation
Reprinted with permission from the
Motorcycle Riders Foundation
October 23, 2015
United States House of Representatives Transportation Committee Passes Long Term Highway Legislation.

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) is pleased to report that the US House of Representatives Transportation and Infrastructure Committee has passed a six-year highway bill. The bill, H.R. 3763, otherwise known as the Surface Transportation Reauthorization and Reform Act (STRRA) of 2015, was passed unanimously by the committee chaired by Representative Bill Schuster (R-PA).

The committee termed the measure, “a bipartisan, multi-year surface transportation bill to reauthorize and reform federal highway, transit, and highway safety programs,” and described it as proposal that is “fiscally responsible, provides greater flexibility and more certainty for states and local governments to address their priorities, and accelerates project delivery.”

The bill contains a few provisions near and dear to the motorcyclists of America. Most importantly, it ends the federal funding of the highly unpopular motorcycle-only roadside checkpoints. “Ending the checkpoints was, and is, ‘Priority Number One’ for the Motorcycle Riders Foundation,” said Jeff Hennie, Vice President of Government Relations and Public Affairs for the MRF. “We are knocking on the doorstep of accomplishing this because similar language is already in the Senate highway bill.”

Additionally, the bill re-launches the much-needed Federal Motorcycle Advisory Council (FMAC). The FMAC was initially set up under a previous highway bill and served the country well, but because of some bureaucratic red tape the council was done away with. This bill revives the FMAC for the purpose of developing recommendations to the sitting Secretary of Transportation on all things regarding motorcycles and motorcycle-related infrastructure. In its first incarnation, the FMAC made some very worthwhile efforts on issues such as cable barriers, signage, and pavement conditions. The MRF, AMA, MIC, state motorcycle rights organizations (SMROs), state DOT officials, and highway engineers all have seats on the council. The only caveat?  Every council member must ride a motorcycle.

Lastly, H.R. 3763 commissions a study to be conducted by the National Academy of Sciences on the best practices for preventing motorcycle crashes. While it will be a while before the study is begun and the results analyzed, it will be very significant as it will be the first study ever that is totally about crash prevention and not about helmets.

“This bill improves the everyday lives of motorcyclists in a very profound way,” added Hennie. “Living in a world where we can be pulled over for just riding a motorcycle has been an unacceptable practice. Ending those unwarranted stops has been the focal point of the MRF legislative agenda since they began, and we thank the Congress for hearing our demands and serving justice.”

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation would like to thank those members of the House Transportation Committee who were of particular help with this bill, including but not limited to, Representatives Reid Ribble (WI), Barbara Comstock (VA), James Sensenbrenner (WI) and Chairman Schuster (PA). The full support of these elected officials was instrumental to this incredible success.

The MRF thanks all of the SMROs and the individuals who are dedicated to fighting government tyranny and control of motorcyclists.

Read the text of the bill and the amendments here:
http://docs.house.gov/Committee/Calendar/ByEvent.aspx?EventID=104111

All Information contained in this release is copyrighted. Reproduction permitted with attribution. Motorcycle Riders Foundation. All rights reserved. Ride With The Leaders ™ by joining the MRF at http://motorcycleridersfoundation.wildapricot.org/page-1654836 or call (202) 546-0983

You are receiving this message because you opted in at http://motorcycleridersfoundation.wildapricot.org/. If you choose to not receive these alerts moving forward, please click the unsubscribe button or contact the office at: mrfoffice@mrf.org

2016 Elections for Officers and Board Members for ABATE of Alaska

2016 Elections for Officers and Board Members
for ABATE of Alaska

October 1, 2015

Dear Member,

It’s that time of year again. Time to elect new Officers and Board Members for ABATE.

Remember that ABATE has a purpose that is unlike any other organization in the motorcycling community. ABATE is not a social club, but we need to have some fun activities for our members after we get the work done.

We have two missions:

1.       To promote motorcycle safety education programs, public awareness programs, and motorcycle rider training programs.

2.       To promote fair motorcycle legislation, and work to prevent enactment of, or the repeal of existing unfair anti-motorcycling legislation.

These tasks are not easy tasks. To accomplish them we need to have dedicated people to make the whole organization work.

So please take a minute and think about the fact that we all love the life style that has become a part of our daily lives, and that we need to work to keep those who would take it away from us from doing just that.

Nominate some one you know that is capable and willing to do the job at hand, and don’t forget that you may be the one for the job.

Please download the nomination sheet from the link below and print it out. Bring the nomination sheet with you to the October 15th General Membership meeting at the Sea Galley Restaurant in Anchorage @ 7:00 PM. Or mail in your nomination to the address located at the top of the printed nomination letter postmarked before October 15th.  You may also drop them off at Alaska Leather before the meeting. Nominations will close during the meeting after the last nomination is taken from the floor.

ABATE of Alaska welcomes new nominations.  Several individuals hold more than one title.  The current list of Officers and Board Members is on the left of this email.

New blood is always welcome!

Click to download
2016 Nomination Letter and Form

 

2015 Freeze-Up Run

 

2015 ABATE Freeze Up Run
Saturday!
September 19th, 2015

Tug Bar


18.5 KNIK-GOOSE BAY RD WASILLA, ALASKA
ALL RIDERS INVITED!!!

 

The POKER RUN will meet in Anchorage at the

WHALER BAR PARKING LOT
at 12:00 PM
  • Kickstands up at 12:30 PM
  • ALL YOU CAN EAT BBQ FOR $20.00
  • BIKE GAMES AND MORE
2015FreezeUpRun
Abate of Alaska has t-shirts for a
minimum $25.00 donation!
We’ll have them with us at the Freeze-Up Run!
Support ABATE of Alaska!
T-Shirt_Back

 

 

ABATE of Alaska is looking for volunteers for Christmas in July!

Christmas in July

is right around the corner!
Are you organized?
Can you get the job done?
We need your help!

CIJ
ABATE of Alaska needs your help!

We are looking for Volunteers to help us prepare for Christmas in July!

Would you be willing to:
  • Help us with organizing the event?
  • Help us gather Toys for the children?
  • Help us deliver the Toys?

 If you are willing to help, please email us at: webmaster@abateofalaska.com

FredMeyer

YOU CAN HELP ABATE OF ALASKA EARN DONATIONS JUST BY SHOPPING WITH YOUR FRED MEYER REWARDS CARD!

Fred Meyer is donating $2.5 million per year to non-profits in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington, based on where their customers tell them to give. Here’s how the program works:

  • Sign up for the Community Rewards program by linking your Fred Meyer Rewards Card to ABATE of Alaska at www.fredmeyer.com/communityrewards. You can search for us by our name or by our non-profit number 92866.
  • Then, every time you shop and use your Rewards Card, you are helping ABATE of Alaska earn a donation!
  • You still earn your Rewards Points, Fuel Points, and Rebates, just as you do today.
  • If you do not have a Rewards Card, they are available at the Customer Service desk of any Fred Meyer store.
  • For more information, please visit www.fredmeyer.com/communityrewards.
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SIGN UP FOR A CLASS!		 mrflogo
JOIN THE MRF!		 AMALogo
JOIN THE AMA!

ABATE of Alaska 2015 Break-up Run!

This Saturday! May 16, 2015
POKER RUN / BENEFIT RIDE
Proceeds Go To Rikki’s Family To Assist with Medical Costs

Meet @ 11:00 AM, the Whaler parking lot in Muldoon

  1. Draw First Card, Depart @ 11:30 AM

  2. Second Card – Birchwood Saloon in Chugiak

  3. Third Card – Valley Bike Blessing in Palmer

  4. Fourth Card – Ice Cream Parlor in Houston

  5. Last Card – Sheep Creek Lodge in Willow

Dinner at 5:30 PM @ Sheep Creek Lodge – $20 All you can eat!

PROMOTE KABUKI SYNDROME AWARENESS
One of the five main characteristics needed for a clinical diagnosis of Kabuki Syndrome is skeletal abnormalities. A second characteristic of Kabuki Syndrome is dermatoglyphic abnormalities. A third main characteristic of Kabuki Syndrome is postnatal short stature. A fourth main characteristic of Kabuki Syndrome is mild to moderate intellectual disabilities. About 5 percent of persons with Kabuki Syndrome have no intellectual disabilities. A fifth main characteristic of Kabuki Syndrome, is facial features. Those with Kabuki Syndrome have long palpebral fissures with eversion of outer third, arched eyebrows with sparse outer half, prominent eyelashes, prominent and/or misshaped ears, and depressed nasal tip. Facial features are very important in clinically diagnosing Kabuki Syndrome
For more information:  http://www.allthingskabuki.com/home/kabuki-syndrome-101

BREAK UP RUN FLYER 2015 V4