Legislation Forum

LEGISLATION FORUM

"ON MY KNEES, YET"

I’m writing with the hope that I might, in some small way, help remove the dust from my fellow cyclists’ pen hands. My subject is motorcycle legislation.

Let us first make some assumptions. One, that we are basically in agreement with our political do-gooders who say helmets will protect our feeble heads. Two, we don’t, as good red-blooded Americans, want to be told to do something which goes against our inherited individualistic attitudes. And three, we, from the 50-cc rider to the 1200-cc boys, are the biggest bunch of buck passers going.

By that I mean that too many of us two-wheel fans are saying, “CW will take care of us,” or “The AMA will protect me from unfair legislation,” while in fact we’re just too lazy to, as one body, stand up and say, “Hey, we’re the people who these laws are going to affect, so let us have the biggest say-so in what laws are passed.”

To stray from the topic for a moment, how many of us at one time or another have heard about some law or court decision and said, “Why that’s unfair. I think I’ll write my congressman.” Well, did you write, or could you remember his name?

Guys (and gals), if we don’t act one of these days, we’re going to wake up and find unfair laws passed, signed, sealed, and delivered. And we will still be standing around in our own little groups telling each other what a raw deal we got.

1 could go into the pros and cons of headgear, eye protection, body and bike protection, but we all know the score on that. But listen, we’re 2,000,000 strong and that’s a lot of votes. If you want to be told how to dress and ride your bike by someone who probably never rode one, and who still has a “Wild One” image of us, then that’s what you’re going to get, unless we act now.

So now I’m pleading with all of you, on my knees yet, write CW, the AMA, your congressmen, Ann Landers, anybody-but write. You all know how great it feels to have the wind whistle through your hair. They want to put engine governors on our machines, crash bars (on my Norton?), and whole suits of armor on us. Can’t you picture what’s going to happen? Let’s not stand by and get railroaded. Let’s act now and end all controversy.

WILLIAM DUDGEON Groton, Conn.

"ANY SUGGESTIONS?"

I, at 17 years of age, have already owned two motorcycles, and am thinking of purchasing my third this summer. However, all the proposed motorcycle legislation that I am both reading and hearing about, is making me think twice about the wisdom of buying another bike at this time. With the nation’s lawmakers trying to legislate much of the fun and some of the safety out of cycling, it just may not be worthwhile.

Of course, some of the proposed laws would tend to increase the safety of the individual rider, as well as that of everyone else on the road. This is obvious. What is not so obvious, at least to our legislators, is the fact that many of their intended laws will be directly responsible for many accidents and injuries.

CW, among other magazines, has given its readers room to air their opinions. It has also urged these same readers to write their representatives, telling them of the motorcyclist’s point of view, and to use their right to vote as a weapon.

I, as 1 mentioned, am 17 years old. And, though I have no statistics at hand, I am sure that there are thousands of other motorcycle riders in the country who cannot vote, and therefore have no voice in the government. How, then, are we to prevent our rights from being violated, and our safety being legislated away? I welcome any suggestions.

ARNOLD MIN 6501 N. Winchester Chicago, 111.

"ROSE COLORED GLASSES"

I was interested in the Michigan ruling regarding compulsory helmet legislation (CW, Jan. ’68). In principle, I agree with Judge Kaufman, but believe that this is one man’s opinion and will not be universally upheld. I feel that the answer lies in an accelerated public education program. Eventually, with no further education of both John Q. Public and the motorcycle fraternity, we may be faced with compulsory protective headgear, footgear, eyepieces, leathers, gloves, crashbars, and conceivable, trainer wheels. Violation of any one of these rules could result in insurance cancellation or non-payment of claims. This may seem farfetched to some, but could be in the offing if the “rose colored glasses” syndrom persists.

I am in the service and my home state is Oregon, which last September enacted a law requiring lights on at all times the motorcycle is in operation. Eailure to comply results in a moving violation citation. This law is basically a good one, even though it infringes on personal freedom. I believe one of your staff has for some time advocated riding with lights on, and I can vouch for its effectiveness, recalling several instances where 1 might not have been seen had I not been running with lights. Some drivers have surprised looks, some tell me my lights are on, but all see me-and on the freeways this is a definite safety factor.

Oregon also has a mandatory helmet law in effect as of Jan. 1968, and has had separate motorcycle license endorsement for about two years. The test for this endorsement consists of equipment check-horn, lights, brake light and muffler-and a demonstration of your ability to effectively operate the vehicle, similar to the automobile driving test. I am definitely in favor of this requirement.

The only really bad motorcycle law that Oregon has at present is the requirement for turn signals to be spaced 27 in. apart, making the only logical solution the turn-signal mirrors recently on the market, or installation, as on one European machine, of turn signals on the end of the grips.

(Continued on page 40)

To sum up my position, I feel that a sincere and far-reaching public education program must be undertaken by all in the motorcycle industry to ensure that the outlaw groups do not get all the publicity. Local distributors should make arrangements with home-town newspapers to print favorable motorcycle news, at least on a parity with accidents and lawlessness. Competition events and “Good Neighbor” programs are good material to start with.

Until such a program is accomplished, we are faced with continuing encroachment upon our precious freedom to the point that the sport becomes no longer enjoyable and dies.

H. J. THOMPSON Long Beach, Calif.

"THE FOLLOWING REPLY"

Several weeks ago. I learned that the Virginia State Legislature had proposed a bill which included, among other things, compulsory helmets for motorcyclists. I contacted one of the local motorcycle dealers and from him obtained the bill number and the name of the delegate for my district. I intended to send him a short note stating my objection to the bill’s passage, but before I was finished, I had written seven pages. The essence of my letter was this:

1. I agree that helmets should be worn by all riders, but it should be a personal, not a governmental decision.

2. If a law concerning motorcycle safety equipment is required, an authority such as the AMA should be consulted to lessen the chances that a well-meaning, but misinformed legislature would pass a law which would require such lethal additions as seatbelts or crash bars.

3. Enact legislation to keep accident-prone, inexperienced motorcyclists off the highways. This could be done by requiring special motorcycle operators’ licenses.

4. Require dealers to include helmets with every motorcycle sold.

5. Require dealers to provide proper operating instructions for purchasers.

6. Before passing any law which affects personal freedom of the citizens, much forethought should be exercised. Above all, don’t limit the free rights of a minority group (motorcyclists) because of outside political pressures.

I had never written to one of my representatives before, and therefore was not sure if my letter would be answered. But I believe my stand was justified and it would not be rejected. To my surprise and disbelief, I received the following reply.

Dear. Mr. LeBosquet:

Thank you for your letter with respect to motorcycle helmets.

This legislation is necessary in order to meet the federal standards. A failure to meet these standards will cost the State of Virginia 10 percent of our high way funds, as well as all of our Federal highway safety funds.

C. Harrison Mann, Jr.

House of Delegates Richmond, Va.

It seems that at least one of Virginia’s duly elected officials has succumbed to the pressure of the all powerful federal pursestrings. Maybe if enough of Virginia’s motorcycle riders write to enough of Virginia’s delegates, they will forget about governmental pressure and remember who elected them into the offices they hold. For anyone who wishes to write, the bill number is House Bill No. 207 which amends section 46.1-172 of the Code of Virginia.

(Continued on page 52)

BOB LeBOSQUET JR. Arlington, Va.

"IT BUGS ME"

It really bugs me to read all the idiotic statements from people that do not believe they should wear helmets and boots while riding a motorcycle. To wit: Howard E. Clapp (CW, Jan. ’68). It would certainly be a hardship for Mr. Clapp to have to wear boots and change at work, but, on the other hand, it could save him a broken or torn foot.

I have been in two accidents neither of them my fault. Nevertheless, I was involved and was badly hurt in the last one. I was off work for three months. The car driver had neither license nor insurance. If it hadn’t been for my helmet I wouldn’t be here today.

It isn’t only the protection for the person on wheels-just think of the grief and pain, plus expense that an accident causes your loved ones. So, I say, for your own protection and the well-being of your family, wear protective head and foot gear. The sooner this is made into a hard and fast law, and enforced, the happier I, for one, will be.

In closing, I wish to extend my thanks for the article in CYCLE WORLD that led me to apply to the Long Beach Police force for the priviledge of taking a course in motorcycle riding. The LB PD is doing a fine job of this.

After my second accident, I applied to the police for the course and received an answer right away. After taking the course, I may not be a better rider, but I certainly am a lot safer rider than I was. I think there should be a law that makes every motorcycle rider take a test comparable to the LBPD riding test.

I am 100 percent for every law that protects a rider or his family.

R. H. MCDANIEL

Reseda, Calif.

"CURFEW LAW"

In reading Legislation Forum (CW, Jan. ’68), I noticed that you asked if anyone knew of any cities in which motorcycle riders were restricted to certain hours during which they were allowed to ride their bikes. Munising, Mich., is just such a city. It is a relatively small town in the upper peninsula of Michigan, and the officials there enforce an 11 p. m. curfew for all motorcycles. This law was put into effect about two years ago.

CRAIG R. NORTH Marquette, Mich.

"BIG BROTHER"

My state has adopted new laws pertaining to motorcycles. I am now in Viet Nam and was late in getting the news. I pray I am not too late in entering the war on the home front.

The laws are similar to those plaguing other states. They require helmets, stock mufflers, handlebars no more than 15 in. above the seat, and so forth. We also have to have reflectors on our helmets!!! Laws such as these can only be the work of Big Brother, beginning his campaign to rule the world by 1984. We are losing our freedom of choice!

I have written several letters to various persons in my state, and intend to write many more. I ask each and every one of us facing such laws to take up pens and declare war. Write to your congressman and other officials. Write articles for newspapers and magazines. FIGHT FOR OUR SPORT!

QMSN JOHN A. KALABUS FPO San Francisco

"TO THE POINT"

I disagree with Robert Karpowicz’s idea of having form letters printed to send to legislators (CW, April ’68).

Why should legislators bother to look into proposed bills restricting riding if we do not take the time to write them a personal letter expressing our position on the issues?

A well thought out, short and to the point complaint will be much more effective in our cause.

DAVID YANOV Morgantown, W. Va.

"THE ATTENTION"

For over a year I have attempted to draw the attention of U.S. and Canadian authorities to our motorcycle courses in Ottawa. This has not been from motives of recognition or personal gain, but because I believe we have some of the answers. The response has varied from a stony silence to bureaucratic nitpicking.

In one thousand words, you have achieved more than any picture. The response has been tremendous, and over 250 copies of “ The Deadliest Vehemence” and more than 150 packages of instructional material have been mailed out. I thought the demand was easing off, but we have averaged over 15 letters a day this week.

I feel the result will be extremely beneficial, and I think the motorcycling fraternity owes CYCLE WORLD a considerable debt. I, too, would like to thank you, as I feel undeserving of the kind remarks in your column.

STUART MUNRO Ottawa Safety Council 226 Sparks St. Ottawa 4, Ont., Canada

"NOT LEGISLATION"

There has been a great deal of noise about current motorcycle legislation, but very little has been done by motorcyclists, or organizations, to improve our abilities on a motorcycle and our “image.”

Recently, I received information on a motorcycle safety course operated by the Ontario Safety Council, Ottawa, Canada. It covers everything from mechanics, to riding techniques, to first aid, and proper clothing. It appears to cover almost everything that a beginner needs, and they have plans for an advanced course.

We need something like that here. It would improve our safety record and cut down on the screams for hasty legislation. Most of the demand for “safety” laws has come about because of accidents involving untrained neophytes. “Education NOT Legislation” should be our motto.

EUGENE SOUBERMAN Bronx, N.Y.