Here are some talking points:

Commute Trip Reduction:

Parking incentives will make motorcycle commuting more practical to users and infrastructure planners.

1. Motorcycles exhibit a much smaller footprint in a commuting lane, and are more agile in operation, with the potential benefit of easing congestion by facilitating better traffic flow.  In urban “stop and go” driving situations the space utilized by one full sized car can be filled with 2-3 motorcycles.
2. Dedicated parking areas for motorcycles will add to the overall security of the motorcycles by grouping them together.  (Safety in numbers)
3. Has the possibility to free up real estate currently being expended on single bike per parking space.  With properly arranged and laid out parking areas, up to three motorcycles can be stored in the space normally allotted to a single vehicle.

HOV access:

By moving motorcycles from the main stream of high density rolling slowdowns to the more freely moving HOV lanes, the motorcycle operator has less exposure to encroachment and/or collision.

1. By being in a steadily flowing stream as opposed to a “stop and go” stream rear exposure to inattentive drivers is seriously lessened.
2. By being to the far side of the multi lane roadway the possibility of encroachment from suddenly merging traffic is minimized.  There becomes only one side to defend while proceeding through traffic, with the other side becoming an escape route.

The proposed language removes some of the vagueness from when motorcycles are allowed HOV lanes access.

Now, quit reading and start calling your state senator.  Offices may be staffed on Sunday, and the Senate will be back in session at 09:00 Monday morning.  Make sure that every senator’s voice mail box is full of traffic on 6304.

If you don’t know yet who your senator is, drop and give me 20, take 15 laps of the outfield, then hit this link.  (Poke the button)

Ride safely and legislate well,

“Texas” Larry

Government Relations and Junior Blogger

Now that we have solved that problem, here are some talking points.

HB 1527 (Representative Asay) the malfunctioning traffic signal bill:

• Although part of the traveling public, motorcyclists have been hindered in their movements by the failure of detection loops and optical sensors to recognize their presence at many traffic signals.  The Washington State Legislature has been asked to address and remedy within the law when the signals fail to respond to motorcycles.
• Traffic intersections are second to left turn right-of-way violations in terms of vulnerability for motorcyclists.  When lights do not sense a motorcycle, exposure to the possibility of a rear-end collision increases, especially in low traffic scenarios where a motorist is more likely to miss seeing a stranded motorcyclist.  This presents a hazard to not only the motorcyclist but also to the surrounding traffic, as well as a potential liability to the municipality in charge of the signaling system.
•  Currently there is no safe and legitimate method for getting clear of a signal that will not sense a motorcycle.  If in the left turn lane, there is no provision for a vehicle to merge back into the flow of traffic and go straight.  Even if it was legal, this maneuver is quite hazardous, with a rider unexpectedly merging from a dead stop into an unsuspecting traffic flow.  For the rider in the though lane, the option of making a right on red, followed by a u-turn, is much more hazardous than simply waiting until traffic is clear and, exercising due caution, proceeding through the intersection as if the red light was a stop sign.
•  There are now 12 states that have enacted a law that provides immediate remedy to motorcyclist when they encounter a traffic signal that does not recognize the presence of a motorcycle.  There is no data to show that crashes have increased as a result.  To date, no state has tried to rescind it.  It is a sound and reasonable solution to an existing problem.

SB 6304 (Senator Rolfes) putting motorcycles into the Commute Trip Reduction Act and HOV lanes:

Commute Trip Reduction:

Parking incentives will make motorcycle commuting more practical to users and infrastructure planners.

1. Motorcycles exhibit a much smaller footprint in a commuting lane, and are more agile in operation, with the potential benefit of easing congestion by facilitating better traffic flow.  In urban “stop and go” driving situations the space utilized by one full sized car can be filled with 2-3 motorcycles.
2. Dedicated parking areas for motorcycles will add to the overall security of the motorcycles by grouping them together.  (Safety in numbers)
3. Has the possibility to free up real estate currently being expended on single bike per parking space.  With properly arranged and laid out parking areas, up to three motorcycles can be stored in the space normally allotted to a single vehicle.

HOV access:

By moving motorcycles from the main stream of high density rolling slowdowns to the more freely moving HOV lanes, the motorcycle operator has less exposure to encroachment and/or collision.

1. By being in a steadily flowing stream as opposed to a “stop and go” stream rear exposure to inattentive drivers is seriously lessened.
2. By being to the far side of the multi lane roadway the possibility of encroachment from suddenly merging traffic is minimized.  There becomes only one side to defend while proceeding through traffic, with the other side becoming an escape route.

The proposed language removes some of the vagueness from when motorcycles are allowed HOV lanes access.

1. Whenever any other privately owned vehicle (POV) is allowed access motorcycles are authorized.
2. Codifies the existing administrative exemption for tolling in the 167 project and moves that exemption to the 405 project.

HB 1527 (Representative Asay) the malfunctioning traffic signal bill is tentatively showing signs of life.  I say “tentatively” because although I have been getting good feedback in support of a hearing in House Transportation, I have yet to see official results.  When I left on Friday, Representative Clibborn and Representative Liias were in a meeting discussing future committee agendas.  Our request for a hearing or executive action had been submitted, so I must assume that it was under discussion.  There is still no harm in calling your representative a asking them to apply some pressure.

HB 1833 (Representative Finn) is still in the rules committee.  This makes it a requirement that the Motorcycle Safety Advisory Board meet quarterly.  Currently the criteria is open to interpretation, and with all of the attempts to cut expenditures across the board the schedule got dropped back to 5 meetings during a two year period.

Requests to move it to the floor of the house for action have been made, but we are awaiting the next meeting of the House Rules Committee, scheduled for 13:00 on January 19th.

SB 6062 (Senator Fain) has been introduced, and has been scheduled for a hearing at 15:30 on January 19^th in Senate Transportation.  It changes the language from two wheeled and three wheeled motorcycle to “single track” and “multi track” motorcycle.  This is being done to allow people who want to install the “Voyager” kit, effectively adding outriggers to their motorcycles.

There are mixed emotions about this measure.  Many people are seriously opposed to these kits, and are therefore definitely opposed to changing the RCW to facilitate them.  As an organization, until shown otherwise, we are following the guidance of the Washington State Patrol, which has signed off on the language.

Senator Rolfes is sponsoring a bill to add the recommendation of preferential parking for motorcycles to the commute trip reduction act and clarifying the rules that allow motorcycles into the HOV lanes, even when they are converted to HOT lanes.  Currently there is no real firm requirement or guidance on keeping us in the HOV lanes, merely past practice.  The bill should be on the introduction sheets, as I am going to be in Olympia Monday doing the final preparatory legwork before I put the bill in the hopper, but it is not too early to start talking the issue up with your representatives and senators.

Paul Arnold (ABATE of WA) has been doing a splendid job of working on the helmet reform legislation.  Although the chance of getting any action on this issue is minimal, it does not mean the conversation should not happen.  Even if you are someone who absolutely believes that a rider should never choose to leave the driveway without a helmet, it should always be that: a choice.  The idea of “safe crashing” over crash prevention is a bad basis for public policy.

And now, for the coming attractions:

Actually, there is only one real coming attraction, and that is

BLACK THURSDAY

January 19^th is the day set aside for riders to meet with their legislators.  The north diagonal has been reserved by ABATE, and there is going to be a ride in from Hawks Prairie that will pull out at 10:00.

It doesn’t matter what your flagship issues are, this is your chance to address them.  Whether it is rider education, road access, or helmets, get the vacation day scheduled now, call your representatives and senator offices to make an appointment, and get to Olympia.

Ride safely and legislate well,

“Texas” Larry

Government Relations and Junior Blogger

HB 1527 (Representative Asay), the malfunctioning traffic signal bill is showing signs of life, but we need everyone to light up the phone lines. Each and every member of the house needs to hear the message loud and clear that the motorcycle community wants some legislative relief for the problem of traffic signals that do not detect us. Swamp the switchboards with calls to your representatives, asking for their support in getting a hearing and moving the traffic signal bill through the house.

Some talking points:

1. The bill allows for motorcycles, after waiting for one full cycle of the lighting system without being detected, to proceed through the intersection, but only after exercising the same level of caution as would be used at a stop sign. A sane rider is not going to commit suicide by pulling out in front of traffic.
2. No matter what State Patrol may say, there is already a precedent for allowing traffic through a red light. Can anyone say “right turn on red?”
3. While there is a system whereby we can notify the cognizant authority after we have been stranded at a traffic light, that is after the fact. There is no legal method to safely get clear of a traffic signal that will not detect a motorcycle.  Hanging a right, followed by a U-turn, is unacceptable, and downright unsafe.

If you do not know who your representatives are (shame on you) poke this link. Then get on the phone and start calling. If the house gets a lot of traffic on the issue it will be more likely that they will move it forward.  Let’s make this happen.

Ride safely and legislate well,

“Texas” Larry

Government Relations and Junior Blogger

So, what are you doing today? In case you have been living under a rock, you can guess what I have on my plate. The legislature is going back into session for the 60 day session, so I am getting ready to head out for Olympia. I will be working on getting a couple of things from last session back in motion before things start getting too jammed up.

Here are the primary items on my plate this morning:

HB 1527 (Representative Asay) The malfunctioning traffic signal will revisit the issue of traffic signals not detecting motorcycles.  It allows for motorcycles, after waiting for one full cycle of the lighting system without being detected, to proceed through the intersection, but only after exercising the same level of caution as would be used at a stop sign.

I have already done some ground work on getting a hearing in House Transportation. The only real push back I have seen so far is from WSP, indicating that they will never sign off on allowing any motorist “running a red light.” Their position is more based on fear without any real data to back it up, and a bit off base, as there is already a precedent. Can anyone say “right turn on red?”

SB 5578  (The late Senator White) and HB 1833 (Representative Finn).  This makes it a requirement that the Motorcycle Safety Advisory Board meet quarterly.  Currently the criteria is open to interpretation, and with all of the attempts to cut expenditures across the board the schedule got dropped back to 5 meetings during a two year period.

As a side bar note, after the outcry from stakeholders and the urging of the advisory board, the DOL voluntarily restored the quarterly schedule.

Finally, there is a lot of confusion over the implementation of SSB 5800, the bill that allows a rider to convert a motorcycle listed as “off road use only” into a street legal motorcycle.  I will be working with Senator King (prime sponsor), the off road community, and agencies to address these issues.

Of course, further reports to follow.

Until then, Ride safely and legislate well,

“Texas” Larry

Government Relations and Junior Blogger

Texas

MRF E-MAIL NEWS Motorcycle Riders Foundation 236 Massachusetts Ave. NE | Suite 510 | Washington, DC 20002-4980 202-546-0983 (voice) | 202-546-0986 (fax) | http://www.mrf.org11NR35 – MRF News Release – Senate Committee Passes Highway Safety Bill FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 14 December 2011 Contact:Jeff Hennie, Vice President of Government Ralations and Public Affairs

Senate Committee Passes Highway Safety Bill Wednesday, December 14, 2011  Today, the United States Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation passed a sweeping safety bill known as the Motor Vehicle and Highway Safety Improvement Act (S. 1449). The bill passed by voice vote.   Earlier this week, Senator Lautenberg (D-NJ) filed an amendment that would have gutted the popular federal motorcycle education and awareness grants, known as the 2010 funds. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation is pleased to report that Lautenberg did not call that amendment for a vote. Due to an overwhelming response from the motorcycle community, the 2010 grants are safe for now.   Also under attack was the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) lobby ban. This law prohibits NHTSA from using federal money to lobby State legislatures, uninvited. The way S. 1449 was drafted, it removed this lobby ban. Senator Jim DeMint (R-SC) introduced a number of amendments to maintain the ban and the necessary amendments were agreed to, by unanimous consent of the full committee.   The one sticking point that remains is at least, the least troublesome. That being said, it is still something that will keep the attention of the MRF lobby efforts.  The trouble lies in a provision in S. 1449 that calls out motorcycle helmets in the list of definitions as “motor vehicle equipment”. Previously, the list simply stated: “any device or an article or apparel… that is not a system, part, or component of a motor vehicle”.   The MRF would like to thank all the State motorcycle rights organizations and everyone else who helped with this legislation.   The bill passed today will likely move on to be a part of the larger Highway Bill which could happen in early 2012. The MRF will keep you informed on this issue.   ========================================================== Do not reply to this email, it will be discarded. ========================================================== Ride With The LeadersTM by joining the MRF at http://www.mrf.org/join.php or call 1-202-546-0983Registration is easy and secure for MRF Regional and Meeting of the Minds conferences. Visit our website at http://www.mrf.org/events.php for further details and registration information.Send in your nominations and donations for the MRF’s Young Activist Scholarship fund today. For complete details, visithttp://www.mrfae.org/yas.php.Sign up today for the MRF’s new roadside assistance program by visiting http://www.mrf.org/mrfroadside.php The program is available to MRF members and non-MRF members.© All Information contained in this release is copyrighted. Reproduction permitted with attribution. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation, incorporated in 1987, is a membership-based, national motorcyclists’ rights organization headquartered in Washington, DC. The first motorcyclists’ rights organization to establish a full-time presence in Washington, DC, the Motorcycle Riders Foundation is the only Washington voice devoted exclusively to the street rider. The MRF established MRFPAC in the early 1990s to advocate the election of candidates who would champion the cause of rider safety and rider freedom.The MRF proudly claims state motorcyclists’ rights organizations and the very founders of the American riders’ rights movement among its leading members. The MRF is involved in federal and state legislation and regulations, motorcycling safety education, training, and public awareness. The MRF provides members and state motorcyclists’ rights organizations with direction and information, and sponsors annual regional and national educational seminars for motorcyclists rights activists, as well as publishing a bi-monthly newsletter, THE MRF REPORTS.

We need to get on the horn and call Senator Cantwell’s office today.

Ride Safely and Legislate Well,

“Texas” Larry

MRF E-MAIL NEWS Motorcycle Riders Foundation 236 Massachusetts Ave. NE | Suite 510 | Washington, DC 20002-4980 202-546-0983 (voice) | 202-546-0986 (fax) | http://www.mrf.org 11NR34 – MRF News Release – National Call to Action: Federal Helmet Mandates FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 13 December 2011 Contact:Jeff Hennie, Vice President of Government Ralations and Public Affairs

National Call to Action: Federal Helmet Mandates The Motorcycle Riders Foundation reports that the US Senate Committee on Commerce Science and Transportation will be marking up The Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 2011 (S. 1449). This bill governs the National Highway Transportation Safety Administrations activities. This bill has the potential to greatly affect motorcyclists nationwide.  There are three provisions that specifically target motorcyclists. Call your Senators and ask them to: Oppose Lautenberg amendment #1. This amendment would alter the motorcycle safety grant program by forcing states to pass mandatory universal helmet laws and drive federal tax dollars to be used to promote the use of helmets. This provision would make it easier for helmet law states to obtain 2010 grant money. This amendment would provide no money for awareness or training.  Support DeMint amendments #1 and #18. These amendments protect the NHTSA lobby ban. Under the proposed legislation are provisions to lift this lobby ban.  Support DeMint amendment #2. The bill, (S 1449) would change the definition of “motor vehicle equipment” to include motorcycle helmets. This would allow States to spend federal money dedicated to “motor vehicle equipment” on motorcycle helmets. The DeMint amendment would keep helmets out of that definition.  Call Now. Time is of the essence. Call you Senators via the capitol switch board at 202 224 3121.  Of key importance are the Senators on the committee you can contact them directly:   Senator Rockefeller-WV 202 224 6472 Senator Kerry-MA 202 224 2742 Senator Lautenberg-NJ 202 224 3224 Senator McCaskill-MO 202 224 6154 Senator Udall-NM 202 224 5941 Senator Begich-AK 202 224 3004 Senator Inouye-HI 202 224 3934 Senator Boxer-CA 202 224 3553 Senator Cantwell-WA 202 224 3441 Senator Pryor-AR 202 224 2353 Senator Klobucher-MN 202 224 3244 Senator Hutchinson-TX 202 224 5922 Senator DeMint-SC 202 224 6121 Senator Wicker-MS 202 224 6253 Senator Blunt-MO 202 224 5721 Senator Toomey-PA 202 224 4254 Senator Ayotte-NH 202 224 3324 Senator Snowe-ME 202 224 5344 Senator Thune- SD 202 224 2321 Senator Isakson-GA 202 224 3643 Senator Boozman-AR 202 224 4843 Senator Marco Rubio-FL 202 224 3041 Senator Heller-NV 202 224 6244  This is of extreme importance. Please call today, Tuesday, December 13th, 2011. Do not hesitate to contact the MRF should you have any questions. 202 546 0983    ========================================================== Do not reply to this email, it will be discarded. ========================================================== Ride With The LeadersTM by joining the MRF at http://www.mrf.org/join.php or call 1-202-546-0983Registration is easy and secure for MRF Regional and Meeting of the Minds conferences. Visit our website at http://www.mrf.org/events.php for further details and registration information.Send in your nominations and donations for the MRF’s Young Activist Scholarship fund today. For complete details, visithttp://www.mrfae.org/yas.php.Sign up today for the MRF’s new roadside assistance program by visiting http://www.mrf.org/mrfroadside.php The program is available to MRF members and non-MRF members.© All Information contained in this release is copyrighted. Reproduction permitted with attribution. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation, incorporated in 1987, is a membership-based, national motorcyclists’ rights organization headquartered in Washington, DC. The first motorcyclists’ rights organization to establish a full-time presence in Washington, DC, the Motorcycle Riders Foundation is the only Washington voice devoted exclusively to the street rider. The MRF established MRFPAC in the early 1990s to advocate the election of candidates who would champion the cause of rider safety and rider freedom.The MRF proudly claims state motorcyclists’ rights organizations and the very founders of the American riders’ rights movement among its leading members. The MRF is involved in federal and state legislation and regulations, motorcycling safety education, training, and public awareness. The MRF provides members and state motorcyclists’ rights organizations with direction and information, and sponsors annual regional and national educational seminars for motorcyclists rights activists, as well as publishing a bi-monthly newsletter, THE MRF REPORTS. Join the MRF on Facebook! www.facebook.com/bikers.rights

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