Keeping You Informed--COIR June 2010
Colorado is a very good place for motorcyclists to live and ride. We have fairly good roads, weather conditions good for riding all year around, and for the most part little hassles by the government/law enforcement. It is up to every individual to be aware of issues across the country that will sooner or later affect our way of life. Thus COIR is a very good resource to ensure you are up to date on motorcycle related issues.
During the 25th annual NCOM convention several interesting items were discussed concerning both federal and state governments that could eventually affect the independent riders of Colorado.
New York representatives stated that they are seeing more motorcycle “safety stops.” For nearly three years now, the New York State Police (NYSP) has been conducting highway roadblocks diverting only motorcyclists from the state’s roadways to perform “safety checks”. Motorcycles operated in New York are already required to pass annual safety inspections, the current NYSP initiative continues to serve only to harass, intimidate and inconvenience motorcyclists traveling upon the state’s roadways.
Florida police are now perusing an old law to harass motorcyclist--police have been issuing tickets to riders who have been covering their face from the cold. The violation is outlined in Florida statute FL 876.12.--wearing mask, hood, or other device on public way. Motorcyclists have been written up for wearing bandanna’s to “gladiator-style head protector” even though Florida has modified its helmet law, and the statute has its orgins in a law passed to deal with Old KKK activities.
California and Michigan motorcyclists have been pulled over for helmet inspections. If the helmet did not display the DOT sticker, police in both states have had the motorcyclists leave their bikes, go to the nearest shop to purchase a new helmet before the motorcycle could be ridden away. This in spite of the fact there is no official list of DOT-approved helmets.
Indiana police have been ticketing motorcyclists for an odd interpretation of law--if two bikes are riding side by side, or two abreast, and a third bike is holding the center of the lane behind or ahead of the first two, they are considered to be riding three abreast, a violation of the law in those states.
And finally, one designed to put a hole in motorcyclists’ pockets – it is rumored that the federal government wants to put a $1 per cubic centimeter tax on all registered motorcycles.
Colorado COIR has demonstrated that independent riders working together are able to make a difference both locally and statewide. With the continued vigilance of COIR, motorcyclists are aware of impending intrusions to our way of life and the freedom to ride our motorcycles. It is up to every motorcyclist to do what they can to insure this way of life. One good way is to become a member of COIR, and be a part of holding the line against unreasonable, targeted laws like those described here. Believe it or not, laws like these could be something we all will have to deal with in the future.
Become a COIR member today at http://usdefenders.org/index_files/coir.htm.
