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NHTSA offers grant to fund motorcycle-only checkpoints

Contact Administrator Strickland immediately

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is offering federal funds that would expand the highly criticized practice of creating motorcycle-only checkpoints by law enforcement agencies.

Initially begun in New York State, the process involves setting-up checkpoints where only motorcycles are pulled over. Law enforcement officers then check for U.S. DOT-compliant helmets, legal exhaust systems, and compliance with licensing, registration and inspection regulations. The NHTSA program would also collect information on high-motorcycle-crash-incident areas and citations would be issued for any violations discovered.

The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) has questioned the potential discriminatory and legal nature of this program and submitted a list of questions for clarification to the New York State Police. To date, New York authorities have not responded. The AMA has also sent a letter to Administrator Strickland urging him to suspend the grant program until questions have been addressed. To view AMA's letter, click here.

While law enforcement officials in New York defend the program as a safety measure to decrease motorcycle crashes, injuries and fatalities, there is no proof of its effectiveness. The practice has drawn the ire of motorcyclists both locally and nationally.

NHTSA is now seeking up to five other law enforcement agencies to participate in this practice and is offering $350,000 in federal funding.

The AMA believes public funding would better serve motorcyclists by applying it to the national motorcycle crash causation study that is currently underway. The primary source of motorcycle safety is in motorcycle crash prevention and NHTSA should focus on decreasing the likelihood of crashes in the first place. This is a sentiment supported by Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI) and many of his colleagues in Congress through recently introduced H. Res. 1498. To urge your Representative to support this resolution, click here. The methods used in New York State remain highly suspect and no public money should be applied to promoting such a program without addressing questions from the motorcycling community.

Specifically, how do motorcycle-only safety checkpoints (MOSCs) increase the safety of motorcyclists? Where do the selected states draw their authority to conduct MOSCs? Will “probable cause” be required to stop a motorcycle under the terms of this grant program? If so, what will constitute “probable cause?” What types of infractions were recorded by New York law enforcement officials at these checkpoints ? And, what criteria will be used to determine if the MOSCs are successful?

The AMA urges all riders to contact Administrator Strickland and request the grant offer be suspended until these questions have been addressed. Follow the “Take Action” option to send a pre-written e-mail directly to Administrator Strickland demanding no federal dollars be used to expand programs that discriminate against motorcyclists.

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As a motorcyclist and concerned taxpayer, I urge the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to suspend offering the Motorcycle Law Enforcement Demonstrations Grant (DTNH22-10-R-00386) until questions raised by the motorcycling community have been addressed.

Specifically, how do motorcycle-only safety checkpoints (MOSCs) increase the safety of motorcyclists? Where do the selected states draw their authority to conduct MOSCs? Will “probable cause” be required to stop a motorcycle under the terms of this grant program? If so, what will constitute “probable cause?” What types of infractions were recorded by law enforcement officials in New York at these traffic stops? And, what criteria will be used to measure the success of the MOSCs?

Motorcyclists are better served by efforts that minimize injuries and fatalities by preventing crashes in the first place. The most efficient way of doing so is not through sporadic, discriminatory roadside checkpoints, but by mitigating crash causation.

The Motorcycle Law Enforcement Demonstrations Grant is an unwarranted use of taxpayer funding that would only expand a heretofore unproven program. Please suspend the grant offering immediately until these important questions raised by the motorcycling community have been addressed.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

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Join us at THE MONKEY BAR this Friday and Saturday evening for Live Entertainment .

"THE FRIGGIN NEIGHBORS" are coming to pay us a visit on Friday evening and on Saturday it's "PAPER STREET". Promises to be a great time, so join us at THE MONKEY BAR, located on Pleasant St. Brunswick, Maine

One of our own "Rev" was in a serious accident and is now in intensive care at Maine Medical. Another He was riding with was killed in the incident. If you believe in something or your spiritual in any way, please keep him in you thoughts.

Thank you

Steve Marois

It has now been 3 days since Rev was admitted into Maine Medical. No real concrete information is being released at this time, but I heard that He's got a lot of broken bones and that He is not in a coma. As I said not sure how valid this infor is, but it is hopefull news. I think it will be a long road to recovery for Rev, but He's going to make it happen. Keep prayin' folks, because somethings coming from somewhere to help our friend and could very well be the combined strength & power of your spirits.

If you've been cited in violation of the new Inspection and Noise Laws, then please share your story with us. We need to get some idea as to how widespread this problem has become. I cannot emphasize enough how important your words are. Please be sure to tell us where your from. Copy and paste your letter on our FaceBook site and MaineBiker.net  located on our Mention & Links Page

Had a great time this past Saturday riding and hanging out with Mike & Christine Paul (organizers of the RIDE & ROCK) and all those that came to support their cause. About $500.00 was raised for the Saco Food Pantry which is equivilent to about $3,500.00 worth of food for their pantry. I have not received a total as of yet for the amount raised for OPEN HEARTS OPEN HANDS. This charity helps gather much needed school supplies and clothing for families that find getting their kids ready for school to be a real cost challenge (so to speak). Believe me, I know what that's like, each year I had to outfit my 4 children with new school clothes and supplies which would average in cost of about $150.00 to0 250.00 per child. So I hope the RIDIE & ROCK was able to ease the pressure on some families out there. We started the day at the PIRATES PATIO in Old Orchard Beach, it was sunny and warm, making for great day for a scenic ride. We headed out and rode for about 50 miles making a stop at NAPLES MOTORSPORTS, after a brief stop, we headed for Mike & Christine's place where food and music were provided as welll as many raffle items and prizes. The RIDIN' STEEL Crew had to head back home leaving 2 of us behind to enjoy the show with the bands TALE OF 2 CITIES & RIOT ACT providing the entertainment.

   While this Fundraiser was taking place, another was being held back home for Brenda Davis, a friend that is currently being treated for cancer. A spaghetti dinner was put together at the Topsham Grange by the people of STONEY'S FOUNDATION. It was reported to me that there was a great turn out. Erica McIver (V.P. of the GET ON THE BANDWAGON NOW Charity and Amanda Bernier (Owner of THE MONKEY BAR) were in attendance to donate food and gas cards totalling $500.00. bY 8:30pm I was exhausted and it was time to head home and get some rest. Another busy day ahead of me on Sunday.

I want to thank everyone of the Motorcyclist that rode for a cause this weekend unselfishly providing for others.

Ride Safe everyone.

Subject: Born & Raised ?

THIS IS TRULY AN OUTRAGE....

My name is d'Lynn. I'm a disabled Vietnam vet. I don't look too bad for a beat-up old fart, do I ? And that's my ride. She's looking pretty good looking also, especially when you consider that she'll turn twenty this summer. That's right, it's a 1990 with a 1990 sidecar. I can't ride a solo bike, ergo the sidecar rig. It's my sole means of transportation - rain or shine, snow or wind, and this summer also marks a milestone in both of our lives, as I will finally be able to pay her off. Twenty years old ? What ? Why did it take so long ? You weren't paying attention, were you ? It's right at the beginning of this paragraph.

I am a disabled vet, which means I receive a veterans administration disability pension, which also means "I'm broke !" Just one step ahead of being homeless every month, and that's not an idle statement or an"Oh, whoa is me" dire complaint. There’s a point to this, so hang in there a minute or two and read on.

There's a 25-year-old illegal immigrant woman living in Florida , with eight kids. Yes, eight "anchor babies" and she receives just shy of $1,500 per month per kid, plus medical, plus food stamps. Oh, wait. I've been informed that I shouldn't call them Food Stamps anymore. That's not PC. It's all called “Social Assistance” now. You do the math on that yourself. I'd say that she was schooled early in how to make it in the system. Twenty-five years old, eight kids . . . . . yep, she started early.

You can whip out the calculator if you want, but this women who never has paid a dime in taxes of any kind, (and still doesn't – she's 'illegal,' remember ?) is here in this country illegally. She hasn’t paid one one cent in medical for all the “anchor babies,” makes more in one month, legally, than I receive in over a year and a half in disability payments and I can't even get food stamps! Oops, I mean “Social Assistance.”

Technically I am eligible for “Social Assistance.” I was told it would be a walk through – a gimme – being disabled. No problem, and in the very next breath I was also informed that under the law the amount I received in “Social Assistance” would be deducted from my disability pension.

Let's say I take a great photograph. It was just luck, a one of a kind accidental, in the right place at the right time shot. My local newspaper offers me fifty bucks to use the photo in a featured story. (I live in a small town and fifty bucks is all they could afford.) I have to report that fifty dollars to the VA as earned income, which will immediately be deducted from my next month’s disability check. If I don't report it I’m in violation of federal law and technically they can stop my disability pension and prosecute me under a federal felony. Pretty cool, eh ? For fifty bucks.

I see no point in dealing with two federal bureaucracies, so I don't bother. What's the point ?

She's here illegally and with just one kid would make over twice what I receive per month. She has eight and she’s not a stand-out case. She’s not alone. That's the way the system works. Millions of illegal immigrants know this, know how the system works and know how to use it. (Haven't you seen the pamphlet ? It's handed out all along our borders, "The Illegal Immigrants' Guide to Keeping America Just The Way It Is.") and that's just the way it works.

Did you know that the federal government provides a “refugee” in this country with a monthly “stipend” of $1,890, plus $580 a month in “Social Assistance ?” That’s $2,470 a month, tax-free. That's two and a half times what I’m allowed to receive as a disabled vet. And just what did they do to earn this ? All you have to do is show up on our collective doorstep, raise your right hand and swear that you're a refugee and, bingo, receive $30,000 a year, tax-free. That's more than someone making $15 an hour, and they have to pay taxes to boot !

Now, in defense of the Veterans Administration, they are doing what they can with what they've got. This is precious little compared to what they should have to get the job done. At least this country has a VA. It's the Senate that keeps passing laws, rules and guidelines, cutting their budget, denying requests for more staff and computer systems to handle the massive work flow. Their hands are tied by the very government that's supposed to give them what they need to get the job done, by the government you voted into office. Don't scream at the VA. I have. It's misguided anger.

The point to this “story ?” Just why are you paying such high taxes to support this incredibly screwed-up government ? Why ? And I’m not proposing you stop paying your taxes. That's wrong. There are good programs and reasons to pay your taxes and support our government. What am I proposing ? It's quite simple. Vote.

The government, our government, is broken and we as the voters serve as the maintenance crew. We fix it . . . . . by voting.

If your state Senator has been in office more then two terms, vote 'em out at the next election. If your state representative has been in office more then two terms, vote 'em out of office. We put term limits on just about every publicly-elected official in the country except the House and Senate. Why ? Believe me, they know this and love it ! Ahhh - the power !

I don't care how much you believe your Senator or Representative is doing a good job. They're not ! Look at the government you have, that we have. How can you state they are doing what you want as the voter that put them there ? How ?

Vote them out of office. Do it.

Change the course of this country's history by what you are granted and guaranteed under the law. Vote ! And if you have the guts, the anger, the outrage, start a petition in your state for a state-wide initiative to be placed on your next state ballot. Limiting the terms of office for your state senators and state representatives to your federal government to two terms.

The federal government will never pass such a law, but you can. You can get it done. You can force it. You can make it a law.

This is the first step in “getting it right.” Just vote. It's simple. It's easy, dammit !

This first step will send a very clear message. It’ll work. It’ill put “us” back in control of “them.” As it should be. As it was intended in the first place.

Are you an American ? Born and raised ? Then vote !

Side note: I sent this e-mail to a little over one hundred on my e-mail list. If you believe I’m wrong or misguided or you simply don't agree, that's fine. Go right ahead a delete this e-mail. No problem. Sorry to have bothered you. But if you think I just might have a worthwhile idea, something we can easily accomplish, something that could be a small part at getting this country back under “our” control, then please pass this along.

"EVIL TRIUMPHS WHEN GOOD MEN DO NOTHING"

This Saturday evening at the Topsham Grange Hall a Spaghetti Dinner will be held to benefit Brenda Davis. I met Brenda in 2008. She's a beautiful woman with a great disposition and sense of humor. I have never heard a negative comment come out of her in any conversation, just the kind of person I like to surround myself with. There's way too much stuff that needs my attention in this world  then to concern myself with as to who is doing what to whom, where and when. Brenda's situation is serious business and with a recent conversation I had with her, She stated to me that she's doing great. Her attitude is positve and filled with hope and confidence that she's going to be alright. By nature I'm a very cynical person, that's why RIDIN' STEEL has been so important to me. I meet people like this on a regular basis and they really do help me keep my life in order. I don't know why bad things happen to good people, it just does'nt make sense, but yet there's a lesson to be learned here somehow.

The Public is invited to a benefit Spaghetti Dinner for Brenda Davis who was recently diagnosed with Panchreatic Cancer. Please join us at the Topsham Grange Hall on August 21st to help us help her.

For More Information Call : Lori Beebe 751-8635

or: Gary & Jane Jasper at 666-3601 or 607-3216

Sponsored by the Stoney's Angel Foundation

On Saturday August 21st. The RIDIN' STEEL Crew and anyone that wants to join us is invited to meet us at THE MONKEY BAR parking lot at 10am. We'll be heading to the PIRATES PATIO in Old Orchartd Beach to support and Videograph Mike & Christine Paul's RIDE & ROCK. This ride raises Food Donations for the Saco Food Pantry and Kids Clothes and School Supplies for OPEN HANDS OPEN HEART. After a 100 mile ride, The Paul's bring everyone over to their place for a concert with the bands TALE OF 2 CITIES and RIOT ACT. And for something different for entertainment this year they've got FIRE SPINNERS to WOW! the crowd. Hope you can join us, Mike & Christine are big supporters for RIDIN' STEEL and work hard to get others to support us as well.

And on Sunday August 22nd. Pony Dionne is organizing a MEMORIAL RIDE FOR STONEY. He has asked me to put the word out, that those wishing to accompany him and friends can meet them at THE MONKEY BAR parking lot on Sunday August 22nd. at 11:30am. They will be going tothe Portland Head Light, and after a couple of stops on the way back they'll be visiting the site where Stoney was laid to rest. Afterwards, it's back to THE MONKEY BAR.

     On Friday I had met up with a group of a dozen riders from the Kennebunk Area. They were out enjoying a beautiful day and had stopped by THE MONKEY BAR in Brunswick to take a break. I grabbed what few RIDIN' STEEL  shirts I had left and had given them to Amanda's kids to give to the ladies, then they came back in and the kids and I had lunch and played a game of UNO. After being beaten in the game by these ruthless children I decided I'd go out on the deck and introduce myself to the riders. I learned that they were headed to Boothbay to witness a couple that was amongst them renew their marriage vows. This was their 3rd. time at this. I guess the story goes that early in their marriage they had a falling out and had divorced from each other, but I guess they soon realized that they were the only ones that could stand each others company (just kidding) and got back together. They've been with each other now for 20 years.

    Since I've started filming for RIDIN' STEEL in 2008, I've met hundreds of people with very simple but interesting personal stories. It's not always about life and death. These folks are your typical hard working class Americans that want to live their lives their way. They all have jobs and when they need a break they choose to get together with friends and ride their motorcycles and do the things that typical people like to do. Many are people engaged in their communities, doing their part to give back, because their grateful. Maybe they volunteer for the Local Food Bank, or Coach a sport, or perhaps they just cross the street that they live on and help a neighbor with something, who knows? Often times they share their frustrations with each other about politics and how absurd some of the bureaucrats are. There are so many real issues to tackle and spend your energy on, yet at this time in our lives, our fellow Maine citizens have been manipulated by a few in focusing on Motorcyclist and Noise Pollution. If you want to talk about Noise Pollution, can you imagine what it's like in Iraq when an IED explodes! Now that's Noise Polution. It baffles me as to how easy it is for people to make a mountain out of a mole hill. I wish my life was so simple that all I had to concern myself with is a motorcycle going by my house for about 5 seconds disturbing my peace and quiet.

   The riders at THE MONKEY BAR shared with me that in Kennebunk they have installed signs, so that when people are entering their town, one of the first things they read is this:

MOTORCYCLIST PLEASE RIDE SAFE AND RIDE QUIETLY. Now that was real kind of Kennebunk to put out such a caring message for all to see. They actually went out of their way to single out the Motorcyclist and do something really special and publicly discriminate the Motorcycle Enthusuiast. The new language in the LD's addressing exhaust noise also includes Cars & Trucks, yet they have no signs. In  this Sue Happy Society that we live in, I can't imagine for the life of me why some aspiring Lawyer has'nt picked up on this form of discrimination and pursued a Lawsuit. Are all you Lawyers working for Insurance Companies now?

   Remember this people, when someone's term as Legislature for York County comes up, you best get everybody you know that votes to put an end to their career as a representative of the people for the people. 

When RIDIN' STEEL held it's CABIN FEVER RELIEVER last March at BENTLEYS SALOON in Arundel, 2 MMPAC members, Eric Fuller and Sonny Bridges were in attendance to make an announcement about the recent changes in LD's that directly affect the Motorcycle Enthusiast over Inspection Stickers and Exhaust Noise. We were informed that these laws have already been in effect for about 15 years or so and that the language was changed so that law enforcement could make a charge stick. We were also informed that a "Grace Period" was negotiated to allow time for motorcyclist to be informed or educated on the changes. This "Grace Period" would also allow motorcyclist time to raise the money needed to make the changes necessary to comply to the upgraded law. Inspections Stickers that are currently placed on the inside of an automobile's windshield are fine, but to place such a sticker on a motorcycle that does'nt have a windshield could possibly damage the polished metal or paint on a bike. Most of have a great deal of pride on the design and appearance of our rides, this type of sticker just does'nt work for a motorcycle. I attended a UBM meeting where they passed around an accessory to attach to your License Plate where an Inspection Sticker could be placed. I found this to be a very limited option, but acceptable and at least some effort was being made.

The Exhaust Noise Law changes, was the real stickler. The  debate that "LOUD PIPES SAVE LIVES" will continue to go on. I run stock pipes on my bike for a number of reasons.

1. When I first purchased this bike, I wanted to resist (as much as possible) the temptation to invest more money into my ride by getting sucked into the aftermarket replacement part addiction.

I liked the look of my Dyna SuperGlide and wanted to keep it as stock as possible. However I did purchase new Handle Bars and Pegs. spending an additional $600.00.

2. Living in a neighborhood where homes are only 100' apart, I don't like startling my neighbors with an explosive start in the early morning hours. When I do start my bike, I'm ready to roll and try to keep my disturbance down to minimum by immediately taking off.

For those that ride, a motorcycle is a work of art and in a sense an expression of their unique personality. That is just one of the  qualities of the Motorcyclist that makes us different. Many Automobile owners feel the same way.

   Eric & Sonny know this because their "Bikers" and their efforts that they put into the negotiations that took place over these recent LD changes should be commended and respected by all the parties involved. But that was'nt the case, was it?

As soon as the laws went into effect, some took it upon themselves to make a statement. Once again, we as Free Americans are praternally guided by those we elect to serve and protect  our way of life. They always try to lump us all into one and make laws that strip away at our Freedom of Choice. There are people out there without a doubt that go out of their way to be a nuisance. I understand this. Use your newly acquired authority to stop the guy that revs his bike in the driveway for 10 minutes just to aggrivate his neighbor or to stop the guy that goes through downtown that excessively rev's because he likes hearing his pipes echo off the side of brick buildings or under bridges. I believe that LOUD PIPES SAVE LIVES. and that much like a Police Car, FireTruck or Ambulance that those of us that ride should have the option of utilizing this feature for our safety.

I choose to depend on my defensive driving skills acquired through 40 years of riding on 2 wheels. I made a lot of mistakes along the way and fortunately survived, but there were times in the early learning years that such an option to have loud pipes may have prevented a harrowing incident from happening.

  MMPAC & the United Bikers of Maine work hard at Educating not only Motorcyclist, but Legislators, Our Transportation Dept. Law Enforcement and the General Public about the concerns Motorcyclist for their safety and the general public as well. There is'nt a lot of money available for Publicity purposes to help get the word out on any changes affecting Motorcyclist. That is why a "Grace Period" was agreed upon. RIDIN' STEEL is committed to helping UBM as much as possible, but the show does'nt come back on until October. The "Grace Period" would have allowed us time to possibly save some Felow Riders a lot of money. A $150.00 to $200.00 fine could have done a great deal towards reinstalling or purchasing pipes that comply to the law.

The UNITED BIKERS OF MAINE NEED OUR SUPPORT AND MEMBERSHIP! There is strength in numbers and if your interested in becoming a member go to MENTION & LINKS on this page and click onto UBM's site or go to www.ubm-usa.org.

In closing I would like to add that in the spirit of co-operation and respect, all the motorcyclist pulled over in Waterville and Arundel and ticketed for Loud Exhaust  recently should have their charges dropped with the understanding that they use the money saved to make those changes on their ride. Just Sayin'

 The RIDIN' STEEL Crew covered a lot of ground this past weekend.On Saturday Bob & Kristen were on the job for Andy Walkers RIDE FOR BREAST CANCER, Rocky, Dawn, Naomi, Troy and Dan were attending L-A HARLEYS CAMP SUNSHINE RUN and Lisa Moore, Cliff and his daughter Felicia Hooper were with me on the Augusta Eagles ride for the MAKE A WISH FOUNDATION. On Sunday Bob & Kristen along with some supporters joined Erica & I for Amanda & David's NEW LUNGS FOR GEORGE RIDE. So as you can all see, we're out there doing what we can to support the positive things that Bikers do. I am very grateful for all the time they spend volunteering for RIDIN' STEEL.. These folks along with the many participants each on e of these rides,could be out enjoying there lives amongst themselves, but instead choose to share their time for a worthy cause. Absolutely TOP NOTCH. I am very proud to be RIDIN' FOR A CAUSE and

RIDIN' WITH THE BEST

The day began with the RIDIN' STEEL Crew and other local riders at NAKED LEATHER in Wiscassett awaiting the arrival of THE PRIDESMEN RC. They left Rockland around 10am after a Patriotic ceremony honoring our country and those who serve in the military. They pulled into Mike & Meg's place about  30 strong. The sky was overcast and the threat of rain hindered many from attending. But as the slogan of THE PRIDESMEN states "we ride rain or shine". We mingled and interviewed people and NAKED LEATHER was kind enough to not only offer their lot for the bikes to meet at but were generous enough to offer 10% of sales to the cause. BIKERS FOR THE BRAVE is a Charity Ride that gathers much needed items for our troops in Iraq & Afghanistan. Things like batteries, magazines, toothpaste & brushes, beef jerky, basically anything that is non-perishable and may be in need of by those that are serving their country and can no longer go to the corner store and buy whatever they want. About $8000.00 dolars worth of goods was collected on this day and delivered to the ELKS LODGE in Saco to be packaged and mailed out.

While we were at NAKED LEATHER WAITING for the ride to begin, this young guy on a moped completely maxed out with luggage went screaming by at about 30 mph to thew cheers of the riders. He apparently decided to turn around and check us out. He certainly had the interest of all of us there as we approached to learn more about him. When I asked why he decided to ride from the British of Columbia to Canada on a moped, his response was simply "for the hell of it" , but it turns out that he also has taken on a charity to support on his travels. He brings awareness to a bone marrow disease that in all honesty I had no clue about.

We left NAKED LEATHER around 1pm and headed for Saco. We were'nt too far down the road when the sun suddenly appeared, making this ride even better than it already was. When pulled into the ELKS in Saco, I was pleased to see the people of the WOUNDED HEROES PROGRAM there and some other friends of ours awaiting our arrival. The ELKS fed us burgers, dogs and refreshments at no cost to the riders. A very generous gesture on their part. After grabbing something to eat and sociallizing a little, the riders all lined up to empty the trailer. Like a bucket brigade, they made short work of this part of the job and had a great time in the process. THE PRIDESMEN are to be commended for this very worthy cause they organized to ride for, and I look forward to next years ride. Maybe next year the numbers will be larger and we'll see you out there RIDIN' STEEL and RIDIN' FOR A CAUSE

Friday evening in Lisbon will be rockin' with KAINING AMY making an appearance at GOOD TIME LANES. That's Right! GOOD TIME LANES has been having a BIKE NIGHT every Friday evening for the past couple of months and this Friday they'll be rockin & rollin' in hopes of raising some funds to add to Phil Pelletier's cause. Phil is a 3 time Purple Heart recipient from the Vietnam War, who recently had one fo his legs amputated. Friends got together a while back to raise funds to help Phil modify his bike so that he feels safe to ride again and GOOD TIME LANES with the help of KAINING AMY hope to add to that fund.

It all starts at GOOD TIME LANES this Friday Evening in Lisbon at 6pm.

Hope you can join us.

 Noise Ordinance 7-09-2010 Monday, July 12, 2010 at 9:30pm Meeting with Maine State Police

Eric Fuller (MMPAC Chairman), Darrell Spears (UBM President) Josh Herndon (UBM Legislative Affairs, Piscataquis County), Phil White (UBM Kennebec County) and Jim Reis (UBM Legislative Affairs) met with Lt. Brian Scott and Sgt. Bruce Scott of the ...Maine State Police on July 9, 2010.

The discussion centered around what appears to be profiling of motorcyclists in the press and various e-mails concerning excessive noise.

Our group wanted to ensure that it was understood that there were two bills in the legislation this past session. LD 1675, a concept bill which turned out to be titled “An Act to Reduce Noise Caused by Motorcycles and Improve Public Health, and LD 1642, “An Act Relating to Road Noise”.

Lt. Scott assured us that there was no intent to single out motorcycles. The newspaper article, although slanted, did not reflect “all” of his statement which said he believed most motorcyclists were law abiding citizens and that extremely noisy motorcycles were the problem as well as riding discipline.

He also said he has advised his officers and state inspection stations that there is no change in the inspection laws on the dreaded July 12th. Inspection stations will continue to inspect motorcycles as usual. Stock exhaust is NOT required, although after market exhaust systems must meet current inspection criteria. A sticker will be required to be issued and displayed after January 1, 2012.

Lt. Scott also stated that antique motorcycles were NOT EXEMPT FROM STATE INSPECTION, only antique automobiles that met certain criteria.

We talked about the upcoming study groups. There will be a study group convened on July 28, 2010 in accordance with LD1675 to witness sound meter demonstration of the SAE J2825 exhaust sound testing wit a decibel meter. North Country Harley will provide a couple motorcycles for the demo. The demo will be conducted by Harley Davidson representatives. After the demo, there will be a Q&A session and meeting. Our group will be in attendance as well as folks from affected citizens groups, local municipalities, the motorcycle industry, motorcycle enthusiast groups and local law enforcement agencies.

We were informed that law enforcement will determine the design, size etc. of the inspection sticker.

There will be a second study group for LD1642 that will be scheduled for a later date and that one UBM and one MMPAC representative are invited to attend.

LD1675 and LD1642 information is provided below

In accordance with public law, LD1675 will take effect on January 1, 2012 and will require all motorcycles to display an official inspection sticker as follows: “The certificate of inspection must be kept with the registration certificate of the motorcycle and the official inspection sticker must be affixed to the rear of the motorcycle” either “On a mounting plate that must be securely fastened to the motorcycle frame or similar integral component of the motorcycle; or On the rear fender or similar frame or integral body part of the motorcycle”. “The official inspection sticker must be located so that it is completely and clearly visible from the rear of the motorcycle and may not be affixed to the registration plate”.

In accordance with public law, LD1642 will take effect on July 12, 2010 and states “A person may not operate a motor vehicle unless that vehicle is equipped with an adequate muffler properly maintained to prevent excessive or unusual noise. For purposes of this subsection, “excessive or unusual noise” includes motor noise emitted by a motor vehicle that is noticeably louder than similar vehicles in the environment.

It also states “A person may not operate a motor vehicle with an exhaust system that has been modified when the result of that modification is the amplification or increase of noise emitted by the motor above that emitted by the muffler originally installed on the vehicle.

RIDIN' STEEL's good friend Pam Payeur, once again pulled off a great ride to benefit our Wounded Heroes that have returned from Iraq & Afghanistan. On Saturday Morning July 10th. about 40 riders joined up with the RIDIN' STEEL Crew to accompany us to Scarborough's Veterans Home where the 2010 WOUNDED HEROES RIDE would take off from and end up at none other than BENTLEWY's SALOON in Arundel,Maine. The sky was overcast and threatening rain, but all of us were determined to ride for our wounded rain or shine. By 9:15am we were on the road, Kristen & Amanda were operating the Bike Cams and Lisa and Amy were in the RIDIN' STEEL Cam truck capturing the action. Our official Photographers Rocky and Dawn Rivard were getting the stills for us to share with you on Facebook. A special guest was amongst us on this day as well. I've been in corespondence with a young man by the name of David Varnum from Bath, Maine for the past year and a half. We somehow met each other online and so I sent him some dvd's of the show to share with his fellow soldiers back in Iraq. I also told him to contact me whenever he gets back to the States, so that I could meet him personally, it so happened that I got a call from Pam last week that Dave was back and that he wanted to attend her ride and needed some help getting his bike running. So I contacted him and discovered that he had a bike, but it was'nt running, insured or registered and to top it all, He was going to sell it because he could'nt afford to get all these things taken care of. Well you can bet that I talked him out of that decision and proceeded to get him "ride ready". Trust me it did'nt take to much convincing to change his mind. This was going to be his first ride with the RIDIN' STEEL Crew or any group for that matter and I was determined to get that bike of his going. On the day of the ride, I could tell that he was having the time of his life and I hope he remembers it forever. It's because of young men like Dave that I'm able to live a relatively carefree life in these United States. 

By the time we got to the Veterans Home in Scarborough, hundreds of bikes had already gathered and the rain was holding off. I noticed that THE LEGION RIDERS wre already there making a show off support even though they had their own special Statewide Meeting to attend. I saw many familiar faces and the Veterans from the home were out looking at all the bikes  and mingling with the riders. Pam's volunteers were hard at work selling t shirts, signing riders up, and the Freeport Flag Ladies were there pass out flags to everybody. We havent even started the ride toward Bentleys yet and it seemed that an awful lot of stuff was going on! After some words from Pam a brief prayer was made, and honoring of our Flag it was time to ride! Kickstands were up at 11am and the parade of bikes stretched for miles. The rain held off until we pulled into Bentley's, and then it let go. We really lucked out this time, but like I said, we were ready to ride all the way in a downpour if needed. A beautiful ceremony was organized by Pam acknowledging the sacrifice of our Heroes, Bag Pipers, Color Guard, and speakers set the tone. Venders had their tables set up. HOWE & HOWE creaters of the "Badger" were there to display their latest creations. And of course at the end of the day Pam presented special awards to all that helped her. A very well organized event and I look forward to attending next year. If you would like to help our wounded, please go to our Mention & Links page on this site and simply click the WARRIOR LEGACY page, Once there, click the WOUNDED HEROES PROGRAM and learn more.