The Freedom Writer - ABATE of New York

SEPTEMBER 2011
1
American Bikers Aimed Toward Education
ABATE of New York State Office
P.O. Box 340094
Brooklyn, NY 11234
abateny.org
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ABATE of NEW YORK
SEPTEMBER 2011
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LAW OFFICES OF
MITCH PRONER
ATTORNEY AT LAW
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the Law Offices of Richard M.Lester
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A FIRM DEDICATED TO SERVING THE INTERESTS OF THOSE WHO RIDE
President
Tom Alton 315-342-2446
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Vice President
Pete Shufelt 518-828-5610
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Treasurer
Deb Trask 607-432-2975
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Secretary
Karen Leonard 607-382-2638
karen01@stny.rr.com
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Prospector 518-239-4560
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Tanya Cruz 646-533-6167
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American Bikers Aimed Toward Education is a not
for profit corporation formed to promote and protect
the interests of New York state motorcyclists. ABATE
monitors and interacts with the legislative process,
enhancing the image of motorcycling, and provides
educational and social opportunities for members
and non-members. ABATE will continue to strive to
stay acquainted with the issues and the people of the
motorcycling community.
We encourage all our members to be informed
registered voters. ABATE of New York, Inc. supports
Motorcycle Riders Education classes currently being
offered throughout NYS. We welcome the interested
people to any of our activities and to join our
organization. All makes and models of motorcycles
are welcome.
For more information, visit our website at:
http://abateny.org/
New York State Websites
New York State
A S S E M BLY
Sheldon Silver, Speaker
New York State Assembly
http://assembly.state.ny.us/
Assemblymen:
http://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/
New York State Senate:
http://www.nysenate.gov/
Senators:
http://www.nysenate.gov/senators
To search for a New York state bill go to
http://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/
SEPTEMBER 2011
NEWSLETTER SUBMISSIONS
Deadline: October 1st for November Issue
Send submissions to: karen01@stny.rr.com
Karen Leonard
PO Box 423
Angelica, NY 14709
What is ABATE?
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ABATE of New York, Inc.
2011 State Officers
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SEPTEMBER 2011
ABATE
of New York, Inc.
CHAPTERS
ABATE of Brooklyn
P.O. Box 245064
Brooklyn, NY 11224
ABATE of Brooklyn Alliance
P.O. Box 193
Brooklyn, NY 11216
ABATE of Buffalo-Erie
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West Seneca, NY 14224
www.BuffaloErieAbate.com
ABATE of Cattaraugus
P.O. Box 204
Cattaraugus NY 14719
www.cattcountyabate.org
ABATE of Cayuga
P.O. Box 74
Auburn, NY 13021
ABATE of Chautauqua
P.O. Box 572
Dunkirk, NY 14048
ABATE of Columbia
P.O. Box 227
Hudson, NY 12534
http://www.columbiaabate.org
SUFFOLK COUNTY HARLEY-DAVIDSON
4020 Sunrise Highway
Oakdale, New York 11769
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ABATE of Finger Lakes
P.O. Box 353
Hornell, NY 14843
ED STEWART
ABATE of Greene
P.O. Box 92
Leeds, NY 12451
http://abateofgreenecounty.org
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ABATE of Lewis
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Port Leyden, NY 13433
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McGraw, NY 13101
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Rochester, NY 14613
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Holland Patent, NY 13354
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Central Square, NY 13036
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Binghamton, NY 13902
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Ithaca, NY 14851-6743
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STATE CHAPTERS MEETINGS
The State Chapters Meetings start at 1:00pm.
The ABATE Board meets at 12:00pm
before every State Chapter Meeting.
November 19, 2011 – elections, budget vote
February 18, 2012
May 19, 2012
STATE BOARD MEETINGS
The State Board Meetings start at 10:00am.
September 18, 2011
December 18, 2011
March 22, 2012
John Malyj
President
1103 Routes 5 & 20
Geneva, NY 14456
Phone (315) 789-7976
Fax (315) 789-3720
SEPTEMBER 2011
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SEPTEMBER 2011
NOTICE TO MEMBERS
Current ABATE of New York, Inc. positions are OPEN. Contact the State Board if you are interested.
Public Relations- Board Position
Duties of position: Article XI, Section J: http://abateny.org/bylaws04/9.html
1. Shall promote any and all State Events and Accomplishments.
2. Shall be responsible for all press releases issued by the State President, Legislative Coordinator,
and State Secretary.
3. Shall comprise a list of media contacts.
4. Shall maintain communications between the State and Chapter Public Relations Person(s).
5. Shall have one (1) vote during all State Board votes.
Newsletter Editor- non-board position
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information, provide extra articles if needed to fill the newsletter, review newsletter prior to print.
The Freedom Writer
Please send resumes to ABATE of NY, Inc. State Board Members or contact us if you have any questions.
State Board contact information can be found on page 3 of the state newsletters or at our state website at:
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585-482-7260
FOR ALL YOUR MOTORCYCLE
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5 NEW YORK LOCATIONS
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141 Remson Street
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Buffalo, NY 14225
Ph:1-800-635-1383
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Central Nyack,
Town Line Plaza
3047 W. Henrietta rd.
Rochester, NY 14616
5
My wife’s bike had a flat tire when I came home one day last
week from a days work. Well, right out the front door she came
and said that I should look at the back wheel on her motorcycle. It
is unusual for her to take up a mechanical task so I was surprised
when she helped me get the tire off the bike and test it for a leak.
We found a shard of glass in the primary contact surface and I
went looking for a plug kit that I knew I keep around for just such
a repair. When the kit could not be found she was ready to drive
us away to the department store for a new kit to get this repair
done! She really likes her bike and was not going to drive the jeep
to work tomorrow if there was anything that could be done by her
to avoid that.
Now our bikes need all of the attention that we can focus on
them. For us to let the safety-crates have it their way, we may not
be able to ride as we know how. The cry from not too far away
has been shouted that those motorcycles are dangerous in nature.
Well you know, so is snow skiing, swimming in a open body of
water and even jogging down the road in your own neighborhood.
We as bikers practice our skills of safe operating on the shared
road and are included in the statistics of the ongoing human
condition. It is the greatness of our society that the many
differences exist and co-exist. You have to almost imagine that if
the driving public looks a little more in operating their cars and
trucks for the motorcycles on the road that they may even avoid
an accident with other vulnerable individuals.
This ABATE organization of New York has succeeded in
stopping the restriction of having our children and grandchildren
ride with us on a joy ride. We helped to stop the complete ban
on the ape-hangers. And also the too low seat restrictions was
resisted and brought to a fair compromise. It was ABATE of
New York that lobbied and convinced the lawmakers to increase
the Yield Right of Way penalty. ABATE of New York was the
organization that first carried out the motorcycle operators
course in New York that is now operated by the MSF. These are
some of the highlights of the work that your motorcycle rights
organization has been involved in.
The Freedom Writer
STATE PRESIDENT’S REPORT
I mention this all because it is this all that steers our notfor-profit into the next to do list of things. Some one said;
the definition of insanity is to continue to do the same thing
and expect a different result. Nothing stays the same and we
must keep-up with the changes. The words are easy and the
practice is work so we need to work together and practice. For a
suggestion, let us find a form of communicating the safest way
of riding to the bikers that are riding the least safe. Those riders
are giving us all a ‘Black Eye’ in the public, just a suggestion.
Now my wife’s bike, we did work together and she was riding
the next day. The plug did the trick the tire is not flat and unusable.
We ride, So Don’t Get
Taken For A Ride!
Keep Riding
- Tom, State President
5800 Main Street
Williamsville, NY 14221
716.626.0404
CALL OUR
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ABATE - American Bikers Aimed Towards Education
HOG - Harley Owners Group
AMA - American Motorcycle Association
WE GET
RESULTS!
SEPTEMBER 2011
PROUD MEMBER OF THESE ASSOCIATIONS
Trust
in our
experience
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SEPTEMBER 2011
Chapter Reports:
• Ontario Chapter
ABATE of Ontario County
www.abatenyontario.20m.com
The First in Synthetics ®
The Freedom Writer
ROBERT “BOBP” PIACENTE
8
SINCE 1972
AMSOIL AND ALTRUM AUGHORIZED DEALER
ZO# 1434872
47-37 245th Street
Douglaston, NY 11362
(917) 747-0662
piagent@nyc.rr.com
www.lubedealer.com/bobp
Woodstock Harley-Davidson, Inc.
949 Route 28
Kingston, New York 12401
845.338.2800 phone
845.338.9497 fax
visit our website at
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Hello from ABATE of Ontario County,
Wow, to the heat!!!! Although a lot of us were really uncomfortable, I hope all of you were out riding and enjoying
whatever breeze you could get. I also noticed that some
riders chose to ride at dusk or early morning, whether it was
for work or pleasure. Please be careful, deer encounters are
very frequent and also Tar Snakes, which can be very slippery with this heat.
Because the newsletter needs to be in early, I am sure the
New York State Party went off very well and was attended
by many and who also had a great time. Also locally, Poags
Hole Hill Climb would have been held. I bet there were Police
Stops!!! That is another issue fresh on every riders mind.
Hopefully, we can stop this injustice sooner than later with
legislations help.
I have to comment about the picture Mitch Proner, NY
AIM attorney, NCOM attorney committee chairperson, put
in the Freedom Writer. What a terrible, terrible tragedy this
was, for the family and friends of this young man, Brandon
Lee White. It brings home how we MUST take care of what
a great responsibility we have and to educate ourselves, new
riders or people whom have ridden for years. Mr. Proner did
a very complete and step-by-step thought process so even I,
could understand. Having seen and read this in our individual newsletters, I hope you took the time to pass it on to any
riders you know who have or are thinking of taking on this
new experience of motorcycling.
Now, go to our website shown above and check out what
we have coming up. You will want to join us, trust me. Not
only that, you will want to meet some of the individuals
who are standing up for your rights!!! We are an awesome
chapter!! Please ride careful and enjoy our fleeting summer.
It seems to go so quickly. I know some of us are taking trips
for a week or so and others for a day. No matter how much
time you spend on your motorcycle, enjoy the wonderful
weather and the new friendships along the way!!
Bye for now.
Rita Bradshaw (PR)
The Freedom Writer
ABATE of New York, Inc.
STATE PARTY 2011
August 5 - 7 • Cattaraugus Rod & Gun Club
SEPTEMBER 2011
9
SEPTEMBER 2011
The Freedom Writer
10
Emergency Braking
by Mitch Proner, New York, Connecticut AIM Attorney (Aid to Injured Motorcyclists)
There is a lot of misconceptions out there about how to make
an emergency stop. As an experienced motorcycle accident
lawyer, I have heard a lot of expert testimony engineers
and accident reconstructionists about the best way to stop a
motorcycle. I try to put this advice into practice when I ride and I
hope it saves some lives.
Here is some information I have learned over the years:
1. Question: Which brake is the most effective?
Answer: The front brake is the most effective, giving between
60 & 80% of the bike’s stopping power in hard stops, depending
upon surface conditions. This is because most of the weight of
the bike and rider transfers forward onto the front wheel when
the brakes are applied. Think of a football player being tacked
at the ankles. The head keeps moving forward. The same thing
happens on a bike giving the stopping power to the front tire.
The front brake on a motorcycle in typical situations has about
double the effectiveness of the rear brake. Sometimes I hear
riders mistakenly state that the front brake is dangerous and
should not be used. While it’s true that you can get yourself into
trouble with the front brake, you simply have to learn to use it. If
you don’t, you will be unable to stop your motorcycle from typical
traffic speeds in safe distances - the rear brake working alone is
not very effective on a motorcycle. You’re simply going to have
to practice using your motorcycle’s brakes - both of them. You
should always use both brakes to slow or stop your motorcycle.
Even though one brake alone may be enough in some situations,
your motorcycle is more stable when using both brakes, and you
should develop the habit of always using both.
Squeeze the front brake smoothly and progressively. It takes a
second for the weight to transfer forwards. If you grab the brake
lever abruptly, the front wheel can lock up resulting in a front-tire
skid. You will lose balance and steering control. If you lock up the
front tire, immediately release the front brake to allow the wheel
to resume rolling, and then reapply the brake properly.
2. Question: Is the rear wheel likely to skid if you apply the
brakes hard?
Answer: With most of the weight being on the front wheel,
the rear wheel tends to be light under braking and will therefore
lock up and skid very easily. If you use too much rear brake
you can skid the rear wheel. The biggest danger in a rear-tire
skid is releasing the rear brake when the rear wheel is out of
alignment with the front wheel. If the rear wheel stops skidding
and resumes rolling when it is out of line with the direction of
travel, the motorcycle will immediately straighten out. This can
cause a particularly dangerous crash called a high-side, where you
are thrown over the bike. Once the rear wheel starts skidding, it’s
usually best to just keep it locked up.
3. Question: How should you perform Emergency Braking
While Leaned Into a Curve?
Answer: You should try to avoid this by never overestimating
the speed you can safely take a curve. Nonetheless, sometimes
it is necessary like if a dear runs onto an exit ramp.
You can brake (with both brakes)while leaned over, but you
must do it
gradually and with less force than if the bike is standing up
straight. For maximum braking efficiency in an emergency
(when traffic and roadway conditions permit), stand the bike up
straight; brake hard, and then lean back after you have safely
reduced your speed. You need to stand the bike up to increase
your braking ability.
Lastly, motorcycle brakes have improved lately with many
model offering ABS anti lock brakes. While some old-timers
might tell you they don’t trust them, statistically with both
experienced and new riders they show significantly reduced
stopping distances,. You should definitely look for them
if you are purchasing a new bike.
Karen Leonard
Compiled & Edited by Bill Bish,
National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM)
FRANCE PARALYZED
BY PROTESTING
BIKERS
Despite pouring rain,
nearly 100,000 angry
motorcyclists brought every major
city in France to a standstill in protest of
unfair proposals including requiring every rider
to wear a fluorescent yellow high visibility vest, banning traffic
filtering (lane splitting), and increasing the size of motorcycle
registration plates.
Organized by the Federation Francaise des Motards en Colere
(FFMC – French Federation of Angry Bikers) through its highly
efficient network of regional and local offices, Paris alone saw
more than 15,000 bikers blocking the heart of the capital, with
thousands more paralyzing dozens of cities across the country for
hours with demonstrations against the French government and
interior minister Claude GuÈant for their anti-motorcycle policies
and proposals.
‘Bikers in France are just fed up with GuÈant’s stupid proposals
and his ’I can’t see you, I can’t hear you’ attitude, to the extent
that almost 100,000 of them have today stood up against their
government and paralyzed the whole nation,’ reported www.
ukfrancebikers.com.
In response to the largest motorcycle protest in France’s history,
road safety director MichËle Merli said on national radio that
bikers misunderstoodx the proposed obligation to wear a high
visibility vest but would rather propose to riders that they wear a
little yellow strap around their arm so that they can be better seen
by motorists.
UK France bikers.com says they believe that ‘it is not the bikers
who have misunderstood the latest government’s proposals
but rather the French government who continue to severely
misunderstand and under-estimate the safety of riders.’
CONGRESS
CONSIDERS ALCOHOL PROHIBITION
Recognizing that higher levels of ethanol in gasoline can
cause engine damage and void warranties for motorcycles, allterrain vehicles and many other small gas-powered motors, U.S.
Representative Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI) has introduced H.R. 748
to prohibit the EPA from authorizing the use of gasoline containing
greater than 10% ethanol.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently approved
E15, gasoline containing 15% alcohol, for use in 2001 or newer
cars and light duty trucks, though most on- or off-highway
motorcycles and all ATVs are not approved for its use, and using
the hotter-burning fuel could void the manufacturer’s warranty.
Motorcyclists should be concerned about the availability of
compatible fuel supplies if gas stations primarily provide E15
gasoline for the majority of their customers, and riders are urged
to contact their Congressional Representative to support H.R. 748.
SEPTEMBER 2011
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, NHTSA, released
the 2009 State Traffic Data in June of 2011. This fact sheet provides
data on traffic fatalities for the United States and individually for the 50
States, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. The full report can be
found at the NHTSA website at: http://www.nhtsa.gov/.
This report covers all motor vehicle traffic fatalities, population,
licensed drivers, registered vehicles, vehicle miles traveled, speed and
alcohol related. The report says the source of the information was
provided by the Fatality Analysis Reporting System, FARS. Below is New
York’s motorcycle related information only.
Motorcyclists killed 2009- total: 155
Percent who were helmeted: 85.8% [number: 133 people]
Percent who were not helmeted: 13.5% [number: 21 people]
Percent ìunknownî: 0.06% [number: 1 person]
Total number of fatalities –all vehicles: 1,156. 13.4% were motorcycle
riders.
I went to the FARS website to check on the data and to see what
other information was available. I found what day of the week fatalities
happened and the license compliance of the motorcyclist. The majority
of the motorcyclists’ fatalities happened during the week - 81 weekday
while 74 fatalities happened on a weekend – total 155. For license
compliance 138 motorcyclists had a valid motorcycle license, 15
motorcyclists did not have a valid license, 3 were not licensed and 5
were unknown. The total is 161. I noticed this didn’t match up to the
155 fatalities that New York had. Why? After looking further, I found
158 motorcycles were involved in fatal crashes, 2 were mopeds, and 1
was an off-road motorcycle- total 161.
The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles also puts out a
summary of motorcycle accidents year to year. This summary offers
more detailed information on motorcycle fatalities for our state. For
2009 they have 155 persons killed but I also found it interesting that 146
were motorcycle drivers, 5 were passengers, 3 were pedestrians and
1 was a bicyclist. So 151 motorcyclists died, not 155 as FARS/NHTSA
reported, but FARS only reports what New York gives them. It seems
our state includes pedestrians and bicyclists in our totals.
The NYS DMV summary also included a break down of helmet usage
on these fatalities. In the table provided, 151 motorcyclists were killed.
131 were helmeted, 15 were not and 5 were unknown. None of these
totals match the NHTSA report numbers above or the total killed in the
NYDMV report.
We are constantly bombarded by numbers when it comes to vehicle
safety. It’s NHTSA’s job to compile these numbers but the numbers that
are reported are hollow. Many times we hear helmets are the one thing
that would save more lives but the majority of New York motorcyclist
fatalities were wearing helmets. ìMust be they weren’t licensedî is
another phrase we hear. How many of the helmeted riders had a valid
motorcycle license? The reports don’t say. We have an overall total but
we don’t know which riders had what.
What does this all mean? We don’t know really. The numbers don’t
match up and if they did, we don’t know what the reasons for the fatalities
were. The motorcyclist may have had a helmet on and died of head
injuries. The non-helmet rider may have died of a heart attack and not
head injuries. Both could have been licensed, or maybe neither was. The
majority of the fatalities could have been caused by internal injuries or
maybe none. What were the weather conditions or road conditions at the
time of the accident? Stat numbers are always given to push for a reason to
change a law, or used not to, but the numbers will never show the full story
as to why motorcyclists die. There are too many factors involved in an
accident and no two are the same. The numbers are just that- numbers.
NCOM BIKER NEWSBYTES - July 2011
The Freedom Writer
Motorcycle Fatalities Statistics What do they mean?
11
SEPTEMBER 2011
FEDERAL EFFORTS TO HALT ‘LEAD LAW’
Congressman Denny Rehberg (R-MT) successfully inserted
language into an appropriations bill on June 17 to prevent the
government from using federal funds to enforce a ban on the
sale of kids’ dirtbikes and ATVs due to the lead content of certain
components.
A so-called ‘Lead Law’ was passed by Congress in 2008 to
protect children from the toxic metal typically contained in cheap
imported toys, but the sales ban has also been enforced by the
Consumer Product Safety Commission against youth-sized cycles
which contain lead in certain components like batteries and
brakes.
If passed with the Rehberg language intact, the federal funding
measure would prohibit the CPSC from using money to enforce
lead-content limits on off-highway vehicles intended for sale to
children 12 and under.
In other developments in opposition to the ‘lead law’, a key
Congressional subcommittee has approved a bill to exempt
dirtbike and ATV battery terminals and other lead-content
parts from the CPSC enforcement, voting on May 12 to send
the Enhancing CPSC Authority and Discretion Act on to the full
Committee on Energy and Commerce for further consideration.
The Freedom Writer
NORTH CAROLINA PROHIBITS
MOTORCYCLE-ONLY CHECKPOINTS
‘HB 381 an Act to Prevent Law Enforcement Agencies from
establishing patterns for vehicle stops at checking stations based
on a particular type of vehicle is now Session Law 2011-216,’
reports Doc Ski, legislative director for CBA/ABATE of North
Carolina and a member of the National Coalition of Motorcyclists
Legislative Task Force (NCOM-LTF).
The legislation passed unanimously through both houses of
the legislature, and was signed into law on June 23 by Governor
Beverly Perdue, making North Carolina the second state in a
month behind New Hampshire to enact such laws in response
to NHTSA funding of motorcycle-only checkpoints to stop
motorcyclists en route to major biker events to check equipment
and paperwork.
This bill, sponsored by Rep. John A. Torbett (R-Stanley),
provides that a vehicle checkpoint pattern designated by a law
enforcement agency shall not be based on a particular vehicle
type and must include all types of vehicles, but does not restrict
any other type of checkpoint or roadblock which is otherwise
lawful.
In addition to preventing motorcycle-only roadblocks, Governor
Perdue also signed HB 113 to increase the minimum penalties for
violating the right of way of a motorcyclist. The previous fine for
this infraction was a mere $25, but this bill sponsored by Rep. Ric
Killian (R-Raleigh) calls for a $200 fine for a driver who causes a
motorcyclist to leave his travel lane. The fine is increased to $500
if there is property damage or personal injury sustained from this
violation.
STATES GREEN-LIGHT RED-LIGHT LAWS
Motorcyclists in a growing number of states are being allowed
to go through red lights when sensors aren’t able to detect they
12 are there. Effective July 1, Virginia became the tenth state since
2002 to give motorcyclists license to proceed with
caution after stopping when the device that causes
the light to change from red to green doesn’t
activate, while a similar bill in Illinois sits on the
governor’s desk awaiting his signature.
HB 1981 by Virginia State Delegate Thomas
A. Greason (R-Potomac Falls) allows riders of
motorcycles, mopeds and bicycles to treat red lights
as stop signs provided they come to a complete stop
for two cycles of the light before proceeding with
due care when safe to do so.
Illinois Governor Pat Quinn has until August 29 to
sign or veto HB 2860 by Rep. Dan Beiser (D-Alton)
which would permit motorcycle operators to
proceed through a steady red signal that fails to change to green
within a ‘reasonable period of time’. In order to garner support
for the measure, the city of Chicago was exempted from the
proposed new law.
Kansas also recently passed a “dead red” law that allows
motorcyclists to run inoperable red lights without risking a ticket,
and similar legislation has passed in Minnesota (2002), Tennessee
(2003), Arkansas (2005), Idaho (2006), Wisconsin (2006), North
Carolina (2007), South Carolina (2008), and Missouri (2008).
Texas and California have addressed the problem by passing
laws to require stoplights to be fitted with sensors that can detect
motorcycles.
PENNSYLVANIA
OKAYS SUNDAY BIKE SALES
Governor Tom Corbett marked the midpoint of the 2011
legislative session in July by signing dozens of new laws, including
legislation allowing Sunday sales for motorcycle dealers.
Effective in sixty days, licensed Pennsylvania motorcycle
dealers will be allowed to sell, buy or trade bikes on Sunday.
Current law allows the sale of motorcycle parts and other
merchandise on Sunday, but not bikes.
SB 419 is designed to give Pennsylvania dealers a level playing
field with neighboring states that allow Sunday sales. Supporters
have said sales have fallen in southeast Pennsylvania stores and
have grown in New Jersey and Maryland since Sunday sales
began recently in those states.
HARLEY-DAVIDSON
AUTOMOBILE LICENSE PLATE DEBUTS
IN WISCONSIN
The first-ever Harley-Davidson license plate for automobiles is
now available to Wisconsin drivers to help fund safety initiatives.
The new license plate is the first and only Harley-Davidson
branded plate available anywhere in the United States, and it
is only being offered in Wisconsin -- the birthplace of HarleyDavidson.
Harley-Davidson Motor Company is partnering with the
Wisconsin Department of Transportation to make the HarleyDavidson/Share the Road plates available for automobiles, light
trucks and motor homes as of April 13, 2011. The cost of the
plates will include a $15 issuance fee, and an annual $25 donation
that will help support safety initiatives throughout the state.
DELAWARE GOVERNOR
VETOES HELMET LAW REPEAL
Governor Jack Markell has vetoed HB 95 which
would have repealed the requirement that
persons operating a motorcycle in Delaware
carry a safety helmet. Since 1978 when the
state repealed their mandatory helmet law,
Delaware has one of the most unique helmet laws
on the books by requiring riders to have a helmet in their
possession on the bike, but not requiring those over 18 to
actually wear one.
Even as Delaware riders hear of their governor’s decision,
all eyes are on Michigan where a bill to repeal their 42-year old
helmet law appears destined for their governor’s desk, where its
fate is no more certain.
The Michigan Senate recently voted 24-14 to approve a measure
that would allow motorcyclists 21 or older to go lidless if they have
been licensed to operate a motorcycle for at least two years or
have passed a safety course, though ABATE of Michigan opposes
an amendment requiring $100,000.00 in medical coverage to
ride without a helmet, calling it excessive and noting that many
insurance companies don’t offer such coverage, and if they did
the cost would be prohibitive.
ABATE says they will fight to have
the insurance requirement removed
as the bill moves through the house, but
though republican Governor Rick Snyder
remains noncommittal he has hinted to the
Detroit News that he’s willing to consider the elimination of
Michigan’s motorcycle helmet law in the context of general auto
insurance reforms that he’s preparing to propose to lawmakers.
Three previous attempts to repeal the helmet law have been
vetoed by prior governors, twice by Snyder’s immediate
predecessor democratic governor Jennifer Granholm.
JUDGE UPHOLDS
PATCH-HOLDERS RIGHTS
QUOTABLE QUOTE: “What lies behind us and what lies before us
are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882) American Poet & Philosopher
Join ABATE of NY, Inc.
Protect Your Right to Ride
ITHACA HARLEY-DAVIDSON, INC.
6033 Rt. 13, CAYUTA, NY 14824
Hours: Monday ± Friday 8 a.m.- 6 p.m. Sat. 8-3
Phone 607-594-3536 Fax 607-594-3009 www.ithacah-d.com
SEPTEMBER 2011
‘A federal judge has rejected an unprecedented bid by the U.S.
government to seek control of a gang’s name and its identity - via
its logo - through a court order in a case involving the notorious
Mongols motorcycle club,’ according to the Associated Press
report regarding an eight-page ruling by U.S. District Court
Judge Otis Wright, II who wrote on June 28, 2011 that he must
“regrettably” rule in favor of the Mongols because the group itself
was not named in a 2008 racketeering indictment.
To summarize the Court’s findings, Aid to Injured Motorcyclists
(A.I.M.) Attorney Boyd Spencer of Pennsylvania wrote:
Since the Mongols Nation Club was never indicted, much less
ever convicted of any criminal act, then the criminal forfeiture of
the trademark owned by the Mongols Nation was in total error.
The Mongols Motorcycle Club, or Mongol Nation, owned the
trademark of the club colors since 1969.
Any assignment made by any member of the club to himself or
any other individual was void. This is because the trademark was
a collective membership mark which can only be owned by the
organization for which the Mark stands. Only the Mongols Club, or
Mongols Nation could have a property interest or own the patch,
colors, or trademark for the patch or colors.
Since the Mongols were not indicted in the criminal action, the
property of anyone other than the defendants in a criminal action,
cannot have their personal property forfeited.
This order, and the prior litigation that led up to this order, is a
victory for the rights of motorcycle clubs to own, display, and fly
their colors, without forfeiture by the government.
The Freedom Writer
The car-size license plate was designed in collaboration with
the Harley-Davidson Motor Company
Styling Team. The words “Share the
Road” are displayed to emphasize the
importance of motorcycle safety.
13
14
The Freedom Writer
SEPTEMBER 2011
July 13, 2011
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
11NR24 - MRF News Release Congress Exempts Youth Motorcycles, ATVs
and Snowmobiles from Lead Ban
To read the letter, go to:
http://www.americanmotorcyclist.com/Libraries/
Rights_Documents_Federal/Harris_NAS_Ethanol_7-11-2011.
sflb.ashx?download=true
Congress Exempts Youth Motorcycles,
ATVs and Snowmobiles from Lead Ban
The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) has learned that
earlier this week, both the US House and US Senate passed a
measure to clean up the Consumer Product Safety Commission
(CPSC). HR 2715, sponsored by Mary Bono-Mack (R-CA), takes
aim at reforming the issue of banning youth products due to lead
content percentages. Also known as the Consumer Product Safety
Commission Improvement Act (CPSCIA), this bill addresses a
number of issues; but first and foremost is the language to fix the
lead law. HR 2715 specifically addresses the issue of youth motorcycles,
other off road vehicles, and snowmobiles, effectively exempting
them from the lead certification rules. The measure sailed through
both the Senate and House by unanimous consent in both
chambers. The MRF applauds Congress for addressing this import
issue. The legislation will need the President’s signature before
becoming law. The MRF encourages you to contact the President
and ask him to sign HR 2715 into law. Comments: 202-456-1111
Switchboard: 202-456-1414
http://www.whitehouse.gov/CONTACT/
SEPTEMBER 2011
The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) is asking a key
U.S. House panel to include motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles
(ATVs) in any future study of ethanol-blended gasoline.
In a letter sent July 11 to the House Energy and Environment
Subcommittee, the AMA, along with its partner organization, the
All-Terrain Vehicle Association (ATVA), urged subcommittee Chairman Andy Harris (R-Md.) “that on- or off-highway motorcycles
and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) be part of any scientific study by
the NAS” related to ethanol-blended gasoline. NAS stands for the
National Academy of Sciences.
The subcommittee held a hearing on July 7 entitled “Hitting the
Ethanol Blend Wall: Examining the Science on E15.” The hearing
focused on E15, a new gasoline formulation that contains up to
15 percent alcohol by volume. The U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency in October 2010 approved the use of E15 in model year
2007 and newer light-duty vehicles (cars, light-duty trucks and
medium-duty passenger vehicles). In January 2011, the EPA added
model year 2001-2006 light-duty vehicles to the approved list.
No on- or off-highway motorcycles or ATVs are currently approved.
At its hearing, the subcommittee indicated that it may require
the EPA to arrange with the NAS to study a full range of issues
related to E15.
In the letter, AMA Washington Representative Rick Podliska
said the AMA and ATVA have concerns about: E15 being put in
motorcycles or ATVs mistakenly and damaging engines; the continued availability of gasoline that has no ethanol, or gasoline with
only a 10 percent blend that is safe for use in motorcycles and
ATVs; the possibility that “blender pumps” -- which dispense multiple grades of gasoline through a single hose -- could introduce
enough ethanol into gasoline to be used in a motorcycle or ATV to
damage the vehicle; and that ethanol absorbs water, which could
be harmful to motorcycles and ATVs.
“In conclusion, to address our concerns, the AMA and ATVA
urge that on- or off-highway motorcycles and ATVs be part of any
scientific study by NAS,” Podliska wrote. “Not only should the
study focus on the short- and long-term impacts on vehicles and
engines, but should consider financial implications of increased
ethanol use in gasoline on consumers; fuel producers, distributors and retailers; vehicle and engine manufacturers, dealers and
service facilities; and the environment.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
3 August 2011
Contact:
Jeff Hennie, MRF Vice President
of Government Relations and
Public Affairs
The Freedom Writer
AMA wants motorcycles
included in a study
of ethanol-blended fuel
15
SEPTEMBER 2011
MOTORCYCLE HELMETS
HARD ON HEARING
PUBLIC RELEASE DATE: 29 July 2011
American Institute of Physics
Motorcycle helmets, while protecting bikers’ brains, may also
be contributing to hearing loss. Scientists mapped the airflow and
noise patterns to find out why.
The distinctive roar of a Harley’s engine is loud, but studies
have revealed the biggest source of noise for motorcyclists is actually generated by air whooshing over the riders’ helmets. Even
at legal speeds, the sound can exceed safe levels. Now, scientists
have identified a key source of the rushing din. Researchers from
the University of Bath and Bath Spa University placed motorcycles
helmets atop mannequin heads, mounted them in a wind tunnel,
and turned on the fans. By placing microphones at different locations around the helmet and at the mannequin’s ear, the researchers found that an area underneath the helmet and near the chin
bar is a significant source of the noise that reaches riders’ sensitive eardrums. The team also investigated how helmet angle and
wind speed affected the loudness. Future tests will move beyond
the wind tunnel to real-life riders on the open road. The findings,
described in the Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, may
one day be used to design quieter helmets, saving riders’ ears for
the enjoyment of hard biker rock, the researchers say.
Article: “Aeroacoustic sources of motorcycle helmet noise” is accepted
for publication in the Journal of the Acoustical Society of America.
CURRENT MOTORCYCLE RELATED STUDIES
Are traffic barriers a danger to motorcyclists? Many say yes.
The US is currently doing a study on this and it is scheduled
to end in November 2011. Here are the details of the study:
The Freedom Writer
FACTORS RELATED TO SERIOUS INJURY
AND FATAL MOTORCYCLE CRASHES
WITH TRAFFIC BARRIERS
16
Motorcycle riders now account for more fatalities than the
passengers of any other vehicle type involved in a guardrail collision.
In 2005, motorcycle riders accounted for 42% of all fatalities
resulting from a guardrail collision. Following motorcycle riders were
car occupants with 32% of all fatalities in this crash mode. This is
particularly surprising as cars compose over half of the vehicle fleet
(55%) while motorcycles compose only 3% of the registered vehicles.
In terms of fatalities per registered vehicle, motorcycle riders are
dramatically overrepresented in number of fatalities resulting from
guardrail impacts. Before the motorcycle-barrier problem can be
addressed, there is a critical need to better understand the nature
of the problem. Unlike passenger cars, however, there is virtually no
in-depth crash investigation data describing motorcycle crashes. The
most in-depth study, the Hurt Report, is based upon crash data that
is now over 25 years old, and no longer adequately reflects either
the motorcycles or barriers currently on the highways. Needed is a
new in-depth investigation of serious and fatal motorcycle crashes
into roadside barriers, which determines the characteristics of the
driver, barrier, motorcycle, and roadway that control the incidence
and outcome of motorcycles crashes. Cable barrier provides an
example of a very effective barrier system, which is threatened by
this lack of in-depth crash data. Motorcycle activist groups perceive
cable barrier as a particular threat to motorcyclists referring to
this barrier design as “cheese cutter.” Both in the United States
and overseas, these groups have actively lobbied for a ban on this
type of barrier. In Norway and the Netherlands, these groups have
succeeded in exerting sufficient political pressure to have cable
barrier banned. To date however, there is little evidence to either
support or refute the claims that cable barrier is more dangerous
than w-beam barrier. Likewise, the lack of crash data prevents
any understanding of injury mechanisms in motorcycle-barrier
collisions. As an example, impacts into guardrail have been found to
be much more dangerous than impacts into concrete barrier. It has
been theorized that this difference in fatality risk may be because
guardrail posts carry an extra risk to motorcyclists. Under this
theory, there is a need to pad or otherwise protect the motorcyclist
from the posts. An alternate theory however is that the difference
may be related to impact speed. The conjecture is that crashes into
guardrail impact may occur at a higher speed than crashes into
concrete barrier, and post padding would have little effect. Without
in-depth crash investigations, it is not possible to determine which
theory is correct. Equally important to reducing the motorcyclistbarrier fatalities is the need to continue protecting passenger car
occupants who are involved in barrier collisions. Programs such
as NCHRP 350 crash testing have established an admirable record
of safely redirecting errant vehicles onto the road without undue
occupant risk. Any suggestion that cable or any other type of
barrier should be removed to protect motorcyclists is unacceptable.
Rather what are needed are barrier designs, safety programs, and
research that can extend the safety record of barrier performance
in car collisions to also encompass motorcyclists. Serious injury
motorcycle crashes are increasing. A significant number of these
involve a motorcyclist that hits a traffic barrier. However, it is unclear
if the impact with the barrier is the most significant event involved
in the injury. It may be possible that severe injuries occur in events
prior to the impact with the barrier (such as an automobile impact
with the motorcyclist or the motorcyclist hitting the pavement). It is
also possible that vehicle improvements or improved training and
enforcement may have a greater effect on the reduction of these
crashes. This research will help direct the focus of efforts to improve
safety for motorcyclists on the nation’s highways. The objective
of this research project is to identify characteristics involved in
serious injury and fatal motorcycle collisions with traffic barriers. It
is anticipated that this research will (1) conduct a literature search
for previous research on this topic; (2) develop an evaluation plan
that will result in a statistically significant sample of serious injury
crashes between motorcyclists and traffic barriers; (3) conduct an
in-depth investigation of serious and fatal motorcycle crashes into
roadside barriers including driver (age, alcohol, injury outcomes),
crash (speed, angle, sliding/nonsliding), barrier (cable, w-beam,
impact location), roadway (highway geometrics, pothole), vehicle
(make and model of m/c), and environment (day/night, wet/dry, oil);
(4) identify crash characteristics where it may be beneficial to further
explore countermeasures; and (5) produce a project report detailing
the findings from this research.
Start date: 2009/4/21
End date: 2011/11/30
Source Organization: National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP)
Meeting was called to order
by Tom Alton/President at 10:12 am.
Attendance: 8
Karen Leonard
State Recording Secretary • ABATE of NY, Inc.
karen01@stny.rr.com
Submitted by: Full meeting minutes are available to all ABATE of NY Inc. members from the
Chapter Presidents or from the State Recording Secretary. Members may also
be put on a distribution list to receive meeting minutes or they can join the
ABATE of NY members group located at the State website: http://abateny.org.
Name and membership number is required.
Join ABATE of NY, Inc.
Protect Your Right to Ride
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SEPTEMBER 2011
• B25-11: Motion made by Mike Grasby/Reg A, seconded by Deb Trask/
Treasurer, to approve the May meeting minutes with correction. Voice
vote: unanimous. Motion carried.
Correspondence. Tom Alton/President. None
President’s Report: Tom Alton. Discussion on communication with
members.
Vice President Report- Pete Shufelt. Meeting with AMA.
Treasury Report- Deb Trask. Report distributed and reviewed; state
office; delinquent chapter reports.
• B26-11: Motion made by Mike Grasby/Reg A, seconded by Pete
Shufelt/VP, to accept the treasury report. Voice vote: unanimous. Motion
carried.
• B27-11: Motion made by Karen Leonard/Sec, seconded by Pete
Shufelt/VP, to put Chautauqua Chapter, Monroe Chapter, and Syracuse
Chapter on ‘not in good standing’ status until all required paperwork is
in. Roll call vote: 7 yes, 0 no, 1 abstain. Motion carried.
Legislative Report- Prospector. Report on this year’s legislative session;
confiscation bill; motorcycle only roadblocks.
Public Relations Report. Motorcycle awareness lawn signs- contact Tom
Alton/President.
Region Reports- A, C. D, E- absent: discussion on chapter concerns
and issues; Onondaga Chapter patch.
• B28-11: Motion made by Jerry Letson/Reg C, seconded by Pete Shufelt,
to approve the Onondaga Chapter patch as presented to the board. Roll
call vote: 8 yes, 0 no, 0 abstain. Motion carried.
• B29-11: Motion made by Jerry Letson/Reg C, seconded by Mike
Grasby/Reg A, to notify Syracuse Chapter they are in violation of the
bylaws and put the chapter up for termination. Roll call vote: 8 yes, 0
no, 0 abstain. Motion carried.
• B30-11: Motion made by Karen Leonard/Sec, seconded by Pete
Shufelt/VP, to close the Jefferson Chapter as of June 12, 2011. Voice
vote: unanimous. Motion carried.
• B31-11: Motion made by Karen Leonard/Sec, seconded by Prospector/
LC, to close the Delaware Chapter as of June 12, 2011. Voice vote:
unanimous. Motion carried.
Sergeant of Arms Report- Dev Lovick: no report.
Newsletter Report- Karen Leonard. Report sent; Advertising Manager
Position.
• B32-11: Motion made by Tom Alton/Pres., seconded by Prospector/
LC, to appoint Mike Grasby as our new Newsletter Advertising Manager
under the current job description/commission, which will be reviewed in
December 2011. Voice vote: unanimous. Motion carried.
State Office Manager- Stephanie Morgan absent. No report.
• B33-11: Motion made by Pete Shufelt/VP, seconded by Karen Leonard/
Sec, to send a letter to Stephanie Morgan, State Office Manager, to get
everything up to date within 30 days of receiving the letter. Voice vote:
unanimous. Motion carried.
Committee Reports: Freedom Rally; state seminar.
• B34-11: Motion made by Prospector/LC, seconded by Dev Lovick/SAA,
to send a letter of protest to the New York State Police concerning their
harassment of motorcyclists at the ABATE of NY, Inc Freedom Rally held
May 16, 2011. Voice vote: unanimous. Motion carried.
Old Business: Niagara chapter; reimbursement request; Officer oath;
membership renews; open positions.
New Business: Motorcycle only roadblocks; state police at freedom
rally; Proner lawsuit.
• B24-11: Motion made by Tom Alton/Pres., seconded by Pete Shufelt/
VP, to adjourn the meeting at 2:43 pm. Voice vote: unanimous.
The Freedom Writer
ABATE of New York, Inc.
State Board Meeting June 12, 2011
Summary
17
SEPTEMBER 2011
The Freedom Writer
18
NY CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2011
September 2
American Red Cross Ride for the Red
The ride starts at Wegman’s in Corning at 3:30 pm. The ride ends with a clambake. The ride will benefit the American Red Cross.
For more information call (607) 936-3766 or go to http://www.gsredcross.org.
September 3
Wounded Warrior and Support the Troops Rally and Festival
Sponsored by Patriot Guard Riders of New York
The motorcycle poker run starts at Palmyra Moose Lodge 3808, Route 31 in Palmyra.
Registration is from 9:00 am to 10:45 am. The poker run leaves at 11:00 am.
The fee is $20.00 for the rider and $15.00 for a passenger.
Cash prizes will be awarded. The ride ends with motorcycle games, vendor exhibits, military transports,
live music, auctions and food. For more information go to http://www.pgrny.org.
September 3
American Red Cross Ride for the Red
The motorcycle dice run starts at American Twin Harley-Davidson in Painted Post.
Registration is from 9:00 am to 11:00 am. The ride fee is $20.00 per person and includes a t-shirt.
The ride ends with entertainment and more. The ride will benefit the American Red Cross.
For more information call (607) 936-3766 or go to http://www.gsredcross.org.
September 4
ABATE of Finger Lakes - Marty’s 26th Annual Labor Day Poker Run
Sign up 9am-Noon at Marty’s Harley, 11101 Clayson Rd., Wayland, NY 14572
(directions available on Google)
Run ends at Wayland Rod & Gun Club
Games, Food, Prizes and much more. Bottle Beer & mixed drinks available
Free camping the night of the run, Breakfast available on Monday morning
September 10
ABATE of Onondaga - 6th Annual Chapter Horse Shoe Tourney (Hosted by Onondaga)
September 10
ABATE of Oswego - Interchapter Horseshoe Tournament - Mr B’s.
September 10
3rd Annual Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund Bike Run and Bar-B-Q
Sponsored by Hagerman FD, Miller Beer, WBAB Radio, and CYA Apparel
The ride starts at Hagerman Fire House in East Patchogue.
Registration is from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm and the ride leaves at 6:00 pm.
The ride fee is $25.00 for the rider and $10.00 for a passenger. Food is included in the ride fee.
The escorted ride wil go into the World Trade Site to pay respects in honor of the 10th anniversary.
For more information call (516) 783-1996 or go to http://www.terryfund.org.
September 11
ABATE of Buffalo-Erie: 21st Annual Toys for Tots Run
September 11
ABATE of Monroe - America Remembers 9/11 Memorial Ride in Hamlin Bike Show
September 11
Lost Wheels Motorcycle Club - 36th Annual Poker Run
Registration will take place at Canopus Lake, Fahnestock State Park, Rte 301, in Carmel, NY.
From 9:00 to 11:30 a.m. Register early to get a free commemorative 36th anniversary pin.
Cost is $23 for American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) members, $25 for non-AMA riders, and $10 for children under 15.
The self-guided route of approximately 100 miles ends at the Canopus Lake beach area. End of run will feature music by Guys Night Out, barbecue lunch,
vendors, 50/50 raffle, door prizes, games, ride-in bike show, and trophies. Awards will be presented for best-represented club, games, bike show, and poker hands.
Proceeds from the poker run are used to host the next year’s poker run and to support various charities and organizations.
Charities to which the club has donated include: Orien Rose LaPlante Fund; Castle Point VA Hospital; the VA Hospital at Montrose, NY; Vassar Hospital Pediatric Ward;
Vassar Hospital Cancer Research Center; Chris Dayger Run for Leukemia; Baby V. Fund for children with cancer; Beacon Volunteer Ambulance Corp; Hudson Valley Food
Bank; Castle Point Food Pantry & “Food Fight for Vets”; AMA Heritage Foundation; Natural Heritage Trust (to preserve NYS parks); Knights of Columbus, Beacon, NY;
the Light the Night Walk to support the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society; and DCSPCA.
For additional information about the 36th Annual Poker Run or the Lost Wheels Motorcycle Club and its mission, or to speak with a Lost Wheels member
about the upcoming run contact Pete Giangaspro, visit www.lostwheels.com, or find us on Facebook.
September 15 - 18
Catskill Mountain Thunder
The Handel Family welcomes you to come and celebrate the 14th Anniversary of Catskill Mountain Thunder.
This is a motorcycle festival like no other. It is held at a beautiful resort nestled in the Northern Catskill Mountains.
In addition to lodging accommodations on site, there are also RV and tent camping with electric and water available.
There are also many other establishments in the immediate area that offer lodging as well.
We feature a huge vendor expo, rodeo games such as weenie bite, slow race, potato-in-a haystack, one-legged boot race, etc., seminars on antique bike restoration,
bike shows, etc. Unlike other events, Sunday is a fun-filled day of events with thousands of dollars given out in prizes, rodeo games all day, a spectacular pig roast
with a large variety of food and FREE beer.
September 17
3rd Annual Live to Ride Free Thank A Veteran
The ride starts at the Hog Shoppe, 3114 Hempstead Turnpike in Levittown.
Registration will begin at 9:00 am and motorcycles go out at 10:30 am.
The ride will include a stop at the Long Island National Cemetery for a brief wreath laying ceremony. The ride ends in East Meadow with food, silent raffles, 50/50,
entertainment, and more. This run will benefit 9-1-1 Veterans Organization of Long Island, Adopt-A-Battalion Program, and the American Legion Post # 1082.
September 18
1st Annual Dice Run - To Benefit Highland Breast Imaging Center
Starting @ Harv’s Harley Davidson in Macedon: registration between 11am - 1pm
Ending 3pm @ the Log Cabin in Macedon, NY
Cost: $15 per bike/$25 with passenger. $10 for non-riders for the after party at the Log Cabin in Macedon, NY.
Join us for a fun day of riding, food, music, 50/50 raffle and great door prizes. All are welcome!
All proceeds to benefit Highland Breast Imaging Center’s community outreach program.
Please feel free to contact Colleen Herlehy with any questions: 585-749-5699
September 18
IBEW Ride for the Wounded Warrior Project
Sponsored by International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 503
The motorcycle ride starts at The Goswick Pavilion on Ferry Road in Piermont.
September 18
IBEW Ride for the Wounded Warrior Project / continued:
Ride registration is from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. The ride fee is $25.00 for the rider and $15.00 for a passenger.
The fee includes the barbeque. Riders may begin the ride right after they register. The ride will have 5 stops.
$100.00 will be awarded for the best hand, $50.00 for second best, and $25.00 for third.
The ride ends with a barbeque, raffle, music, door prizes, and more.
Proceeds from the ride will be donated to the Wounded Warrior Project.
For more information call (845) 597-8271, or go to http://ibew503.org/motorcycle&BBQ.htm.
September 18
Sixth annual Cops, Kids & Toys Motorcycle Ride
Ride registration & breakfast: 9:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m.
Police escorted ride around Cayuga Lake at 11:30 a.m.
Preregistration fee: $15.00, ($10 for a passenger)
Onsite: $20.00 ($10 for a passenger) plus a toy or donation.
Registration includes: breakfast, t-shirt, chicken BBQ dinner with live music.
Chinese auction, balloon pops, 50/50 raffle.
More information and registration form at copskidsandtoys.org, or find us on Facebook at Cops, Kids, & Toys Motorcycle Ride.
September 18
7th Annual Benefit Poker Run Melanoma Awareness
Sponsored by Red Knight NY18 Motorcycle Club
The motorcycle ride starts at Sloatsburg FD, 96 Orange Tpke. in Sloatsburg.
Registration is from 9:00 am to 10:30 am. The fee is $20.00 for each person.
The 80 mile ride ends with live music, food, and more. For more information call (914) 447-9543, (914) 906-6785
September 18
Detective John M. Falcone Memorial Scholarship Ride
Ride starts at P C Paddock’s Restaurant on Titusville Road in Poughkeepsie.
Registration is from 9:00 am to 11:00 am and the motorcycles go out at 11:15 am.
The ride fee is $25.00 for the rider and $10.00 for a passenger. The ride ends with a barbeque.
The rain date for the ride is September 25th. For more information call (845)-264-0949
September 18
Axemen Charity Ride
The motorcycle poker run starts at Romeo’s Restaurant, 2500 Ridgeway Avenue in Rochester.
Registration is form 10:00 am to 12:00pm. The ride ends with food, door prizes, live music and more.
The ride will benefit the Finger Lakes Regional Burn Association
September 24
ABATE of Wayne - Goodbye Summer Run
Starts At Granskofski’s Family Restaurant, 436 RT 104, Ontario
Sign In 9:00-9:50. Kick-Stands Up At 10:00 am.
$5 a piece for any ABATE Member. $10 a person for non-ABATE members.
Join ABATE and ride with us for free.
September 24
Watertown Chrome Divas 4th Annual Ta Ta Run
Sponsored by S & M Motorsports
The ride starts at S & M Motorsports on Outer Bradley Street in Watertown.
Registration begins at 9:00 am. For more information go to http://watertownchromedivas.com.
The Freedom Writer
NY CALENDAR OF EVENTS 2011
September 24 - 25 ABATE of Oswego - Central Square Apple Festival
September 24 - 25 Blue Star Mothers “Ride with Pride”
2 day event. September 24th, 8pm-? Music by Slowriders. September 25th, Dice Run.
Reg. 10am, kickstands up at 11am. American Legion, 200 East Union St, Newark, NY 14513. $20 per bike.
$5 if only coming for the band. Food, Fun & Prizes. Benefits the Blue Star Mothers.
Contact: Jim Eatherly @ jimeatherly@msn.com
ABATE of Onondaga - Fall Foliage Run & Member Appreciation Party
October 1
2nd Annual Fall Foliage Run
Sponsored by Country Riders M/C. The event starts at Hectors Sales, 1200 E 2nd Street in Jamestown.
Registration is from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. The ride fee is $5.00 for each person.
The ride will go through the Allegany Forest and Foothills of NY State & PA.
Food will be available at end of the run For more information call (814) 726-3606, or (716) 488-2402
October 1
Ride for Our Soldiers
The police escorted motorcycle ride begins at Floyd Bennett Field on Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn.
Registration is from 10:00 am to 12:00pm and ride begins at 12:00 pm. The ride fee is $25.00 per bike.
The ride ends with lunch. All proceeds will benefit The Wounded Warrior Project.
October 2
ABATE of Oswego - Fall Foliage Run - Mapleview Family Rest.
October 8
Rollin’ for the Ribbon
Sponsored by Get in Gear and Mavrix Motorsports Honda
The ride starts at the Get in Gear Repair Shop, 982 County Route 1, Pine Island.
Registration is between 9:30 am and 11:00 am. The escorted ride begins at 11:30 am.
The ride fee is $20.00 for the rider and $10.00 for a passenger. The fee includes a light lunch and an event patch. The ride will end in Middletown.
For more information call (973) 819-3519 or go to http://www.bikersagainstbreastcancer.com.
October 22
ABATE of Onondaga - Halloween Party
Send your events to John Cholewa, type the information and send a flyer if you have one.
E-MAIL EVENTS TO: NOMAD2000@HVC.RR.COM
For the latest, most up to date version of the calendar, go to our web page: www.abateny.org/events.htm
SEPTEMBER 2011
October 1
19
SEPTEMBER 2011
ABATE of New York, Inc. - Membership Application
ABATE of New York State Office • P.O. Box 340094 • Brooklyn, NY 11234 • 1-888-344-4400
ARE YOU MOVING? Bulk Mail is not forwarded; please update your address.
Mail to: ABATE of New York, Inc. • P.O. Box 340094 • Brooklyn, NY 11234
Name:_________________________________________________________________ Member #:_______________________________________
Chapter:_________________________________________
Address: _ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
City: ______________________________________________________________ State:_ ___________________ Zip:________________________
The Freedom Writer
Date this new address is to take effect:_ ___________________________________________________________________________________
20
Phone:_ ______________________________ Fax:________________________________ Email:_ ______________________________________
Other members in the household who will need to be updated:
Name:_________________________________________________________________ Member #:_______________________________________
Signature:______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Comments:_ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Do you have a HIGH SPEED Internet Connection?
You can download your ABATE of NY Freedom Writer from our website sooner than the printed version. Save a tree,
download a pdf ABATE newsletter. Give your email address and your name to the state office manager 1-888-344-4400
and you will receive an email letting you know when the next newsletter is available online.
Trouble seeing a pdf? Update your Adobe Acrobat Reader FREE http://get.adobe.com/reader/
Once again I would like to say what a great time the New
York ABATE State Party was this year, and a Huge Thank you
for the hospitality of Cattaraugus County ABATE Chapter and
the Cattaruagus Rod and Gun club.
This was the second year this event has been held at the
Rod and Gun Club and even though there may have been
some changes to the area, and a slight sprinkle here or there,
we all still had a blast. The food was fantastic and band was
entertaining. I am sure every year we hold it here it will grow.
And for those that don’t want to sleep on the ground there
is a hotel in Gowanda that’s not too far away from Gowanda
Harley Dealer.
What better way to socialize with fellow members and
officers and their families. Riding is beautiful out here too
there are several different types of scenic routes to take during
the day. I am hoping next year that we can have a planned
ride possibly? Who knows we will have to wait and see.
Thanks again and hope to see you all next year. I am
looking forward to having another great party.
Helpful Tip...
How To Pick Up a Motorcycle
That’s Fallen on its Side
You are alone and you
just dropped your bike.
Now what? There is a
way you can pick it up
yourself. This video
shows you how to pick
up your bike from both
sides, along with an
interesting solution if
you can’t.
The Freedom Writer
ABATE of NY State PartyWhat a Blast!
This is something worth learning
before it happens to you.
NB’s F6550GS How to pick up a motorcycle
Video link:
http://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=pPjYweKeiLk
Beth Gorman
Public Relations Officer
Monroe County ABATE
PRONER / ABATE
ACTIVIST SCHOLARSHIP AWARD
A.B.A.T.E. of New York
American Bikers Aimed Toward Education
Promoting Motorcycle
• Safety • Awareness • Education
Diana L. Kelsey
Owego: Diana L. Kelsey, 47 of Owego lost her
courageous battle with cancer on May 20, 2011.
She was predeceased by her mother Jean E.
(Scott) Kelsey. She is survived by her grandmother
Margaret (Crowell) Scott, her father Henry &
Theresa Kelsey, her three sisters Deborah Kelsey &
Albert Johnson, Darcy Kelsey, Kori Kelsey Lloyd &
Greg Rogers, Jr., her four brothers Scott Kelsey, Keith Kelsey, Dustin Kelsey
and Dannon Kelsey & Amy Pionosi, her step sisters Jennifer Wright and
Brandy Kilmer, her nieces Kaylee, Abigail, Aubree, Suzanne, Logan, Brooke
and her nephews Michael and Kaleb, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and
many, many friends. The most important things in her life were her family
and friends, her love of nature and the open road. Her happiest times were
riding her bike and hanging with her friends. She saw the potential and
promise in every living being and truly had a beautiful spirit. She loved
hiking, snowshoeing, kayaking and camping. She lived in Germany for a
few years and traveled all over Europe and the United States on her bike.
She loved her job and thought of the people she worked with as family. She
made many friends working at the 96 Connection, Cornell Press, Glyph
and Incodema. Diana was involved in Abate of Tompkins County for many
years and was a state officer with Abate of New York State. She worked with
the Tioga County Board of Transportation to raise awareness and make
the roads a safer place for motorcyclists and was a past member of the
Finger Lakes H.O.G. Chapter. A memorial service will be held June 11, 2011
at the Methodist Church in Candor on Route 96 . Calling hours will be from
2-4 pm, service to follow at 4:00pm. People wishing to make donations in
Diana’s name may give to Hospicare of Ithaca.
Picture taken from 1991 ABATE State Newsletter- State Meeting in Dryden, NY
SEPTEMBER 2011
Established through the ABATE of NY member Mitchell Proner,
Esq., of the law firm Proner & Proner on 42nd Street, NYC.
The Proner/ABATE Activist Scholarship Award offers an annual
$1,000 college scholarship benefit for ABATE members or their
immediate families.
Candidates must submit an essay detailing why motorcyclists’
rights are important to them, and in what way their desire
coursework will assist them in the ongoing fight for motorcyclists’
rights.
The selection criteria can also include level of involvement in
ABATE of New York activities, financial need, community service,
application effort, school involvement, and other considerations.
For more information, contact our state office at 1-888-344-4400
Former ABATE of NY, Inc.
State Officer Passes
21
SEPTEMBER 2011
ABATE of NY, Inc. Life Membership Program
The Life Membership Program consists of a one time payment based on
the number of years the member has in the organization. Beginning with their
25th year, they are automatically a Charter Life Member and dues are waived.
0 - 5 yrs Membership
6 - 10 yrs Membership
11 - 15 yrs Membership
$400
$300
$200
In addition to all benefits
of a full member,
the Life Member will receive:
• A Life Member patch
• A distinctive Life Member card
• Yearly pins
ABATE of NY Forever Members
The ABATE of NY State Board is honored to present another level of membership, designed to memorialize members
passed.
The ABATE of New York Forever Member will be memorialized through a unique card and memorial certificate, and continuing annual ABATE of New York pins. Forever Members’ names will be published in a special section of every subsequent
issue of The Freedom Writer and on the ABATE of New York website.
The card and certificate are meant for the memorializing party to treasure, pins perhaps to be saved or placed at the
grave, and the publication so all remember.
Forever Membership has been established at a one-time cost of $100, and eligibility is limited to those who were members
of ABATE of New York at time of death.
For further information, or to memorialize an ABATE of New York member through Forever Membership, please contact
the State Office Manager at 888-344-4400, or thegemtopaz@yahoo.com
Forever Members
The Freedom Writer
You can shed tears because they are gone, or you can smile because they lived.
22
Stan Bach
Victor Green
Barbara Rancourt
Dorothy Falt
Michelle Hall
Walt Rutski
Tom Fleming
Martin Hourihan
Robert Shuster
Brenda Force
Frank Martorana
Martha Strouse
Dick Fulton
Terry ‘Doc’ O’Rourke
Robert Taylor
Chris Peek
Freedom Writer Advertising Form
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Date:_______________________ American Harley-Davidson, Inc.
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AMSOIL Dealer
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The Biker Low-Down Radio Show 17
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** Extra charge applies for front or back inside cover placement.
All Advertising, Including Renewals - Must Be Prepaid.
____ Quarter Page 4.48” x 4.95”
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Please supply your ad, with this form. Business Card Sponsors can supply a business card or similar size
ad. If you do not have a suitable ad, we can prepare one for you. Just supply us with the ad text and any
graphics. Print clearly or type all ad text. ABATE of New York, Inc. reserves the right to refuse any advertisement that is not in the best interest of our organization. We also reserve the right to change our
advertising rates without notice.
Circulation 3500 per issue.
DISCOUNTS
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$102 for Full Page / $51 for Half Page
PLEASE REMIT YOUR PAYMENT WITH YOUR ADVERTISEMENT
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Phone: 585-728-5246 • Cell: 585-739-4797
SEPTEMBER 2011
Stan’s Harley-Davidson
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NOVEMBER
The Freedom Writer
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SEPTEMBER 2011
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