A riding buddy of mine on the mailing list of the Virginia Coalition of Motorcyclists forwarded this to me. In case anyone here is interested, contact details can be found in the news section of the website where this info is reproduced. http://www.vcomonline.org/Home.aspx (http://www.vcomonline.org/Home.aspx)
Quote:
The Virginia Coalition of Motorcyclists and Tom McGrath's Motorcycle Law group would like to invite all interested motorcyclists to attend this year's Motorcycle Lobby Day. This year it will be held on Monday January 16, 2012. This is a holiday, so many people are off. That morning, Virginia Coalition of Motorcyclists lobbyists, as well as members of other state motorcycle rights organizations, independent motorcyclists and any other interested people will go to the Virginia General Assembly to discuss upcoming legislation that affects motorcyclists in Virginia with their Delegates and Senators.
On Sunday January 15, from 12:00 p.m. until we get through, Virginia Coalition of Motorcyclists lobbyists will lead an informational meeting at the Holiday Inn Airport at 445 International Center Dr., Sandston, VA 23150 to discuss this year's legislation affecting motorcyclists. We will also discuss how to talk to your legislators about these issues in case you have never done that. Later that evening, attendees will enjoy a free homemade BBQ dinner made by Stewart Newton and provided by several Virginia motorcycle rights organizations including ABATE of Virginia and the Virginia Bikers Association.
On Monday the 16th, we leave the Holiday Inn at 8:00 a.m. sharp for our annual trip to the Capitol. After lobbying our legislators, we will attend the opening of the House of Delegates daily session and be recognized from the floor. Afterwards, Tom McGrath's Motorcycle Law Group takes everyone to Penny Lane Pub for lunch as a thank you for coming to support Virginia Motorcyclists.
This year we are expecting numerous bills of interest to Virginia motorcyclists. We already know that we will have a bill to prohibit Motorcycle Only Checkpoints in Virginia. Delegate Todd Gilbert has agreed to be the patron for that bill and has sent our draft to Legislative Services for finalization. It was unanimously agreed upon at this year's legislative round table that this bill was our number one priority this year. If passed, it will put an end to the discriminatory practice of targeting motorcyclists with checkpoints which have to date yielded very little for those that have conducted them.
We are also still looking at a bill to abolish Virginia's prohibition against two motorcycles riding abreast of each other. As many of you know it is considered reckless driving for two motorcyclists to ride next to each other in Virginia. In 48 other states, it is completely legal. Despite the fact that there is no data to show that two motorcyclists riding abreast are more likely to be in an accident, and further given the fact that Virginia recently passed legislation to allow on-duty law enforcement officers to do so, it still remains a jail-able offense for the general motorcycling community in Virginia. We had been unable to seriously speak with potential patrons until the elections concluded. Jim Cannon and I have an appointment to meet with a member of the House of Delegates who has expressed interest in carrying this bill for us. I will keep you informed as talks progress.
As always, there will be numerous bills submitted at the last minute which will negatively affect motorcycling. As these bills are filed, we will be able to identify them and discuss them at lobby day so that we can convince the legislators why they are bad bills. Those who have participated in Lobby Day in the past remember the bill that we killed that would have required proof of insurance before one person could sell another person a motorcycle, even if the person buying the motorcycle had no intention of putting the bike on the road. We killed that one with the help of all of those who participated in Lobby Day. Last year we defeated a bill that would have prohibited children under eight from riding on a motorcycle as a passenger.
I encourage everyone who can to join us. It is a lot of fun, it is educational, and most importantly it shows the legislators that motorcyclists are a significant and active section of the electorate.
Thanks for the heads up! Get legalizing lane splitting/sharing (with bikes as well as cages) on the table and I'll be there -- maybe we can slip it in with the two-bikes-abreast legislation [cheeky] [Dolph]
8)
Greetings bikepilot!
Maybe you lived in CA too long? ;) Somehow I think that might be a "bridge too far" for VA. Would have to come with a significant public eduction program too or road rage might become rampant. I must say that VDOT does a great job every spring with the motorcycle awareness ads on TV though.
You can thank the AMA, Malcolm Forbes and others for use of the HOV lanes. What other states permit lane-splitting besides CA though?
Regards!
Quote from: Curmudgeon on December 02, 2011, 02:50:06 PM
8)
Greetings bikepilot!
Maybe you lived in CA too long? ;) Somehow I think that might be a "bridge too far" for VA. Would have to come with a significant public eduction program too or road rage might become rampant. I must say that VDOT does a great job every spring with the motorcycle awareness ads on TV though.
You can thank the AMA, Malcolm Forbes and others for use of the HOV lanes. What other states permit lane-splitting besides CA though?
Regards!
The one smart thing to come out of CA besides the iPhone.
Quote from: Curmudgeon on December 02, 2011, 02:50:06 PM
8)
What other states permit lane-splitting besides CA though?
ALL OF THEM! (*)
(*) Just don't get caught by the popo [leo]
Unfortunately, VA Lobby Day conflicts with the International Motorcycle Show in DC. So, I will not be able to make it.
http://www.motorcycleshows.com/washingtondc (http://www.motorcycleshows.com/washingtondc)
Shame they did not look to get premium fuel set aside as no ethanol as part of their agenda. I'll contact them directly. I also contacted my delegate, he did not seem interested but then he drives a prius. Also made AMA aware of the issues with our tanks and in my case the one on my XR1200. - Gene
Quote from: twolanefun on December 14, 2011, 06:18:39 AM
Shame they did not look to get premium fuel set aside as no ethanol as part of their agenda. I'll contact them directly. I also contacted my delegate, he did not seem interested but then he drives a prius. Also made AMA aware of the issues with our tanks and in my case the one on my XR1200. - Gene
Great idea. Technically only mandated in VA for NoVa and a couple of metro areas. Problem is..., the Feds mandate X% of that crap HAS to be sold. Therefore, the major distributors can't be bothered to mix for my little village and metro Richmond, 25 miles from here. They DID until ~ 4 years ago, so I presume that's related to the rising % the Feds mandate that they HAVE to sell.
Currently, only the small co-ops and local oil companies are selling 93 non-ethanol although quite a few "unbrandeds" sell 87 to the farmers around Central VA.
DEFINITELY see if you can wind them up though. I drive 35 miles for 260 GT and 70 miles for 93. I just fill a bunch of race cans whenever I go to Nellysford or Waynesboro and stabilize the 93 when I get home.
You should educate your delegate about the waste corn creates, both on the feed side and the ~ 10% lower mileage that mix provides. Then you can explain the carbon and toxic footprint of a Prius. ;)
It is so annoying not getting the good fuel. I happened across the good stuff out near 33 a while ago and the buell ran notably better and got considerably better mpg. On plus of my impending move is that I'll be right down the street from a marina with real gas. Don't know if I can fill the bike there every week, but I'll at least get enough to feed the trials bike (which also has an expanding tank issue and, of course, runs better on the good stuff).
There are quite a few spots above Waynesboro; most Excel or Royal. Was that in Elkton? ;)
Guess you'll need this where you're going? http://pure-gas.org/index.jsp?stateprov=FL (http://pure-gas.org/index.jsp?stateprov=FL)
Took the Morgan out to Nellysford last Friday when it was nearly 70 F and topped up. Mileage is ~ 10% better on real 93.
Haven't spoken to Fred since 9/11 but he usually rides that national enduro the week of Daytona. Maybe you'll see him there?
Below are some updates I received in an e-mail this PM This is cut and paste because Ben didn't want the contact details of the author's law firm on this thread. Anyone wishing them, just send me a PM
Be sure to read the last bit / clarification as it impacts us all.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Jim Cannon and I spent the morning re-visiting the members of the House Transportation Sub-Committee that will vote on both HB 97 (Motorcycles Two Abreast) and HB 187 (Motorcycle Only Checkpoints) tomorrow morning. I want to thank all who came to the Capitol yesterday to lobby on behalf of these two bills. I also want to thank all who have sent emails to the sub-committee members. Every delegate to whom we spoke today was already well versed on the issues and spoke highly of the people who had visited them. They also pointed out the numerous emails that they received in support of these two bills. Your efforts have not been in vain.
That being said we are on the eve of the sub-committee vote. If you have not yet had the opportunity to email the members of the sub-committee I have copied my last email below which contains the name and email address of every member of the House Transportation Sub-Committee which will hear these bills tomorrow morning. We will be there at 7:00 a.m. And will hopefully have good news to pass on tomorrow.
Thank you to all who have helped in the effort to make these two bills law.
Both HB 97, our bill to remove the prohibition against two motorcycles traveling abreast in the same lane, and HB 187, our bill to prohibit motorcycle only checkpoints in Virginia , will be heard in Transportation Sub-Committee # 2 on Wednesday, January 18 at 7:00 a.m. At the General Assembly Building in the 4th Floor West Conference room.
Jim Cannon and I will be there to speak on these bills. ... However, I would encourage all interested motorcyclists to contact the members of the sub-committee in order to voice your support for these two important pieces of legislation. The name, room number and email addresses of each of the sub-committee members are as follows:
John A. Cox
(Chairman of Sub-Committee #2)
Room No.: 403
DelJCox@house.virginia.gov
Barbara Comstock
Room No.: 407
DelBComstock@house.virginia.gov
Richard L. ââ,¬Å"Richââ,¬Â Anderson
Room No.: 406
DelRAnderson@house.virginia.gov
Randall J. Minchew
Room No.: 505
DelRMinchew@house.virginia.gov
Mark L Dudenhefer
Room No.: 408
DelMDudenhefer@house.virginia.gov
Jeion Antonia Ward
Room No.: 209
DelJWard@house.virginia.gov
Betsy Carr
Room No.: 414
Delegate.Carr@betsycarr.org
I have also attached a list of every member of the full House Transportation Committee.
With regard to HB 97, it is considered reckless driving for two motorcyclists to ride next to each other in Virginia . In 48 other states it is completely legal. Despite the fact that there is no data to show that two motorcyclists riding abreast are more likely to be in an accident, and further given the fact that Virginia recently passed legislation to allow on-duty law enforcement officers to do so, it still remains a jail-able offense for the general motorcycling community in Virginia . Currently two gentlemen with perfect records and a CDL license face a reckless driving conviction because they left a red light together and separated shortly thereafter.
With regard to HB 187, there is simply no justification for singling out motorcyclists to be stopped at checkpoints. It is discriminatory and serves no purpose. During this past years Rolling Thunder, the Arlington County Police Department set up a motorcycle only checkpoint. They stopped 523 motorcycles and managed to write 11 citations. If passed, HB 187 will put an end to the discriminatory practice of targeting motorcyclists with checkpoints which have to date yielded very little for those that have conducted them and had no impact on highway safety.
As always if anyone has any questions or comments concerning anything that I have written, please feel free to contact me.
I did my bit with Ken Plum, wrote him a nice email, quoted my creds of 40+years of riding, Ex-MSF Instructor etc... I asked him to support both bills. I must admit I did not see the need for this bill at first but then having found out it is reckless and as I told Ken, so there I am at a stoplight or stuck in traffic on the Beltway or Toll Road with one of my riding buddies and we are putting along at 5 MPH and some LEO with an agenda or having a bad day decides to cite me, well that just does not seem right. So I'll let you know if he has anything to say but hopefully he'll support both bils. Having said that and done my duty FWIW, personally I don't want any of your riding next to me at speed, obstacles in the road, deer, dumb drivers - all can create a situation where I need to exercise evasive action and I don't need you as another obstacle I have to worry about, your welcome to ride with me anytime just don't ride next to me in my lane at speed, especially the Victory KP it takes up most of the lane anyway. :) - Gene
Bravo to you, Gene!
Below is the last update I had. Wouldn't want those Harley guys to do ALL the work on this! I'm not highly encouraged though since ducatiz got such a poor response to his class action suit objections. Only took me an hour to find a notary. ;)
Anyway, others here should mail their local rep ASAP if not sooner!
__________________________________________________________________
First let me start by apologizing for my writing and/or spelling but I am exhausted. Next let me thank all who showed up and packed the committee room today. Session ran long but our folks hung in and when it came time for our bill to be heard the room was packed with dedicated motorcyclists. I am convinced that our presence, coupled with the numerous emails, is what helped us secure a vote of 15-6 to move HB97 on to the floor of the House of Delegates. So take a minute to pat yourselves on the back and then roll up your sleeves. It is time to get back to work. Below are the email addresses of every member of the House of Delegates. Letââ,¬â,,¢s flood their email boxes with emails in support of HB97. If our calculations are correct it will come up for a vote on Thursday so it is important that we voice our opinion now. Thank you again for all who took their time to come and sit through committee. It truly made a difference. Thank you also to those who could not make it but took the time to send emails and convinced your neighbors and friends to do the same. Letââ,¬â,,¢s give this another push and get it through the House and on to the Senate.
On another note. HB 187 (Motorcycle Only Checkpoints) is being heard in subcommittee tommorow morining at 7:00 a.m. Jim, Tom and I will be there to speak on the bill and will report the results. As promised the addresses of the full house are listed below:
DelDAlbo@house.virginia.gov
DelKAlexander@house.virginia.gov
DelRAnderson@house.virginia.gov
DelMBaCote@house.virginia.gov
DelDBell@house.virginia.gov
DelRBell@house.virginia.gov
DelRBrink@house.virginia.gov
DelDBulova@house.virginia.gov
DelKByron@house.virginia.gov
DelBCarr@house.virginia.gov
DelBCline@house.virginia.gov
DelMCole@house.virginia.gov
DelBComstock@house.virginia.gov
DelJCosgrove@house.virginia.gov
DelJCox@house.virginia.gov
DelKCox@house.virginia.gov
DelACrockett-Stark@house.virginia.gov
DelRDance@house.virginia.gov
DelMDudenhefer@House.virginia.gov
DelJEdmunds@house.virginia.gov
DelDEnglin@house.virginia.gov
DelMFariss@house.virginia.gov
DelPFarrell@house.virginia.gov
DelEFiller-Corn@house.virginia.gov
DelSGarrett@house.virginia.gov
DelTGilbert@house.virginia.gov
DelTGreason@house.virginia.gov
DelGHabeeb@house.virginia.gov
DelCHead@house.virginia.gov
DelGHelsel@house.virginia.gov
DelCHerring@house.virginia.gov
DelKHodges@house.virginia.gov
DelPHope@house.virginia.gov
DelAHowell@house.virginia.gov
Delwhowell@house.virginia.gov
DelTHugo@house.virginia.gov
DelSIaquinto@house.virginia.gov
DelRIngram@house.virginia.gov
DelMJames@house.virginia.gov
DelJJohnson@house.virginia.gov
DelCJones@house.virginia.gov
DelMKeam@house.virginia.gov
DelTKilgore@house.virginia.gov
DelBKnight@house.virginia.gov
DelKKory@house.virginia.gov
DelSLandes@house.virginia.gov
DelJLeMunyon@house.virginia.gov
DelLLewis@house.virginia.gov
DelSLingamfelter@house.virginia.gov
DelALopez@House.virginia.gov
DelMLoupassi@house.virginia.gov
DelDMarshall@house.virginia.gov
DelBMarshall@house.virginia.gov
DelJMassie@house.virginia.gov
DelJMay@house.virginia.gov
DelJMcClellan@house.virginia.gov
DelDMcQuinn@house.virginia.gov
DelDMerricks@house.virginia.gov
DelJMiller@house.virginia.gov
DelRMinchew@house.virginia.gov
DelJMorefield@house.virginia.gov
DelRMorris@house.virginia.gov
DelJMorrissey@house.virginia.gov
DelJOBannon@house.virginia.gov
delioquinn@house.virginia.gov
DelBOrrock@house.virginia.gov
DelCPeace@house.virginia.gov
DelKPlum@house.virginia.gov
DelBPogge@house.virginia.gov
DelCPoindexter@house.virginia.gov
DelBPurkey@house.virginia.gov
DelLPutney@house.virginia.gov
DelDRamadan@house.virginia.gov
DelMRansone@house.virginia.gov
DelRRobinson@house.virginia.gov
DelNRush@house.virginia.gov
DelTRust@house.virginia.gov
DelEScott@house.virginia.gov
DelJScott@house.virginia.gov
DelBSherwood@house.virginia.gov
DelMSickles@house.virginia.gov
DelLSpruill@house.virginia.gov
DelCStolle@house.virginia.gov
DelSSurovell@house.virginia.gov
DelBTata@house.virginia.gov
DelLTorian@house.virginia.gov
DelDToscano@house.virginia.gov
DelRTyler@house.virginia.gov
DelRVillanueva@house.virginia.gov
DelJWard@house.virginia.gov
DelOWare@house.virginia.gov
DelLWare@house.virginia.gov
DelMWatson@house.virginia.gov
DelVWatts@house.virginia.gov
DelMWebert@house.virginia.gov
DelTWilt@house.virginia.gov
DelTWright@house.virginia.gov
DelDYancey@house.virginia.gov
DelJYost@House.virginia.gov
Today's update, and BTW, you bunch in Arlington may need to do something about that creep.
Use the e-mail addresses above for contacts.
________________________________________________________________________________
"HB187 (Prohibition Against Motorcycle Only Checkpoints) reported out of the House Transportation Committee to the full House by a vote of 20-1. The only dissent was Delegate Robert H. Brink (DelRBrink@house.virginia.gov ) who represents parts of Arlington and Fairfax . Even though the State Police testified that they do not take a position on this bill because such checkpoints would violate their policy, would be unfair and very well may be illegal, Delegate Brink still voted against this bill. That means that instead of going to the house in a block with other uncontested bills, HB187 will go on the regular calendar.
That being said it still enjoys strong support in the House of Delegates and we believe it will pass and move on to the Senate. However let's not take anything for granted. I have included the email addresses of all members of the House in case you have not yet voiced your support for this piece of legislation.
I have received requests from several legislative aids that you include your name and address on any emails that you send. It helps them in breaking down emails from constituents which they must do. Otherwise they have to go check your name against the voter rolls in their districts.
HB97 (Two Abreast) will be on its second reading tomorrow. This is where the bill will be debated on the House floor. If you would like to watch the debate you can go to the following link: http://legis.virginia.gov/ (http://legis.virginia.gov/) To the right of the screen you will see quick links. Click on “House Session Live Video†to watch the session live. Session starts at noon. We will report the vote when we receive it."
Latest news, 1/27/12.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
HB97 (Two Abreast) passed by voice vote and was engrossed. The third reading will be Monday. It is expected to pass and move on to the Senate. HB187 (Motorcycle Only Checkpoints) will have its second reading on Monday and has strong support in the House of Delegates. The support both bills have enjoyed is due to each and everyone of you who have worked for both of these important pieces of legislation. We will continue to report on each and as they move onto the Senate and are assigned a committee we will pass on that information as well.
Quote from: Curmudgeon on January 27, 2012, 06:51:07 PM
Latest news, 1/27/12.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
HB97 (Two Abreast) passed by voice vote and was engrossed. The third reading will be Monday. It is expected to pass and move on to the Senate. HB187 (Motorcycle Only Checkpoints) will have its second reading on Monday and has strong support in the House of Delegates. The support both bills have enjoyed is due to each and everyone of you who have worked for both of these important pieces of legislation. We will continue to report on each and as they move onto the Senate and are assigned a committee we will pass on that information as well.
Thanks for making us aware of this, and for keeping us informed on how we can all participate.
Quote from: ManaloEA on January 29, 2012, 11:05:05 AM
Thanks for making us aware of this, and for keeping us informed on how we can all participate.
Hope you're not the only one! ;)
A riding pal of mine forwards the updates. Before he did, I had
no idea two bikes couldn't even sit at the light or stop sign in VA and ride off together!!! That's a
serious crime until this stuff passes. How that got on the books in the first place is beyond me...
Fingers crossed...
Update - 01/30/2012
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
HB97 - Two Abreast - Passed the House by a vote of 80 - 19. Great job Virginia motorcyclists. We now move on to the Senate. You can see a breakdown of how each member voted on HB97 at the link below:
http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?121+vot+HV0297+HB0097 (http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?121+vot+HV0297+HB0097)
HB97 will almost certainly be referred to the Senate Transportation Committee but there is a slight chance that it could go to Courts. No referral has been made at the time of this posting. When it is finally referred I will publish the names and email addresses of the appropriate committee members.
HB187 - Prohibiting Motorcycle Only Checkpoints - Passed its second reading by voice vote and moves on to it's third reading tomorrow.
HB 187 passed! ]http://capwiz.com/amacycle/issues/alert/?alertid=60167501&queueid=[capwiz:queue_id] (http://capwiz.com/amacycle/issues/alert/?alertid=60167501&queueid=%5Bcapwiz:queue_id)But we definitely have a problem up here in No. Va both Brink and my delegate Plum voted against it and they also voted against two abreast. I have sent an email to Plum I'd love to see him flooded with emails asking why he voted against his email is kenplum@aol.com - Gene
Gene, the battle isn't over. Still has to get through the other house. Update below.
Since your area is populated with overpaid DC employees and limousine liberals who ride the train, hope you have more luck with your senator! Should VA give back your region to DC? Then it would have no vote? ;)
Thanks for your help!
____________________________________________________________________________________
HB187 - Prohibiting Motorcycle Only Checkpoints - Passed the House by a vote of 85-10. We now move on to the Senate with this one as well. This is another testament to the hard work of motorcyclists throughout Virginia. You can see a breakdown of how each member voted on HB187 at the link below:
http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?121+vot+HV0320+HB0187 (http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?121+vot+HV0320+HB0187)
Once this bill has been referred to a committee in the Senate we will pass that information along.
HB97 - Two Abreast â€" has been referred to the Senate Transportation Committee. I will be providing the email addresses of each of the committee members in the near future. For the time being I would ask that we hold off on emails until we know whether this bill will be heard before or after crossover (the date after which each legislative body may only consider legislation from the other legislative body). This year that date is February 15. Timing is important and we don't want to hit them too early.
I want to thank everyone once again. I know we are only half way through the battle on each of these important pieces of legislation but the support that we have been able to gather to date has been impressive. That being said we are ONLY HALF WAY THROUGH. Until the governor signs each bill we are not finished. That can't happen until we can get both of these bills through the Senate. Get ready for round two.
Quote from: Curmudgeon on February 01, 2012, 08:11:51 AM
Since your area is populated with overpaid DC employees and limousine liberals who ride the train, hope you have more luck with your senator! Should VA give back your region to DC? Then it would have no vote? ;)
Let's keep the political name-calling BS to a minimum please. While this thread is political in nature, it's a call to action and so worthy of this forum. I think cliche, insulting comments like this are best left to wing-nut forums (whether your nuts swing left or right). I know many people who work in and around DC and most, if not all, aren't what you would call overpaid, and many of them (and who knows, possibly one or two members of this site) would be considered liberal and I don't think any of them find targeted police stops constitutional, nor give a rats ass whether motorcyclists ride 1, 2 or 5 abreast. So please, lets not be painting with such a large (or hateful) brush and get back to discussing bikes.
Rant off.
Quote from: tocino on February 01, 2012, 12:55:14 PM
Let's keep the political name-calling BS to a minimum please. While this thread is political in nature, it's a call to action and so worthy of this forum. I think cliche, insulting comments like this are best left to wing-nut forums (whether your nuts swing left or right). I know many people who work in and around DC and most, if not all, aren't what you would call overpaid, and many of them (and who knows, possibly one or two members of this site) would be considered liberal and I don't think any of them find targeted police stops constitutional, nor give a rats ass whether motorcyclists ride 1, 2 or 5 abreast. So please, lets not be painting with such a large (or hateful) brush and get back to discussing bikes.
Rant off.
DAAAAAAMMMN...who are you and what are you doing logged onto Steve's computer?...LOL
Quote from: zooom on February 01, 2012, 01:02:30 PM
DAAAAAAMMMN...who are you and what are you doing logged onto Steve's computer?...LOL
Alright - maybe I had too much coffee, but still - I have a thin skin when it comes to comments like this. I mean, how many mcy lists have you abandoned becaue of politcal stuff. People here are super cool, so I wouldn't want to see CAM / DMF descend into silliness.
Anyways - back on topic: good to see the motorcycle-targeted stops are being challenged!
Updates - 2/0712
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
We still have no word on the Committee meeting tomorrow. Jim, Tom and I will be in Richmond today so I should be able to accurately report later this afternoon. In the meantime we need help with Senator Carrico. He sits on the Senate Transportation Committee and is a former Virginia State Trooper. I would ask that you email him at district40@senate.virginia.gov to urge him to be consistent. Here is what I mean.
According to this mornin's Richmond Times Dispatch, he sponsored SB 323 which repeals Virginia's restriction on buying 1 gun per month. Yesterday on the Senate floor he argued that the law would bring Virginia in line with most other states noting that only Maryland, California and New Jersey have similar laws. Let's ask him to be consistent. HB 97 (Two Abreast) would bring Virginia in line with most other states. Point out that only Virginia and Vermont prohibit two motorcycles from riding abreast in the same lane. If the Senator is consistent he will vote for HB 97. Let's remind him of his own words. It may give him a reason to vote for the bill.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
It has just been confirmed by Senator Newman that HB 97 will be heard tomorrow. It is on the Senate Transportation Docket to be heard by the Committee a ½ hour after session. Session begins at 12p, therefore, to be safe, if you are able to attend, please be at the General Assembly at 1p. A good showing is very important so please come and bring a friend!
UPDATE - 2/10/12 Interesting group of people at the hearing.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Quote:
"Before I report what happened to our two bills which were heard in the Senate Transportation Committee today, let me describe what the committee room looked like. It looked like the hospitality suite at a motorcyclists convention. Motorcyclists from all over the state filled the room. We had members of the U.S. Military Vets MC, Red Knights, Blue Knights, CMA, ABATE of Virginia, HOG, GWRRA and many others. (Please forgive me if I overlooked anyone). The bottom line is that the committee room was filled with motorcyclists who had taken time from work to be in Richmond in support of these bills. Their support was crucial to our success yesterday. In fact, Senator McWaters made it clear that, with regard to HB 97, he changed his vote in favor of the bill due to his conversations with members of the U.S. Military Vets MC prior to committee. Thanks guys for your help.
Let's start with HB 187, our bill to prohibit motorcycle only checkpoints in Virginia. We passed out of committee unanimously. That means that we will go the Senate floor in a block with other bills that have passed committee on a unanimous vote. There should be no debate on these bills and they should pass easily. It is a fast track to the Governor's desk for a signature. It looks like one discriminatory practice in Virginia is about to meet its end. This would not have happened without the help of motorcyclists across this state. Congratulations to all.
As for HB 97 (Two Abreast) we came out (with your help and with an amendment) by a vote of 9-4. Here is what happened. We went into committee with a very close vote count. Jim, Tom and I had spent the week meeting with committee members. As usual the senators and/or staff members mentioned the emails that they were receiving. An important vote on the committee was Senator Carrico who is a former Virginia State Trooper. His vote was important due to his close relationship to the State Police. The strategy of the State police was to get Carrico's vote and have him be the voice of opposition on the committee in hopes of turning some votes. We turned to Wes Hurst, the founder of the Virginia Bikers Association in South West Virginia. Wes dropped everything he was doing and quickly mobilized motorcyclists in Senator Carrico's district. At last count Senator Carrico's office received over 200 emails from his own constituents in support of HB 97. That was on top of the ones that the rest of us sent. Without Wes and his people's efforts the vote yesterday could have been different. Thank you Wes and everyone who made their feelings known.
That being said, there was an amendment. It was offered at the last minute. The amendment made it clear that the only two wheeled motorcycles would be exempted from the prohibition against riding two abreast. The prohibition would remain in effect for trikes. This was out of a concern that three wheeled motorcycles were wider and therefore left less space to maneuver in case of an emergency situation when riding abreast. While we were not happy with the amendment, upon conferring with several motorcycle groups in attendance it was agreed that we would not oppose the amendment. If need be we would seek to address it in future sessions. After the amendment, on which we actually had no voice anyway, the bill was passed by a vote of 9-4. It came out of committee largely intact. I personally do not feel the amendment does much as the only motorcyclists that we have ever had to help with this issue are two wheeled bikes. You can see how each senator voted below. A yea vote is a vote in favor of the bill.
YEAS--Newman, Puckett, Wagner, Deeds, McDougle, Smith, Marsden, McWaters, Carrico--9.
NAYS--Marsh, Watkins, Blevins, Favola--4.
ABSTENTIONS--Miller, Y.B., Colgan--2.
We are now on to the full Senate. This truly is the final push. It is time to get those emails flowing one more time. Below is a list of the full Senate. As always remember to put your address especially if you are a constituent. Remember that emails to each individual Senator work much better than a mass email to all. I would not mention HB 187. Concentrate on HB 97. HB 187 is on a fast track and the only thing emails will do now is alert someone who may have a problem with it. It is time to step aside and let that one roll. When addressing HB 97 it would be helpful to tell them that it has passed the Senate Transportation Committee and will soon be heard on the Senate Floor so that they do not assume that you are writing about a bill that is still in the House. Lastly I would suggest that if you email the committee members who voted for the bill I would simply thank them for their vote and continued support of this important issue. As for all others we need to make our pitch. Thank you again to all who have taken their time to make Virginia a better place for motorcyclists.
Senator Barker - district39@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Black - district13@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Blevins - district13@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Carrico â€" district40@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Colgan â€" district29@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Deeds â€" district25@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Ebbin â€" district30@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Edwards â€" district21@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Favola â€" district31@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Garrett â€" district22@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Hanger â€" district24@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Herring â€" district33@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Howell â€" district33@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Locke â€" district02@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Lucas â€" district18@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Marsden â€" district37@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Marsh â€" district16@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Martin â€" district11@senate.virginia.gov
Senator McDougle â€" district04@senate.virginia.gov
Senator McEachin â€" district09@senate.virginia.gov
Senator McWaters â€" district08@senate.virginia.gov
Senator John Miller â€" district01@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Yvonne Miller â€" district05@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Newman â€" district23@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Norment â€" district03@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Northam â€" district06@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Obenshain â€" district26@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Petersen â€" district34@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Puckett â€" district38@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Puller â€" district36@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Reeves â€" district17@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Ruff â€" district15@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Saslaw â€" district35@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Smith â€" district19@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Stanley â€" district20@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Stosch â€" district12@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Stuart â€" district28@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Vogel â€" district27@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Wagner â€" district07@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Watkins â€" district10@senate.virginia.gov "
Here's a link in case anyone is not sure which district they are in.
https://www.voterinfo.sbe.virginia.gov/PublicSite/Public/FT2/PublicLookup.aspx?Link=Registration (https://www.voterinfo.sbe.virginia.gov/PublicSite/Public/FT2/PublicLookup.aspx?Link=Registration)
Update - 02/13/12 - Almost Done!
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Quote:
"Thank you to everyone who helped both HB 187 and HB 97 pass the General Assembly. HB 187 came out of the Senate on a unanimous vote. Once the Governor signs the bill it becomes law on July 1, 2012. That means that practice of holding motorcycle only checkpoints in Virginia is finished.
HB 97 (Two Abreast, which was amended to Two Abreast for Two Wheeled Motorcycles) came out of the Senate on a 38-2 vote. It will have to go back to the House to be conformed since there was an amendment. Since the patron sees this as a friendly amendment that will not be an issue. The bill will then go to the Governor's desk and will become law on July 1, 2012.
For the second year in a row we (and I mean we as the collective motorcycling community) have changed the law in a significant way for the betterment of motorcycling. Each of you has my sincerest thanks. I am proud to be a part of this amazing community."
Latest Update - 3/01/2012
Quote:
"It is official. The governor has signed both HB 187 (Prohibiting Motorcycle Only Checkpoints) and HB 97 (Allowing Two Two-Wheeled Motorcycles to Ride Abreast in the Same Lane). Both bills go into effect on July 1, 2012.
Once again I offer my sincerest thanks to all who worked so hard this session to push both of these bills through the legislative process. Virginia is a better place for motorcyclists because of you.
Shortly I will be sending out an email concerning one of next year's initiatives."
Great now let's get Premium set aside as an Ethanol free blend. - Gene
Quote from: twolanefun on March 01, 2012, 10:02:10 AM
Great now let's get Premium set aside as an Ethanol free blend. - Gene
Sure, I'm in for that! Right now I have a long drive for pure gas 93. ;) Is this Federal or State though? What do you think VA legislators can do? Maybe ask these guys if they want to put in on the agenda and whether a state statute can do anything about it. http://motorcyclelawgroup.com/statutes.aspx (http://motorcyclelawgroup.com/statutes.aspx)
Otherwise I imagine you'd have to address the bogus ethanol issue with your Congressman and Senator. I've already talked to mine, Eric Cantor, over the E-15 nonsense from the AMA thread and he's on board. What about yours? I doubt our current Senators are likely to do much.
Based on my research VA can set aside Premium as an ethanol free blend. The ethanol gets added at the distribution point not at the refinery BTW. The response I got from the two up here was less than responsive, we need to go to the Govenor with this one as well as those of you who have deleagtes that will pick up the banner, Brinks and Plum are not going to go for this. Howell did not want to expend the energy on this. - Gene
Thanks, Gene,
I'll pass on your comments and see whether they're interested in taking this up. Harleys run on Premium, right? ;)
At least I know that I won't be arrested after 7/1 if I pull alongside my son at a stop light to ask where we're going to lunch. 8)
My rep from Powhatan/Goochland voted for both of these bills I'm pleased to say. Didn't want to lift the Sunday hunting ban going back to the days of British rule however.