VA Lobby Day

[Curmudgeon]

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

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. 

[bikepilot]

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    

[Curmudgeon]

 

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!

[Scotzman]

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.

[The Mad King Pepe']

What other states permit lane-splitting besides CA though?

ALL OF THEM! (*)


(*) Just don't get caught by the popo 

[ManaloEA]

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

[twolanefun]

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

[Curmudgeon]

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. 

[bikepilot]

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). 

[Curmudgeon]

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

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?

[Curmudgeon]

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.

[twolanefun]

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

[Curmudgeon]

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

[Curmudgeon]

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/  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."

[Curmudgeon]

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.