PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- By a 285-to-140 vote, U.S. House members on March 25 approved a bill that closes more than 2 million acres of public land nationwide to off-highway motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles and all other motorized vehicles, the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) reports.
Following congressional maneuvering that breathed new life into the measure after it was defeated just a couple weeks earlier, the lawmakers approved H.R. 146, known as the Revolutionary War and War of 1812 Battlefield Acquisition Grant Program. This bill was formerly known as S. 22, the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009.
Congress' first attempt to pass this measure, S. 22, was defeated two weeks ago in the House. However, following that defeat, the Senate leadership brought H.R. 146 to the floor, inserted the language from S. 22, and passed the bill on March 19 by a vote of 77 to 20.
It then went to the House for the March 25 vote.
"The measure unreasonably bans motorized recreation on 2.1 million acres of public lands by inappropriately designating it as Wilderness," said AMA Vice President for Government Relations Ed Moreland. "This is a sad day not only for responsible motorized recreation but also for a democratic process that is supposed to welcome public input and the opportunity for congressional review.
"For example, House members never debated more than 70 of the bills included in this package before the vote," he said.
The measure, which now goes to President Obama to be signed into law, consists of a daunting collection of more than 160 pieces of legislation and more than 1,300 pages of text.
Under the bill, areas where motorized vehicles won't be allowed include parts of the Monogahela National Forest in West Virginia; Jefferson National Forest in Virginia; Mount Hood, Badlands, Spring Basin and Copper Salmon areas in Oregon; Sabinoso in New Mexico; Riverside County in California; and Washington County in Utah.
U.S. Rep. Rob Bishop (R-Utah) noted in a House floor speech on Feb. 9 that "there are recreation restrictions in this bill.
"These (the AMA and other responsible recreation) groups' members include millions of off-highway enthusiasts, vacationing families, and small businesses involved in the system. And what they have pleaded with us to do is, quoting from the letter that many groups signed, 'It is our sincere hope that this Congress will develop a thoughtful approach to managing our public lands more than simply eliminating public access and creating additional layers of bureaucracy. Continued reasonable access to public lands is vitally important for current and future generations.'
"So why the rush on this particular bill?" Bishop asked. "And who are the losers, other than Americans who enjoy recreating on public land?"
Moreland warned that these kinds of threats aren't going to end.
"This land grab is just the latest effort by the federal government to restrict recreational access to America's public lands," he said. "AMA members responded to our calls to action and helped us shape the debate of this legislation.
"Our voice must grow stronger if we are to head off these and other threats in the future, and I encourage all motorcyclists to sign up for AMA's legislative alerts," he said.
Through the AMA Government Relations Department's Action E-list, riders can be notified by e-mail when they can make a difference on important issues. To sign up, go to the AMA website at www.AmericanMotorcyclist.com, click on "Rights," then "Issues & Legislation," and then "Action E-list."
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Malcolm Smith Protest on Youth Ban
A recent press release from Resource Marketing announced Malcolm Smith was taking action against the kids bike ban under the CPSIA, and that he will lead a protest at Malcolm Smith Motorsports on Thursday, March 19.
The release stated: "Our hero and friend Malcolm Smith is mad as hell and he's not taking it any longer so he's committed to staging a protest against the latest CPSCI Act which restricts the sale of motorcycle and ATVs to kids."
But to call it a protest would be an understatement. There will be a bit more than picket signs and chanting... Come Thursday, Malcolm is going to disregard the ban and start selling youth OHVs. Jeremy McGrath, Jeff Ward and Troy Lee have already announced they plan to take part in the protest and purchase youth bikes from Malcolm Smith Motorsports on Thursday.
Right now, it's anyone's guess as to what the repercussions of this bold move will be, but one thing is for sure: Malcolm is not willing to spend another day not reacting to the CPSIA and the devastation it has had on the front lines of our industry - our dealers, who have investetd their lives into the sale of OHVs.
Following are the details of the protest event. Stay tuned to Cycle News for more info on the coming protest and futher developments on the kids bike ban under the CPSIA.
Protest Event Fact Sheet
Who: Malcolm Smith
What: Kids Love 2 Ride Protest
When: Thursday, March 19, 2009, 6:00am PST
Where: Malcolm Smith Motorsports
7599 Indiana Avenue, Riverside, CA 92504
http://www.malcolmsmith.com
Why: In defiance of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 which prohibits the sale of youth motorcycles and ATVs deemed unhealthy for children under 12 due to suspected high-levels of lead content, motorcycle dealer Malcolm Smith will sell these banned vehicles as a sign of protest. As a sign of support, a group of small business people and high-profile motorcycle industry celebrities, including racers Jeff Ward and Jeremy McGrath, Glen Helen Raceway owner Bud Feldkamp, and motorsport design guru Troy Lee have all agreed to be on hand to purchase banned units for use by their own children and grandchildren.
The release stated: "Our hero and friend Malcolm Smith is mad as hell and he's not taking it any longer so he's committed to staging a protest against the latest CPSCI Act which restricts the sale of motorcycle and ATVs to kids."
But to call it a protest would be an understatement. There will be a bit more than picket signs and chanting... Come Thursday, Malcolm is going to disregard the ban and start selling youth OHVs. Jeremy McGrath, Jeff Ward and Troy Lee have already announced they plan to take part in the protest and purchase youth bikes from Malcolm Smith Motorsports on Thursday.
Right now, it's anyone's guess as to what the repercussions of this bold move will be, but one thing is for sure: Malcolm is not willing to spend another day not reacting to the CPSIA and the devastation it has had on the front lines of our industry - our dealers, who have investetd their lives into the sale of OHVs.
Following are the details of the protest event. Stay tuned to Cycle News for more info on the coming protest and futher developments on the kids bike ban under the CPSIA.
Protest Event Fact Sheet
Who: Malcolm Smith
What: Kids Love 2 Ride Protest
When: Thursday, March 19, 2009, 6:00am PST
Where: Malcolm Smith Motorsports
7599 Indiana Avenue, Riverside, CA 92504
http://www.malcolmsmith.com
Why: In defiance of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 which prohibits the sale of youth motorcycles and ATVs deemed unhealthy for children under 12 due to suspected high-levels of lead content, motorcycle dealer Malcolm Smith will sell these banned vehicles as a sign of protest. As a sign of support, a group of small business people and high-profile motorcycle industry celebrities, including racers Jeff Ward and Jeremy McGrath, Glen Helen Raceway owner Bud Feldkamp, and motorsport design guru Troy Lee have all agreed to be on hand to purchase banned units for use by their own children and grandchildren.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
House Bill 3914 Shot Down in Committee: 17 to 3
Someone wins - and someone loses. We won one today. And big.
On a personal note. I hope State Rep. Flowers is miserable today. She needs to focus on her own neighborhood problems, in your own community. Don't worry yourself, Rep. Flowers, us off-road motorcycle riding families can do just fine without your misguided bill.
To the 17 members who had the courage to let the kids ride, we off-roaders owe you a huge Thank you! The parents thank you. The kids thank you.
Today you kept Illinois bikers free to ride their bikes on their own property. It was the right vote.
Dear Patrick,Not only did it not pass, 17 of 20 members said NO. I'm glad we caught this early. It's easy for these bills to gain steam without notice. Over 50 bills were seen today. I counted only 5 that got shelved. HB 3914 was one of them. This was a victory against a bad bill, plain and simple.
Thank you for writing to me regarding your concerns on HB 3914. The bill was on the House floor today and has lost its motion to pass. For now it remains in the elementary & secondary education committee, where the committee will decide on the future of the bill. If you would like to track the progress of the bill, you can do so by visiting the Illinois General Assembly website, www.ilga.gov, and take advantage of the resources provided there.
Please do not hesitate to contact me in the future with any concerns or questions you may have.
Sincerely,
Senator Mike Frerichs
On a personal note. I hope State Rep. Flowers is miserable today. She needs to focus on her own neighborhood problems, in your own community. Don't worry yourself, Rep. Flowers, us off-road motorcycle riding families can do just fine without your misguided bill.
To the 17 members who had the courage to let the kids ride, we off-roaders owe you a huge Thank you! The parents thank you. The kids thank you.
Today you kept Illinois bikers free to ride their bikes on their own property. It was the right vote.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Mandatory motorcycle helmet legislation continues in Illinois
Illinois motorcycle enthusiasts came one step closer to a mandatory helmet law as a senate committee voted on legislation known as Senate Bill 1351. But the legislation making helmets mandatory for motorcycle riders has a long and bumpy ride ahead of it, not least of which comes from riders who filled the Capitol hearing room cheering loudly during testimony to oppose the plan.
Similar bills have been brought to the state legislature over the years, but either never made it through committee or received enough votes on the house floor. However, this introduction of such legislation has the support of the State Senate's President, Sen. John Cullerton, D-Chicago.
The bill moved to the next stage of approval with a large Democrat vote, some of which say they may not vote for it on a full Senate vote. Source/Read more.
Similar bills have been brought to the state legislature over the years, but either never made it through committee or received enough votes on the house floor. However, this introduction of such legislation has the support of the State Senate's President, Sen. John Cullerton, D-Chicago.
The bill moved to the next stage of approval with a large Democrat vote, some of which say they may not vote for it on a full Senate vote. Source/Read more.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Worry about Your Own Back Yard, Representative Flowers
Representative Mary Flowers, of the 31st District of the great state of Illinois, has big problems in her own back yard. And it's not kids under 16 riding off-road motorcycles and atv's.
Off Road Motorcycle or ATV deaths = 0.
Source.
• Homicide: First degree murderMurders in the 31st district = 12.
• Place: Sidewalk. Reported at 12:42 a.m. on November 1, 2008.
• 3000 block W. Mann Dr
• Homicide: First degree murder
• Place: Park property. Reported at 8:35 a.m. on October 9, 2008.
• 7800 block S. Winchester Ave
• Homicide: First degree murder
• Place: Street. Reported at 9:48 p.m. on September 27, 2008.
• 7200 block S. Sacramento Ave
• Homicide: First degree murder
• Place: Other. Reported at 1:42 a.m. on June 14, 2008.
• 3300 block W. 79th St
• Homicide: First degree murder
• Place: Other. Reported at 7:50 p.m. on June 11, 2008.
• 3700 block W. Pippin St
• Homicide: First degree murder
• Place: Street. Reported at 12:44 a.m. on March 1, 2008.
• 7800 block S. Wolcott Ave
• Homicide: First degree murder
• Place: Residence. Reported at 9 p.m. on February 8, 2008.
• 7800 block S. Seeley Ave
• Homicide: First degree murder
• Place: Sidewalk. Reported at 3:33 a.m. on September 30, 2007.
• 7000 block S. Fairfield Ave
• Homicide: First degree murder
• Place: Vehicle (non-commercial). Reported at 10 p.m. on September 14, 2007.
• 2600 block W. 71St St
• Homicide: First degree murder
• Place: Sidewalk. Reported at 12:45 p.m. on August 9, 2007.
• 7100 block S. Rockwell St
• Homicide: First degree murder
• Place: Apartment. Reported at 3:30 p.m. on August 4, 2007.
• 7200 block S. Maplewood Ave
• Homicide: First degree murder
• Place: Residence. Reported at 3:34 p.m. on August 3, 2007.
Off Road Motorcycle or ATV deaths = 0.
Source.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Letter from the National Champ
March 3, 2009
Chairperson : Barbara Flynn Currie
Republican Spokesperson : William B. Black
Member: Lou Lang
Member: Timothy L. Schmitz
Member: Arthur L. Turner
Dear members of the 96th General Assembly Rules Committee:
I'd like to introduce myself. My name is Patrick Smage. I'm 18 years old. I'd like to share with you my feelings about banning motorcycles and ATV to youths under 16 years old, for riding off the highways and roads in Illinois. I have had some of my fondest memories riding my dirt-bike when I was a kid. If I didn't have the opportunity to ride as a youth, I would not be anywhere near where I am today.
I remember back when I was 11 years old, riding the American Motorcyclist Association Youth National Championships in Tennessee. I finished second by the closest of margins. I was disappointed. But later that night, I ran into Ryan Young, the importer of the bike I rode, and still do. He told me to stop by his pits the next day. He had something for me. I remember the feeling I got after he told me to keep practicing everyday after school and you'll win. That gave me the drive to practice and train real hard. Everyday. The next year I won the AMA Youth Championship.
The AMA Youth program and riding when I was under 16 has not only made me a better rider, but a better person. I have traveled and competed around the world for the United States banner, in the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) World Championship.
Without learning to ride properly under 16, this would never have been possible for me to achieve.
Since then, the youth motorcycle program had developed thousands and thousands of kids like me. Not all are champions. But we have something to do to keep us off the streets and out of trouble. Riding our dirt-bikes off the road. Not all of us kids play tennis, football, basketball, soccer and baseball.
Without having dirt-bikes to ride as a young kid, there is no way I would have been able to become National Champion. Or have anywhere near the life experiences that's enriched my mind and soul. I owe it all to the AMA Youth Racing program and riding my off-highway motorcycle, as you call it. To deny the kids under 16 years old the chance to dream a dream and possibly become a national champion like I have earned, is denying a kid a chance to succeed in life.
Please vote no on llinois House bill 3914 with any wording to ban youth under 16 from riding off -highway motorcycles or ATV's.
Respectfully,
Patrick Smage - 18 years old
American Motorcyclist Association Member since 2000
2003 AMA Youth National Champion at 12 years old.
2004 AMA Expert/Sportsman Champion at 14 years old.
2007 AMA Pro Class Champion at 17 years old.
2007 AMA Sports Athlete of the Year.
2008 AMA Pro Class Champion at 18 years old.
Chairperson : Barbara Flynn Currie
Republican Spokesperson : William B. Black
Member: Lou Lang
Member: Timothy L. Schmitz
Member: Arthur L. Turner
Dear members of the 96th General Assembly Rules Committee:
I'd like to introduce myself. My name is Patrick Smage. I'm 18 years old. I'd like to share with you my feelings about banning motorcycles and ATV to youths under 16 years old, for riding off the highways and roads in Illinois. I have had some of my fondest memories riding my dirt-bike when I was a kid. If I didn't have the opportunity to ride as a youth, I would not be anywhere near where I am today.
I remember back when I was 11 years old, riding the American Motorcyclist Association Youth National Championships in Tennessee. I finished second by the closest of margins. I was disappointed. But later that night, I ran into Ryan Young, the importer of the bike I rode, and still do. He told me to stop by his pits the next day. He had something for me. I remember the feeling I got after he told me to keep practicing everyday after school and you'll win. That gave me the drive to practice and train real hard. Everyday. The next year I won the AMA Youth Championship.
The AMA Youth program and riding when I was under 16 has not only made me a better rider, but a better person. I have traveled and competed around the world for the United States banner, in the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) World Championship.
Without learning to ride properly under 16, this would never have been possible for me to achieve.
Since then, the youth motorcycle program had developed thousands and thousands of kids like me. Not all are champions. But we have something to do to keep us off the streets and out of trouble. Riding our dirt-bikes off the road. Not all of us kids play tennis, football, basketball, soccer and baseball.
Without having dirt-bikes to ride as a young kid, there is no way I would have been able to become National Champion. Or have anywhere near the life experiences that's enriched my mind and soul. I owe it all to the AMA Youth Racing program and riding my off-highway motorcycle, as you call it. To deny the kids under 16 years old the chance to dream a dream and possibly become a national champion like I have earned, is denying a kid a chance to succeed in life.
Please vote no on llinois House bill 3914 with any wording to ban youth under 16 from riding off -highway motorcycles or ATV's.
Respectfully,
Patrick Smage - 18 years old
American Motorcyclist Association Member since 2000
2003 AMA Youth National Champion at 12 years old.
2004 AMA Expert/Sportsman Champion at 14 years old.
2007 AMA Pro Class Champion at 17 years old.
2007 AMA Sports Athlete of the Year.
2008 AMA Pro Class Champion at 18 years old.
Flowers Bill Would Prohibit Youth Riding
Illinois House bill 3914, introduced by Rep. Mary Flowers (D-Chicago), would make it illegal for anyone under the age of 16 to operate and all-terrain vehicle or off-highway motorcycle.
The proposed legislation would also make it illegal to transport a passenger on an ATV or OHM regardless of whether the vehicle is configured for a passenger. The bill would also require ATV and OHM riders to have valid driver's licenses and wear helmets.
This legislation was referred to the rules committee on February 26th.
The proposed legislation would also make it illegal to transport a passenger on an ATV or OHM regardless of whether the vehicle is configured for a passenger. The bill would also require ATV and OHM riders to have valid driver's licenses and wear helmets.
This legislation was referred to the rules committee on February 26th.
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