July 2016
A publication supporting the rights, safety and freedom of all motorcyclists through education and legislation
VOLUME XXV, ISSUE I
AMSAC and the
Nonprofit Org US Postage Paid Permit #1662 Phoenix, AZ
Motorcycle Safety Fund
turned over to the Highway User Fund. We can expect a new bill to be introduced in the 2017 legislative session to reinstate the MSF and AMSAC.
By Johnny D ALMA MC ACMC Designated Lobbyist ABATE State PAC Officer
abateofaz.org
ABATE of AZ. 7509 N. 12th St, #200 Phoenix, AZ 85020
Hello again friends,
As of this writing there is news on the Arizona Motorcycle Safety Advisory Council (AMSAC) and the remaining funds in the Motorcycle Safety Fund (MSF). There was a meeting of AMSAC on 6/15/2016. There were a number of interested parties in attendance. The decision was made to use the remaining funds for motorcycle rider course scholarships. This is good news as I had spoken with Mick Degn near the end of May and he had been advised by ADOT and an attorney that the money would be
In 2014 there were 127 motorcycle fatalities, down from 147 the year before. In 2015, the final number was 121. While this is still 121 too many, it is a sign of improvement. I still do not have the final number of registered motorcycles in Arizona as of this writing, but at last count it was over 192,000. There is a trend becoming evident. As a percentage, fatalities are dramatically dropping, in real numbers as well. Anti-lock brake systems being stock on newer bikes probably has an effect on this downward trend, but those training courses must be a factor as well. Since January of 2014, Arizona Motorcycle Safety Awareness Foundation (AMSAF) in conjunction with the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety have given out 1,500 course scholarships. I believe that those training courses must be a factor in the trend as well. It would be expensive to research the true causes but we can feel good that we are making a difference. I am told that new scholarships will be rolled out in July. Go to the AMSAF website for
information.
A statistic I was told, that I have not verified yet, is that 40% of new motorcycles sold have been bought by women. I personally know many women who have their own bikes. There are also many women involved in the motorcycle rights organizations nationwide, as you already know. This male dominated segment of society is becoming more inclusive. I see it being dragged into the twenty-first century. I know that I have learned so much from the women I have been dealing with over the last years. I want to thank them for their friendship and guidance. There are too many to name here but you all know who you are.
More news from Waco, an appeals court has lifted the gag order and information is beginning to be disseminated. On a side note, the coach at Baylor has been suspended indefinitely pending termination. Ken Starr, of Clinton impeachment fame, was fired as well. It seems that they looked the other way while some players were allowed to play despite accusations
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