A publication supporting the rights, safety and freedom of all motorcyclists through education and legislation
September 2016
VOLUME XXV, ISSUE 3
Nonprofit Org US Postage Paid Permit #1662 Phoenix, AZ
amrpac - what is it? -
support the interests of motorcycle riders in Arizona. We really need your help. You have to know who your representatives are on the local municipal level all the way through Washington. We will do our best to make sure your voice is heard, but please give us feedback if you have heard or read of any representative or candidate that is pro or anti motorcyclist. We are working on getting an election guide together for you as well based on the questionnaire sent to the candidates. These questions were formulated from the issues YOU thought were important.
Mike Infanzon ABATE of AZ Designated Lobbyist A PAC’d house
Less than a month on the job as your Designated Lobbyist and already busy. Johnny D has been trying his best to bring me up to speed on so much. The learning curve for this job is a slight one but I really am appreciative to Johnny in helping out so much.
abateofaz.org
ABATE of AZ. 7509 N. 12th St, #200 Phoenix, AZ 85020
Let me bring you up to speed on a few things we have going on…
Arizona Motorcycle Riders Political Action Committee
As of this writing, we are in the process of forming a PAC. AZMRPAC purpose is to support candidates and elected officials who
I want to encourage you all to not wait for the Motorcycle Day at the Dome (MDATD) in 2017 to meet your legislators. That is a day to invite them to lunch on the lawn. I received an email from Bobbi Hartmann, designated lobbyist for MMA of AZ with some information about MDATD. “This event is sponsored by ABATE of AZ, MMA of AZ, the Arizona Confederation of Clubs (ACMC) and the MMAA. The date is Wednesday February 15th from 10:00 am – 2 pm on the Capitol House lawn 1700 W Washington, Phoenix, AZ. Please mark your calendars. Everyone welcome.”
Even though the legislature is not in session, there is a lot of work going on behind the scenes. Meeting with candidates, incumbents and others to set the ground work to get things accomplished this year. I wanted to share with you a few tips to help
your designated lobbyists.
What is lobbying? The act of attempting to influence business and government leaders to create legislation or conduct an activity that will help a particular organization
Lobbying Tips 1. Telephoning a legislator is a legitimate and common form of lobbying, especially when the session is active and the legislation you support or oppose is pending. At these times the legislator can be called directly at his/her capitol or district office. 2. Personally meet with a legislator to communicate your position. Most legislators have office hours in their home districts. Do not be overly concerned if you end up meeting or speaking with staff rather than the legislator. In many cases, this is equally or even more effective. Be sure to treat staff with the same degree of respect you would afford the legislator. 3. We should remember that the legislator may neither have read the bill nor have an understanding of it. So your main job is to educate him/her about its impact. 4. It is best to visit with legislators in a small group, three constituents is optimum (at most), and to keep the visit as brief as possible. One person should lead off as the prearranged spokesperson. I can help you with that. Going alone is often unsatisfactory because is it easier for a legislator to out-talk the constituent or for the two to reach and impasse. The small group should create the
continued page 3
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MASTERLINK SEPTEMBER 2016
ABATE OF ARIZONA LOCAL CHAPTERS
A.B.A.T.E. BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS FOR 2015 - 2016
Chairman..............................Sean Pinder
East Valley………………….Jack Batty High Country........................Forrest “Woody” Phillips Phx / Shadow Mountain…...Clyde Brooks Southern AZ.........................Sean Pinder Yavapai……………………..Deborah Butitta Yuma....……………………..Rick Breadwell Quarterly Board meetings are held on the first Sunday in January, April, July and October at 1:00pm @ the AZ American-Italian Club, 7509 N. 12th St, Phoenix. Please make sure your Chapter has representation.
A.B.A.T.E. State Officers For 2016
Phoenix-Shadow Mountain Chapter
P.O. Box 54041 Phoenix, AZ 85078-4041 Coordinator...........................Mike Schneider Vice Coordinator....................Jim Page Secretary................................Tara Rudometkin Treasurer................................Laura "Sunny" Sleemon Membership...........................Ben Martinez Run Coordinator....................Jeremy Kellim Safety Coordinator.................Trauma Mama Sgt. At Arms..........................Scott Gibbons P.A.C......................................John ‘Johnny D’ Dreyfus Communications....................Nichole Kirkpatric Merchandise...........................Judy "Hooody" Brus
Phoenix/Shadow Mountain meetings are held on the 2nd Sunday of each month at 10:30am at the AZ American Italian Club, 7509 N. 12th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85020. FMI: Chapter Coordinator Mike Schneider, 602-549-1044, mike@squarepegpromos.com
www.abateofaz.org and www.toobrokeforsturgis.com
Mailing address 7509 N. 12th St, #200, Phoenix, AZ 85020. State Officers meetings are held the 1st Sunday of every month, 10:30 am at the AZ American Italian Club, 7509 N. 12th Street Phoenix, AZ.- OR in conjunction with the quarterly BOD meeting.
Southern Arizona Chapter
East Valley Chapter
6888 N De Chelly Loop Tucson, AZ 85741 Coordinator............................Jim Butsback Vice Coordinator....................Darron Huntington Secretary................................Becky Garino Treasurer................................Dawn Detelj Membership...........................Bob Stewart Run Coordinator....................Bob Welton Safety Coordinator.................Robert Templeton Sgt. At Arms.........................Ruben Soto P.A.C......................................Annisa Huntington Communications....................Vacant Merchandise...........................Sean Pinder
c/o Jim Silk, 5722 E. Garnet Circle, Mesa, AZ 85206 Coordinator............................Jim Silk Vice Coordinator..................Joe Ferrucci Secretary................................Dawn Steed Treasurer................................Deb Ferrucci Membership...........................Mike Shearhart Run Coordinator....................Jack Batty Safety Coordinator................Nolan Steed Sgt. At Arms..........................Richard Dalton P.A.C......................................Tami Keim Communications....................Vacant Merchandise........................... Donna Batty
Would you like to receive The Masterlink digitally? It is posted monthly on the ABATE website www.abateofaz.org. Opt out of the receiving the The Masterlink? Please contact the ABATE Office if you would like to no longer receive a hard copy of The Masterlink. 480-256-9237 or keim.larry@gmail.com
Yavapai Chapter
1590 Swenson Street Prescott AZ 86305 Coordinator............................ Clyde Brooks Vice Coordinator....................OPEN Secretary................................ Suni Sommers Treasurer................................ Terri Lucontro Membership........................... OPEN Run Coordinator......................OPEN Safety Coordinator..................OPEN Sgt. At Arms...........................OPEN P.A.C...................................... OPEN Communications.................... OPEN Merchandise........................... OPEN
Yavapai Chapter has been reactivated! They will begin meeting in June. Meetings are 2nd Wednesday of the month @ 6:00 PM. The meeting location is at Addictions Bar & Grill, 1590 Swenson Street Prescott 86305. The next meeting is on June 8th. FMI: ycabateaz@gmail.com
Yuma Chapter
11316 S. Glenwood Ave. Yuma, AZ 85367 Coordinator............................ David "Pastor D" Litts Vice Coordinator....................Gilbert Hernandez Secretary................................ Mikkie Melanson Treasurer................................ Virginia Nielsen Membership........................... Garrett "Buster" Gould Run Coordinator.....................Jerry Allison Safety Coordinator..................Ray “PeeWee” Grier Sgt. At Arms...........................Frank White P.A.C...................................... Gilbert Hernandez Communications.................... David "Pastor D" Litts Merchandise........................... Lisala White
Yuma Chapter meets the second Tuesday evening monthly at 6:00 PM at the pm. The next meeting will be held at the Kountry Kitchen Café located at 11242 S Foothills Blvd, Yuma, AZ. 85365. For additional information contact Frank White (Hound) at 209-327-0814.
EDITOR’S NOTE:
The Southern Arizona Chapter will meet the third Saturday. We will gather at the Kettle Restaurant, 748 W Starr Pass Tucson. Breakfast will be available at 7:30 a.m. with the meeting beginning at 9 a.m. FMI contact Jim Butsback by phone at 520247-3051 or email abateofazsac@yahoo.com
If any of the Officers are listed here incorrectly, please send corrections to: TheMasterlink@abateofaz.org I will be sure everything is accurate for the next Issue and on the web site.
Arizona MRF Representative Wanted
Through the Motorcycle Riders Foundation State Representative Program, local motorcyclists are kept up to date on the MRF's legislative and training agendas. The MRF State Rep program allows information to pass quickly to the State Motorcyclists' Rights Organizations, as well as allowing information to reach the MRF concerning individual states. The men and women involved in the MRF's State Rep Program are dedicated
209A E. Juniper St. Payson AZ 85541 Coordinator............................Wayne Slocum Vice Coordinator...................Billy Hensler Secretary................................Dee Schultz Treasurer...............................Forrest “Woody” Phillips Membership...........................CC Rider Run Coordinator....................Mark Fickel 2nd Run Coordinator....................CC Rider l Safety Coordinator.................John Lacey Sgt. At Arms.........................Justin Wilson 2nd Sgt. At Arms.........................Mike Basner P.A.C.....................................Woody Phillips Communications...................Snake Merchandise..........................Beth Lacey
High Country Chapter meetings are held on the 3rd Sunday at 10 a.m. at The Moose Lodge in Star Valley. Contact: azoutlaw66@hotmail.com
President………..............……Jim Butsback Vice President.....……………Brad Cosby Secretary……………………Dawn Steed Treasurer…………………….Jim Silk Membership…………………Ben Martinez Run/Events………………….Vacant Safety Coordinator………….Teresa "Trauma Mama" McClelland Sergeant-at-Arms……………Vic Grady P.A.C………………………...John "Johnny D" Dreyfus Communications…………….Judy "Hooody" Brus Designated Lobbyist...............Vacant ABATE Products……………Vacant MasterLink Editor................ Eric”Spanky” Hampton TheMasterlink@abateofaz.org Office phone: 480-256-9237
EAST VALLEY CHAPTER meetings are held the 4th Sunday of the month at 11:00 a.m. at Fraternal Order of Eagles (F.O.E.) 1712 W. Broadway Road, Mesa AZ 85202 FMI contact Jim Silk FYI 602 312 1927
High Country Chapter
volunteers from the membership ranks who are willing to give their time and energy to build, maintain and enhance the relationship between the MRF and all motorcyclists within their states. They must work closely with the State Motorcyclists' Rights Organizations, attending their meetings and events, keeping the SMROs abreast of national issues, international issues, and issues affecting motorcylists in other states. MRF State Reps promote the MRF by all
possible means, such as making presentations to SMROs and other groups. Writing articles for newspapers and newsletters, membership recruiting, and speaking to individual motorcyclists are other examples of promoting the MRF.
To become an MRF State Representative, candidates must submit two things to the Director of State Representative Program: (1) An MRF State Representative application, obtained from the Director of State Representative Program. (2) A written
Meeting Minutes
A.B.A.T.E. of Arizona, Inc. Board of Directors and State meeting minutes will no longer be printed and taking up space in THE MASTERLINK. They are available to view 24/7 on-line at www.abateo-
faz.org under the “Communications” tab. Thank you! MK
Mission Statement
We will lobby and educate the government and the general public to promote motorcycling in a safe and positive image.
We will endeavor to enlist the cooperation and participation of all organizations and individuals who share
a similar interest in preserving our American tradition of
FREEDOM.
endorsement from your State Motorcylists' Rights Organization. If your state has more than one SMRO, an endorsement must be obtained from all SMROs in your state.
For additional information regarding the MRF's State Representative Program, please contact Dave Condon, Director of State Representative Program. Dave036@aol.com
How to Reach Us
480-256-9237 For Advertising Rates Email Eric at themasterlink@abateofaz.org Or Mail Your Ads to: MasterLink, ABATE of Arizona 7509 N. 12th St, #200 Phoenix, AZ, 85020 MasterLink Advertising Rates:
Size Monthly Quarterly Yearly Business Card Size (3-1/2”w x 2”h): $20.00 $60.00 $200.00 1/8 Page (5-1/8”w x 4”h) $50.00 $150.00 $500.00 1/4 Page (5-1/2”w x 8”h) $70.00 $210.00 $700.00 1/2 Page (10-1/4”w x 8”h) $100.00 $300.00 $1,000.00 Full Page (10-1/4”w x 16”h) $200.00 $600.00 $2,000.00 Full Color Back Page (10-1/4”w x 16”h) $400.00 $950.00 $3,300.00
MASTERLINK SEPTEMBER 2016
President’s Report
ommendation from our State PAC officer Johnny D, the Board has approved us going forward with setting up an Arizona P.A.C. as a separate entity which will allow us to contribute financially to candidates who support motorcycle friendly legislation. As of now we can only contribute to those running for national offices. This will really help us support those who work with us. Look for special fund raising for this cause in the future.
By Jim Butsback
Hello to all my fellow Freedom Fighters! As you read this we are into the month of September. Hopefully the monsoon season is winding down by now. As I sit and write this it is still the middle of August and the heat and humidity seems to be worse than most years. I know down here in Tucson we have had several bad storms and many flash floods. I look forward to it drying out and the temps to be a little friendlier for daytime riding.
ABATE of Arizona has also been approached by the folks at BikerDevil.com. We are entering into an arrangement with them which should work out to be beneficial to both parties. They produce a line of T-shirts that have color graphics and promote the motorcycle lifestyle through a series of “Reasons to Ride” somewhat politically incorrect slogans. Shirts are available through their website and are available in both black and grey. ABATE of Arizona will receive a $5.00 donation from the sale of anyone ordering a shirt that uses the coupon code “ABATE”. BikerDevil.com will also help us promote membership. They are only offering this arrangement to SMROs. They wish to support the Motorcycle Rights Movement and only work with SMROs in this way. Please look for their ad in this issue of the Masterlink and check out their web page.
byist have been actively talking to those running for office. We have been working with the MRF PAC to secure financial support for a few folks who are motorcyclists and support our causes. We had Ray Strauss who is running for Congress in district 4 come to speak at the August Phoenix/Shadow Mountain meeting. We were able to secure for him a donation from the MRF PAC and I was privileged to be able to present him with the check at that time. Ray is a long time rider and a member of the MRF and ABATE of Arizona. If you live in District 4 please support Ray as he is running against an incumbent who is not at all supportive of anything motorcycle related. Woody has been very active working on a candidate survey, and the results should be available in next month’s Masterlink. If they are available before the primary on August 30th we will try and send them out via the ABATE forum so you all can make informed decisions on the candidates and their views as they affect motorcyclists.
We have a couple of exciting things that are coming together for ABATE of Arizona. First thing that is that on a rec-
Because this is an election year our PAC Officer Johnny D and Mike our new lob-
Once again I would like to remind everyone that “Motorcycle Day at the Dome” will be held on February 15th! So mark your calendars and get time off work and promote it to every motorcyclist you know! IT IS IMPORTANT that we get as large a turn out as possible! We will share much more information as it become available.
impression that it is representing many more people. 5. On a call or in a visit: A. Attempt to relate to the legislator in a personal way so that the legislator will have a frame of reference when the bill is called for a vote. For example, if there is a social, political or business ties, or a shared community activity in the home district, it may serve as identification when your point of view is considered.
B. Let the legislator know if you are working with others on this issue, if you are active in the community or if you are representing members of your organization (ABATE, AMA, Hog, etc). Mention any other group or individual from the district who supports your stand on the issue. C. Briefly state your position on the bill and a succinct rationale. Ask for your legislator’s position on the bill.
6. A concise, one-page fact sheet is a MUST. Leave it with the legislator as a reminder of the issues and also of the visit . . . it should include your name, phone and address for follow-up correspondence. I will help you with this as well. 7. After the visit, send a gracious Thank You note. By now you are closer to your legislator than 99% of his/her constituents . . . and your thank you WILL be
Megan Ekstrom Vice-President, Government Affairs & Public Relations Motorcycle Riders Foundation
This morning I was alerted that the National Conference of State Legislators (NCSL) has published concerning information and research regarding helmet laws and appears to be pushing for states to consider pursuing these laws in the 2017-2018 legislative sessions.
As everyone knows, this is an election year, and a big one at that. So ABATE of AZ decided we should take the pulse of the candidates who are running for office in Arizona. With help from Silver Mouse Productions Inc., (the mother ship for MotorcycleSafari.com) we sent out 233 Candidate Questionnaires to everyone in the state who is running for a congressional or statewide office. The questionnaire included a cover page drafted by our own John Dreyfus (State PAC Officer) that was published on the front page of the May edition of the Masterlink. The idea is to make sure all candidates, including incumbents, know who we are and what we are about. The
AMRPAC - What is It?
Another Federal Helmet Law Push? For background, the NCSL acts almost like an Association of state lawmakers. They hold regular events and conferences connecting lawmakers from different states offering them a forum and support to discuss different legislative objectives. I am quite familiar with the NCSL as I worked with them in my previous position. They are a powerful entity.
http://www.ncsl.org/research/transportation/assessment-of-fiscal-notes-connectedto-motorcycle-helmet-legislation.aspx
Recently, the NCSL published independent research on their website regarding motorcycle helmet laws – see below:
Currently, the NCSL is holding their biggest annual conference in Chicago. It is troubling that this research is published so close to the conference and could signify that this is an area that will be of focus. Often times the conference serves as the forum to plant seeds for states to consider pursuing different legislative
surveys are all due back by September 1st so that we will have time to collect the results and get them into the October edition of the Masterlink. So watch this space for important information that you can use to help decide your vote. Remember, an educated voter is our democracy’s best citizen.
Our volunteers fight discriminatory legislation aimed at the motorcycling community. We promote rider education and motorcycle awareness for all automobile drivers. We enjoy tremendous support from the Arizona motorcycle community and are ready to work with you to make sure motorcycling remains free and safe.
Dear Candidate,
1- Any federal or state legislation that would require police training regarding motorcycle rider profiling, respecting the rights of motorcyclists, and reducing law enforcement surveillance of motorcy-
Watch this Space!
The following is the lette2016 CANDIDATE QUESTIONAIRE
ABATE of Arizona is a non-profit motorcycle rights organization that is dedicated to the freedom of the road for all riders.
The Arizona motorcycle riding community is united in support of the following:
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I would also encourage everyone to promote membership in ABATE of Arizona to everyone you know who rides or supports riders throughout this great state of ours. Talk to those who you do business with about becoming a business member. Do not limit yourselves to just motorcycle related businesses. Riders are everywhere and come from all walks of life. Our strength is in numbers. When we approach our legislators and local politicians, our views carry more weight if our numbers are greater. Individual membership in ABATE cost less than 50 cents a week. It is a small price to pay to protect your rights and support “Freedom of the Road”. Several of us will be attending the “Meeting of the Minds” conference being put on by the Motorcycle Riders Foundation in Oklahoma City September 22nd through the 25th. I look forward to learning a lot that we can bring it back to Arizona and make our organization stronger and serve our members better. I encourage everyone to attend one of these conferences if you can. The amount of information and the interaction with motorcyclist from around the country is amazing. Until next month! Ride Free!! Jim
remembered.
TOGETHER we can make a difference in Arizona for ALL motorcyclists.
Drop me an email or call if you need anything from me. Mike Infanzon ABATE of AZ Designated Lobbyist
projects. It appears a push for a strong universal helmet law is one of these projects.
I have a personal contact that is currently attending the conference in Chicago. I have reached out to him and he is going to attend any briefings on this issue as well as connect with the author of the post and probe her motivations. I will report back what I find.
clists.
2- Any federal or state legislation that would allow motorcycle riders to filter through lanes of traffic during times of road congestion for the safety of the riders and to reduce traffic congestion.
3- Any federal, state, or local requirement that driving instruction include awareness of motorcycles that share the road with other motor vehicles.
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Chapter Reports
PAGE 4
East Valley Chapter
Hey, Hey, Hey I’M BACK! I can’t say thank you enough to Mary K for filling in for me while I was grounded to “resting” for post op recovery. As you all know it pays to come to the meetings besides getting to see everyone. Tom Felton could have been $242 richer from the Dollar jar. Jack won $13 from the 50/50.
Things are still a little quiet for the chapter with the heat. Summer is the best time for planning our cooler weather adventures. Like the Hard Ass Run.
Our East Valley adventure after the monthly meeting was to break in Jim Silk’s new house with a Pool party, BBQ, potluck. Ya know there must be food involved after all my understanding or atleast what I heard is that we are known as the Food Chapter. It was an absolute blast. We had people from all over. Jim manned the grill with some tasty brats. The potluck of sides and desserts were amazing. I had to ask for some recipes. We had some pretty good cannonballs going on the water was flying out of the pool. Mary K, Jim, Nolan, Teresa, Ben, and JR were some of our brave cannonball experts.
East Valley Chapter has officially taken off the glove and cheek slap challenged Phoenix Shadow Mountain Chapter to a Bowling Duel after our monthly chapter meeting on August 28th.
We have Motorcycles on Main starting back up on September 2nd. We look forward to showing off our fancy new ABATE pop and sharing a booth with MMA. Make sure to come on down and visit us.
SAFETY FIRST! AMSAF is getting ready to start up the scholarships again. It is a great way to learn and get your endorsement or even to brush up your skills. I’m not sure how well known it is that ABATE has a Rider Advantage Program. Sign up 10 members and ABATE will also put you thru class. Just some info to make ya go HMMMMM. I have heard from many people newbies; (myself included), and seasoned riders who learned a lot from the classes.
Teresa “Trauma Mama” McClelland held an Accident Scene Management class which was sponsored by Breyer Law on Sunday Aug 14. Thank You, Thank You to Breyer Law and Teresa along her sidekicks Ben and Scott for a class that I believe should be taken by everyone. I got to spend the day with Nolan, Bruce, Betsy, Mary K, and Smiley. I recognized many of the other faces in the room too.
If you find yourself needing a new Chapter or red Support Our Troops shirts WE got um.
As you all know Jim can always use volunteers for the Motorcycle Awareness Program. It will be in October. It is so much fun to see the looks on the kids’ faces when they walk into class. I know Nolan and I are available for 1 of the days and Harry spoke up as available. It really helps to run smoothly if you can have 2 people besides Jim and for 1 of them to be able to ride the bike for the parking lot demo.
Jack has given his notice that he will be allowing someone else the opportunity to be East Valley Chapters Board of Directors representative. Start thinking people of who you want to represent us.
Don’t worry soon it will cool down and we will all be running around crazy busy with all the activities that remind us why we sweat on thru the summers. Until next month, be safe out there.
Enjoy the ride and as always keep it rubber side down. Here’s to Wind Knots in my Hair
Dawn P Steed East Valley Chapter & State Secretary
High Country Chapter
Hello Brothers and Sisters.
Up here in the High Country, Monsoon Season is in high gear. So make sure you've packed your rain gear. I myself have been caught several times this year, in a full blown monsoon storm, complete with hail the size of quarters. All I can say is being pelted in the face with quarters hurts like hail. A face mask may help a little, but shelter is the place to go. an overpass is a good choice, however there are not any up here. I don't really recommend a tree due to lightning, but if that's all you have, what are the chances it's gonna be that tree. It's like the lottery right? Just be safe out there, try to stay dry, and enjoy the ride.
Last month H.C.C. was honored to have our Board of Directors attend our meeting. We really enjoyed having them here, and being able to put some faces with the names. It was great talking with them. Following our meeting they held the Board of Directors meeting. We would like to have them back any time they would like, our door is always open.
A while back a few of us went for a ride. After avoiding a few elk, we changed direction and ended up in Heber Az. We attended the Annual Biker Bash Weekend Rally, put on by Packages From Home, benefiting our Armed Forces and our soldiers abroad. This was being held at the Cabin bar, in Heber-Overgaurd, a very nice venue for an event like this. I had a chance to speak with Kathleen Lewis, the founder of Packages From Home. She stated that her son being over seas was her inspiration for starting and building this organization.
H.C.C.'s next event is Sat. Oct. 15th at the Spur Bar in Star Valley. Make your best chili and enter to win $100+ @ our 11th Annual Chili Cook-off last years winner went home with $200 and a real cool trophy. Not to mention bragging rights. So come, enter, taste, and eat. Hans Olsen will be the entertainment, and there will be plenty of raffles. Our meetings are held on the 3rd Sun. of every month 10am at the Moose Lodge 852 in Star Valley Az. Prior to our meeting Breakfast at Spur bar 8:30. All are welcome to attend. Keep wind in your face, sun on your back, fuel in the tank, and rubber on the road. Wayne Slocum Coordinator, H.C.C. ABATE
Phoenix/Shadow Mountain Chapter
The Phoenix/Shadow Mountain Chapter met on Sunday, July 10th at the AAIC. Scott, our Sgt at Arms, opened the meeting with a recital of the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a moment of silence. Our Coordinator Mike led the meeting, and among other things the following was discussed.
Ben, our Membership officer, reports individual memberships are holding strong and we spoke of the importance of supporting our business members and promoting business memberships.
Next our Safety Coordinator, Trauma Mama, reminded us to be aware of the dangers that surround us. Not only while riding our motorcycles, but to be aware of our surrounding all the time. Keep your eyes and ears open! Also, she informed us of a couple accident management classes she will be instructing and what discounts are available to ABATE members. Johnny D with PAC confirmed event dates for Opening Day at the Legislature (January 9, 2017) and Motorcycle Day at the Dome (February 15, 2017). More information will follow as the dates get closer. Please plan to attend these important events. Then Clyde, our BOD, invited the members to attend the Board of Directors meeting, which was hosted by the High
MASTERLINK SEPTEMBER 2016
Country Chapter on July 17th. Six members from Phoenix/Shadow Mountain Chapter attended the meeting, including Michael Infanzon who was appointed by the Board of Directors to be the new Designated Lobbyist for ABATE of Arizona. Congratulations Michael!
Our Run Coordinator, Jeremy, gave us the rundown of upcoming rides and other events. These will be posted to our Chapter's Facebook Group and soon will be included with bulletins and announcements to be distributed by email. We also discussed our annual MOON MULLINS RUN which is on Saturday, October 15th. Registration will start at 4:30pm at Desert Rose Steakhouse (6729 N. 57th Drive, Glendale, AZ) and KSU at 6:00pm. Single rider is $10, rider plus passenger is $15. The full route is a little less than 100 miles along the highways, byways and backroads of the cool Arizona desert. Bring some friends and join us for a great moonlight ride! See flyer in this issue of the Masterlink for details. Do you know what a pineapple-stitch is? You would if you were at our meeting. While having a discussion about the successful raffle of Vic's custom guitar at TBFS, and admiring an afghan crocheted by Dorothy, Mike encouraged members to contribute their handiwork for raffles and prizes. If this is something you're interested in doing, please speak with one of our coordinators and let them know what ideas you have. I was fortunate to attend the "Too Broke For Sturgis 2016 Debriefing" meeting that was held on July 13th. As a newer ABATE member that hasn't attended the event and wasn't on the prior committee, my take away from the debriefing was that I had missed out on a great opportunity to be more involved in the organization and to work with some really great people. There are plenty of ways for everyone to contribute to the success of this event. I encourage members to reach out to J.R. or your Chapter's Coordinator to learn how you can volunteer or participate in the committee for TBFS 2017.
Meetings for the Phoenix/Shadow Mountain Chapter are held on the 2nd Sunday of each month. We invite you to join us at our next meeting on September 11th at the Arizona American Italian Club (AAIC) - 7509 North 12th Street, in Phoenix. Breakfast is available for $5 at 10:00am and the meeting starts at 10:30am. Robb “Double B” Felder Communications - Phoenix/Shadow Mnt. Chapter
Southern Arizona Chapter
The July meeting was held on the 16th at the Kettle Restaurant. The meeting was called to order with the Pledge of Allegiance, and a prayer for all those in harms was and our fallen brothers.
The minutes of last month’s meeting were approved as written, and the Treasurer’s report was accepted. Our attendance was a little on the low side this month as usually happens in the middle of July. I know lots of folks with kids take their vacations in July because most of the schools here in southern Arizona are back in session by early August. We also have a lot of folks who just get out of town during the warm months.
Our annual raffle will be coming to a close by the time everyone reads this. We will pull the winners at our August 20th meeting. I hope everyone has got their tickets. This fund raiser supports the Chapter and allows the Chapter to send a representative to conferences like the upcoming “Meeting of the Minds” put on by our friends at the Motorcycle Riders Foundation.
Our Chapter is planning on sending a good size group of us to the ACMC “Riot on the River” is in October. This event includes a weekend of camping. It is held up in Winkelman, AZ. This is a lot closer for us in Tucson and should be a great
time. So come out and spend some time with us while helping the ACMC raise much needed funds.
It is getting to that time when we need to look to the future of the Chapter and start thinking about officers for the upcoming year. Elections are to be held in November which will be here before you know it. If you have ever thought about becoming more involved or if you might have a little extra time to help out the Chapter please consider volunteering for one of the offices. None of the officer positions take a lot of time, and if you are not sure of what is involved please ask. We are always going to be around to help if you have questions. As always please keep promoting our Business Memberships to those you do business with. We have been doing Great on this so let’s keep up the good work.
Anyone who is not getting emails from the Chapter, please send your email address to abateofazsac@yahoo.com. There is also a group page at Yahoo Groups. All Chapter members can sign up there and receive all emails from the Chapter through the group. It is abateofazsac@yahoogroups.com. Please make sure the State Membership Officer has all your current information as well, this includes phone numbers, email addresses, address changes etc. You can email him at membershipofficer@abateofaz.org. Ride Free, Ride Safe!
Yavapai Chapter
Our August meeting was held at Additions Bar and Grill on August 10th.
We would like to announce that we'll be having a Swap Meet on October 15th, at Addictions Bar and Grill. Stay tuned for more details as they become available. We are seeking members and non-members alike to bring ideas and opinions to our monthly meetings. If you can't attend, please send us an email!
We meet at Addictions Bar and Grill on the second Wednesday of each month, at 6 pm. The address is 1590 Swenson St, Prescott. For more information, contact ycabateaz@gmail.com.
Yuma Chapter
The Yuma chapter met on August 9th at 6:00 pm at the Kountry Kitchen restaurant to conduct our monthly business meeting. The meeting was called to order, the Pledge of Allegiance was recited, guests were introduced, and normal reports were addressed.
The Yuma Chapter continued planning for our “Welcome Back Snow Bird Run” that will be held on 29 October 2016 in Yuma. Start looking for run flyers in the October MasterLink.
The Yuma ABATE chapter meets the second Tuesday of each month at 6:00 pm. The next meeting will be held on September 13th, 2016 at the Kountry Kitchen Café located at 11242 S. Foothills Blvd, Yuma, AZ. We would love to see you there. For the love of freedom,
Pastor D Coordinator & Communications Officer Yuma ABATE Chapter
MASTERLINK SEPTEMBER 2016 Compiled & Edited by Bill Bish,
National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM)
CONGRESS TO CONSIDER ANTIMOTORCYCLE PROFILING RESOLUTION
House Resolution 831 was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives on July 13, 2016 to “Promote awareness of motorcycle profiling and encourage collaboration and communication with the motorcycle community and law enforcement officials to prevent instances of profiling.”
The non-binding resolution defines motorcycle profiling as “the arbitrary practice of law enforcement using the fact that a person rides a motorcycle or wears motorcycle related apparel as a factor in deciding to stop and question, take enforcement action, arrest, or search a person or vehicle with or without legal basis under the United States Constitution,” and cites complaints surrounding motorcycle profiling in all 50 states.
The National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM) is working with other state and national motorcycle organizations to address profiling legislatively, and with Washington enacting the first anti-profiling law in 2011, followed recently by Maryland, a national motorcycle anti-profiling measure would advance the efforts
ABATE IS:
· A Motorcycle Rights Organization (MRO) · For Bikes & Riders, regardless of Race, Creed, color, sex, age, machine or gear · For all Motorcycles regardless of Fraternal or club affiliation, as well as Independents · For people interested in motorcycle safety · For People interested in rider education · For people interested in motorcycle awareness PSAs directed to non-Riders · For people interested in protecting and promoting motorcycling · A volunteer, not-for-profit grass-roots organization · For Motorcyclist who enjoy the ride $50 $8-20 $4,000 $3,000 $10 $3 $1,000 Priceless Priceless Priceless
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Masterlink, Patch, Memb card TBFS Disc Entry, RV, Cabins AD&D Benefit 60% Discount Health Child Safe Kits White Bandana Leadership Training Motorcycle Awareness Rights Rider Education
ABATE of Arizona Serves to:
in every state.
Coast to Coast
H.Res.831 specifies that the House of Representatives:(1) promotes increased public awareness on the issue of motorcycle profiling; (2) encourages collaboration and communication with the motorcycle community and law enforcement to engage in efforts to end motorcycle profiling; and (3) urges State law enforcement officials to include statements condemning motorcycle profiling in written policies and training materials.
H.Res.831, introduced by Congressmen Reid Ribble (R-WI) and Tim Walberg (RMI), has been referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary, and concerned motorcyclists are encouraged to contact their federal representatives to support the bill.
MARINE CORPS PROHIBITS “GANG COLORS OR SYMBOLS” ON CAMP PENDLETON
“Open and visible association with supremacist, extremist, or criminal gangs, to include outlaw motorcycle gangs, by individuals aboard Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton (Calif.) poses a criminal and security threat; inhibits the mission of MCB CamPen; interferes with the loyalty, morale, good order, and discipline of MCB CamPen personnel; and discredits
the reputation of the installation and the United States Marine Corps,” states MCIWEST-MCB CAMPEN ORDER 5530.2 dated 30 June 2016, and orders that “… the wearing or displaying of supremacist, extremist or criminal gang colors and symbols by any person aboard MCB CamPen is hereby prohibited.” Effective upon the date of signature, the order from Brigadier General Edward Banta, commanding general of Camp Pendleton, is pursuant to an earlier directive in which “the Secretary of Defense was directed to prescribe regulations prohibiting active participation by members of the Armed Forces in a criminal street gang.”
In compiling their “list of ‘outlaw’ motorcycle clubs/gangs whose conduct is prohibited,” among the twenty enumerated clubs named are the Legacy/Vietnam Vets, Boozefighters and Iron Order, and “Therefore, wearing identifying gang symbols or colors of clothing (to include motorcycle vests) associated with these organizations is prohibited.”
YELP CENSORS CHRISTIAN BIKERS
In a July 18th e-mail feedback from internet business review giant Yelp, the Yelp Support Team in San Francisco informed the elder of a Christian motorcycle group that his review of a coffee shop had been removed after it “was brought to our attention by the Yelp community, and we
Join A.B.A.T.E.
· Collaborate with other organizations to monitor and support funding for practices that do not discriminate against motorcycling. · Encourage political involvement of its membership. · Promote and present motorcyclists and motorcycling in a positive and safe manner. · Help prevent motorcycle crashes and promote crash survival through rider education, and · · · · · Public awareness campaigns. · Encourage ongoing federal research programs such as use of E15 fuel in motorcycles, inclusion of motorcycles in ongoing transportation emerging technologies, and improvements in safer roadway design strategies. · Promote rider skills training through ABATE’s · Rider Advantage (ARA) scholarship program and tax-deductible entity ABATE accomplishments:
· Motorcycle Lobbyist at the State Legislature · 2013 Eliminated yearly motorcycle emissions testing in Maricopa County · 2007 Remove Motorcycle Safety Fund cap · 2007 Eliminated yearly motorcycle emissions testing in Pima County · 2004 Veteran’s plates for motorcycles · 2002 Arizona Motorcycle Safety Council established · 2001 Motorcycle Safety Fund established · 1997 Handlebar height raised to shoulder · 1993 Helped prevent mandatory helmet legislation in Arizona · 1992 Opened HOV lanes to motorcycles
PAGE 5 found that it fell outside our Content Guidelines…” which were attached.
The offending post? “Removed Content: The Bikers for Christ Motorcycle Ministry is a Christian clean and sober group. We meet there (The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf) because they just serve great coffee with a great group of baristas, and a clean and neat facility and no political agenda like Starbucks. Pastor Tom BFC M/M State Elder”
REGISTERING “AUTOCYCLES” AS MOTORCYCLES IN NEW JERSEY; VETO S-1155
Despite lobbying efforts launched by ABATE of the Garden State, the New Jersey state Senate and Assembly disregarded input from motorcyclists and approved a bill that will register so-called “Autocycles” (typically a 3-wheeled vehicle with a steering wheel and cockpit) as motorcycles. As states across the country legislatively define Autocycles as a separate class of vehicle, and similar federal regulations loom, Trenton bucks the trend. “Both Houses have approved a version
continued page 6
Motorcycle Awareness Program (MAP)
ABATE of Arizona has developed a program with the mission to provide motorcycle awareness training to all drivers and soonto-be drivers on the road in Arizona. Instructors provide a one hour program to students in driver education classes throughout the state.
MAP is available to be presented to civic organizations as well as most businesses that hold safety meetings. FMI: map@abateoJOIN ABATE NOW! faz.org ABATE Of Arizona provides a unified voice for all motorcyclists in Arizona. Please Tell us What Your Top Five Add your voice to ours. Join ABATE Motorcycle Issues, Matter to You: now, for the preservation of your abili· Distracted Driving – Motorcycle, Bicycle, Pedestrian ty to ride a motorcycle with the freeare Vulnerable Roadway Users dom that's your right!! · Right of Way Violations resulting in Injury/Fatality · Insurance Discrimination and claim denial · SAFETEA-LU Safety/Highway Funds ~2010 MSF · Discriminatory Profiling by Law Enforcement · Anti-tampering Regulations – Right to Modify · State/National Mandatory Helmet/Equipment · Transportation Exclusion of Intelligent Technology (IT), New Vehicle, Highway, Taxes and Fuel regarding Motorcycle Safety and Use · Motorcycle-Only Checkpoints · Accurate Stats & Research Study regarding Motorcycle Safety & Accidents · Off Road Trail Closing and Access · Tar Snakes & Median Cable wire · Intersection Engineering – Lights to Speed Limit, Leading Left Only, Increase Yellow & All Clear Red
© 2015 ABATE Of Arizona
7509 N. 12th St, #200 Phoenix, AZ. 85020
Website: www.abateofaz.org To join our discussion group, send email to Abate-request@abateofaz.org
PAGE 6
that will register Autocycles as Motorcycles,” writes ABATE of the Garden State in an e-mail request for legislative action, further disseminated through the National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM) to NCOM Member Groups; “The only hope is to convince the Governor that this is an inappropriate action so that he vetoes the bill.”
Please address your concerns to New Jersey Governor Chris Christie at constituent.relations@nj.gov, and ask that he veto S-1155 (Regulates autocycles as motorcycles), because “Autocycles bear no resemblance to motorcycles and have more in common operationally with twoseater sports cars,” and in addition “NHTSA is currently in the process of issuing a nationwide regulation that would mandate a completely new class of vehicle called ‘Autocycle’,” so “if S1155 is enacted it will have to be repealed to comply with the new federal regulation.”
ABATE further explains; “This will cost the taxpayers of New Jersey a lot of unnecessary expenditures, and allow the misclassified Autocycles to avoid vehicle safety regulation in the interim.”
MICHIGAN CITY MAKES IT EASIER TO TICKET LOUD MOTORCYCLES
Royal Oak, Michigan is making it easier for police to ticket revving motorcycles, noisy cars and loud music. City Commissioners recently approved a new ordinance making it a civil infraction with a fine of up to $100 for vehicles to emit music, vibrations or noise that can be heard from 50 feet away or more.
The Police Chief requested the ordinance amendment under the city’s disorderly conduct code that covers disturbing the peace and noise. Previously, such violations were a criminal misdemeanor, which have a higher burden of proof for
police.
Coast to Coast (continued)
The new measure adopted July 13, 2016 makes the noise violations a civil infraction with no criminal penalties and a lesser burden of proof to make violations stand up in court. With noise tickets being handled as criminal misdemeanors and requiring proof beyond a reasonable doubt, police have had a challenge stopping violators.
“It’s above a seat belt violation but below a moving violation,” said the Chief of the civil infraction penalty, adding that the new local law will help police address public noise problems from motorcycles and other vehicles with after-market upgrades and louder mufflers.
Officers writing tickets for noise violations before the new change in the ordinance had to carry devices to measure decibel levels at the time the violations happened. Under the new measure, the City Attorney said it would be sufficient for officers to use the patrol vehicle cameras and outside microphones when issuing noise violations.
SOUTH CAROLINA LAW RESTRICTS OPERATORS WITH BEGINNER’S PERMITS
A person with a beginner’s permit in South Carolina is only allowed to operate a motorcycle solo between the hours of 6am and 6pm, and under the new traffic code changes “A permittee may not operate a motorcycle at any other time unless accompanied by a licensed motorcycle operator twenty-one years of age or older who has at least one year of driving experience.”
S689, signed into law on June 7, 2106 by South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, a staunch supporter of motorcyclists’ rights and safety, further requires that the supervising driver must “be
MASTERLINK SEPTEMBER 2016
within a safe viewing distance of the permittee when the permittee is operating a motorcycle or a three-wheeled vehicle.”
first and so far the only motorcycle equipped with an airbag from the factory, has now been recalled.
As promoted in the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles Motorcycle Operator Manual, it is recommended to motorcycle operators that they temporarily flash brake lights when stopping in order to increase visibility to other motorists. There are aftermarket products available that will automatically flash the brake lights up to five times, but such strobes have been illegal in the Delaware Code under the prohibition on flashing lights.
A total of 2,701 motorcycles are involved in this recall, spanning the 2006 through 2010 model years, and only in certain regions. Only Goldwings sold or operated in areas with high humidity or frequent temperature cycling are being recalled at this time.
FLASHING BRAKE LIGHTS NOW ALLOWED ON BIKES IN DELAWARE
House Bill No. 114, signed into law by Governor Jack Markell on June 9, 2016, amends the traffic code to now allow bikes to be equipped with this safety equipment “when included in a motorcycle, Moped, or Motorized Scooter brake light system in which the brake lamp pulses rapidly for no more than five (5) seconds when the brake is applied, and then converts to a continuous light as a normal brake lamp until the time that the brake is released.” BIKERS ARE MORE ATTRACTIVE THAN DRIVERS
The results of a new research study in England finally validate what we all know to be true: motorcycle riders are more attractive than car drivers.
The study, by U.K. insurance specialists Carole Nash, asked over 1000 adults to rate the looks of the opposite sex when dressed in normal attire and riding kit. The aim of the experiment was to try and change perceptions of motorcyclists and overturn any negative stereotypes.
In five out of six cases, members of the public dressed as motorcyclists were voted as more desirable than when dressed as drivers. It’s not just levels of attractiveness which came out in the bikers’ favor, because riders are also seen to have more positive personality traits people who own a motorcycle are viewed as adventurous by a third of the opposite sex (34%), closely followed by daring (28%) and fun (26%).
The research also revealed that “one in four blokes would pretend they owned a motorbike to impress a woman and almost a third (31%) said they’d go the whole way and learn to ride one if they knew it would impress a potential partner.” GOLDWING AIRBAG RECALL
Recall, after recall, after recall, one thing has remained constant in the Takata airbag quagmire: The disaster has been confined to the four-wheeled realm. Not any longer, as the Honda Goldwing, the
The gist of the recall is the same, two wheels or four -- Takata's airbag inflators can rupture, potentially propelling shards of metal shrapnel at the vehicle's occupants. Or in this case, the motorcycle riders.
LONDON SET TO SURCHARGE OLDER MOTORCYCLES
Another European capital city has committed to hitting riders of older motorcycles with a fee in an attempt to improve EU air quality.
Recently, Paris announced a ban on motorcycles made before 1999 from certain parts of the city during the day. Violators of the ban face a €35 (US $40) fine. The French capital has some of the worst air pollution in the world, and the thinking behind the new law is that older motorcycles will not have been built to meet Euro emissions standards and are therefore inclined to pollute disproportionately.
London, too, is desperate to reduce its pollution levels, which are consistently in violation of EU regulations. Within the first week of 2016, London exceeded its pollution limit for the entire year.
The British capital has long had a daily congestion charge -- currently set at £11.50 (US $17) -- to discourage cars from entering the heart of the city. Motorcycles and scooters have hitherto been exempt from the charge, but plans are in the works to start charging twowheeled vehicles made before 2007, when Euro 3 emissions standards were first applied to motorcycles.
London motorcyclists have known about this and were expecting to see the charge applied when London introduces its new Ultra Low Emission Zone in 2020, but it is now being reported that the charge could be implemented as soon as next year, and concerned riders have expressed anger at the possibility of a sped-up schedule. QUOTABLE QUOTE: “Posterity! You will never know how much it cost the present generation to preserve your freedom! I hope you will make good use of it! If you do not, I shall repent it in Heaven that I ever took half the pains to preserve it!” ~ John Adams - April 26, 1777
MASTERLINK SEPTEMBER 2016 A to Z Mobile Repair Services of Tucson 520-304-6078
ABATE of Arizona Business Members
Addictions Bar & Grill Prescott 978-237-9029
American Family Insurance Peoria & Glendale 623-225-7299
Big Sky Motorcycles Tucson 520-886-7388
Biker’s Mall Mesa 623-335-1000
Bob’s House of Hair Marana 520-797-6566
Bobby’s Territorial HarleyDavidson Yuma 928-782-1931
Brewer’s Truck Repair, Inc Willcox 520-384-2846
PAGE 7
Brown & Little, P.L.C., Attorneys at Law Tempe 480-299-2093
Breyer Law Offices, P.C. Phoenix 480-505-2160 Brothers, Sons and Pop Motorcycle Shop Tucson 520-370-7788 Buchanan Construction 928-978-3291
CCA Scottsdale 480-985-6764 Chuy’s Mesquite Broiler Tucson 520-722-5117 Coyote Auto Payson 928-472-1100
D & G Paint & Body Willcox 520-384-2933
El Rancho Restaurant Payson 928-474-3111
Great Lakes Properties Tucson 520 203-2323
Greater Payson Moose Lodge #852 Payson 928-474-6212 HDBitchin http://hdbitchin.com
HeadKase Motorcycles Tempe 480-557-5223 Herman’s Automatic Transmissions Tucson 520-294-8717J Joeta’s Leather Mesa 480-827-1868
La Gitana Cantina Arivaca 520-398-0810
Lucky 13 Synthetics Sahuarita 619-647-4895 Maaco Tucson 520-495-5411
Marc Victor, P.C., Attorney Chandler 480-455-5229
Monkey Butt Garage Phoenix 602-456-2453 Old Bastards MC
Pappy’s Diner Tucson 520-408-5262
Punkin Center Bar Tonto Basin 928-479-2627 Renegade Classics Tucson 520-647-9312
Sacred Bones Society M/C http://www.sacredbones.org/
Sidewinders Tavern and Grill Pine 928-476-6434 Spur Bar Star Valley 928-472-7787 Territorial Bar & Grill Tucson 520-514-9035
The Maverick Saloon Phoenix 602-943-5680
Tonto Silkscreen & Embroidery Payson 928-474-4207
ABATE of Arizona Chapter Meeting Times and Locations
East Valley Chapter EAST VALLEY CHAPTER meetings are held the 4th Sunday of the month at 11:00 a.m. at Fraternal Order of Eagles (F.O.E.) 1712 W. Broadway Road, Mesa AZ 85202 FMI contact Jim Silk FYI 602 312 1927
High Country Chapter High Country Chapter meetings are held on the 3rd Sunday at 10 a.m. at The Moose Lodge in Star Valley. Contact: chicknbone@live .com or 928-970-1134
Phoenix / Shadow Mountain Chapter Phoenix/Shadow Mountain meetings are held on the 2nd Sunday of each month at 10:30am at the AZ American Italian Club, 7509 N. 12th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85020. FMI: Chapter Coordinator Mike Schneider, 602-549-1044, mike@squarepegpromos.com
Restaurant, 748 W Starr Pass Tucson. Breakfast will be available at 7:30 a.m. with the meeting beginning at 9 a.m. FMI contact Jim Butsback by phone at 520-2473051 or email abateofazsac@yahoo.com
Yavapai Chapter Yavapai Chapter meets monthly on the second Wednesday at 6:00 p.m., at Addictions Bar and Grill, 1590 Swenson St, Prescott. FMI: email ycabateaz@gmail.com. FMI: ycabateaz@gmail.com
Yuma Chapter Yuma Chapter meets the second Tuesday evening monthly at 6:00 PM at the pm. The next meeting will be held at the Kountry Kitchen Café located at 11242 S Foothills Blvd, Yuma, AZ. 85365. For additional information contact Frank White (Hound) at 209-327-0814.
Southern Arizona Chapter The Southern Arizona Chapter will meet the third Saturday. We will gather at the Kettle ABATE of Arizona
PAGE 8
MASTERLINK SEPTEMBER 2016
MASTERLINK SEPTEMBER 2016 September 2016
9/2 {Fri} Motorcycles on Main Bike Night in Downtown Mesa from 6-10pm. Music by CTS (Consider the Source). Beer Garden, vendors, & more. Park & show your bike. Eateries open. Takes place every first Friday between September & June. Vendors call Courtney 480-890-2613 https://facebook.com/MotorcyclesOnMain
9/2-5 {Fri-Mon} MMAA 9th annual Bike Rally at the Cabin in Overgaard. Free dry camping‼ Please bring at least one [or as many as you want] unwrapped toys for your registration fee. Details TBA. FMI: Cabin 928-535-6117, https://www.facebook.com/The-CabinBar-Grill-Overgaard-AZ56295558180/home
9/10 {Sat} 4th Annual Red Iron Ride for the Children & 911 Remembrance. This poker run begins & ends at
July 22, 2016 Vision Zero & The Motorcyclist
Events Calendar
Independent Motorcycles 6403 W Chandler Blvd, Chandler, AZ 85226. There will be a live Band and Pig Roast at the end party. Come show your support and join us for a great time. Poker Run Reg Fee: $20/sgl, $30/cpl, End Event Fee: $10. ***MC Presidents will not pay a fee*** FMI: 480-785-4888, http://redironmc.com
9/10 9/11 Memorial Run hosted by American Legion & Legion Riders. Meet 10am at Old Pueblo H-D 7503 E 22nd St, Tucson, AZ 85710. Last stop American Legion Post 66, 1560 W Duval Mine Rd, Sahuarita, AZ 85614. Sponsors include Law Tigers. Raising funds for a memorial to be placed in Marana. FMI: chico-59@live.com, 520-906-1748, http://911NeverForgetUs.org
9/11 {Sun} Swap Meet at Medusa Cycles, 8831 E Main, Mesa 85207. Vendor set up 6am, open 7a-noon. Free vendor set up, free admission. Sponsored
PAGE 9 by Law Tigers. FMI: 480-330-1266, www.MedusaCycles.com
9/16-17 {Fr-Sat} Thunder Valley Rally, in Old Town Cottonwood AZ. Sponsors include Law Tigers. FMI: 928-639-3200, http://thundervalleyrallyaz.com
9/16-17 Sho Ryders MC Phoenix 8th Annual… Celebrating 8 years of reppin & riding on the edge! Join us for food, drinks & a lot of fun. Pre-party is Fri the 16th from 8p-1a, Sat the 17th BBQ is from 11a-4p, the dance is from 9p-2a. At Sho Ryders MC Phoenix clubhouse 3477 W. Roanoke Ave. Sponsors include Law Tigers. FMI: octane@shoryders.com 9/29-10/2 {Th-Sun} Las Vegas BikeFest 2016. Sponsors include Law Tigers. FMI: www.LasVegasBikeFest.com | 1866-245-3337
News from the MRF
WASHINGTON, DC– In the late nineties, Europeans saw a flurry of activity surrounding a new concept referred to as “Vision Zero,” which was intended to achieve a highway system with no (or ‘zero’) fatalities or serious injuries. While the objective behind the concept is certainly admirable, how that has manifested varies from the extreme to the sensible approach. And, with more and more U.S. cities following Europe’s lead by adopting their own versions of “Vision Zero,” the motorcycle community is paying close attention to what the practical effects of this concept could mean for them. Founded on a Simple Principal
Guided by the principal that nothing (not money, convenience, or some would argue freedom of choice) can be put before health and safety, Sweden was the first country to adopt the concept into their law. Other countries quickly followed suit including the Norway, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. While the concept of ‘zero deaths or serious injuries’ remains the objective, it can be implemented in a number of different ways. Sweden focused on reduced speed limits while the Netherlands attempted to put a greater area of separation between automobiles and pedestrians or cyclists. In addition, an emphasis on the design of roads was central to many of the countries implementing new initiatives under the Vision Zero umbrella.
Not So Simple Impact on Motorcyclists
For motorcyclists in the countries embracing Vision Zero, there were pros and cons to the governments’ execution efforts. In the ‘pro’ column, there was wide consensus that pavement conditions on roadways should be suitable so that bikers could avoid changes in friction including addressing cracks, rough spots, potholes, gravel, etc. The motorcycle community in Europe also voiced opinions over guardrail design and placement
and its impact on safety.
However, for all motorcyclists, a very prominent checkmark in the ‘minus’ column related to the sentiment expressed by Cales Tingvall, then Director of the Swedish National Road Administration. Tingvall, one of the original creators of Vision Zero, directly addressed motorcycles as they related to the success of the initiative stating that, “We must prevent the recruiting of new motorcyclists. In long-term thinking, I regret to say that motorcycles must go.” Though he later recanted, he went on to make other statements suggesting that motorcycles and Vision Zero could never find a real consensus. Understandably, sentiments like those voiced by one of the key drivers of Vision Zero resulted in serious concern about the future of motorcycling in cities and countries adopting this initiative.
Further, during the initial concept building phase for Vision Zero, motorcyclists across Europe, represented by the Federation of European Motorcyclists' Associations (FEMA) worked to ensure that motorcyclists were not restricted nor discriminated against. Alongside FEMA were representatives from the Motorcycle Riders Foundation and other motorcycle rights groups and associations including the broader International Motorcyclist Cooperation Group. The parties worked together to ensure antimotorcyclist rhetoric was minimized as well worked to defeat a recommendation to remove powered two-wheelers from some traffic patterns, as this had been suggested in previous conversations surrounding Vision Zero.
Despite the positive work done on behalf of motorcyclist rights’ groups during the initial Vision Zero planning period, many of the concerns about motorcycle discrimination remain.
Jumping the Pond
It wasn’t long before proponents of Vision Zero began pushing the initiative in the U.S. In 2014 and 2015, twelve U.S. cities announced their own adaptation of Vision Zero using Sweden as the
model.
From Los Angeles to New York City and cities in between like Austin and Ft. Lauderdale, initiatives started being announced. While some focused on pedestrian safety and others took a softer approach, other cities, like Seattle for instance, set lofty goals stating that they would achieve Vision Zero by 2030 and take whatever precautions necessary in order to attain the objective. At the time of this writing, it is unclear what, if any, role motorcyclists have in some of the new initiatives popping up in the U.S. Though draconian statements like those spoken by Cales Tingvall have not been repeated yet, some in the motorcycling community that have been following the issue are starting to express apprehension over the growing number of Vision Zero cities and what that might mean for universal helmet laws, high visibility attire and the future of motorcycling itself. ==========================
Friends & Partners of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation:
Congressional summer recess is upon us!
From today thru September 5, the U.S. Senate and House have adjourned and completed their commitments to the political conventions. They now return to their home states and districts — making now the perfect time to schedule a meeting with your elected official!
Establishing and maintaining relationships with your elected officials and their staff in your home state is an important and effective way to further our mission. Right now, we have a legislative measure pending and we need to shore up additional co-sponsors. As you know, in July, House Resolution 831 was introduced before Congress by Reps. Ribble (Wisc.) and Walberg (Mich.). Now is the
continued page 13
Motorcycle Riders Foundation Awareness & Education (MRFA&E) was established to promote motorcycle awareness and education due to an everincreasing rider population. No one is more concerned with rider safety than riders themselves, and obviously those best suited to educate newer riders are veteran riders.
Promote awareness and education in the motorcycle community to improve rider’s safety. Please donate, we are a 501C3 Corporation. Your donation is tax deductible. To donate go to our web site listed at the bottom.
Motorcycle Riders Foundation Awareness & Education (MRFA&E) 1325 G Street NW, Suite 500 Washington, D.C. 20005 (202) 546-0983
PAGE 10 try and get it back!
By Woody Phillips
Policing for Profit
At this point I hope you think I am the world’s worst fiction writer as the story thus far is not believable. The problem however is that this is NOT fiction and you better believe it can happen!
A motorcyclist who just hit it big at the local casino is riding home with a big smile and an even bigger pile of cash. He is going to able to pay the mortgage, get his kid that expensive birthday present and take his wife out for a fancy dinner. Things are really looking great.
There is a law in this country, the land of the free and the home of the brave with liberty and justice for all, which allows police to seize your property and keep it even if you are never charged with a crime. It is called Civil Forfeiture or more often Civil Asset Forfeiture (or even Civil Asset Seizure). This law has been used since prohibition but has really gained favor in the last few decades as law enforcement agencies have struggled to keep their budgets funded.
Then it happens. He gets stopped for (fill in the blank). While the officer is running his papers, the cop casually asks him how much cash he has with him. Not knowing where this is headed, our biker answers the question and then is forced to produce the cash. The next thing you know, he is on his way to the local sheriff’s office without his cash or his bike. After a couple of hours it is explained to him that he is free to go, but the police are keeping the cash, and his motorcycle.
There is even a company, Desert Snow, which offers training to police officers on methods to seize assets, particularly on our nation’s highways. Not only does Desert Snow train officers. They also provide them with an information sharing portal, Black Asphalt, so they can coordinate their efforts and have competitions
The next day our biker goes to see about collecting his property and discovers the property has been seized under suspicion of being related to drug dealing and he will have to go to court, to prove the innocence of his property, if he wants to
to see who can seize the most contraband. Obviously, many of these efforts are aimed at removing illegal drugs from our communities, but it is the cash grabbing part that is highly suspect. Joe David, the company’s founder, has even hired himself out to officials in Caddo County, Oklahoma where he was able to collect over $1 million dollars in 6 months from the drivers on the state’s highways, including I-40, keeping 25% as his part of his fee. So what we have is a legal method for raking in cash. But these cops are not crooks and the money is not going to them, so where does it go? It turns out that there are slightly different laws in all 50 states, but in ALL states, at least a portion, if not all of the money and money from the sale of property seized (like motorcycles, cars, trucks, boats, even houses) is returned to the department where it was originally seized. The idea is the money can be used for anything the department needs in order to maintain its war on drugs. But it is not illegal, and has in fact been used, to pay for everything from parties to conven-
MASTERLINK SEPTEMBER 2016 tions. Bluntly, they can use this money any way they damn well please.
What is even worse about this situation is that it is nearly impossible to fight. Since this is a civil case (rather than criminal) there is no requirement to prove anything beyond a reasonable doubt. In fact, the property, cash, motorcycle, work tools, etc., are considered guilty until proven innocent. And the process of proving that can be lengthy, very expensive and definitely time consuming. So much so that the majority of folks just give up as they have neither the resources nor the ability to fight the system. So the next time you are pulled over by the police, or stopped at a motorcycle only checkpoint, keep your mouth shut and you money in your pocket.
More information (including video and audio files) can be found here: http://www.motorcyclesafari.com/policing-for-profit/
Supreme Court Guts the Fourth Amendment cion or probable cause. Over time the court has embraced exceptions to this rule. But recently the court created an expansive exception which gives law enforcement much more authority to search persons stopped for no reason at all. In the words of Justice Sonia Sotomayor, this decision “says that your body is subject to invasion while courts
Reprinted from http://www.motorcycleprofilingproject.com/
Incriminating evidence found during an illegal stop should be considered fruit from the poisonous tree. The Supreme Court has long excluded incriminating evidence found as a result of an illegal stop conducted without reasonable suspi-
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excuse the violation of your rights. It implies that you are not a citizen of a democracy.” This new exception means that anyone can be stopped at any time, regardless of guilt or innocence. What can be done? State legislation is one of the only mechanisms available to provide civil liberty protection beyond limited federal minimums. The Court’s Decision
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled on June 20th that courts need not suppress evidence of a crime obtained through an illegal stop if an outstanding warrant is discovered after the seizure.
The facts of the case: A man named Edward Strieff was seen leaving a location under surveillance for drug dealing based on a tip from an anonymous source. Narcotics detective Douglas Fackrell admitted he had no reason to
MASTERLINK SEPTEMBER 2016
PAGE 11
Supreme Court Guts the Fourth Amendment (continued)
believe Strieff had done anything wrong. But he still illegally stopped Streiff and detained him while radioing in to check for outstanding warrants. A warrant for a minor traffic offense came back so the detective searched Streiff and discovered a small amount of illegal drugs. The Utah Supreme Court threw out the conviction because it stemmed from an illegal stop.
But in a 5-3 decision the majority said that “officer Fackrell’s discovery of the outstanding warrant broke the connection to the unconstitutional stop.” As a result, the evidence found in the search could be used in court. Why The Courts Decision Impacts All Americans, Including Motorcyclists
Justice Sotomayor’s dissent explains the
dangerous precedent. Police will be able to stop anyone on a “whim or a hunch”. That illegal stop can then be extended to search for a minor outstanding warrant, a warrant that the police officer didn’t know existed before the illegal seizure. A warrant obtained as a direct result of an illegal stop which can then be used to conduct a search and obtain incriminating evidence. Previous to June 20th, evidence obtained in this way could not be used in court.
The impact of the court’s decision is staggering and impacts MANY Americans. Justice Sotomayor noted that state and federal databases say “there are more than 7.8 million outstanding warrants, the vast majority of which are for minor offenses. In New Orleans, a third of the 60,000 arrests in 2011 were of people with outstanding traffic or misdemeanor warrants
for infractions such as unpaid tickets.”
In some communities the vast majority of people have outstanding warrants. NPR reported on June 20, 2016 that “in Ferguson, Mo., a town with a population of 21,000, 16,000 people had outstanding warrants — in one case for failure to feed the meter with enough quarters, according to the Justice Department.” “We must not pretend that the countless people who are routinely targeted by police,” are, as the majority maintains, “isolated” cases, says Sotomayor. “They are the canaries in the coal mine” who warn us that “unlawful police stops corrode all our civil liberties. Until their voices matter too, our justice system will continue to be anything but.”
What Can Be Done To Preserve Eroding
Accident Scene Management Class
Liberties?
The answer to an expansive rights base resides in state legislatures and state constitutions. State lawmakers have the power to pass legislation that provides more protection than federal minimums as interpreted by the Supreme Court.
State laws prohibiting illegal stops and providing exclusion of illegally obtained evidence, including relief for victims, would provide protection now unavailable at the federal level. Laws prohibiting motorcycle profiling are an example of such state protections. Supporting motorcycle rights organizations and events is one of the best ways motorcyclists can have a direct impact on state legislation.
Remember, there is no democracy without participation. Silence is consent.
The August 14 Accident Scene Management class led by ABATE State Safety Offcer., Teresa McClelland, a.k.a. Trauma Mama.
PAGE 12
MASTERLINK SEPTEMBER 2016
Other Cops Condemn KCPD Profiling Of 1% Motorcycle Clubs
Reprinted from http://www.motorcycleprofilingproject.com
In response to a recent story (found HERE) relating to an off duty KCPD officer discriminating against 1%’ers under the color of state law, police officers from around the country voiced disgust, embar-
rassment and condemnation of KCPD officer Marchant’s despicable behavior. Speaking out against law enforcement corruption is a moral obligation accepted by those that choose to protect and serve. Motorcycle profiling is an epidemic in many parts of America and this internal recognition may help explain to legisla-
tors that issues of discrimination are tangible and necessitate legislative relief.
Other LE Embarrassed By The KCPD
The following comments were posted by current and former law enforcement officers from around the country. The recur-
ring theme repeatedly expressed is the embarrassment felt by other officers in response to seeing officer Marchant’s behavior.
continued page 15
MASTERLINK SEPTEMBER 2016
time to ask your elected officials to consider adding their name as a co-sponsor!
I have drafted talking points and attached them to this email for your use and reference. It contains all the pertinent information you will need when meeting with your elected official or their staff.
If you need ANY assistance getting in touch with your elected official, please reply directly to me and I can provide phone numbers, email addresses and any other information you might need to conduct your outreach. Thank you for your support and keep me informed as to your progress! Megan Ekstrom Vice-President, Government Affairs & Public Relations =========================
August 5, 2016 Driverless Car Manufacturers Await Guidance from Agency, Motorcyclists Raise Concerns, Questions
WASHINGTON, DC – Over the last several months, we’ve seen more and more companies announce plans to pursue the creation and manufacture of self-driving cars. Tesla has already been successful, announcing their intention to have an autonomous vehicle ready by 2018 for consumer purchase. Google’s prototype currently has a fleet of 58 self-driving vehicles being tested on public streets in California, Washington, Texas and Arizona. GM, Daimler, Volvo, Ford, Jaguar Land Rover, Audi and BMW have also announced plans to pursue the technology. As with most new technologies, the federal government has to play catchup to this evolving area as it relates to rules and regulations.
This was made apparent when last month, a Tesla Model S on auto-pilot caused a fatal crash in Florida. Though the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) opened an investigation on the incident, NHTSA Administrator Mark Rosekind indicated that the recent controversy around the crash would not deter the agency from embracing self-driving cars as part of the future of safety on the nation's roads. However, the question remains as to what criteria must be established to ensure that driverless cars are safe for consumers. The Department of Transportation (DoT) has indicated that this guidance is likely to be issued sometime this summer. DoT Secretary Anthony Foxx has stated that
News from the MRF (cont)
this will come in the form of federal government guidelines for self-driving vehicles. Critics concerned over the technology have reacted negatively to this announcement, stating that guidelines are only voluntary and that enforceable standards must be established.
For some motorcyclists, there is the hope that a rise in driverless cars could eliminate many of those crashes caused by human error in car versus motorcycle accidents. However, others have expressed concerns over whether motorcyclists on the road can be accounted for by the autonomous technology, given their smaller dimensions. At a recent DoT symposium, staff from the Motorcycle Riders Foundation raised the question to the agency. The spokesperson indicated that motorcycles would absolutely need to be accounted for when developing requirements for self-driving vehicles, given their smaller size on the road.
Other motorcyclists fear a far-worst case scenario, if driverless cars prove successful on the road and significantly lower accident rates, is there a possibility where ALL vehicles on the road are required to have this technology? Would this result in opening up a world of self-driving motorcycles? Though far from likely, these are examples of the many questions being raised. Answers to these questions will largely be dependent on time and the success or failure of this new technology. ===========================
There has been a flurry of activity and reports published over the last several days and I wanted to pass these along to you, as well as provide some background and analysis. I imagine some of these will be of more interest than others so if you require additional information, please do not hesitate to reach out to me. The reports are outlined below: 1.
OECD Report on Road Safety
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has released a report that provides an overview for road safety performance in 40 countries, including the most recent safety data, the crash data collection process in various countries, road safety strategies, and road user behavior. WHAT THE HECK IS THE OECD: The OECD is an” economic” organization with 35+ member countries and provides a platform to compare policy experiences, seek answers to common problems, identify good practices and coordinate the domestic and international policies of its mem-
bers. WHY SHOULD I CARE: The OECD’s position on something can lead other countries to follow suit – in our case, they have issued a fairly strong report out on the importance of helmet laws. WHAT DOES THIS 500 PAGE REPORT SAY: A lot of things, but most importantly is its “policy insights” section it says the most important thing countries can do to ensure road safety is to enforce drunk driving laws, speed limits and force people to wear seatbelts and helmets. It then goes through a whole section on “powered two-wheelers” AKA motorcycles and talks about a significant decrease in deaths because of compulsory helmet laws in the European Union. There is also a very detailed chart listing 40 countries and where each of these stand on helmet laws. Interestingly, MOST countries do not have required helmet laws. If you have several hours to kill, here is the link to the full report: http://www.oecdilibrary.org/transport/road-safety-annualreport-2016_irtad-2016en;jsessionid=ar94x5agob59.x-oecd-live02
2. NHTSA Report on Fatal Crashes – RURAL versus URBAN
The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has released a fact sheet that details the total number of fatal motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2014, and the number of those that occurred in rural areas versus urban areas. The report does not separate out motorcycles from cars, but the fact sheet notes that it included motorcycle data within the report but lumped it in with car data. The quick take away: rural fatalities have DECREASED significantly over the last decade whereas urban fatalities have also DECREASED, but 2014 specifically was a very bad year for fatalities. The report also looks at things like time of day crashes occurred, driver characteristics and other factors as they relate to the data. See the fact sheet attached. 3.
GHSA Report on Drowsy Driving
This week, the Governor’s Highway Safety Administration released a report citing concerns with driving while sleep deprived and how this has accounted for over 5,000 lives lost in 2014. (For those paying attention, that’s more than motorcycles who in 2014 registered 4,586 deaths). The danger posed by tired drivers has prompted NHTSA to expand its definition of impaired driving to include not only drunk, drugged and distracted, but also drowsy. You can review the report by
PAGE 13
clicking on the link below:
http://www.ghsa.org/files/pubs/sfdrowsy/ FINALdrowsy2016.pdf Megan Ekstrom Vice-President, Government Affairs & Public Relations ===========================
August 11, 2016 MRF’s Jay Jackson Elected to Serve on Executive Committee for State Motorcycle Safety Administrators Association
WASHINGTON, DC – This week, the State Motorcycle Safety Administrators (SMSA) announced the results of its recent elections. Notably, Jay Jackson, Vice-President of the Board of Directors for the Motorcycle Riders Foundation, was elected to serve on the SMSA Executive Committee as the Individual Members’ Representative.
The SMSA is an Association representing State Motorcycle Safety Administrators from across the country. The purpose of the group includes goals to influence national policy and standards affecting motorcyclists, provide guidance on state policies or standards, as well as allow for communication, collaboration and partnerships between Motorcycle Safety Administrators across the U.S. The SMSA’s recent elections resulted in a number of new appointees to the Executive Committee which leads the organization. Jay Jackson is one of those recently elected. “The SMSA really can serve a valuable purpose,” stated Jackson who indicated his excitement about rider education programs. “The previous and incoming Executive Committees members are dynamic individuals and have the enthusiasm to make things happen,” he went on to say.
According to Jackson’s SMSA nominee biography, he became a certified motorcycle instructor in 1986 and a decade later became State Director of the Motorcycle Safety Division for ABATE of Indiana where he is still working today. Under his leadership, ABATE of Indiana’s rider education program expanded exponentially and he started to develop an extensive network of motorcycle safety professionals. In 2000, Jackson received his designation as a
continued page 15
PAGE 14
4- Any federal or state legislation that would keep public lands open for ATVs, dirt bikes, or off-road vehicles.
The Arizona motorcycle riding community is united in opposition to the following:
1- Any federal or state legislation that would mandate the wearing of helmets for adult motorcycle riders.
2- Any federal or state legislation that would prohibit recording with video, audio, or still photos the actions of law enforcement officers during the performance of their duties. 3- Any federal, state, or local legislation
Watch this Space! (continued)
or ordinance that would limit the gathering or associating of motorcyclists.
4- Any federal, state, or local legislation that would prohibit the entrance to any public event by any member of any club, association, or confederation of motorcyclists. QUESTIONAIRE
ABATE of Arizona would like to know where you stand on the following issues. Your answers will be shared with our membership to assist them in their 2016 voting decisions. If you elaborate on any of your answers, please keep be brief as this will limit the likelihood they may be edited/summarized before publication.
Please return this page in the postage paid envelope provided.
ABATE of Arizona thanks you for your support and cooperation.
Candidate Name: [THIS WILL BE PREFILLED PRIOR TO MAILING OUT TO THEM] 1 - Would you oppose a mandatory helmet law for adult motorcycle riders? Yes No 2 - Would you support training of law enforcement officers and candidates to stop the profiling and harassment of
Keep the Rubber Side Down
ply separation inside the tire and a catastrophic tire failure could be the result. If you ever store your motorcycle, be sure to store it in a cool, dry place, out of direct sunlight and away from ozone-producing appliances (anything with an electric motor, such as a refrigerator). Additionally, your tires should not come into sustained contact with gasoline or oil. Improper storage will rapidly accelerate the normal aging process, making your tires unsafe.
Teresa “Trauma Mama” McClelland MSN RN A.B.A.T.E of Arizona State Safety Officer
This month’s article is about tires for your motorcycle and how important they are for your safety when riding. Take the time to inspect your tires for sidewall and tread groove cracking, punctures, blisters, knots, cuts and excessive or irregular wear. As with tire pressure, it only takes a few minutes every time you ride. If you do find any of these tread wear conditions, immediately replace the damaged tire. In addition, most tire safety experts recommend replacing rather than attempting to permanently patch a tire.
Check your tires for signs of aging, including dry rot and cracking. Even barely used tires become hard with time or exposure to the sun. When tire rubber gets hard and stiff, it tends to crack and cannot grip the road to provide proper traction. So it's wise to replace old or dried-out tires even if they still have plenty of tread on them. When your tread is worn down to the level of the built-in tread wear bars on your tires, the tread won't provide good traction. Bulges in the sidewall or tread most likely indicate a
Become familiar with your motorcycle manufacturer's inflation guidelines. Look in your motorcycle owner's manual to find the right PSI (pounds per square inch) of air pressure for your tires. Some bike manufacturers also list this formation on the bike itself. Common locations include the swing arm, front fork tubes, inside the trunk and under the seat.
Proper tire inflation is crucial to proper performance, tire service life and safety. Under-inflated tires overheat, are more prone to blow-outs, sidewall failure and premature wear. Similarly, over-inflated tires may fail prematurely and wear improperly.
Keep in mind that these recommendations are usually dependent upon the weight of you and your passenger, as well as any cargo. For instance, some manufacturers advise adding 3 or 4 PSI when carrying a heavy load. Know your vehicle weight and load, and follow the PSI recommendations specific to your motorcycle. Failure to do so can result in adverse motorcycle handling (wobble and weave) or tire failure, or both.
Check your tire pressure often and adjust as necessary, using an accurate tire gauge. Motorcycle tire manufacturers recommend checking pressure at least once a week. However, many motorcycle safety
experts recommend checking tire pressure and tread wear every time you take your bike out.
Make sure you get a matching set of front and rear tires. Unlike car tires, you need to make sure that your motorcycle tires are a matched set. At a minimum, they should have complementary tread patterns, should both be either radial or bias ply, and ideally be the same make and model. Despite what some may say- Size matters. It’s best to choose replacement tires of the same size as the motorcycle’s original equipment tires. Remember that front and rear motorcycle tires are not designed to perform exactly the same functions and are not interchangeable. You'll need one front tire and one back tire of a complementary make, model and size. Avoid riding on the shoulder or near medians where sharp objects and other tire-damaging debris tend to accumulate. Constantly monitor the way your motorcycle rides so you can detect any rapid air loss — and respond appropriately without delay.
While tire blowouts are not common, the absolute best way to “handle one” is to avert it before it happens. With today's tubeless tires, actual blowouts are rare, but may still occur. When tires do fail, the most common cause is improper tire pressure usually pressure that's too low. Checking the overall condition and pressure levels of your tires frequently can go a long way toward ensuring you'll never experience a blowout.
If one of your motorcycle’s tires should fail while you’re riding, you’ll need to react quickly and decisively to avert a crash. So take a few minutes now to familiarize yourself with the following steps for successfully handling motorcy-
MASTERLINK SEPTEMBER 2016
motorcycle riders? Yes No
3 - Would you support a bill to allow motorcyclists to ride between lanes of traffic and on the shoulders of highways when in heavy traffic for their safety and to avoid overheating and heat related injury? Yes No 4 – Would you support modifying automobile driver training to include motorcycle awareness? Yes No In which district do you reside?
cle tire blowouts: Ease off the throttle and slow down gradually. Do not use the brakes. Braking, especially braking hard will only make keeping control of your motorcycle even more difficult. If you must use some brake, apply gradual force to the brake on the good tire and ease your motorcycle to a safe stop.Beware! Using the brake on the wheel with the bad tire can cause the tire to separate from the rim, resulting in immediate loss of control. Be aware, however, that integrated braking systems don't permit rear-brake-only applications, while linked braking systems do not allow for single-brake operation. On motorcycles with either of these two systems, braking with the good tire only may not be possible. Any braking necessary should be done very lightly and with great care. Avoid downshifting too. Like braking, this will only make your bike less stable.
Firmly hold on to the handlebars while keeping your arms bent. Do not “fight” the steering to correct the wobble or weave that will likely develop. Focus instead on maintaining control by keeping your motorcycle directed in as straight a line as possible until it comes to a stop. Remain seated until your motorcycle has come to a full stop. Once stopped, push your motorcycle as far away from the travel lanes as possible. Until Next Time - Keep the rubber side down! Ride Smart, Ride Safe & Ride Responsibly! Teresa “Trauma Mama” McClelland MSN RN State Safety Officer
MASTERLINK SEPTEMBER 2016
Chief Instructor by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. He has conducted and assisted in numerous training courses across several states.
News from the MRF (cont)
PAGE 15
As the Individual Members Representative to the SMSA Executive Committee, Jackson is hopeful he can help “cross pollinate” in getting motorcycle rights enthusiasts and motorcycle
safety administrators to work together. Given his extensive background in motorcycle rights, his work with the MRF and ABATE of Indiana, and his strong interest and success in rider training and educa-
tion programs, Jackson may be just the guy to do the job.
under.”
lack experience and professionalism. Also bordering on embarrassing.
other bikers is biased, the perspective of other officers ought to lend insight into the correct response. The KCPD should follow suit and terminate officer Marchant’s employment based on his discriminatory, unprofessional, and morally bankrupt lack of moral character.
Other Cops Condemn KCPD Profiling (continued)
July 17
“As a retired police officer in a major US city I have always been embarrassed by many of the actions of KCPD. After retiring, I returned to Kansas City and opened a private investigative firm. The embarrassment continued. If you question my attitude, visit one of the police stations in Kansas City, and ask them a question. You will be rebuffed and if you continue you will be threatened. By the way the same goes for St. Louis, but then they are under state control.
I’m proud of my service and so ashamed of KCPD. Please don’t get me wrong. Some of the officers do fine jobs within the constraints they are held
July 18
“Crazy, there is no reason (in the video) for that behavior. As a cop I am embarrassed. Does not matter what the patch says. Treat people the way you want to be treated and life goes on. Save the enforcement action for a time when needed and deserved not “just because”. I sign my tickets when I mess up, that is life.” July 17
“As a retired CPD Sergeant, Biker and lifelong friend of several Hell’s Angels, I find the actions of these Police Officers,
A possible [non-confrontational] sit down meeting of both parties, to get to know and understand each other, could result in a beneficial mutual relationship.”
Shattering Denial
This type of insight is important because it helps shatter the blue veil of secrecy and corruption. Law enforcement is supposed to stand up for what is right, ethical and legal. As previously reported, Quick Trip has terminated officer Marchant’s employment as a result of his discriminatory behavior. Although the KCPD may deem that the opinion of
Finally, the Missouri state legislature should use this insight to motivate legislative relief in the form of a law addressing the issue of motorcycle profiling. Legislation provides a cost efficient and effective solution to a pervasive problem in Missouri that can no longer be denied.
California Assembly Vote Brings State One Step Closer to Formally Authorized Lane Splitting
Reprinted from http://americanmotorcyclist.com
Gov. Brown expected to sign bill that empowers Highway Patrol to draft guidelines
PICKERINGTON, Ohio - California is on track to become the first state to formally recognize lane splitting as a legal maneuver for motorcyclists.
Assembly Bill 51, sponsored by Assembly members Bill Quirk and Tom Lackey, authorizes the California Highway Patrol to devise educational guidelines for splitting lanes "in a manner that would ensure the safety of the motorcyclist, drivers and passengers."
The bill passed the Assembly 74-0 on Aug. 3, with six Assembly members not voting. The state Senate had earlier passed the bill 38-0. Gov. Jerry Brown is expected to the sign the bill when it reaches his desk. The American Motorcyclist Association
fully supports this legislation.
"We are extremely pleased that this bill received such overwhelming support in the Assembly," said Wayne Allard, AMA vice president for government relations. "These guidelines will provide motorcyclists and motorists, alike, with the information they need to safely interact in traffic.
"At the same time, we hope that California will serve as an example to other states. Research shows that, done responsibly, lane splitting can reduce traffic congestion and reduce the likelihood of motorcyclists being struck from behind," Allard said.
A.B. 51 defines lane splitting as "driving a motorcycle that has two wheels in contact with the ground between rows of stopped or moving vehicles in the same lane." The bill also requires the California Highway Patrol to consult with other agencies and organizations with an inter-
est in road safety and motorcyclist behavior in developing the guidelines for responsible lane splitting.
Two state-sponsored studies conducted by the University of California Berkeley concluded that lane splitting is a relatively safe maneuver when both the motorcyclist and nearby drivers know the law and adhere to "safe and prudent" practices.
Lane-splitting riders were less likely to be rear-ended by another vehicle than were other motorcyclists, according to the studies. And lane-splitting motorcyclists involved in crashes were notably less likely than other motorcyclists in crashes to suffer head injury, torso injury or fatal injury than other motorcyclists.
The studies also found that there was no meaningful increase in injuries until traffic speed exceeded 50 mph and that speed differentials between lane-splitting motorcyclists and other traffic were not associated with changes in injury occurrence until the differential exceeded 15 mph.
Those findings closely align with lanesplitting guidelines posted on the California Highway Patrol website in 2013 and removed in 2014 after a complaint from one Sacramento resident, who argued that the Highway Patrol was, in effect, making law.
California is the only U.S. state where lane splitting is permitted. Current state law neither prohibits nor specifically allows the maneuver.
In many countries, lane splitting and filtering are normal practices for motorcyclists, Allard said. Particularly in the highly urbanized areas of Europe and Asia, motorcycle and scooter operators are expected to pass between conventional vehicles and advance to the front of the group. The American Motorcyclist Association's complete position statement on lane splitting can be found here: www.americanmotorcyclist.com/About-The-AMA/lanesplitting-1.
Would you like to receive The Masterlink digitally? It is posted monthly on the ABATE website - www.abateofaz.org. Opt out of the receiving the The Masterlink? Please contact the ABATE Office if you would like to no longer receive a hard copy of The Masterlink. 480-256-9237 or keim.larry@gmail.com
PAGE 16
MASTERLINK SEPTEMBERâ&#x20AC;&#x2C6;2016
MASTERLINK SEPTEMBER 2016
PAGE 17
ABATE of AZ President Jim Butsback meets candidate Ray Strauss who is running for Congress in District 4
House Roster
Senate Roster
PAGE 18
Rider Ed Courses in AZ
Locations Zip County Email Phone Site Website City Motorcycle Rider PHOENIX 85012 MARICOPA Click Here (623) 979-1839 View Training RIDE SMART M/C PHOENIX 85023 MARICOPA Click Here (623) 877-5425 View TRAINING T.E.A.M. Arizona GILBERT 85233 MARICOPA Click Here (480) 998-9888 View Chandler/Gilbert GILBERT PUBLIC View GILBERT 85234 MARICOPA (480) 894-0404 SCHOOLS (PARKING LOT) T.E.A.M. Arizona View SCOTTSDALE 85260 MARICOPA Click Here (480) 998-9888 Scottsdale CHANDLER View TEMPE 85283 MARICOPA (480) 496-6800 HARLEYDAVIDSON T.E.A.M. Arizona View GLENDALE 85302 MARICOPA Click Here (623) 939-9888 Glendale DEER VALLEY View GLENDALE 85308 MARICOPA (623) 247-5542 HIGH SCHOOL LUKE AIR FORCE (623) 975-6264 LUKE AFB 85309 MARICOPA BASE Motorcycle Rider PEORIA 85345 MARICOPA Click Here (623) 979-1839 View Training VEHICLE SAFETY View YUMA 85367 YUMA Click Here (928) 376-7489 INSTITUE FT T.E.A.M. Arizona 85613 COCHISE Click Here (520) 733-9888 View HUACHUCA Sierra Vista Pima Community View TUCSON 85707 PIMA (520) 206-3981 College T.E.A.M. Arizona View TUCSON 85714 PIMA Click Here (520) 733-9888 Tucson RIDE NAZ -View BELLEMONT 86015 COCONINO (928) 443-0111 FLAGSTAFF Ride Northern View PRESCOTT 86301 YAVAPAI Click Here (928) 443-0111 Arizona - Prescott T.E.A.M. Arizona PRESCOTT 86301 YAVAPAI Click Here (928) 771-2500 View Prescott MOHAVE View KINGMAN 86401 MOHAVE (928) 757-0825 COMMUNITY COLLEGE LAKE MOHAVE (928) 505-3321 View HAVASU 86403 MOHAVE COMMUNITY CITY COLLEGE MOHAVE JB'S 86440 MOHAVE Click Here (866) 668-6462 View VALLEY RESTAURANT
ATTENTION - ALL RIDERS: =======================
It has come to our attention that business establishments in Arizona may still be discriminating against motorcyclists. Please carry copies of this form with you at all times. Discrimination can range from a sign stating "No Colors" or "No Motorcycle Parking" or "No Motorcycle Attire" etc., to simply being asked to leave a place of business, just because you are on a motorcycle or because of your riding apparel. If anything like this happens to you, PLEASE fill out this form in its entirety and send it to the address noted. Your lobbyists cannot get sponsorship for "equal access" legislation, without evidence of this type of discrimination. Documentation of Discrimination DATE: ______________
Business Phone _______________
NAME OF ESTABLISHMENT: __________________________________ BUSINESS PHONE (with area code): __________________________________ BUSINESS - FULL ADDRESS: ___________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ NAME / POSITION OF PERSON ENFORCING POLICY: ________________ ________________________________________________________ WRITTEN STATEMENT OF DISCRIMINATION (use back if needed): _____ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________ YOUR NAME (please print): ______________________________________ YOUR PHONE (with area code): __________________________________ YOUR SIGNATURE: ____________________________________________ *** INCLUDE ANY PICTURES OF DISCRIMINATING SIGNS POSTED *** Mail To: Ray Fitzgerald 1634 West Pine Cone Way Prescott, Arizona 86303
MASTERLINK SEPTEMBER 2016
Important Phone Numbers
Aid to Injured Motorcyclists - A.I.M. - (800) 521-2425 24-Hr. Legal Assistance for all accidents
Aid to Incarcerated Motorcyclists A.I.M. - (800) 235-2424 24-Hr. Legal Criminal Defense National Legislative Hot Line - (800) 300-NCOM 24-Hr. Motorcycle Legislative Alerts
National Coalition of Motorcyclists NCOM- (800) 525-5355 Fighting for Bikers Rights Confederation of Clubs. - (800) 531-2424 Motorcycle Clubs Fighting Against Discrimination Motorcycle Riders Foundation Washington D.C. Office (202) 546-0983
Your Classified Ad
could be here... It’s Free to ABATE Members. submit your ad online at www.abateofaz.org
MASTERLINK SEPTEMBER 2016
East Valley Pool Party at Jim Silk’s New House
PAGE 19
Would you like to receive The Masterlink digitally? It is posted monthly on the ABATE website - www.abateofaz.org. Opt out of the receiving the The Masterlink? Please contact the ABATE Office if you would like to no longer receive a hard copy of The Masterlink. 480-256-9237 or keim.larry@gmail.com
1997 Kawasaki Vulcan 800 Classic
Classifieds
43K miles, Lowered 1-1/2 inches in the rear, K&N air intake kit, Vance & Hines Straightshot exhaust, very loud, 60 HP and 50LBS torque, lots of tread left on Metzler tires, Also includes bike cover, windshield and mounting hardware, service manual, extra saddlebag, lots of extra parts, one half-helmet, find pics on craigslist.com $2900 - 602-367-9524
2009 HD Sportster 1200 Low style.
like new with 5000 miles, kept in AC garage, Stage 1 kit with Vance and Hines shorties, forward foot controls, all service down by Chester's in Mesa. Limited HD factory root beer brown color. $7500 obo. call or text 480-338-1965 in Gilbert AZ. For pictures email to; arcasmg42@gmail.com
Your Classified Ad
could be here... It’s Free to ABATE Members. submit your ad online at www.abateofaz.org For sale 2012 Subculture hard tail
93 Soft tail engine and transmission in rigid frame, big cam, S&S super E carb, 8mm 1 3/4belt primary, chain final drive. 200-17 rear wheel , 21 front, wide glide front end, black lowers. Much more - 602-300-4115 2004 Waltz Hardcore special constructed soft tail Custom Chopper, Vin # AZ262741, Vehicle is garage kept, and customized. Chopper has a 145 Horse Power TP polished Engine, a 3" Primary and 6 speed Transmission. The Vehicle is built on a Waltz Hardcore Soft Tail Frame. All sheet metal work, paint job is Custom. Custom Chrome wheels and brand new Tires. All Mechanical components are in good working order. Engine runs awesome. Has less than 4000 miles. This baby is worth way more than I'm asking! Just need money now! Waltz Hardcore Frame $6,500, TP 124" Cubic Inch Polished Engine $7,500 3" Open Primary and 6 speed Transmission $3,000, Custom Sheet metal Work $3,000 Custom Paint $3,000, Wheels & Tires $2,500, Progressive Airtail Suspension, Brakes, Starter, Charging System, $4,000, Labor $4,500 Asking $18,999 obo, For more information call or text @ (480) 385-8947
ATTENTION ALL 30 YEAR OLDS!!
I have your year Softail-- 1984.1 owner, 1st yr. Softail, 1st yr. Evolution Kick and electric start PLUS all orginal parts. $9,500 Call 970-420-6675
One-Piece DayTripper motorcycle seat
New - never used - In box Retails for $359 model 76189 fits Honda VT 750 Spirit 2001-2006 & VT 750DC 2007-2009. The detailed stitch work in the highly durable, synthetic glove-leather makes the DayTripper a show winner. $150.00 Call Bob @ 602-463-0544
AzTech Flatbed Trailer (Car/ATV Hauler) $2200 obo 2008 STS Cadillac for sale, 23K miles $28,000 obo Call 928-718-6296 Cell 928-716-7289
FINALLY!! A motorcycle themed paperback book for the young reader. The Adventures of Olive Pearl and Hammy Davidson features Olive Pearl; a green and black motorcycle and Hamrietta (Hammy) Davidson her stuffed piggy passenger. They experience the joy of motorcycling on a 1700-mile road trip to meet new people, see new things, and learn life lessons along the way. Their adventures are wrapped inside the love story of husband and wife characters, “The Man” and “The Lady”. Sprinkled throughout with pictures, social observations, and humor, adults will also enjoy reading this story to younger children and are sure to get a laugh or two themselves. Get more info and place an order at: www.OliveandHammy.com Let’s Ride!!
2000 HD Custom (623) 374-5510 $15K OBO Motorcycle Hearse
COPD diagnosis forces SALE! $50,000.00 www.eagleswingscarriages.com visit this website to view complete set of equipment. Equipment included: 1999 Harley Davidson Road King Trike (6045 miles) modified with reverse gear & fifth wheel hitch, detachable 18th Century styled Hearse Carriage, full size casket with full cover flag, cherry wood Urn Ark with panoramic glass & folding stand, Encased Memorial Flag, 2007 22ft. flatbed transportation trailer with winds/bug shield, Honor Flags, pre-printed magnetic Carriage name plates & misc office supplies. Call Bill or Phyllis 623-386-8281
2006 H-D Dyna Street Bob 11,000 miles, $22,000 invested, selling for $16,000. Contact Pete @ (602) 315-6950 FOR SALE:
2008 Harley Davidson Road Glide- 6,240 miles-lowering kit-travel packageAM/FM/WB/CD- 6 speed-Dark Blue Pearl-Corbin Solo and Stock Seat- asking $17,000. e-mail serious inquiries to: momac99@yahoo.com.