Kathy Stacconi, Legislative Coordinator  

Our most important biker event of the year... ABATE Freedom Rally  Monday, May 21 Albany, NY, 11:00 A.M.

We all work hard at our various fund raising events through the year.  We put lots of time, effort and energy into coordinating everything to insure that our event is a success.  We want everyone that participates to have a safe ride and enjoy the food and entertainment and donate to the cause.

Now we all need to put that same time, effort and energy into putting on a great event in Albany this year. "It takes boots on the granite" to get our message heard.  We need members to show up and visit our legislators.  Express your opinions, let them know how you feel about the issues that affect bikers.  Let them know you don't like your freedom of choice being denied.

I know some people feel that we have been fighting the helmet law "forever" and it hasn't changed anything.  They ask "what's the point" of writing letters, and calling legislators or going to Albany each year? I guess those people need to realize that a Motorcycle Rights Organization is more than a riding club to understand "what the point” is.  If we all wanted to be like cattle to the trough we would just follow "the rules", ask no questions and just join a nice quiet riding club.  We joined ABATE to effect change, and in order to do that we have to participate in the process to initiate that change and keep working hard until we succeed.  For us to accomplish that, we must show up, write letters and voice our opinions.  Many voices in other states have been successful at retaining or gaining back their freedom of choice.

NYS legislative update:  There have been no transportation committee meetings as of April 1st due to the legislative discussions on the budget. Legislators are on break until April 11th.

Two new bills have come to our attention. A06266, (no Senate companion bill) expands the definition of "motor vehicle repair shop" in terms by which shops must register with the DMV.  The wording of what is to be considered a motor vehicle repair shop is very concerning.  "... includes any person who does minor diagnosis or repair work of motor vehicles.  Minor repair work includes: changing oil, water, installing batteries, or tires... are considered to be part of the business of repairing motor vehicles."  This legislation could make it illegal for anyone to do their own vehicle maintenance or repairs at home.  This could affect just about all of us. You wouldn't even be able to change your own wiper blades.

A5902 , (no Senate companion bill) mandates the installation of ignition interlock devices by 2010 for motor vehicles manufactured for use or in this state as well as for second hand motor vehicles sold within the state; mandates all motor vehicles in NYS shall be equipped with such devices by 2011.

For those who don't know, this device is a blood alcohol concentration measuring device connected to your ignition system.  Every time you want to start your car, bike, boat, ATV or snowmobile, you would have to perform a breathalyzer test to get it started.  It could also require you to take subsequent tests after it’s running, to prevent you from having someone else start the vehicle, or, if you had a drink and are at a legal BAC it will monitor if your BAC has increased and shut off your vehicle. So much for innocent until proven guilty.

Neither of these bills has a companion bill to date but both require input from us.  The second bill is the same legislator who initiated the ban on cell phone use in vehicles and I believe he is the same one who wants legislation to make it illegal to cross the street while using your IPOD or Walkman. Big Brother steps in again to protect us from ourselves.

We have 6 appointments set in Albany for the Freedom Rally.  We need people with voices to attend these meetings.

For those of you out riding already , ride safe.