RoAnn Destito forwarded a letter she received from Michael Shamma, Regional Director for the DOT. The letter is a response in regards to our visit during the Freedom Rally. One issue we brought up was about Assembly Bill 7568 - the left on red bill. Mr. Shamma brought up good points in his letter:

1. Motorcycles do not have a significant amount of metal required to disrupt the "electro-magnetic" sensors under the pavement.

2. Not all intersections have this type of sensor in place. There are several other types of municipally and privately owned signal systems throughout the state. Many older systems are on a fixed time basis. Some signals time change is more than 90 seconds.

3. With the various traffic system signals in place throughout the state, the average vehicle operator is not capable of determining what type of system is controlling that intersection.

4. To allow motorcycle operators to turn left on red at "their discretion" would create confusion to the cars in the intersection. This could lead to unsafe conditions for all motorists.

He also discussed proposals that may help come up with a resolution of this issue. We can contact other states to determine if they encounter the same problems and to also contact bike manufacturers and include them in a discussion to solve the issue. We can contact DOT with complaints on specific intersections and, if possible, the detection system can be adjusted.

In conclusion, he thanked Mrs. Destito for the opportunity to comment on the proposed legislation, and his recommendation is that "...there are too many variables built into the multiple types of signal systems found throughout the state and, though well intended, this legislation would not make conditions safer for motorcyclists."

With all this in mind I believe we must rethink our support for this type of legislation if it is brought up in the next legislative session.

Hope to see you all at the Fall Foliage Run, September 29th and the Newsletter Fundraiser on October 6th!