Lawmakers Oppose Motorcycle-Only Checkpoints
Some 50 U.S. House members have signed onto a bill that would bar the U.S. transportation secretary from providing funds for motorcycle-only checkpoints, the American Motorcyclist Association reports.
The measure, H.R. 904 authored by Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.), would prohibit the transportation secretary from providing grants or any funds to a state, county, town, township, Indian tribe, municipality or other local government for use by any program to check safety equipment use or create arbitrary checkpoints for motorcycle riders or passengers.
At the same time, Sensenbrenner and Rep. Tom Petri (R-Wis.), along with 29 other members of Congress, have sent a letter to the leadership of the House-Senate Surface Transportation Reauthorization Conference Committee requesting the inclusion of language in the conference report that would prohibit the transportation secretary from providing funds for motorcycle-only checkpoints.
The American Motorcyclists Association began tracking motorcycle-only checkpoints when they first appeared in New York in 2007. In 2011, using funds provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the state of Georgia conducted roadside motorcycle-only checkpoints as thousands of motorcyclists rode through the state on their way to Daytona Beach, Fla., for Bike Week, March 4-13. Another motorcycle-only checkpoint was conducted in northern Virginia during one of the nation's most visible motorcycle rallies -- Rolling Thunder -- over the 2011 Memorial Day weekend. Motorcycle-only checkpoints were also conducted in Utah when thousands of riders attended a world-class roadracing event.
Three states have since outlawed the practice -- Virginia, North Carolina, New Hampshire -- and legislation to prohibit them has been introduced in Illinois, California, Missouri and New Jersey.
The letter stated: "MOCs [motorcycle-only checkpoints] are a controversial and unproven method of addressing motorcyclist safety and have not been an efficient use of limited federal dollars. The very existence of this program essentially profiles a group of citizens -- the motorcycling community -- for operating a legal mode of transportation."
The letter added: "The DOT should focus on programs to instruct motorcyclists on the importance of proper licensing, rider education, and motorcycle awareness campaigns."
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OAKLAND POLICE DRILL TEAM RETURNS TO BIG BIKE WEEKEND
The team is together again after a two year hiatus and is returning to this year's event! You will be able to catch several performances over the weekend when they perform on Mistletoe Lane.
Plans are underway to incorporate a special Friday night performance with this year's Remembrance Ride. Stay tuned for motor details! |
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Host Hotel
Holiday Inn is offering great hotel rates this year starting at $84 per night. Book early as rooms will go fast!
Visit www.bigbikeweekend.com/lodging
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Does Your Head Get Hot & Sweaty When Wearing Your Helmet
Big Bike Weekend is pleased to welcome this new sponsor and product for you to try out during this year's event.
As well as the obvious safety aspect, choosing a helmet presents us with an opportunity to make a selection that will reflect our individuality; the image we wish to portray can be captured in the style, color and design of the 'lid' we choose to wear.
No matter how cool they look from the outside, the reality is that safety helmets remain hot, sticky and sweaty, not to mention unhygienic places to keep our heads - especially in summer. They are the number one cause of scalp itchiness and, they iron any hair you have flat to your scalp giving you a look you never knew you had!
Vents may help a little by allowing a flow of cool air only when travelling at moderate to high speed, but generally are poor when you come to a halt - as is so often the case with urban riding.
Turn on the Helmet Air-Con!
For the first time ever you can upgrade your existing helmet to have virtual air conditioning!
Airhead Helmet Cool Spray is a unique formulation of coolants and anti-irritants that take a few seconds to apply to the scalp. The cooling mist spray gets to work immediately and lasts around an hour, when it can be reapplied if necessary.
Airhead is a must for all helmet wearers and riders every - especially in summer or in hotter climates.
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$10,000 in Cash
A perk of pre-registration is the opportunity for a free chance to open the Prize Vault and win $10,000 in cash! |
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Pre-Registration is Now Open
All activities will be based on Hilltop Drive ... with the relocation of the Police Invitational Motor Competition.
We are holding a Ladies Only Ride, Horsepower Shoot Out Contest, a civilian motor course to test your riding skills on motor competition patterns, and a skills course provided by the Motorcycle Training Institute.
We will also e offering the traditional motorcycle events ... bike game, bike show, raffle or poker runs.
When you donate to participate, you will be supporting the programs of Missing in America Project/Walmart Heart, Shasta Family Justice Center and feed our local families over the holidays as part of the Stuff the Truck Food Drive.
Registration is $15-50.
Go to the www.bigbikeweekend.com/registration
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