[Mrfnews] 07LR12 - Leaders Report - September

[mrfnews at mrf.org]

MRF E-MAIL NEWS Motorcycle Riders Foundation
236 Massachusetts Ave. NE
Suite 510
Washington, DC 20002-4980
202-546-0983 (voice)
202-546-0986 (fax)
http://www.mrf.org (website)


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Michael Kerr, Vice-President
boz at mrf.org (e-mail)

Victory Lap – ABATE of Illinois Remembers Bike Ban

The signs went up without fanfare, one day they just appeared. No
Motorcycles Allowed from 10PM till 5am they announced to the citizens of
America's third largest city. One of the world's most famous roads became
off limits to motorcyclists during the late evening. Worse was the very
real prospect of the ban spreading. It didn't take long for the fear to
become a reality as the No Motorcycle signs began to pop-up on several
other city streets.

The reaction among windy city riders was predictable - they were outraged.
ABATE of Illinois, the American Motorcyclist Association and the
Motorcycle Riders Foundation swung into action. And after a long and
protracted fight the signs were removed. The details of getting them
removed would require a rather lengthy volume. For the purpose of the
report it will suffice to say that language inserted into the interstate
funding act of 1998 - called TEA 21- that would prohibit motorcycles from
being denied access to federally funded roads (Lake Shore Drive is part of
US 41) gave ABATE of Illinois a powerful tool to have the ban lifted. The
Motorcycle Riders Foundation's constant presence in Washington was major
factor in seeing that language remained in TEA 21.

On September 3, 2007 - as is their annual custom on Labor Day weekend - a
large group of riders assemble in the morning on Chicago's trendy Weed
Street. Under the Leadership of the Chicago Chapter of ABATE of Illinois
they proceed to the Drive and "run it" from the North end to the South end
and back again. This "in your face" gesture is a victory lap of sorts.
Just to let the city know that we are still around and we haven't
forgotten the attempt to restrict us from roads that we pay taxes on to
maintain.

Many activists in the motorcyclists' rights movement have said all along
that the ultimate goal of our enemies is not helmet laws or noise
ordnances, but banning motorcycles off the roads entirely. Here was a
classic case (there have been a number of others) of that prediction
becoming a reality. One percenters, Gold Wing riders, HOG members - it
didn't matter - they were greeted with the same message when they hit the
drive. It was that motorcycles are prohibited.

What can the MRF do for us? This is a question that we hear on a regular
basis. The political future and what type of legislation it may bring can
be difficult to predict. If past performances are any indication however;
the most apparent thing that the MRF can do for motorcyclists is to keep
them on the road.

Fall is a great time to ride. Perhaps it may be a good time to find a
favorite road and give some thought while riding as to how the cancerous
growth of motorcycle bans has been arrested, but could reappear at
anytime. Consider that ride to be your own victory lap and remember the
MRF's legislative team continues to be the motorcyclists' watchdog in
Washington DC. We are working everyday to see that your access to public
roads remains intact.

Enjoy the ride.


Michael Kerr

MRF Vice President

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(c)All Information contained in this release is copyrighted. Reproduction
permitted with attribution. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation, incorporated
in 1987, is a membership-based, national motorcyclists' rights
organization headquartered in Washington, DC. The first motorcyclists'
rights organization to establish a full-time presence in Washington, DC,
the Motorcycle Riders Foundation is the only Washington voice devoted
exclusively to the street rider. The MRF established MRFPAC in the early
1990s to advocate the election of candidates who would champion the cause
of rider safety and rider freedom.

The MRF proudly claims state motorcyclists' rights organizations and the
very founders of the American riders' rights movement among its leading
members. The MRF is involved in federal and state legislation and
regulations, motorcycling safety education, training, and public
awareness. The MRF provides members and state motorcyclists' rights
organizations with direction and information, and sponsors annual regional
and national educational seminars for motorcyclists rights activists, as
well as publishing a bi-monthly newsletter, THE MRF REPORTS.