Motorcycle only checkpoints

[delta]

CONCORD, N.H. — Senators from New Hampshire, Wisconsin and West Virginia have introduced legislation to end federal funding for motorcycle-only checkpoints.
The bill introduced on Wednesday is sponsored by New Hampshire's senators — Democrat Jeanne Shaheen and Republican Kelly Ayotte — along with Wisconsin Republican Ron Johnson and West Virginia Democrat Joe Manchin. The bill would prohibit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration from issuing grants to states to set up checkpoints where motorcycle riders are targeted by police to check that their vehicles meet state standards for noise, tire condition and other requirements.
The senators argue that the checkpoints are discriminatory, and they note that motorcycle riders already are subject to state registration, inspection, licensing and helmet laws and must stop at sobriety check points like all other drivers.

 

[FRR]

CONCORD, N.H. — Senators from New Hampshire, Wisconsin and West Virginia have introduced legislation to end federal funding for motorcycle-only checkpoints.
The bill introduced on Wednesday is sponsored by New Hampshire's senators — Democrat Jeanne Shaheen and Republican Kelly Ayotte — along with Wisconsin Republican Ron Johnson and West Virginia Democrat Joe Manchin. The bill would prohibit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration from issuing grants to states to set up checkpoints where motorcycle riders are targeted by police to check that their vehicles meet state standards for noise, tire condition and other requirements.
The senators argue that the checkpoints are discriminatory, and they note that motorcycle riders already are subject to state registration, inspection, licensing and helmet laws and must stop at sobriety check points like all other drivers.

It is amazing what Congress will spend time on when they won't deal with the real issues facing this nation.

 

[y2k_harley]

It is amazing what Congress will spend time on when they won't deal with the real issues facing this nation.

AMEN!!!

 

[oneup]

this may seem a waste of time on the face of it, but the big picture implications are in your favour.. here in australia, particularly in the state of queensland, we would love such a decision.
the government has ended our equivilent of your bill of rights, or whatever legislation protects your individual rights. they have done this to end everyones rights, but sneaked it in under the disguise of anti bikie laws. now every person who rides a motorcycle is particularly open to harrasment. in fact even looking like you might ride a bike is good enough reason for the police to strip search you in the street.
if you have any doubts about this, it actually happened to a close friend of mine recently.
Discrimination in any form is a dangerous thing.
I would be applauding those who changed this for you.
you dont know how lucky you are till someone steals your rights away

 

[FLTR2008TRIKE]

Here is the information I received today on this bill >>

The United States Senate is the latest venue in the battle to end the unfair practice of federally funded motorcycle-only roadside checkpoints. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) has reported that Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) has introduced legislation which would prohibit the federal government from funding mandatory motorcycle-only roadside checkpoints. Joining her as the lead republican on the bill is Senator Ron Johnson (R-WI). Also joining as original co-sponsors are Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Kelly Ayotte (R-NH).

The federal government funded motorcycle-only checkpoints through a $70,000 grant in 2011. Georgia state police conducted two mandatory motorcycle only checkpoints which were timed with Daytona Bike Week to maximize motorcycle traffic. The police set up on the southbound lanes of I-75 and I-95 on the same day that Daytona bike week began. They conducted the same setup during the closing day of bike week in the northbound lanes. Police have also conducted motorcycle only checkpoints in New York, and in Virginia during Rolling Thunder.

Senator Shaheen explained why she introduced this legislation. “Motorcycles are an important part of New Hampshire’s identity and economy,” Shaheen said. “These checkpoints unfairly target motorcycle riders who already have their vehicles inspected and registered just like all motorists. We don’t have checkpoints that stop cars to check their tire pressure and we shouldn’t for motorcycles either.”

Senator Johnson said that “Wisconsin can boast of hundreds of thousands of responsible and law-abiding motorcycle riders on America’s roads. To them, safety is as important as scenery, so I’m deeply concerned that the establishment of these checkpoints unfairly, and perhaps unconstitutionally, violates their personal freedoms and rights. The NHTSA grant program in question is a one-size-fits-all approach that will not address the primary causes of motorcycle accidents and should be stopped.”

In explaining his support for the measure, Senator Manchin stated that “[r]equiring bikers to drive through motorcycle-only checkpoints is not only an ineffective use of taxpayer dollars, but it also raises legitimate questions about discrimination against motorcyclists. In West Virginia, bikers travel near and far to drive on our winding roads and enjoy the beautiful scenery, which attracts tourism and helps boost both our local and state economies. As a Harley owner myself, I am pleased to work with my colleagues on this bipartisan legislation that simply would prohibit yet another senseless and unreasonable federal regulation which could harm states' economies.”

“Motorcyclists shouldn’t be pulled over simply because they’re driving a motorcycle and not a car,” Senator Ayotte said. “It doesn’t make sense to use federal money to pay for discriminatory motorcycle-only checkpoints, and I’m pleased to see bipartisan support for the rights of motorcyclists.”

Some states have addressed this issue on the state level. Missouri, Virginia, California, and North Carolina have passed legislation prohibiting motorcycle only checkpoints. New Hampshire and Illinois prohibit state use of federal dollars for motorcycle only checkpoints.

The MRF urges motorcyclists to contact their U.S. Senators and ask them to co-sponsor this important piece of legislation. A bill number is expected soon.
You can reach the capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121. You may also find and email your U.S. Senators at the following link:

http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm

If you have any questions or comments concerning any of the above please feel free to contact me. You may also contact Jeff Hennie, Vice President of Government Relations and Public Affairs for the MRF. It was Jeff and the MRF who originally reported this matter. If you are interested in joining the MRF you may do so at MRF.ORG.