| ||||
 | ||||
| Dear Visitors, Myrtle Beach is no longer the location for two long-running motorcycle events. After many years, our residents grew weary of three weeks of noise and traffic congestion each May, and they asked City Council to end the events. As a result, the Harley-Davidson Dealers Association Spring Rally and the Atlantic Beach Memorial Day Bikefest will not be held in Myrtle Beach. This was a difficult decision. Myrtle Beach welcomes visitors year-round, but the giant motorcycle rallies simply grew too large. Our staff, residents and businesses strained to keep up with these huge single-focus events. It may surprise you, but our economy is much healthier with a fully diversified visitor base, instead of a concentration on one or two extremely large events. Please know that Myrtle Beach is not anti-biker or anti-motorcycle. We want folks to come on the vehicle of their choice and enjoy all of the things Myrtle Beach has to offer. We are ending the motorcycle-related rallies because they grew too big and lasted too long. The huge rallies even kept visitors away from Myrtle Beach, and that's not good. For everyone's safety and welfare, City Council has added a few new rules and regulations. We believe these new laws will make Myrtle Beach a safer and more friendly destination. For example, with your safety in mind, we now require that all motorcycle riders and passengers wear a helmet and eye protection. We also have a 1:00 to 6:00 a.m. curfew for everyone under 18. These and other rule changes are explained on this web site. Thank you for understanding. As you know, Myrtle Beach is a great place to visit, and we welcome you at any time. I look forward to your next visit and am confident that you will have a great time in Myrtle Beach! Sincerely,  John Rhodes MayorAdd to Technorati Favorites |
Myrtle Beach officially tells Bikers, Well we tried to tell you, Mrytle Beach Sucks
Thanks to the Dragon for this one:
What are Bikers options now that the Florida legislature has said it is ok to take our safety money
Governor Christ could veto the whole appropriations bill and call another special session (Don't hold your breath).
Governor Christ has line item veto power and could, were enough noise raised, fix it.
I think. So a massive amount of e-mails to the Governor at this time could possibly (note the words "could possibly") have some impact.
However e-mailing these jokers is a double edged sword. We can potentially hurt our cause if it is not a "massive" amount of e-mails. Just a few dribbling in here and there further demonstrates what the legislature already knows. BIKERS NO LONGER HAVE ANY POLITICAL POWER IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA!
However that is not there fault. That is ours. Lay down and invite someone to walk over you and in most cased they will. That is what we have done.
We have ANOTHER OPTION! SURROUND THE CAPITAL WITH A MASSIVE AMOUNT OF MOTORCYCLES and bring Tally to a standstill.
Can we do that? Are there still enough Biker in the state of Florida that care about when their rights are trampled and their money is stolen?????
ARE THERE ENOUGH BIKERS IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA THAT HAVE FINALLY HAD IT AND ARE WILLING TO SAY, "NO MORE!"
Legislators return to the capital the second week of February to begin committee work, How many bikers will commit to riding on the capital when they return? Post here or on Bruce and Ray's Forum
Here.
We have some heated room for sleeping bags and plenty of room for tents and some campers if interested.
Pass this on if you feel it has merit.
You can not expect to be free when you allow those who govern you to steal from youAdd to Technorati Favorites
Governor Christ has line item veto power and could, were enough noise raised, fix it.
I think. So a massive amount of e-mails to the Governor at this time could possibly (note the words "could possibly") have some impact.
However e-mailing these jokers is a double edged sword. We can potentially hurt our cause if it is not a "massive" amount of e-mails. Just a few dribbling in here and there further demonstrates what the legislature already knows. BIKERS NO LONGER HAVE ANY POLITICAL POWER IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA!
However that is not there fault. That is ours. Lay down and invite someone to walk over you and in most cased they will. That is what we have done.
We have ANOTHER OPTION! SURROUND THE CAPITAL WITH A MASSIVE AMOUNT OF MOTORCYCLES and bring Tally to a standstill.
Can we do that? Are there still enough Biker in the state of Florida that care about when their rights are trampled and their money is stolen?????
ARE THERE ENOUGH BIKERS IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA THAT HAVE FINALLY HAD IT AND ARE WILLING TO SAY, "NO MORE!"
Legislators return to the capital the second week of February to begin committee work, How many bikers will commit to riding on the capital when they return? Post here or on Bruce and Ray's Forum
Here.
We have some heated room for sleeping bags and plenty of room for tents and some campers if interested.
Pass this on if you feel it has merit.
You can not expect to be free when you allow those who govern you to steal from youAdd to Technorati Favorites
Well now go figure, my legislative works are now working again
My legislative alerts received by subscribing to the Florida Legislative Website stopped working prior to the special session. Guess what, they are now working again.
Hmmmm, go figureAdd to Technorati Favorites
Hmmmm, go figureAdd to Technorati Favorites
40-a passes Florida Dept of Highway Safety can now raid motorcycle safety money
As per phone conversation with the House of Representatives at 4:55pm, 40-a the resolution that allows the Florida Department of Highway Safety to use money held in trust for motorcycle safety issues, that you pay when you renew your motorcycle tag that is to be used for motorcycle safety purposes only, for reasons other than motorcycle safety.
Following is the Tallahassee Democrats coverage of the most moronic, disgraceful, theft of public monies perpetrated on the citizens of Florida in ages:
Updated: Republican lawmakers approve $2.8 billion state-budget fix
By Jim Ash, Stephen Price and Bill Cotterell • Florida Capital Bureau • January 14, 2009
updated 4:25 p.m.
Over the heated objection of Democrats, Republican lawmakers on Wednesday approved a $2.8 billion package of budget cuts, reserve sweeps and fee increases to conclude an emergency special session called to deal with a budget crisis.
Schools and social services programs will be hit hardest by $1.2 billion in budget cuts, including a $140 per-student, $466 million reduction to public schools and $130 million in Medicaid reimbursement rates to hospitals.
Motorists will soon be feeling the sting of higher traffic fines, including a $10 across the board increase on all infractions and a $25 increase in speeding fines.
Democrats railed against Republicans for rebuffing their calls for a $1 a pack tax on cigarettes that supporters claim would eventually raise $700 million.
Republicans called the estimate unreliable.
Democrats also complained that conservative House members refused to consider Gov. Charlie Crist's call for a $100 million compact with the Seminole Indian Tribe for expanded casino gambling.
"We offered up options to those in the front rows," said Rep. Alan Williams, D-Tallahassee. "When these options aren't heard, Floridians don't win. And when Floridians don't win, our children are left behind."
Crist told reporters earlier in the week that he was not pleased with the education cuts and considering using his line-item veto powers to reverse some of them. Before the final vote on Wednesday, Crist criticized cuts to teacher merit pay programs.
"I think it's important that we recognize the work of our public school teachers and particularly those who are doing exceptionally well," Crist said. "To revisit that issue is important."
Florida State University President T.K. Wetherell, a former House speaker, said the belt tightening will cost his institution $12.8 million.
"It's tough and you'll see it next fall when the students show up. The classes will be bigger, there'll be fewer faculty, fewer programs, you know, those are the type of things that will really start," he said. "We just don't have any more wiggle room. Between now and July 1, it's going to get really, really ugly."
The fallout was already reverberating across the street at the Leon County Courthouse. Advocates for the disabled filed a lawsuit in Leon circuit court against the state's Agency for Persons with Disabilities.
The suit, filed by the federally backed Advocacy Center for Persons with Disabilities, charges that budget cuts will cause "immediate and irreparable harm" to thousands of people who depend on a home- and community-based assistance program.
Republicans argued just as vehemently that Floridians, already struggling through the worst recession since World War II, shouldn't be asked to pay more.
"We all know that at the end of the day, the teachers will teach and the students will learn," said Rep. Ellen Bogdanoff, R-Fort Lauderdale. "We have a constitutional obligation to balance the budget. The last thing we should do is raise taxes."
Besides the budget cuts, lawmakers also chose to dramatically drain state reserves.
One of the largest diversions, $700 million, comes from the Lawton Chiles Endowment Fund.
Lawmakers agreed to pay back the fund with revenue from President-elect Barack Obama's economic stimulus package that could shower the states with as much as $800 billion.
The Legislature also drained $400 million from the Budget Stabilization Fund, the state savings account of last resort. The fund must be repaid starting in three years.
Both chambers agreed to forestall any further cuts to the state's beleaguered state court system. Instead, they voted to raise traffic fines and allow judges to impose court fines even in cases where adjudication of guilt is withheld. The move is expected to raise $15 million for prosecutors and public defenders for the remainder of this year and $55 million next year.
But a 2 percent, $48 million reduction in prison system spending will force the layoff of probation officers and increase offender-to-probation officer ratios from 84-to-1 to 113-to-1, warned Department of Corrections Secretary Walt McNeil.
"I'm going to do everything I can to look at other places in our administration, to lessen the cuts that we have. If I can take dollars from other areas to offset the cuts they're making in probation, I'll certainly do that."
For the first time in nearly 20 years, the Legislature is also suspending the state's signature environmental land-buying program, Florida Forever, which every year issues $300 million in bonds. Programs managers have only issued $50 million in bonds this year, and lawmakers estimate that the suspension will save the state $20 million in the next 12 months.
Rep. Ralph Poppell, R-Vero Beach, quickly pointed out that the program has spent $2 billion over the past 8 years and that preservation projects already underway won't be hurt. When the program resumes next year, new appraisals will lower land values and stretch the state dollars further, Poppell said.
"Remember, this is just a one-year deal," he said.
The Senate led the way early in the afternoon, with a 27-13 final vote. Sen. Gary Siplin of Orlando cast that chamber's only Democratic vote in favor of the plan. The House followed suit later in the day with a 74-43 vote, with Democrats opposed.Add to Technorati Favorites
Following is the Tallahassee Democrats coverage of the most moronic, disgraceful, theft of public monies perpetrated on the citizens of Florida in ages:
Updated: Republican lawmakers approve $2.8 billion state-budget fix
By Jim Ash, Stephen Price and Bill Cotterell • Florida Capital Bureau • January 14, 2009
updated 4:25 p.m.
Over the heated objection of Democrats, Republican lawmakers on Wednesday approved a $2.8 billion package of budget cuts, reserve sweeps and fee increases to conclude an emergency special session called to deal with a budget crisis.
Schools and social services programs will be hit hardest by $1.2 billion in budget cuts, including a $140 per-student, $466 million reduction to public schools and $130 million in Medicaid reimbursement rates to hospitals.
Motorists will soon be feeling the sting of higher traffic fines, including a $10 across the board increase on all infractions and a $25 increase in speeding fines.
Democrats railed against Republicans for rebuffing their calls for a $1 a pack tax on cigarettes that supporters claim would eventually raise $700 million.
Republicans called the estimate unreliable.
Democrats also complained that conservative House members refused to consider Gov. Charlie Crist's call for a $100 million compact with the Seminole Indian Tribe for expanded casino gambling.
"We offered up options to those in the front rows," said Rep. Alan Williams, D-Tallahassee. "When these options aren't heard, Floridians don't win. And when Floridians don't win, our children are left behind."
Crist told reporters earlier in the week that he was not pleased with the education cuts and considering using his line-item veto powers to reverse some of them. Before the final vote on Wednesday, Crist criticized cuts to teacher merit pay programs.
"I think it's important that we recognize the work of our public school teachers and particularly those who are doing exceptionally well," Crist said. "To revisit that issue is important."
Florida State University President T.K. Wetherell, a former House speaker, said the belt tightening will cost his institution $12.8 million.
"It's tough and you'll see it next fall when the students show up. The classes will be bigger, there'll be fewer faculty, fewer programs, you know, those are the type of things that will really start," he said. "We just don't have any more wiggle room. Between now and July 1, it's going to get really, really ugly."
The fallout was already reverberating across the street at the Leon County Courthouse. Advocates for the disabled filed a lawsuit in Leon circuit court against the state's Agency for Persons with Disabilities.
The suit, filed by the federally backed Advocacy Center for Persons with Disabilities, charges that budget cuts will cause "immediate and irreparable harm" to thousands of people who depend on a home- and community-based assistance program.
Republicans argued just as vehemently that Floridians, already struggling through the worst recession since World War II, shouldn't be asked to pay more.
"We all know that at the end of the day, the teachers will teach and the students will learn," said Rep. Ellen Bogdanoff, R-Fort Lauderdale. "We have a constitutional obligation to balance the budget. The last thing we should do is raise taxes."
Besides the budget cuts, lawmakers also chose to dramatically drain state reserves.
One of the largest diversions, $700 million, comes from the Lawton Chiles Endowment Fund.
Lawmakers agreed to pay back the fund with revenue from President-elect Barack Obama's economic stimulus package that could shower the states with as much as $800 billion.
The Legislature also drained $400 million from the Budget Stabilization Fund, the state savings account of last resort. The fund must be repaid starting in three years.
Both chambers agreed to forestall any further cuts to the state's beleaguered state court system. Instead, they voted to raise traffic fines and allow judges to impose court fines even in cases where adjudication of guilt is withheld. The move is expected to raise $15 million for prosecutors and public defenders for the remainder of this year and $55 million next year.
But a 2 percent, $48 million reduction in prison system spending will force the layoff of probation officers and increase offender-to-probation officer ratios from 84-to-1 to 113-to-1, warned Department of Corrections Secretary Walt McNeil.
"I'm going to do everything I can to look at other places in our administration, to lessen the cuts that we have. If I can take dollars from other areas to offset the cuts they're making in probation, I'll certainly do that."
For the first time in nearly 20 years, the Legislature is also suspending the state's signature environmental land-buying program, Florida Forever, which every year issues $300 million in bonds. Programs managers have only issued $50 million in bonds this year, and lawmakers estimate that the suspension will save the state $20 million in the next 12 months.
Rep. Ralph Poppell, R-Vero Beach, quickly pointed out that the program has spent $2 billion over the past 8 years and that preservation projects already underway won't be hurt. When the program resumes next year, new appraisals will lower land values and stretch the state dollars further, Poppell said.
"Remember, this is just a one-year deal," he said.
The Senate led the way early in the afternoon, with a 27-13 final vote. Sen. Gary Siplin of Orlando cast that chamber's only Democratic vote in favor of the plan. The House followed suit later in the day with a 74-43 vote, with Democrats opposed.Add to Technorati Favorites
But then if you had more mothers on a mission like this lady who would need the government or ABATE
MY 10 BUSES ARE UP AND RUNNING IN HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY. YOU CAN VISIT MY WEB
SITE www.genepearson.org TO SEE ALL OF MY OTHER MOTORCYCLE AWARENESS VENUES.
I WILL BE AT THE FULL THROTTLE EXPO JANUARY 24-25 AT THE HARBORVIEW CENTER
IN CLEARWATER. COME OUT AND PICK UP A FREE BUMPER STICKER, IF YOU ALREADY
HAVE ONE, TAKE IT AND GIVE IT TO A FRIEND OR RELATIVE, AND IN THIS WAY YOU
ARE HELPING ME PROMOTE MOTORCYCLE AWARENESS.
HAPPY NEW YEAR
GOD BLESS AND RIDE SAFE
DIANE/MOTHER ON A MISSIOnAdd to Technorati Favorites
Diana from Whitesands letter to Fl Rep Patronis re Safety Money
A most awesome letter to a representative. Wish I could write like this. Thumbs up Diana
Representative Patronis,
After a review of the information coming from the Special Session it appears that monies earmarked for motorcycle safety and education will be accessed by the Florida Department of Highway Safety for reasons other than highway safety.
Last year when we contacted you and requested that you reconsider your vote for HB137 you indicated this was in the best interest of the motorcyclist due to the number of deaths occuring on the roadways.
Now you want to take the very funds that come from "OUR" motorcycle endorsements and divert them to uses other than what the statutes dictate. These funds are specifically earmarked for safety as per the Florida Statute:
322.21 License fees; procedure for handling and collecting fees.--
(1) Except as otherwise provided herein, the fee for:
(c) The renewal or extension of a Class E driver's license or of a license restricted to motorcycle use only is $20, except that a delinquent fee of $1 shall be added for a renewal or extension made not more than 12 months after the license expiration date. The fee provided in this paragraph shall include the fee for driver's education provided by s. 1003.48.
(d) An original driver's license restricted to motorcycle use only is $27, which shall include the fee for driver's education provided by s. 1003.48.
1003.48 Instruction in operation of motor vehicles.--
(1) A course of study and instruction in the safe and lawful operation of a motor vehicle shall be made available by each district school board to students in the secondary schools in the state. As used in this section, the term "motor vehicle" shall have the same meaning as in s. 320.01(1)(a) and shall include motorcycles and mopeds. Instruction in motorcycle or moped operation may be limited to classroom instruction. The course shall not be made a part of, or a substitute for, any of the minimum requirements for graduation.
Todays economic times have more motorcyclists on the road than in the past. Even with gas prices dropping we are trying to pinch every penny to make ends meet and one way is saving on fuel costs.
If you look at the number of endorsed motorcyclists in the State of Florida and the number of riding days that we have compared to the miles driven you will see that this money needs to be spent in saving the lives of those who choose to ride on 2 wheels compared to 4.
Please take the time to be informed bout the vote you make before taking money away from motorcycle safety and education. Refer to the following site: http://www.flhsmv.gov/hsmvdocs/CS2007.pdf "Motorcyclist and passenger fatalities remained the same at 550 for 2007 as they were in 2006." And as the number reflect, there was a large increase in ridership between the years.
The number remained the same because of motorcycle education and awareness. Just recently the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles began their statewide billboard and poster campaign for motorcycle awareness. Please continue this trend, do not turn your back on the motorcyclists of this state. One life is worth all of the money spent!
Please review the statistics on Right of Way violations by cars and trucks against motorcyclists. If one life is spared or if no-one has to loose a limb because a driver said "I didn't see the motorcyclist" then the money is well spent in educating the public as to the awareness of motorcyclists. http://www.flhsmv.gov/hsmvdocs/CS2007.pdf
Here are the motorcycle monetary contributions taken from http://www.flhsmv.gov/html/revpub/revpub_july07_june08.pdf
STATEWIDE REVENUES BY FEE TYPE
JULY 2007 thru JUNE 2008
DESCRIPTION County Retained State Revenue TOTAL
MOTORCYCLE ENDORSEMENT 0.00 1,031,705.00 1,031,705.00
Motorcycle Specialty Plate 0 .00 3 69,070.00 3 69,070.00
Motorcycle Safety Education 0 .00 1 ,669,207.50 1 ,669,207.50
STATEWIDE BASE TAX BY VEHICLE TYPE
JULY 2007 THROUGH JUNE 2008
TRANSACTIONS REVENUE
MOTORCYCLE 625,566 $ 6,068,833.90
MOPED 6,356 33,840.33
ANTIQUE MOTORCYCLE 22,402 228,849.95
GROUP TOTAL 654,324 $ 6,331,524.18
Please use OUR MONEY for the greater good of the contributors....the Motorcyclists.
Diana
Proud to be a motorcyclist fighting for my rights!Add to Technorati Favorites
Representative Patronis,
After a review of the information coming from the Special Session it appears that monies earmarked for motorcycle safety and education will be accessed by the Florida Department of Highway Safety for reasons other than highway safety.
Last year when we contacted you and requested that you reconsider your vote for HB137 you indicated this was in the best interest of the motorcyclist due to the number of deaths occuring on the roadways.
Now you want to take the very funds that come from "OUR" motorcycle endorsements and divert them to uses other than what the statutes dictate. These funds are specifically earmarked for safety as per the Florida Statute:
322.21 License fees; procedure for handling and collecting fees.--
(1) Except as otherwise provided herein, the fee for:
(c) The renewal or extension of a Class E driver's license or of a license restricted to motorcycle use only is $20, except that a delinquent fee of $1 shall be added for a renewal or extension made not more than 12 months after the license expiration date. The fee provided in this paragraph shall include the fee for driver's education provided by s. 1003.48.
(d) An original driver's license restricted to motorcycle use only is $27, which shall include the fee for driver's education provided by s. 1003.48.
1003.48 Instruction in operation of motor vehicles.--
(1) A course of study and instruction in the safe and lawful operation of a motor vehicle shall be made available by each district school board to students in the secondary schools in the state. As used in this section, the term "motor vehicle" shall have the same meaning as in s. 320.01(1)(a) and shall include motorcycles and mopeds. Instruction in motorcycle or moped operation may be limited to classroom instruction. The course shall not be made a part of, or a substitute for, any of the minimum requirements for graduation.
Todays economic times have more motorcyclists on the road than in the past. Even with gas prices dropping we are trying to pinch every penny to make ends meet and one way is saving on fuel costs.
If you look at the number of endorsed motorcyclists in the State of Florida and the number of riding days that we have compared to the miles driven you will see that this money needs to be spent in saving the lives of those who choose to ride on 2 wheels compared to 4.
Please take the time to be informed bout the vote you make before taking money away from motorcycle safety and education. Refer to the following site: http://www.flhsmv.gov/hsmvdocs/CS2007.pdf "Motorcyclist and passenger fatalities remained the same at 550 for 2007 as they were in 2006." And as the number reflect, there was a large increase in ridership between the years.
The number remained the same because of motorcycle education and awareness. Just recently the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles began their statewide billboard and poster campaign for motorcycle awareness. Please continue this trend, do not turn your back on the motorcyclists of this state. One life is worth all of the money spent!
Please review the statistics on Right of Way violations by cars and trucks against motorcyclists. If one life is spared or if no-one has to loose a limb because a driver said "I didn't see the motorcyclist" then the money is well spent in educating the public as to the awareness of motorcyclists. http://www.flhsmv.gov/hsmvdocs/CS2007.pdf
Here are the motorcycle monetary contributions taken from http://www.flhsmv.gov/html/revpub/revpub_july07_june08.pdf
STATEWIDE REVENUES BY FEE TYPE
JULY 2007 thru JUNE 2008
DESCRIPTION County Retained State Revenue TOTAL
MOTORCYCLE ENDORSEMENT 0.00 1,031,705.00 1,031,705.00
Motorcycle Specialty Plate 0 .00 3 69,070.00 3 69,070.00
Motorcycle Safety Education 0 .00 1 ,669,207.50 1 ,669,207.50
STATEWIDE BASE TAX BY VEHICLE TYPE
JULY 2007 THROUGH JUNE 2008
TRANSACTIONS REVENUE
MOTORCYCLE 625,566 $ 6,068,833.90
MOPED 6,356 33,840.33
ANTIQUE MOTORCYCLE 22,402 228,849.95
GROUP TOTAL 654,324 $ 6,331,524.18
Please use OUR MONEY for the greater good of the contributors....the Motorcyclists.
Diana
Proud to be a motorcyclist fighting for my rights!Add to Technorati Favorites
When it comes to highway safety how do you know when the press is lying- They put it in print!
“Newspapers are unable, seemingly to discriminate between a bicycle accident and the collapse of civilization”
George Bernard Shaw
George Bernard Shaw This popped into our Mailbox from a hardworking safety advocate. Even though we probably do not agree on a number of issues ya got to give props where props are due.
Problem is, People see stuff in the paper. See the source. It looks official so "bang"
it's true right? Well lets see, heres an article from Tampa Bay online dated January 14,2009.
Ed, Note: Ummm if this is correct then how come if I go here:
Rich Shopes
TAMPA, Jan 13, 2009 (Tampa Tribune - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) --
Florida has done better when it comes to passing highway safety laws but lags in key areas, an advocacy group says.
Highway deaths in the state fell slightly from 2006 to 2007, the Washington-based Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety said in a report released Monday.
Florida got higher marks largely because the group recognized the state's ignition-interlock program, which uses alcohol-detection devices to prevent drunken drivers from starting their vehicles.
The law doesn't apply to first-time DUI offenders, so Florida only got half-credit.
The 55-page Roadmap Report casts Florida as a "yellow state," along with 30 others, meaning it has room to improve. The ratings of poorest to best overall safety laws are based on red, yellow and green.
Fifteen states and the District of Columbia were given green ratings for having adequate driver protections. Four states received red designations: Arkansas, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming.
The Sunshine State scored 9 out of a possible 15, a half-point improvement over last year.
Florida could have achieved a green had it passed a primary seatbelt law, a mandatory motorcycle helmet law or a booster seat law, among others, the group said. In Florida, seatbelt laws can be enforced only if a motorist is stopped for a primary violation, such as speeding.
Contact:
Major Ernesto Duarte
Florida Highway Patrol
850-487-3139
Major Ernesto Duarte
Florida Highway Patrol
850-487-3139
I find this:
For Release June 29, 2005:Troopers to Enforce Primary Seat Belt Law Beginning July 1st
Motorists in Florida are reminded of the new Primary Seat Belt Law which becomes effective July 1, 2005. The new primary law, passed by the 2005 Florida Legislature and signed by Governor Jeb Bush recently, requires that occupants (including the driver) of a motor vehicle under the age of 18 buckle up in their vehicle. Law enforcement officers can now stop any vehicle when drivers or occupants under the age of 18 are seen not wearing seat belts. Under the new Primary Seat Belt Law, drivers will be held responsible for the failure of any occupant under the age of 18 who fails to buckle up.
Hellooooo, am I confused? Is Tampa Bay Online Confused? Is the Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety confused? Is the Florida Highway Patrol confused? Well read on to read on cause the story contines:
Florida had 3,214 road deaths in 2007, a drop of 160. The group said it expects fatalities declined again in 2008, possibly because the poor economy meant people drove less.This cute little picture came with it.
Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety is a coalition of insurance, consumer, health, safety and law enforcement organizations.
Reporter Rich Shopes can be reached at (813) 259-7633.
So we in our paranoid little way are thinking, just who in the hell is the
"Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety" anyway as we are noting something is wrong with this press release (hang in there bucko's). They have a prettier site than we do. Tampa Bay Online says they are this:
"Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety is a coalition of insurance, consumer, health, safety and law enforcement organizations."
Well suspicious us, looking under: Board Member Sites
So looking under "Board Member sites". Guess what we see? Under Insurance Members we see:
- Allstate Insurance Company
- Farmers Insurance Group
- Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America
- Liberty Mutual Group
- National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies
- National Association of Professional Insurance Agents
- Nationwide Insurance
- State Farm Insurance Companies
- Unitrin Specialty
- USAA
So our first question is this group, Like the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (and yes MSF we will keep saying this until you sue us to prove us wrong. And then we will sue you for profiting off the backs of the lives of motorcyclists) a "Front Group"? Only in this case, for the insurance industry, as opposed to the Motorcycle Industry Council.
BUT THE BIGGER ISSUE: Freaking Tampa Bay Online prints this swill and people will read it and believe it. AND EVEN WORSE THAN THAT, this dude Rich Shopes apparently calls himself a reporter?
re·port·er
(r
-pôr
t
r, -p
r-)n.1. A writer, investigator, or presenter of news stories.Add to Technorati Favorites
Tallahassee Democrat biased against motorcycles-reporting on todays motorcycle fatality adds to the evidence
We have no problem with anybody sending this to the Tallahassee Democrat. We think they don't like us no more :(
Unfortunately the individual was killed. NOTHING prevented that. But wait. Lets compare this to WCTV's coverage.
http://www.wctv.tv/home/headlines/37563859.html
Why did the Tallahassee Democrat not report that??????
Instead the Tallahassee Democrat Reported:
Now as to the Democrats reporting of McRanies statement:
The other issue is, why report on the presence of a helmet at all? After all is not the issue that the Toyata pulled out in front of the motorcycle. That is what killed the motorcyclists. Not the presence or lack of presence of a helmet.
The times listed on the WCTV website and the Tallahassee Democrat are similiar enough as to wonder why the differences in reporting.
We will have to assume that one news outlet WCTV was interested in reporting straight facts and the other allowed their bias to cover there reporting. We do not blame the Tallahassee Democrat for that. We report on stuff but we also admit to being extremely biased. We are biased towards Freedom, Bikers and the truth.
This is not the first example of Tallahassee Democrats Bias against the truth of motorcycling.
At the Florida Department of Highway Safety Press Conference that tried it's best not to answer questions it cold not answer we were covered by the Associated Press. Had you read the Democrats coverage you would not have known there was any dissent at all. Despite the fact that we provided their reporter with a 17 page document w/ links outlining and debunking the myths perpetrated by the Florida department of Highway Safety.
When we learned that the reporter did not include any of it. We e-mailed it to those in positions of power at the Democrat. They ignored the truth.
In their multi-page splash put out by Gannet news corp and presented as "truth" we again sent info debunking some of what is perceived as truth. Needless to say it to was ignored.
In other word it would appear that that the Tallahassee Democrat is not th "Biker"/motorcyclists friend. To the extent they will color any reporting having to do with motorcycles with a bias that is inexcusable for the communities only newspaper.
We could only wish they would stop worshiping at the alter of FSU football and apply the same reporting to all stories that they have admirably applied to the coverage of the death of Rachel Hoffman.
What is also interesting is that we have advised them that should they need information re: motorcycling that we, or others that would be glad to help, can in most instance's access information that may be helpful in printing the "whole" story. To date they have not felt the need to do so.
One can only assume it is because they have a staff full of bikers that are interested in presenting the facts.
That offer still stands even though we are probably perceived as the little man in "Only cowgirls sing the blues" that lives in a cave banging on pots and pans. Though now the offer would have a condition or two insure that the bias is taken out.Add to Technorati Favorites
From the Tallahassee Democrat:Now unless your a motorcyclists you probably would not have picked up on :
http://tallahassee.com/article/20090114/BREAKINGNEWS/90102002
updated 11:52 a.m.
The crash occurred just before dawn, which is a time Tallahassee police say is more difficult for drivers to spot pedestrians and cyclists. McCranie said the cyclist was wearing a helmet at the time of the incident, something he said may have provided some safety.
A green Triumph motorcycle heading southbound on Thomasville careened into an eastbound Toyota Camry, at approximately 6:50 a.m.
“It’s not one of those top 25 intersections… we have not experienced many crashes along this corridor of Thomasville Road,” said David McCranie, spokesman for the Tallahassee Police Department.
southbound on Thomasville careened into an eastbound Toyota Camry,Hmmm how does this happen?
"McCranie said the cyclist was wearing a helmet at the time of the incident, something he said may have provided some safety."Now I ask you and I challenge McCranie to define what degree of safety was provided.
Unfortunately the individual was killed. NOTHING prevented that. But wait. Lets compare this to WCTV's coverage.
http://www.wctv.tv/home/headlines/37563859.html
Weaver appears to have been traveling east on Live Oak Plantation Road and attempted to turn left onto Thomasville Road in an effort to travel north. During the above vehicle movements, Davis collided with the driver side door of the Toyota causing him to be thrown from the motorcycle.
A TPD Spokesman says the driver of a gray Toyota Camry pulled out in front of the motorcycle as she attempted to turn left on Thomasville Road. She told officers she did not see the motorcyclist.The Toyota turned in front of the oncoming motorcycle thus violating it's right of way???? THe driver admits "she did not see the motorcyclists". How often does this happen? All the time.
Why did the Tallahassee Democrat not report that??????
Instead the Tallahassee Democrat Reported:
The crash occurred just before dawn, which is a time Tallahassee police say is more difficult for drivers to spot pedestrians and cyclists.How does one interpret this statement? Does it excuse the Toyata driver in some way? Nowhere does the Tallahassee Democrat even hint that the driver violated the motorcycles rights of way.
Now as to the Democrats reporting of McRanies statement:
"McCranie said the cyclist was wearing a helmet at the time of the incident, something he said may have provided some safety."WCTV reports:
Officers say the motorcyclist was wearing a helmet but the impact of the crash was too great.Is this not more accurate? Is this not the truth? Is this not accurately reporting that there are times when no amount of safety equipment is going to save you?
The other issue is, why report on the presence of a helmet at all? After all is not the issue that the Toyata pulled out in front of the motorcycle. That is what killed the motorcyclists. Not the presence or lack of presence of a helmet.
The times listed on the WCTV website and the Tallahassee Democrat are similiar enough as to wonder why the differences in reporting.
We will have to assume that one news outlet WCTV was interested in reporting straight facts and the other allowed their bias to cover there reporting. We do not blame the Tallahassee Democrat for that. We report on stuff but we also admit to being extremely biased. We are biased towards Freedom, Bikers and the truth.
This is not the first example of Tallahassee Democrats Bias against the truth of motorcycling.
At the Florida Department of Highway Safety Press Conference that tried it's best not to answer questions it cold not answer we were covered by the Associated Press. Had you read the Democrats coverage you would not have known there was any dissent at all. Despite the fact that we provided their reporter with a 17 page document w/ links outlining and debunking the myths perpetrated by the Florida department of Highway Safety.
When we learned that the reporter did not include any of it. We e-mailed it to those in positions of power at the Democrat. They ignored the truth.
In their multi-page splash put out by Gannet news corp and presented as "truth" we again sent info debunking some of what is perceived as truth. Needless to say it to was ignored.
In other word it would appear that that the Tallahassee Democrat is not th "Biker"/motorcyclists friend. To the extent they will color any reporting having to do with motorcycles with a bias that is inexcusable for the communities only newspaper.
We could only wish they would stop worshiping at the alter of FSU football and apply the same reporting to all stories that they have admirably applied to the coverage of the death of Rachel Hoffman.
What is also interesting is that we have advised them that should they need information re: motorcycling that we, or others that would be glad to help, can in most instance's access information that may be helpful in printing the "whole" story. To date they have not felt the need to do so.
One can only assume it is because they have a staff full of bikers that are interested in presenting the facts.
That offer still stands even though we are probably perceived as the little man in "Only cowgirls sing the blues" that lives in a cave banging on pots and pans. Though now the offer would have a condition or two insure that the bias is taken out.Add to Technorati Favorites
More on the Carl Davis fatality from WCTV
TPD News Release:
http://www.wctv.tv/home/headlines/37563859.html
This morning, at approximately 6:50 a.m., the Tallahassee Police Department responded to a reported crash at the intersection of Thomasville Road and Live Oak Plantation Road. Upon arrival. officers discovered that a green 1999 Triumph motorcycle collided with a gray 1997 Toyota Camry.
The motorcycle was driven by 48-year-old Carl Davis and the Toyota was driven by 20-year-old Rachel Weaver, both of Tallahassee. The investigation is ongoing, but the preliminary investigation indicates that Davis was traveling south on Thomasville Road in the outside lane approaching Live Oak Plantation Road. Weaver appears to have been traveling east on Live Oak Plantation Road and attempted to turn left onto Thomasville Road in an effort to travel north. During the above vehicle movements, Davis collided with the driver side door of the Toyota causing him to be thrown from the motorcycle.
Davis succumbed to injuries received during the crash at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital. He was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. Investigators do not believe speed or impairment were factors in the crash based on witness statements and physical evidence. The investigation continues and charges may be pending.
Updated 10:32 a.m. (1/14/09)
A Tallahassee motorcyclist has died in the wake of a crash on Thomasville Road early this morning. Police have yet to release the name of the 48-year-old man who was killed in the crash.
A TPD Spokesman says the driver of a gray Toyota Camry pulled out in front of the motorcycle as she attempted to turn left on Thomasville Road. She told officers she did not see the motorcyclist.
Officers say the motorcyclist crashed into the side of the Camry. Officers say the motorcyclist was wearing a helmet but the impact of the crash was too great.
The driver of the Camry suffered minor injuries and a nine-month-old child in the back seat was not injured.Add to Technorati Favorites
http://www.wctv.tv/home/headlines/37563859.html
This morning, at approximately 6:50 a.m., the Tallahassee Police Department responded to a reported crash at the intersection of Thomasville Road and Live Oak Plantation Road. Upon arrival. officers discovered that a green 1999 Triumph motorcycle collided with a gray 1997 Toyota Camry.
The motorcycle was driven by 48-year-old Carl Davis and the Toyota was driven by 20-year-old Rachel Weaver, both of Tallahassee. The investigation is ongoing, but the preliminary investigation indicates that Davis was traveling south on Thomasville Road in the outside lane approaching Live Oak Plantation Road. Weaver appears to have been traveling east on Live Oak Plantation Road and attempted to turn left onto Thomasville Road in an effort to travel north. During the above vehicle movements, Davis collided with the driver side door of the Toyota causing him to be thrown from the motorcycle.
Davis succumbed to injuries received during the crash at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital. He was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. Investigators do not believe speed or impairment were factors in the crash based on witness statements and physical evidence. The investigation continues and charges may be pending.
Updated 10:32 a.m. (1/14/09)
A Tallahassee motorcyclist has died in the wake of a crash on Thomasville Road early this morning. Police have yet to release the name of the 48-year-old man who was killed in the crash.
A TPD Spokesman says the driver of a gray Toyota Camry pulled out in front of the motorcycle as she attempted to turn left on Thomasville Road. She told officers she did not see the motorcyclist.
Officers say the motorcyclist crashed into the side of the Camry. Officers say the motorcyclist was wearing a helmet but the impact of the crash was too great.
The driver of the Camry suffered minor injuries and a nine-month-old child in the back seat was not injured.Add to Technorati Favorites
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