MASSACHUSETTS ENACTS RIDER TRAINING FOR JUNIOR MOTORCYCLISTS:

From Biker Rogue (with a word or two from us of course):

MASSACHUSETTS ENACTS RIDER TRAINING FOR JUNIOR MOTORCYCLISTS: The Massachusetts Motorcycle Association (MMA) announces that Senate Bill 2344, dubbed Ryan’s Bill, an “Act relative to assuring that motorcyclists between the ages of 16 and 18 are provided with adequate education relative to the proper safety and operation of a motorcycle.” has been signed into law by Governor Deval Patrick.

                                                                                                                                                                                               

Recognizing the additional burden formal training may require, MMA Legislative Director Rick Gleason states, “A weekend of formal training sets the stage for a lifetime of motorcycling enjoyment and the skills acquired through training can help a rider avoid a crash.”

This new law does not make training mandatory, and only affects those under 18 who wish to earn their motorcycle license.  MMA Chairman Dave Condon further clarifies that passage of Ryan’s Bill does not require a junior operator take a motorcycle training course.  "A motorcycle permit in this state is good for two years. Therefore, a junior motorcycle operator can still ride on his\her permit beyond their 18th birthday, and take the road test offered by the Registry of Motor Vehicles.” Condon further stated, "The MMA was very careful in not taking anyone's choice away or interfering with a parent’s right to decide what is best for their child." Condon also pointed out that current state regulations require 40+ hours of formal training before a Junior Operator may obtain a license to operate an automobile.

Motorcycle Rider Education Program (MREP) officials analyzed ten years of information from the Massachusetts RMV and found that just over 63% of those involved in fatal motorcycle accidents have never received any formal motorcycle rider training and 22.5% of motorcycle fatalities were from riders under the age of 21.

(Editors note: In a state such as Florida where no formal training is required to obtain a  Drivers License we could say that, Approx. 100%  of Florida Automobile drivers have had no formal Automobile driver training, unless they were court ordered into a driving program as a result of a DUI or took a drivers course as an elective to avoid getting points on their license so that they can keep their insurance rates from rising. Could this be discriminatory, or just plain stupid?)

POW MIA days in Tally

Friday night Found motorcycles carrying Veterans and supporters of veterans to the Korean War Memorial for a Candle light vigil to honor, not only those who fought in that war, but those who never came home.

The Defense Department states that 8,000 Americans remain unaccounted for from this "Police Action."

On Saturday the Vietnam Vets/Legacy Vets MC led a police escorted motorcycle procession down Appalachee Parkway to the capital Fpr a POW/CIA rally. According to the Department of Defense Website 1,899 Americans remain unaccounted for from that conflict.

Talks were given expressing frustration over our governments failure to uphold it's promises to the soldier and frustrations over getting House Resolution onto the Floor for a vote. Despite the record breaking number of sponsors for the bill.

The promise:


The code of the U.S. Fighting Force, a directive issued by the United States Department of Defense
states (emphasis ours):

c. Just as you have a responsibility to your country under the Code of Conduct, the United States government has an equal responsibility—to keep faith with you and stand by you as you fight for your country. If you are unfortunate enough to become a prisoner of war, you may rest assured that your government will care for your dependents and will never forget you. Furthermore, the government will use every practical means to contact, support and gain release for you and for all other prisoners of war.