An attack linked to al-Qaida and terror threats against the Dakar Rally forced organizers to cancel the annual race on the eve of the 5,760-mile trek across North African desert scrubland and savannah. It was the first time the automobile, motorcycle and truck rally has been called off in its 30-year history. In a statement, organizers blamed "threats launched directly against the race by terrorist organizations", the Dec. 24 killings of a French family and international tensions. The race's central appeal - its course through African deserts, scrubland and savannas - is also its weak point, making it difficult to protect thousands of people as they cross remote regions. 550 car, truck and motorcycle drivers were expected. Officials say the cell is linked to the Algeria-based al-Qaida in Islamic North Africa, which has claimed responsibility for a series of deadly attacks, including the Dec. 11 twin suicide bombings at U.N. offices and a government building in Algiers, which killed at least 37 people. In the past, terrorism fears have forced organizers to cancel individual stages or reroute the race. In 2000, several stages were scrapped after a threat forced organizers to airlift the entire race from Niger to Libya. Several stages were also called off in 2004, reportedly because of terror threats in Mali.

    Metropolitan Manila (Philippines) Development Authority (MMDA) recently said they are not in favor of moves banning motorcycle along major thoroughfares in the metropolis, saying motorcycle owners have the right to use all roads like other vehicle owners. Officials went on to say the best thing to prevent road accidents is road discipline citing such things as: intensified safety education, particularly among young riders, ensuring riders are speed-conscious, use of proper safety equipment, and drunk driving as contributing factors to the rising trend of traffic accidents. Earlier, two legislators filed bills at the Lower House aimed at preventing road accidents particularly those concerning motorcycles as well as calling for their regulation. In this they described the popular vehicle as a growing concern as its number increased to 40 percent annually in the last three years. On average, in Metro Manila, 250 died from motorcycle-related accidents since 2004, averaging 83 fatalities per year. Last year, 1.551 million motorcycles were registered nationwide clearly outrunning cars and utility vehicles at 1.097 million and 536,049 units, respectively, figures showed.

    Someone with bad intentions   is using the honored name of the "Patriot Guard Riders" as part of a phone scam. The solicitor targets veterans, and asks them to join the Patriot Guard Riders, along with submitting a membership fee. But in reality, the Patriot Guard Riders doesn't collect membership fees. Anyone who has information about this, or has been contacted by the scammer, should contact 316-522-2000.

    California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has signed into law AB 1581, legislation which allows for repair or replacement of traffic signals as they come up for routine maintenance. The signals will be modified to take into account the sensitivity needed to be tripped by motorcycles and bicycles. Assemblywoman Jean Fuller (Bakersfield) authored this bill can be thanked at: assemblymember.fuller@assembly.ca.gov. This significant legislation has been championed by ABATE of California for many years.

    Idaho's Clearwater National Forest has released a "Proposed Action" for the summer and winter motorized and mountain bike Travel Plan. It is the first time a National Forest in Region 1 (in northern Idaho and Montana) has attempted site-specific implementation of their new de-facto Wilderness policy. The "Proposed Action" proposes removing all motorized and mountain bike uses from "Recommended Wilderness Areas" (RWA). Implementation of this in the Clearwater NF will result in closure of 44%, or 178 miles, of single-track motorcycle and some backcountry snowmobile trails.

   Florida's HB 137, "Offenses Committed While Operating a Motorcycle", introduced by Representative Carlos Lopez-Cantera (R-Miami), proposes that any motorcyclist charged with reckless operation or riding 50 miles per hour or greater above the posted speed limit would face arrest, seizure and forfeiture of their motorcycle, and revocation of their motorcycle endorsement for ten years. The legislation applies ONLY to motorcycles and their operators; no other motorized vehicle or driver operating on a public roadway is threatened with these penalties. Additionally, motorcyclists would have to maintain both wheels on the ground at all times and license plates be permanently affixed horizontally to the ground. A related bill (SB-802) has been introduced in the Senate by Senator Rudy Garcia (R- Hialeah). Even if you obey the law, HB-137 is discriminatory and unfair because it sends the wrong message - motorcyclists are the only threat on public roadways. Car, light truck, and SUV drivers, alleged to have violated the same laws, do not face the same harsh penalties.

   The Federation of European Motorcyclists' Associations (FEMA) is celebrating its 20th Anniversary of pro-active lobbying in Brussels and in Geneva in 2008. Reducing congestion, pollution and accidents while increasing mobility is one of Europe's main challenges. The use of motorcycles clearly offers major advantages to the transport mix as well as solutions to many of the transport problems faced by EU Members. Recognition of their positive contribution has been one of FEMA members' main reasons for creating the Federation in 1988. 20 years later, promoting fairer and appropriate legislation for motorcyclists remains FEMA's main task. On 25 June 1988, motorcyclists' associations from France, Germany, United Kingdom, Greece, Austria and Luxembourg decided to form a European citizens' organisation in order to make European riders' voice heard in the political debate: The Federation of European Motorcyclists (FEM) was born. Ten years later, on 10 January 1998, FEM and the European Motorcyclist Association (EMA) merged to form the Federation of European Motorcyclists Associations (FEMA). The two associations joined their forces to offer motorcyclists the best representation possible. Today, FEMA counts on a 4 person office in Brussels. In 2008, 24 national road riding motorcyclists' organizations from 19 European countries will hence celebrate 20 years of riders' representation in Brussels. Throughout the year, FEMA will disseminate information about its history and how it works, but it will also organize a series of activities, such as participation in shows, workshops and conferences, interviews of keynote representatives, and a special edition of the MEP Motorcycle Ride in Brussels. The detailed program and additional information are available on FEMA 20th Anniversary dedicated web space www.fema.ridersrights.org/20years .

    Vietnam's new law making crash helmets compulsory for motorcycle riders seems to have had a salutary effect as most riders and passengers in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City switched from going bareheaded to wearing helmets. Motorcycles are the most common mode of transport in Vietnam, carrying some 65 percent of passengers in urban areas, but riders have long insisted on going bareheaded - until now. Violators can be fined 150 000 Vietnamese dong (about $60) which is more than the cost of a cheap motorcycle helmet. Vietnam has been struggling to cope with a high rate of road deaths; with motorcycles involved in 75 percent of accidents.     Michigan Senate Bill 104, sponsored by Sen. Valde Garcia (R-Howell), would have increased penalties for right-of-way violations that result in injury or death. The Senate Transportation Committee recommended a substitute bill to establish penalties for moving violations that seriously injured or killed another person, significantly expanding the scope of the legislation. Substitute SB-104 was voted unanimously out of committee and referred to the Committee of the Whole in late October.


    Florida Senate bill 828, sponsored by Sen. Michael Bennett (R-Bradenton), would prohibit passengers younger than 12 years of age on a motorcycle or moped. Use the AMA Rapid Response Center at www.AMADirectlink.com to let your state senator know that parents and guardians, not the government, know best at what age their children should ride on a motorcycle.

    Kentucky Senator Julian Carroll (D-Frankfort) has introduced legislation making a law whereby all motorcycle operators and passengers would be required to wear motorcycle helmets while on a public highway. This legislation seeks to remove adult choice; use the AMA Rapid Response Center at www.AMADirectlink.com to let your state senator know how you feel. .

   With support from the Michigan Secretary of State's Office and the State Police, Senate Bill 104, introduced by Sen. Valde Garcia (R-Howell), was substituted in the Senate Transportation Committee and passed unanimously by the full Senate. Michigan motorcyclists who called for tougher penalties for right-of-way violations that kill or injury other roadway users watched the bill expand to include all traffic offenses where injury or death occurs. Contact your representative using the AMA Rapid Response Center to encourage his or her support of this important legislation which is consistent with the AMA's Justice for All campaign which can also be reviewed in the Rights section of www.AMADirectlink.com .

    The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently announced plans to conduct a survey of State Motorcycle Safety Administrators and/or State Highway Safety Offices in all 50 States and the District of Columbia to gather data on state-level motorcycle safety programs. This survey will consist of a questionnaire in mail (paper and pencil) format, which will allow a telephone follow-up for further details as necessary. The study will use the State Motorcycle Safety Administrator and State Highway Safety Office survey to gather comprehensive data on what each of the 50 States and the District of Columbia are doing to promote and ensure safe riding behavior. The Information Collection Request (ICR) has been forwarded to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and comment.
   
     Missouri House bill 1442, sponsored by Rep. Jeff Roorda (D-Barnhart), creates a class C misdemeanor crime of motorcycle stunt riding on a public highway for anyone observed standing on the seat, frame, or handlebars of a motorcycle; performing handstands on the seat, frame, or handlebars of a motorcycle; operating a motorcycle on one tire; or removing both hands from the handlebars while operating the motorcycle. If the motorcycle has no license plate, the charge becomes a class A misdemeanor. Use the AMA Rapid Response Center at www.AMADirectlink.com to let your state reps know that you oppose this legislation.

    New Hampshire Legislation introduced by Rep. Richard B. Drisko (R-Hollis) would prohibit dirtbike and ATV use on any state owned recreational trail that is located on an unused rail corridor and was built with federal funds. The text of HB 1264 is available in the Rapid Response center of www.AMADirectlink.com .
   
     The AMA has been supporting an effort by the Pennsylvania Off-Highway Vehicle Association (PaOHV) to strengthen liability protection for Pennsylvania landowners who allow motorized recreation on their property. Prior to the Holiday recess the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee considered and reported Senate Bill 497, as amended. However, the amendment struck a key component from the bill. The provision that was stripped from the bill would have required the court to order the reimbursement to the innocent landowner the costs associated with an unsuccessful plaintiff's action against the landowners. The bill is currently on the Senate Calendar and will be considered soon. At that time, Senator Bob Robbins will offer an amendment that will specifically add the terms "snowmobile, ATV and motorcycle riding as "recreational activities" covered under the act. Senator Robbins will also offer a compromise to the attorney fees provision stripped from the bill by the committee. The amendment will have revised language that provides for these important clauses. The AMA and PAOHV are encouraging all Pennsylvania off-highway vehicle enthusiasts to contact their State Senator and urge their support of Senator Bob Robbins amendments to Senate Bill 497. Enthusiasts can use the AMA's "Rapid Response" page at www.AMADirectlink.com to obtain contact information for their legislator. The current text of SB 497 is also posted to the AMA's website.    
     Washington's two OHV noise bills, HB 1434 and SB 5544, are still technically "in play" and could be heard at any time in the current session. These bills would've seriously restricted OHV use by prohibiting "audible ORV sound" in residential areas. You can keep tabs on these bills and others in the AMA's Rapid Response center on www.AMADirectlink.com .
   
     The Honolulu City Council is considering a proposal to require all motorcycles to have stock exhaust systems with the federal emissions label prominently displayed. Motorcycles are the only class of motor vehicle being proposed to be equipped with an exhaust system labeled according to the Code of Federal Regulations (40CFR205, Subparts D & E). Other classes of motor vehicles including passenger cars, light trucks, and SUVs are excluded from this additional level of scrutiny from law enforcement. The AMA understands the public's growing concern with all forms of excessive sound, including that from automobiles, trucks and motorcycles with modified exhaust systems. Over the years we have acknowledged the problem and taken steps to make the riding community aware of the dangers of unchecked excessive motorcycle exhausts. Further, we acknowledge the right of communities to establish and enforce reasonable ordinances to consistently address sound related issues including excessively loud vehicle sound. However singling out one class of vehicle for this burdensome regulation is simply going too far. The AMA has mailed the City Council to inform them of our opposition to this proposal. AMA members in Hawaii are being notified of this proposal and we continue to work with activists and Sport Bikers United of Hawaii to thwart this legislation. For additional information contact: Nick Haris, AMA Western States Representative. 530 626 4250, nharis@ama-cycle.org.

AMA Government Relations News & Notes is a monthly service compiled and edited by the AMA
Government Relations Staff to keep motorcyclists informed of happenings around the world. We welcome
your news & views. Please submit all material to Terry Lee Cook, Grassroots Manager,
13515 Yarmouth Drive, Pickerington, OH 43147; fax 614-856-1920 or e-mail to tcook@ama-cycle.org.