Texas ABATE

News

September/October 2014

ABATE IS: “An alliance dedicated to the protection of the individual rights of

motorcyclists through political change and awareness, charitable deeds, public education and to the promotion of motorcycling”

Coordinator’s Corner

This year is seems to be going by very fast. We have had many rides and events to participate in. Right now is the

hottest time of the year and everyone needs to stay hydrated. Don’t let the heat and sun take you down. This message may

get to everyone after the State Rally, but if you see it before the rally, make sure you make it to this event. It will be a

good time for everyone. The brotherhood of all bikers is welcome. Good people, good food, good venders, good music.

Don’t forget to make plans to attend the Mid-South Mile in October. This is the one event that you won’t walk

away from without learning something. Times are changing and laws are also. Let’s learn what we can to take charge over

what we enjoy doing. “Riding”.

Don’t forget to contribute to the Save the Patch campaign. This drive is very important to everyone that wears a

patch of any type.

Help your chapters prepare for January, when we go to the capital for legislation day. We can make a difference.

Thanks and be safe!

Dave Dobyns

Texas ABATE State Coordinator

U.S. Defenders / C.O.I.R.

david.dobyns@texasabate.com

214-794-2061

Here's a couple helpful links.

http://votetexas.gov/register-to-vote/

http://www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/voter/2014-important-election-dates.shtml

VISIT US AT: www.texasabate.com or on Facebook at

https://www.facebook.com/TexasAbate

State Board Meeting November 8, 2014 – Hosted by NET Chapter – 1pm

Dave & Christi Dobyns house, Kaufman Texas

visit www.texasabate.com or call Dave Dobyns @ 214-794-2061 or email david.dobyns@texasabate.com

Assistant Coordinator Report:

Hope everyone is enjoying the cooler weather. I want to thank the ones who took time out of their busy Sunday to come

to Frankston to support ABATE in helping to get the new chapter started. It was a very good and informative meeting.

We had members from 5 different clubs, three executive board members and four board members and one member show

up to support. Frankston is on its way to getting a chapter. If you know of anyone in that area that might be interested in

helping them get going please give them my information. We are also working on chapters in other areas like, Mesquite,

Ben Wheeler and San Antonio.

I have sent out letters with information on all these new chapters along with the open nominations for state officers to all

the independent members. I will be sending out letters with the ballots soon since the nominations have been closed. If

you are an independent member and you did not get the first letter then you may want to get in touch with me and give me

your correct mailing address or email, so I can get a ballot out to you. You the members are the ones who vote on who

you want to fill an office at the state level.

The State has closed the nominations for following positions; Assistant Coordinator, Treasurer, Newsletter and Security.

The nominees are:

Assistant Coordinator: Connie Thompson (Denton), Rudy Hutter (Texoma), and Train wreck (Golden Triangle)

Treasurer: Robin Warfield (Texoma)

Newsletter: Kaye Elliott (Independent), and Joann York (Denton)

Security: Joe Wolff (Texoma)

Nominations ended at the September State meeting, so we will have time to get the ballots out for voting in November.

Since Treasurer and Security are unopposed it was motioned that they be appointed by acclamation. If you need to contact

me here is my information email to cjrdruner@yahoo.com, you can also send me a text at 214-399-8353.

Remember we have the Mid-South Mile coming up next month. It will be in Wichita, Kansas this year. If you have never

been to one, you are missing out on a lot of informative information from all the seminars. They usually have a

representative from AMA, MRF, MAG out of Belgium, and others.

For all current members of ABATE there is an accidental / dismemberment insurance policy for three thousand dollars.

Free of charge just for being a current ABATE member. If you have any questions or concerns please contact me or one

of the State Officers. My information is listed below. Please go to the State web site and see what all we are doing.

Remember we will be in session next year, so make plans to be at the capital in January for Legislative day. Write to your

representatives. Let them know your thoughts on the issues at hand. We all need to work together to secure our kids and

grandkids future, to be able to ride free as we do.

Everyone be safe out there. Keep your eyes and ears open at all times.

Texas State Motorcycle Laws

Accept Motorcycle Endorsement From Other States Yes

Daytime Use of Headlight Required unless motorcycle is manufactured prior to 1975; TX Transportation

Code 507.801 (d) Modulating headlight permitted per Code of Federal Regulations, Title 49, 571.108

Eye Protection Not Required

Handlebar Height Maximum of 15" above seat - Required by inspection regulations - Texas Department of

Public Safety ( Refer to 20.25 (2)(j) )

Helmet Speakers No Restrictions

Lane Splitting Not authorized

Lemon Law Coverage Yes; Texas (TX) Department of Motor Vehicles

Maximum Sound Level No acoustical criteria.

Mirror Left(L) Right(R) One required by law; TX Transportation Code 547.602

Motorcycles operating two abreast in same lane Not referenced in Administrative Code or Statutes

Muffler No acoustical criteria.

Passenger Age Restriction Prohibits passengers under age 5, unless seated in a sidecar attached to the

motorcycle; TX Transportation Code 545.416 (d),(e)

Passenger Footrest Not Required

Passenger Seat Required if carrying a passenger; TX Transportation Code 545.416 (b),(c)

Periodic Safety Inspection Required by law; TX Transportation Code 548

Radar Detector No Restriction

Rider Education Available for all eligible applicants-required under age 18; TX Transportation Code 521.224

Rider-Education Waiver Skill Test

Safety Helmet Required by law under age 21. Over age 21, riders are not required to wear a helmet with proof

of successful completion of rider training or hold medical insurance covering injuries resulting from a

motorcycle accident; Texas Transportation Code, Title 7, Subtitle G, Chapter 661

State Insurance Requirements Compulsory Liability (Minimum Limits)(25/50/25)

Turn Signals Not required

just go out and ride ~ Wild Thang, Connie Thompson

Assistant Coordinator - State of Texas ABATE

By Michael Hutchins - Herald Democrat

POTTSBORO — Citizens of Pottsboro gathered at City Hall Tuesday (September 9, 2014) night to receive an update on

the proposed Metropolitan Transportation Plan. The public meeting is one in a series of meetings held by the Sherman-

Denison Metropolitan Planning Organization throughout Grayson County.

SDMPO Director Karl Welzenbach said the SDMPO has been working on adding projects to the plan, which highlights

and lists potential roadway improvement projects over 25 years, so that they can be potentially funded as the grants, as

state and federal funds are available. The draft plan will oversee projects through 2040. Welzenbach said projected funds

for projects are based on a model provided by the Texas Department of Transportation.

“Based on that model, in the next 25 years we will only get about $19 million,” said Welzenbach, adding that $12 million

of this has already been allocated to other transportation projects, leaving only $7 million in state funding for future

projects. With limited funding, Welzenbach said it was “not that rosy of a picture” for future projects.

While funding is limited, the SDMPO has added a widening of FM 1417 to potential roadway projects in the area. The

project calls for the road to be expanded to four lanes, with shoulders from U.S. Highway 82 to Taylor Street.

Welzenbach said there will be an item on the November ballot state-wide that could increase funding. The item calls for a

“constitutional amendment providing for the use and dedication of certain money transferred to the state highway fund to

assist in the completion of transportation construction, maintenance, and rehabilitation projects, not to include toll roads.”

If the item passes in November, it will be passed on to the state legislature, where it will need to be approved, said

Welzenbach. If the amendment passes, between $3 and $6 million could be available annually for roadway projects.

EDITOR’S NOTE: We WON, Nancy Knapp has been relentless in this mission and with her determination we got $8

million dollars to put in turn lanes on FM1417 in Sherman Texas, you’ll remember this is the highway that Jesse Elliott

was run over and killed just a year ago

In addition to work on FM 1417, a bicycle and transportation plan is included in the expected additions to the

transportation plan. The bicycle plan outlines over 125 miles of potential bike paths, bike lanes and shared use paths for

both cyclists and pedestrians between Sherman and Denison. Currently, the bicycle and pedestrian plan remains

unfunded.

In attendance were Skee and Tina Dodson, Realtors from Pottsboro, who wanted to learn more about the area they work

in, and the expected growth in the region as people move north away from Dallas. Skee Dodson said he has already seen

the growth start in the past 16 years he has worked in the city.

The Dodsons also spoke representing Texas ABATE, a group representing concerns of motorcyclists in Texas. Skee

Dodson voiced a desire to see less barrier curbs on area roadways, in particular along center medians. The curbs are hard

to see at night, and can prove dangerous to motorcyclists and drivers alike, he said. As an alternative, he suggested the use

of sloped curbs, which are less jarring if struck.

Welzenbach said there wasn’t funding for such projects in the current plan. Instead, he suggested Dodson get involved

with TxDOT and the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officers, which sets the standards used

by most states, for future projects.

“The squeaky wheel gets the grease, and if you have a lot of wheels, you will get a lot of grease,” he said.

- See more at: http://heralddemocrat.com/news/local/pottsboro-residents-receive-update-metropolitan-transportation-

plan#sthash.LkzURcFq.dpuf

NCOM BIKER NEWSBYTES Compiled & Edited by Bill Bish,

National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM)

FLORIDA STATE FAIR SETTLES CIVIL RIGHTS LAWSUIT

In a big win for motorcycle club members nationwide, the Florida State Fair and local law enforcement were dealt a stunning blow

when they agreed to settle a Civil Rights lawsuit filed by Aid to Injured Motorcyclists (A.I.M.) attorney Jerry Theophilopoulos (“Jerry

T”) on behalf of the West Florida Confederation of Clubs.

The Florida State Fair and Fair employees, along with two Hillsborough County Sheriffs agreed to pay three members of the West

Florida Confederation of Clubs a total of $72,500 to settle the case after nearly a hundred club members were denied entry into the

fair by off-duty sheriff’s deputies on Feb. 7, 2010 based on the fact they would not remove their colors.

A posted policy banned “club colors” and the bikers were threatened with jail if they attempted to enter the front gate of the fair, and

AIM lawyer Jerry T. captured the entire event on film with a videographer, which was a pivotal reason the federal lawsuit was settled

out of court.

“This settlement is a great day for all motorcycle club members, not only in the state of Florida, but across America,” said Jerry T.,

“We sent a message that our people will not be discriminated against in a public forum.”

After the lawsuit, the no-club-colors signs were replace by a posted policy stating that the fair may turn away or eject people who are

disruptive or who display behavior associated with “criminal gang membership.” That cleared the way for bikers to attend subsequent

fairs.

MORE MOTORCYCLES EQUALS SAFER ROADS

According to the Motorcycle Industry Association (MCIA), an increased number of motorcycles on the road results in a lower rate of

serious accidents. When 10% or more of vehicles on the road are motorcycles, mopeds or scooters, there is a proportionate reduction

in rider fatalities, says Steve Kenward, CEO of the MCIA, a motorcycle trade association in England.

Japan has 98 bikes per 1,000 vehicles (9.8%), and for every 1,000 bikes on the road, the country has 0.8 motorcyclist fatalities per

year. In Europe the ratio of bikes to cars is lower, at 73 per 1,000 (7.3%), and the rate of motorcyclist fatalities is higher, at 1.52 per

1,000 bikes. In the USA, the ratio of bikes to cars is just 27 per thousand (2.7%) and the motorcyclist fatality rate is much higher, at

5.32 per thousand bikes.

Kenward told how “volume breeds safety” at the recent National Safer Roads Partnerships’ Conference, where police forces, local

authorities, government officials and academics meet to discuss road safety. There is also a growing body of evidence that those who

start their motoring career on motorcycles make better car drivers. With congestion on the rise, Kenward explained that getting more

motorists on motorcycles would result in a “virtuous circle” leading to better road users.

According to their research, an increase in motorcycle use has also been proven to keep traffic flowing. A study which models traffic

for one of the busiest roads in Europe concluded that if just 10% of drivers swapped to powered two wheelers (PTWs), congestion

would be reduced for all road users by 40%. Increase that number to 25% and congestion is eliminated entirely.

SIKHS DENIED EXEMPTION FROM ONTARIO HELMET LAW

Motorcycle-riding Sikhs in Ontario, Canada will not be exempted from the helmet law, Premier Kathleen Wynne has ruled. The

Canadian Sikh Association received a letter from Wynne stating the Liberal government, for safety reasons, will not allow Sikh

motorcycle riders to wear only turbans as two other Canadian Provinces currently allow.

The Ontario Highway Traffic Act requires all motorcyclists to wear a helmet. This poses a problem for those of the Sikh faith, whose

turbans don’t fit under most helmets. “After careful deliberation, we have determined that we will not grant this type of exemption as

it would pose a road safety risk,” Wynne said in her letter dated Aug. 14.

Wynne said safety trumps religious freedoms in this case. “As you know, the issue of balance between religious accommodation and

public safety has been considered by the courts in Ontario which, on this issue, have found that Ontario’s mandatory helmet law does

not infringe on the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, nor the Ontario Human Rights Code,” she said.

In 2008, an Ontario judge ruled against a human rights challenge launched by a devout Sikh who was fined $110 in 2005 for not

wearing a helmet while riding a motorcycle.

NDP MPP Jagmeet Singh (Bramalea-Gore-Malton) said he was “deeply disappointed by Premier Wynne’s decision not to grant an

exemption to motorcycle helmet laws for turbaned Sikhs. Similar exemptions already exist in the United Kingdom, Manitoba and

British Columbia, and here in Ontario the idea is supported by members from all three caucuses.”

MSF MOTORCYCLE SAFETY STUDY TO IMPROVE COUNTERMEASURES

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) has announced that the data-acquisition phase of the MSF 100 Motorcyclists Naturalistic

Study is now completed, and preliminary results are being shared at various transportation safety venues around the world.

The MSF partnered with the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute on this world’s first, large-scale, naturalistic motorcycle riding

study. The 3.5-year study began by collecting data from instruments installed on motorcycles owned by study participants as the

bikes were ridden in normal day-to-day use. Sensors and video cameras recorded all motorcycle operator inputs such as steering,

acceleration, braking and lean, as well as recording all motions of the motorcycle, current riding conditions and the actions of

surrounding traffic. The motorcycle instrumentation was designed to be as inconspicuous as possible, so that participant-riders would

forget their rides were being monitored.

“The MSF 100 study is being conducted to support motorcycle safety research, with particular emphasis on results that offer ongoing

guidance in rider training,” said MSF’s Director of Quality Assurance and Research, Dr. Sherry Williams. “The study utilizes a

naturalistic methodology that provided researchers with information captured by instruments installed on one-hundred motorcycles

ridden for a combined nine-thousand-plus hours by real riders in real riding conditions.”

The MSF 100 Study, which tracked participants in Virginia, California, Florida and Arizona, is expected to be a rich source of insight

for years to come on a wide range of questions and points of interest for an international array of safety professionals generally, but

riders and rider safety professionals specifically. All 100 riders on their equipped motorcycles have completed the data acquisition

phase of the study, and the analysis phase is now yielding preliminary results.

NSW AUSTRALIA LEGALIZES LANE FILTERING

This summer the state government of New South Wales legalized lane filtering, which allows motorcyclists to legally ride between

two lanes when traffic is stationary or slow moving. The idea behind legalizing lane filtering was to reduce traffic congestion and

queuing at intersections.

There are strict conditions attached, which include heavy fines and three demerit points for motorcyclists caught moving between

traffic at more than 30 kilometers/hour, under a new offense called lane splitting. It is also illegal for motorcyclists to lane filter next

to a curb, next to parked cars or in school zones.

Police say that early indicators show the new legislation is working, but many motorists are still unaware of the new rules. Other road

users (motorists, cyclists and pedestrians) are advised by the Roads and Maritime to “check twice” for motorcyclists and follow

regular road rules.

BIKER PROFILING

New demographics prepared by the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) show the median age of California motorcycle owners was 45

years old in 2012 -- having risen from 33 years in 1990, 38 years in 1998 and 41 years in 2009.

Statistics show that the median income for motorcyclists in the Golden State was $64,130 in 2012, more than double what it was in

1990. More than 60% reported their annual household incomes at over $50,000, with almost 20% reporting incomes of over

$100,000. Almost three quarters of them were employed. About 14% were retired.

I had another email to day, part of which, made the ever popular public burden argument with regard to motorcycle helmets. We

don’t even have a bill this year but mention helmets and, much like Field of Dreams, they will come. This person was very polite and

cordial. For your information below is the pertinent part of his email and my response: Matt Danielson

EMAIL - I'm interested to know why your group is interested in repealing the helmet law. Are you also against seat belts? Are you

against government nannyism? My take on it is, we are entitled to individual freedoms but what happens when our freedoms

affect others? If a biker chooses not to wear a helmet, bumps his head, and the taxpayer incurs no cost for the biker's choice, that 's

fine. But sometimes that's not the case and then consider the cost- if the biker has no health insurance the taxpayer pays for the

ambulance, ER, surgery, intensive care, rehab, Medicaid disability payments, SS aid to children, etc. So the taxpayer pays for the

biker's freedom of choice and I don't think that's fair to the taxpayer.

RESPONSE - Thanks for the email and the suggestions. Virginia actually allows modulating brake lights, but they have a five

second limit. That is proving to be a problem. I will look into your suggestion.

As for the helmet matter, I do not oppose helmets, seat belts or any other equipment. I believe however that, absent a compelling

reason, the government should not restrict the rights of citizens to make choices for themselves. I am familiar with the “public

burden” argument that you make. However, with all due respect to your right to have a contrary opinion, I find it to be without factual

or logical merit.

The public is not burdened by motorcyclists who choose to exercise their right to ride without a helmet. Thirty-one states currently

allow adults to make their own choice in the matter of motorcycle helmets. Nineteen, including Virginia, have mandatory motorcycle

helmet laws. If you compare insurance rates between the two groups of states, you will find that states which allow adult riders to

make their own choice experience neither higher motor vehicle insurance premiums nor higher health insurance premiums than states

with mandatory motorcycle helmet laws. There is also no statistical evidence to demonstrate that those thirty-one states experience

higher health care costs.

On a less technical level (for those who hate the tedious nature of going out and gathering statistics – you know, normal people) Think

about the political reality concerning the thirty-one states who have decided to allow their citizens to make their own choice.

Motorcyclists, while a politically active group, are not a group with the political capital of business groups such as big oil, the realtors,

or any number of groups whose professional lobbyists roam the corridors of state houses throughout the country. Does it make sense

that in this economic climate, where legislators are doing anything and everything to find and/or save funds, that the legislators in

these thirty-one states would not be enacting mandatory helmet laws if the public coffers were being siphoned by careless

motorcyclists who chose to ride without a helmet? I find it highly doubtful that, when faced with the rising costs of treating head

injuries, that the legislators in these thirty-one states would simply say, “You know, these motorcyclists are costing the taxpayer’s

money and are a burden on our public resources, but they look cool with the wind in their hair so let’s just keep letting them ride

without helmets.” This is certainly not happening, and that is because motorcyclists who choose to ride without a helmet are not

costing the taxpayers money and are not a burden on public resources.

Even after looking at the data on insurance rates and considering the “political reality” argument, one would conclude that there has to

be some objective data that causes the belief that that riding a motorcycle without a helmet is inherently dangerous to be so pervasive.

I looked for this evidence in the government’s own crash statistics. I went to the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety

Administration) website and pulled up motorcycle fatalities for each state from 2008 to 2011, which was the last year for which we

have fatalities and motorcycle registrations per state. What I found was that between 2008 and 2011, jurisdictions with mandatory

motorcycle helmet laws averaged 60.26 motorcycle related fatalities per 100,000 registered motorcycles. During that same period,

jurisdictions which allowed adults to choose whether or not to wear a helmet averaged 57.90 motorcycle related fatalities per 100,000

registered motorcycles. It is basically a statistical wash.

Lastly, the public burden argument is not a logical one, or at the least, if applied logically would have outcomes that the public would

simply not accept. I have a hard time applying the public burden argument solely to motorcyclists. We do not make that same

argument about smokers. No one advocates withholding funds or care from those suffering from diseases related to smoking even

though there are reams of data proving the dangers of smoking. Smoking related diseases are also highly preventable. Don’t smoke.

The same applies to alcohol related diseases. How about the obese? Obesity related health issues have in recent years come to the top

of the list in terms of health care costs. Does anyone argue that, while someone has the right to eat Big Macs (why does McDonalds

always take the hit here?) if they do, they are on their own if they become ill? Does anyone argue that the government should limit

the amount of Big Macs one can consume because the costs of consuming them are passed on to the tax payer? I am of the opinion

that if you smoke, drink or are fat, you have no right to make the public burden argument about motorcycle helmets. Your potential

drain on the public trough is larger than mine.

You can take the public cost argument further. Below is an excerpt from a 2004 CDC report on causes of death in the United States in

2000. While it studies death and not health care costs, we can certainly assume that these things are causing injuries and disease in

addition to death which does bring health care costs into the equation.

“The leading causes of death in 2000 were tobacco (435 000 deaths; 18.1% of total US deaths),

poor diet and physical inactivity (400 000 deaths; 16.6%), and alcohol consumption (85 000

deaths; 3.5%). Other actual causes of death were microbial agents (75 000), toxic agents (55 000),

motor vehicle crashes (43 000), incidents involving firearms (29 000), sexual behaviors (20 000),

and illicit use of drugs (17 000).”

Now according to NHTSA, in 2000 there were 2,897 motorcycle fatalities in the United States. We will assume half of those were not

wearing helmets even though that according to the CDC numbers the actual number would be less. For the purposes of this argument

we will further assume that every one of those fatalities who were not wearing a helmet would have survived had they worn a helmet.

That means that if all motorcyclists had been forced to wear a helmet in 2000 we would have saved 1,449 lives. I rounded up. Why

haven’t we made tobacco illegal? We could have saved 435,000 lives doing that. How about restricting the types of foods that

restaurants and grocery stores can offer? We could have saved 400,000 lives by doing that. Why isn’t alcohol illegal? We could

have saved 85,000 lives in 2000 by removing people’s choice as to whether they should consume alcohol. Why don’t we outlaw

firearms? That’s another 29,000 lives saved. By removing people’s choices in those areas the government could have saved 949,000

lives. Instead they want to take away my right to choose under the mistaken belief that they could have saved less than 2,000 lives in

that year. The argument is simply void of logic.

So in the end, I do not believe that the “public burden” argument is a legitimate justification for the government to step in and make

choices for me. As such, I support the right of adult riders to make their own choice with regard to wearing a motorcycle helmet.

Thank you again for your email and your voice of support. Please know that my opposition to your argument is by no means an

opposition to you. I am a firm believer that we as motorcyclists can disagree on issues. The important thing to do is work together on

the issues about which we do agree in order to protect the rights of all riders. If you have any further questions or comments

concerning a position taken by VCOM, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Matt Danielson - McGrath & Danielson

Tom McGrath’s Motorcycle Law Group

1-800-321-8968

Motorcyclelawgroup.com

ABATE Legislative Update By Skee Dodson – State Legislative Officer

ABATE is dedicated to preserving the rights of all motorcyclists, regardless of what you ride.

We encourage everyone to become involved in the legislative and political processes to protect

our freedom to ride. The best way to get involved is by joining ABATE, registering to vote,

contacting legislators, staying informed of all legislative issues concerning motorcycle rights--

and getting involved.

There are only a couple of weeks left before the end of summer, and as every year, I’m just not

ready! Even though Tina and I put more miles on our bike than we have in many years, I feel

like we didn’t ride enough. I feel like we didn’t go to the lake often enough, and I feel like we

didn’t get to spend enough time with our family and friends. I guess that means we had a good (busy) summer. I hope

yours was too!

This summer has been very busy, indeed. As any legislative freedom fighter will tell you, we had our gloved hands full.

Our chapters wrote tons of letters (& emails) on both the state and federal level; we even wrote President Obama in

reference to his national helmet bill (Grow America Act). We also called most of our representatives, and left many

messages for their consideration. I believe that if you mention to your representative that you are a Texas ABATE

member, that he (she) will know who you are, and what you stand for. You are a legislative freedom fighter, and you will

fight for your rights!

Consider H.R. 4745, an Appropriations Bill that contained language (in section 102) that would have allowed the

Secretary of Transportation (or his designee) to lobby states to consider federal proposals and propose helmet usage to

reduce motorcycle fatalities. Reducing motorcycle fatalities is a good thing; however, it is a state issue and it doesn’t

require federal funds (always be leery when the feds want to lobby a state). On June 9th we melted our representatives’

phone lines! In 24 hours we reminded our representatives that this measure (which could have been detrimental to

motorcyclists everywhere) is, and should remain, a state issue. On June 9th the amendment passed to strike section 102

from the bill! Thanks to the MRF, ABATE, and all other involved motorcycle organizations and freedom fighters for a

job well done. We did it!

Other issues we fought this summer included: E15 Biofuel Studies (many motorcycles are not approved for 15% ethanol

gas); S. 1925 (Black Box Privacy Protection Act, which insured that law would guarantee motorcyclists’ right to privacy);

and H.R. 1861, and now, S. 2078 (one is the House Bill, and one is the new Senate Bill—both bills would prohibit federal

funding for discriminatory motorcycle-only checkpoints). If those issues aren’t enough, we also fought the CDC task

force, the President’s helmet act, Europe’s input on motorcycle safety in the US, and several other issues. Presently we

are fighting for the “Save The Patch” Trademark Defense Fund (1st Amendment rights issues), in addition to those

mentioned above.

If you are an ABATE member give yourself a pat on the back for a job well done. You stepped up to the plate and fought

for your rights. We can’t win every issue. However, even though some of the laws that pass are not in our favor, we can

honestly say that we did everything possible to fight unfair legislation --legislation that infringes on our motorcycle

rights! History has taught us over and over again that freedom is not free. If you are not an ABATE member—please

consider joining us; we need you!

Currently, ABATE is working on a couple of motorcycle bills to send to Austin in January 2015—during the 84th

Legislative Session (we have a few bills that we hope will get sponsored soon). Stay tuned, and check out our next

newsletter for updates, or just come to any of our chapter meetings.

Enjoy the summer; it will be over before we know it!

Ride safe, Ride free!

Skeedaddy

TMRA2 Update 23rd Anniversary and Membership Meeting

TMRA2 had our 23rd annual membership meeting at Hardtail’s outside of Austin on June 28th. With four District

Advisor’s, three officer’s attending, and approximately 25 members the future of TMRA2 was discussed in detail. We had

a prayer by Tom Zimmer, the pledge, treasurer’s report, and then discussions.

The association has had a long 23 year run passing many motorcycle laws and killing many of the bad bills for the bikers

of Texas. However, since Sputnik passed it has been increasingly hard to keep the association going both with officers to

help out and financially. It was discussed that our Chairman is leaving for Europe, and the Secretary / Treasurer is

working two other jobs at 60 hours a week leaving very little time to be at the capitol this session. I explained that I do not

want to commit to going to the capitol when I am working two jobs and know from past experience that working the

capitol is a full time job.

The chapters are also reporting low attendance and several of our District Advisors are working long hours as well. It was

decided and voted on by both the District Advisor’s (Adam, Jack, Sandra, Jason), Officer’s (Jerry, Myself, and Paul), and

the membership that TMRA2 will be closing our political door’s by the end of 2014 due to lack of interest, leadership,

and finances.

We have been involved in a lot of good legislation passed just in the last four years that Sputnik has been gone. We

carried the torch as long as we could and worked closely with the other rights groups in Texas who will now work the

capitol in this upcoming session.

We also voted that each chapter needs to close their bank accounts, send the remaining funds with proof the accounts are

closed to the state office ASAP so we can finish paying our debts. As soon as all the accounts are closed, we can tell the

state of Texas we are no longer doing business.

I would like to thank all the TMRA2 Warriors who made this association work, many thanks to the TMRA2 Legislative

Task Forces who worked the capitol with Sputnik and kicked some serious ass. To all of our financial supporters and

chapters who did fundraisers for the cause. To all the members and supporter members, especially the ones who hung in

there after we lost our great leader allowing us to continue.

The good news was, at the meeting, Paul Landers reported that the US Defender’s, COC, and the COIR will continue the

legacy of walking and talking at the capitol and I have faith in them that they will succeed. They are working on several

new bills that will be introduced. You can read about it by going to www.cocinews.org.

I want everyone to know, Sputnik would be proud of us for going out as the best motorcycle rights organization in the

country, for preserving his legacy, and for supporting the new groups who are working at the capitol in the future May the

motorcycle rights work always continue one way or another. That’s the important part of all this, that we keep fighting

and never give up.

God Bless the great state of Texas.

Ride Safe;

Terri Williams

TMRA2 Legislative Task Force

State Secretary/Treasurer

512-552-4090

BECAUSE FREEDOM CAN'T PROTECT ITSELF!

Lake Cities Chapter

Hello, Texas ABATE!!! We’ve made it! It’s been six whole months since our chapter started, and I’m excited to say

we’re still growing and getting better every day. At last count we had just over 50 members, more than double our initial

charter numbers. We’re gearing up for the November elections season. It promises to be a very busy endeavor over the

next couple of months. Local, state, federal, state ABATE, local ABATE… Our efforts will be focused on getting out the

vote in all the elections.

We have a fun run scheduled for September 27th, going to the Talimena Scenic Drive in eastern Oklahoma. We’ll be

departing from the American Legion in Lake Dallas about 7:30 a.m. For those who want breakfast first, we’ll be meeting

at Nana’s Café at 6:00 a.m. everyone is invited to join us on this great ride. This is not a fund-raiser, therefore no entry

fees, no prizes, etc. Just a bunch of fun!

One important change we’ve made is our meeting day. General meetings will now be held on the 3rd SUNDAY instead

of the 3rdSaturday. All other meeting details remain the same. We’ve also added a new product to our growing list – a

chapter challenge coin. These are available for purchase to everyone. All our officers may be contacted at

LakeCitiesAbate@yahoo.com. You may also contact me at LakeCities@TexasAbate.com.

Keep the wheels rolling!

Larry West - Chapter Rep

NET Chapter

As we transition from summer to fall, be sure and check the weather forecast as the weather can turn quickly (hint hint:

pack the rain gear). If you're not cold natured like me, keep a lightweight jacket and gloves for evening riding. Our

friend Bambi tends to be more active in the fall when it starts cooling off so always be on the lookout.

June 21 was our chapter meeting and 6th birthday party. June 22 we attended the Region 9 COC meeting - There was a

great presentation on Save the Patch to which our members donated $155. July 12 was Christmas in July at the kid's

shelter in Kaufman.

Upcoming events:

October 11 - Chapter meeting - bike check ups

October 17-19 - Mid-South Mile in Wichita, Kansas

October 25 - Hog Fest - Ben Wheeler, Texas

November 1 - Chapter meeting

November 8 - NET hosting state meeting - Dave and Christi's house

November 15 - Hospice benefit

November 29 - Thanksgiving get together at Shooter and Robin's

December 2 - Santa Cops, Gift cards to kid's shelter, Chapter meeting and Christmas party

December 20 - Pop's ride

Christi Dobyns

NET Chapter Secretary / Chapter Representative

Member of COIR

christidobyns@gmail.com

Texoma Chapter

"We the people are the rightful masters of both Congress and the courts, not to overthrow the Constitution but to

overthrow the men who pervert the Constitution." - Abraham Lincoln

Greetings! My name is Rudy and I have been chapter representative for Texoma chapter for only a few short months.

Many events and topics of interest are being discussed within our chapter. The one event that we have been excited about

is the Real Fun Poker Run at Dad's Dad's farm October 5 - 7. I hope everyone will find the time to attend. I trust everyone

will have a good time.

In my position as rep, many voices have come to my attention. Most circle around the topic of ABATE's reputation.

While some of these voices are from members, most are not. Among the topics of interest for our members, the idea of

changing the name of ABATE has our chapter up-in-arms. While investigating this issue, I have spoken to only a few

who have defended the idea, but, more disturbing was that many weren't even aware that the name change had come up

for a vote. This situation has shined a light on a serious lack of communication within this organization. Such lack of

communication leaves many members in the dark regarding what ABATE is doing.

Furthermore, the decision to include safety in our talking points is a serious blunder. The comment I've heard most

regards ABATE's preaching of safety while doing the runs from bar to bar. For those unaware, Americans don't respect

hypocrisy. Either drop the safety issue or stop drinking and driving!

The third issue that has driven many good and respectable members away is the lewd and lascivious behavior that happen

at our functions. I am as guilty as any of this accusation and if ABATE can be bettered by my own self-control, I will do

just that. I have heard that ABATE, in the past, had held "Family Friendly" events. I know for a fact that many inactive

members would return if ABATE was willing to hold functions that relied on good wholesome fun to entertain their

members.

These are the issues that have come to my attention in only a few short months. There appears to be a lack of focus within

the organization. There are too many issues that go nowhere and too much talk about trivial issues. This serves only to

distract the members and render the organization impotent toward what we were founded to do. Motorcyclist Rights, Civil

Rights, Constitutional Rights... they are all the same thing. This is what draws people to ABATE. If we are to retain

membership we must regain a conviction to our core purpose.

Rudy "rudog" Hutter

Chapter Representative

Coalition of Independent Riders

The C.O.I.R. is not a membership funded organization or club. It is a registration of independent riders from all walks and

rides of the motorcycle community. Independent cruisers, sport and dirt-bike riders and even non-riders alike who

understand that protecting our "Right to Ride" is everyone's responsibility. We must all do our part to keep motorcycling a

true expression of freedom! When a Call-to-Action comes down the pike you will be contacted and asked to help

implement the action whether it is a letter writing campaign or showing up at a state capitol. . - Dr. Jim McKinney US

National Commander C.O.I.R.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Do I need to belong to a motorcycle club or riding association to be a part of the C.O.I.R.? A. No, the C.O.I.R. is not

an organization but an affiliation of independent motorcyclists who are prepared to do their part in helping to keep

motorcycling a true American expression of freedom.

Q. Is the C.O.I.R. a motorcycle rights organization or MRO? A. No, the C.O.I.R. is not a MRO or a member "funded"

type organization. However, some MRO's play a very important role in helping to identify and design the "Fight for our

Rights" type campaigns that the C.O.I.R. support with manpower.

Q. What is a "Call-to-Action?" A. When a MRO or a "rights" association needs support to help implement approved

grass roots strategies such as letter writing to legislators, the C.O.I.R. will be called upon to assist with the manpower to

help implement the "Action." The C.O.I.R., working in concert with M/Cs and riding associations and local offices of

Emergency Management is also prepared to offer post disaster assistance to needy families and individuals if called upon

to do so.

Q. Who are the US Defenders? A. US Defenders are men and women from the Confederation of Clubs and the C.O.I.R.

who volunteer to represent their different clubs and groups. The US Defenders receive training in grass roots strategies

and then take that training back to their clubs and groups. Find out more about these dedicated men and women by

attending a regional COC or NCOM meeting in your area.

Q. How does the Confederation of Clubs (COC) or the National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM) and the Coalition of

Independent Riders (C.O.I.R.) work together? A. NCOM is the parent organization of all Regional COC's and COM's

and working together with the CO.I.R. We can make a difference!

Register to become a supporter for biker rights and freedoms! $25 Donation includes: COIR patch - US Defenders

Support patch - Info Package - Business Card - Registration Card.

Register today to make your voice heard!

US Defenders/C.O.I.R.

PO Box 501

Okmulgee , OK 74447

Check out the following websites, Facebook pages, etc. to share information and learn new techniques and keep up with

NEWS that affects YOU, the Bikers we all love and respect …

https://www.facebook.com/TexasAbate?ref=hl

https://www.facebook.com/ArlingtonABATE?fref=ts

https://www.facebook.com/net.abate?fref=ts

https://www.facebook.com/amsep?fref=ts

https://www.facebook.com/goldentriangle.abate?fref=ts

https://www.facebook.com/denton.abate?fref=ts

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100008181909518&fref=ts

https://www.facebook.com/texomaabate?fref=ts

https://www.facebook.com/USDefendersNationalOffice?fref=ts

http://txcocinews.org/

http://mrf.org/

Hello! My name is Rudy Hutter. I am running for the position of Assistant Coordinator for Texas ABATE. I have been

an ABATE member for over 2 years. I belong to no other organizations, affiliates or groups. My single focus is to bring

ABATE to a level that is effective toward its founding purpose. That purpose I believe to be government oversight and

activism regarding motorcyclist rights.

My history goes back nearly one thousand years of cultural heritage in fighting tyranny and those who want to take your

stuff. My family is from Eastern Europe where western civilization bottle necks into Turkey. It was my ancestors who

defended Europe from the invading armies of the east. For centuries my family prospered and thrived, but, not all battles

were won. Prior to WWII, my grandfather voluntarily donned a uniform to fight the cowardly communist bastard Tito and

his band of thieves in order to defend his home and family. He fought the National Socialists waging blitzkrieg toward

Russia. My grandfather was conscripted into the German army and surrendered to allied forces the 1st chance he had. He

remained in a British POW camp well after the war. You see the US and Britain decided to throw my family under the

jackboot of communism. Tito was put into power. All property was nationalized. My family was thrown in concentration

camps where some perished. Then my grandfather was allowed to leave Britain and never saw his birthplace again. My

mother’s family was simpler. They were escorted off of their lands and shipped out of the country. Everything seams OK

right up to the point that it is not. There are always warning signs. Those signs have been evident in America for many

years.

I have been riding motorcycles my whole life. There are many dangers for riders, but we don't ride because we're afraid.

We ride for the freedom to control our own lives regardless of those who would take our stuff. I was being pulled over by

a local cop...a lot. The 1st time I was pulled over on my bike, it was an unlawful stop. I must have left an impression since

the cop started stuttering before it was all over. The 2nd time I got pulled over on my bike was an unlawful stop resulting

in my bike being confiscated. ABATE was the only organization that remotely resembled people that could help, but,

alas, ABATE could do nothing for me. After a brief conversation with the local sheriff detective, He informed me that it

was a civil matter not criminal, that he could do nothing and I must help myself. I then very pointedly followed, "Thank

you for the conversation. The next time I am pulled over unlawfully, I will use my constitutional rights to defend my civil

rights." Within the week the city council had been dissolved and the mayor fired. 3-months later the city cop resigned in

disgrace. I believe that you should only fight to defend your life. I also believe that you should stand your ground.

Tyranny can only take a step forward if you take a step back.

ABATE is charged with defending ground. Few in leadership understand the important responsibility that entails. You

can do nothing and still do your job, but, the organization appears to be moving backwards. That means that something is

being done to harm ABATE and its effectiveness. Ties must be built to organizations that work in related areas.

Motorcycle rights is merely a subset of civil and constitutional rights. Work in these areas helps our cause. America's

founding principles are the threads that identify these groups. ABATE needs an overall ideology that binds all of our

actions. I believe that freedom should be that idea. Not the freedom to do whatever we want to whomever we can, but, the

freedom to stand our ground...the freedom of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Few if any of the current leaders in ABATE, or the nation, truly understand and believe the concept of freedom. Few if

any of the current leaders in ABATE have the insight to guide this organization under a common idea or goal. Few if any

have the focus to raise the stature of ABATE to the level that it is capable of and deserves. I may not be that person since

politics is not my game. What I am very good at is determining whether a course of action has merit to our mandate or

weakens it. If I piss someone off, it is either because they have no right to be pissed, a situation is misunderstood or they

pissed me off first. I understand that there is no need to go looking for a fight. Just stand your ground and the fight will

find you. I have been standing my ground all of my life. Now I'm looking for those precious few who have my back. Vote

for me and I'll have yours.

Hello, my name is David Allen Bryant, A.K.A. "Trainwreck". I am from Warren, Texas where I currently reside. I am

a member of the Coalition of Independent Riders, and I have been an active member of Golden Triangle ABATE for over

two years. I'm currently the Legislative Officer, Chapter Representative, and US Defender Primary Contact.

I have over eleven years’ experience riding motorcycles. For the last seven years I've ridden an average of twenty

thousand plus miles per year. I own a 2003, 100th Anniversary Wide Glide. When I was a kid an Uncle took me for a ride

on his shovel head chopper that had a girder front end, and I knew what I want out of life.

Now I know what must be done to protect our rights so that future generations can experience the same pleasures we do if

they choose to do so.

I want to continue to help Texas ABATE grow by continuing to hand out trifolds to people I meet, placing trifolds in

dealerships, and using Facebook to inform others of who we are. I will continue to try to help get a chapter started in the

Greater Houston area, (whether elected as Assistant Coordinator or not).

Thank you to all in Texas ABATE!

Love and Respect; David Allen Bryant, "Trainwreck"

Hi! My name is Connie Thompson. I am running for the position of Assistant Coordinator for Texas ABATE. Many of

you already know me and what my abilities are. For the newest members of ABATE, I have been a member since 2004. I

have held several offices on the State and Chapter levels and have helped to perform the duties of most others. Along with

my strong involvement with ABATE, I am also a member of C.O.I.R., US Defender/C.O.I.R. Division, TMRA, Secretary

for Mid-South Mile. I have many friends throughout the motorcycling community and many more contacts within other

organizations. I am well qualified for the assistant position and have occupied that office for the past 2 years.

My goals for ABATE is to rebuild our relationship with other organizations. I have already been working toward that goal

and have received good responses from many. I also want to build our membership numbers. We are working on four new

chapters all over the state. I also want to start up some training classes on how to contact our legislators and the art of

letter writing. The motorcycling community is vast and varied. As a whole, we are a powerful force for political change.

Most of you want the same thing. We are all proud Americans. We all respect the principles of our founding fathers. We

all love to ride on 2 wheels and want to keep that freedom.

ABATE has a strong history. ABATE has a strong future. ABATE needs officers that can make that happen. I can make

that happen. Please consider me when you cast your vote for assistant coordinator.

2015 Texas Transportation Forum

January 14-16, 2015 - Austin Hilton - 500 East 4th Street - Austin, TX 78701

Transportation is transforming and the conversation around a more robust and sustainable system has never been more

important than right now. Join us as we draw from the past and look to the future. The planning we do today can transform our

state's infrastructure of tomorrow…

The Transportation Forum is an annual thought leadership platform for public policy and transportation influencers to

discuss current topics and ground breaking innovations that turn beyond-the-box thinking into realities for future generations.

The 10th Annual Texas Transportation Forum will be held Wednesday, January 14 - Friday, January 16, 2015 at the

Downtown Hilton in Austin, Texas. We hope you will join us. TTI Event Management & Planning (EM&P) is available to

answer questions at any time. We look forward to seeing you in January!

The US Defenders/COIR Division Legislative Task Force has the following “Act” ready to be filed for the upcoming

legislative session. Please watch for further information and be sure to contact your representatives and senators for

sponsorship of this bill. There are at least 2 others in the works for YOU, Texas Bikers … Robin Warfield Macevicius,

YOUR Texas ABATE US Defender/COIR Division Legislative Task Force member

AN ACT

Relating to proceeding through a steady red traffic light when the traffic

actuated electric traffic-control signal device has failed to register the

presence of a vehicle and change the light.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE FOR THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Section 544.007 (d)(2), Transportation Code, is amended to read as

follows: Sec. 544.007 (d)(2), turn left, if the intersecting streets are both

one-way streets and a left turn is permissible; or

SECTION 2. Section 544.007 (d) (3), Transportation Code, is added to read as

follows: Sec. 544.007 (d) (3), A bicycle, motorcycle or other motor vehicle

and/or pedestrian may (after yielding the right of way to all approaching or

present bicycles, motorcycles, other motor vehicles and/or pedestrians) turn

left, enter or cross an intersection controlled by a traffic-control signal

against a steady red light where the traffic actuated electric traffic-control

signal device (as described in Sec. 544.0075, Transportation Code), has

malfunctioned or failed to register the presence of the bicycle, motorcycle, or

other vehicle, and/or pedestrian and the light has failed to change under the

following conditions:

(3)(ia) The bicycle, motorcycle, or other motor vehicle and/ or

pedestrian has been brought to a complete stop; and

(ii(b) The traffic signal continues to show a steady red light

and failed to change the light in the normal signal

cycle sequence; may

3(c) Enter or cross the intersection by yielding the right of way to all present

or approaching bicycles, motorcycles, or other motor vehicles and/or pedestrian

traffic and proceed only when safe to do so.

SECTION 3. Section 544.012 (e), Transportation Code, is amended to read as

follows: Sec 544.012 (e), Subsection (d) does not prohibit a peace officer from

arresting or issuing a citation and notice to appear to a person whom the officer

observes to have failed to comply with the instructions of a properly operating

traffic-control signal located at the intersection. See Transportation Code

Section 544.007 (d)(3) for exceptions for traffic-control signals located at an

intersection that are not operating properly.