To all my fellow riders, an issue came across my desk and I feel compelled to launch a call to action.

Suffolk County wants to accept and appropriate a $25,500.00 grant from the New York State Governor’s Traffic Safety committee for SCPD to fund a motorcycle safety enforcement program. The long and short of it is, this could allow ALL MOTORCYCLES to be required to pull off the road much like a truck weigh station scenario to be “checked “ for safety compliance. Look everyone wants laws that protect our safety so if I am speeding pull me over, if I am doing a wheelie down the LIE pull me over but if they want to pull everyone over then pull over every car truck and bike.

Not only does this smell of profiling and targeting but the most dangerous situations for riders are getting on and off a major road so why increase our frequency of this action.

I feel this resolution should be tabled until it is clear what the intent and practice and protocol will be on this matter. However the resolution goes to vote on Thursday 12/11/08 at 9:30am in the Rose Y. Caracappa Auditorium, of the William H. Rogers Legislative Building, 725 Veterans Memorial Highway, Hauppauge, NY

As an American citizen and Suffolk County Long Island resident we have the right to make a 3 minute plea. Each person who shows up fills out a card and can speak his piece for 3 minutes. I plan on going and voicing my opinion and I urge you to stand up for yours and other rider’s rights by showing up Thursday and making a peaceful respectful opposition to this resolution. Read the information I have compiled so far and do what you feel is right. Spread the word and ride safe.

Read the Memorandum.

On the air and in the wind, Fingers

Fellow Riders,
Attached is the Public Safety Committee agenda for the Public Safety Committee of the Suffolk County Legislature. Introductory Resolution # 2191 is intended to accept $25,500. from New York State to fund the improper MOTORCYCLE ONLY "safety" stops. That means that EVERY motorcycle that is traveling on the road will have to exit and enter a "safety inspection" just like commercial trucks are subjected to.The public hearing will be held this Thursday, 9:30am in the Legislative Building on Vets Hwy in Hauppauge. We need as many people as possible to attend and speak against this bill. The Chairman of the Committee, Legislator Jack Eddington, is a member of ABATE and is completely against this bill. But he needs us to lobby the other Legislators of the committee. I spoke with Legislator Losquadro and he committed to me that he will vote against it also. But that still leaves 4 votes against us. Please call the following Legislators and tell them that you are against it because it unfairly targets motorcyclists, Its discriminatory, it profiles us and there is no probable cause to detour us. Their phone numbers are; Leg Browning 852-1300, Leg Horsley 854-1100, Leg Nowick 854-3900, Leg Gregory 854-1111. It would also be nice if you call our 2 supporters and thank them for their support; Leg Eddington 854-1400 and Leg Losquardo 854-1600. Please try to come to the committee meeting Thursday if you can . If you have any questions, call me at 495-5485.

Jim Barr President Elect of Long Island ABATE