Subject: Politricks Biker Style 09
Date: Tue, 7 Apr 2009 17:52:36 EDT

"Supersport" bikes stir the pot. 

    Harrisburg, PA April 7, 2009 - A meeting concerning sport bikes was held today in Representative Seth Grove's office at the capitol.  In attendance was Representative Grove, Greg Grasa, Legislative Research Analyst from the House Transportation Committee, Mark Schultz, Assistant State Coordinator, ABATE of PA and myself.  Others were invited but did not attend. 

Representative Grove was contacted by York County President Commissioner Steve Chronister in reference to sport bikes operating recklessly and two recent sport bike fatalities in York County. 

 At a recent Commissioner's Meeting, Chronister said he is not worried about all motorcycles.  His concern is about "supersport" bikes, which are essentially racing bikes modified for roads.  It was reported by Wayne Harper, director of the York County Center for Traffic Safety, that supersport motorcycles represented less than 10% of all registered motorcycles in 2005 but accounted for more than 25% of rider deaths. 

 Today's meeting began with Representative Grove telling us that Chronister wanted to see motorcycles have large numbers attached to them so that police can more easily identify lawbreakers.  He did not clarify whether that meant returning to larger registration plates or putting metal plates such as racing bikes have on them at the track.  Either way, we expressed our displeasure with this idea. 

 Unfortunately, when people call attention to themselves it's like opening Pandora's Box.  All kinds of evils can be unleashed on mankind or in this case, motorcyclists.  That box is now open and a host of ideas has spilled out for consideration. 

 A few of the issues discussed today were mandatory training for all riders under the age of 18.  The age of up to 25 was mentioned but we also discouraged that idea.  Tiered licensing is another idea being examined.  Increased fines for wheelie's and other reckless riding similar to the legislation adopted last year in Florida is also on the table. 

After much discussion it was decided that the best course of action would be to hold a Public Hearing on Sport Bikes.  This will provide all interested parties an opportunity to testify before the House Transportation committee and then the committee will review the testimony and decide what course of action should be taken. 

 Mark and I felt that this would be the best course of action for all involved.  If and when the hearing takes place will be decided by Chairman Joe Markosek.  While I suspect that the hearing will be held in Harrisburg, it could be held anywhere in the state.  We will now wait and see what the Chairman decides.  I do not think this will happen before mid summer. 

 If you are interested in being one of the individuals to testify on sport bikes it would be a good idea to start preparing your testimony.  I would appreciate knowing if anyone plans on signing up to testify. 

More as we get it.

Charles Umbenhauer