News Release
Content and Image Copyright 2009, Motorcycle Riders Foundation
MRF E-MAIL NEWS
Motorcycle Riders Foundation
236 Massachusetts Ave. NE, Suite 510
P.O. Box 1808
Washington, DC 20013-1808
202-546-0983 (voice)
202-546-0986 (fax)
MRF website
For Immediate Release
09 February 2009
Contact: Jeff Hennie,
Vice President of Government Relations (MRF)
Email: jeff@mrf.org
New York City Noise Law Update
As previously reported by the Motorcycle Riders Foundation, the New York
City (NYC) Council is considering a new motorcycle-specific noise law.
Several iterations of the proposed law (previously referred to as
Introduction 416-A) have been floated by the primary proponent, council
member Alan Gerson. The motorcyclists of NYC, however, have voiced strong
opposition to these proposals.
As of now, Introduction 416-A is not any more agreeable, but some
conditions have been compromised. The original form of the bill called
for the ticketing and towing of any motorcycle "parked, stopped, or
standing on the streets of NYC not displaying an EPA-approved label on the
exhaust system". After the motorcycle activists of NYC contacted
Councilmember Gerson, the bill was pulled and a redraft is now underway.
This new version of 416-A removes the immediate towing upon first
infraction, but leaves in the $500.00 – $1000.00 fines. The second
infraction would carry a $1500.00 fine and possible confiscation (the
legislation is unclear here), and the third infraction would call for a
$2500.00 fine and confiscation of the motorcycle.
Nancy Ortiz, a community motorcycle activist and constituent of
Councilmember Gerson, had this to say about the current proposals, "This
proposed legislation is egregious and out-of-step with current state law.
The fines are above what are currently in place for all four-wheeled
vehicles." She went on to add "We would like to see something along the
lines of the California law that gives vehicle owners a grace period to
bring the vehicle into compliance before the fine is issued."
Nancy Ortiz is the founder of a motorcycle ride that benefits Sudden
Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). More info can be found at
www.myspace.com/run4aiden.
Currently, the NYC motorcyclists are organizing meetings with NYC and NY
state legislative leadership, in which they have invited ABATE of NY and
the MRF to participate. At this point, the legislation is tentatively
slated to be heard on February 25, 2009.
A meeting with the state senate majority leader and house majority leader
is also in the planning stages. This meeting will be attended by MRF,
AMA, ABATE of NY, and many NYC motorcycle activists. The meeting is to
address motorcycling issues affecting Empire State motorcyclists such as
(but not limited to) rider education funding, the roadside "safety"
inspections of motorcyclists, and the use of HOV lanes by motorcyclists.
©2009
Illinois Motorcyclists Rights Association, Inc
All Rights Reserved