American Motorcyclist Association Supports Senator's Stand On Helmets

The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) praised U.S. Sen. Kelly
Ayotte (R-N.H.) for standing up against a proposal that would have
indirectly forced states to pass mandatory helmet laws.
U.S. Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.) was poised to introduce the
proposal on Dec. 14 during a Senate Commerce, Science and
Transportation Committee hearing on S. 1449 -- the Motor Vehicle
and Highway Safety Improvement Act of 2011. His proposal was an
amendment to S. 1449, but he decided against offering it in the
committee.
In a statement for the record, Ayotte noted that the amendment
would take away the right of the people in a state to decide
whether to have a mandatory helmet law "by indirectly forcing all
states to pass mandatory universal helmet laws in order to receive
funding for motorcycle safety.
"States without mandatory universal helmet laws -- such as New
Hampshire -- would be subject to stricter eligibility criteria, and
would be forced to use 50 percent of their grant funds to promote
helmet use," she said.
"This amendment violates the original intent of the motorcyclist
safety grant program, which has traditionally focused on
encouraging states to fund motorcycle safety awareness, education
and training," she said. "This amendment would divert funds away
from awareness and education and, instead, use them to place
federal pressure on states to enact mandatory universal helmet
laws."
Wayne Allard, AMA vice president for government relations, thanked
Ayotte for her statement, noting the AMA also opposed the
Lautenberg amendment.
"Federal efforts should focus on preventing crashes rather than
mandating what gear riders should wear," Allard said.
Besides opposing the Lautenberg amendment, the AMA has been working
on Capitol Hill to try to ensure that motorcycle-only checkpoints
don't proliferate around the nation, and working to ensure that
motorcyclists' concerns about possible engine damage are considered
before federal officials approve the use of higher ethanol-gasoline
blends for motorcycles.
"We need the help of all riders," Allard said. "More AMA members
means more political clout, from the statehouse to the White House.
We urge motorcyclists to join the AMA to help protect motorcycling
now and in the future."
To join, go to
http://www.americanmotorcyclist.com/membership/join.
About the American Motorcyclist Association
Since 1924, the AMA has protected the future of motorcycling and promoted the motorcycle lifestyle. AMA members come from all walks of life, and they navigate many different routes on their journey to the same destination freedom on two wheels. As the world's largest motorcycling rights organization, the AMA advocates for motorcyclists' interests in the halls of local, state and federal government, the committees of international governing organizations, and the court of public opinion. Through member clubs, promoters and partners, the AMA sanctions more motorsports competition and motorcycle recreational events than any other organization in the world. AMA members receive money-saving discounts from dozens of well-known suppliers of motorcycle services, gear and apparel, bike rental, transport, hotel stays and more. Through its support of the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, the AMA preserves the heritage of motorcycling for future generations. For more information, please visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.
Source:
American Motorcyclist Association