|
|
|
P.O. Box 160223 Nashville, Tn 37216-0223 615 262-1119 - Office
|
CMT/ABATE of Tennessee PRESS RELEASE
2005 Legislative Wrap-Up
CMT/ABATE, Concerned Motorcyclists of Tennessee/American Bikers Active Towards Education, credits the Tennessee Legislature with passing substantial legislation which will increase the pleasure of motorcycle riding and enhance the safety of Tennessee motorcyclists.
The Proclamation of May as Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month, by Rep. Judd Matheny, was presented in the House and passed on Feb. 2. A pair of bills dealing with right of way violations by increasing the penalties were debated and passed. Right of way violations are the number one cause of motorcycle accidents.
Sen. Steve Southerland of Memphis and Rep John Tidwell of New Johnsonville introduced legislation which passed allowing motorcyclists to opt for a ventilated helmet which meets certain specifications. Another Southerland bill CMT/ABATE supported makes all 23 military license plates available to motorcyclists.
Rep Steve Godsey of Blountville sponsored HB 1242 which repealed the outdated 15 inch handlebar height limit. Many new custom and factory motorcycles have bars in excess of 15 inches.
Through the efforts of Rep Burchett and Rep Davidson, motorcyclists in parades will no longer be required to wear helmets. While we are disappointed that HB 0456, the helmet law modification, did not get to the House floor for a vote this year, CMT/ABATE thanks sponsor Rep.Davidson of Adams and the many co-sponsors who supported the effort to make motorcycle helmets optional in Tennessee. We look forward to working with our legislators in 2006 to see Tennessee join the other 29 states who allow adult motorcyclists freedom of choice.
CMT/ABATE, Inc. is a non-profit, political organization that was formed to preserve freedom and safety for all Tennessean’s who enjoy motorcycling. The major goals of CMT/ABATE are to modify existing laws that are detrimental to motorcycle safety and enjoyment, and to enact new legislation in support of all motorcyclists who ride in Tennessee.
Contact:
Mike Hays
|
Send general questions and comments about CMT/ABATE to
.
|