Brc Alert: Legislation To Ban All Ohv Use By Kids Under 12

[pipebomb]

Dear BRC Action Alert Subscriber,


I just got off the phone with Nick Haris, Western Representative for the American Motorcyclists Association (AMA). Nick also serves on BRC's Board of Directors. Nick asked BRC to forward the news about an important rally planned for Tuesday, February 13, 2007 on the Capitol Steps in Salem, Oregon (3:00 to 5:00 p.m.).

This important rally has been organized to show opposition to legislation that would prohibit children under the age of 12 from riding Class I (ATV;s) and Class III (motorcycles)

The bill is known as "Senate Bill 49" or "SB 49" and was introduced into the 2007 Regular Session by Sen. Alan C. Bates (D-District 3) and Sen. Richard Devlin (D-District 19).

SB 49 has two components. One is to prohibit the operation of ATV's to children under the age of 12 and would limit the size of ATVs ridden by children ages 12 to 15 years to 90cc's. The other requires the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Department to produce informational materials regarding state laws, safety requirements and training programs and to distribute them to powersports dealerships. . Retailers would be required to distribute the materials to ATV purchasers at the time of sale. ATV retailers would also be prohibited from selling vehicles according to age limits and engine displacement limitations.

Nick wants us to get the word about the rally to all BRC members. Please plan to attend.

Nick says:
"Please bring posters and signs showing you support this important family recreation. No additional quads or bikes will be allowed due to the permit (but a truck/trailer loaded with them parked on the street looks great). If your group has any safety information to share with the public please bring that as well. You will need plenty of quarters to feed the meters. Please encourage all that attend to be respectful.....best foot forward.... "

If you have any questions about the Rally you can call Linda at 503-394-2180.

If you can't make it to the Rally on Tuesday, please contact your legislator immediately. You can easily locate your Oregon State legislator via the web at: http://www.leg.state.or.us/ (click "find your legislator" on the left)

Here is some information that may help you when you contact your representatives:

Be polite.

Be sure to tell them you calling to express your strong oposition to SB 49.

Mention that Off-Highway Vehicle use is a family activity. Tell your legislator that banning the use of ATV's and motorcycles by children under age 12 and severely restricting riders under age 15 by limiting them to those vehicles under 90cc's is not acceptable.

Explain that this bill simply penalizes responsible citizens for the actions of a few irresponsible riders.

Tell you legislator rider education, parental responsibility and enforcement of existing law is the key to preventing accidents, not penalizing responsible families.

Also, be sure to mention that the backers of this bill did not consult with industry, riders or the business community and have instead chosen to move ahead with this legislation regardless of the actual effect it will have on the states economy or families.

Ask your legislator to oppose this bill.

Thank you in advance for your involvement.

As always, if you have any questions or comments please call.

Brian Hawthorne
Public Lands Director
BlueRibbon Coalition
208-237-1008 ext 102