Maine Biker Network

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AGAINST THE WIND by Paul Lancia For New England Biker News

Spring is nature's way of saying, "Let's party!" ~ Robin Williams

Spring, a favorite time of the year for me. Warm~cool breezes, birds singing in the trees and off in the distance the roar of a bike. It's been a long cold Winter, as of the date of my writing this we've had last ditch efforts by Old Man Winter to maintain his hold on the weather. But his reign is nearly over and our time to ride is nigh.With the arrival of Spring, we have lots to do, both on the road and off. Let's get to it!

The arrival of riding season is to be celebrated here in New England. We do so with bike events such as the RIMA Blessing of the Bikes on May 1st in Rhode Island. I want you to celebrate this riding season by doing something else too. I'd like all of you to get out your bike insurance policy and take a look at the coverage that you have in effect for the 2011 riding season, specifically under the sections of uninsured and underinsured motorist. If you have coverage of anything less than $100,000, please call your insurance agent and get pricing to move this number North, as far North as you can afford. Remember folks, most of the people driving on the road have minimal insurance coverage, if you get in an accident and you get injured with minimal un/underinsured coverage and the operator/owner of this vehicle has the minimums on his vehicle, the loser is you! It's the rare rider who walks away from an accident without medical bills, lost wages, scarring, and long periods of disability. This is an easy thing to fix and please do it today. If you have a question, call me and I will help you through it.

Things have been busy the past month. The City of Newport, Rhode Island dismissed a case against RIMA member Peter Odette who was cited with an oft used "summer" anti-bike ordinance which prohibits the use of a motorcycle within the city limits IF the motorcycle does not have an EPA label/mark. For those living in a cabin far, far away that means, if you have after-market pipes you'll be looking at an expensive ticket that requires a couple of court appearances. The President of RIMA, Buddy Cardozo has been on top of this issue and authorized a challenge to this ordinance. While it is unclear as to the City's position on enforcing this ordinance now that riding season is here, word has it that RIMA is prepared to move forward and challenge all attempts of enforcement. Good work and thanks to Peter Odette for stepping up to the plate and participating in this fight.

The legislative agendas for all of the New England Motorcycle Associations has been released to the public and this is one of the bills that the MMA is supporting;

Helmet Choice for Adults Bill (SD1699) – This bill is simply Freedom of Choice for the Adult motorcyclist regarding Helmet usage. Sponsor – Senator Stephen Brewer

You can see all of the bills the MMA is supporting at the MMA web site -- MassMotorcycle.org

Since most of the New England states do not have helmet laws on the books, it would seem consistent if Massachusetts would enact a law more in line with its neighbors. Plus exercising your freedom to choose whether or not you wish to wear a helmet is more in line with the New England (and American) independent spirit.

Support the motorcycle association in your state. Everybody talks a good game when things get dicey with law enforcement and laws designed to keep your bike silenced or a helmet on your head or even to protect your rights on two wheels, but I find that it is the few that actually invest the time and money in a membership with RIMA or the MMA or NHMRO. Membership numbers speak volumes and politicians listen. Don't be one of those who stands on the sidelines and reaps the benefits from the hard work of others. Come up with the $25 bucks a year for a membership, participate as much as your schedule allows.

After a New England Biker Radio show a couple of weeks back, I got the chance to visit a new biker bar & grill, Shakerz on Route 44 in Glocester, Rhode Island. Shakerz is the brainchild of the infamous Bobby Z of New England Choppers. A nice place, great looking bar, plenty of room inside and parking out.Bobby has big plans for live entertainment and NEBN is having a spring blast party on April 23rd.So make arrangements to be at Shakerz on April 23rd, which coincidentally is my birthday!

I am going to give you a break this month with my tutorials on legal issues and all that. I'd rather just focus on the fact that the riding season is back and the ability to ride off the work doldrums, the blues or just revel in a nice day is available to us. Of course if you have a legal issue or a question on a legal matter, feel free to drop me a line and I'll be sure to get back to you pronto with information for you to make an informed decision.

Until next month, enjoy the ride.

New England Biker News is doing what it can to spread the word about changes in the laws concerning bikes, actions against bikers and any other noteworthy events that effect your enjoyment of riding. If we miss something or you have any questions on a legal matter, let me know.

Attorney Paul Lancia practices in areas including Biker Rights, Injuries resulting from Motorcycle and other Motor Vehicle Accidents, All Family Court matters, Business and Construction Law, Criminal Defense. He maintains offices in Providence, Rhode Island, Fall River, Worcester and Boston. He can be reached at (774) 929-0565 and at PALancia@aol.com

Maine Biker Network

AGAINST THE WIND by Paul Lancia For New England Biker News

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