NEW YORK FREEDOM RIDERS PRESS RELEASE April 16, 2009
New York State Motorcycle Only Checkpoints 2009
New York State Police, local and county police will be conducting motorcycle only safety enforcement checkpoints again this year. The Governor's Traffic Safety Committee has awarded the New York State Police $227,084 for statewide motorcycle enforcement details along with grants given to the Greece PD, Suffolk and Warren Counties. [1]
These motorcycle only checkpoints target a particular group of individuals which has been determined to be unconstitutional. The Supreme Court of the United States of America has repeated held that "the citizen who has given no good cause for believing he is engaged in (criminal) activity is entitled to proceed on his way without interference" Bandrinegar, supra; see also Terry v. Ohio, supra.
New York State Police have claimed that with the rise in motorcycle fatalities, these motorcycle only checkpoints are to increase motorcycle safety by insuring compliance with applicable Vehicle and Traffic Laws. We have read The New York State 2009 Highway Safety Plan and the state has determined that the most common contributing factor in police reported motorcycle crashes was "unsafe speed" followed by "failure to yield the right of way". [2] New York's motorcycle only checkpoints are not addressing the two major causes of motorcycle fatalities in our state. The State Police have also said in their press release in 2007 that "Approximately one-quarter of all fatally injured motorcycle drivers were unlicensed in 2005."The Highway Safety Plan has addressed the issue of licensed motorcyclists and the extent of the unlicensed motorcyclist problem in New York has not been determined and more research is needed.
The motorcycle only safety enforcement checkpoints are being conducted at the same time as large motorcycle events. The reason given by law enforcement is they need a sufficient volume of motorcycle traffic to justify the substantial20number of resources involved. [3] This includes Americade in Lake George and the Harley Rendezvous in Duanesburg. Last year a motorcycle only checkpoint was done along the Niagara Thruway at the PeaceBridge where 780 motorcyclists headed for Canada were stopped.
Law enforcement will be looking for the following violations at the checkpoints: Inspection stickers and placement of the sticker Insurance 375 (35c) -unsafe tires 381(1a) -front headlamp not deployed Rear plate illumination 381((3) lights- only white or yellow 381(4)-approved red reflector in the rear 381(5)-handlebar height 381(6) - unapproved or no helmet: 381(10) - rearview mirrors 381(11) - exhaust pip es 402(1a)- plate must be secure and mounted between 12-48 inches on the rear of the vehicle- not at the rear axle 402(1b)-plates must be clean and easily readable 410(1)-registration 411(1)-plates are required to be "conspicuously displayed on the rear" not on the rear axle 411(3) - switched plates 509(2) - license -operating out of class
The New York Freedom Riders do not condone this type of program to improve motorcycle safety. We feel it is unconstitutional to stop anyone at checkpoints, including motorcyclists, for no reason other than to issue tickets. These checkpoints give the police an opportunity to target a specific mode of transportation which is discrimination and is not about motorcycle safety. The majority of motorcyclists are legal and they have the right to travel freely. As always, The New York Freedom Riders promote motorcycle education and informing motorists to watch for motorcycles as a solution to the fatalities and injuries in New York State. . We have received complaints about these motorcycle only checkpoints and understand the frustration many are feeling while traveling to an event. If you would like to voice your opinion about New York's new safety initiative, we would like to suggest contacting the following:
To Write To The Governor: DavidA.Paterson State Capitol Albany, NY12224 518-474-8390 Click here to email the Governor. http://www.ny.gov/governor/contact/index.html ------------------ New York State Division of Tourism P.O. Box 2603
Albany, NY12220-0603 1-518-474-4116 Email: iloveny@empire.state.ny.us ------------------ The Public Information Office at New York State Police Headquarters =0 D Lt. Glenn Miner New YorkState Police Public Information Office Bldg. 22, 1220 Washington Ave.
If you are interested in fighting this unlawful activity or need information to fight a ticket, please contact the New York Freedom Riders by email: nyfreedomriders@localnet.com. Also review "Motorcycle Checkpoints and Your Rights" at: http://www.newyorkfreedomriders.com/MCckpntURrghts.htm
New York Freedom Riders www.newyorkfreedomriders.com Riders Against Constitutional Erosion "Freedom Is NOT A Spectator Sport"
I'm with Full Throttle With Christ magazine. A Christian biker magazine that is free. After a 4 year hiatus we are back. Our mission is to get the magazine to bikers that need Jesus, on the street and into prisons all over the country then the world lol. The mag has testimonies,stories and puzzles, we feature different bikers ministries, pictures of biker events, all of it Christian material. We have a couple of pages to advertise different biker ministries that is available so folks can contact you, and you don''t have to buy anything. Send us a club/ministry card with your web address or P.O. Box. We want to be a tool to help bring souls to Jesus. If you want a bundle of magazines let me know. Send an address so we can get them out to you. The magazine will be printed quarterly. A new issue was just printed, next one will be out in May.
Thank you and be blessed Brenda Colvin Full Throttle With Christ
We just want to thank you all again for your most generous support of the 2008 5th Annual Trooper Larry Gleason Pride Ride. Without your generous contributions, we wouldn't be able to provide the financial support which is so important to the Scholarship Fund. Our final tally with additional donations is $3,184.00.
As representatives of this ride, you always leave a favorable impression in the communities we travel through and you bring the dignity and respect this event deserves.
We hope to have you back next year and with any luck, we'll have a bigger turnout. Thanks again.
best wishes,
Frank & Donna
July 29, 08
Recently a post was made asking for donations to help a cause. It could not be confirmed to be a legitimate charity so I had to remove it. Sending donations to a P.O. Box with no way of contacting the institution is not a good charitable giving decision. Please take the time to verify the Charity before you pass the information on in a post. BikerWorlds Admin
June 19, 08 An Invitation from Beshara Charlie Nehme and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
St. Jude Children's ResearchHospital and Beshara Charlie Nehme would like to extend a warm invitation to you to Save the Date for our A Night of Hope dinner on October 30, 2008 to benefit the children and families of St. Jude and around the world.
St. Jude Children's ResearchHospital is the nation’s foremost treatment and research facility for children with catastrophic illness.One of the most special features of St. Jude is that children are treated regardless of their family’s ability to pay.We hope you will join us as we continue our lifesaving work for children around the world.
Included in this e-mail are details about A Night of Hope and the opportunity to contribute to our exciting event whether it be as an attendee, a sponsor or item donor to our silent auction and raffle.We are dedicated to fulfill our goal to support the life-saving mission at St. Jude, and I am certain that this event will be a spectacular achievement with your help.
You can play a vital role in making this event a success. To become a sponsor, item donor, or make a tax-deductible donation, please consult the following attachments:
Save the Date
Sponsorship Proposal
Auction/Raffle Item Proposal
We also advise you to look out for an official invitation over the next few weeks. The invitation will include the opportunity to purchase tickets to A Night of Hope.For additional information about A Night of Hope or St. Jude, please feel free to contact Glendalee Ramón in the local regional St. Jude fundraising office at glendalee.ramon@stjude.org.
We greatly look forward to working together with you in our mission to spread hope and share the dreams of our children.
Warmest,
Beshara Charlie Nehme
A Night of Hope Founder
and
Glendalee Ramon
Bilingual Event Marketing Representative
ALSAC/ St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
363 7th Avenue, 18th Floor
New York, NY 10001
T: 212.239.3239
F: 212.239.3279
June 9th, 2008 Congratulations to the organizers of the Vermont Rally.
The celebration of the motorcycle, the first of its kind in the area, was designed to slot between Americade in Lake George and the upcoming Laconia, N.H., event, and so encourage riders to stop in Rutland in between. There were certainly a lot of motorcycles out and about over the weekend and turnout on Saturday seemed good; whether there were enough visitors over the three days that organizers felt the event was a success remains to be seen. These things are always subjective, particularly with a first-time event, where there is no baseline for comparison. Although the weather certainly cooperated, with gas bouncing around $4 a gallon and a recessionary economy, it's a tough year to debut a celebration of anything motorized. But whether the number of attendees was as high as hoped, a couple of people in particular deserve a pat on the back for their efforts. First is Dirk Nakazawa, who came to public attention last year with what he called the "R Town" campaign, beginning by accosting strangers, shopkeepers, politicians — and yes, newspaper editors — for any loose change they may have wanted to donate to his cause. At the time, the cause was entirely nebulous: Dirk was simply trying to get people involved even symbolically, by donating a couple of pennies, into supporting the community. And pursuing a motorcycle rally isn't the easiest thing in the world, particularly one tied to Laconia. The annual event there so often flirts with being out of control that half the community — the ones who make money off of it — support it, while the other half — worried about things like the Hell's Angels moving into town, drug abuse, and public debauchery — wish it would go away. So credit to Nakazawa for successfully fighting an uphill battle, let alone organizing a major event like the rally. He warned people publicly that he was unlikely to make it through to the finish without someone else also providing the needed energy to get everything done. That person was Tom Irish, who has become the public face of the rally in the past few weeks. Irish — musician, businessman, now event organizer — took up the reins and saw the event through to the finish. The two, along with a lot of other volunteers, combined to produce an event that for one weekend at least put Rutland, VT on the map for a lot of folks who may have never done more than stop off here for a fill-up between two destinations. A job well done. June 2nd,2008 State police to check bikers ahead of N.Y. rally. Motorcyclists at Lake George's Americade will need helmets & licenses.
State Police planned to stop bikers heading to and from the upcoming Americade rally in the southern Adirondacks to make sure they have decent helmets and the right licenses. New York Motorcyclists are required to wear helmets that meet federal DOT standards. State Police said DOT stickers are easy to come by, and they won't prevent getting a ticket for a so-called "skid lid" that provides little protection.
A mandatory checkpoint began Friday afternoon on the Adirondack Northway on the eve of Americade. Troopers planned another next week for southbound I-87 traffic near the close of the rally, which is expected to draw more than 50,000 riders from around the country to Lake George from June 1st to June 5th. Troopers also planned to check for unsafe tires; improper exhaust pipes, which can mean thundering unmuffled engines; and motorcycle licenses.
Deaths of motorcycle operators rose in 2006, almost 50 percent over four years. About 25 percent each year had either an invalid or no motorcycle license. New York data mirror the national trend. Fatalities doubled while registrations nearly did -- from 178,000 to 307,000 -- in the decade ending in 2006, according to the state Department of Motor Vehicles. From 2004 to 2006, motorcycle fatalities rose 29 percent from 151 to 195.
Helmets help, as so does leather clothing, which lets fallen riders slide for a while before they start skidding on body parts. Ridership has been growing among older bikers and the over-40 group also has the greatest number of fatalities. This trend is likely to increase with high gas prices as more people purchase motorcycles. Similar checkpoints were being staged around the state. Police inspected more than 100 motorcycles in Cobleskill near the AmJam rally last week and wrote 123 tickets, mostly for improper helmets.
This was a thank you emailed to mike and I think it said it all from all of us, even if we didn't say so. The Moving Wall 5/15-5/19/08 Hey Mike et al. (Mike P from Vt-Thunder)
Thank you all so much for including the VT Gathering of Eagles in your plans. I completely enjoyed the escort, security and the parade and ceremonies yesterday. You did a tremendous job in organizing everything!
I look forward to seeing you again for VT Thunder on Sunday.
Kathy (VT Gathering of the Eagles)
***Mike did a lot of emailing and cold-calling to set a lot of this up. We all Thank you Mike*** On behalf of the members of Chapter 26 CVMA I'd like to extend a heartfelt THANK YOU to all of you that came forward to help out with the Wall's visit to St. Albans. The Shamrocks M.C., VVA Chapter 753 , Gathering of Eagles, PGR, Vermont Thunder and all the individuals that helped with the escort, set up, overnight security and parade, all came off without a hitch and I'm still receiving mail thanking us for a Job Well Done!
Our salute during the parade on Sunday really shook their socks off!
Firstly Thank you for your support, very much appreciate it. As I finished my Biker tour in a major success now I can focus on writing the road stories. Here is one that you would appreciate along with a photo of the Killer Creek Chapter. (click here to view) Sept 20, 07
Before I started my Tour some asked me what, where and how I'm going to raise the money. In all honesty sometimes I never answer that question. Because like our Saying says” if I have to explain you wouldn't understand” Please allow me to introduce Killer Creek Harley-Davidson staff and Killer Creek Hog Chapter in Roswell, GA just 20 minutes from Down Town Atlanta, GA.
I arrived in Atlanta just after 2 PM jumped on 85 north and head toward Killer Creek Harley Dealer .I stopped just two miles away from the dealership. There I have met with my Friend Jeanne she is also a Killer Creek Hog member who gave me an escort to the dealership. Upon my arrival I was introduced to Killer Creek Hog Members, within few seconds they made me feel at home I felt like I have known these guys for years, I was given Killer Creek T Shirt then another T shirt before I know it Ritchie from the Dealer offered one of his own short time later Mac the dealer General manager came out and introduced himself I insist for a photo opp which you see above. In my half hour at the dealership I felt my 1450 miles that I have ridding like it never happen all the soar ness and bruises and the hot 100 plus temp all out the window. When I left Killer Creek Harley Davidson for the next40 MILES OR SO my head kept shaking from the special welcome I received from Killer Creek Harley Davidson and Killer Creek Hog Chapter and when I sometimes didn't or Couldn't answer to some of the questions of how I'm going to raise the money for my Breast Cancer Tour, I hope now you know why sometimes I didn't answer, its not all about the fund raising for The “Foundation” its about people like Killer Creek who you meet along the way and who cheer you on and give you the support you need to keep moving and keep driving for cure and help save lives. From the bottom of my heart I thank you for everything and your support you guys Rock!!! Killer Creek Harley Davidson & Killer Creek Hog Chapter Thank you!!!
Charlie Beshara Nehme
Anytime, Charlie! See you on the Road! Killington Classic (Rutland Herald) Owners of the Killington Classic, Lou-Ann and her husband Kevin Clement, have been riding motorcycles in Vermont with friends for the past 20 years. They decided the state needed a rally so others could experience the great scenery, friendly people and nice roads. Variety in the scenic routes and tasty tours is necessary, especially since 80 percent of the pre-registered guests are returning from last year. Each year there are new and exciting opportunities for participants to entertain and contribute to the Killington and Rutland community. Organizers are expecting more than the 1,500 riders who turned out to rumble into the city. Thinking a new bike week in June 2008 in Vermont?http://www.rbikeweek.org/Great Idea! Take it from someone who spends a lot of time in Rutland, Vt (I'm not from there). Let's make it happen! Keep checking back throughout the year for what is happening. Check the Season 2008 page. Over 140 motorcyclists and over 200 people attended the 4th Annual Trooper Larry Gleason Pride-Ride Memorial Motorcycle Rally on Saturday, August 11th in Ray Brook, NY. This year, a restored Florida Highway Patrol Ford Mustang pursuit car and a restored Dodge Polara California Highway Parol car joined the benefit ride.> The riders travelled from Troop B Headquarters in Ray Brook to the Schroon Lake State Police barracks where the family placed a memorial wreath beside Trooper Gleason's memorial stone in front of the barracks. One of Trooper Gleason's sisters, Shannon Kuhn also rode this year and was the lead bike in the procession behind the New York State Police Motorcycle Unit and Trooper George Stannard with his K-9 Larry", who was named after Trooper Gleason in his honor. While at the wreath ceremony in Schroon Lake, the Gleason family announced that a second scholarship will be established for a recipient in Troop B in addition to the one offered in Hornell, NY which was Trooper Gleason's home town. The board of the Trooper Lawrence P. Gleason Memorial Scholarship had met and decided it would be fitting to add the scholarship in the area where Trooper Gleason served and sacrificed his life. After the ceremony, the riders feasted on Asian Spice Ribs, Barbeque Ribs, Hot Sausage, Bratwurst, Hotdogs, Hamburgers and tons of pasta salads. At least $3,000.00 was raised for the scholarship at this year's event. Next year's ride is already scheduled for the second Saturday in August. Congratulations To Joann at J&J Motorcycle Safety Course LLC (motorcycle training) "I have just become the 1st Dirt Bike School Rider Coach in Vermont for the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, which I will be holding classes at Land Air in Essex Jct., and Central VT Motorcycles in Rutland, and maybe in St Albans. I am also the 1st and only independent Motorcycle Drivers Ed training in Vermont that does licensing. As well I am the 1st female and the 2nd in VT to become an MSF Ridercoach Trainer to teach RiderCoaches to teach. There are 3 of us - 1st was Paul Graves works only for the State, then I was certified a couple of years ago, now this year Randy Loso was certified and works only for the military." To find out when and where training will be held Email:mtnlady@surfglobal.net or call 1-800-987-4461 within Vermont or 1-802-827-6681 outside Vermont.
My name isCharlie Beshara Nehme On August 2007 I will ride My Harley Davidson from Connecticut To Texas To help Raise Money for the Avon Foundation to help fight Breast Cancer. To learn more about the Avon Foundation and how you can support my Breast Cancer Bike Tour http://bikercharityride.com/ Email: bikercharityride@aol.com
*I am hoping for a daily or weekly email to let me know how the ride is going and who he has made friends with*
July 21, 2007 (Plattsburgh, NY) A Ride to Remember: second annual benefit for NENY Alzheimer’s Disease Assistance Center If you’ve ever heard the rumble of over 127 motorcycles, it’s something you’d certainly remember for a long, long time - that is unless you had the misfortune to be overcome by the wrath of Alzheimer’s disease. Ironic as it may sound, that was the reason for the mass of motorcycles that took off with the American Legion Riders from the American Legion Post 1619 in West Plattsburgh last Sunday morning. The Ride to Remember, along with the live music by local bands, raffles and auction were all held to benefit the Northeastern NY Alzheimer’s Disease Assistance Center, in memory of Barbara Tobin, of Cadyville. Freeman and her sisters, Trish Liberty and Colleen West organized the event, which was hosted by the Post 1619, the Sons of the Legion, the Auxiliary and the American Legion Riders. Last year, their first, they raised about $8,000; this year’s unofficial total, according to Freeman, is at least $10,000. Freeman said they had a lot of support form many area businesses and people in the form of volunteerism and donations, all of which she and her family are very grateful for.
July 28, 2007 (Plattsburgh, NY) Charity Ride to support Hospice of the North Country Approximately 165 motorcycle bikers from Harley Owners Group and Our Ladies of Harley braved the wet weather Saturday July 28,2007 for a charity ride to support Hospice of the North Country. Several members of the two groups have had relatives, or friends, assisted by Hospice. This is third year that the fifth-annual charity ride and spaghetti dinner benefited Hospice through registration costs and donations by other chapters. Last year, $1,000 was raised for Hospice. Rain proved a deterrent this year, accounting for less participation and revenue.
Site is in Memory of Dad Sep 23, 2006 Mathew KIA Taji Iraq May 25, 2007 Website Logo Property of Motorcyclenewengland.com thanks to Rochelle. Image not to be used without prior written permission
