Press Releases, News & Notes
November, 1997

OREGON GOVERNOR VETOES HELMET REPEAL

On August 15, 1997, at the eleventh hour, Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber vetoed louse Bill 2454 and dashed the hopes of freedom fighters who thought he might let the helmet amendment become law without his signature Kitzhaber, who had publicly stated his opposition to helmet law reform, stated in his veto message' "I m vetoing this bill, based not on my experience as an emergency room physician, Ut also because the research clearly demonstrates that motorcycle helmet laws have lives, prevent injuries, and save public dollars. In addition, Oregonians showed strong support for mandatory motorcycle helmets when they overwhelmingly approved the 1988 referendum by a 2-1 margin's I have stated in the past, the only way I would consider signing such a measure into law would be if those who for advocating freedom of choice for adult riders would also ensure that those exercising such freedom also accept the full economic responsibility for their actions." HB 2454 would have restored freedom of choice for motorcyclists 21 and older, and though disappointed, ABATE of Oregon and BikePAC have pledged to e back in '99 with another repeal bill. Our congratulations for successfully lobbying their bill through the state legislature, and we wish them all the best In the next legislative session.

NEW YORK GETS RIDER TRAINING...FINALLY!

ears of hard work and effort finally paid off for ABATE of New York when Governor George Pataki included the state's first ever Motorcycle Safety Program in his budget proposal, which was approved by the state legislature and signed into law n August 21 1997. The program will be funded through a $3.50 annual surcharge n motorcycle licenses and registrations and will be used exclusively for rider education. According to Tom Duffee, state coordinator for ABATE of N.Y., "This is the first ever legislation that we have initiated and had signed into law, and we are proud to be a part of New York State motorcycling history." With the governor's signature, New York became the 46th state with either a legislated or budgeted rider education program.

GUAM HAWGS M/C JOINS ICOM

S should be recalled, the Guam Hawgs Motorcycle Club was the group that succeeded in getting a helmet repeal bill introduced and passed in the tiny South Pacific island of Guam earlier this year, granting freedom of choice for motorcyclists 1 and older. The Guam Hawgs M/C was recognized for their accomplishment at is year's NCOM Convention in Richmond, VA, at which time it was announced at the politically minded motorcycle club had become the most recent organization to join the International Coalition of Motorcyclists (ICOM). "We are pleased and honored to welcome the Guam Hawgs MIC into the international motorcyclists rights network, and welcome them to share their expertise and experience with other freedom fighters throughout the world," said ICOM founder Richard Lester.

VISIT AIM & NCOM ON THE WORLDWIDE WEB

If you're one of those cyber-bikers whose biggest dilemma is how to clean the grease ~ your fingers before you sit down at the keyboard, cruise by our new AIM/NCOM website at aimncom.com to find out the latest and greatest in the world of motor motorcycling and motorcyclists' rights. The site features a calendar of events, helmet law status and other Motorcycle Laws, AIM and NCOM news and lotsa links!