South Carolina's current helmet law is under fire. The motorcycle safety task force is posed to make recommendations early in this legislative session and a helmet law change is expected. If you value your freedom you'll be at the statehouse Tuesday morning January 8th even if you must call in sick. If we give them an inch now they will surely take a mile.
If you won’t do it for yourself do it for our SC National Guard Members currently fighting in Afghanistan. How do think it will make them feel to lose freedom at home while they are risking their lives defending freedom abroad?
~FF
1) South Carolina Helmet law might change
2) Motorcycle Riders Protest New Helmet Law
3) Philippine Lawmakers Want Motorcycles Banned On Main Roads, Highways
4) Dangerous motorcycle riding concerns police
5) THE BEER GUY: Taking time to reflect on '07 brew scene
6) The $5 lunch survives: Some of the best places to eat on a tight budget in Asheville
7) Nationwide vegan, organic delivery service launches
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1) South Carolina Helmet law might change
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FF Note: This article by John Monk reminds me of another he wrote less than a year prior to passage of the current seat belt law. A small change in the current law such as removing a few words like "under the age of twenty-one" could make a big difference in your life. Next they may follow the World Health Organization’s suggestions and ban motorcycles in the name of saving lives and money. Don't laugh this beginning to happen in other countries.
http://www.thestate.com/local/story/272260.html
Helmet law might change
By JOHN MONK
jmonk@thestate.com
Inexperienced bikers might have to wear them amid record number of deaths in 2007
Motorcycle safety
A state task force is working on recommendations to strengthen motorcycle safety laws after a record number of people died in accidents in 2007.
The proposed changes will not require helmets for everyone, but could make inexperienced riders wear them until they complete safety courses. The proposals will likely go to the General Assembly for consideration early this year.
In 2007, 120 people died in motorcycle accidents in the state, compared to 106 deaths in 2006 and 94 in 2005.
“It’s regrettable,” said Department of Public Safety director Jim Schweitzer, who is looking forward to seeing the task force’s suggestions.
A major change in the laws governing motorcycles would be the first in more than 20 years.
The group, made up of dealer and biker representatives, law enforcement and other state officials, could even recommend a small change in the helmet law, said Ed Harmon, a DPS safety official on the task force.
“As long as the fatalities keep escalating, the helmet issue will keep coming up,” he said.
The task force is looking at a Pennsylvania law that requires riders to wear helmets unless they have either taken a motorcycle riding course or have gotten a permanent (non-beginner’s) motorcycle license.
The goal is to make sure less experienced motorcyclists wear helmets because they are the ones who get killed more often, Harmon said.
Once a biker demonstrates a certain level of proficiency, he or she could choose not to wear a helmet, Harmon said.
Current state law allows any biker 21 or older, no matter how experienced, to ride motorcycles without a helmet. All bikers younger than 21 must wear helmets.
In the early 1980s, when the legislature last changed the law, it allowed bikers 21 and older to ride helmetless.
The task force’s report will be public. Because its recommendations haven’t been finalized, the process of how its findings will be reported to the General Assembly hasn’t been determined.
REASONS WHY RATE IS CLIMBING
Of South Carolina’s 120 biker deaths in 2007, 94 — 78 percent — weren’t wearing helmets, according to DPS statistics.
“If we had a helmet law, it would save lives,” said DPS safety chief Max Young. “But there is that old argument about people not wanting Big Brother to tell them what to do.”
Besides low helmet use, safety officials cite several factors behind South Carolina’s rising biker death toll:
• More inexperienced middle-aged men are riding complicated motorcycles without knowing how to operate them in real-life conditions, including working gears and brakes.
• The state has loopholes in its motorcycle licensing laws that make it easy for people with little or no experience to buy and ride motorcycles.
• Heavier and faster motorcycles are being ridden. Some motorcycles, such as the 160 horsepower Ducati, have as much power as some cars. It takes even more skill than usual to operate these powerful machines on the road.
• Major motorcycle rallies in the Myrtle Beach area attract thousands of bikers each year. The combination of no helmets, inexperience and alcohol can be deadly.
HELMET SECTION
In October, the National Transportation Safety Board issued an urgent plea to states to enact mandatory helmet laws. Twenty states have such laws.
“No better crash protection for a motorcyclist” exists than a standard motorcycle helmet, the NTSB said, adding that head injury is a leading cause of death in motorcycle accidents.
Currently only bikers younger than 21 must wear helmets in South Carolina. That’s not likely to change with the proposed new rules.
“My understanding is that they will not recommend that,” Schweitzer said.
Support for the no-helmet law is entrenched in the General Assembly, where many lawmakers regard the ability to ride helmetless as a basic right and proof the American dream of freedom is still alive.
For decades, they have ferociously fought efforts to mandate universal helmet use.
“It ain’t going to pass,” said Sen. Jake Knotts, R-Lexington, who opposes mandatory helmet laws. Knotts, an accomplished biker who rides an 800-pound Harley-Davidson, likes to ride helmetless.
Even politicians known for bravery in safety crusades fear pushing for a helmet law.
Sen. Joel Lourie, D-Richland, helped lead a tough fight two years ago that resulted in the life-saving mandatory seat-belt law. Opponents of this law, like bikers, equated the right not to wear a seat belt with basic American freedom. Since that law passed, road deaths in vehicles with access to seat belts have declined.
But Lourie will not lead a fight for a mandatory helmet law.
“You only have so much capital to spend in the State House, and I doubt there’s much support for a helmet law,” Lourie said. “But would I vote for it — yes.”
Lourie is working this year for teenage driving reforms — a subject he believes has a far better chance of passing.
Even if the legislature did pass a helmet law, Gov. Mark Sanford would likely veto it.
“The function of government is to assure freedom rather than security, and that includes the freedom to make stupid decisions,” said Sanford spokesman Joel Sawyer. “Not wearing a helmet is not the best decision. But the governor’s bias is going to be leaving it up to the individual.”
Doctors familiar with head injuries resulting from not using helmets have a different view.
“There are certain safety issues that go beyond personal freedom issues,” said Dr. Deborah Greenhouse, a Columbia pediatrician.
Head injuries that a rider survives are “hugely expensive” and can lead to lengthy stays in intensive care and rehabilitation, she said.
“It can easily add into the millions of dollars.”
Greenhouse said she wished there had been a nurse or doctor on the motorcycle task force to give the group a medical perspective.
“If we know for a fact that helmets save lives, it’s our responsibility to ensure everybody wears them,” she said.
Reach Monk at (803) 771-8344.
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2) Motorcycle Riders Protest New Helmet Law
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http://www.nbc17.com/midatlantic/ncn/news.apx.-content-articles-NCN-2008-01-01-0011.html
Motorcycle Riders Protest New Helmet Law
RALEIGH, N.C. -- Around 50 motorcycle riders rumbled past the Governor's Mansion in Downtown Raleigh Tuesday to protest tougher helmet standards that took effect at midnight.
"I don't believe the government has the power to attach an appliance to your body," said protester Lynn Lester of Goldston.
Lester joined the riders in circling the mansion for ten minutes. They protest a new law that bans the road use of helmets that haven't received North Carolina Department of Transportation certification. The change closes a loophole that left soft hats and scull caps as hard shell helmet alternatives.
"It doesn't matter if I'm wearing a helmet," said a rider from Holly Springs who declined to give his name because he was riding without head protection. "If something's going to happen it doesn't matter if I'm wearing a helmet."
Lawmakers who passed the updated helmet law argued proper head protection does matter, cited years of studies that show helmets can prevent and minimize serious injury during a crash.
North Carolina Highway Patrol spokesman Trooper J.E. Brewer said the new law simply clarifies the state's decades-old helmet requirement.
"Wearing a helmet has been the law but just wearing a helmet is not enough now," Brewer said. "It has got to meet the DOT standard."
Many riders acknowledged helmets can lower their risk for injury, instead casting the issue as a fight for civil rights.
"Riding a motorcycle is not the safest thing in the world to do," said protest organizer Jan MacKay. "Neither is snow skiing. Skiers watch out, you're next."
Raleigh police monitoring the 30 minute rally did not write any tickets for illegal headgear. Several riders said if they are cited they will continue to fight for their rights in court.
It was not known whether Governor Mike Easley was present at the mansion during the afternoon protest.
Discuss This Story -> http://www.nbc17.com/midatlantic/ncn/news.apx.-content-articles-NCN-2008-01-01-0011.html#r
See the video ...
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3) Philippine Lawmakers Want Motorcycles Banned On Main Roads, Highways
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FF Note: First helmet laws and then out right bans... Enough is Enough Bikers Unite!
http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7009580531
Philippine Lawmakers Want Motorcycles Banned On Main Roads, Highways
Joseph Dela Cruz - AHN News Writer
Manila, Philippines (AHN) - Motorcycles could be banned on many Philippines roads. Despite being the most common means of transportation in the Philippines, lawmakers have filed a bill seeking to ban motorcycles on main roads, thoroughfares and national highways in the country.
House Bill No. 3080 filed by Reps. Narciso D. Santiago III (Party-list, ARC) and Marcelino R. Teodoro (1st Dist., Marikina City, Lakas-CMD) establishes guidelines designed to prevent road accidents, particularly those involving motorcycles.
According to Santiago, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that in many countries in Asia including the Philippines, deaths and injuries from motorcycle accidents are now considered a 'Public Health Epidemic.'
"Nearly 1.2 million persons die of road traffic accidents every year, 40 percent of which are under 25 year-olds," Santiago said.
Santiago noted that young motorcyclists make up a significant percentage of injuries and fatalities among road users in many Asian countries.
"Reports identified over-speeding, non-use of helmets, risk-taking behavior, and drunk-driving as contributing factors to the rising trend of traffic accidents," Santiago said.
For his part, Teodoro cited the Asian Development Bank (ADB) report on road safety in the Philippines. According to the report, motorcyclists were the second most at risk of being killed or injured in a road accident.
"At present, motorcycles are a growing concern as its number increased to 40 percent per year in the last three years," Teodoro said.
"The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) report showed that motorcycles have the highest fatality accident rate with 122 motorcycles or 23.6 percent of the total fatal accidents percentage," Teodoro added.
Santiago and Teodoro sought the passage of the bill to prevent the growing number of road accidents involving motorcycles in the country.
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4) Dangerous motorcycle riding concerns police
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http://www.news-leader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080102/NEWS01/801020401
Dangerous motorcycle riding concerns police
Accidents seem to have increased with stunting's popularity.
Steve Rock
The Kansas City Star
Kansas City — While an unsuspecting driver motors along a two-lane Kansas City road, a man on a motorcycle comes from the opposite direction. The biker is cruising at a high rate of speed when, suddenly, he climbs onto the seat. He straightens his legs, spreads his arms wide and stands triumphantly.
All without slowing down.
It's called "stunting," and it's the latest craze in the motorcycling world.
Although you might not see much of it during wintry weather, law enforcement officials on both sides of the state line say more and more motorcyclists are performing treacherous tricks that endanger themselves and the drivers around them.
"Aggressive motorcycle driving is an issue throughout the metro area," said Capt. Dek Kruger of the Kansas Highway Patrol. "We're seeing 'em popping wheelies on the interstates and performing stunts on the streets.
"It's getting worse. It's getting to the point where a lot of agencies are getting together and asking, "How can we combat this?'"
And while it's not clear how many deaths and injuries can be attributed to stunting, it's obvious it is dangerous.
According to police reports, a Kansas City motorcyclist was injured in October 2005 while speeding and "driving carelessly" on Independence Avenue. He had been popping a wheelie — driving with the front tire in the air — after dark, so oncoming traffic couldn't see his headlight, which was pointing upward.
When a car pulled out in front of him, the motorcycle plowed into the vehicle.
"This is not rare," said Officer Dan Watts, community interaction officer for the Kansas City Police Department's North Patrol Division. "This is happening."
The bottom line, law enforcement officials said, is that the stunting craze is contributing to the climbing national figures for motorcycle deaths.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the number of motorcycle fatalities climbed to 4,810 in 2006 — a 123 percent increase from just 10 years earlier.
In Missouri, 93 motorcyclists died in 2006. In Kansas, there were 64 fatalities. Both were record highs.
So concerned are local law enforcement officials about the increase in motorcycle deaths that they held a summit in June, inviting county prosecutors, bikers and others to discuss enforcement and safety issues. While they addressed concerns about speeding and other related problems — a Kansas Highway Patrol arrest report from September showed a motorcycle was doing 102 mph in a 35 mph zone, for example — they spent a lot of time talking about stunting.
One question they discussed: Why is it so popular? Watts attributes part of the phenomenon to the increasing popularity of sport bikes, or motorcycles dubbed "crotch rockets" that are very powerful and have tremendous acceleration.
"Is that the only reason?" Watts asked. "No. I'm sure there are other social factors involved, too."
The Internet is awash with footage of motorcyclists stunting, some of it with shots of the Kansas City and St. Louis skylines in the background.
The bikers are popping wheelies at 90 mph or driving on their front tires. They're sitting on their handlebars. Sometimes, they're stunting in isolated parking lots and in areas where there is little or no traffic. Other times, they're doing it on busy streets and highways.
Law enforcement officers said the bikers were stunting throughout the area. They've been seen on Interstates 29, 35 and 435, on Missouri 152, and virtually anywhere else they can find long stretches of highway.
"During good weather, we will get daily complaints about erratic motorcycle operations," Kruger said.
Greg Harrison, senior vice president of communications for the American Motorcyclist Association in Ohio, said his organization "does not condone whatsoever" stunting on public streets and highways.
"People who do those activities may call it stunting," he said. "We call it reckless operation."
Harrison said that, while only a small minority of bikers engages in stunting activities, they do "colossal damage" to the rest of the motorcycling community.
"The people that observe them won't remember the number of motorcycles they quietly passed that day," he said. "But they'll certainly remember the ones who came wheelying past or standing on their seat."
In Florida, which had a nation-high 562 biker deaths in 2006, a state legislator is trying to stem the tide by proposing legislation that would force a motorcyclist to serve a mandatory jail term and forfeit his or her motorcycle license for 10 years for simply popping a wheelie.
No comparable laws are on the books in Missouri or Kansas.
Instead, law enforcement officials are looking at citing perpetrators — if they can catch them — for careless and imprudent driving or reckless driving.
"Stunting is pretty much the in thing now. It's getting so big," said Brian Smith, founder of the Kansas City-based group Midwest Stunters, which has about 30 members. Many of them get together regularly to ride and perform tricks.
He said stunters were "extremely skilled," and saw no problem with riding in large, open, vacant areas, but even he said there were limits.
"I absolutely won't do it on the highway," Smith said. "That's too dangerous."
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5) THE BEER GUY: Taking time to reflect on '07 brew scene
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http://citizen-times.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008801020304
THE BEER GUY: Taking time to reflect on '07 brew scene
by Tony Kiss, Columnist
published January 2, 2008 12:15 am
Raise a glass to the year in local beer. The last 12 months were a busy time in area brewing, so before we get too far into 2008, let's go over what happened. Or some of it, anyway.
The hops shortage has already put the pinch on area brewers. Asheville Pizza and Brewing had to drop Roland's ESB and Red Light IPA (that one temporarily) as it searched for a steady supply of Cascade hops. Beer prices have started increasing, and expect that to continue this year.
Meanwhile, Highland Brewing settled into its bigger new digs at Blue Ridge Motion Pictures, and Catawba Valley Brewing opened a new operation in Morganton.
The Bruisin' Ales beer store established itself as ground zero for local brew lovers, with hundreds of beers for sale and regular tastings. Jason and Julie Atallah have become two of the city's biggest beer boosters.
Drew Barton took over as head brewer at French Broad Brewing Co., and John Stuart joined Green Man as brewmaster. Meanwhile, former Green Man brewer Carl Melissas moved to the new, upcoming brewery at the Wedge Gallery space on the French Broad River.
Of course, the boys out at Pisgah Brewing, David Quinn and Jason Caughman, kept delivering wild new beers including the popular Red Devil and Summer Ale. Keep those beers rolling in 2008, please.
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6) The $5 lunch survives: Some of the best places to eat on a tight budget in Asheville
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FF Note: Take a ride in a state with a mandatory helmet law. Here are some places to eat cheap so you can afford that helmet ticket. Keep in mind novelty helmets will not longer safe you from a ticket in NC!
http://citizen-times.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008801020301
The $5 lunch survives: Some of the best places to eat on a tight budget in Asheville
by By Carol Motsinger, CMOTSINGER@CITIZEN-TIMES.COM
published January 2, 2008 12:15 am
ASHEVILLE - What's left of the good ol' days in Asheville?
Don't even think about sending a letter to your sweetie for less than a quarter or buying a Coke for less than all the jiggling change in your pocket.
Asheville may not be Mayberry, but some area venues are trying to keep one affordable slice of nostalgia alive: The $5 lunch.
Brian Ward, general manager of Frazier's Steak and Seafood, said he guesses the restaurant on Merrimon Avenue loses money by offering a seafood lunch special for $4.95, but they sell so many plates that the cost "evens out."
Debbie Mowrey, of Asheville, is always on the search for a fulfilling, inexpensive meal at lunchtime. She said if she only spends $5 on lunch, she doesn't "feel so bad about (spending the money), and I am supporting the great city we live in."
We asked readers to share the favorite places for bargain bites. Here is a sampling of your responses:
# Frazier's Steak and Seafood, 1435 Merrimon Ave.
Hours: 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday, Sunday; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
On the menu: Steak and seafood are usually served with a hefty bill, but Frazier's Steak and Seafood offers the food without the fee. The restaurant sells a lunch special featuring a range of seafood, from shrimp to catfish, for $4.95. Ward said the price may be slim, but the plates are stuffed. "We give them a large quantity of food," he said. "We go through a lot of to-go boxes."
# Kismet Café & Coffeehouse, 1 Boston Way in Biltmore Village.
Hours: 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 8:30 a.m.- 5 p.m. Sunday.
On the menu: Didn't have a chance to grab breakfast on the way out of the door this morning? Then an early lunch might be what you need to get through the rest of the day. Kismet Café in Biltmore Village offers hardy breakfast items until 11 a.m., such as quiches and egg sandwiches, for less than $5. If you want a bite in the afternoon, try soup for $4.50 or a cucumber salad with pita for $4.95. Owner Jen Rhea said they keep their prices low "through portion control."
# Urban Burrito, 640 Merrimon Ave.; 129 Bleachery Blvd.; 1341 Parkwood Ave.
Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday; 11 a.m.- 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
On the menu: This California-style Mexican grill is a fast, inexpensive way to get a full belly. The menu features a variety of options for less than or around $5, including tacos for less than $3 and a cheese quesadilla for $4.75. Lisa-Gaye Hall, of Asheville, ordered a chicken burrito and soda for $5.98 Friday, noting it's easy to find lunch for about $8 in the area, but the satisfying and healthy $5 lunch is much more elusive.
# The Ritz, 42 S. Market St.
Hours: 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. Monday- Friday; 5-9 p.m. Wednesday-Friday; 11 a.m.- 6 p.m. Saturday.
On the menu: The lunch menu at this Asheville southern cooking staple is stocked with choices around $5, such as shrimp cocktail, fried pickles, spicy gumbo and catfish nuggets. Several sandwiches, such as the pork chop and barbecue varieties, also fit the less than $5 bill. Mowrey's favorite: The vegetable plate for $4.95.
# Grove Corner Market, at the corner of Battery Park and O. Henry avenues in the Grove Arcade.
Hours: 8:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 11 a.m.- 7 p.m. Sunday.
On the menu: Grove Corner Market is a good option for people who want to mix-and-match their meal. You can get a couple of side items, such as Thai noodles and black bean salad, for about $5, depending on the size (these are sold by the pound). For the chilly days, try a cup of large soup for $3.75 and maybe an apple or side of pita. The outdoor seating is also a great place to relax while you are off the clock.
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7) Nationwide vegan, organic delivery service launches
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FF Note: You may want to develop a taste for this food since like motorcycles meat maybe banned next since it might harm your health.
http://citizen-times.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=200871231054
Nationwide vegan, organic delivery service launches
published January 2, 2008 12:15 am
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BLACK MOUNTAIN — The Hungry Vegan has launched a nationwide vegan and organic meal delivery service.
Advertisement
The service offers a new menu each week that includes 12 different items ranging from comfort foods, such as winter chili, to gourmet selections, such as roulades.
The food is shipped overnight or in two days. The shipments provide for about five to seven days of lunches and dinners.
Leftovers can be frozen. The meals are ready to eat; customers just need to heat the items.
For more information, visit www.hungry-vegan.com.
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