Anyone who trades liberty for security deserves neither liberty nor security.

Idaho Legislative News and Issues

Legislation and proposed legislation that may be of interest to Idaho motorcyclists is included on the BPI WatchList below. Obviously, this list is by no means the ONLY legislation of interest or concern to the motorcycling community but is an indication of what is being proposed and discussed in Boise.

BPI urges all motorcyclists to keep current on the topics and issues that will affect them! In addition, it is important to contact your Idaho legislators regarding ANY legislation that has the potential of affecting you as a motorcyclists. Use the Idaho Legislature Web Site link below to send a message to your legislator or to find out more about each Bill.

 BPI 2010 Idaho Bill WatchList

House Bills

 

HB457 - Fuel tax distribution - delays changes

HB591 - Vehicle emissions, inspections program, prerequisites

HB666 - Off-Highway vehicles, helmets, license exemptions

 

Senate Bills

 

SB1259 - Wireless communication device in a school zone.

SB1264 - Cell phone use while driving, infraction offense

SB1289 - Alcohol and motor vehicles - Amends current law regarding to excessive alcohol concentration.

SB1352 - Amends existing law to provide that texting while driving a motor vehicle constitutes inattentive driving.

SB1358 - Amends existing law relating to recreational activities and registration fees to revise a registration fee.

SB1359 - Amends existing law relating to dealers and salesman licensing to increase the number of voting members.

For additional information on any of the bills listed above click HERE to go to the Idaho Legislature web site.

Idaho Legislature Web Site

Use the link above to access more information about your legislators including contact information by name, committee or district. Links to committees, legislative calendars, agendas, hearings, House and Senate Journals, directories and of course legislation, as well.

Important 2010 Dates

January 11 Session Convenes

                  Session Adjourned

Idaho Legislative News & Issues Links

Idaho Legislative Links & Information

Idaho Legislators

Idaho Voter Information Links

  Idaho Television

Newspapers

  Idaho Legislative Perspective

Coeur d'Alene Press Article on BikePAC of Idaho, Inc.

BikePAC gives motorcyclists a voice
Posted: Monday, Dec 11, 2006 - 11:41:58 pm PST
By BRIAN WALKER
Staff writer

Nonprofit focuses on education, legislation

POST FALLS -- Motorcyclists are rallying their troops for a political voice and to offer a perspective in the classroom.

BikePAC of Idaho was recently formed as a statewide grassroots nonprofit to promote motorcycle safety and address concerns of all riders at the state and federal levels.

"It was formed to bring together concerned individuals and motorcyclists from all corners of the state to protect their rights and further their interests," Post Falls' Tim Herzog said. "We feel that motorcycle rider education and awareness campaigns are two of the best ways to address serious safety issues."

The organization is open to all motorcyclists.

Statistics, and Idaho's growth, point to the need for motorcyclists to have a voice, Herzog said.

According to the Idaho Transportation Department, of the 549 motorcycle collisions reported in 2005, 26 resulted in a fatality. There were about 60,000 registered motorcycles, making Idaho among the top states in motorcycles owned per capita.

"Yet only a small number of motorcyclists are represented or involved in the protection of their rights," Herzog said.

Herzog, a member of the National Coalition of Motorcyclists legislative task force, recently visited with legislators during their North Idaho tour.

Last session, he, along with BikePAC member Willie Stephenson of Dalton Gardens, helped push through a law that allows motorcyclists to proceed through stoplights, with extreme caution, under certain circumstances. Idaho was the fourth state to implement such a law.

"We see ourselves in the information business, providing motorcyclists with information and tips on how to become involved in the legislative process," Stephenson said. "Most people don't know how and a lot don't care, but we're hoping some will."

Herzog said among the issues being considered for the next legislative session are increasing fines for those who cause accidents due to using cell phones.

"Tailgating is a real big issue with me," Herzog said. "There's a lot of time that doesn't need to be spent on the cell phone."

BikePAC endorses the American Motorcyclist Association's Justice for All program, which focuses on inadequate sentencing of drivers who seriously injure or kill others on the road.

Herzog and Stephenson recently met with Post Falls school superintendent Jerry Keane about having BikePAC members offer motorcyclists' perspective in driver's education classes.

"We will be exploring the possibility of reestablishing a relationship with the motorcycle community," Keane said.

Stephenson added: "We want to explain why riders do what they do. We wear leather jackets not because we are mean, but it's part of our safety code."

BikePAC is separate from ABATE, another motorcycle group that has local chapters. Some members belong to both and each has their own priorities.

"BikePAC focuses on legislative priorities and education," Stephenson said. "We don't do charity work and we don't have social events. It's pretty much meat and potatoes."

BikePAC membership is $20 or the "supporter" level runs $10.

Information: www.bikepacofidaho.org, 777-1915

Copyright © 2006, The Coeur d'Alene Press. All rights reserved.
The information contained In this news report may not be published, broadcast or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of Hagadone Newspapers

Coeur d'Alene Press - Local and National News - Kootenai County, Idaho
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