Born To Ride News

CPSC Recommendations to Amend CPSIA Could Stop the Ban on Youth Motorcycles and ATVs; Urge Congress to Act Swiftly on Proposed Changes

IRVINE, Calif., Jan. 19, 2010 – The Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) supports the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s recommendation to Congress to give the agency more flexibility to grant exclusions from the lead content limit to address certain products.  The CPSC requested this flexibility in its January 15 report to Congress containing recommendations to improve the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA).

“We are encouraged that the consensus report of all five Commissioners specifically mentions ATVs and dirtbikes, recognizing the dangers to riders caused by the current ban on youth motorcycles and ATVs,” said MIC general counsel, Paul Vitrano.

In addition to the consensus report, MIC is encouraged that CPSC Chairman Inez Tenenbaum also called on Congress to create a new “functional purpose” exclusion to the lead content limits.  This amendment would permit the Commission to grant exclusions for youth ATVs and motorcycles since lead in many accessible components is necessary for their functional purpose, contact with those components is infrequent and the elimination of lead is impracticable or impossible based on available scientific or technical information.

“It is clear that the CPSC strongly believes that the ban on youth model ATVs and motorcycles needs to end,” Vitrano also said.  “MIC calls on Congress to draft legislation as soon as possible to either grant a categorical exemption for these products, as provided by H.R. 1587, a pending bill with 55 bi-partisan co-sponsors, or to give the CPSC the flexibility to do so.”

In a Jan. 12 letter, the MIC thanked the CPSC for its efforts to promote youth safety by implementing a temporary stay to make some youth vehicles available despite the ban.  MIC also suggested three ways to completely or substantially exclude or exempt youth off-highway motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles from those provisions:

1.      a “functional purpose” amendment

2.      a categorical exemption, such as would be provided by H.R. 1587

3.      a change in the definition of “accessibility” for powersports products

Vitrano said it will again be critical for enthusiasts and industry to mount a massive grassroots effort targeting Congress to advocate for one of these amendments to the CPSIA.  In the coming days, MIC will be launching advocacy campaigns through www.stopthebannow.com.

The MIC letter can be read at this link: http://tiny.cc/8iJ3x

The Motorcycle Industry Council exists to preserve, protect and promote motorcycling through government relations, communications and media relations, statistics and research, aftermarket programs, development of data communications standards, and activities surrounding technical and regulatory issues. It is a not-for-profit, national industry association representing manufacturers and distributors of motorcycles, scooters, motorcycle/ATV/ROV parts and accessories, and members of allied trades such as insurance, finance and investment companies, media companies and consultants. The MIC is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., with a government relations office adjacent to Washington, D.C. First called the MIC in 1970, the organization has been in operation since 1914. Visit the MIC at http://mic.org/.

Forges Partnership with Breast Cancer Network of Strength

 MILWAUKEE (Jan. 6, 2010) – It’s an unwritten rule in motorcycling culture to stop for a distressed rider. Of course, rider ethics go well beyond the open road, as motorcyclists often stop on the journey of life to help those in need – rider and non-rider alike. In the spirit of that support, Harley-Davidson introduced a new clothing line today designed to aid those touched by breast cancer.

 The new Harley-Davidson Pink Label Collection was inspired by women who have been affected by breast cancer and designed to provide them support during their difficult ride. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of every Pink Label Collection item will help fund the YourShoes™ 24/7 Support Center, which is administered

by the national non-profit Breast Cancer Network of Strength®. The YourShoes center, which helped nearly 50,000 people in 2008 alone, is staffed by breast cancer survivors who provide immediate emotional relief, at any time of day, to people affected by breast cancer.

“Having a strong support system is critical to surviving breast cancer,” said Margaret C. Kirk, president and CEO, Breast Cancer Network of Strength. “That’s why we’re thrilled to have the support of Harley-Davidson, as well as their family of employees, dealers and owners. With their help, we can make sure no one faces this disease alone.”

The Pink Label Collection was conceived and designed by the Harley-Davidson Women’s MotorClothes Product Development and Design team. “We were inspired to create the Pink Label Collection by the countless women riders and passengers that we’ve encountered on the open road and at events who’ve been impacted by breast cancer,” said Kathy Whalen, Category Manager, General Merchandise, Harley-Davidson. “We wanted to create something that honored their personal journey, as well as let them know that they never have to ride alone.”

The Pink Label Collection is comprised of 12 of the most popular women’s MotorClothes silhouettes – each featuring a tasteful touch of pink – including jackets, pants, eyewear, gloves, helmet, shirts and more. Following are some of the highlights of the collection:

•           The Pink Label Leather Jacket (P/N 98160-10VW, $295) combines lightweight leather, a fixed lining, multiple zippered pockets and pink-embroidered graphics.

•           Made from 73 percent cotton/27 percent polyester with pink-embroidered graphics, the new Pink Label Activewear Hoodie (P/N 99171-10-VW, $60) and Activewear Pant (P/N 99172-10VW, $40) are casually comfortable.

•           The 93 percent cotton/7 percent spandex Pink Label S/S Tee (P/N 99175-10VW, $30) is embroidered on both sides and available in XS – 3W sizes.

•           Made from 100 percent cotton with an elastic band, the Pink Label Headwrap with Pink Embroidery (P/N 99499-10VW, $15) can be worn as a headband or wrap.

To find out more about the Pink Label Collection, or purchase items from the collection, visit your local Harley-Davidson dealership or go to www.harley-davidson.com/pinklabel.

About Breast Cancer Network of Strength

Breast Cancer Network of Strength® (formerly known as Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization) is the oldest national breast cancer organization and ensures, through information, empowerment and peer support, that no one faces breast cancer alone. Network of Strength provides immediate emotional relief to anyone affected by breast cancer through the YourShoes™ 24/7 Breast Cancer Support Center. For more information about Breast Cancer Network of Strength, visit www.networkofstrength.org. Peer counselors can be e-mailed or contacted at 1-800-221-2141.