Born To Ride News

(Boston, MA)  Massachusetts’ Motorcycling Activists seeking to strike down an Ordinance, enacted June 2009 that would fine Motorcyclists $300 if they parked within the city limits without an Environmental Protection Agency “stamp” readily visible on their exhaust system, expect to have the City’s appeal brief early next week.

Although the City of Boston Passed this ordinance more than eighteen months ago, it has not yet enforced the ordinance or issued tickets due to the Motorcyclists’ legal activism.  The Activists, who call themselves of the “Justice Riders” and include all members of the Massachusetts Chapter of Bikers of Lesser Tolerance (B.O.L.T.), take satisfaction in the legal caveat that has abated Boston’s enforcement of this repugnant ordinance.

“The City’s brief is due with the Court and us on or by November 15th,” said famed Massachusetts Motorcycling Attorney Joseph S. Provanzano, of Peabody, representing the five area motorcycle activists who filed suit against the City’s ordinance.

The Motorcyclists contest Boston’s authority to enact and enforce the ordinance calling for a $300 fine if an EPA stamp, required for manufacturers to install on new motorcycles, is not “readily visible” to law enforcement officers on a running or parked motorcycle within the City Limits as unfair and in conflict with existing State laws and regulations governing motorcycle exhaust systems.

The Justice Riders claim the State has existing statues dealing with motorcycle exhausts and inspections, and city and town police are required to follow those State laws.

“A State Inspection sticker on my motorcycle says I comply with the statutes and regulations, whether I’m in Amesbury or Boston or Worcester or anywhere in the State,” said Paul W. Cote, one of the Plaintiffs in the suit filed immediately after the Boston City Council enacted the 2009 Ordinance.

“The City’s Ordinance is repugnant to State statutes,” continued Cote.

This past March, Superior Court Judge Charles T. Spurlock dismissed the bikers case writing since the City had not issued any citations against the five plaintiffs, they had “no standing” to bring the suit. The bikers appealed that decision to the Appeals Court, filing their Brief September 10th.

The City had 30 days to filed their responsive Brief, but requested additional time which the Court granted to November 15th.

“We hope the Appeals Court deals with the authority issues,” said Bill Gannon of Quincy, “because we’ll be back in Court once the first $300 fine is issued. The City is not going to dig out of it’s budget woo’s off the backs of motorcyclists by raping our wallets with this $300 compost ticket.

A copy of the motorcyclists’ appeals brief can be viewed on www.JusticeRider.com web site.

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — AMA Racing will recognize its first champions of 2011 at the Jan. 22-23 AMA Racing Ice Race Grand Championships. This extreme event, promoted by North American Action Sports (NAAS), will take place at the Birch Run Expo Center in downtown Birch Run, Mich.

“The winter months bring out some of the most dedicated AMA racers, and the best of the best converge on the Ice Race Grand Championships,” said AMA Director of Racing Joe Bromley. “We’re looking forward to working with NAAS to offer our racers a top-level program and a great facility.”

The AMA Racing Ice Race Grand Championships feature classes for riders from 4 years old to 50-plus competing on bikes that range from lightly modified off-road machines to full-on, purpose-built ice racers. Riders will battle for AMA Racing National No. 1 plates in a number of classes. The top riders at the event also will compete for the AMA Racing Ice Racer of the Year award, given to the most impressive rider on the ice, while the youth riders will chase the honor of AMA Racing Youth Rider of the Year.

“The NAAS team is really excited about this event, and with the help of some great people, we hope that the racers and fans will be too,” said Patrick Grzebinski of NAAS, which is known for mixing family fun with the racing atmosphere.

The Birch Run Expo Center is a modern facility that will feature a number of amenities. A few hundred feet away from the half-mile ice track, a custom motorcycle show will be on display in the 110,000 square feet Expo building. In addition, the venue is located adjacent to the Premium Outlets of Birch Run, which includes a variety of over 145 stores, restaurants and hotels.

“Racers and their families will have all the fun they can handle, both day and night,” Grzebinski said.

To learn more about the event go to BajaMX.com or call the NAAS office at (989) 871-3356.
 
About the American Motorcyclist Association
Since 1924, the AMA has protected the future of motorcycling and promoted the motorcycle lifestyle. AMA members come from all walks of life, and they navigate many different routes on their journey to the same destination: freedom on two wheels. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights organization, the AMA advocates for motorcyclists’ interests in the halls of local, state and federal government, the committees of international governing organizations, and the court of public opinion. Through member clubs, promoters and partners, the AMA sanctions more motorsports competition and motorcycle recreational events than any other organization in the world. AMA members receive money-saving discounts from dozens of well-known suppliers of motorcycle services, gear and apparel, bike rental, transport, hotel stays and more. Through its support of the Motorcycle Hall of Fame, the AMA preserves the heritage of motorcycling for future generations. For more information, please visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.