2010 WV Helmet Exception Bill Senate Bill 192

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WHAT`S HAPPENING ON THE EAST COAST TODAY COULD EFFECT US TOMORROW,SHARE THIS INFO WITH ALL YOUR FRIENDS WHO RIDE!!!! Screwdriver
All WV motorcyclists should evaluate Senate Bill 192 and compare it to existing law.

There are a handful of excellent freedom fighter bikers in West Virginia, but the WV motorcyclists are not uniting in defending motorcyclists rights as much as they could. Apathy is mostly to blame. It is likely that this has led to this legislation that forces motorcyclists into a lot of compromises that should not be made. The insurance industry must be loving it.

Whenever you see a legislative bill effecting motorcyclists, you should ask yourself if the bill forces motorcyclists to do anything that is not required of all people who operate passenger vehicles. If so, even if something is offered in return for other discriminations, it is a compromise and should be opposed. Rights cannot be negotiated. Regardless of who introduced a bill and what groups support it, if it takes away anyones' rights you should speak against it.

Although the penalties for a helmet ticket in WV are extreme compared to other states, the existing helmet laws in WV are really not that difficult to challenge. The problem is that everyone wants someone else to do it, so a challenge often waits until there is a challenge by those accused of more serious crimes, who challenge the reason for a stop in order to get evidence thrown out for having no probable cause for the stop. They challenge the law because they want freedom rather than go to prison.

We non-criminals should also challenge the laws so that we can regain our freedom. Perhaps it is not to avoid prison, but legal challenges by non-criminals are also for freedom. I understand that the problem is that you may think you cannot find a fair court anywhere in the entire state of West Virginia. That may be true, but how often has a helmet ticket been appealed to higher courts?

This proposed legislation could complicate any future legal challenges, adding the possibility of being charged with not having the correct insurance (a heavier penalty) and sets bad precedence for other states.

United efforts, such as protests or calls to action, could adamantly demand the return of your right to decide for yourselves. Oh, that's right..for that to happen, motorcyclists have to say they are sick of being discriminated against, and everyone is all too busy trying to meet the other demands that are upon them, as part or normal everyday life. That's understandable, but failure to be vigilant results in more and more demands that are piling up higher and higher.

Are WV bikers really willing to allow the state to force numerous discriminatory concessions and demands upon motorcyclists, further classifying you into sub-categories such as those with health insurance and those without health insurance? That results in some of you having less rights than others, and it also results in less unity. If there is no such requirement for automobile drivers, there should be no such a demand on motorcyclists.

Or is there just way too much apathy and division already, and a hopeless attitude that there will never be enough unity amongst West Virginia bikers to do something so simple as to adamantly demand your rights to decide about helmets for yourselves?

These are valid questions and are not targeted as criticism toward good folk who are frustrated by the possibility that their right to ride without a helmet will never be returned unless they offer a different sacrifice, such as insurance discrimination, or other sacrifices. The majority of motorcyclists in the state of North Carolina are also a mess of sheep who let the legislature get away with way too much, and to make matters worse, the state MRO occasionally concedes rights, forcing independent bikers to maintain a vigil.

I suggest that WV motorcyclists contact ABATE of WV. ind out if they are aware of this legislation and if they have issued a position statement either in support or opposition. Are they in agreement with the numerous concessions? SOMEONE should be opposing all those compromises. You should also be involved by participating in freedom rides to the Capitol, meeting with your legislator, and contacting them when you see bills that concern your rights.

IT'S YOUR RIGHTS. THE BEST WAY TO DEFEND THEM IS TO SPEAK FOR YOURSELF.
WV Helmet Exception Bill 2010