Minnesota bikers rally against careless driving

OFF THE WIRE
ST. PAUL, Minn. -- At the State Capitol a wave of black leather and bandanas flowed through the front doors as hundreds of Minnesota bikers rallied on Wednesday February 23rd for "Minnesota Biker Day."

"When we can smell that leather, that riding leather, we know we're smelling freedom. That's what it's about, being able to have those freedoms to go out wherever we need to go and really enjoy life, enjoy nature, and everything this state and our country has to offer," Republican Senator Michael Jungbauer said.

Every year avid bikers rally to voice their concerns about the no helmet law, but this year new issues have risen for the group. As part of Pawlenty's $1.2 billion budget cut proposal, many dollars from a motorcycle safety fund would be funneled out to make up for some of Minnesota's deficit.

"I think it's important that we don't raid this fund, raiding this fund would decrease safety and affect bikers everywhere," DFL-Representative Terry Morrow said.

Another main issue the group is concerned with includes careless driving legislation that would beef up penalties for people that drive while texting, talking on the phone, and partake in other distractions.

Besides Minnesota bikers, many other groups met today with legislators. Students from private colleges in Minnesota rallied as well as a large group of citizens from Rochester Minnesota. These citizens later met with Governor Tim Pawlenty and voiced concerns about issues their city has with his budget proposal.

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