1/1/2008 Several Counties in North Carolina New Years Freedom Rides and Helmet Law Protest Rallies For years, we’ve been telling the lawmakers we do not want a mandatory helmet law. Let the Rider Decide! For years, they haven’t listened, and they intend to govern. In 2007, NC legislators passed new legislation to “toughen” the existing helmet law, so that riders cannot use our public roads unless they are wearing a helmet of a type that complies with FMVSS 218. It was signed into law by Governor Easley, effective January 1, 2008. Most of the NC lawmakers have no idea what FMVSS 218 is, making the law vague. Prove it to yourself by contacting your representative in the NC House of the NC Senate. Ask them how you can ensure with certainty that you are complying with General Statute 20-140.4 and be sure to ask if they voted for HB 563, and, if so, ask why. (I have been asking everyone, including the AG!!) The problem with large Freedom Rides, such as in Raleigh, as we’ve had in the past, has been that it takes hours to travel and nobody seems to want to go back to Raleigh in order to do such things as fight helmet tickets in court. This is not as much of a problem to fight a ticket if you get a helmet citation in your own home district, and since the freedom ride will actually take you to the courthouses, you will certainly know where the courthouse is, just in case you need to go back there and continue to fight for your constitutional rights. As such, a series of freedom rides can be held be in several counties at once! If anyone else wants to lead a ride in their county, get info from FREEDOM RIDES, including a downloadable flyer. Please post your ride on the Cruisin Calendar at Full Throttle Magazine of the Carolinas - www.fullthrottlemagazine.com Also please send ride details to PROTEST. Please pile helmets on the courthouse steps, and take a picture and send the pictures to Full Throttle Magazine for posting in the Feburary issue. Wake County: Ride around the Governors Mansion Peoples Executive Mansion from 1pm until 3pm. Catawba County: Ride to the County Courthouse. For details, see the Cruiisin Calendar. Gaston County: Ride to the County Courthouse. For details, see the Cruiisin Calendar. Guilford County: Ride to the County Courthouse. For details, see the Cruiisin Calendar. If anyone else wants to lead a ride in their county, please post it on the Cruisin Calendar at Full Throttle Magazine of the Carolinas - www.fullthrottlemagazine.com Also please email your ride details to PROTEST. Also please take note that we are planning Paul Revere Rides in various counties on April 18, 2008, followed by the largest helmet protest and freedom ride of the year, to take place in Raleigh. The PATRIOTS DAY PROTEST RALLY will be held on April 19, 2008! These protest and rides in support of biker rights are supported by B.O.L.T., Biker Court, Bikers USA, and Full Throttle Magazine of the Carolinas. You are all responsible for your your own riding, of course. Please be sure to have your paperwork in order and have your bike in good condition just in case of any hassles. |