Yesterday was a good day for this country.  And hopefully it might encourage you to believe in our system of government.  I hope so.  I wrote about Proposition 416A a while back. Well it turns out that many people in law enforcement think this is a done-deal.  They think this law will surely pass sometime this summer.  Motorcycles and scooters without “DOT approved” exhausts can be ticketed (first offense $1000) and towed. 

This law unfairly targets the minority of the NY population that rides motorcycles and scooters.  Although it claims to enforce local noise ordinances it does not stop those who like loud pipes from drilling holes in their baffles, or removing the packing of their stock exhausts. Instead of targeting vehicles that exceed the noise limit, it targets any anyone who no longer has a stock “DOT approved” exhaust. Proposition 416A has been embraced by City Council members who do not ride motorcycles or scooter, and who resent those who do. It is an example of how people often misunderstand and oppress those who are in the minority.

Now some of you CityBikers started writing City Council members, and have started to get responses.  What I want to do is compile a list of our “friends.”  People in City Council who are willing to listen to our concerns and oppose 416.

Friends of CityBikers (City Council Members who oppose 416A):

• Tony Avella - representing North Eastern parts of Queens, such as Bayside, College Point, Whitestone, and parts of Flushing – initially sent out a letter saying he was willing to listen to the concerns of motorcyclists (January 6).  But recently decided, after hearing our concerns, to oppose Prop 416A.  He is also open to ideas and suggestions to help with motorcycle parking.  Thank you Mr Avella!!
• Help us get this list going… Contact your City Council people, let them know what you think, and let us know where they stand.

Related posts:

1. Anti-Motorcycle Legislation in NYC
2. Save Motorcycle Parking
3. How Many Miles Per Gallon?