So PA folks it really is put up or shut up time here and now. SB259 the bill to repeal PA’s helmet law is about to be voted on, and passage is not imminent. Work needs to be done to make sure we have Freedom of Choice here in PA. Since the Feds lifted their sanctions on states not complying with an unlawful Federal mandate 30 of 50 states have some sort of repeal of helmet laws.
On my trip to the NCOM Convention a few weeks ago once I hit the Ohio border it was lid free to Milwaukee, 500 miles and no hat on my head was great. Coming back in 40 – 50 mph winds having that helmet on was pretty damn nice, but it was all by my choice.
The Governor has publicly stated he will sign this bill and is taking major heat for it. The Harrisburg Patriot ran a VERY negative article on this subject. Now bikers and non bikers, all registered voters (this may be a real good time to register to vote) need to let the Governor, your State Senator and House Rep know where you stand. Trust me the opposition has already started their campaign against us. The Nanny Safety Crats know better what is good for you. They want the hat on your head and are letting everyone know as you read this.
We’ve been close before, hell I still remember where I was when Turncoat Tom Ridge vetoed the last one. The past is the past and all we can do is learn from it and we got our ass whipped. So we better damn well do a better job this time.
In my opinion Allegheny and Washington County’s can be the sway votes here. This rag has a broad reach there and with large amounts of pressure you folks can put this over the top. We all need to inform Brothers, Sisters, family and friends to help us out here. 3 letters less than 2 bucks and a half hour of your time at most will be the difference between victory and defeat. If Email is available you can copy and paste to all 3 and it’s free and even less time.
Many Bar Stool Commandos will argue this won’t happen, PA never repeals a law. Well quite simply in the words of former Senator Clarence Bell GOYA!!! (Get off your Ass) and make it happen. I’m tired of hearing people complain to their friends about this, it won’t change a thing. The 3 people who most need to know what’s on your mind are the governor and your 2 Reps. So it is put up or shut up time here and now. Many may wonder if UR inserted this paragraph but he didn’t, my manners just tend to go away on this subject.
In the grand scheme of things in today’s world helmet laws are really insignificant, but a victory here will show all bikers they can be one of the most effective grass roots lobbies in the country. Then and only then can we fry the bigger fish with the confidence that we can win anything we put our minds to.
Two good talking points are 1) Tourism, with every State budget in financial crisis added revenue will please any politician. This one is very easy to convey. If PA is lid free bikers will come and spend money in this State……..it will make a difference. 2) We are not a public burden. In helmet free states registration is up dramatically, it’s indisputable in Florida, Louisiana, Arkansas and Texas. This generates revenue for State Government. Motorcycle accidents have not risen at the same rates, and we are better insured than most groups. I have any facts and figures you may need, just ask and they are yours.
Remember keep it civil and on point, if you threaten to choke the legislator you will not be a positive influence in their mind and your letter will end up in the garbage can or even worse.
If you need your Reps name and address or any talking points Email me, I’ll get back to you usually the same day. This is an easy victory IF folks get involved and do something to institute change…….or not.