The sponsor of HB 137 replys

Dear Mr. Davis:

Thank you for taking the time to contact me regarding HB 137, Offenses
Committed While Operating a Motorcycle. I realize some riders have
several concerns regarding my legislation. This bill aims to address
riders of high performance motorcycles that treat Florida's roads and
highways as their own personal stunt track. I am sure you can agree that
popping wheelies at high rates of speeds or any other kind of stunt
riding has no place on Florida's roads. That is the type of reckless
driving this bill seeks to address. The goal of this legislation is to
target stunt riding and prevent motorcycle fatalities.

Currently, it seems HB 137 has been drafted in a way that would affect
all motorcycle riders. I feel that the poor actions of a few riders
should not punish all riders. Subsequently, I am currently working on
language that will amend the bill to clearly address the problem of
motorcycle stunt riding on public roads. The amendment will clearly
define what is considered stunt riding and require a motorcycle rider to
maintain two wheels on the ground at all times. The speeding focuses of
the bill will not stand alone but will rather be in conjunction with
stunt driving.

I recently met with James Reichenbach from ABATE, and after I explained
the true intent of this legislation he told me that he would support it.
I am open to meeting with any person or group to discuss amendments to
the bill. I believe that part of the process of creating a great law is
being open to the ideas of others.

If I can be of any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact
my office.

Sincerely,

Carlos Lopez-Cantera
State Representative, District 113  

-----Original Message-----
From: hawgbodys@yahoo.com [mailto:hawgbodys@yahoo.com]
Sent: Tuesday, October 09, 2007 7:42 PM
To: Lopez-Cantera, Carlos
Cc: hawgbodys@yahoo.com
Subject: From 'Write Your Representative' Website

Scott Davis
Panama City Beach,FL -

10/09/07 7:41 PM

To the Honorable Carlos Lopez-Cantera;

In regards to HB137
I am the Florida state moderator for motorcycle-syndicate.com I am also
a motorcycle enthusiast.
The bill you have filed, HB 137 is discriminatory and "profiles"
motorcyclists in Florida.
I am going to denounce this bill in every way possible.
It predjudicial not to include every motorist on the highway to the same
consequences.
Most of us are responsible riders and have tried hard for the last 20
years to overcome the actions of a few.
There are enough laws to deal with the offenders of these actions
without subjecting motorcyclists to an officers idea of
  what reckless driving is.
and the Idea of losing a motorcycle to an officers whim is unjust.
This bill is irresponsible.
I realize there may be a problem with some sport bike riders in your
area,and I understand the reasoning behind this, but dont use new
legislation to try to control a few when the rest of the community will
suffer.
I hope you reconsider this bill.
Every rider I have spoken with on this issue is against it, and will
contact thier representatives to voice thier concern.
Thank you for your time. and best wishes on your future.

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Just an old biker

Halfway decent

As replies go, anyway---and cool that the dude DID reply.  He's got an issue with bikes, though.  I'm going to write to him & suggest that perhaps his bill ought to cover ALL vehicles---such as HUGE pickups doing burnouts at traffic lights, high-speed U-turns (I've seen a couple of cages w/half their wheels off the ground), passing that looks more like racing, etc.  It would be less offensive to the two-wheeled community if it looked more like the same rules applied to ALL drivers, ya think?  Anyway, thank you SO much for following this up so quickly & so well; I'm sure we ALL appreciate it!

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This is me; I still don't talk much...

Uh.....

Just checked RC's site; he spoke w/Lopez-Cantara's office by phone & got further info.  AND guess who's working with him on re-writing the bill....

http://bigbendbikersforfreedom.blogspot.com/

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This is me; I still don't talk much...

HB 137

I think people start to lose focus on items like what your bringing to everyone's attention. We don't have enough people like you and me that keep pushing these items to the right people in the right forums that will spread it like a virus. We as bikers need to not be so lazy and apply ourselves in our free time to spread the word. Let's face it, we only live once!Keep up the good word my friend.

Respect,

Dawg

INMC 

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HELLWALKER "You may not be able to change the direction of the wind,but you can always adjust the sails"