State and Local Update

California

The AMA cautioned the California Air Resources Board and offered to work with the agency as it revamps its testing fee structure for off-highway and dual-sport motorcycles.

Fee increases that raise the price of motorcycles or aftermarket equipment reduce the demand for those products. And that reduced demand affects economic opportunities related to the use of those products, such as hotel stays, restaurant visits and other spending by individuals and families.

“With respect to youth-oriented off-road models, recognition of different use and cost implications of a new testing fee structure is critical,” the AMA wrote to CARB. “AMA members and their families need continued access to reasonably priced, youth-appropriate vehicles. Without access to these appropriately sized vehicles, younger riders might be wrongly encouraged to ride adult-sized machines.”

In another development, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an executive order in September directing state officials to ensure that by 2035 all new cars and passenger trucks sold in California be zero-emissions vehicles.

The intent, the governor said, is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The transportation sector is responsible for more than half of all of California’s carbon pollution, 80 percent of smog-forming pollution and 95 percent of toxic diesel emissions, the order states.

The move is expected to quicken the shift to electric vehicles and those powered by other alternative fuels.

Also, in California, the Department of Motor Vehicles issued a permit to Zoox Inc. to operate two driverless vehicles on some streets in Foster City. The vehicles may operate in fair weather conditions (light rain/fog) on streets with a speed limit of no more than 45 mph.

The AMA recognizes the potential of autonomous and driver-assist vehicles to improve road-user safety, but objects to the testing of these new technologies on public roadways.

Zoox is the fourth company to receive a driverless testing permit in the state. Currently, 60 companies in California have permits to test AVs with a driver.

Connecticut

New Haven police launched a task force to identify people illegally riding dirt bikes and ATVs on city streets, and the Board of Alders approved a new ordinance that increases fines for illegal riding to $1,000 for a first offense, $1,500 for a second violation, and $2,000 for the third.

The new law also includes a $100 fine for service stations that sell fuel to anyone who arrives riding a dirt bike or an ATV.

Maryland

Anne Arundel County has adopted an ordinance that would ban off-road motorcycles from operating within 300 feet of a dwelling, unless the property owner grants permission. Public Safety Bill 62-20 passed Oct. 5.

Michigan

Motorcyclists are trying to fix a dangerous defect in the state’s new automobile insurance system that took effect in July, limiting access to lifetime medical benefits to motorcyclists injured in traffic crashes.

Previously, motorcyclists involved in a crash with an automobile were covered by the no-fault system’s potentially unlimited, lifetime medical benefits, known as personal injury protection coverage or PIP.

Under the revamped system, the amount of no-fault benefits available to motorcyclists in a crash involving a car or truck now depends on how much PIP the other vehicle’s owner or driver chose to purchase.

About 60 members of ABATE of Michigan gathered on the capitol steps in September to draw attention to the change in coverage.

S.B. 528, introduced by state Sen. Peter Lucido (R-Macomb Count) would fix the situation by allowing motorcyclists to file a claim against their own policy, just as other road users can.

Pennsylvania

Six members of the Philadelphia City Council voiced support in October for a dirt-bike and ATV park in the city.

Philadelphia is one of several large cities overwhelmed by people—mostly youth—illegally riding dirt bikes on city streets and through public parks.

Urban OHV parks, which the AMA supports and has promoted in Philadelphia and other communities, offer at least a partial solution to the problem by providing a safer and legal space for responsible riding.

Councilwoman Katherine Gilmore Richardson said the “bike life” is a culture that is part of the city.

The local CBS-TV affiliate reported that from May 13 through Oct. 3, Philadelphia police confiscated 263 ATVs and dirt bikes. Deputy Police Commissioner Joel Dales testified that enforcement is making a difference, but by itself is not a long-term solution.

Also in Pennsylvania, the state Department of Transportation resumed motorcycle training courses in September after instituting coronavirus mitigation measures.

American Motorcycle Training Inc., P&P Enterprises Inc./dba Appalachian Cycles, Shaeffer’s Harley-Davidson and Total Control Training Inc. are the first approved vendors that will provide motorcycle safety training.

Classes operating under the Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program are free to Pennsylvania motorcycle permit and license holders. Successful completion of a basic or intermediate course waives the requirement to take a skills test at a PennDOT Driver License Center and automatically earns the permit holder their motorcycle license.

Vermont

Gov. Phil Scott vetoed H. 926, an update to the state’s land-use law, and instead signed Executive Order 04-20, which empowers the state Natural Resources Board to issue rules governing the state trail system.

By March 2021, the state commissioner of Forests, Parks and Recreation is to make recommendations for an alternative program for overseeing the planning, construction, use and maintenance of recreational trails in the Vermont Trails System.

Wisconsin

The Ripon Common Council tabled an ordinance that would have allowed ATVs and UTVs to operate on city streets. While the council heard from those who ride between area communities to visit businesses, a group of residents objected to the potential of excessive sound from the vehicles and reckless riding. Opponents also said Ripon would be “an island” of ATV activity, since no nearby community allows the vehicles on public roadways.