Daytona-bound bikers protest State Patrol checkpoints
The American Motorcyclist Association is calling on Gov. Nathan Deal to block a federally funded Georgia State Patrol program to set up traffic checkpoints targeting Daytona-bound bikers next month:
Tens of thousands of motorcyclists from around the nation could be subject to Georgia motorcycle-only checkpoints if those checkpoints are in place before, during and after Daytona (Fla.) Bike Week, which runs March 4-13….
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave Georgia a $70,000 grant to conduct one or more roadside motorcycle-only checkpoints. New York state has operated a similar program. The AMA has been tracking this disturbing development of motorcycle-only checkpoints since it first appeared in New York several years ago.
“The AMA believes that the primary source of motorcycle safety is in motorcycle crash prevention and not in arbitrarily pulling over riders and randomly subjecting them to roadside inspections,” [said Ed Moreland, AMA senior vice president for government affairs.]
The Insider is assuming that helmets are the issue. Georgia mandates their use for all motocyclists. In Florida, bikers over the age of 21 are permitted to ride without them.
- By Jim Galloway, Political Insider
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235 comments Add your comment
Billy Ray Valentine
February 23rd, 2011
2:01 pm
Demsuxs, I bet you’re the funniest man at your klan rallys.
DownLouis
February 23rd, 2011
2:01 pm
Hey Lester Maddox. guess what? they already do stop all the mexican’s and blacks for no reason. this is good. Now some good old white men can get stopped for no reason and see how it feels. ;>)
Stan
February 23rd, 2011
2:02 pm
Fags
demsuxs
February 23rd, 2011
2:02 pm
yes because i’m the only black guy there.
roberto
February 23rd, 2011
2:04 pm
Hey GSP. In an hour, if you pull over every lime green chevy caprice (old style) with their EBT card-bought spinners, you’ll lock up more criminals than however long you’re going to be screwing with the bikers.
Moby
February 23rd, 2011
2:05 pm
hey rubber-toe……they let you buy spinners with EBT’s ?
demsuxs
February 23rd, 2011
2:05 pm
i guess no black people in canada ride bikes right.
demsuxs
February 23rd, 2011
2:06 pm
Enter your comments here
Trisdon
February 23rd, 2011
2:06 pm
Hey Demsux…by your standards, I guess GSP TFC LeCroy “earned his pay” when he died trying to keep scum off the street. Since you got your big bad pistol lets see you run towards an armed perp and next time somebody is breaking into your house to assault your family or starts shooting in a public place you handle that yourself since you don’t want the cops around. You’d be the first one to complain that the cops didn’t show up fast enough. Your comments show nothing but ignorance – you have no clue what officers go through…they could die everytime they pull someone over…and they do it so you and your family can live a safer life.
Carpetbagger
February 23rd, 2011
2:07 pm
Bikers are basically punks with low self esteem. I think self esteem checkpoints are needed for these clowns. They would be sent home with their tails between their legs. The fat (obese) biker with the “Harley Gear” strolling into a bar like, he was a fighter pilot who completed a harrowing mission makes me laugh so hard I want to cry… with laughter!
demsuxs
February 23rd, 2011
2:09 pm
thats part of the job, in the military its the same way. i signed up and was ready for it. someone breaks into my house they wont need the cops just a body bag. i’m a good shot. lol
Beeg Boi
February 23rd, 2011
2:09 pm
Remember the film Easy Rider? The rednecks shot Peter Fonda’s character off his chopper with a shotgun because he was a long hair. Times just don’t change that much down heah in ole jawja.
DownLouis
February 23rd, 2011
2:10 pm
Hey Carpetbagger – it sounds like you’re jelous that you don’t have a bike.
Ted Striker
February 23rd, 2011
2:11 pm
Billy Ray — If the police come and knock on your door (for whatever the reason) and you want to have a conversation with them fine. But what does that have to do with anything to do with this topic? Nothing.
roberto
February 23rd, 2011
2:11 pm
Carpetbagger….some big fat azz scoot tramp steal your bich?
demsuxs
February 23rd, 2011
2:11 pm
anybody want to go riding? i have a side car.
Trisdon
February 23rd, 2011
2:16 pm
Good for you then. That’s one less house for PD to patrol or respond to. Then just like people need to learn more about the military you need to learn why those Troopers do what they do (they have zero control over illegals by the way and every one of them wants to do something about them just like you, trust me) – Trooper LeCroy died in the street trying to stop a violent pos with almost 20 priors…just like your fellow soldiers…that ain’t wasting tax $.
gatorman770
February 23rd, 2011
2:17 pm
So profiling bikers GOOD, but profiling illegal aliens and Islamic terriorist BAD. Something seems a bit misguided here!
Carpetbagger
February 23rd, 2011
2:19 pm
The bike I have is a Bianchi … funny Lance Armstrong had one as well… and the speed I need is via the taxpayers F-16! As for the scoot tramp… SHE did steal my wench and I’m glad…. HAHAHA!
Again… self esteem issues… forget safety, laws etc… they are klueless with a capital K!
Last Man Standing
February 23rd, 2011
2:21 pm
DJ Sniper:
“a lot of drivers don’t always see them on the road. Having loud pipes can help out with that.”
That’s pretty lame. I’m surprised that you didn’t just say, “Loud pipes save lives”. The doppler affect doesn’t really support your theory. Before you go on a rant, I was and am a long time biker. I started riding in 1963.
Generally, I see no problem with the check points. There will doubtless be a lot of tickets issued for helmets that are not DOT approved. You know the ones I mean, DJ? I’m talking about the brain buckets to which many transfer the DOT approval label from other helmets. I’m sure there will be arrests made for weapons as well as the standard weed, crack and meth.
If you are in compliance with the law, you have nothing to fear.
Elvee
February 23rd, 2011
2:22 pm
These checkpoints started last year when the US DOT created a grant program for local and state police forces to create these motorcycle-only safety checks. They stop all the bikes, give them a little pamphlet about how to be safer riders, and hopefully see something obvious for which they can issue a ticket. The issue motorcyclists have with this (and yes, I do ride) is they aren’t also giving safety information to drivers of automobiles. The police do this solely to gather more of the federal grant money. It is truly a waste of taxpayer money. It also ends up hurting the local economies, as it discourages motorcyclists from coming to events in those areas. Several of the large rallies in the northeast saw lower turnout due to announced safety check stops. Everyone loses when tourists stop coming to town.
Tweets that mention Daytona-bound bikers protest State Patrol checkpoints | Political Insider -- Topsy.com
February 23rd, 2011
2:22 pm
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Jim Galloway, AtlantaBiker.com. AtlantaBiker.com said: ALERT! Georgia State Patrol to begin random MOTORCYCLE-ONLY checkpoints starting Daytona Bike Week – http://j.mp/frbmwi [...]
Beeg Boi
February 23rd, 2011
2:24 pm
Hey Boi, didjew know you hadda busted tail light?
Well ya do now.
Vince Wilson
February 23rd, 2011
2:24 pm
Difficult issue. Possible option for bikers: simply go around Georgia. If you’re coming from the West, it’s easy. Just stay on interstate 10. I admit it’s a hassle for bikers coming from certain parts of the country, but often times in life we’re reduced to choosing between the lesser of two perceived evils. Checkpoints vs. extra mileage; I don’t see of any other realistic options.
Chainz
February 23rd, 2011
2:24 pm
From the mentality shown on this blog, all bikers are drug taking, whiskey swilling, bottom feeders……. You wouldn’t say that to my face, this I am sure. I have been street legal since 1978……. I have no drug arrests, no DUI’s. I hold a job as an Engineer, at the same company for 14 years…… I am a member of a motorcycle club that is very active in the community. Next time a Bike with loud pipes passes you and your little ears hurt, ask yourself what have I done to make this world a better place…..well today I ragged on bikers that I have no knowledge of how they live or what they have done…… Watch some more Gangland episodes…. then go hide before the bad Biker comes and beats you up…….or down whichever applies…… Ignorance is bliss……
Fred
February 23rd, 2011
2:24 pm
I’m not a biker nor do I play one on TV.
I do have friend that ride and from what I hear (second or third hand) the so called safety checks will be looking to see if you have changed *any* of the factory safety equipment for *any* reason and replaced it with a non-factory part. For example, if you change your headlight to a modulated one that draws more attention to you and is therefor safer, you get a ticket. If you change your taillight from an incandescent bulb to an LED, you get a ticket, etc, etc, etc. I have no real issue with safety checks if they are evenly applied amongst all vehicles but it does bother me that they are targeting motorcycles. They can do field sobriety checks, ie DUI traps, because they are checking license and insurance and the DUI is secondary, at least in the eyes of the law.
Again, this is second or third or fourth hand and this is after all a blog so YMWV!
Loafer
February 23rd, 2011
2:25 pm
Gatorman, u r stupid. how is riding a bike anything even close to terrorists or “illegal” aliens?? Get the illegal part??? Stupid!!
Loud Pipes Suck
February 23rd, 2011
2:26 pm
I challenge you to find one study that concludes that loud pipes contribute to safety. Doesn’t even make sense because the noise is coming out the back of the dastardly machine.
I watched a bike approach me from the rear on the interstate the other day. I knew from appearance that it was likely to be a loud one. I didn’t even hear it until it was past me and then my ears were assaulted.
One of the motorcycle organizations has a new slogan. “Loud pipes cost rights.” And as long as the audio assault continues, many like myself will support any and all restrictions placed on motorcycles. Sure not everyone who has a bike modifies or removes the mufflers, but 90% of the riders give the rest a bad name.
Chainz
February 23rd, 2011
2:29 pm
Carpet bagger…..something tells me you have known the love of a man…… idiot…..
Chainz
February 23rd, 2011
2:32 pm
and loud pipes…..Turn your hearing aide down….geezer……..
Beeg Boi
February 23rd, 2011
2:33 pm
If it seems too loud, then you are too old.
JoeV
February 23rd, 2011
2:34 pm
@Chainz
All well said, but seriously the exhaust on some bikes is ear piercing. I mean it’s downright intolerable. I’m a volunteer with the Special Olympics; I support Autism research financially, as well as the American Heart Association and the American Cancer Society. Also, my wife is a Special Needs teacher.
Can we get those pipes muffled, now?
PTC DAWG
February 23rd, 2011
2:37 pm
TOTAL waste of our tax monies.
bill l
February 23rd, 2011
2:46 pm
You can read the entire text of this at the ABATE web site. Law enforcement is targeting bikers because of abnormally high rates of unlicensed drivers, improperly equiped riders, and substance abuse which is a factor in almost all m/c accidents. As a responsible biker, I support this.
momma was right!!!
February 23rd, 2011
2:46 pm
so sad… poor little bikers no drugs no fun!!!
Grasshopper
February 23rd, 2011
2:46 pm
I hope they do head lice and STD checks also. You know those bikers and their broads are fithy as H^&#!
momma was right!!!
February 23rd, 2011
2:46 pm
Enter your comments here
Threadkiller
February 23rd, 2011
2:48 pm
Watch what happens with this! The government have us a grant for 70k. I bet Georgia will spend 140k by having extra officers working these check points!
PR
February 23rd, 2011
2:49 pm
If you don’t want to wear a helmt that’s fine, but be sure you are an organ donor. When you dump your bike, or get hit by a car, you’ll be road kill and your organs just might save somone else.
T
February 23rd, 2011
2:51 pm
First off, the motorcycle only checkpoints are being challenged in the courts. It will be interesting to see the outcome, but I believe whole-heartedly, these checkpoints will be found unconstitutional they amount to, in common terms, illegal search and siezure.
Second, whoever mentioned DOT helmets, read the law. Georgia does not require DOT approved helmets. Aside from the arguement over individual rights, the biggest problem with the law in Georgia is it is extremely vague. This issues has been challenged in court and won. Cops may give tickets for non-DOT approved helmets, and people may pay the fine, but when it has been challenged, it has been thrown out.
Third, not all “bikers” fit the stereo-typical Hollywood image of bikers. Some of us, who have been riding for over 25 years, rideHarleys, ride every day, regardless of weather, have graduate degrees, hold really good jobs, have been clean from drugs for over 20 years, and served honorably in the United States Marine Corps,really don’t appreciate being lumped into the same group as everyone else. But by pulling me over at a checkpoint, with the guise of a safety check, but you are wanting to rifle through my saddlebags, hoping you can find something that is not even there, is wrong and unconstitutional.
I don’t care if you like me, I don’t care if you ever want to associate with me, but if you expect me to respect you, then I deserve the same amount of respect.
There are criminals who ride Harleys, who ride Hondas, who drive Toyotas, Nissans, Chevrolets, Cadilac, etc. Ride around in your car at Christmas time and see how many mean, nasty bikers, are out supplying toys for the Marine Corps toys for tots programs.
Just my thoughts–take it or leave it. It is a free country because thousands of men and women have put on a uniform to give you the right to say what you think. Many of them ride Harleys.
Motorcyclist
February 23rd, 2011
2:52 pm
Unbelievable.
Amazing that they spend our tax dollars to discriminate against a certain group of people.
And for you idiots with the ‘loud pipes save lives’, guess what. If you learn to drive you would save MORE lives.
I ride year round, rain or shine. My bikes have the stock EPA approved and stamped factory exhaust. It has more testing and is quieter then many cars. I wear gear that makes me visible, and do not have problems. I avoid being a nuisance to the public.
But, why should I, quietly commuting to and from work, all the proper gear, licensing, insurance and training, be subject to being pulled over more often then others? It is called discrimination, and anyone that agrees with it is an idiot.
Based upon the way most people are unable to park an SUVs in a simple parking spot, SUV drivers are the worse drivers out there. Why can’t we use that as the basis to pull them all off the road and tow them? Just SUVs, sedans aren’t a problem, today.
Let them pick on one group today, and tomorrow they will be after YOUR group. Don’t give away our freedoms people.
Besides, it is a waste of time. Most of the people heading to Daytona are motorcycle OWNERS, not to be confused with motorcycle RIDERS. Their motorcycles will be on trailers, not being ridden.
puppydawg
February 23rd, 2011
2:54 pm
If you think that this has anything whatsover to do with safety, you’re fooling yourself. This is all about politicos that worship at the altar of the almighty dollar. And I don’t mean Creflo Dollar.
demsuxs
February 23rd, 2011
2:54 pm
wow alot of piss’d off people here today, sounds like we are in the middle east. lets start a protest…
NANNY STATE
February 23rd, 2011
2:54 pm
ga sucks
GA-PUTBULL
February 23rd, 2011
2:54 pm
For those of you who think that all of us “bikers” are a bunch of methed up gun runners who can’t stay out of jail…… you (bunch of useful idiots) amuse me. There ARE those who violate the law in this fashion. They are called the “one percenters”. The other 99% of us have nothing to hide.
To see such glee and vitriol aimed at those of us who ride is appalling. To be singled out for our mode of transportation is nothing short of a direct violation of our 4th Amendment rights (which have already been discussed in this thread) and 14th amendment guarantee of EQUAL PROTECTION.
So, go ahead…… convince yourself that it only affects the ‘bikers”. Just go back to sleep sheeple………nothing to see here. Just remember… one day, they’ll come for you too.
Poke 'em with a stick.
February 23rd, 2011
2:55 pm
Let’s all meet back here later this summer when gas is $5.00 a gallon. One of my bikes gets 60mpg. My daughter is getting 70mpg on hers.
Len Griffin
February 23rd, 2011
2:57 pm
The Georgia Motorcycle Safety class stated that about 60% of bikers don’t have a motorcycle lic.
PLEASE TAKE US BACK 2 DA 1950'S GUD OLE BOY DAYS
February 23rd, 2011
2:58 pm
YEAH WHITEMAN YOU WANTED THIS POLICESTATE,NOW DEAL WITH IT!
THIS POLICESTATE IS GOING TO GET WORST,LOOK AT ALL THE CAMARAS THERE PUTTING UP ON 75,85,285,I-20 AND THIS IS THE BEGINNING OF THE NEW WORLD ORDER!
THANK YOUR REPUBLICAN-GOP FOR THIS POLICESTATE!
demsuxs
February 23rd, 2011
2:59 pm
i totally agree with you T. remember this, i work in a hospital and help w/ open heart surgeries. so next time you look down on a biker remember your heart may be in his hands one day.
Motorcyclist
February 23rd, 2011
2:59 pm
Fred, you commented on ‘getting a ticket for a modulated headlight’.
Headlight modulators on motorcycles are legal per federal law. I don’t know the CFR off the top of my head (I used to when I ran one), but they are legal in all 50 states,
This is not a headlight flashed, but a properly designed modulator, that makes the headlight look a bit like it is loose and moving up and down a little.