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
Bob
February 23rd, 2011
1:08 pm
Safety check or drug search ?
Julie Camp
February 23rd, 2011
1:09 pm
I have a suggestion for the bikers. Follow the laws of the road and they’ll stop looking for drugs and alcohol on your trips. Simple stuff. They’re just trying to save your life. Ya’ll could at least thank them.
Billy Ray Valentine
February 23rd, 2011
1:10 pm
Bob,
Why can’t it be both?
Poke 'em with a stick.
February 23rd, 2011
1:11 pm
I say randomly pull over and search Mini-vans and SUV’s. Then motorcycles. Those damn renegade soccer moms are far more likely to be packing. Isn’t this a violation of some fundamental right afforded me by my farging constitution?
Poke 'em with a stick.
February 23rd, 2011
1:15 pm
Hey Julie, let he who is without sin throw the first stone.
Zack
February 23rd, 2011
1:16 pm
BOO HOO.
Sammy
February 23rd, 2011
1:18 pm
How much meth could they seize?
jason
February 23rd, 2011
1:18 pm
Ms. Camp, one word for your comment-DUMB-
Sounds Like.....
February 23rd, 2011
1:20 pm
Profiling to me. Watch NO ONE come to the aid of the persecuted white man though.
John Boy
February 23rd, 2011
1:20 pm
That’s $70,000 they can cut from the budget.
demsuxs
February 23rd, 2011
1:27 pm
we can fix this, we’ll just get all the bikers to do a convoy down to daytona and overwhelm the a$$holes and back up the whole interstate and see how all the other drivers feel about it… F the GSP, why dont you get the illegals off the road and leave tax payers alone.
Billy Ray Valentine
February 23rd, 2011
1:27 pm
Poke,
Please remind me where it says in the Constitution that you’re allowed to do whatever you want, even if it’s illegal, and that people should just leave you alone.
Lyn
February 23rd, 2011
1:30 pm
This is for safety…too many motorcyclists without licenses on the road
demsuxs
February 23rd, 2011
1:32 pm
i guess they should do checks coming out chuch parking lots too. whats the f’n difference?
Alabama Communist
February 23rd, 2011
1:33 pm
So the Bikers were not crossdressing liberals as first suspected by the Republican Tea Party in Georgia, but just plain communists with scooters……..
Lester Maddox
February 23rd, 2011
1:33 pm
Hey! if profiling is ok now, how about we stop all the Blacks & Mexicans? Wouldn’t that be fun?
Thomas Jefferson
February 23rd, 2011
1:33 pm
Billy Ray,
The 4th Amendment says “The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.”
Guess you never got to 5th grade to learn that.
Eric
February 23rd, 2011
1:34 pm
Hey there demsuxs…I”m all for checks coming out of church parking lot’s. Maybe we can capture a few of those child molesting priests.
Poke 'em with a stick.
February 23rd, 2011
1:34 pm
Billy Sue – I suppose you are OK with the Gestapo checking in on you at home too?
Billy Ray Valentine
February 23rd, 2011
1:34 pm
if there’s a need to, then sure, checkpoints @ churches would be fine…..but if there’s no need for safety checks then I guess no need for the checkpoints.
The Truth
February 23rd, 2011
1:34 pm
The police don’t care about saving lives they care about messing them up by taking food out of the mouths of families of the victims who get BS tickets.
demsuxs
February 23rd, 2011
1:35 pm
i bet none of yall jackwagons even own a bike or even know someone that has a bike. idiots
A
February 23rd, 2011
1:35 pm
Most likely for these reasons:
1) Helmets
2) Licenses
3) Alcohol/drugs
Billy
February 23rd, 2011
1:36 pm
At least we’ll get a little relief from all the noise pollution for the few minutes the bikes are pulled over. Apparently, they don’t make mufflers for motorcycles…
Freedom Rings
February 23rd, 2011
1:36 pm
Complete waste of time and money….
Loud Pipes Suck
February 23rd, 2011
1:38 pm
Can they ticket the ones with no mufflers? The one thing I hate about springtime is the reappearance of the loud pipe motorcycles. Those jerks should be charged with assault with what they do to our poor ears. Whenever I see in the paper that another motorcyclist has gotten killed on the road, I say to myself, “I just hope it was one with loud pipes.”
bob from account temps
February 23rd, 2011
1:38 pm
what a waste of time. it is the woman driving the minivan following the biker pack that carries the stash.
Eric
February 23rd, 2011
1:39 pm
The Truth…you’re a moron. I somehow find it very hard to believe that the point of safety checks is to create starving children. But I guess this is your right to freedom of speech. What we need is a Constitutional amendment that curtails your right to be an idiot.
Billy Ray Valentine
February 23rd, 2011
1:39 pm
Poke…..first off, if the police knock on my door, I will be more than happy to answer any questions they might have.
but in regards to what I think you were trying to allude to with your “Constitution” reference was illegal search and seizure. The “gestapo” as you called them, would not be stepping foot into my house without a search warrant or without invitation from me.
But then again, I supposed if you’re a law abiding citizen with nothing to hide, then I suppose a police officer knocking on your door wouldn’t scare you.
If the bikers have current motorcycle licenses, helmets, and aren’t mules with liquor or drugs, then a routine stop is nothing to them……so a cop stops you at a safety checkpoint, big deal, as long as you’ve got nothing to hide.
Think of a police checkpoint as security at the airport…..while they might been seen as an inconvenience to some, they do in fact do some good in often keeping bad things off of planes. Again, if you’ve got nothing to hide, then you’ve got no problem going through airport security.
DJ Sniper
February 23rd, 2011
1:42 pm
To those of you complaining about loud pipes on bikes, here’s a little FYI: loud pipes are good for safety reasons. Bikers constantly have to be on the defensive when they ride because a lot of drivers don’t always see them on the road. Having loud pipes can help out with that. If the other drivers don’t initially see you, they can hear your first, and then they might be more inclined to look and see where the bike is before changing lanes, making a turn, etc etc.
Billy Ray Valentine
February 23rd, 2011
1:42 pm
uh oh yall, here comes the name calling….were all a bunch of idiots because Demsuxs thinks we don’t have a motorcycle.
maybe you’re wrong, maybe you’re right….but that sounds like a profiling statement to me, saying anyone who does not or has never owned a motorcycle is an idiot.
Poke 'em with a stick.
February 23rd, 2011
1:44 pm
There ya go Billy. With a boring life like yours, I’m sure you have nothing to worry about. What’re you, Canadian?
Daytona-bound bikers protest State Patrol checkpoints – Atlanta Journal Constitution (blog) | Biker Shop Today
February 23rd, 2011
1:45 pm
[...] webmaster@technorati.com wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerpt [...]
Larry Edgar
February 23rd, 2011
1:46 pm
Anyone that does not wear a helmet on a motorcycle either has a death wish or is an idiot or both. Was hit from behind and flip out on the road. If I had not had a good helmet on it would have killed me. And I will now hear it’s a freedom of choice agrument. Not when you don’t have insurance and taxpayers end up paying for you at the emergency room. One check point is not going to hurt you.
demsuxs
February 23rd, 2011
1:46 pm
maybe some hells angels will come threw and give the gsp a head knock’n and let them really earn they’re pay. u mess w/ the gun you are bond to get the bullet.
Pete
February 23rd, 2011
1:46 pm
“loud pipes save lives”, or at least that’s what I told my wife.
It must be so if it attracts the attention of those talking on cell phones and eating while they’re driving. Thanks for the confirmation
Mike
February 23rd, 2011
1:48 pm
Excuse you Lester. Where do you think profiling came from? What is going to be funny is all the goobers riding through Georgia without a helmet. Maybe the ticket fees will help out the HOPE scholarship program.
Joe
February 23rd, 2011
1:48 pm
Don’t want to get hassled by the cops? Don’t dress and act like a scumbag. Simple stuff.
Billy Ray Valentine
February 23rd, 2011
1:49 pm
oh yeah ey…..Canadian all the way. ey
Maybe the GSP will pull out their 9’s and empty a clip into those hells angels. Maybe demsux will be one of em……
oh the wishful thinking of a Canadian. ey!
N....
February 23rd, 2011
1:51 pm
Well, I have a bike a 2003 Suzuki Hayaubusa to be exact and the checkpoints are only a way to give out stupid ticket for stupid reasons. That is why it is at the border of GA and FL. FL gives an ADULT (which the state of GA think we are not) the choice to wear a helmet or not. Hey, it’s my head, if I want to split it wide open when/if I go down it should be my choice. But being this is GA, the gold domers like to think for us and tell us what they think is best for us. Which is too funny because majority of the time they can’t keep their wives, mistresses, and girlfriends straight without getting caught.
Jack
February 23rd, 2011
1:52 pm
Your papers please…
First they came for the communists,
and I didn’t speak out because I wasn’t a communist.
Then they came for the trade unionists,
and I didn’t speak out because I wasn’t a trade unionist.
Then they came for the Jews,
and I didn’t speak out because I wasn’t a Jew.
Then they came for me
and there was no one left to speak out for me.
demsuxs
February 23rd, 2011
1:52 pm
thats sounds fun to me, thanks to sunny purdue i carry my pistol w/ me everywhere just for bobby sue valetines. how ya like that lol
Profiling
February 23rd, 2011
1:53 pm
Fine, you can pull me over on my Harley and waste time, but I don’t want to hear anymore about profiling in the airport against people trying to kill Americans.
Billy Ray Valentine
February 23rd, 2011
1:53 pm
N, I think you should run for state legislature…..since you got all the answers
Billy Ray Valentine
February 23rd, 2011
1:55 pm
demsuxs, I too have a permit to carry. Doesn’t make you a man.
CDW
February 23rd, 2011
1:55 pm
Random blithering aside…
I don’t think it is clear what these check points are supposed to accomplish. You don’t need a check point to see if someone is violating Georgia’s helmet law, and you don’t get to search a vehicle without cause, so unless someone is transporting guns/drugs/etc. in plain sight, check points are doing anything. Dressing “weird” is not a reason for being harassed by police.
NWA
February 23rd, 2011
1:56 pm
@lester maddox
they already do
demsuxs
February 23rd, 2011
1:56 pm
good you will need it at the next check point..
Ted Striker
February 23rd, 2011
1:59 pm
This sounds like it’s going to have a hard time passing constitutional muster if it goes to court. I don’t own a bike but i’d raise hell over this if I got pulled over and saw 10 other vehicles go past.
This is the sort of thing that gives law enforcement a bad name.
Billy Ray Valentine
February 23rd, 2011
1:59 pm
oh such a comedian… we don’t have funny folks like you in Canada.
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.
Jack
February 23rd, 2011
3:03 pm
The biggest threat to people on motorcycle’s are people in cars on cell phones, iphones smart phones (not sure why the users are so dumb) So I think they should take the 70k. Have auto/truck only checkpoints. And then those with these devices on them be subject to a Airport type Screening, while being told about how they should leave these things alone when operating a dangerous machine.
Better yea as someone else suggest – This looks like a good spending cut.
Tommy
February 23rd, 2011
3:04 pm
This road block does not have anything to do with loud pipes. It is all about people riding bikes without DOT approved helmets, packing drugs, weapons, and no license. As a rider myself on a bike with loud pipes that are legal I pack a weapon with a permit, wear a DOT helmet so I won’t have a problem.
My only problem is the profiling of bikers. You don’t profile blacks, or everyone driving mustangs, or all Pickups, so why stop all bikers. Is this not against their civil rights? Is this not the same thing as saying “stop all white guys over forty or all black women fewer than twenty five” anytime you single out a group you are profiling and this is against the law.
You are not allowed to single out a group of people. That is why we can’t say “everyone from the middle east you must have a cavity search at the airport” and “everyone else continue to your plane”.
Mr. Deal this is a lawsuit wait to happen. I hope you spend 70k and then loose much more in court. This is not a socialist country yet. Obama is trying but we still have hope.
TBone
February 23rd, 2011
3:05 pm
I knew it all along; all you wobblies with your ape hangers and fat old ladies have created the profile of a “biker”. Does that mean that the dignified riders will be passed through?
Daytona-bound bikers protest State Patrol checkpoints | Conservative GA
February 23rd, 2011
3:05 pm
[...] http://blogs.ajc.com/political-insider-jim-galloway/2011/02/23/daytona-bound-bikers-protest-state-pa... Click here to cancel reply. [...]
Grasshopper
February 23rd, 2011
3:09 pm
Sorry bikers…this is not profiling.
State authorities can randomly pull over truckers to check their creds, boaters to check their licenses and any driver to do the same.
It would be profiling if they stopped only blacks on bikes, or Hispanics in cars, or whatever.
Missing the Point
February 23rd, 2011
3:10 pm
Alot of people seem to be missing the point here. If the GSP sets up a roadblock and stops EVERYONE then so be it, but to PROFILE or single out the bikers just because they THINK there may be some safety issues (under the guise of “safety issues”) is very wrong. If this practice is deemed acceptable, then why don’t we have “Road Blocks for Rednecks” day or “Road Blocks for Blacks” day or “Road Blocks For Possible Illegals” day or even “Road Blocks for Soccer Moms” day because we all know they will be speeding . . .
I own a bike and the only thing I ever worry about is all the IDIOTS that drive in Atlanta that don’t bother to drive carefully around motorcycles . . . too many times I have had to take evasive action because of some moron that was able to get a drivers license and operate a vehicle – people should have to pass an IQ test to get a drivers license . . .
sam the sham
February 23rd, 2011
3:12 pm
What would be said if the grant was to pull over hoopties with 22’s.
Tom
February 23rd, 2011
3:12 pm
Bikers used to be bad ass**, now they are a bunch of winey libs! Crybabies!! If you don’t like Georgia, go around us!!
Missing the Point
February 23rd, 2011
3:12 pm
@Grasshopper – it IS profiling if they ONLY pull over motorcycles and use a roadblock. Random selection IS NOT a roadblock!!
heady
February 23rd, 2011
3:13 pm
Checkpoints are stupid.
Missing the Point
February 23rd, 2011
3:14 pm
@sam the sham – look out for Al Sharpton and his crew . . . and the national news . . .
Randy
February 23rd, 2011
3:17 pm
Searching the bike or person without probable cause is illegal but a road check for license, insurance and proof of ownership shouldn’t bother any law abiding citizen. Check the soccer mom, the church parking lot, or anywhere else! If you have nothing to hide you shouldn’t wear the “don’t tread on me” on your sleeve! I do own a bike and I do ride and I have license, legal exhaust, insurance, helmet and don’t mind being checked.
ml
February 23rd, 2011
3:18 pm
illegal search adn seizure brought to you by what party? that’s right the republican party and that stupid war on drugs or war on our own people. these roadblocks started in the 80’s. no one who protects and serves sets up these kind of roadblocks. only an occupying force sets up thses kind of roadblocks. you got a kidnapped person or a violent offender attempting to flee, then set up a roadblock just looking for the offender only. but at a roadblock a freedom and all rights are taken away from you. every person that goes to a roadblock is GUILTY until they prove their innocence and then they are allowed to leave. that is just plain wrong! it’s what the redcoats did to us and why the illegal search seizure part of our old rights was in there. if you are a policeman and you work at a roadblock you are NOT
markie mark
February 23rd, 2011
3:20 pm
I moved up not long ago from St Augustine…..you know its bike week when bikes are cruising down A1A in front of your house at 1 am…..that being said, I useta love sitting on the front deck and watching all the bikes….some were beautiful, not to mention some of the Riders !!
And for those of you who are fans of Florida’s no helmet law….did you know that the lady that fought for and spearheaded that law (forget her name) died within 90 days of it being passed? From….you guessed it….a wreck where she hit her head on the pavement. She would have survived if wearing a helmet….
ml
February 23rd, 2011
3:22 pm
if you are a policeman and you work at a roadblock you are NOT a patriot! not of this country, not of America. you are doing things soviet style, china style, etc. this is awful and just another example of the erosion of our rights and an America that was once wonderful and great. and all done by the flag wavers, how completely dishonorable!
David Hoffman
February 23rd, 2011
3:23 pm
The best way to eliminate this in the future is to overload the GSP politely. Several hundred bikers, clean, quiet, legal, and safe, all stopped at once at each checkpoint. Do that several times in one day, with no tickets issued because no one was in violation, and next year the GSP will not want to do any checkpoints.
Pete
February 23rd, 2011
3:23 pm
let me see, almost 35 years riding in the rain and sun, a MSF instructor, and yes I’ve customized one of my current motorcycles, including a different exhaust. My other bike you could whisper next to but I see people looking when they hear the customized bike. To each his own . “Look twice, save a life”
Pete
February 23rd, 2011
3:25 pm
i’m not a total anarchist though, i do wear a helmet
Grasshopper
February 23rd, 2011
3:25 pm
@Missing the Point — your name is apt.
If they stop every biker, it is not profiling.
If they stop every 10th biker, it is not profiling.
If they stop every black biker, then it becomes profiling.
Shep
February 23rd, 2011
3:28 pm
Yeah I am all for outlawing those loud pipes. There is nothing more annoying than going on a peaceful mountain drive and getting stuck behind some stupid redneck on a harley. What about my God given constitutional right to have some peace and quiet.
Zack
February 23rd, 2011
3:28 pm
Missing the point. Yeah your missing the point alright. Why in the world would Al Sharpton get involved in this? He doesn’t care about bikers especially since the majority of the people that will be riding them to Florida will be white guys.
dudefly
February 23rd, 2011
3:29 pm
The feds are handing out grant money to profile and harass bikers? We’re flat out broke yet we have money for this? I don’t ride, but from my experience on the interstates, bikers are not an issue from a safety perspective. They ride together and at a reasonable pace so I am not sure what menace they are trying to thwart with this targeted approach. They even use their blinkers for crying out loud.
Prison Planeteer
February 23rd, 2011
3:29 pm
This is their way of training us to be prisoners. This year it’s the bikers, next year it’s the hikers, the year after that they stop and inspect all passenger vehicles. This isn’t a “nanny state” at all–it’s a full-blown POLICE STATE. They should all just detour through Alabama.
Pete
February 23rd, 2011
3:31 pm
Carpetbagger, if you’re a F-16 driver then you’re not in GA. You ready for the transition to RPV’s?
Ross
February 23rd, 2011
3:33 pm
Here’s the “deal” – I don’t care of some of them have drugs – they surely do. I don’t care if some of them are drunk – they surely are. I don’t care if they kill people unjustly – they surely will. The issue is which is more dangerous – drunk bikers, or allowing the government powers of invasion of privacy that are forbidden by the Constitution. I always find it remarkable that right-wingers will support the most outrageous violations of Constitutional principles.
-drl
Missing the Point
February 23rd, 2011
3:33 pm
@Grasshopper – go consult your Master and learn . . . Profiling (in this reference) is a law enforcement investigative technique that develops a behavioral pattern of an offender who has not yet been caught. I am not talking about RACIAL profiling but profiling of licensed operators of any vehicle type operated on an interstate. The GSP IS profiling by setting up a roadblock and ONLY stopping motorcyclists. Need more enlightenment . . . ?
Missing the Point
February 23rd, 2011
3:34 pm
@ZAck refer to @sam the sham’s comment . . . moron
SOLR
February 23rd, 2011
3:34 pm
Boycott Georgia with your wallets,if your coming thru get food and gas before and after Georgia,spread the word.
Harvey Mushman
February 23rd, 2011
3:40 pm
Newsflash for Ms. Julie Camp: “this just in…all motorcyclist do drugs and disobey traffic laws, all white people can’t dance and all black people like fried chicken.”
Grasshopper
February 23rd, 2011
3:40 pm
@Missing the Point —
You say it is profiling.
I say it isn’t.
When it happens without succesful lawsuits to the contrary, we’ll see who is correct in their assertion.
And who do you propose as my Master?
Crotch Rocket
February 23rd, 2011
3:41 pm
New GSP grant just passed for road checks on Chrysler 300 and Cadillac Escalade. Imagine that treasure trove of party favors!
Lurleen
February 23rd, 2011
3:42 pm
We are in a slow economy & they are looking for easy revenue. What better than thousands of visitors riding through our state at a specific time? They’ll be checking licenses & insurance and issuing tickets for any small infraction they can find.
It is an embarrassment to the state.
Tom
February 23rd, 2011
3:43 pm
All Bikers, Muslims and Illegals stay the hell out of Georgia!! Better yet, all Illegal Muslim Bikers stay out of Georgia. Just sayin!!!
Grasshopper
February 23rd, 2011
3:43 pm
^^^ That is seriously funny Crotch!
Beeg Boi
February 23rd, 2011
3:43 pm
If the GSP was really inrested in protecting the public they would profile Honda Odyssey drivers. They are without question the worst drivers on the planet. That would be a win-win for everyone.
findog
February 23rd, 2011
3:45 pm
Do we have similar programs for Spring Break when Junior is motoring down to Daytona with his Fraternity Brother’s?
What about I-16 to Savannah March 16-17 for the sorority girls heading to the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade?
Then there’s I-85 to catch I-10 to New Orleans for Mardi Gras; or GA-316 after a UGA home game…
When do we decide the constitution allows us to have special treatment for a class of citizen legally operating a permitted conveyance is a necessary, Federally-Funded, function of the State Patrol?
bluto
February 23rd, 2011
3:48 pm
They should do the opposite. tell the bikers that their will be no cops on the road. Then they can all ride like idiots and we can scrape them off the road after bike week is over. For every “look twice save a live” motorcycle sticker I see , I see about 5 idiots swerving all through traffic and endangering other drivers.
Poke 'em with a stick.
February 23rd, 2011
3:49 pm
There goes Bluto with the “statistics for morons” class. Like you can ride better?
Missing the Point
February 23rd, 2011
3:50 pm
@Grasshopper – your Master? not for me to say who you learn from . . . Master Po maybe . . .
Unfortunately, no one will stand up to challenge this in court . . . they will only complain . . .
TS
February 23rd, 2011
3:52 pm
Black college spring break is the week after bike week. Why don’t we pull over all cars rolling on 22’s that week. Fair?
Grasshopper
February 23rd, 2011
3:52 pm
@Missing — Master Po? Could do worse I guess.
Kennesaw Dave
February 23rd, 2011
3:56 pm
Talk about ruining a good time. Now to be fair, I’m sure part of this does have a SLIGHT safety element to it. And I have the utmost respect for police and all that jazz. But I’m sorry, all I concluded after reading this article was that this was simply a way for the state to collect some more tax money for its general fund since there will be 10s of 1,000s of bikers driving through the state to get to Daytona Week. That’s all this is, is a revenue weekend and the poor troopers have to be the collectors.
CJ
February 23rd, 2011
4:01 pm
To all of my brother and sister bikers coming to the great state of Florida for our Bike Week….Please show your displeasure with this by spending as little money in the state of Georgia as possible. No food!! No gas!! No lodging!!!! Let them make do with what money they can steal. And their ill-gotten federal money!!!!
willydoit?
February 23rd, 2011
4:01 pm
If they want to ride helmetless…let’em!
Georgia needs organ donars!
Zack
February 23rd, 2011
4:03 pm
oh no TS, your gonna get AL Sharpton involved now. @Missing the point will be sure to point that out for ya.
markie mark
February 23rd, 2011
4:03 pm
Tell all the bikers to ride Hwy 17 across GA to A1A in Nassau County (first county in Florida) that is the way to bypass I-95 and the GSP….
findog
February 23rd, 2011
4:03 pm
Last Man,
As someone in his mid sixty’s you apparently need to seek some meds for dementia. The constitution forbids fishing expeditions for those who MIGHT NOT BE in compliance with the law; of course you could be one of the many eastern European exiles from the other side of the iron curtain who sought refuge here that forgot what it was like to live in a police state…
demsuxs
February 23rd, 2011
4:04 pm
feds should do the road blocks w/ the army if they really want to blow some money. lets give our gov more money so they can just throw it away like they always do. why dont we start protests and run the gov. guys out of town.
Lugnut
February 23rd, 2011
4:05 pm
By singling out motorcyclists, there should be far less opposition to the singling out of Mitsubishi Eclipse Drivers on the southern arc of 285, Prius Drivers in Roswell/Sandy Springs, and female Volvo Crossover drivers in Alpharetta and Johns Creek. By the way, a new bill in the legislature calls for drivers of cars to also wear helmets. Helmets are a good idea, and not just for motorcyclists. If they wear them in race cars, why shouldn’t they be worn as part of the daily drive? I applaud the effort, as does every politician holding stock in Bell Helmets.
jo yo
February 23rd, 2011
4:06 pm
They sometimes pull the same stunt at spring break on I-185, just above Columbus, GA. A policeman friend said it was an easy way to raise money off the backs of mostly Atlanta area resiends on the way to the beach. They make lots of money and seldom have to ticket or arrest the locals.
Zack
February 23rd, 2011
4:06 pm
You all know that the GSP isn’t going to be able to stop everybody. There might be some good chases to be televised if any bikers run. Maybe we can see how many cars the GSP can wreck trying to catch any that do run.
memyself
February 23rd, 2011
4:09 pm
while all the mudslinging’s going on….Bikers: I don’t wish to watch you guys do aerials at 90 mph or more! Futhermore, your dashing in and out of traffic lanes, squeezing through semi’s and what have you are NOT my idea of fun! I’m on my way home from work! Take your little Stunts to the Evel Knevel (however it’s spelled) Tracks for fools, ok?
Rou Lette
February 23rd, 2011
4:12 pm
Most on motorsickles are loud, drunk and stupid. All valid reasons to be hounded by coppers. Actually, I’d be willing to grant these drunk idiots immunity from the cops as long as I get to send them azz over teakettle with the bumper of my Mercedes.
ED
February 23rd, 2011
4:12 pm
Loud pipes are juvenile and obnoxious.
BMW Rider
February 23rd, 2011
4:13 pm
I heard that BMW riders are exempt from the roadside checks…Mainly because BMW riders are skilled riders and always wear safety gear. Think about it…When was the last time you saw a BMW rider wearing a “wife-beater” and nothing but a doo-rag on his head?
biker
February 23rd, 2011
4:15 pm
Im a law abiding biker—as Im a law abiding cager. This is profiling and should be veiwed as such. If youre goin to traffic drugs its gonna be in a car-truck….Im up for a convoy and yes I also carry a pistol. I hope they get sued by one of these biker lawyers. If youre not wearing a DOT helmet–its your brain—I could care less.
findog
February 23rd, 2011
4:19 pm
Missing @ 3:41
Al only does the one in Myrtle Beach
Bee
February 23rd, 2011
4:21 pm
I bet they are checking for fat chicks
Double Zero Eight
February 23rd, 2011
4:30 pm
How about a checkpoint for illegal immigrants?
roberto
February 23rd, 2011
4:34 pm
All drivers of Smart cars need to be checked for drugs. They have got to be high to put one of those things on a real road. Google images for smart car crashes.
Curmudgeon
February 23rd, 2011
4:35 pm
Can you say illegal search and seizure? What a hick state. Bikers — Don’t stray too far from the hwy. Remember the end of Easy Rider….
GonzoW
February 23rd, 2011
4:35 pm
Remember ALL laws are enacted and enforce with police power of government (not to be confused with THE police who just happen to be the ones charged with enforcement). That means ALL laws no matter how minor they seem are enforced with a gun pointed at you. Don’t believe me? Go to your local courthouse square and park. Don’t feed the meter and allow yourself to get a ticket. Wait a few months with out paying, I mean, its stupid to have to pay for parking in a place you already pay taxes in right. After a couple months get pulled over for something (use your imaginations). When the officer runs your tag and sees you have an upaid parking ticket, he will politely ask you to step out of your vehicle to discuss your bench warrant for faliur to pay your fine. In return, ever so sweetly, refuse to step out of your vehicle.
Here comes the gun….
Cliff
February 23rd, 2011
4:36 pm
I ride a bike with stock mufflers, wear a DOT approved helmet, have the appropriate license (and safety courses), don’t do drugs, and don’t drink if I am going to be on my bike, but yeah I guess it is OK for the police to pull me over when I am on my way to work or vacation just because I choose to use a motorcycle as my preferred means of transportation. (sarcasm) Some say that since I am law abiding that I should not mind, but when I have plans, stopping me without PROBABLE CAUSE (check that out in the Constitution) is an infringement on my rights and liberty.
Jesus
February 23rd, 2011
4:43 pm
What if it’s a gay Mexican Jew biker with a handicap plate?
Frank
February 23rd, 2011
4:44 pm
I ride a bike and I use to be one of the guys that passed out tickets before I retired. A lot of comments on here remind me of when my kids use to fuss over who gets to play with the GI Joe or something. Simple fact is safety is paramount when riding a bike. These check points may just cause someone to put on a helmet or make sure they have checked the pressure on a tire. When you fall off a bike speeding down the road it is not fun and nobody wants the right to feel that kind of pain trust me
Palin 2012
February 23rd, 2011
4:46 pm
But we need money and we want to take it out of bikers hides
wear your helmet
February 23rd, 2011
4:50 pm
so my insurance costs don’t keep going up to keep you on life support
Keith
February 23rd, 2011
4:58 pm
If they (The GSP) where pulling over EVERYONE Randomly it would be fine.. But their PROFILING motorcyclist. It’s UNCONSTITUTIONAL. It has nothing to do with safety.. Name me one motorcycle accident that happed do to faulty equipment. YOU can’t. All accidents have been the fault of a car/truck or the motorcyclist. I believe it’s A.B.A.T.E of NY that is suing the State of NY over the same thing there. If you drive through Ga. Take videos and notes when your stop for Ga A.B.A.T.E. to use in a Suit against the State of Ga.
Rayz
February 23rd, 2011
5:00 pm
Another group of people try to commit crimes and not pay the price. Well… line up behind the immigrants and THAT 80% of the prison population who feel they, too, should be given a free pass.
Robert Elliott
February 23rd, 2011
5:02 pm
The motorcycle only checkpoint should not be legal. It should be an all or nothing safety check. People who use the airport checkpoint should realize that all people have to go through it. If they want to also check cars, trucks, vans, etc then it’s fine, but by targeting a single type of vehicle it is the same as profiling. Spend the DOT money on safety checkpoints that apply to all drivers. There are plenty of people who don’t have licenses (expired, suspended, never had) and it is not restricted to motorcyclists.
Rayz
February 23rd, 2011
5:02 pm
Frank
You are ABSOLUTELY right. Thanks for stepping up.
just thinkin
February 23rd, 2011
5:06 pm
ya know why old jim g has that”i’m wearing lace underwear and there’s nothing you can do about it” smarmy grin in his photo??? it’s because he writes just a short little piece and then everyone outwrites him 10 to 1 with their comments and thoughts. he writes half a page and we are up to 4 pages of comments and counting…..i bet his editor is proud…..
luangtom
February 23rd, 2011
5:07 pm
GA is doing this because they are upset that this state has nothing to draw crowds the magnitude of Daytona Bike Week. It is their way of telling the rest of the country just how desparate GA is…….garner some revenue for vehicular violations. Sure speaks well of GA.
Another dirtbag biker
February 23rd, 2011
5:08 pm
Does anybody out there remember what it’s like to live in a free country? No beer purchases on Sunday, your kid has to wear a helmet to ride a bicycle, no “evil” (but life saving) stem cell research, etc. I don’t pay taxes to be told how to live my life! Just a few thoughts:
Wow, you sure can tell from these posts who rides and who doesn’t. It seems all the non riders out there think that all motorcycle accidents are all self inflicted. Are you all saying it’s never happened that a CAR ran a red light, or a CAR never made a left turn into a biker? Both have happened to me.
OK so let’s stop pretending this is about safety. It’s about revenue, pure and simple. If they were interested in biker (or any vehicle) safety, they would mandate periodic safety inspections tied to your registration, like emissions on your car. Getting drivers off cell phones would save many more lives than this nonsense. Hard to use a cell phone on a bike.
There is no requirement in GA for a DOT approved helment. It should be a choice. Like loud pipes or abortion. (Wow is your face geeting red.)
It is profiling. Read the fourth amendment, or have somebody read it to you.
You don’t need a roadblock to stop reckless drivers in a car or on a bike.
You can carry drugs, illegal weapons, contraband, etc. in a car probably more easily than on a bike (certainly larger quantities).
Who it the bigger threat on the road, a totally exposed 150 pound person on a 600 pound motorcycle or the moron “multitasking” in the 4000 pound minivan with kids in the back?
So tell me again what this road block is for? Remember, the only freedoms that need protecting are the ones you don’t agree with!
truth
February 23rd, 2011
5:10 pm
@Jesus…you still died so he could be free. Jn 6:13
GaBlue
February 23rd, 2011
5:13 pm
FYI: Harley-Davidson is planning more layoffs of American workers, but they are building a plant in India.
Rayz
February 23rd, 2011
5:14 pm
Just Thinkin
You got it AND, on top of that, nobody really commenting gives a darn about this issue or it wouldn’t be one. I do these comment for entertainment (what a joke we all are). Group together and fix it or shut up, huh? On that note— I am shutting up. Good day!
Just Me
February 23rd, 2011
5:16 pm
This is wrong for so many reasons that have already been articulated here. And it makes me angry to see our tax dollars wasted once again. I wish I had a bike and could ride with y’all. I am always a bit envious when I see y’all passing through on your way to FL. Y’all stay safe and have fun, ya hear.
Another dirtbag biker
February 23rd, 2011
5:17 pm
Are they going to pull over people trailering their bikes to bike week? “They’re bikers, but they’re in a car. What do I do Roscoe?”
old biker
February 23rd, 2011
5:20 pm
no helmet? no problem…the fat chicks hips will hit the pavement before my head does….works every time…..
Another dirtbag biker
February 23rd, 2011
5:21 pm
I’m guessing we wouldn’t be having this conversation if they were going to pull over all the pick up trucks leaving Atlanta Motor Speedway for a “safety inspection” after a Nascar race. What a traffic jam that would be!
Hypocrite Hunter
February 23rd, 2011
5:23 pm
Wonder how this debate would go if it was $70k to pull over cars going to Freaknik? or random pickups with Mexican logos on the back glass? The problem is that an American shouldn’t be pulled over without probable cause…outrageous. And, I do not own a bike.
Wheezy Rider
February 23rd, 2011
5:33 pm
Maybe they should all just go through Alabama and spend their money at those gas stations and restaurants along the way. Georgia has become the most unwelcoming state in the south…
Lord help them if they are Hispanic and riding a motorcyle through Georgia. I’m pretty sure that will be illegal soon…
A Taxpayer and Voter
February 23rd, 2011
5:33 pm
Last time I was in a checkpoint on my bike, I put the side stand down went into my bags to produce my insurance and license, the police got tired because I had to put my insurance card back in my bag and I was in no hurry, I had the road blocked in the meantime.
Grumps
February 23rd, 2011
5:38 pm
Not sure this is on topic, but…
Lester Maddox is the guy who closed down the Ludowici speed trap. Not sure he would have approved of the bikes only checkpoints.
from http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,909123,00.html
TWO large roadside billboards just inside the county lines north and south of town guard the approach to Ludowici. Placed there by Governor Lester Maddox two weeks ago, they warn approaching motorists of “speed traps” and “clip joints” in large black letters on a white background.
Thank the fed...
February 23rd, 2011
5:44 pm
Welcome to the Hope and Change that is BHOs crowning legacy. The police state is here folks, you just haven’t woken up to it yet. ANY stop for ANY reason without Probable Cause is Unconstitutional. Of course, most of you don’t know what a Constitution is, or even care that it’s being summarily dismantled since even before 1913.
I hope you folks that like checkpoints enjoy what’s coming. As for me and my family, we’re already on our way out of the failed (republic) USA experiment in Self governance. AmeriKA is hated by the world and is now its laughing-stock too. So long SUCKERS !!
Damien
February 23rd, 2011
5:49 pm
Julie – you’re an imbecile.
Now pay attention, your brat is distracting you in your minivan again
billysam
February 23rd, 2011
5:53 pm
Welcome to the Police State of Obama and Bush..Keeping you safe from your freedom and liberties. This is what they call Government cut backs. Sending grant money to harrass civilians. Looks red as in communist to me.
billysam
February 23rd, 2011
5:58 pm
Julie,Julie,Julie….Poster girl for the New World Order.
GaBlue
February 23rd, 2011
5:59 pm
While American police-state fascism does indeed predate our current federal administration, I am wondering why it’s happening HERE. After all, the good Republican leaders of Georgia have made it clear that they are not accepting federal money. They’ve even hired lawyers to say we don’t have to take federal money! So… why now? Why THIS money?
Damien
February 23rd, 2011
6:02 pm
Nothing to do with Fed money – it’s about state coffers being empty, and the need to write tickets, confiscate property, etc…….it is the state pols who stand to gain here; they can bring in revenue to use for God knows what.
GaBlue
February 23rd, 2011
6:12 pm
But Damien, how can we blame Obama for the heavy-handed fundraising tactics of state and local law enforcement agencies if you explain it logically? If something bad happens, and it’s not Obama’s fault, will the Easter Bunny still rise over Stone Mountain and bring chocolate eggs to [only good Christian] children? I shudder to think of the consequences.
LT 54
February 23rd, 2011
6:13 pm
Hey, don’t forget, quite a few of those “bikers” are law enforcement officers.
In regards to “Helmet Laws”, if you don’t like the law, work to change it.
If it’s the “Law”, respect it and adhere to it.
You can’t pick and choose which laws apply to you or your group.
But what you can do is comply until it is changed or repealed.
Stop whining and enjoy the ride.
Ride & stay safe.
MrLiberty
February 23rd, 2011
6:21 pm
Just another 4th amendment violation courtesy of a govenrment that has no repect for personal liberties or rights. This is just yet another reason why road ownership, operation, and maintenance MUST be turned over to the private sector. Much like the TSA and their violations, the government has claimed ownership and destroyed all private property rights for the specific sake of being able to exert its authority whenever and wherever it wants.
This is not about helmets, not about safety, but about control, plain and simple. The government is always preparing ultimately to protect itself from the people. This is just another test of the system.
TWM
February 23rd, 2011
6:22 pm
The responses on this blog are the exact reasons why innocent people on motorcycles die everyday. Not everyone who rides a motorcycle is a drug addicted drunk. We have just as much rights as the person next to us riding in a cage. If the general public was more aware of motorcyclists and our rights the roads would be much safer. I am a school teacher and I ride. I ride with retired firemen, other teachers, business owners, real estate agents as well as parents, brothers, sons and daughters. We are people and we have families just like the rude stuck up people on this blog. If people would realize that we should be treated just as any other motorist and not like we are riding a 10 speed, the roads would be safer.
PLEASE TAKE US BACK 2 DA 1950'S GUD OLE BOY DAYS
February 23rd, 2011
6:27 pm
AS LONG AS THE POLICE STATE WAS IN THE BLACK COMMUNITY,NOW THAT IT IS SPILLING OVER INTO THE WHITE COMMUNITY,THEY DONT LIKE IT VERY MUCH!
THANK YOUR REPUBLICAN-GOP PARTY FOR THIS POLICE STATE! NEW WORLD ORDER!
Dirty Ole Outlaw
February 23rd, 2011
6:28 pm
Everybody knows them Georgia cops are on the take. Just slide them a twenty, fire up a big ole hooter and scoot on down the road.
Mike Hunt
February 23rd, 2011
6:34 pm
It’s amazing that the government wants to support the profiling of motorcycle riders, but not the profiling of potential terrorists at the airport. There are crazy riders, squids as we call them, along with the loud-pipes-saves-lives crowd, that give those of us who are responsible riders a bad name.
Those of us who are responsible riders have a name for the riders who choose to not wear proper gear & helmets: Organ Donors
Having riden 35K+ miles aroound the South the past couple of years on a bike, the safety issues are not the riders, it’s the idiots talking on a cell phone while driving & texting to their BFF that is the problem.
For those who are aware of their suroundings, this also includes cops. How many time have you passed a cop who didn’t have a cell phone stuck in their ear or typing away on their vehicle installed laptop? No interference with multi-tasking there.
Make Mine a Moped
February 23rd, 2011
6:34 pm
“The AMA believes…”
Well right there’s yer first violation. AMA = American Medical Association. Copyright infringement pure ‘n simple. Cuff ‘em and stuff ‘em.
gatorman770
February 23rd, 2011
6:37 pm
Loafer – You are psychologically projecting your stupidity!
Brainiac
February 23rd, 2011
6:39 pm
Eric: There you go again calling “The truth” a moron and an idiot. I insist that you apologize to
morons and idiots everywhere.
Dirty Ole Outlaw
February 23rd, 2011
6:47 pm
Brainiac, If I’m reading you right Eric owes me TWO appologies. LOL
Brainiac
February 23rd, 2011
6:54 pm
Cliff: If you are what you say you are, I agree with you to a point but it is the company you keep. You know for a fact that the entire group/groups will not live up to your credentials. You can bet your DOT approved helmet there will be a large percent of those checked that will get written up. ALL THIS WILL HAPPEN IN SPITE OF BIKERS BEING GIVEN WEEKS OF ADVANCE WARNING, Nobody should be operating a vehicle(any type vehicle) on a public road while drinking and/or drugging or no insurance or license.
Brainiac
February 23rd, 2011
6:57 pm
Dirty Ole……… Right on Bro. Just be extra careful out there. I like your sense of humor.
Ronnie "Machinegun" Thompson(Former Macon Mayor)
February 23rd, 2011
7:03 pm
Hey GSP. If they run……. shoot to kill. As a side venue set up a few cable locations that can stretched tight on a moments notice. That $70,000.00 Grant is going to balance Georgia’s budget.
Jesse Jackson
February 23rd, 2011
7:15 pm
You con stop all the bikes you want…as long as they’re not black. That’ sprofiling. And profiling’s wrong.
dawgydawg47
February 23rd, 2011
7:23 pm
Follow the money. It works every time.
Jim
February 23rd, 2011
7:26 pm
Imagine if we could buy alcohol on SUNDAY…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TOM_UuQzc0
Ronnie "Machinegun" Thompson(Former Macon Mayor)
February 23rd, 2011
7:36 pm
Another Dirtbag………It is all our business if you get yourself injured or killed because of not wearing proper safety equipment. I have personal knowledge of bikers injured that ended up as wards of the state because they were paralyzed and the family/no insurance was unable to pay the life-support costs. There were also fatalities, largely because of not wearing proper safety equipment. Yep! Both issues issues are my business because people like you don’t see the big picture. Therefore we become burdened with more laws because some of you refuse to take the proper precautions on your own. Injuries/paralyzation/deaths are all paid for by taxpayers which I happen to be one. I hate it for anybody to be injured or worse and for the damage to your property. It isn’t just bikers. The biggest idiots/morons are drivers who refuse to buckle up and possibly worse, text while driving. At any rate I have been a part of raising funds because the breadwinner of a family dies and the family can’t even afford to pay for the funeral and certainly not extended life-support. The entire family including children will become wards of the state(taxpayers). In addition to all that, my insurance rates go up to pay for your accident, medical care and liife insurance. You are damn right it is our business how you conduct yourself in public.
tom
February 23rd, 2011
7:44 pm
Enter your comments here
Another dirtbag biker
February 23rd, 2011
9:23 pm
Ronnie do you think there has ever been a case in which an uninsured automobile driver got into an accident and became a ward of the state along with their entire family, or are bikers the only ones capable of this?
Again, like most of the other posts, you assume if a motorcyclist has an accident it must have been his own fault. My two motorcycle accidents were caused by people in cars! I don’t know if they both had insurance because one of them left the scene of the accident. The other one did and she paid my medical bills and went to jail.
By the way, you have completely missed the point of the article and these posts. Another fine example of the problems in our elected officials.
numbers don't lie
February 23rd, 2011
9:24 pm
“Per vehicle mile traveled, bikers are about 37 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a crash and 9 times more likely to be injured.” ***
motorcycles are driving up the cost of insurance and medicare and should be banned from public roads.
*** http://www.edgarsnyder.com/motorcycle-accident/statistics.html
Another dirtbag biker
February 23rd, 2011
9:47 pm
Hey Numbers, nice statistics source you found. Really, an ambulance chaser is the best you could do?
Let me ask you this: How many people ride their motorcycles as much as they drive their cars? I don’t know either, but I’d be willing to bet it’s probably pretty few of them. So the statistic you decided to cite is already pretty slanted.
And yes, without the benefit of several tons of steel wrapped around you, your chances of injury or death are greater on a motorcycle versus a car.
That’s the great thing about statistics, you can make them say anything you want them to.
You can have my motorcycle(s) when you give up your guns!
thank them?
February 23rd, 2011
10:11 pm
thank the police state for taking away more basic rights? funny stuff!
Question Man
February 23rd, 2011
10:40 pm
Isn’t it discriminatory to check only bikers? Why can’t the State Patrol do something useful like checking for undocumented workers using our highways?
Bill Johnson
February 24th, 2011
7:15 am
Another 4th amendment violation. What, it’s not an illegal search and seizure if they do it to everybody? That’s what they say for DUI checks. But it’s horse hockey.
And this stop is only for two wheelers. Not everybody. Probable cause, anyone?
Yes, bikers are presumed guilty until presumed innocent. Like so many americans today.
Water the tree of liberty, ye sons of liberty.
Bill Johnson
February 24th, 2011
7:19 am
“Another Dirtbag………It is all our business if you get yourself injured or killed because of not wearing proper safety equipment. I have personal knowledge of bikers injured that ended up as wards of the state because they were paralyzed and the family/no insurance was unable to pay the life-support costs. ”
Who made that choice to treat the biker? The Biker? No? So he’s at fault how?
Listen, if you are all compassionate and all, and have to put every carcass into hospital, don’t come looking to me to justify your actions, nor to pay for them.
Let the biker suffer the consequences of his activity.It’s his right to die by the road without a helmet. And your right to walk on past. So dont blame the biker for the cost of your charity.
ROGUE
February 24th, 2011
7:21 am
For those interested in helping you can contact the Governor at
The Office of the Governor
State of Georgia
203 State Capitol
Atlanta, Georgia 30334
Phone:
404-656-1776
Fax:
404-657-7332
ROGUE
February 24th, 2011
7:31 am
It is suggest that those who get stopped use a tape recorder and Video or other camera to record what happened at the stop. This can later be put on youtube to inform others of what is happening and or in your defense if you are charged wit anything.
Remember You Do Not Have To Answer Questions and or Consent To A Search Of Your Self or Motorcycle.
You also have a right to ask why you were stopped and are being detained against your will.
Get the officers name and badge number in case you need it for future complaints against him.
There is more information on how to handle these stops on the BOLT website – Bikers Of Lesser Tolerance.
Do not let your rights get trampled on.
just a biker
February 24th, 2011
8:03 am
the claimed reason they are pulling over motorcycle riders is because of the aforementioned helmets/impaired drivers and to assure themselves that everyone riding a bike is properly licensed. i have several comments. it’s clear profiling. if they were only concerned with georgia rider safety, why set up check points when hundreds of thousands of riders (and bikes in trailers though does this include them) from other states are rolling through. it’s profiling and it’s economics.
sure they have our license and reg that says “i am one of 200,000 registered motorcycles in the state of georgia” but my license doesn’t tell them if i am an illegal behaving motorcyclist or a law abiding motorcyclist. i’ve been riding all over this country for over 25 years, i have been profiled dozens of times by law enforcement because i ride a motorcycle. and i think that if church going suv drivers were pulled over in check points, there’d be national stink because you people count more than we do. you think we’re all 1%ers and yet so many of you want to be like us. My view is that they need to do more motorcycle safety education to persons driving vehicles with 4 or more wheels. the majority of accidents to motorcyclists come from situations where 4 or more wheeled vehicles murder us “oh i didn’t see him/her” is a lame excuse. (and a side note to hates loud pipes, i’m sorry you wish us dead, perhaps your small life will be saved by a motorcyclists one day and you’ll feel differently)
Steve Majors
February 24th, 2011
8:06 am
Georgia bikers, as well as those visiting Daytona Beach, are getting what they deserve.
Instead of standing up for their rights when it matters (during the campaign season), they will only get off their @sses for having fun. So next time someone’s running for office, be totally absent.
Soon your rights will be, too.
disgruntle biker
February 24th, 2011
8:13 am
the State of new hampshire does not require insurance on ANY VEHICAL.. how is Georgia going to fine anyone for no insurance if someone’s passing through? when did Georgia start safety inspections?
I’ve lived here for 3 years and never seen an inspection station. if there was one 90% of the vehicals owned by city officials would be illigal.
LT 54
February 24th, 2011
9:21 am
It is a serious misconception by the “non-motorcycling” public
that “bikers”, “motorcyclists”, “motorcycle enthusiasts” do not have the same rights that they do.
FACT: Motorcyclists are consistently safer, more experienced and more alert, in all respects than the average “cager”. And even when a motorcyclist is in a cage they use their motorcycling skills and are more aware in regards to their biker brethren and motoring public in general. You have to ride like you are invisible to EVERYONE else. Nuff said about the “safety” issue.
In regards to “Freedoms”, We the People have to protect those freedoms at whatever the cost. My only political agenda is to have as little Governmental interference in my life as possible. We put these people in office to represent and serve US. When they fail to represent and serve US they have outlived their usefulness and need to removed. Pay attention to what’s going on around you, while riding and while living and hold all who stand in the way of those freedoms accountable.
Ride & stay safe.
It's Me
February 24th, 2011
10:33 am
Stop ALL vehicles NOT just motorcycles. If they are really interested in stopping either drugs, or saving lives then why just motorcycles? And besides, I ride with death everyday as my companion so I am used to being at risk ad I accept it. I don’t need the police to stop me to tell me to be careful I could die. If I needed that then stop everyone going into the airport to and tell them, and how in front of schools stop them too. Get it yet? This is harassment plain and simple. And we are losing more and more of OUR freedoms EVERYDAY. Most of you are probably too young to remember what it was like in the 60’s and even early 70’s when you could have fun without being a target.
Mike Greenwald
February 24th, 2011
1:05 pm
Jim,
Your assumption is misguided and wrong.
The stops have nothing to do with helmets nor EPA stamped pipes. Those are nuisance add-ons for the GHP to write up. It has nothing to do with guns, either.
As the “Insider”, why not tell your reders what the “Inside” information really is.
Mike Greenwald
CATFISH
February 24th, 2011
6:57 pm
Grasshopper was pretty close.
Look at it this way. There are 365 days in a year, that’s 8760 hours. Let’s say the GA’s GSP is holding a 24 hour Regulatory Search.
Hey…That’s 8736 hours they are not bothering you!!!
24 hours is less than one percent of your time in a year. 24 hours out of 8760 sounds fairly reasonable to me.
And the 4th amendment speaks of “unreasonable” searches and seizures. Reasonable – being the key word here. I like that word – reasonable.
GA’s DNR conducts Regulatory searches all the time, they have for years. They haven’t lost a case yet. And they ramp up their Regulatory searches on boaters at times of the year when boating activity is heaviest. Maybe they should start having a boat week on Lake Cheeto and claim “profiling”. But I don’t think it will do much good. Regulatory searches have been around for a long time. Regulatory searches are conducted on the trucking community every day. Regulatory searches are here to stay.
The Civil Rights act of 1964 speaks of a person’s race, color, religion, sex or national origin. Not of the type vehicle they drive.
Me personally, I feel you should not have to wear a helmet. But of course- only after you have signed an agreement with your insurance agent agreeing to pay a higher premium, that’s not unreasonable (there’s that word again) because you will certainly incur many more knots on your head after a crash than someone with a helmet. Did you know doctors, hospitals and CAT scans are expensive? Of course, GSP will want to occasionally perform a regulatory search to see if you have that Higher Premium “unhelmeted” insurance. (huuuummmm… I say somewhere in the area of 1000% more expensive than the Lower Premium “Helmeted” Insurance).
The funny thing is when that officer asks for License, Registration and Insurance and the bike rider is noticeably drunk or high on what ever……I guess the Motorcycle community wants the Police to just let him go free.
CATFISH
February 24th, 2011
8:52 pm
We all see and hear motorcyclist. On Interstates, on state routes’ in the city, in the suburbs, in rural areas, and in residential areas. Day time, night time, weekends, and weekdays. And since The majority of the population have not the luxury of living a great distance from the roadway, I personally believe motorcyclist should be allowed to place the loudest muffler on their bike they can find….. ….Well …..only if they register for the privilege (let’s make it part of their home owners insurance). And a part of that privilege requires you to post a big huge sign (with at least 12 inch letters) in your front yard stating…
” If you own any internal combustible engine with a loud muffler please drive it by my house. I like loud noises. It makes me feel more STUD LIKE. Please drive by anytime of the day, anytime of the night, any day of the week, and any day of the weekend. Additionally, if you have one of those loud boom boxes that go thump thump thump thump, please crank it way up when you come by and please drive by real slow. And hey…. Don’t forget to honk your horn, I like to know – that you know – you’re pleasing me and my family’s auditory senses”.
Of course as a part of signing up that privilege means it is a binding contract for at least 33 years. So when you’ve grown wiser and more respectful and considerate of your fellow humans you’ll still have to post that sign in your yard and not enjoy the protection of noise ordinance officers.
I think we should enact legislation soon. Hey…….. maybe we can get Police units to come by occasionally whaling their siren. Besides pleasing with those desiring loud audible noises…. it will help make sure people will not wreck into them. You know…like loud mufflers on motorcycles will help keep them out of wrecks.
1 Adam 12
February 25th, 2011
1:40 am
It’s your republican governor getting government out of your lives.
10-4.
mark318
February 25th, 2011
1:07 pm
I wrote the Gov, and Rep Scott. I did get a call from Scott’s staff. They sounded like it was a state matter even though the feds are funding it. It’s not just Ga and it’s already in the appellate courts in NY. Scott’s office said an email would be forthcoming to me.
mike
February 25th, 2011
6:03 pm
julie, your an idiot!!!!
mint berry crunch
February 26th, 2011
7:51 am
If we were to pull over all black people on interstaates that would not take long. Most don’t have a (have to pull over MARTA buses). Liberals get your hand out of my pocket. Go love on that disgusting Marxist/Socialist president you dumb a**es love. guess what, he will not be reelected as he is screwing up the country, bad. Gas going way up. no private sector jobs, just more worthless gov’t employees, most of who are minorities. Take care of yourself, scumbags. If liberals did not take tax $ from conservatives they could not even live. Dependent users (Democrats) make me sick.
Will Stockdale
February 26th, 2011
11:52 pm
Hey Ben, maybe you’ll get to like the Air Force. Zooming all over the sky and shouting ROGER and WILCO and everything. Maybe it won’t be so bad.
metismom
February 27th, 2011
4:11 am
first they came for the bikers…..
It always begins with those that are easy to dislike.
Your next.
Jay
February 28th, 2011
12:54 pm
“Excuse you Lester. Where do you think profiling came from? What is going to be funny is all the goobers riding through Georgia without a helmet. Maybe the ticket fees will help out the HOPE scholarship program.”
You do realize HOPE is funded entirely by the Ga Lottery, right?
Illini Biker
March 1st, 2011
12:01 pm
Billy Ray, those rights are contained in a thing called the “Bill of Rights”. It’s part of the constitution. Specifically the Fourth Amendment which regards search and siezure without probable cause. last I checked, riding a motorcycle down the highway is hardly probable cause for being pulled over, unless they stop every vehicle. Picking just bikes is wrong.