FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK

FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK...

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

JULY 2010

Updating the Biker Community

On February 24, 2010 and in successive issues thereafter, I’ve requested information from the Biker Community here in LA that deals with citations given for helmet violations. While doing so, I spoke with Rep Mert “Smiley” about my being approached by many bikers who experienced being issued tickets for non-DOT helmets. We discussed the input at the time and I told him my intentions to obtain as much input from LA Bikers, in print, and provide him collected data to bring to the attention of fellow Legislators to resolve some misconceptions and possible improper citations and citation fines. I did this at the request of many of our readers over the last 8 months or so.

Rep. Smiley mentioned that he hoped I’d receive the participation necessary as he was concerned as to the lack of interest with the Biker Community when the helmet repeal made it to the Legislature after Gov. Jindal’s election into office. Unfortunately, Rep. Smiley was very disappointed due to the lack of participation and support from the LA Biker Community. I told him I’d hope this particular situation would garner more attention. He wished me luck.

As of this print, I can accurately say that I have received a total of only “Twelve” (12) emails from readers who received citations. They provided me answers to the eight simple questions requested to get a firm idea as to what is happening on the roads and highways. For the moment, the one thing that stands out the most is those who are being cited for non-DOT helmets are cited for “not wearing a helmet” (not a helmet that isn’t in compliance with RS 32:190). That is the “explanation” that the 12 participants have provided as to why their tickets cost $150, instead of the mandatory $50 according to RS 32:190.

What is unjust is that while a non-DOT may be considered in violation, a “helmet” is still being worn and Law Enforcement Agencies who are using that description is not citing a Revised Statute that specifically describes a violation for “not wearing a helmet”. I do encourage any Law Enforcement Officer to provide me the Revised Statute that addresses “not wearing a helmet” that is stated in another RS other than RS 32:190. (I could really use your help cause I can’t find the particular Revised Statute.

In the meantime, I feel we still have some time to bring this to Rep. Smiley’s attention so he can assist the Biker Community in clearing up some of these misconceptions. I have to admit I am really disappointed that more victims of helmet citations haven’t contacted us with info. I really feel that together, we can right a possible wrong. But I can’t do this on your behalf by myself. With the Gulf oil spill taking top priority at the moment, I figure we have some additional time to get this resolved, but keep in mind that there will be a continuation of violations for non-DOT helmets, despite the fact that RS 32:190 “does not” specify “DOT”. So please, if you have not emailed or faxed me with info regarding your particular citation, I urge you to do so. Be advised, 12 people will likely not make a difference. So check out the beginning of our Calendar of Events for the requested info and forward your citation info to nappy69@bellsouth.net or fax to 985-594-4322. Let’s get this done together.

Please keep the families of the 11 men lost in the Horizon explosion in your thoughts and prayers as well as the families and businesses along the Gulf Coast. If the good Lord is willing, we can have a very mild to completely quite hurricane season near the wellhead.

Till next month,Ride

Safe,Ride Free,but just

Ride!God Bless America,

Our Troops and Their

Families!

Nappy

nappy69@bellsouth.net

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	FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK \| SUPPORT OUR TROOPS \| THE LATEST ISSUE \| MAGAZINE ARTICLES \| THUNDER OVER LOUISIANA \| LOUISIANA BIKER EVENTS \| EVENT PICTURES \| LEGISLATIVE NEWS \| BIKER FRIENDLY DIRECTORY \| BIKE NIGHTS \| LINKS \| CELEBRITY & MASTER BUILDER LINKS \| CONTACT US FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK... LETTER FROM THE EDITOR JULY 2010 Updating the Biker Community On February 24, 2010 and in successive issues thereafter, I’ve requested information from the Biker Community here in LA that deals with citations given for helmet violations. While doing so, I spoke with Rep Mert “Smiley” about my being approached by many bikers who experienced being issued tickets for non-DOT helmets. We discussed the input at the time and I told him my intentions to obtain as much input from LA Bikers, in print, and provide him collected data to bring to the attention of fellow Legislators to resolve some misconceptions and possible improper citations and citation fines. I did this at the request of many of our readers over the last 8 months or so. Rep. Smiley mentioned that he hoped I’d receive the participation necessary as he was concerned as to the lack of interest with the Biker Community when the helmet repeal made it to the Legislature after Gov. Jindal’s election into office. Unfortunately, Rep. Smiley was very disappointed due to the lack of participation and support from the LA Biker Community. I told him I’d hope this particular situation would garner more attention. He wished me luck. As of this print, I can accurately say that I have received a total of only “Twelve” (12) emails from readers who received citations. They provided me answers to the eight simple questions requested to get a firm idea as to what is happening on the roads and highways. For the moment, the one thing that stands out the most is those who are being cited for non-DOT helmets are cited for “not wearing a helmet” (not a helmet that isn’t in compliance with RS 32:190). That is the “explanation” that the 12 participants have provided as to why their tickets cost $150, instead of the mandatory $50 according to RS 32:190. What is unjust is that while a non-DOT may be considered in violation, a “helmet” is still being worn and Law Enforcement Agencies who are using that description is not citing a Revised Statute that specifically describes a violation for “not wearing a helmet”. I do encourage any Law Enforcement Officer to provide me the Revised Statute that addresses “not wearing a helmet” that is stated in another RS other than RS 32:190. (I could really use your help cause I can’t find the particular Revised Statute. In the meantime, I feel we still have some time to bring this to Rep. Smiley’s attention so he can assist the Biker Community in clearing up some of these misconceptions. I have to admit I am really disappointed that more victims of helmet citations haven’t contacted us with info. I really feel that together, we can right a possible wrong. But I can’t do this on your behalf by myself. With the Gulf oil spill taking top priority at the moment, I figure we have some additional time to get this resolved, but keep in mind that there will be a continuation of violations for non-DOT helmets, despite the fact that RS 32:190 “does not” specify “DOT”. So please, if you have not emailed or faxed me with info regarding your particular citation, I urge you to do so. Be advised, 12 people will likely not make a difference. So check out the beginning of our Calendar of Events for the requested info and forward your citation info to nappy69@bellsouth.net or fax to 985-594-4322. Let’s get this done together. Please keep the families of the 11 men lost in the Horizon explosion in your thoughts and prayers as well as the families and businesses along the Gulf Coast. If the good Lord is willing, we can have a very mild to completely quite hurricane season near the wellhead. Till next month,Ride Safe,Ride Free,but just Ride!God Bless America, Our Troops and Their Families! Nappy nappy69@bellsouth.net ARCHIVES CLICK HERE FOR LETTER FROM THE EDITOR ARCHIVES of LOUISIANA Contents of this web site and all original works are copyright protected 2004 - 2010. Thunder Roads Magazine® logo is a registered trademark. No use of the contents of this website is granted without the express written consent of Thunder Roads Magazine LA. All rights reserved. Anyone using the information or materials on this web site do so at their own risk and shall not hold Thunder Roads Magazine LA, Thunder Roads Publishing or any of its affiliates responsible or liable in any way due to unauthorized use of the contents of this website or publication PLEASE SIGN OUR GUESTBOOK! FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK \| SUPPORT OUR TROOPS \| THE LATEST ISSUE \| MAGAZINE ARTICLES \| THUNDER OVER LOUISIANA \| LOUISIANA BIKER EVENTS \| EVENT PICTURES \| LEGISLATIVE NEWS \| BIKER FRIENDLY DIRECTORY \| BIKE NIGHTS \| LINKS \| CELEBRITY & MASTER BUILDER LINKS \| CONTACT US