by Gus Breiland

*Why are dead men allowed to run a red?

*In Regulation News

*Run Red

*Wow, if the British can get it right...

*How to rebuild a Triumph after a fire.

Why are dead men allowed to run a red?
Proving yet again that "Funeral Procession Right of Way Laws" are a little strange in my book, Motorcycle Struck by a Funeral Procession. In California, a motorcyclist was struck by a member of a funeral procession while crossing at a major intersection. The California Motorcycle Funeral Escort Company's employee had left the intersection and the motorcyclist proceeded to cross on green. The driver who struck the motorcyclist admitted to running the red light, but argued that the escort service was responsible for not maintaining control of the intersection for the entire procession. The motorcyclist should feel lucky that he was not struck by the hearse itself, the occupant probably would have used the age old excuse "But officer, I didn't see him…).

In Regulation News
Not often do you consider that your motorcycle is being discussed on a global stage. Your motorcycle is being discussed at the United Nations concerning emission standards, performance regulations and other topics such as Daytime Running Lights (DLR). The American Motorcycle Association (AMA) along with many other organizations are uniting their efforts to set up a global cooperative to represent your interests. Other important discussions such as Intelligent Speed Adaptation (ISA), noise testing methodology and definitions of mopeds and motorcycles with argument on stricter anti-tampering measures. If you want a voice the MMM would strongly recommend you join an organization such as the AMA and get involved.

On a similar note, the AMA has expanded its AMA Rapid Response Center that puts motorcyclists immediately in contact with federal, state and local lawmakers. Click on the AMA Rapid Response logo at www.AMA-cycle.com and you will be taken to a site where you are able to find the email address and mailing address of your officials. Not only will you be able to find your officials and get in contact with them, you will be able to tell if the are "motorcycle friendly". Current information on issues and legislation is also available.

Run Red
A bill allowing motorcyclist to run a red light under certain circumstances will be amending Minnesota Statutes 2000, section 169.06, by adding the following subdivision:

Subd. 9. {EXCEPTION FOR UNCHANGING TRAFFIC CONTROL SIGNAL.} A person operating a motorcycle may enter or cross an intersection controlled by a traffic-control signal against the red light only if all of the following conditions are satisfied:

(1) the motorcycle has been brought to a complete stop;

(2) the traffic control signal continues to show a red light for an unreasonable time;

(3) the traffic control signal is apparently malfunctioning or, if programmed or engineered to change to a green light only after detecting the approach of a motor vehicle, the signal has apparently failed to detect the arrival of the motorcycle; and

(4) no motor vehicle is approaching on the street or highway to be crossed or entered or is so far away from the intersection that it does not constitute an immediate hazard.

This is not a free for all folks. Remember, you still have to stop and you still have to give the light time. Your bike looks better on it side stand rather than mounted on the hood of a '48 DeSoto.

Wow, if the British can get it right….
Beginning in October 2002, novice British drivers will be tested to show their scanning the road for motorcycle skills. Could this be right? They're not just going to give their kids a license and keys to a Volvo to go out and play road pinball? The Hazard Perception Test is used to judge reaction time in 15 different hazards. The British government has been promising to get tougher tests developed in order to reduce motorcycle accidents caused by cars. Funny, I seem to remember it odd that during my driver's education course all of the motorcycles had a red target on them.

In other British news, motorcycles have been excluded from controversial plan to make motorists pay by the mile for road usage. The plan would have all vehicles fitted with a satellite tracking system, allowing the government to tax drivers based on the amount they contribute to congestion. The busier the road, the more the charge. Martin Helm, Department of Transport's Commission for Integrated Transport spokesman, was quoted saying "But motorcycles are not part of the problem as they don't cause congestion &endash; in fact, they're part of the solution." Wow, next thing your going to tell me is that the British are responsible for the sandwich and the electric toaster.

How to rebuild a Triumph after a fire.
Triumph has started to rebuild their factory in Hinckley, Leicestershire after their fire on March 15th 2002. The work will continue around the clock in order to start production again as of September 2002. The fire damaged the 3 and 4 cylinder production lines and part of their paint shop. The paint shop is expected to be operational by the end of April 2002.

M.M.M.