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TagsSen. Sacco proposal creates a new category of low-speed cycles
Legislation which establishes safety guidelines for new motorcycle operators in an effort to improve rider safety in New Jersey has been signed into law by Gov. Chris Christie.
Under the bill, if a person is issued a motorcycle license for a vehicle with a smaller-size engine — less than 231 cubic centimeters — they are legally prohibited from operating a motorcycle with an engine displacement of more than 500 cc.
Sen. Nicholas Sacco (D-Hudson), the measure's sponsor, said the provision ensures that new motorcycle riders are restricted from operating vehicles with engines that are too powerful for that driver's skill level.
The bill (S-736) also creates a new category of low-speed motorcycles to address the increased use of small motorcycles, and prohibits low-speed motorcycles from being operated on limited-access interstate highways of public roads with speed limits in excess of 35 miles per hour.
The measure allows the state Motor Vehicle Commission to waive requirements for a motorcycle license or endorsement for holders of an examination permit if that holder completes a recognized motorcycle safety education course. The bill also requires all applicants under the age of 18 to complete a motorcycle safety program as a condition for licensure or endorsement.
Finally the bill clarifies the times, roadways and conditions on which holders of an exam permit may practice. The bill prohibits permit holders from operating a motorcycle in the dark, carrying passengers and operating a motorcycle on the state's toll roads or limited access highways.
"As motorcycles continue to grow in popularity, more and more people are getting into accidents involving motorcycles on our roadways," Sacco, the chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee, said. "The Federal Highway Authority estimates that about 2,500 motorcycles are involved in traffic accidents each year in New Jersey, and the state Division of Highway Safety reports that motorcycles accidents account for 70 or more fatalities and nearly 2,000 injuries each year. We have to recognize the facts, and do all we can to make sure that operating a motorcycle is as safe as possible in the Garden State."
— TOM HESTER SR., NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM
Really? The State tries to reinforce safe and responsible riding by requiring training for young prospective riders and tries to eliminate the problem of people being licensed on small scooters and then purchasing a 1000cc plus motorcycle with power and weight they are unable to manage and you're mad? I applaud the State for trying to protect its population, especially those of us who chose to ride on two wheels. Your skill level does account for accident prevention. As an MSF RiderCoach with thousands of students trained I'm quite pleased to tell you that all of those situations you described are yours to control. Your ability to manipulate controls quickly and properly, dress appropriately, and stay focused while processing the information in front of you is what keeps you from getting hit. There are plenty of "bad drivers' in NJ. They are just as disrespectful and dangerous to those in cars. You notice them more on your bike because you are less visible and more exposed. You go ahead and "rally the troops" against this move. The legislation makes you safer. Or maybe you are a "helmets infringe on my rights" kind of person and I should forget the logic. Cheers.
I would love for these politicians to discover and experience the pleasure and freedom of motorcycle riding before coming up and passing these laws that take more and more from us without knowing the reality. Let me end this comment by saying that both of these officials have lost my vote and I will make sure that that the motorcycle club I belong to (with several hundred members) and the motorcycle online forum (with 10's of thousands members) that I belong to as well, know who these "public servants" (yeah right) are and what they are doing to restrict our passion. I hope this gets to the eyes and ears of Senator Sacco & Governor Christie & have them reconsider. Thank you.