The Virginia Biker Network » Motorcycle News

Tickets Issued at Virginia Beach Bike Classic

Hersey — Wed, 04 May 2011 23:36:33 +0000

The Virginia Beach Bike Classic was held this weekend at North Beach landing in Virginia Beach , Virginia . It was great to be there and see a lot of friends from Virginia and the Carolinas . However the event was marred by law enforcement. The Virginia State Police in conjunction with the Virginia Beach Police Department set up a few miles from the event and wrote tickets for offenses such as unapproved helmets, illegal exhausts, improperly mounted license plates, etc. It was reported at one point that they were refusing those without a “DOT Approved” helmet to proceed further and forced them to go back to the event a buy a new helmet.

If you or anyone that you know received such a ticket at the Virginia Beach Bike Classic please contact me and I will represent you at no charge. These charges are improper given the law in Virginia . For those in favor of mandatory helmet use this is not an attack on helmets. I respect the right of every motorcyclist to hold an opinion on this matter. However this is not about helmets, it is about ensuring that the police follow the law. If they are going to stop and charge people they should at least be familiar with the statutes under which they are charging them.

I also want to reiterate that I am not anti-law enforcement. As an ex police officer and an ex prosecuting attorney I have an extensive law enforcement background. However, to many times I see motorcyclists charged for not wearing a helmet approved by DOT when the law in Virginia does not require that a helmet be approved by anyone. I also see tickets for illegal exhausts merely because the officer does not like the sound of the exhaust. I have seen tickets for improperly mounted license plates merely because the license plate is mounted vertically instead of horizontally. Virginia law does not prohibit vertically mounted license plates. I have even seen a few handle bar height tickets when that law was repealed in 2003. You are not guilty of an offense simply because an officer says that you are. You are only guilty if you have violated a statute or ordinance. A great number of people charged at the Virginia Beach Bike Classic did not violate any state or local law.

That is why I think it is important to challenge these tickets even though they are non-moving violations. If we as motorcyclists merely pre-pay them because it is too much of a hassle to go to court and fight then we will continue to receive improperly issued tickets. So if you have received such a ticket please contact me and I will be happy to take the case(s) at no charge.

Matt Danielson
McGrath & Danielson
Tom McGrath’s Motorcycle Law Group
1-800-321-8968
Motorcyclelawgroup.com

HB 1850 News Story from WTVR in Richmond

Hersey — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 00:19:09 +0000

Watch the report here:
http://www.wtvr.com/videobeta/28682018-9bc3-4c71-a756-56084882f50d/News/Mark-On-Motorcycle-Bill

Now contact your delegate an ask them to not support this bill.

Motorcycle fatals increase in Va.

Hersey — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 11:45:55 +0000

More motorcyclists are traveling Virginia’s roads, and a Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles spokeswoman says that’s contributed to an increase in fatal accidents involving motorcycles.

Since 2001, DMV spokeswoman Melanie Stokes says, motorcycle registration in Virginia has jumped by 105 percent.

According to the DMV, 38 motorcyclists were killed during the first six months of the year. That’s a 19 percent increase from the same six-month period in 2009.

Virginia recorded 71 motorcycle deaths and 1,506 injuries for all of 2009.

Read the full story here…

Motorcycle safety course for Norfolk sailors

Hersey — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 11:42:47 +0000

There was thunder on the Norfolk Naval Station this morning as members of the Navy participated in a free motorcycle safety course.

Naval Stations are no stranger to the rumbling sound of a motorcycle engine.

Due to high gas prices, an unpredictable schedule, and a shortage of parking on base, more sailors are buying motorcycles now than ever before.

Read the full story here…

Monday, June 21, 2010 is Ride to Work Day!

Hersey — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 16:57:29 +0000

Ride to Work Day is Monday, June 21st. We hope you will ride to work, …or just for fun, …or for your errands. Please tell all of your riding friends about the event. Any ride from A to B is important. All riders can help increase awareness about the benefits of riding. Your support and participation will help make a positive difference.

More information here – RidetoWork.org

10 killed on Virginia roads over Memorial Day weekend

Hersey — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 00:34:22 +0000

RICHMOND – State Police say ten people were killed on Virginia roads during the Memorial Day weekend.

Troopers tell us that three of the deaths were motorcycle riders, including one man who hit a deer in Clarke County.

Read the Full Story Here…

Motorcyclist Deaths on the Rise

Hersey — Fri, 07 May 2010 10:53:40 +0000

If you are getting married or graduating this weekend, congratulations! You have won the weather lottery. The forecast is nothing short of perfect: Sunny, clear skies, and temperatures will be in the upper-to-mid 60s. Classic spring.

The good weather is likely to draw more motorcyclists to the highway. If you do ride this weekend, be careful. Since the beginning of 2010, 19 motorcyclists have died in vehicle crashes in Virginia, a 27 percent increase in motorcyclist deaths from the same 5-month period in 2009.

This rise seems especially ominous since no one was driving anywhere for a week or so in February 2010.

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles was concerned enough to put out a statement on the latest numbers, encouraging motorcyclists to take safety precautions.

“Riding a motorcycle requires extra caution and concentration, and the proper training,” said John Saunders, director of the Virginia DMV Highway Safety Office. “Helmets, eye protection and the right protective clothing – coupled with training – can make motorcycle riding a fun and exciting experience.”

Read the full story here.

Fatal crash on James River Bridge sparks questions about safety for motorcyclists

Hersey — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 00:47:40 +0000

A freak accident on the James River Bridge on Saturday night has raised new questions about the safety on local bridges for motorcyclists.

Garlon Turner, 60, of Suffolk was traveling south on the James River Bridge when a strong wind gust flipped his 2007 Harley Davidson over. State Police and safety instructors say they might never know how fast the gust of wind was, but there are steps motorcyclists can take to enhance safety.

Melanie Stokes, a spokeswoman for the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, said motorcyclists need to exercise great caution whenever going over bridges or overpasses.

Read the full story here…