APRIL LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
BY KEN EDWARDS
Budget information hearings have been the focus of activity in Harrisburg in March. Between now and June 30th will be when many of the trades and deals get made to move legislation through the process. A.B.A.T.E. of PA will continue to push on our top issues.
1.Rider Training.Supporting PAMSP Training classes with our instructor reimbursement program. Also supporting legislation to allow a fully refundable
deposit holding a spot in the still free to riders PAMSP training classes.
2.Profiling of motorcycles.Choice of transportation or functional apparel is not probable cause/primary offence for a traffic stop. Bikers cannot be treated differently than other road users.
3.Getting Highly Automated Vehicles to see motorcycles on the roads.Right now, the "robots" can't always see us. Bikers haven't been seen enough by this new technology to make the recognition of bikes believable.
4.Right to repair. Bikers need to be able to care for our machines and keep them on the road.Access to tuning and repair information is essential to getting the full lifespan and fair use of the product.

A.B.A.T.E.ofPA delegation was well represented at Penn DOT’s semi-annual Motorcycle Interest Group meeting. Assistant Legislative Coordinator Lenny Young, D6 Rep. Tom Detrick, APA Lobbyist Eric Bugaile and OSAL's Leisa Schmitt along with myself all participated.

Rider training and skills continue to be a high priority of the Penn DOT PAMSP.

While it is encouraging that PAMSP training is delivered to more riders each year since the COVID-19 disruption, there is still more room for improvement.

Statistics on motorcycle crashes were presented, and we are not looking better as a class of highway users. The numbers bring unwanted attention to motorcycles, standing out from other vehicles as being a higher risk.

I don’t expect that greater risk is a surprise to any of us, what may surprise many is that motorcycles are the striking vehicle in well over 90% of fatal multi-vehicle crashes.
Bikers run into stuff instead of stopping or swerving to avoid.

Bikers need to do better!

Start by improving your skills. Nobody is perfect. Practice emergency stops and evasive actions. Take one of the free intermediate or advanced rider training classes. Become an OSAL presenter to spread the word to “Look Twice, Save a Life”.

Do your part to make us better to protect our freedom of the road.
Because of budget hearings public activity has been sparse in Harrisburg but here are some highlights.
ITEMS OF INTEREST IN THE SENATE;
SB185An Act amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in lighting equipment, further providing for general lighting requirements.
Primary Sponsor: Senator Scott E. Hutchinson (R)
Last action January 24, 2025 - Referred to TRANSPORTATION (in the Senate)
*LC’s Comment: Engaged Senator Hutchinson’s office in January asking to include motorcycle safety accessory lighting. Predict PennDOT will have the final say on SB 185
Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
Repeal of Stacking for Automobile Insurance. Senator Chris Gebhard.
*LC’s Comment: Been there already. Not good for bikers.
Removal of the Ban on Level 3 Autonomous Vehicles Senator Chris Gebhard.
*LC’s Comment: Unproven technology. Last time I checked Mercedes had the only approved system called Drive Pilot. Conditional automation is legal in Germany and California. Not much data on how these vehicles play in traffic yet.

Senate Session Days
March 24, 25, 26, 31
April 1, 2

ITEMS OF INTEREST IN THE HOUSE;
HB368An Act amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in registration of vehicles, further providing for antique, classic and collectible plates. Representative Diamond
*LC’s Comments: Would allow a passenger on an antique, classic, or collectable motorcycle. Currently all of these types of vehicles cannot carry cargo or passengers.

House Co-sponsorship Memoranda
Help Make our Roadways Safer for Motorcycles & Bicycles. Rep. Donna Scheuren (Discharge of grass clippings on road)

House Session Days
March 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26
April 7, 8, 9, 22, 23, 24
Under the Dome Protecting Pennsylvania Bikers Rights
ML&R
Ken Edwards, State Legislative Coordinator

Please visit the Legislation Page to see the full list of bills we are following.