May, 2005

Paulatics on Modified Pipes            
|by Paula McCallum

A large group of bikers gathered at the Casa Loma in Bridgewater recently to take part in an informational session on modified pipes hosted by the Massachusetts Motorcycle Association. This issue came about after signs were posted in Plymouth stating "Motorcycles with Altered Exhaust Prohibited $50 Fine". But Chapter 90, Section 16 of the Massachusetts General Law reads: ... motor vehicles… with an exhaust system which has been modified in a manner which will amplify or increase the noise emitted by the exhaust… The problem with these signs is that ANY after market pipes could be subject to receive a ticket regardless of whether the exhaust is loud or not, they do not follow the letter of the law. Although, the signs have now been taken down, tickets may still be issued without the posted warning signs.

The MMA gave out copies of pertinent laws and 2 recent court cases that were overturned dealing with noise levels and modified pipes. These 2 cases set a precedent for future cases and may help you should you find yourself in a similar situation.

We were then shown a video by Flex Your Rights (to view go to http://www.flexyourrights.org). The scenario dealt with 3 teenagers pulled over for speeding. It explained how to protect your civil liberties and how to assert your rights should you be pulled over by the police.

Here are some of the points made in the video dealing with the 4, 5 and 6th Amendments: (To further educate yourself on the Bill of Rights go to http://www.law. cornell.edu/constitution/constitution.billofrights.html)

Amendment IV states: … unreasonable searches and seizures (without) probable cause …
Never consent to a search. State politely, "I don't consent to any search, sir." Consent = a legal search. An officer's "hunch" is not good enough, evidence must be in plain view so keep private items out of sight. Evidence can be suppressed if gotten without consent.

Amendment V states: … nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law…

Never confess or incriminate yourself. If an officer asks, "Do you know why I pulled you over?” Don't respond, "I guess I was speeding." Ask instead, "Why did you pull me over?" and later "Am I free to go now?"
From the Miranda Rights - Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law ...

Amendment VI states: … to have the assistance of counsel for his defense.  

Don't complain about the ticket. It's better to fight for your rights in traffic court than criminal court.

Knowing your constitutional rights and the law will help you in court should you have an encounter with law enforcement. The laws that pertain to loud or modified pipes included: M.G.L. Chapter 90, section 7S through U and section 16. These laws state specific regulations for motorcycle sound emissions, definitions, sound levels, testing regulations, maximum sound levels and offensive or illegal operation of motor vehicles. Motorcycle noise abatement, purpose, scope and applicability, allowable noise levels for motorcycles and stationary motorcycle noise measurement procedures are covered under: 540 CMR 3.00 through 3.03.

Remember it is always wise to remain courteous and respectful to law enforcement agents as well as the residents and business owners in town. Avoid revving your engine unnecessarily, traveling at high speeds or bringing any unwanted attention to yourself.

If you are issued a ticket for having modified pipes without the proper decibel reading taken in the correct manner at the time the ticket is issued, you have an excellent chance of going to court armed with the information you'll need to have the ticket dismissed. Currently, there are only 2 decibel readers in Massachusetts. But note that if you have straight pipes no sound test is necessary. Call the MMA at 1-800-4321- MMA or e-mail them at ww.mma-of-ma.com as soon as you receive a ticket. They will help you represent yourself in court. What's your other option? To just pay the $50 fine and subsequent surcharges for the next 6 years? The choice is yours.

Get involved. Attend the Storm the State House on May 19th. It will give you a chance to get to know your state representatives and to let them know you care and are willing to stand up for your rights.   

Accident Scene Management
The following information was gleaned from a talk given to us by Andy Staten and Cheryl Olsen at our last meeting on first aid safety. To read more on the subject go to: http://www.molenda.com/accident.html

Emergency Medical Card - Keep information on your bike (on a 3x5 card) with your name, address, phone #, date of birth, age, allergies, medication you're on, contact person's phone #, medical history, (i.e.; diabetes, high blood pressure) blood type, doctor's name, etc.

First Aid Kit - Buy at a place like Wal-Mart or at a sporting goods store. Place on your bike with: gloves, 4x4 dressing, roll bandages, ointment, mask, Ibuprofen, note pad/pen, scissors, etc.

Remain Calm - (breathe) you will calm everyone else by your demeanor. Get to the victim and evaluate the situation. Assess who's the most qualified person in the group? (currently certified in CPR/first aid responder). Check the victim to see if they are breathing, responding, alert.

Safety Factors - The most qualified person takes control to direct people. Divvy up tasks. Look for fire, point out gas spills or fluids on the road or high tension wires down. Make sure people don't light up cigarettes which usually happens in a stressful situation. Make sure people and bikes in your group are out of the way, off the road. Send people up and down the road to block and direct traffic.

Ask 3 Questions - Do you know where you are? Do you know your name? Do you know the date/time?

LEAVE HELMET ON Find Out Events Leading to Injury - Don't move the downed motorcycle so that how the accident happened can be evaluated. 80% of accidents are over the handlebars, 50% are alcohol related, bladders may be full and could burst. Is there blood? Burns? Reaffirm calmness to the victim.

Get Facts to Tell the EMS - Assess number of ambulance needed (if multiple persons are hurt, 1 per ambulance) - may need a helicopter, jaws of life. Utility company may need to be called for downed wires. Call from a house in the area. The 911 locator will know the location of the accident. Also, people who live in area will know landmarks to give vs. using a cell phone which may have flat/dead spots. Use a cell phone only if you know where you are, if your cell phone has GPS tracking or if there's no other option.

Ample Documentation- Get victim's name, contacts, medical info: pulse, respirations, allergies, medications, medical history, time of last meal (which will later help the anesthesiologist).

Call an Ambulance- Since bikers may seem intimidating to area residents, send a female from your group to go to a house to call 911. Or send a male in lighter clothing (not dressed in black with beards, skulls, flames, etc). Don't say "Motorcycle accident", or, "Let me use your phone", instead say, "I need to call 911"

Personal Effects- Get consent from victim and make sure there's a witness before removing wallet, purse, rings or ID (info if unconscious). You may have to remove rings if hands are swelling. Before cutting the victim's leathers, ask the person if it's OK first. If they are unconscious, consent is implied.

Acronym (UABCC) - U Urgency - Try to determine if the person's injuries are (a) minor or (b) major. If unsure, it is urgent.

A Airway - Is there something impeding their airway? This needs to be cleared immediately, without helmet removal if at all possible.

B Breathing - Is the person breathing? Determined by listening, watching their chest, feel for breath, etc.

C Circulation - Check the pulse on the throat which is the carotid artery, right next to the wind pipe, Adam's apple on either side. ONLY If pulse is not present, remove helmet if necessary and begin CPR immediately. When checking pulse on their wrist, do not check with thumb; use the two fingers next to the thumb.

C Cervical Spine Immobilization - Support the victim's head and make sure they don't move it. CONSIDER EVERY MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT A HEAD INJURY, CONSIDER EVERY MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT A CERVICAL/BACK INJURY! This is important even if they feel they can move their head normally! When you talk to the victim reassure them, keep them calm.   

Group Riding & Gear                     
by Elise Donohue

When considering Riding Gear: Aside from protection, your ability to see & be seen should be priority.

Clothing: Consider lighter colors & reflective material.

Shields, Goggles & Shades: Should be shatterproof, scratch free.

Helmets: Should be replaced every 5 years, even if you've never worn it. They will break down from the inside and keep in mind; there is unseen damage every time it is/has been dropped. This will contribute to a younger shelf life. Try to avoid the temptation to leave it on your bike seat unattended.

Over The Ankle Footwear: Discourages exhaust burns and injury.

When Choosing A Boot: Consider zippers, Velcro or a slip on boot, rather than ones with laces because they can dangle & get caught up, an unlaced boot can be just as distracting as a hair in your throat under certain riding situations. Oil resistant soles should be a consideration; they don't turn oil into gold but they do help with traction in slippery circumstances, for instance, at tollbooths or gas stations.

Now that you are ready to roll, let's go over the some questions you should ask yourself before you plan on ...

GROUP RIDING
Are you riding within your limits and your bike's limits?: If you are nervous about the ride, know that it isn't going to get any better or go away the further you get into the ride. You will know it when you are ready to embark on a group ride, and in the meantime, pay attention to that "little voice."

Is the distance of the ride realistic for you?: The ride home can always seem longer then the ride there, especially if there is a change in weather. Make certain you and your bike are up for the challenge.

Are you clear on the destination route?: Do you know where you are going, and where and when the "pit stops" for food or fuel are going to be? Coordinate stopping times based on your participants' experience, and the size of their (different) gas tanks.

Has there been a review of hand signals you will use to communicate with one another?: Never assume every rider knows the signals, give a courtesy review. Pre, present and post communication is key when riding in a group! Designate cell phone contact numbers in case of emergency.

Has there been a designated plan if the group gets split up?: In order to manage a larger group, smaller groups should be established prior to the ride. Plans within each of the smaller groups should be made for re-grouping and establish them BEFORE becoming separated. That way the yellow lights don't become a temptation or turn into a hazard.

Who is responsible for your safety?: YOU ARE!

Who will be leading the group? This position should be accepted by someone who has had group leading experience. The leader should be able to anticipate and time their hand signals within the group, far enough in advance, so by the time the signal reaches the rear of the group, the back of the pack should be able to make the appropriate riding adjustments of the signal.

Who will be taking responsibility as a sweep position?: This position should also have someone with experience. It is the last position of a group and "The Sweep" has accepted the task of making sure no one is left behind, or broken down.

What if the group is too big to feel comfortable with only one lead & one sweep?: Break up into more manageable groups & conduct each group as it's own.

What is the suggested group riding format? Staggered Formation. There should be a two second following distance between you and the person in front of you. A 1 second following distance should be established between you and the person on your front diagonal. You are creating a space cushion all around you, in case you need to maneuver. If someone falls out (leaves the pack) their spot is filled by the person on their (rear) diagonal, that means that everyone behind will re-adjust to accommodate the spot that is vacant on their front diagonal until everyone is back in staggered position. The designated sweep will remain the last position and adjust accordingly. If you are going through twisties (curvy roads) ride single file so you are have enough space cushion to comfortably ride through the apex of the corners. Single file also applies to construction zones. In that situation, increase your margin of safety to compensate for the changing road conditions.