marauder@fluke.UUCP (Bill Landsborough) (11/26/85)
I just read the latest action against ATV's (All Terrain Vehicles) in
the November 13, 1985 issue of Cycle News and was so upset by it that
I thought I would repeat it to net.cycle.
"Congressman John Conyers (D-MI) has introduced a bill
withholding federal highway improvement funds from states
that do not make it illegal for persons under age 16 to ride
ATV's. The bill, H.R. 3325, says '...that States shall
establish certain requirements respecting all-terrain
vehicles as a condition to the receipt of funds for highway
construction...that no individual in the State may operate
an all-terrain vehicle who is under the age of 16 or under
the minimum age required for the operation of a motorcycle,
whichever is older.' The bill goes on to say that no
individual may operate an ATV unless that individual has
been issued a license to operate an ATV. The bill defines
an ATV as a '...motorized vehicle which does not weigh more
than 500 pounds, is not wider than 50 inches, has three or
more wheels, and is designed to be straddled by the
operator.' To express an opinion on the bill, write to
Conyers or your own congressman at House of Representatives,
Washington, DC 20515."
This is clearly legalized blackmail! They are doing it with
the 55 mph speed limit and now they are attacking motorized
forms of recreation and travel! Motorcycles are just around
the corner. I honestly feel that the only reason that
Congress and the Consumer Protection Agency are picking on
ATV's so strongly and successfully is that the riders and
supporters are not well organized. There are far more
accidents and fatalities from bicycles and horses than there
are from ATV's. Stuart M. Statler of the Consumer Product
Safety Commission is trying to BAN AND RECALL all ATV's! I
quote Mr. Statler on April 3, 1985 in his report regarding 3
wheel ATV's, "...I believe serious consideration needs to be
given in the months ahead to the advisability of seeking a
halt in future 3-wheeled ATV production and possibly
recalling all such vehicles previously sold."
Get mad and stop this insanity before these stuffy old
legislators determine that anything without bumpers and
seatbelts should be outlawed!
Bill Landsborough
---
I have to say that these opinions expressed are mine alone
and my employer is much too nice to agree.