AMA Warns of Proposed Cuts to Rider Safety Programs

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The American Motorcyclist Association warns motorcycle and all-terrain vehicle riders nationwide that cash-strapped states may try to raid funds earmarked for rider safety programs to balance their budgets.

In fact, Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm (D) has already asked her state’s Legislature to eliminate Michigan’s Motorcycle Safety Education Program and the Off-Road Vehicle Safety Education Program. She eliminated the programs from her proposed Fiscal 2004 state budget, which was recently sent to lawmakers for consideration.

“Michigan motorcyclists and ATV riders must act now to prevent the loss of these valuable programs,” said Imre Szauter, AMA legislative affairs specialist. “And riders in other states need to keep a close watch on their lawmakers to be sure that their safety programs aren’t threatened as well. We understand that several states are considering cutting their motorcycle safety programs as part of their efforts to balance their budgets.”

In Michigan, the AMA urges motorcyclists and ATV riders to contact the governor and their state lawmakers to tell them that the safety programs are self-supporting — paid for through fees collected from motorcyclists and ATV riders. And since the governor’s proposal would eliminate the fees collected to support the programs, the state would see no money savings.

Michigan riders can easily send messages to their government officials asking them to keep the rider training programs, by using the StateWatch section of the Rapid Response Center at the AMA website at www.AMADirectlink.com.

Riders in other states are encouraged to check out what issues face them by going to their state in the StateWatch section of the Rapid Response Center.