Riding Free

Driving down the road last week (early Dec) I heard a public service announcement that actually caught my attention so I thought I’d write something about it. That being decided I promptly forgot all about it. Fast forward a few days and some friends heard the same announcement and sent me an email on it. Saved again.
The PSA was about the fact DUI laws apply to bikes as well as cars. Most people would have no objection with that. However since the announcement only mentioned an American made motorcycle, its specific sound and had a Harley revving in the background we found it highly objectionable. It appears the state of Connecticut is stereotyping Harley riders as drunks. I’m amazed HD hasn’t commented on it. Another form of stereotyping based on what you ride. Had it just said motorcyclists should remember that DUI laws apply to them there would be no issue. On the lighter side would you expect a fair, impartial intelligent PSA from the people who broadcast it in the middle of winter when the majority of bikes are put away for the season? Maybe the brain trust will run anti-drunk snowmobiling or sledding PSAs in July or August?
This would be a good cause for the CMRA to look into. Stereotyping a group of people based on their mode and brand of transportation. Sad part is that won’t happen anytime in the near future. This year depending on how the economic crisis plays out, how much of a smoke screen the politicians want out there to cover their ineptitude and incompetence they may try to push a helmet bill. If it comes about it will be hard fought battle. As it has been written before the CMRA is a victim of its own success, 25+ years without a helmet bill passing in this state. People have forgotten that it could still happen. Apathy has set in. People have forgotten the CMRA still needs your help. Support is definitely needed and I thank all of you who have remained members. Now that the kids are grown maybe you could step up your involvement a little. People are needed to fill all types of positions from making out flyers to setting up notification systems (to let people know of threats to their freedom) and everything in between. Please don’t be shy come down to a meeting, I’ve heard it put they are no worse than a root canal. I figure they’re about the same. In my mind the more you get involved with the CMRA the more you carry on a tradition that was started in 1776 the picking up and carrying the torch of freedom that has been handed down to every generation since. If you’re laughing at this think for a moment, all freedom whether it is the right for people to vote, live where they want anything and everything begins with personal freedom. If we as individuals don’t have freedom to ride how we want, how can America claim to be or stay free? I remember hearing that a federal politician once called “bikers the bastion of freedom” just because we stood up for our rights and freedom.
If you enjoy riding the way you want and have been a member thanks again for your support. If your buddy is sitting there enjoying his freedom yet not helping us he owes you. Tell him to put his money where his ride is and join the CMRA so the both of you can carry the torch. Remember the lifestyle you enjoy in the wind is threatened everyday by people wanting to control how and what you ride. Just say NO to them, join the CMRA.
Ride free