• Blue Knights Benefit Ride is Rejected by Community Board...
• Defense Wants Charges Dropped in Fatal Distracted Driver Crash...
• Disabled Bikers Take to the Open Road on Modified Bikes...
• Insurance Companies Overcharge Motorcyclists on Premiums...
• Hupy and Abraham S.C. proud sponsor of Road Guardians...

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Current News

Get news, updates, and other helpful information for bikers in Wisconsin and Illinois.

Current News For Bikers

• Blue Knights Benefit Ride is Rejected by Community Board

  The Blue Knights MC is comprised of mostly law enforcement members and it is a national organization.  The club engages in fund raising events for many community organization benefits.  One chapter of the Blue Knights MC, based in New Jersey, has been conducting a ride to benefit children afflicted with serious illnesses like leukemia and multiple sclerosis. They visit Mulberry Street in Manhatten's Little Italy district. The ride is known as "Gooch's Garlic Run" and attracts hundreds of active and retired law enforcement officers.  This year would have been the 23rd year for the ride...I say would have been because a community board voted down the application for the permit this year.
  
  The reasons given for denying the permit included noise concerns and no connection with the neighborhood by the group, since they're from New Jersey.  That seems a bit odd, since I'm sure the many wonderful restaurants on Mulberry Street do not check for residency among the clientele. Perhaps with the over zealous enforcement of loud pipes in New York, the community board didn't want to show favoritism to the Blue Knights MC.  Whatever the reason, the big losers are the research facilities and hospitals that treat these ill children. Secondary to that, the pasta merchants will certainly lose out also with several hundred hungry cops looking for Mexican or Chinese take-out instead.
  
  No worry and no need to start singing Core 'ngrato.  The Blue Knights MC say they intend to pay the toll from New Jersey into Manhatten and will be eating in Little Italy this June. There's no law against that. We'll have to wait to see how the community board handles this situation, but good for the Blue Knights. They're sticking to their plan, permit or not. - 1 - 10

• Defense Wants Charges Dropped in Fatal Distracted Driver Crash

   

  On May 2, 2009, Anita Zaffke was stopped at a red light on Old McHenry Road, near Lake Zurich, Illinois. She was fully geared with leathers, heavy boots and a helmet. Anita was an experienced motorcyclist who had taken a solo bike trip to British Columbia. Unknown to her, Laura Hunt was approaching the intersection at a high rate of speed. Reckless as that was, it's unconscionable to think she was painting her fingernails while driving and didn't see Zaffke until after she slammed into the stationary motorcycle.  Zaffke was killed and the incident brought national attention to the problem of distracted drivers crashing into motorcycles.
  
  Hupy and Abraham, S.C. started a campaign to promote safety with its "Watch for Motorcycles" message on stickers, billboards, news paper articles and other venues.  To date, the firm has spent over $100,000 on this important program.  The "Watch for Motorcycles" bumper stickers have been seen as far away as Washington State, California, Florida, Texas and New York. We hope it will help in reducing the number of senseless injuries and deaths.
  
  The attorney for Laura Hunt has asked that reckless homicide charges against her be dropped. This has outraged many motorcyclists, especially in Illinois and Wisconsin, who have been working tirelessly to urge increased penalties for such offenses.  Greg Zaffke, Anita's son, even has a web site dedicated to this cause.
  
  Lake County Circuit Judge Fred Foreman will rule on the motion to dimiss the homicide charge on February 11, 2010. Meanwhile, Laura Hunt remains free on $100,000 bond awaiting trial on March 1, 2010.
  - 2 - 10

• Disabled Bikers Take to the Open Road on Modified Bikes

  If you are a biker who is wheelchair-bound riding a motorcycle may seem like an untouchable dream.  Though there are modifications for disabled bikers to ride along with a friend there have not, thus far, been a lot of ways for disabled bikers to ride solo.  All of that is changing.

  Thanks to Mobility Works, a national wheelchair accessible van dealership based out of Akron, OH, 45 Mobility Conquest Trikes will be sold across the nation.  With showrooms in Illinois and Wisconsin chances are a Conquest Trike may be coming to a location near you.

  The bike is able to go from zero to 60 in 7.6 seconds and has a 15-second quarter mile time.    In order to ensure that wheelchair-bound bikers can get into and operate the bike on their own a ramp at the rear allows a rider to pull themselves up onto the bike. 

  Once on the bike an electronic clamp holds the chair in place.  Changing gears, even braking is made accessible though an electronic push-button cluster under the left-hand grip.

  The Conquest Trikes are modified BMW's and have been available in the UK since 2005. 

   

  The attorneys and staff at Hupy & Abraham are excited about the possibilities this bike presents.  Hopefully this motorcycle and others like it can help the disabled biker community once again feel the freedom of the open road. 

  - 3 - 10

• Insurance Companies Overcharge Motorcyclists on Premiums

  On January 14, 2010, the Attorney General of Massachusetts, Martha Coakley, released information that her office had recovered $11.1 million in motorcycle insurance overcharges.  Massachusetts has one of the highest premium rates for motorcycles in the country and it was learned that certain insurance providers were using improper methods to determine premium charges.
  
  The year long investigation, prompted by consumer complaints found that instead of calculating collision and comprehensive premiums based on the actual cash value of the motorcycle (ACV), some companies were using the "new" value of the bike over a period of years. For instance, a 1999 Harley-Davidson was charged a premium based on a $20,000 value, from 2003 through 2008, even though the bike was worth less than $20,000 in 2003 and much less ($11,000) in 2008. Over the years, these inflated premium charges cost consumers millions.
  
  Liberty Mutual, Quincy Mutual Fire Insurance and Safety Insurance have reached settlements with the Attorney General's Office regarding overcharges dating back to 2002.
  
  Massachusetts law prohibits unfair or deceptive acts or practices, such as the unfair rating practices used by the above insurance companies.  The Massachusetts Motorcycle Association (MMA) has been concerned about these unfair insurance practices and brought these concerns, along with consumers, to the Attorney General's attention years ago.  The MMA is pleased that this situation has finally seen the light of day and consumers will recover some of their losses. - 4 - 10

• Hupy and Abraham S.C. proud sponsor of Road Guardians

  
  
  
  Hupy and Abraham, S.C. was the first business to sponsor the new Road Guardians national motorcycle safety resource program.  Road Guardians (RG) launched on January 7, 2010, and its goal is to reduce injuries and fatalities to motorcyclists by Promoting Safety on the Road...and more.  The RG web site is a one stop site for motorcycle safety information. Included in the resource section are biker owned businesses suggested by bikers. There is a Branded Incentive & Recognition Program within RG, with three levels of achievement.  Certified RG members have the highest training.
  
  Hupy and Abraham, S.C. is a major financial supporter of Accident Scene Management, which teaches some of the required courses to move up the ranks in RG. Now Hupy and Abraham,S.C. is proud to be associated with the Road Guardians program because we know that the key to reducing injuries and fatalities is education.
  
  On March 26-27, 2010, the Road Guardians will present the Biker's Betterment Conference at the Doubletree O'Hare Hotel and Conference Center.  This is a must attend conference for anyone interested in promoting safer motorcycling.  Special guest speakers, panel discussions, workshops, safety related vendors and demonstrations will educate and entertain participants.  The room block for the hotel ends March 12, 2010, so hurry to make your reservations for this important conference. Attendees will include the MSF, NHTSA, AMA, ABATE, Accident Scene Management instructors, Rescue Riders, Total Control, Inacorp and others.  This is the first conference of its kind, presented by bikers for bikers, looking for real solutions regarding proper control, alcohol awareness, distracted drivers, proper accident scene management and more. - 5 - 10

• A Victory for the Right to Wear Colors

  On December 18, 2009, the provincial court in Saskatoon, Canada, ruled that a law banning the wearing of club "colors" in public was unconstitutional.  The law, Section 60.1 of The Safer Communities and Neighborhoods Act, was supposedly designed to protect communities and make them safer. In reality, the law does nothing to make communities any safer and more pointedly, it violates basic freedoms of expression and speech.
  
  Judge Albert Lavoie ruled that all charges be dropped against Jesse Leigh Bitz, who was charged under Section 60.1 for wearing his club colors in a Saskatoon bar.  It is not known if the Crown will appeal the decision. Meanwhile, several people facing similar charges have learned that their hearing has been postponed until January 11, 2010.
  
  This ruling is encouraging, given the number of like cases and situations in the United States.  These rulings do not prohibit private businesses from posting dress codes, but they do prohibit government agencies from coercing private enterprise to conform with what the state thinks is proper. - 6 - 10

• Author James Richard Larson Completes Fifth Novel

  
  
  James Richard Larson, a Navy veteran of the Vietnam War, is an accomplished novelist and recently completed his fifth novel, The Mirror: A Biker's Story.  This book is set in Milwaukee and tells the story of the Skuldmen MC and Michael Beckman who is a club prospect. There is adventure on every page and some super-natural elements that will keep you on edge as you read this biker tale.  Interestingly, Larson has included a brief cameo appearance of Hupy and Abraham, S.C. investigator, Tony "Pan" Sanfelipo in the book.  He hand delivered a signed copy of The Mirror to Pan at his home in Mukwonago on Pan's birthday.  Larson also gave Pan's wife, Vicki, a copy of his book, The Eye of Odin, because they share a Swedish ancestry and allure to all things Viking. 
  
  
  The Mirror was a collaborative effort between Larson and Edward Winterhalder, another biker author. Winterhalder is one of the world's leading authorities on motorcycle clubs and has appeared on numerous television shows, including Bravo, Discovery, National Geographic and the History Channel. The two have worked together on a number of books, including All Roads Lead to Sturgis. You can read more about the authors and their writings on a review page on the internet.
  Besides giving Tony Pan a copy of the book, Larson also gave him a book for Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker. In The Mirror, Walker is the governor of Wisconsin (Walker will formally announce his candidacy for governor in June, 2010).  Tony Pan visited Walker's office and the County Exec was thrilled to receive his copy of the book.
  
  Larson and Winterhalder will visit Milwaukee sometime in April, 2010 to do book signings at motorcycle businesses and other venues. We'll announce those locations and dates when we have them. - 7 - 10

• Harley-Davidson Recalls 2009-2010 Touring Models

  Harley-Davidson is recalling 111,569 of its touring motorcycles in order to reinforce the front fuel tank mounts, which could distort in crashes and cause fuel leaks and possible fires.
  
  This voluntary recall affects certain 2009-2010 model-year touring bikes, including CVO and Trikes. No known fires, injuries or deaths have been reported due to the defect.  Harley-Davidson said it crash-tested a 2010 model bike in May, 2009, and determined the bike did not meet company requirements for fuel containment.
  
  In 2009, through September, Harley-Davidson shipped 187,085 motorcycles, down from 226,898 for that same time period in 2008. That same year, 47,579 of the 2008 touring models were recalled because of a defect in the fuel filter shell which caused bikes to slow down or stall.
  
  Owners of 2009-2010 Harley-Davidson touring models affected will be notified in the coming weeks to schedule appointments with local dealers for proper repairs. - 8 - 10

• Helmet Removal System Mandated

  About half of the states in our country mandate helmet use for motorcyclists. Now, many race organizations mandate the removal of helmets by using a particular device. The Eject Helmet Removal System (Eject), developed by Shock Doctor, is now required to be used in all helmets worn in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock Car and Pro Stock Motorcycle classes of the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA).
  
  The Eject is a system which incorporates either a CO2 cartridge or squeeze bulb to inflate an air bladder installed inside the helmet. When inflated, the bladder gently lifts the helmet off of the person's head without applying excessive pressure or traction to the cervical spine.  Accident Scene Management, Inc,(ASMI) is dedicated to teaching bystanders how to assist injured motorcyclists at the scene of a crash. Recently it tested the Eject system. One of the areas of instruction in ASMI is the proper technique of removing a full face helmet.  ASMI found the device to be all that the manufacturer claimed it to be. Still, the device alone will not suffice. Trained rescuers are still needed to guide the helmet past the nose while stabilizing the neck.  Furthermore, there is an Eject System that can be inserted in a helmet by EMT's if the helmet wasn't equipped with one. The amount of time needed to remove a helmet from a non-breathing person, utilizing the Eject insert system, is a matter needing more study and consideration according to ASMI. ASMI instructs students that only full face helmets should be removed by bystanders and only if the crash victim is not breathing.  Protocols for Emergency Medical Technicians may vary and some departments remove all helmets to accommodate better stabilization capabilities.
  
  Besides the NHRA, the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) now requires the Eject system for all licensed pro-riders in the Supercross and Outdoor National Motocross Series.
  
  Accident Scene Management, Inc is a non-profit, 501 (C) 3 organization with instructors in 26 states. ASMI has taught over 15,000 people what to do at the scene of a motorcycle crash and is the curriculum used by Rescue Riders. Hupy and Abraham, S.C. is the major financial sponsor of ASMI, contributing over $50,000, and recently donated $7,500 to Rescue Riders for additional training.
  
  Shock Doctor is a global brand leader in the technology of protective gear for sports, including hockey, football, baseball, soccer, martial arts and boxing in addition to motorsports safety equipment.

  - 9 - 10

• Harley Named Official State Motorcycle in Wisconsin?

  The Harley-Davidson name brings to mind the freedom of the open road.  The first Harley was built in 1903 and to this day it remains a symbol of America's ingenuity and entrepreneurial spirit.  If the Wisconsin Legislature passes a current proposal the bike will also be known as the official state motorcycle of Wisconsin. 

  Assembly Democrat Leon Young of Milwaukee is cosponsoring the bill. 

  "The legislation, as it goes through the process, I think we'll find out more and more about the history of the Harley-Davidson company."

  The designation as Wisconsin's official motorcycle was requested by the family of Staff Sergeant Jeremy Vrooman.  The young veteran was killed while serving in Iraq last year. 

  Some have questioned the need for an official state motorcycle.  Young, along with the bills cosponsor, Democrat Spencer Coggs, believe that the designation does have merit.

  "If that's the case, we could say do we really need a state animal or a state dance?"

   

  No matter where you stand on the issue the attorneys and staff at Hupy & Abraham always welcome recognition of motorcycles and their riders.  We work tirelessly to promote motorcycle safety and have initiated the nationwide safety program "Watch for Motorcycles".

  To learn more about your rights as a biker please click here to request our free DVD, Valuable Information Insurance Companies Don't Want You To Know.

  - 10 - 10

Chad A. Kreblin

online at

visit superlawyers.com

Michael F. Hupy

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visit superlawyers.com