AMA targets light sentences
The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) has launched “Justice for All,” a nationwide initiative that focuses on inadequate sentencing of drivers who seriously injure or kill motorcyclists. Justice for All advocates legislation establishing tougher penalties when traffic offenses or criminal actions by other motorists result in a motorcyclist’s death or serious injury, a move that also would benefit other vulnerable road users such as bicyclists and pedestrians.
The program includes cooperation with state and local motorcycling organizations, efforts by AMA Community Councils, and a variety of opportunities for individual motorcyclists and other concerned citizens to become involved.
Justice for All also will feature events that coincide with the 2004 Black Hills Rally in Sturgis, South Dakota.
In late January, former U.S. Rep. Bill Janklow received just 100 days in a South Dakota county jail for second-degree manslaughter related to a traffic crash that killed a motorcyclist.
GOLDFINE ELECTED TO AMA BOARD
Andy Goldfine of Aerostich/Riderwearhouse Catalog in Duluth, Minnesota, has been elected to serve as a corporate member of the AMA board of directors. Goldfine was elected during the annual corporate member meeting, held Feb. 14, in Indianapolis. He fills the seat previously held by Mike Buckley of Dunlop Tire Corporation, who stepped down from his position on the AMA Board after six years of service.
VELOSOLEX RETURNS TO AMERICA
The French moped Velosolex has returned to America. Powered by either pedals or its auxiliary 49cc engine with an electronic ignition system, front-wheel drive, automatic centrifugal clutch, front and rear brakes, it is said to be quiet, lightweight and easy to handle.
The Velosolex gets approximately 200 miles per gallon of fuel and is basically the same vehicle today as it was 70 years ago. The Velosolex was the original “CycloMoteur” — Motorcycle. For more information, contact: Velosolex America, LLC, 501 Kennedy Blvd, North Bergen, NJ, 07047; 201/ 863-7600; www.velosolexamerica.com.
TECMATE TO OPEN CANADIAN OFFICE
TecMate International SA, the Belgian company known for its battery chargers and testers and electronic diagnostic andair intake synchronizing tools, plans to open a North American office and warehouse early early this year. The new office will be located near Toronto and will do business as TecMate North America.
TecMate says the new office will allow it to provide better service to the North American market in general, especially with local technical and marketing support, repairs and servicing, and shortly thereafter, warehousing of products near Buffalo, NY.
In charge of Market Development & Support at the new office will be Mike Cooper, while the operation will be under the overall direction of Martin Human, TecMate International’s technical director and one of the founding partners, who carries responsibility for TecMate’s product development & manufacturing.
Motion Pro, of San Carlos, Calif., will continue its role as U.S. importer of TecMate products. Canadian distributors will be supplied and serviced directly by TecMate North America.
HARLEY-DAVIDSON EXTENDS TRUCK PACT
Harley-Davidson and Ford plan to extend their alliance through 2007, which means three more years of licensed Ford Harley-Davidson F-Series trucks. “We’ve sold nearly 40,000 trucks since we introduced the first Ford Harley-Davidson F-150 in 1999,” said Steve Lyons, Ford Division president. F-250 or F-350 SuperCab or Crew Cab, and limited edition 4×4 models are now offered. Production began last November and to date, more than 90% of customers have ordered Crew Cab models powered by Ford’s 6.0-liter Power Stroke diesel engine. Ford and Harley-Davidson forged an alliance in 1999 to celebrate their corporate heritage and shared 100th Anniversaries in 2003.
CIARLETTA DIES AT SUPERCROSS EVENT
Jason Ciarletta, 19, of Riverside, Calif., was fatally injured during a race at the AMA Supercross event in San Diego, Calif. Ciarletta reportedly crashed during a qualifying heat. The AMA reports that that this was the first fatality in the 31-year history of AMA Supercross racing.
