Common Characteristics of Motorcycle Clubs

Once in a while, you may notice a long line of motorcyclists with similar vehicles and clothes riding in a formation on the highways or streets. Motorcycle clubs are close-knit organizations comprised of members who all share a love for riding, customizing, and showing off motorcycles. Due to how widespread motorcycle culture has become in recent years, there are dozens of motorcycle clubs throughout North America. Some are legally recognized and do charity work, like the Canadian Motorcycle Association or the Motor Maids. Others engage in criminal activities and have garnered a dangerous reputation, such as the Hell’s Angels or the Devils Army. 

Though motorcycle clubs can differ in their purpose, membership, and territory, there are a few characteristics that they all share. It is difficult for non-members to discern a true motorcycle club, but you should be able to identify a motorcycle club so long as it meets the following criteria. 

1. Members Must Own A Motorcycle

To be eligible to become part of a motorcycle club, you must own a personal motorcycle. Depending on the motorcycle club, you may be able to bring any type of motorcycle, regardless of the series, model, or brand. However, some motorcycle clubs are particular about all members riding only vehicles from only one specific brand, either Harley Davidson, Honda, etc. You will not be accepted into a club if you borrow a motorcycle from a friend, family member, or rental service. 

The longer you stay part of a motorcycle club, the more you will be expected to upgrade and customize your ride with the latest technological features and add-ons, such as sissy bars. You can check the complete guide about what and how a sissy bar is useful at Viking Bags.

2. Hierarchy System

Like any organization, motorcycle clubs have a hierarchy system that separates the more experienced members from the newer ones and the leaders from the subordinates. Several key roles are responsible for the financial, organizational, and decision-making that goes on in a motorcycle club. The descending order from most authority to least authority differs between motorcycle clubs, but most organizations include the following occupations: 

The founder is the original or first member of the motorcycle club. If the founder is actively involved in club decisions, s/he usually takes up the responsibilities of the president. Often among long-lasting motorcycle clubs, the founder has long since retired and has passed on leadership to someone else. 

The president serves as the leader of a motorcycle club, overseeing all meetings and acting as the organization’s spokesperson when dealing with other motorcycle clubs, law enforcement, or news groups. 

The vice president oversees and ensures the smooth operation of all motorcycle club activities, including meetings, events, rides, etc. S/he also addresses any concerns the members may have and bring up any issues to the president. Should the president be absent, the vice president will temporarily take up the president’s duties. 

The secretary is responsible for writing and storing the motorcycle club’s records, including the material covered in meetings, financial documents, and other essential paperwork. S/he also doubles as the historian, keeping track of important events in the club’s history. 

The treasurer handles the club’s funds, ensures that monthly payments from each member are on time, and ensures the organization pays all the required bills for location, repairs, and events. S/he also advises the president on how to best spend the club’s finances. 

The sergeant-at-arms ensures that every member follows the rules and disciplines those who break them. S/he has the authority to strip members of their rank and expel them from the club. The sergeant-at-arms is also responsible for security, ensuring that no dangerous individuals infiltrate the club or anyone has a weapon. 

The road captain organizes group rides, plans out the possible routes and rest stops, sets the pace of the trips, and leads the procession from the front. 

The members are full-fledged members who have earned their patches and have been accepted as subordinates in the motorcycle club. 

The prospects are individuals who wish to become members but have yet to prove themselves. They will serve a probationary period until they have fulfilled enough obligations and earned the trust of the other members. 

3. Designated Territory

Depending on the size and influence of a motorcycle club, the leadership will stake its claim within a specific neighborhood, town, or city. The larger and more well-known a motorcycle club is, the more territory the organization will have under its control. There is an unspoken rule between motorcycle clubs that members should not encroach onto each other’s territory since doing so implies a lack of respect and willingness to undermine the other party’s authority. Motorcycle clubs that have tried to move in on each other’s territory have often resulted in violent confrontations. Typically, only one major motorcycle club can occupy a state at a time. 

4. Requisite Number of Riding Miles Per Year

For motorcycle club members to remain part of the organization, they need to do more than just pay a monthly membership fee. Being part of a motorcycle club means you need to spend as much time on your motorcycle and participate in club events as often as possible. The exact value differs between motorcycle clubs, but you are required to ride a minimum number of miles as part of fulfilling your yearly obligations. Not riding the required mileage each year implies a growing lack of interest in motorcycle riding. If the leadership feels that you no longer care about the future of the motorcycle club, you may be stripped of your rank and privileges. At worst, you will be expelled from the club if you hardly touch your motorcycle and have prioritized other aspects of life. 

5. Loyalty, Responsibility, & Camaraderie

Joining a motorcycle club is a long-term commitment that requires a lot of your attention, time, and money. The motorcycle club expects you to put the needs of the organization and its members first, even over your wants and needs. If the motorcycle club has an emergency or requires your expertise, you are expected to drop everything to help. Whenever the motorcycle club organizes meetings and events, you are required to attend. Failure to do so implies a lack of interest or disregard for the authority of the older members. 

Each motorcycle member is required to pay a monthly membership fee to help cover the costs of expenses, utilities, etc. When organizing a charity or an event, you may be required to make a donation or contribute to the budget to ensure there is enough funding. 

When you become a full-fledged member, you are expected to treat the other riders as brothers and sisters and support them as if they were family. The more trust you develop, the more respect you receive from the other members. Just remember to show proper respect to the more experienced motorcyclists. 

The Qualities of Motorcycle Clubs

Motorcycle clubs are led by and formed by motorcycle enthusiasts who have a deep passion for riding on roads at high speed. Though they range from legal to illegal, motorcycle clubs are well-structured organizations with a clear hierarchy, requirements, and sets of values. Though joining a motorcycle club can be difficult and intimidating, it can be a rewarding experience for those looking to expand their social circle and experience memorable rides. 

Photo credit: Wikipedia

Despatch Riders, Thinking Ahead to Indigenous Veterans Day and Remembrance Day

Throughout its brief 155-year history, Canada has participated in many wars and conflicts across the globe. From 1867 to the modern day, hundreds of thousands of brave Canadian military personnel died defending Canada’s sovereignty or serving other nations threatened by invaders. Though the sacrifice and service of the men and women who served in Canada’s military are honored by millions every day, whether in grand gestures or quiet moments of respect, there are holidays observed in Canada dedicated to remembering the fallen. Two of these holidays are Indigenous Veterans Day and Remembrance Day. 

When you read the names engraved in stone or metal at memorial sites, graveyards, and military museums, you likely assume that these names belonged to members of the infantry, navy, and air force. Most of the fallen Canadian military personnel whose names have long since been immortalized fell while engaging the enemy on the front lines. However, there are plenty of unsung heroes whose actions played a crucial role in maintaining communication among different branches of the Canadian military. Would you believe that these unsung heroes were Canadian motorcycle riders? They were known as despatch riders. 

Despatch Riders

Despatch riders, or motorcycle couriers, were military messengers first utilized during World War I and continued to be in service during World War II. Though some despatch riders rode on horses, many preferred to travel via motorcycle. They were responsible for carrying important messages, urgent orders, confidential packages, and detailed instructions between and to the military higher-ups and their subordinates. Occasionally, they would also be required to transport carrier pigeons partway. Due to despatch rider motorcycles being able to handle all types of terrain, they also were handy in performing reconnaissance, spying, and reporting on enemy movements and positions. Despatch riders were essential since long-range communications were not as reliable or secure during the early 1900s, ensuring messages were hand-delivered and could not be easily intercepted. 

Just like any member of the Canadian military, becoming a despatch rider required going through a rigorous training process. Despatch riders had to learn how to ride a motorcycle, perform quick maneuvers on training courses, navigate and map out multiple routes, apply repairs if necessary, and travel across rough terrain for extended periods. While despatch riders were not suited for intense combat, their job was still as dangerous as any soldier’s since they risked being shot or captured while traveling along or to the frontlines. Many Canadian despatch riders met such fates in Europe during both World Wars. 

Indigenous Veterans Day

Indigenous Veterans Day, or Aboriginal Veterans Day, was first celebrated in 1994 and has always been celebrated on November 8th. This Canadian holiday celebrates the sacrifice and service of Aboriginal Canadians who protected Canada and its allies, especially during World War I, World War II, and the Korean War. Many of the indigenous veterans that are honored include members of the First Nations, the Inuit, and the Métis. 

During World War I, many able-bodied Aboriginal Canadians wanted to join the war effort. However, years of suffering in poverty and being exposed to diseases on the reserves made it difficult for many of them to pass medical examinations. The few hundreds who were allowed to head over to the trenches in Europe died either in combat or succumbed to diseases. When World War II began, a little more than 3,000 indigenous soldiers from Canada took part in the defense of Canada and the European nations under siege by German forces. 

Unfortunately, despite their contributions, Aboriginal Canadians were not treated as part of the honored fallen on Remembrance Day. Thus, Indigenous Veterans Day was founded as a separate holiday in defiance of the Indian Act that prevented indigenous people from being allowed to place wreaths on the National War Memorial. Aboriginal Canadian veterans were finally given the recognition they deserved in 1995. 

Remembrance Day

Remembrance Day was first celebrated in 1931 and has always been celebrated on November 11th. This Canadian holiday is a day meant to remember and show appreciation for all the men and women of the Canadian military, both past and present, who fought and served their country during times of war and peace. 

Originally called Armistice Day, this holiday was meant to mark the end of World War I. From 1919 to 1930, this holiday continued to be called Armistice Day, celebrated every Monday during the week of November 11th. After its name was changed to Remembrance Day in 1931, this holiday would only be held on November 11th going forward. 

Remembrance Day involves a moment of silence for the 2,300,000 Canadian soldiers who have served the nation throughout history and to remember the 118,000 fallen Canadian military personnel who died in the line of duty. Veterans and other individuals who celebrate this holiday wear a poppy, the symbol for this event. 

How to Celebrate Indigenous Veterans Day & Remembrance Day

Though an obscure part of Canadian military history, despatch riders shed no less blood and sweat than soldiers during many of the world’s most pivotal conflicts. They are just as deserving, if not more, of admiration for risking their lives on behalf of Canada. With Indigenous Veterans Day and Remembrance Day coming soon, these two holidays are the best occasions to show your appreciation for the memory of Canadian despatch riders. 

On Indigenous Veterans Day, you can plan an exciting motorcycle trip visiting notable locations related to Aboriginal Canadians or despatch riders that served during World War I and II. As there are no previous tours, you would have to be responsible for planning the routes and locations you would visit, such as the Bény-Sur-Mer Canadian War Cemetary, Manitoba, and the National War Memorial. You also may want to consider customizing your motorcycle with aftermarket parts or luggage to be better suited for such a trip.

On Remembrance Day, you can witness the National Memorial Ride, a procession of motorcycles being ridden by military veterans and associated individuals to the Canadian National Military Cemetary in Ottawa. If you happen to be a family member or close friend of a member or veteran of the Canadian military, it is possible to ride along the ranks of the procession. If you want to learn more about other notable motorcycle events or routes, take time to read articles and blog posts. 

Photo credit: Wikipedia

Fascinating Facts About Motorcycles You Might Not Have Known

 

Riding a bike might be a hobby for some people, but for most amateurs and professionals riders, it is also a lifestyle. The thrill, of going down an everlasting open road, the wind in your face, and the lure of exploring new places around every bend, is infectious and the reason why thousands of people ride motorbikes every day.  

Now, being part of a community also means knowing more about it and its people. The motorbike world isn’t without its oddities and facts, some that make you feel proud while others that leave you wondering what a wonderfully crazy world we inhabit. 

The Market Leader

When we look at the overall sales of motorbikes in the US, there is only one leader in the category, Harley Davidson. When comparing sales of different motorbike brands, reports suggest that Honda sells the most “two-wheelers”, but when considering only bikes, statistics are in favour of Harley. The company showed over 5.5 billion in revenue in 2017 and continues to grow every year.  

The “Dead Red” Law

Have you ever heard of the “Dead Red” law from 2015, signed in Indiana? It’s fascinating because it allows any biker in the state to stop at a red light for only two minutes before heading off. Basically, treat a stoplight like a stop sign and then continue with your journey while cautious of any oncoming traffic, of course. 

The Superstition

When it comes to bikes, most people look at the overall design, the mechanics, and the engine, with the colour being a distant thought towards the end. This is unlike choosing a colour for your car, which plays a more prominent role. However, were you aware that for the longest of time, green was considered a bad tone for a motorbike? The reason being that most military vehicles are green and thus several bikers on “green” bikes ended up killed during the war. That all changed over time, and now you can find different shades of green with military green being as famous as any other colour.   

Gone Forever

If you love your bike with all your heart, and cannot think about parting with it, then you better make sure it is safe at all times. Statistics show that the chance of recovering a stolen motorbike is only 30% as opposed to a car where the authorities track down almost 60% of the vehicles. However, if you own a Harley Davidson, rest assured, they are the ones least stolen. 

In the Movies

There are several iconic moments in movies that deserve mention. Like, did you know that it was stunt-driver Bud Ekins who made that jump over the fence in Steve McQueen’s The Great Escape? In fact, he did it in one shot. That’s not all, for Peter Fonda wore his now-legendary American jacket from Easy Rider for a week before shooting started. He rode his chopper all around LA to get used to the “costume” and to give it a used look. Lastly, Tim Allen starring Wild Hogs, has a scene in which we see Paul Teutul Sr and his son, two of the most popular TV personalities associated with motorbikes.

Wayside Fallen Riders Memorial Service 2020

Travel in 2020 and the changes that COVID-19 has brought to our world has made hosting events a challenge.

One has to get creative if there is to be any joy being spread! Here in Northwestern Alberta COVID-19 is a topic that has sucked the oxygen out of the room, just like it has everywhere else.

 

Alberta has entered stage two re-opening and has started to allow gatherings of up to 200 people out of doors. You have to be physically distanced, temperatures have to be checked and they want you to control the flow of human traffic to avoid people coming into contact with you. 

Some of our cities have made masks mandatory, others are not getting into the great mask debate so far.  

 

It was under these odd circumstances and the rather restrictive guidelines that one of Alberta's largest grassroots motorcycle rallies was able to host one of it's most integral ceremonies. 

Bob Ross, President of the Canadian Motorcycle Tourism Association and one of the founders of the Wayside Fallen Riders Memorial Park jumped through a lot of hoops to make the Fallen Riders Memorial service happen.

 

The Run to the Hills Memorial Rally would normally have been held July 17-19, but of course, large gatherings are still a no no, and music is a definite forbidden fruit. 

 

On the Saturday of the rally, there is always a memorial service and roll call to remember the fallen in the motorcycle community.  Never before has there been a need to have approval to host a memorial service. Thankfully Alberta Health Services approved the memorial ceremony with up to 200 people.

 

2020 has been the one thing I wished the Cancel Culture would CANCEL!

Mother Nature is obviously having some kind of episode with PMS, she is one cranky old bag!!!

In spite of the mixed bag of weather that swirled around me as I rode from Grande Prairie to Two Hills, a 7 hour ride, I managed to stay dry only getting rained on as I pulled into the event.

 

 

100 riders came out to remember their fallen. 

 

It was an emotional ceremony with many sobbing as they paid their respects. Sadly we have lost a lot of riders in the last year here in Alberta.   As Pastor Wes read out the roll of our fallen, the sun started to break through and the rest of the day was beautiful.

 

 

If you ever find yourself in Alberta (if they ever reopen our border), you need to visit Two Hills Alberta, and spend some peaceful moments in the chapel, or on the wrap around deck looking out over the rolling farmland and the Two Hills Golf Course.  

 

Wayside Fallen Riders Memorial Park in Two Hills Alberta is a place to remember and reflect, for friends, family and motorcycle family members alike.  It is a tranquil and unique spot built by riders with rider's families in mind.  Find them on Facebook

 

Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider

Fatboys Motorcycle Association Poker Rally is Aug 14-15, 2020

At the High Level Rural Hall
$50 per ticket for the entire weekend!
$5000 Grand Prize
BC/DC and The Sociables
All Proceeds to benefit Local Groups
CMTA Sponsored Event

Wayside Fallen Riders Memorial Park to hold 2 services on July 18th

Hello everyone! Sadly due to the current state of things we will not be having the traditional Run to The Hills Rally this year, however, we will still be having the annual memorial service and roll call. 

Because of the restrictions put in place due to the Covid 19 we will be having 2 services at the Wayside on July 18th, 2020.

The morning service will take place at 11 am and the afternoon service will be at 2pm. 

We hope to see many of you in attendance as we pay our respects to the many friends we have lost in the last year.



Run to the Hills Memorial Rally
Two Hills, Alberta

Watch for updates on our Facebook Page. 

No Fault Insurance in Alberta - Is Legislation is on its way?

I have been following the insurance situation in BC and Alberta very closely.

As BC gets ready for it’s launch of no fault insurance for May 1st, injury lawyers there are saying the system is not going to be fair for those who are injured. I spoke with one lawyer today who has said that between COVID-19 and the new insurance law, he has scaled back his team by 15-20 positions.

Here are some of the highlights that I pulled out of a Vancouver Sun from a March 2020 article:

“No-fault insurance means people involved in vehicle crashes can no longer sue  for damages — except in cases involving court convictions for offences like negligence, street racing, impaired driving, or in cases of faulty manufacturing, botched repairs and the over-service of alcohol by a business.

Instead, people will receive benefits, payments for medical treatment and compensation directly from ICBC, using amounts set by the province depending on the type of injury.”

“Money for pain and suffering will be eliminated for minor injuries; but for major injuries, cash compensation will be set by categories of benefits with maximum amounts set by ICBC, according to the government. Repairs to vehicles will still be handled by auto adjusters with traditional damage assessments.” “The model virtually eliminates the role of personal injury lawyers, who typically take one-third of the total amount awarded in a settlement and represent a powerful lobby group that continues to fight government reforms. They have argued a no-fault system would leave the most vulnerable victims, with the most catastrophic injuries, alone to face ICBC without legal help.

The Trial Lawyers Association of BC said the change puts the rights of injured and vulnerable British Columbians “at grave risk.”

“Today, this government is doubling down on its failed policy to take away the legal rights of British Columbians while protecting ICBC management who have gotten us into this mess in the first place,” said John Rice, association president.”

(https://vancouversun.com/news/local-news/live-b-c-to-switch-to-no-fault-auto-insurance-trim-rates-20-per-cent-in-2021/)

Injury lawyers in Alberta are equally skeptical about the situation and are anxiously awaiting the legislation they know is coming.

I spoke with one law firm that believes the writing is on the wall and their firm cited the article below as the reason they feel that it is just a matter of time that Albertan’s right to sue will be taken away.

In March of 2020 an internal document was leaked according to the Insurance Business Mag: 

An internal document from Alberta’s treasury board and finance department has recommended that the province implement a no-fault auto insurance system. The document, which was obtained by Toronto Star, was compiled by actuary firm J.S. Cheng & Partners and insurance consulting firm Cameron & Associates Insurance Consultants, in consultation with representatives from the province’s treasury board and finance department. The report was conducted as part of a claims and costs study requested in 2018.

The report called for a no-fault auto insurance system, wherein policyholders and their passengers are given compensation by their insurer without proof of fault following an accident. However, a no-fault auto insurance system also means claimants cannot sue for pain and suffering from the auto insurance system. The system effectively replaces the right to seek recovery through the civil justice system for a benefits schedule.

According to the study, the root of Alberta’s insurance cost problems is the rising cost of settling injury claims in the province. The report found that individuals who have suffered at least one of the “top four” injuries – namely, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, concussions, temporomandibular joint injuries, and whiplash-associated disorder with chronic pain lasting more than six months – are “more likely to be represented by a lawyer,” and that the percentage of claims from individuals with one or more of the injuries has gradually increased from 16% in 2010 to 30% in 2016.

The study also revealed that in 2017, pain and suffering comprised 57% of the money paid for bodily injury claims.

“The main cost driver within bodily injury claims is pain and suffering,” the study noted, adding that Albertans are “increasingly retaining legal representation to negotiate their compensation.” “Our recommendation is that the system can be modified to make it easier for a claimant to make a claim without the time consuming and costly legal process.

(https://www.insurancebusinessmag.com/ca/news/auto-motor/leaked-report-on-albertas-auto-insurance-calls-for-nofault-system-217179.aspx)

The potential model in Alberta would look like this: 

Moving to a no-fault system would help alleviate the pressures being put on auto insurance costs in Alberta, and would be a unique model in the Canadian market, according to the head of the province’s brokers.

“We feel this will kick some of the costs out of the system and also make the physical damage repairs happen a little quicker and a little more efficiently,” George Hodgson, CEO of the Insurance Brokers Association of Alberta (IBAA). “It means people get repairs and those sorts of things done to their car quicker, because you don’t have to have a fight between two insurance companies. If you get into an accident, whether it’s your fault or not, your insurance company will work at repairing your car.”

The Alberta solution calls for policyholders to be able to buy-up for tort. “You have to pay extra to have the right to sue outside of the catastrophic injuries,” Hodgson told Canadian Underwriter. “The idea is that it will reduce claims costs while at the same time giving people the right to sue if they feel they need to.”   https://www.canadianunderwriter.ca/brokers/what-a-made-in-alberta-no-fault-auto-insurance-regime-would-look-like-1004175395/

Basically what that means is that if you want to have the right to sue, you have to pay a higher insurance premium.

So as Mr Hodgson, CEO of the Insurance Brokers Association of Alberta said “This particular government seems to move pretty quickly, so I would expect that whatever they do…they’re going to do it as quickly as they can.” And we have been advised that the announcement could be made as soon as June 1st. 2020.  I have written to Minister Toews to confirm or deny that.

The folks at FAIR Alberta Injury Regulations claim that: “The Government of Alberta is reviewing Alberta’s auto insurance system. The government’s insurance reform panel is considering making Alberta’s insurance system a WCB-style, no-fault system. This system won’t save consumers money. It just means increased profits for corporations and fewer protections for Albertans.”

Visit their website at: https://fairalbertainjuryregulations.ca/

 I am waiting to hear back from Minister Toews with regards to the province of Alberta’s decision and whether or not it has been made and the framework is being put in place as the rumour mill has suggested. There is a lot of concern in the motorcycle community, I have fielded emails from a number of riders who are concerned  that already vulnerable road users will have to choose their insurances wisely or be left out in the cold when it comes to the support that they will get.  

Do we have the right to be concerned? Under the the Saskatchewan Model this is what their basics look like - this is take right from the SGI Website (https://www.sgi.sk.ca/):

GENERAL INFO:

NO FAULT: Saskatchewan residents with No Fault Coverage receive a higher level of defined benefits, regardless of who is responsible for the collision.

• They can sue for expenses not covered by the defined benefits.
• They can't sue for pain and suffering, except in very limited circumstances.
• For the majority of injured people, their claim settlement is made up entirely of defined benefits.

TORT:

• Saskatchewan residents with Tort Coverage receive a lower level of defined benefits, regardless of who is responsible for the collision.
• They can sue the responsible motorist for expenses not covered by the defined benefits.
• They can also sue the responsible motorist for pain and suffering.
• For most injured people, the defined benefits make up only part of their claim settlement.

NO FAULT: Income benefit

90% of net income up to a maximum gross salary of $98,643 annually to age 65, if required.

After 180 days, non-earners including homemakers who continue to be disabled will receive at least minimum wage.

Students will receive up to:

Elementary year: $5,770

Secondary year: $10,722

Post-secondary year: $21,443

Substitute worker or caregiver benefits available up to $47,112 per year.

Those younger than age 65 at the time of the crash and off work for at least 2 years also receive a pension equal to 10% of total income benefit received.

TORT: Income benefit

Up to $23,556 per year.

For a maximum of 2 years unless your injuries prevent you from working at all - if totally disabled, benefit will be paid for life.

Homemakers will also be paid up to $23,556 annually for a maximum of 2 years.

Those who don't qualify for the benefits above, but who are confined to a hospital, bed or wheelchair, will receive $11,752 annually for up to 1 year.

NO FAULT: Medical and rehabilitation coverage

Up to $7,194,892

TORT: Medical and rehabilitation coverage

Up to $28,159 except for those with catastrophic injuries.

Up to $211,189 for those with catastrophic injuries.

NO FAULT: Permanent impairment payment

Up to $206,181 except for those with catastrophic injuries.

Up to $251,821 for those with catastrophic injuries.

TORT: Permanent impairment payment

Up to $14,079 except for those with catastrophic injuries.

Up to $183,031 for those with catastrophic injuries.

NO FAULT: Death benefit

Surviving spouse - 45% of deceased's net income to a maximum gross salary of $98,643 per year.

Education and training allowance of up to $49,483 for dependent spouses.

Surviving dependant - 5% of the deceased's net income per dependant.

$32,988 for loss of a dependant child.

For deceased with no spouse or dependants, $16,494 payment to each surviving parent and each child older than age 21, to a maximum total of $74,226.

$10,790 funeral benefit.

TORT: Death benefit

Surviving spouse - 45% of deceased's net income to a maximum gross salary of $98,643 per year.

Surviving dependant - 5% of calculated death benefit per dependant.

$14,079 to estate of those with no spouse or dependants.

$7,040 funeral benefit.

The Liabilities in the two types of insurance are very different as well;

So what does this mean to all of us in Alberta?

From what I am led to understand, higher premiums, and the government decides your level of care, your financial compensations etc.

You gain some compensation in return for your right to sue someone who alters your life. OR you can pay BIG premiums to retain your right to sue.

Basically it will be a WCB style system and if you listen to those on WCB, I’d say we have room to be concerned.

Until we see the legislation we can’t be sure what is going to happen in Alberta.

If what has happened in Manitoba and Saskatchewan are anything to go on, hold on to your pocket books.

With regards to the support for injured riders in our province and in BC, I am waiting to hear back from Dave Munroe at A.I.M. in BC, but according to the rep from OBB their funding from their Injury Lawyer will not be impacted by the change in the insurance law, and so for them it will be business as usual.

When we know what the impact to the Association for Injured Motorcyclists will be we will let you know.

In the meantime please reach out to your MLA in Alberta and push back hard folks or it will be just one more right we lose in this province:

http://www.assembly.ab.ca/net/index.aspx?p=mla_home&rnumber=

While we are hoping there is time yet to change the course of things, the Insurance Brokers Association of Alberta sounds pretty confident that they have won this thing and that we will become a no fault insurance province.