You know that the riding season is coming to an end as toy runs are taking place right across this country. It is one of those bitter sweet things that many riders love being a part of.
It's a wonderful feeling being a part of something that gives so much joy even though we seldom get to see the result first hand. I have had the pleasure of volunteering at our local Salvation Army during the Christmas distribution of hampers and gifts and I can tell you that it is an amazing feeling. When you see the parent/s - the working poor and those unable for a variety of reason to work or find work and the happiness on their faces, well it really drives home why we riders do this every year.
Many of you know that some 23 years ago, my daughter and I were beneficiaries of the generosity of the motorcycle community. I know first hand how grateful my daughter and I were. It is the reason I attend as many Toy Runs as I can. I have always paid that kindness forward.
It is my fondest hope that every toy run be a huge success and that every rider who attends remembers the reason behind the runs and donates as generously as their budgets will allow - every child deserves a present under the tree on Christmas day.
I would love to hear your personal stories about toy runs - why you attend, have you ever been a beneficiary or known someone who has been? What the runs mean to you...
In other news:
On TV: OCC is facing foreclosure and Sons of Anarchy is back
KTM has announced a number of recalls
Michelin has a new tire out that they claim will last 40K kilometres
In Newfoundland they are getting geared up for the Wild Rose Show n Shine and Ride for Wildlife
In Comox BC they are getting geared up for their toy run
In Lloydminster SK/AB they are getting geared up for their first toy run!
For all the toy runs we know about, visit our events calendars!
Don't forget our MC Events App - have you downloaded it to your phone yet?
There is a lot of info in the news feeds today that might affect your life as a rider, to stay informed visit www.beltdrivebetty.com
I have lots on the agenda today - I am putting the finishing touches on the Real Lady Riders Calendar and hoping to start the Men's Calendar today - you can buy a calendar by pre order only!
If you are a lucky dawg and riding today, please ride like everyone around you is blind and can not see you and remember to use respect with that right hand...who knows who you might be waking up or disturbing if you don't.
Have a safe weekend, enjoy the toy runs and last of the season events...
Until Monday...
Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider
Friday, September 09, 2011
Thursday, September 08, 2011
What is it going to take to get riders to support each other in Alberta - In Canada?
For years I have been calling for riders to get on board with forming a Coalition here in Alberta.
BC has the BC Coalition of Motorcyclists, Saskatchewan has a coalition (No web site yet), so does Manitoba and Ontario and even Quebec has a group that is organized to protect riders rights. But here in Alberta we can't seem to organize ourselves, to work together for the common good.
Instead there are these small pockets of people - very small pockets, who dig in and do what needs to get done and it appears that everyone else either has no empathy or no desire or no time to get involved.
There is an article out of Wetaskiwin Alberta where in riders protested the Edmonton Motorcycle Only Noise Bylaw by supporting the Wetaskiwin Toy Run. OK, I guess that using a charity to get your point across may have some impact but does the EPS really care why noisy bikes stay out of their city?
Not a chance. You have helped them to achieve their goal. The EPS doesn't care that a charity is being hurt - they are doing their job and that is all they care about.
What I want to know is, where were these riders when Liane Langlois was working like a fiend to get this bylaw repealed? When the plea was put out there to raise funds to help with the fight - where were they? When the plea for volunteers was put out to gather signatures for a petition, where were they?
I know that life is busy, that it is hard to make time for lobbying, supporting each other but folks, if WE don't do it who is going to?
The city of Edmonton might care about the impact of their bylaw if someone actually did a study that proves the economic benefit that Edmonton derives from motorcycle based charity events, motorcycle tourism and the motorcycle industry and the jobs it sustains that will and are going by the way side.
You see if we had a Coalition - that is something that could have been prepared and presented to Edmonton City Council. Dollars and sense, statistics - that's what bureaucrats are looking for.
Years ago, BCCOM - the BC Coalition of Motorcyclists tried unsuccessfully to start ACOM here - the Alberta Coalition of Motorcyclists. It failed miserably. Why? Not enough riders would commit to getting involved.
I am wondering if finally, the time has come that the Alberta Riding Community is under enough pressure from Law Enforcement and municipalities that they will actually decide to start working together.
Our wonderful highways and the unsafe road repairs in this province and the dangers they hold for everyone who rides, the road snakes, the tire debris, HOV Lane use, the disgusting way many event coordinators are treated with regards to getting their liquor licenses for motorcycle events, the oppressive treatment by police officers of our Veteran's MC's - all of these things could be being fought for, protected if only we had some people paid to do the job - because one thing is for certain, volunteers aren't going to get the job done - not here in Alberta. Too many are burnt out raising money for their local and heartfelt charities, living their lives, raising kids and working.
We need to start a non profit BUSINESS -The Alberta Alliance of Motorcyclists and we need to pay people to work for our rights and freedoms.
We need to find a way for this non profit business to be able to sustain itself.
We would need a full time office admin, a grant writer, a membership manager, a web designer, a media specialist, a lobbyist, a couple of different kinds of lawyers on retainer and a fund raising specialist.
Their jobs would be to lobby for the protection of our Charter rights for free speech, freedom of association and expression and to fight for our rights to expect equal treatment under the law.
They would keep the community informed through the coalition meetings and through the various medias. The alliance would bring the concerns and needs to the office and the office would then create and execute the plan to address those concerns and needs.
In order to be taken seriously at all, we need to unite. We are some 80K strong here in Alberta. If we raised our voices together - we could make an impact on the quality of our lives as riders.
So, how do we go about finding the right people to fill the positions of lobbyist, activist, rider support services, education and liasoning with the province and police? Well first, we need to get everyone we can to the table. We need to find a way to raise money to get started.
We then put out a call for people in the community who have the background and skill to do the jobs and we find out what it would cost to have them work for us. Once we hired at least one staff, then we would need a fundraiser - one person whose job it would be to attract sponsors, host events, and find a way for the non profit to sustain itself. This person would work hand in hand with the grant writer to identify grants to accomplish certain jobs.
You see there are grants like the ones that we just got conditional approval for here in Grande Prairie.
We are going to be launching a test project for High Collision Intersections.
We could have a professional whose job it would be to write grant proposals for all sorts of things that address needs within our community.
We could have many things being done in a coordinated and effective manner if we treated this like a business. We could be impacting our cities and communities in a very effective way.
Think about seriously folks. We have an Alliance that directs people in an office to meet the needs and objectives of our community. And then we could have a National Alliance to assist with the exact same issues - sharing of information - assisting with needs on the Federal level....
Am I a dreamer or what?
Like every day I welcome your feedback and input. I love it when you talk to me and share with me - it helps me to grow and I feel that it helps many others to grow as well.
There is a ton of news today on top of your National Newspaper...it's Thursday so your weekly Busted Knuckle Chronicles should have been delivered with your provincial newsletter. I hope you enjoy the read and consider getting involved.
The Busted Knuckle Chronicles is here to serve every province and every community so if your community or province doesn't have great representation, why not send us in your articles and share what's happening in your community? An informed community can become a strong and healthy community.
In other news:
A group of riders in Nova Scotia completed an Iron Butt ride
In Ontario, a rider is left paralyzed after a crash and the OPP is looking for a rogue rider
Barrie is considering a noise bylaw aimed at guess who...
Hamilton is excited to be getting it's own major bike show
In BC, 100 mile house is getting ready for it's toy run
In Whistler a guy riding his bike in an unsafe manner crashed injuring himself and his passenger
In Alberta, Airdire has given approval for the CAV to put up crosses to honor the fallen of that community
Yes folks, on top of your provincial newsletter and your National Newspaper, the news feeds from the main stream medias and the riding clubs who submitted stuff too late for the above mentioned publication, are full again today!
So come one, get informed. There is no reason for you to not know what is going on in your neck of the woods just because you don't belong to a riding club or get your local newspaper...you can find it all over at www.beltdrivebetty.com
Riding clubs - the more you share - the better chance you have of growing your events and membership and businesses - when you share whats going on you too have a chance to grow.
So come on folks, spread the word, get involved, talk to each other...let's unite and work together. Our Community is worth Celebrating and PROTECTING - Whining and snivelling isn't going to get us anywhere but a little elbow grease and a whole lot of communication will...
If you are riding today, PLEASE ride like everyone around is blind and can not see you.
If you are injured in a crash and need help, remember the Rider Friendly Business Association has 2 motorcycle lawyers who can help you. Darryl Brown in BC and Braithwaite Boyle that serves Alberta, BC, the Yukon and NWT (Braithwaite Boyle has many offices to serve you)
Until tomorrow...
Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider
BC has the BC Coalition of Motorcyclists, Saskatchewan has a coalition (No web site yet), so does Manitoba and Ontario and even Quebec has a group that is organized to protect riders rights. But here in Alberta we can't seem to organize ourselves, to work together for the common good.
Instead there are these small pockets of people - very small pockets, who dig in and do what needs to get done and it appears that everyone else either has no empathy or no desire or no time to get involved.
There is an article out of Wetaskiwin Alberta where in riders protested the Edmonton Motorcycle Only Noise Bylaw by supporting the Wetaskiwin Toy Run. OK, I guess that using a charity to get your point across may have some impact but does the EPS really care why noisy bikes stay out of their city?
Not a chance. You have helped them to achieve their goal. The EPS doesn't care that a charity is being hurt - they are doing their job and that is all they care about.
What I want to know is, where were these riders when Liane Langlois was working like a fiend to get this bylaw repealed? When the plea was put out there to raise funds to help with the fight - where were they? When the plea for volunteers was put out to gather signatures for a petition, where were they?
I know that life is busy, that it is hard to make time for lobbying, supporting each other but folks, if WE don't do it who is going to?
The city of Edmonton might care about the impact of their bylaw if someone actually did a study that proves the economic benefit that Edmonton derives from motorcycle based charity events, motorcycle tourism and the motorcycle industry and the jobs it sustains that will and are going by the way side.
You see if we had a Coalition - that is something that could have been prepared and presented to Edmonton City Council. Dollars and sense, statistics - that's what bureaucrats are looking for.
Years ago, BCCOM - the BC Coalition of Motorcyclists tried unsuccessfully to start ACOM here - the Alberta Coalition of Motorcyclists. It failed miserably. Why? Not enough riders would commit to getting involved.
I am wondering if finally, the time has come that the Alberta Riding Community is under enough pressure from Law Enforcement and municipalities that they will actually decide to start working together.
Our wonderful highways and the unsafe road repairs in this province and the dangers they hold for everyone who rides, the road snakes, the tire debris, HOV Lane use, the disgusting way many event coordinators are treated with regards to getting their liquor licenses for motorcycle events, the oppressive treatment by police officers of our Veteran's MC's - all of these things could be being fought for, protected if only we had some people paid to do the job - because one thing is for certain, volunteers aren't going to get the job done - not here in Alberta. Too many are burnt out raising money for their local and heartfelt charities, living their lives, raising kids and working.
We need to start a non profit BUSINESS -The Alberta Alliance of Motorcyclists and we need to pay people to work for our rights and freedoms.
We need to find a way for this non profit business to be able to sustain itself.
We would need a full time office admin, a grant writer, a membership manager, a web designer, a media specialist, a lobbyist, a couple of different kinds of lawyers on retainer and a fund raising specialist.
Their jobs would be to lobby for the protection of our Charter rights for free speech, freedom of association and expression and to fight for our rights to expect equal treatment under the law.
They would keep the community informed through the coalition meetings and through the various medias. The alliance would bring the concerns and needs to the office and the office would then create and execute the plan to address those concerns and needs.
In order to be taken seriously at all, we need to unite. We are some 80K strong here in Alberta. If we raised our voices together - we could make an impact on the quality of our lives as riders.
So, how do we go about finding the right people to fill the positions of lobbyist, activist, rider support services, education and liasoning with the province and police? Well first, we need to get everyone we can to the table. We need to find a way to raise money to get started.
We then put out a call for people in the community who have the background and skill to do the jobs and we find out what it would cost to have them work for us. Once we hired at least one staff, then we would need a fundraiser - one person whose job it would be to attract sponsors, host events, and find a way for the non profit to sustain itself. This person would work hand in hand with the grant writer to identify grants to accomplish certain jobs.
You see there are grants like the ones that we just got conditional approval for here in Grande Prairie.
We are going to be launching a test project for High Collision Intersections.
We could have a professional whose job it would be to write grant proposals for all sorts of things that address needs within our community.
We could have many things being done in a coordinated and effective manner if we treated this like a business. We could be impacting our cities and communities in a very effective way.
Think about seriously folks. We have an Alliance that directs people in an office to meet the needs and objectives of our community. And then we could have a National Alliance to assist with the exact same issues - sharing of information - assisting with needs on the Federal level....
Am I a dreamer or what?
Like every day I welcome your feedback and input. I love it when you talk to me and share with me - it helps me to grow and I feel that it helps many others to grow as well.
There is a ton of news today on top of your National Newspaper...it's Thursday so your weekly Busted Knuckle Chronicles should have been delivered with your provincial newsletter. I hope you enjoy the read and consider getting involved.
The Busted Knuckle Chronicles is here to serve every province and every community so if your community or province doesn't have great representation, why not send us in your articles and share what's happening in your community? An informed community can become a strong and healthy community.
In other news:
A group of riders in Nova Scotia completed an Iron Butt ride
In Ontario, a rider is left paralyzed after a crash and the OPP is looking for a rogue rider
Barrie is considering a noise bylaw aimed at guess who...
Hamilton is excited to be getting it's own major bike show
In BC, 100 mile house is getting ready for it's toy run
In Whistler a guy riding his bike in an unsafe manner crashed injuring himself and his passenger
In Alberta, Airdire has given approval for the CAV to put up crosses to honor the fallen of that community
Yes folks, on top of your provincial newsletter and your National Newspaper, the news feeds from the main stream medias and the riding clubs who submitted stuff too late for the above mentioned publication, are full again today!
So come one, get informed. There is no reason for you to not know what is going on in your neck of the woods just because you don't belong to a riding club or get your local newspaper...you can find it all over at www.beltdrivebetty.com
Riding clubs - the more you share - the better chance you have of growing your events and membership and businesses - when you share whats going on you too have a chance to grow.
So come on folks, spread the word, get involved, talk to each other...let's unite and work together. Our Community is worth Celebrating and PROTECTING - Whining and snivelling isn't going to get us anywhere but a little elbow grease and a whole lot of communication will...
If you are riding today, PLEASE ride like everyone around is blind and can not see you.
If you are injured in a crash and need help, remember the Rider Friendly Business Association has 2 motorcycle lawyers who can help you. Darryl Brown in BC and Braithwaite Boyle that serves Alberta, BC, the Yukon and NWT (Braithwaite Boyle has many offices to serve you)
Until tomorrow...
Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider
Wednesday, September 07, 2011
Bikers Protesting - it's happening more and more but is the message getting through?
In St John's Newfoundland about 30 riders showed up at city hall to protest about noise by laws.
Their message was clear - WE AREN'T THE ONLY one's who make noise.
They are tired of having a few "Yahoos" making it bad for all riders and ask city council to make NOISE the issue and not motorcycles. Lawn mowers, sub woofers, brakes, semis, and many other things contribute to noise pollution...
In England they are getting ready to protest yet again, taking it to the freeways like they did over parking charges. This time the protest ride will focus on the same asinine laws that the French are protesting.
Mandatory ABS brakes, sensors that detect changes/modifications done to your bike without OEM parts among other items. Some are asking if the 45 MPH protest rides will just pee off other motorists and perhaps the message will get lost.
Perhaps - but when your government won't talk to you, won't listen - what else do you do?
In Kelowna BC, a young woman is on a mission to have the Highway Traffic Act changed on a national level.
Her father was killed by a left hand turning driver.
According to Ms Tomlinson:
18.3% of all motorcycle fatalities are caused by another vehicle turning left in front of a motorcycle that was going straight.
Tomlinson's dad was killed because a driver of a vehicle though, he saw the motorcycle coming, thought he had time to turn - had he waited three seconds to make his turn, Tomlinson's dad would still be alive today.
3 seconds - think about that... Tomlinson wants to see the law changed so that a $115 fine is not the only thing a driver receives when someone is injured or killed as a result of their unsafe actions.
Interestingly enough, there is a Vulnerable Road Users meeting today - I am on that committee and have asked for the High Collision intersection signs designed by myself, but inspired by Daniel Ross in Nova Scotia - to be on the agenda.
I will also be meeting soon with the City Manager here in Grande Prairie to have a discussion about these signs being placed at specific intersections here as a test.
I look forward to bringing this issue of the petition up today as well.
Now not all of the protests that bikers are undertaking are quite as serious as the ones mentioned above.
If you need a great giggle to get your day started, I recommend that you read this exceedingly well done tongue in cheek article that a female pillion rider has written:
An open letter to motorcycle manufacturers from my labia
While the topic of comfort while riding is an important one, this young lady uses extreme humour to get her message across and I think she has done it well! I laughed my ass off reading her writing and then thought why hadn't I or a thousand women before me written the same letter? Good on you Ashlee and your labia for asking the question and giving the manufacturers the answers too!
Like every day, I invite you to wade in on the topics that affect your life as a rider...
The more we share and discuss what is happening around the world, across the country and in our own back yards, the better off we all will be, an informed community becomes a strong and powerful community.
There is a ton of other news out there, check it our at www.beltdrivebetty.com
Until tomorrow...I beg you to please, ride like everyone around you is blind and can not see you and PLEASE, use respect with that right hand, the person working night shift that you wake up could be a cop...
Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider
Their message was clear - WE AREN'T THE ONLY one's who make noise.
They are tired of having a few "Yahoos" making it bad for all riders and ask city council to make NOISE the issue and not motorcycles. Lawn mowers, sub woofers, brakes, semis, and many other things contribute to noise pollution...
In England they are getting ready to protest yet again, taking it to the freeways like they did over parking charges. This time the protest ride will focus on the same asinine laws that the French are protesting.
Mandatory ABS brakes, sensors that detect changes/modifications done to your bike without OEM parts among other items. Some are asking if the 45 MPH protest rides will just pee off other motorists and perhaps the message will get lost.
Perhaps - but when your government won't talk to you, won't listen - what else do you do?
In Kelowna BC, a young woman is on a mission to have the Highway Traffic Act changed on a national level.
Her father was killed by a left hand turning driver.
According to Ms Tomlinson:
18.3% of all motorcycle fatalities are caused by another vehicle turning left in front of a motorcycle that was going straight.
Tomlinson's dad was killed because a driver of a vehicle though, he saw the motorcycle coming, thought he had time to turn - had he waited three seconds to make his turn, Tomlinson's dad would still be alive today.
3 seconds - think about that... Tomlinson wants to see the law changed so that a $115 fine is not the only thing a driver receives when someone is injured or killed as a result of their unsafe actions.
Interestingly enough, there is a Vulnerable Road Users meeting today - I am on that committee and have asked for the High Collision intersection signs designed by myself, but inspired by Daniel Ross in Nova Scotia - to be on the agenda.
I will also be meeting soon with the City Manager here in Grande Prairie to have a discussion about these signs being placed at specific intersections here as a test.
I look forward to bringing this issue of the petition up today as well.
Now not all of the protests that bikers are undertaking are quite as serious as the ones mentioned above.
If you need a great giggle to get your day started, I recommend that you read this exceedingly well done tongue in cheek article that a female pillion rider has written:
An open letter to motorcycle manufacturers from my labia
While the topic of comfort while riding is an important one, this young lady uses extreme humour to get her message across and I think she has done it well! I laughed my ass off reading her writing and then thought why hadn't I or a thousand women before me written the same letter? Good on you Ashlee and your labia for asking the question and giving the manufacturers the answers too!
Like every day, I invite you to wade in on the topics that affect your life as a rider...
The more we share and discuss what is happening around the world, across the country and in our own back yards, the better off we all will be, an informed community becomes a strong and powerful community.
There is a ton of other news out there, check it our at www.beltdrivebetty.com
Until tomorrow...I beg you to please, ride like everyone around you is blind and can not see you and PLEASE, use respect with that right hand, the person working night shift that you wake up could be a cop...
Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider
Tuesday, September 06, 2011
Challenging government and STUPID LAWS!
From Motorbiker.org this morning comes news that French Bikers are well and truly fed up with their government and it's ridiculous new and proposed laws and regulations.
They have launched a massive ad campaign aimed at the government and its over the top regulations, proposed regulations and spending called "Motorcycle Security/Safety: Let's think differently". ..
Some of the measures that the FFMC (French Federation of Motorcyclists) is protesting:
Here in Canada we need our very own version of the FFMC (French Federation of Motorcyclists), that much is becoming very evident...
I spoke with Mackem, VP of the Falcons MC in Medicine Hat after I was sent the link to the above video and the things he told me would curl your hair. The police were actually going to arrest members of the Blue Knights - a police club, members of the UMCI and HOG just because they attended this poker run.
They have launched a massive ad campaign aimed at the government and its over the top regulations, proposed regulations and spending called "Motorcycle Security/Safety: Let's think differently". ..
Some of the measures that the FFMC (French Federation of Motorcyclists) is protesting:
- The inter-ministerial committee on the 11th of May 2011 decided to increase the size of motorcycle license plates to fight against regular excessive speeding, while they only represent 1% of excessive speeds.
- The inter-ministerial committee on the 11th of May 2011 decided to make the wearing of a yellow reflective vest mandatory for all bikers riding a motorcycle over 124cc
- The price tag of 1000 new Pedagogic Radar Units: $40 million Euro's (These new radars, mostly installed in villages and low speed, single lane areas, will show you your speed, and if you were speeding, how much your fine would have been, and how many points you would have lost if this has been a real radar.)
Here in Canada we need our very own version of the FFMC (French Federation of Motorcyclists), that much is becoming very evident...
After my editorial last week on the Veterans Canada MC in BC being singled out for preferential treatment another Veterans Outlaw MC has come under attack, this time in Alberta.
Watch this video and tell me if you aren't disgusted:
I will again reiterate that the authorities need to get patch savvy.
Just because a Motorcycle CLUB wants a PROSPECTING period to ensure that their members are engaged and active and a good fit for the CLUB - does NOT make them a 1% Club.
An outlaw club and a 1% club are two very different organizations founded on a single - similar principle - the principle of prospecting. Not buying a patch but EARNING IT.
In all 25 officers were on hand to shut down the poker run.
The Falcons are going to need some financial assistance to mount a lawsuit against the police services for violating their Charter Rights of peaceful assembly, the right of association and their rights to freedom of expression. When I have more information on HOW MUCH and HOW- I will let you know how to get involved.
Because the RCMP and other police services use of profiling tactics - EVERY BIKER/RIDER who has ever been at an event where a 1% club is present is considered an associate, this is how the police services justify their words and actions. Watch the video - the asking of permission to wear a three piece patch from the dominant club where in you MUST prove you are not territorial, and what your intentions as a club are is enough "proof" for the police services that there must be more behind the "Association" than what there is.
Think about that people. You may think that the issues of three piece patch clubs doesn't affect you but you would be so VERY WRONG.
Right across this country the police services are giving conditional approvals to motorcycle related events to have their liquor licenses - what do I mean by that? Well - look at Orangeville Royal Canadian Legion's motorcycle show 'n' shine this past summer. They were given their liquor license conditional on them banning "Illegal Outlaw Motorcycle Gang Patches" from their event, consequently members of the CAV and other veterans groups were asked to leave. Why? Volunteers who are not a part of the motorcycle community - an many who are, don't know what the police services mean - who is who and how to tell and the police will not provide that information. So people with one piece patches and Social Club patches were being asked to leave a motorcycle event. Veterans pitted against veterans...
The police will tell you the Liquor control board is in charge of that decision, the commission will turn the tables on the police and no one gets held accountable for the discrimination.
I know of many events that have been told that they are to ban patches if they want a liquor license.
The Liquor Board takes their direction on the approval of licenses from the police services it really is a collaborative affair.
The misconceptions about patches and what they mean has been brought about thanks to police services who purposely misuse the terminology of our community, perpetuated by main stream media's use of those terms - who don't do their research and the tons of newbies out there who think it is cool to sport a three piece patch but haven't got a clue about patch protocol. Then there is the whole LEMC issue and how that further muddies the waters.
A THREE PIECE PATCH HAS TO BE EARNED not bought.
If your club does not have a prospecting period then you should NOT be sporting the three piece patch - PERIOD.
There are many police services motorcycle clubs that violate this fundamental principal. Why?
I believe it is so they can further muddy the waters to justify their jobs and their budgets.
I know of tons of LEMC's (Law Enforcement Motorcycle Clubs) that have a prospecting period, wear a three piece patch and then call themselves 99%ers. WRONG - you can't have it both ways boys - you are an outlaw club. If you want to be viewed as a 99% club then you should not have a prospecting period and you should be wearing the one piece MC patch.
I know of many LEMC's who have ZERO prospecting phase and yet sport a three piece patch - WRONG protocol again folks - YOU should be wearing the one piece MC patch.
If people followed the simple protocols of patch etiquette we would not be having 50% of the issues we do.
If the police services were not being allowed to profile us, we would have even less issues BUT by virtue of the fact that the police services photograph everyone and their motorcycle and plate who attends an event where a 1% club is present, we have all been labelled supporters/sympathisers of criminals.
It is long since time that we in Alberta have a rights organization - a coalition of clubs to deal with political and policing issues along with road maintenance, road use and safety issues. I have been flogging this topic for years now but...
It is time that we stop this erosion of our rights and freedoms and it is also long past the time where we should be protecting our right to enjoy our lifestyle.
On the federal level we have two associations that are supposed to be looking after our rights.
The CMA in Canada is virtually non existent outside of the realm of motor sports and the MCC, well - it is a manufacturers driven Coalition that has given us the J2825 Motorcycle Noise Standard from the SAE that has created so much controversy in our community. Both of these organizations are centred in Ontario and appear to do little outside of their home province to reach out to the touring rider from outside of Ontario.
There maybe 160K + touring riders in Ontario, but what about the other 500K + or so of us?
Folks - it is time to get on the bandwagon to protect our freedoms and rights as provided by our Charter.
If you are not getting involved because your club, group, association has never been targeted for special/preferential treatment - then hold on to your saddles folks because there will come a time - very soon that a dominant 1% club is going to move into your town or a non dominant or dominant Traditional Outlaw MC will start up and once that happens your riding club, your events and your lifestyle WILL Be threatened and by then it will be too late - we need people to get organized NOW - to start a defence fund NOW - we need to be proactive and united.
Your complacency towards something you claim to love will be the end of our community and our lifestyle - think I exaggerate? Look at the Edmonton Motorcycle Only Noise BS - or that in Bathurst, Nanaimo, all over Ontario...
In Washington state motorcyclists are a recognized visible minority - WHY? Because people are active and engaged in the riding community in Washington...they aren't here in Canada, not in any meaningful or collective way which is why the authorities are so successful in doing exactly as they please.
Look at Germany, Rwanda, Croatia, Bosnia and any other oppressed country in the world - HISTORY folks has proven that governments can and do lie to their people because they are afraid that the people will rise up in protest so they hide their agendas and lie to us continually.
If you ride a motorcycle and attend show 'n' shines, poker runs, rallies or fund raisers that require a liquor license or police escorts - then guess what folks - like it or not, know it or not YOU have been profiled and YOUR rights have been or will be stepped on, it's simply a matter of time. Don't believe me - talk to the event coordinators...educate yourselves.
Just because your local police services escort or block traffic or your event has gotten it's liquor license doesn't mean that privately - quietly - that the coordinator hasn't been told NO "Illegal Outlaw Motorcycle Gang Patches"...that statement right there is so erroneous as to make me puke, but over and over again the police services spout that disgustingly wrong statement. The clothing of the "Gangs" are not illegal.
And NOT ALL 3 piece patch wearing CLUBS are 1%.
- “If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it. The lie can be maintained only for such time as the State can shield the people from the political, economic and/or military consequences of the lie. It thus becomes vitally important for the State to use all of its powers to repress dissent, for the truth is the mortal enemy of the lie, and thus by extension, the truth is the greatest enemy of the State.”
Joseph Goebbels
Think about it - think hard.
Do you really love to ride a touring/cruising motorcycle - if your answer is yes, then regardless of whether or not you wear a patch or what patch you might wear - your lifestyle is under siege and only your action and involvement can turn the tides.
It happened in Washington state - the tides turned and bikers are considered a visible minority and it CAN happen here - BUT ONLY IF YOU GET INVOLVED.
Do you really love to ride a touring/cruising motorcycle - if your answer is yes, then regardless of whether or not you wear a patch or what patch you might wear - your lifestyle is under siege and only your action and involvement can turn the tides.
It happened in Washington state - the tides turned and bikers are considered a visible minority and it CAN happen here - BUT ONLY IF YOU GET INVOLVED.
There is so very much more I could be saying on this topic - I am hoping these condensed versions of what is really going on out there finally get some of you motivated to see real change happen.
There is a whack of news in the mainstream feeds today - to find out what else might affect your day, your lifestyle and your community check it out at www.beltdrivebetty.com
Until tomorrow...
Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider
Friday, September 02, 2011
Distracted Driving Laws
Finally Alberta gets on the band wagon with distracted driving laws. It will prove interesting to see how well they work and how much enforcement happens. Alberta's law is reportedly tougher than the ones in other provinces.
Let's bring you up to speed so to speak:
From the Government of Alberta Web Site: http://www.transportation.alberta.ca/DistractedDriving.htm
Distracted Driving Legislation (Bill 16)
What does the law restrict
What activities are not allowed while driving?
Let's bring you up to speed so to speak:
From the Government of Alberta Web Site: http://www.transportation.alberta.ca/DistractedDriving.htm
Distracted Driving Legislation (Bill 16)
What does the law restrict
What activities are not allowed while driving?
- talking on a hand-held cell phone
- texting/e-mailing
- using electronic devices like laptop computers, video games, cameras, video entertainment displays and programming portable audio players (e.g., mp3 players)
- manually entering information on GPS units
- reading printed material like a book or a magazine
- writing, printing or sketching
- personal grooming like combing your hair, applying makeup or brushing your teeth
- using a 2-way radio or what is commonly referred to as a CB (Citizen’s Band) radio (some exemptions apply)
We are not talking about penalizing drivers for taking a sip of coffee, chatting with passengers or blowing their nose. We are talking about drivers who decide to put themselves and others at risk by watching movies, browsing for and downloading 'apps', applying makeup or shaving all while trying to navigate through traffic.
These activities are not specifically restricted under the law:
According to the CAA/AMA Web Site: http://www.ama.ab.ca/community-and-ama/distracted-driving
80% of collisions include driver inattention as a contributing factor
(finding from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the U.S.)
People using a cell phone while driving are 4 to 6 times more likely to be in a car crash
(references a number of existing studies, the most well known is Redelmeier, D. A. and Tibsharani, R. J. “Association Between Cellular Telephone Calls and Motor Vehicle Collisions” in New England Journal of Medicine, 336; pp 453-458. 1997.)
People texting while driving are 23 times more likely to be involved in a collision or near collision
(refers to a study conducted by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute. Citation: Olson, R.L., Hanowski, R.J.; Hickman, J.S.; and Bocanegra, J. 2009. Driver distraction in commercial vehicle operations. Report No. FMCSA-RRR-09-242. Washington, DC: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.)
Driver distraction is associated with more than 100 deaths and 5,000 injuries from nearly 40,000 collisions each year (figures are Alberta specific and are inferred based on the existing body of knowledge relating to distractions and using the Alberta Traffic Collision Statistics for 2010.)
Here's to safer roads for all!!!!
As with everyday, I would love to have you wade in on the topic of the day...
What are your thoughts on Distracted Driving Laws - do they work? Do they go far enough?
For all of the news that could affect your day or weekend please visit www.beltdrivebetty.com
Have a safe weekend everyone, remember to ride like everyone around you is blind and can not see you, and please use respect with that right hand...
Until Monday...
Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider
- using a cell phone in hands-free mode - this means the device is not held in the driver's hand and is activated by voice or a single touch to the device
- using an earphone — if it is used in a hands-free or voice-activated manner
- drinking beverages, such as coffee, water or pop
- eating a snack
- smoking
- talking with passengers
- listening to a portable audio player – as long as it is set up before you begin driving
- using the following:
- a GPS navigation system – as long as the system is affixed to the vehicle and programmed before you begin driving or the system is voice activated. You cannot hold the unit or manually enter information while driving
- a collision avoidance system
- a gauge, instrument, device or system that provides information about the vehicle’s systems or the vehicle’s location
- a dispatch system for transporting passengers
- a logistical transportation tracking system that tracks vehicle location, driver status or the delivery of goods for commercial purposes
- calling emergency services, such as 911 with a hand-held cell phone
- using 2-way radios or hand-held radios, such as those commonly referred to as CB (Citizen’s Band) radios, when escorting oversized vehicles, to contact one's employer, or when participating in search, rescue and emergency management situations.
According to the CAA/AMA Web Site: http://www.ama.ab.ca/community-and-ama/distracted-driving
80% of collisions include driver inattention as a contributing factor
(finding from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the U.S.)
People using a cell phone while driving are 4 to 6 times more likely to be in a car crash
(references a number of existing studies, the most well known is Redelmeier, D. A. and Tibsharani, R. J. “Association Between Cellular Telephone Calls and Motor Vehicle Collisions” in New England Journal of Medicine, 336; pp 453-458. 1997.)
People texting while driving are 23 times more likely to be involved in a collision or near collision
(refers to a study conducted by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute. Citation: Olson, R.L., Hanowski, R.J.; Hickman, J.S.; and Bocanegra, J. 2009. Driver distraction in commercial vehicle operations. Report No. FMCSA-RRR-09-242. Washington, DC: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.)
Driver distraction is associated with more than 100 deaths and 5,000 injuries from nearly 40,000 collisions each year (figures are Alberta specific and are inferred based on the existing body of knowledge relating to distractions and using the Alberta Traffic Collision Statistics for 2010.)
Here's to safer roads for all!!!!
As with everyday, I would love to have you wade in on the topic of the day...
What are your thoughts on Distracted Driving Laws - do they work? Do they go far enough?
For all of the news that could affect your day or weekend please visit www.beltdrivebetty.com
Have a safe weekend everyone, remember to ride like everyone around you is blind and can not see you, and please use respect with that right hand...
Until Monday...
Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider
Thursday, September 01, 2011
Too many Police? What a great article from McLean's magazine and some other HOT Topics...
Many of you who read this blog also subscribe to our weekly newspaper and or are members of our web site. I asked Ali to link my blog post from yesterday and the McLean's Magazine article "Too Many Cops?" to the newsletter you all get this morning. I am really hoping that my blog post from yesterday and the McLean's article "Too Many Cops?" will start some serious discussion on police powers here in Canada.
It is my personal feeling that we here in this country need to be wary of our government/s and our police services. We, the people, need to ask ourselves some hard questions about what is really going on out there.
We need to remove our emotions and look at the facts that are presented to us and decide what WE think about what we read and hear.
It is only through asking ourselves the hard questions, by taking our heads out of the sand that we will discover the truth about our governments and police services and their motivations. Dialogue and the sharing of ideas, interpretations and opinions will allow us to get a broader perspective and hopefully arrive at some conclusion that is at least close the the truth.
In the US and around the world, Dick Cheney's new book - In My Time - has sparked controversy:
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0811/62455.html
It has also re-sparked the debate over what actually happened on 9/11.
Bruce Arnold sent in an article on Dick Cheney and 9/11.
It is accompanied by 2 videos that make you ask some hard, hard questions.
So, what really happened on 9/11?
Did terrorists really attack the USA or did the US administration really perpetrate the worst kind of crime on the American people?
And will we ever know the truth?
If you watch the first video that is linked in Bruce's article, where in numerous engineers, chemists and geologists wade in on the topic of the destruction of the World Trade Centre and the Twin Towers, and if you believe in the answers of those engineers, chemists and geologists then the answer would have to be yes - the American Government of the day perpetuated the worst kind of atrocity on the American people and people around the world.
If you feel that all of these experts have hidden agendas, and that the answers they give are not complete or accurate, then no, terrorists really did the deed.
If the experts presented in the video are right, then what was the motivation of the government of the Untied States? Money, power, ego? All of those and more?
Well, the second video gives you a history if you will, of governments who have "lied" to and manipulated their people and the video is filled with TV reports, Newspaper clippings and Emails from and about September 11, 2001. It disavows many of the claims of the US administration of the day - that the government did not think that "terrorists" would attack the US through unconventional threats.
The engineers, geologists and chemists from around the world that have examined the evidence of the "collapse" of the Twin Towers and the World Trade centre have drawn very different conclusions from the NIST.
Ties to the Bush administration are uncovered between companies that did security and renovations for the World Trade Centre, security for Dulles Airport and United Airlines.
The documentary goes on to question the crash of the aircraft in Shanksville PA. It examines numerous plane crashes and compares the debris, the crash sites of several crashes to the one in Shanksville and raises even more questions about what really happened on September 11th, 2001. It disavows the evidence that the FBI produced at the trial of one of the suspects. It also questions the crash at the pentagon.
Geologists, chemists, engineers all put themselves on the line to say that they believe the attacks on the twin towers and the collapse of the World Trade Centre were controlled demolitions. The documentary has a lot of experts, lots of evidence, tons of video from various news agencies and documents from the government.
Conspiracy theory? Bunk? Truth or fiction - It is up to each person who watches the videos and the evidence that they produce to decide.
I decided to look at other YouTube videos on the topic and this one in particular caught my eye:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=972ETepp4GI&feature=fvwrel - this video footage that proves, without a doubt that the World Trade Centre was brought down by controlled demolition. Or does it - Is it doctored or authentic though? I am no expert and can not say.
And if it is un-doctored, then what does that say about the other evidence that the documentary video linked above uncovers?
If you go to YouTube via any of the links provided, you will see that there are tons of other videos on this topic. Watch them. It is worth a few hours of your time to watch and read - to discover the information that is available so that you can make an informed decision and draw your own conclusions.
I for one am exceedingly concerned about what I have watched, read and digested.
I would love to know the truth about that day as I am sure that every family member of a 9/11 victim would.
I feel that the evidence provided in the "Loose Change 911" documentary is closer to the truth than anything else we have been presented to date.
Scary huh...
How do we trust our governments? Blindly? How do we the people, really know what their agendas are?
Who do we believe, trust and can we learn anything from history?
Here are some quotes from the past on the conception of the US from some of the founding fathers and from Adolf Hitler, one of the world's best and most deadly propaganda spinners to serve as a reminder of what values and ideals the US Constitution was founded on and the undeniable proof that governments can and will lie to and manipulate their people.
"Any people that would give up liberty for a little temporary safety deserves neither liberty nor safety." Benjamin Franklin
The Constitution is not an instrument for the government to restrain the people, it is an instrument for the people to restrain the government." Patrick Henry
"I use emotion for the many and reserve reason for the few." — Adolf Hitler
"The victor will never be asked if he told the truth. " — Adolf Hitler (Hitler's Letters and Notes)
"If you tell a big enough lie and tell it frequently enough, it will be believed." — Adolf Hitler
Rwanda, Bosnia, Sudan, Croatia...from the dawn of time actually, Genocide has been inflicted by reigning governments on their people.
What are the motivations? Money, power, religion, ego? All of those and more?
If we are to glean anything from what has been presented here in my article and in the articles and videos provided and quoted it would be this:
QUESTION your government. Do not take everything they say as the gospel truth.
Look for the motivations to discover the hidden agendas.
There are so many big businesses and governments - all with their different agendas and purposes.
My personal feelings on everything I have read, watched and heard is this...
I am so very conflicted. I do not WANT to believe that a government that was founded on the principals that the USA was, could be responsible for a genocide of this magnitude.
I do not WANT to believe that the US government has manipulated it's own people and those of the world the way it appears that it did. And yet, the documentary uncovers so much conflicting information, refutes so many governmental documents and statements that it is hard to believe anything else.
Let me conclude with this quote:
"We, the people are the rightful masters of both Congress and the courts, not to overthrow the Constitution, but to overthrow men who pervert the Constitution." Abraham Lincoln
That statement is true whether you live in the US of A or Canada
With all of the 9/11 rides that happen, with the strong show of love and compassion the riding community has shown for the families and victims of 9/11 I felt it important to share the information I have been provided and unearthed. The motorcycle community is very invested in 9/11 and it's aftermath. Finding out what really happened is, I think, very important. I hope you take the time to educate yourself and care enough to ask questions...politics is always a touchy topic, but it is also the one topic that affects everyone's life whether we choose to get involved or be indifferent.
I would love to hear your thoughts, your comments - I hope you will join in the discussion.
Enjoy your National Newspaper - the Busted Knuckle Chronicles, your provincial newsletter and your daily news feed updates - Belt Drive Betty Media and it's Rider Powered Network is working hard to keep YOU informed...join our network to share the news from your community!
www.beltdrivebetty.com
Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider
It is my personal feeling that we here in this country need to be wary of our government/s and our police services. We, the people, need to ask ourselves some hard questions about what is really going on out there.
We need to remove our emotions and look at the facts that are presented to us and decide what WE think about what we read and hear.
It is only through asking ourselves the hard questions, by taking our heads out of the sand that we will discover the truth about our governments and police services and their motivations. Dialogue and the sharing of ideas, interpretations and opinions will allow us to get a broader perspective and hopefully arrive at some conclusion that is at least close the the truth.
In the US and around the world, Dick Cheney's new book - In My Time - has sparked controversy:
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0811/62455.html
It has also re-sparked the debate over what actually happened on 9/11.
Bruce Arnold sent in an article on Dick Cheney and 9/11.
It is accompanied by 2 videos that make you ask some hard, hard questions.
So, what really happened on 9/11?
Did terrorists really attack the USA or did the US administration really perpetrate the worst kind of crime on the American people?
And will we ever know the truth?
If you watch the first video that is linked in Bruce's article, where in numerous engineers, chemists and geologists wade in on the topic of the destruction of the World Trade Centre and the Twin Towers, and if you believe in the answers of those engineers, chemists and geologists then the answer would have to be yes - the American Government of the day perpetuated the worst kind of atrocity on the American people and people around the world.
If you feel that all of these experts have hidden agendas, and that the answers they give are not complete or accurate, then no, terrorists really did the deed.
If the experts presented in the video are right, then what was the motivation of the government of the Untied States? Money, power, ego? All of those and more?
Well, the second video gives you a history if you will, of governments who have "lied" to and manipulated their people and the video is filled with TV reports, Newspaper clippings and Emails from and about September 11, 2001. It disavows many of the claims of the US administration of the day - that the government did not think that "terrorists" would attack the US through unconventional threats.
The engineers, geologists and chemists from around the world that have examined the evidence of the "collapse" of the Twin Towers and the World Trade centre have drawn very different conclusions from the NIST.
Ties to the Bush administration are uncovered between companies that did security and renovations for the World Trade Centre, security for Dulles Airport and United Airlines.
The documentary goes on to question the crash of the aircraft in Shanksville PA. It examines numerous plane crashes and compares the debris, the crash sites of several crashes to the one in Shanksville and raises even more questions about what really happened on September 11th, 2001. It disavows the evidence that the FBI produced at the trial of one of the suspects. It also questions the crash at the pentagon.
Geologists, chemists, engineers all put themselves on the line to say that they believe the attacks on the twin towers and the collapse of the World Trade Centre were controlled demolitions. The documentary has a lot of experts, lots of evidence, tons of video from various news agencies and documents from the government.
Conspiracy theory? Bunk? Truth or fiction - It is up to each person who watches the videos and the evidence that they produce to decide.
I decided to look at other YouTube videos on the topic and this one in particular caught my eye:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=972ETepp4GI&feature=fvwrel - this video footage that proves, without a doubt that the World Trade Centre was brought down by controlled demolition. Or does it - Is it doctored or authentic though? I am no expert and can not say.
And if it is un-doctored, then what does that say about the other evidence that the documentary video linked above uncovers?
If you go to YouTube via any of the links provided, you will see that there are tons of other videos on this topic. Watch them. It is worth a few hours of your time to watch and read - to discover the information that is available so that you can make an informed decision and draw your own conclusions.
I for one am exceedingly concerned about what I have watched, read and digested.
I would love to know the truth about that day as I am sure that every family member of a 9/11 victim would.
I feel that the evidence provided in the "Loose Change 911" documentary is closer to the truth than anything else we have been presented to date.
Scary huh...
How do we trust our governments? Blindly? How do we the people, really know what their agendas are?
Who do we believe, trust and can we learn anything from history?
Here are some quotes from the past on the conception of the US from some of the founding fathers and from Adolf Hitler, one of the world's best and most deadly propaganda spinners to serve as a reminder of what values and ideals the US Constitution was founded on and the undeniable proof that governments can and will lie to and manipulate their people.
"Any people that would give up liberty for a little temporary safety deserves neither liberty nor safety." Benjamin Franklin
The Constitution is not an instrument for the government to restrain the people, it is an instrument for the people to restrain the government." Patrick Henry
"I use emotion for the many and reserve reason for the few." — Adolf Hitler
"The victor will never be asked if he told the truth. " — Adolf Hitler (Hitler's Letters and Notes)
"If you tell a big enough lie and tell it frequently enough, it will be believed." — Adolf Hitler
Rwanda, Bosnia, Sudan, Croatia...from the dawn of time actually, Genocide has been inflicted by reigning governments on their people.
What are the motivations? Money, power, religion, ego? All of those and more?
If we are to glean anything from what has been presented here in my article and in the articles and videos provided and quoted it would be this:
QUESTION your government. Do not take everything they say as the gospel truth.
Look for the motivations to discover the hidden agendas.
There are so many big businesses and governments - all with their different agendas and purposes.
My personal feelings on everything I have read, watched and heard is this...
I am so very conflicted. I do not WANT to believe that a government that was founded on the principals that the USA was, could be responsible for a genocide of this magnitude.
I do not WANT to believe that the US government has manipulated it's own people and those of the world the way it appears that it did. And yet, the documentary uncovers so much conflicting information, refutes so many governmental documents and statements that it is hard to believe anything else.
Let me conclude with this quote:
"We, the people are the rightful masters of both Congress and the courts, not to overthrow the Constitution, but to overthrow men who pervert the Constitution." Abraham Lincoln
That statement is true whether you live in the US of A or Canada
With all of the 9/11 rides that happen, with the strong show of love and compassion the riding community has shown for the families and victims of 9/11 I felt it important to share the information I have been provided and unearthed. The motorcycle community is very invested in 9/11 and it's aftermath. Finding out what really happened is, I think, very important. I hope you take the time to educate yourself and care enough to ask questions...politics is always a touchy topic, but it is also the one topic that affects everyone's life whether we choose to get involved or be indifferent.
I would love to hear your thoughts, your comments - I hope you will join in the discussion.
Enjoy your National Newspaper - the Busted Knuckle Chronicles, your provincial newsletter and your daily news feed updates - Belt Drive Betty Media and it's Rider Powered Network is working hard to keep YOU informed...join our network to share the news from your community!
www.beltdrivebetty.com
Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Hells Angels cause a stir and a Veterans MC is under scrutiny despite reports to the contrary
The Hells Angels had a booth at a festival in New Westminster and that has brought the 12th Street Music Fest and all festivals under scrutiny in that city. It appears that the city of New Westminster now wants a report that is to outline a family-oriented and public safety policy for street festivals and parades that must include the appropriateness of the vendors allowed to sell their wares and what activities will be acceptable and how they will govern the festivals and parades.
In Ladysmith BC, the Veterans Canada MC has come under scrutiny by the police services on Vancouver Island. Why? Because they wear a three piece patch that identifies the club as an Outlaw MC.
For those of you who do not know or understand the differences in patches and what they mean - here is the link to a great article that clearly expresses the difference in patches and their meanings: http://vnvmc-lvmc.muddywolf.net/patch.html
I find myself wondering why it is that the police services are not better educated as to the difference in patches and why they feel the need to scrutinize every patch worn my motorcyclists. You would think that with all of the information that is out there and available to everyone that they would know better - but, they do not seem to be willing to educate themselves. Or perhaps they really do know and instead of sharing the knowledge, would rather stir fear whenever they can.
There are so many misconceptions as to who is who in the motorcycle world that could be cleared up very simply - through education.
I, like many other riders, feel that the scrutiny of our motorcycle community events by the Anti Biker and Outlaw Motorcycle Gang units is disgusting. Even the names of these police services is outlandish. ANTI Biker - I am a biker - why are you against me? Outlaw Motorcycle GANG? An outlaw motorcycle CLUB is not generally a GANG.
There are Outlaw Motorcycle Clubs and 1% Motorcycle Clubs - the two are not necessarily involved with each other. Educate yourself!
For those of you who think that starting an Outlaw MC is cool - remember this, you will be scrutinized by the 1% ers and the police. WHY?
The 1% ers want to know if you are claiming a territory, what your motivation is behind starting a 3 piece patch club and the police - well, they for some reason automatically assume that anyone wearing a three piece patch has to be bad news and some how connected to 1% ers.
The reasons many outlaw clubs sporting 3 piece patch spring up are simple to understand.
Many start because the people who start them think the 3 piece patch is cool - no other reason - they have not educated themselves as to the ramifications or the true requirements of being an Outlaw MC.
Then there are those who start up because they carry the outlaw mentality - They want a prospecting period for new members - you can't just buy a patch, you have to earn it, to commit to riding with the club and being active and involved. If you aren't committed to the cause and ethics of the club, the members can and will vote you out. They have few rules but the ones they have ARE written in stone - no exceptions allowed.
Belonging to an Outlaw MC generally has nothing to do with being a criminal or having ties to those who are criminals and I wished that the police would get it right and do some research before they spout off.
Profiling - it is a "tool" of the police services. What is profiling you ask?
Noun 1. profiling - recording a person's behavior and analyzing psychological characteristics in order to predict or assess their ability in a certain sphere or to identify a particular group of people
The police services use profiling to decide whether or not a group of people is likely to commit a crime. They have been disallowed the use of profiling in general terms when it comes to the Black community, the Italian Community, the Hispanic Community, the Asian Community etc...why? Because that is discrimination. Just because you are Black, Hispanic, Asian or Italian does not mean you have any affiliation to criminals just because there are criminals who are Black, Hispanic, Asian or Italian.
So why is it OK to profile our community? Why is it that the police services are allowed to target motorcyclists who wear a patch - ANY PATCH - for special attention?
Membership into the Verterans MC Canada is by invitation only however we encourage interested and prospective people that meet the criteria below to contact us.
In Ladysmith BC, the Veterans Canada MC has come under scrutiny by the police services on Vancouver Island. Why? Because they wear a three piece patch that identifies the club as an Outlaw MC.
For those of you who do not know or understand the differences in patches and what they mean - here is the link to a great article that clearly expresses the difference in patches and their meanings: http://vnvmc-lvmc.muddywolf.net/patch.html
I find myself wondering why it is that the police services are not better educated as to the difference in patches and why they feel the need to scrutinize every patch worn my motorcyclists. You would think that with all of the information that is out there and available to everyone that they would know better - but, they do not seem to be willing to educate themselves. Or perhaps they really do know and instead of sharing the knowledge, would rather stir fear whenever they can.
There are so many misconceptions as to who is who in the motorcycle world that could be cleared up very simply - through education.
I, like many other riders, feel that the scrutiny of our motorcycle community events by the Anti Biker and Outlaw Motorcycle Gang units is disgusting. Even the names of these police services is outlandish. ANTI Biker - I am a biker - why are you against me? Outlaw Motorcycle GANG? An outlaw motorcycle CLUB is not generally a GANG.
There are Outlaw Motorcycle Clubs and 1% Motorcycle Clubs - the two are not necessarily involved with each other. Educate yourself!
For those of you who think that starting an Outlaw MC is cool - remember this, you will be scrutinized by the 1% ers and the police. WHY?
The 1% ers want to know if you are claiming a territory, what your motivation is behind starting a 3 piece patch club and the police - well, they for some reason automatically assume that anyone wearing a three piece patch has to be bad news and some how connected to 1% ers.
The reasons many outlaw clubs sporting 3 piece patch spring up are simple to understand.
Many start because the people who start them think the 3 piece patch is cool - no other reason - they have not educated themselves as to the ramifications or the true requirements of being an Outlaw MC.
Then there are those who start up because they carry the outlaw mentality - They want a prospecting period for new members - you can't just buy a patch, you have to earn it, to commit to riding with the club and being active and involved. If you aren't committed to the cause and ethics of the club, the members can and will vote you out. They have few rules but the ones they have ARE written in stone - no exceptions allowed.
Belonging to an Outlaw MC generally has nothing to do with being a criminal or having ties to those who are criminals and I wished that the police would get it right and do some research before they spout off.
Profiling - it is a "tool" of the police services. What is profiling you ask?
Noun 1. profiling - recording a person's behavior and analyzing psychological characteristics in order to predict or assess their ability in a certain sphere or to identify a particular group of people
The police services use profiling to decide whether or not a group of people is likely to commit a crime. They have been disallowed the use of profiling in general terms when it comes to the Black community, the Italian Community, the Hispanic Community, the Asian Community etc...why? Because that is discrimination. Just because you are Black, Hispanic, Asian or Italian does not mean you have any affiliation to criminals just because there are criminals who are Black, Hispanic, Asian or Italian.
So why is it OK to profile our community? Why is it that the police services are allowed to target motorcyclists who wear a patch - ANY PATCH - for special attention?
Because we, the motorcycle community have not banded together to stop it.
We have two choices in our community - we either allow this sad and disgusting practise to go on without a whimper, or we can fight to have our community protected under our Charter of Freedoms and Rights.
In the article on the Veterans MC the evidence of the profiling of our community is clear.
And I quote:
We have two choices in our community - we either allow this sad and disgusting practise to go on without a whimper, or we can fight to have our community protected under our Charter of Freedoms and Rights.
In the article on the Veterans MC the evidence of the profiling of our community is clear.
And I quote:
"Police were not taking any chances, with specialists from the outlaw motorcycle gang unit keeping an eye on the Veterans poker run and anniversary party on Saturday, which saw 40 bikers hit several pubs on a round-trip ride to Shawnighan Lake. Police have photographed club members more than once, and the neighbouring school principal has come down to meet them."
Later in the article: "RCMP say they have had calls from concerned citizens and take an interest in any group with a three-piece patch. A new rise in clubs linked to the aging bikers have sprung up across B.C., including the Campbell River-based Devil's Army.
"We don't view them as an outlaw club," said Pat Wilkinson of the outlaw motorcycle gang unit. "Right now, they're a bunch of military guys that like to ride bikes." End Quote
Later in the article: "RCMP say they have had calls from concerned citizens and take an interest in any group with a three-piece patch. A new rise in clubs linked to the aging bikers have sprung up across B.C., including the Campbell River-based Devil's Army.
"We don't view them as an outlaw club," said Pat Wilkinson of the outlaw motorcycle gang unit. "Right now, they're a bunch of military guys that like to ride bikes." End Quote
Really? The Veterans MC IS an Outlaw Motorcycle Club and has been in Ladysmith for over a year from my knowledge.
Why is it, that they have been repeatedly photographed?
Why is it that even a year later, they are still being scrutinized?
This is a traditional Outlaw MC comprised of active and former military personnel - why do the police feel the need to muddy the waters by using the terminology of our community in a wrong manner?
Pat Wilkinson says that: "RIGHT NOW, they are just a bunch of military guys who like to ride bikes."
What does that mean? That because they sport a 3 piece patch they will remain under scrutiny?
That they might become a 1% er MC soon?
I for one am sick of the spin and innuendo. I happen to know many of the members of the Veterans Canada MC and they have all either served or still serve this country. They just want to ride with others who experience the same challenges caused by their service to our country (PTSD amongst other issues that are common to those who have defended our country) and are committed to serving veterans affairs - thier mandate is clear and simple...
This is from their web site: http://www.veteransmccanada.com
Membership into the Verterans MC Canada is by invitation only however we encourage interested and prospective people that meet the criteria below to contact us.
ETHICS STATEMENT
Strength, honour, and pride of service; Past, present, and future is our motto and we intend to deliver our services and support one another as fellow Veterans, active service men and women with integrity and pride.
OUR MEMBERSHIP
Our membership is comprised of Veterans of the various theaters of conflict, active service personnel, and members of the reserve forces.
QUALIFICATIONS
* A minimum of three years of service in either the regular or reserve forces of the Armed Forces.
PROOF OF SERVICE
* Coming on Strength records and release dates are required for full membership and insurance of a Harley-Davidson motorcycle.
WHY A MOTORCYCLE CLUB?
There are three generally recognized forms of motorcycle associations:
* General Associations - Allow anyone to pay a membership fee regardless of their desire to ride a motorcycle but further the cause of motorcycling.
* Riding Clubs - Have no expectation of their membership with regard to meetings and runs; these are considered to be social clubs.
* Motorcycle Clubs - Hold their members to a strict code of ethics and have an exceptionally high requirement to their membership when it comes to attending meetings and runs.
We have chosen to be a motorcycle club as we hold our membership to a strict code of ethics and demand attendance at meetings and runs associated with our club. It is our desire as a club to have our members participating in all of our functions. The only exceptions are for our actively serving military members when they get called to serve a tour of duty.
Strength, honour, and pride of service; Past, present, and future is our motto and we intend to deliver our services and support one another as fellow Veterans, active service men and women with integrity and pride.
OUR MEMBERSHIP
Our membership is comprised of Veterans of the various theaters of conflict, active service personnel, and members of the reserve forces.
QUALIFICATIONS
* A minimum of three years of service in either the regular or reserve forces of the Armed Forces.
PROOF OF SERVICE
* Coming on Strength records and release dates are required for full membership and insurance of a Harley-Davidson motorcycle.
WHY A MOTORCYCLE CLUB?
There are three generally recognized forms of motorcycle associations:
* General Associations - Allow anyone to pay a membership fee regardless of their desire to ride a motorcycle but further the cause of motorcycling.
* Riding Clubs - Have no expectation of their membership with regard to meetings and runs; these are considered to be social clubs.
* Motorcycle Clubs - Hold their members to a strict code of ethics and have an exceptionally high requirement to their membership when it comes to attending meetings and runs.
We have chosen to be a motorcycle club as we hold our membership to a strict code of ethics and demand attendance at meetings and runs associated with our club. It is our desire as a club to have our members participating in all of our functions. The only exceptions are for our actively serving military members when they get called to serve a tour of duty.
RECRUITING STAGE
To become a full patched member of the Veterans MC Canada a potential member must complete a minimum of two years of recruiting phase which is comprised of two stages :
THE PROVING STAGE
Prospective members are invited to begin riding with our club by a full-patched member of our club and are expected to help out at fundraisers and take part in our club rides. During this stage of membership the recruit must :
* Exhibit strong morals and principles.
* Show a strong desire to help Veterans, Veteran societies and organizations, and active military members and their families.
This stage can last as little as a year but, may take longer depending on attendance, heart, and their ability to fit in with the club. The fit must work for both the recruit and the club.
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP STAGE
After completing the recruitment stage the recruit becomes a member with full voting privileges but, is not allowed to hold officer positions until the end of their second year.
In order to be considered for membership in the Veterans MC Canada, the potential member must receive 100% acceptance from the full members of the club.
STRUCTURE OF THE CLUB:
NATIONAL PRESIDENT
NATIONAL SECRETARY / TREASURER
NATIONAL SERGEANT AT ARMS
CHAPTER VICE PRSIDENTS
We are a non territorial club!
To become a full patched member of the Veterans MC Canada a potential member must complete a minimum of two years of recruiting phase which is comprised of two stages :
THE PROVING STAGE
Prospective members are invited to begin riding with our club by a full-patched member of our club and are expected to help out at fundraisers and take part in our club rides. During this stage of membership the recruit must :
* Exhibit strong morals and principles.
* Show a strong desire to help Veterans, Veteran societies and organizations, and active military members and their families.
This stage can last as little as a year but, may take longer depending on attendance, heart, and their ability to fit in with the club. The fit must work for both the recruit and the club.
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP STAGE
After completing the recruitment stage the recruit becomes a member with full voting privileges but, is not allowed to hold officer positions until the end of their second year.
In order to be considered for membership in the Veterans MC Canada, the potential member must receive 100% acceptance from the full members of the club.
STRUCTURE OF THE CLUB:
NATIONAL PRESIDENT
NATIONAL SECRETARY / TREASURER
NATIONAL SERGEANT AT ARMS
CHAPTER VICE PRSIDENTS
We are a non territorial club!
Like I said, some simple education could alleviate 90% of the BS and misconceptions about our community.
The police services have all of this knowledge and technology but still manage to twist things to keep the fear up amongst the general public so that they can dip into the tax payers pockets - at least that is this riders take on things....
What say you?
I would love to hear your thoughts on this topic.
There is a TON of news in the news feeds today, please take a few moments to check them out at www.beltdrivebetty.com to see if there is somethig there that might affect your day or your plans!
Ride safe today, remember to ride like everyone around you is blind and can not see you and to use respect with that right hand. Using your pipes for anything other than emergency purposes is just giving our community a black eye and will cost us this life saving tool through Motorcycle Only noise by laws...
Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider
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