HB 2296, Handlebar Height Bill

Chris Maurich

Last year, ABATE of Kansas, Inc. asked the legislature to change the statute regarding motorcycle handlebars. The House Transportation Committee came up with House Bill 2296, a bill that will remove the handlebar height limitations from state statute 8-1597. A link to HB 2296 is included at the bottom of this correspondence. HB 2296 did not get heard last year, and under the rules of the legislature, it is still an active bill and in order to be heard by committee, voted on, and moved to the house . . . [More]

Geeks Wear Black, Too

Everyone knows that technology is everywhere. And when one says "computers effect everyone's lives," there is the image of the suburban housewife using hers to look up recipes, or the grandparents getting e-mail messages with pictures of their grandchildren. But there is a growing number of us who pack the laptop when we head for our next meeting. We use digital cameras to capture our experiences at rallies. We also use the Internet to plan how we get there. We e-mail each other to . . . [More]

THOUGHTS

From: Vickie

It's been about a year since I started writing these articles and I hope that they've been of some assistance to our new members as well as to the Districts. An organization is only as strong as its membership. We are fortunate in having many members who are willing to help with any project handed to them and are just a phone call away. Your efforts and support are greatly appreciated.

We will be having State Board elections this year and many Districts will be having elections as well. In . . . [More]

Lobbyist Report

Chris Maurich

Current Kansas law specifies the position of the riders hands when seated on the motorcycle. ABATE of Kansas wishes to remove handlebar height limitations/restrictions from the Kansas Statutes. We believe that this is, and has been, a potential discriminatory issue, and not a safety issue. This statute was passed in 1974, a time when motorcyclists were targeted as “outlaws”, and certain makes of motorcycles were modified by riders. Statute K.S.A. 8-1597 is titled, “Same; . . . [More]

Brickstart At the Kickstart

Brian "Bruin" Allen

I heard ownership of my favorite biker bar, the Kickstart Saloon, had changed. Concerned that it might be turned into a Starbucks, I decided to scout out the situation. It was a warm day for January in Kansas, so I rolled the BSA out of the barn and saddled up. It was a nice ride over the river into North Topeka territory. Approaching the big red building, I was relieved to see the parking lot full of bikes rather than SUVs. From the outside it looked the same, . . . [More]