WE CAN ALWAYS IMPROVE OUR SAFETY KNOWLEDGE
Formanyofus,ridingseasonisstilla bitaway.Besidestheanticipationofrollingalongthebywaysonceagain, there are things we should start considering now before we swing our leg over that bike and cruise away.
When the weather turns nice and especially on weekends, we unfortunately see a high spike in motorcycle crashes and fatalities.This can be due to several factors we in the riding community should be mindful of. For one, riding gear should be inspected to see that it is in proper condition.Also, the bike needs a good lookover to ensure all components are working as they should be (remember yourTCLOCKS). Finally, we need to check ourselves; for many, it may have been months since we last rode · IT'' r. and our motor skills are not at the same level as when we parked our ride for the winter (for some, they may not have been adequate in the first place - that's always a tough one to conquer).
Over the years I have reminded riders that drivers do not pay much attention to us (this is an issue we know all too well), and lately my thoughts on this have expanded. It seems it does not matter what time of year it is; drivers do not recognize us, period. There are several reasons for this, a major one being the prevalence of distracted driving followed by drivers not educated to become aware of us, our profile on the road is extremely small compared to other vehicles and/or objects and the list goes on. So, the burden of creating a safe road environment between riders and drivers falls on us; do not rely on them for your safety and wellbeing.
FOR 2025, WE ALL SHOULD REVIEW WHAT WE NEED TO DO TO S.T.O.P.CRASHES.
Strategize:Tostart with, we need a strategy to become more proficient riders and make sure our approach to every ride is conductedin a safe manner.We are responsible for our own safety and should ride accordingly.
Train: Unvarnished experience isno replacement for proper safetyknowledge.Thedismissiveattitudethatone cannot or should not refine existing safety skills or learn new ones, often expressed with the phrase 111 already knowhowtoride,11 isone ofthe biggest enemies plaguing the community. EGOmaybethe greatest contributor to unforeseen conditions and crashes. There is really no limitation to what one can learn and do to become safer. Riding programs will almost certainly improve our motor skills and help us identify any bad habits we may have developed over the year or have been riding with too long.
Observe: We must possess keen situational awareness and work to develop it with each ride. Strengthening this observational ability helps us better analyze traffic and road conditions, traffic controls (e.g., signs, lights), weather, traction, the state of our motorcycles, and escape paths, should they be necessary.There is a ton of information to keep in mind to vastly improve our safety. Not doing so can cause outcomes that certainly are not favorable for us.We need to live in the world of "What If?".
Practice: We should incorporate every aspect of the points above and practice them faithfully. Failure to practicethese skills, especiallyavoidanceskills such as swerving or quickbrakingalong with thementalprocessing approach, will result in complacency and the return of dangerous habits. Keep in mind regularly that just riding does not offer the practice/enhancement of our skills to keep us safe. Regular riding can certainly help us increase our process of situationalawareness, but if our skills are not at a level to help prevent a situation; what good is the increased awareness then?
A GUIDE FOR THE MOTORCYCLE CLUB RIDING COMMUNITY
Ifsuccessful, the court may orderthe department to release the footage and, in somecases, award attorney's fees and court costs. This can varydependingon the state'sstatutoryframeworkfor public records disputes.
4. Specific Considerations for the Motorcycle Club Riding Community
a. Demonstrating Community Interest
Motorcycleclubs, particularlywheninvolvedininteractionswithlawenforcement, mayarguethat bodycamfootage serves a clear public interestby ensuring the rights ofriders areprotected and that police conduct remains transparent. Evidence of systemic issues or repeated incidents involving motorcycle clubs can further support these arguments.
b. Supporting Advocacy and Rights Awareness
Body cam footage can be a criticaltool for advocacy. Motorcycleclubs may wish to partner with legal experts or advocacygroups to bring attention to patterns ofdiscriminationorover-policing, using footage to build a broader understanding and trust with lawenforcement.
5. Conclusion
For the motorcycle riding community, accessing policebody cam footagecan safeguard rights, increase transparency, andbuild publictrust. While the process of requesting such records can be complex, understanding state-specific public records lawsand being prepared to pursue legal action are vital steps. By navigating these legal avenues, riders and their advocates can uphold accountability and protecttheir communities from potential misconduct.
Key Takeaways
• Understand the Law: Each state has unique laws regarding public access to body cam footage.
• Follow Process: Submit clear and specific requests, andbe ready to appeal or litigateif denied.
• Seek Legal Support: Consulting an attorney with public records expertise can beinvaluable in complex cases.
• Stay Informed and Organized: Building a body of knowledgeabout public records processes strengthens advocacyefforts.
PartI: Requestor Information
1. NameofMotorcycleClub:
o Full Club Name:
o Chapter (if applicable): ----------
2. ContactPerson:
o Full Name:
o Position/Title:
o Phone Number:-
0 EmailAddress:
3. MailingAddress:
o StreetAddress:-----------------------------------
0 City, State, Zip: -----------------------------------
Part II:Incident Information
4. DateandTimeofIncident:
o Date:--------------------------------------
0 Approximate Time:
5. LocationofIncident:
o StreetAddress/Intersection:
o City, State, Zip:----------------------------------
6. InvolvedParties:
o Full Name(s) of Riders/Club Members:
o Vehicle Details (make/model/licenseplate, ifapplicable
7. LawEnforcement Agency:
oAgency Name:
o Officer(s)Involved (ifknown):
8. IncidentDescription:
o BriefDescriptionofIncident (include relevantdetails ofinteractionor event):
Part Ill: Footage Request Details
9. Footage Requested:
o □ Body Camera Footage
o □ Dash Camera Footage (if applicable)
o □ Other Related Recordings (specify):_____________________________
1O. PurposeofRequest (Optional in somejurisdictions):
o Explainwhy this footage is beingrequested (e.g., to ensure accountability, for legal defense, orto clarifyfacts ofthe incident):
PartIV:SupportingInformation
11. Privacy and ExemptionConsiderations:
o Are thereanyprivacy concerns orsensitiveinformationrelated tothis request? Please specify (e.g.,identifiableminors, private locations).
PartV:Agreement andSignature
• I, the undersigned, attest that theinformationprovided inthisrequest isaccurate to the best of my knowledge. I understand thatcertain recordsmay be exempt fromrelease understate or federal law and thatfeesmay apply.
• Signature: _________________
• Date:
PartVI:SubmissionInstructions
• Submit to: (Contact details oflocal/state law enforcementagency's records custodian)
• Methodof Submission: (Specifyif onlineportal, mail, fax, oremail)
PoliceBody CameraFootage Request Formfor MotorcycleClubs
The most common form of police-initiated interaction with the general public is a traffic stop. This is no different for motorcyclists and is especially true for anyone who wears Motorcycle Club colors or related paraphernalia. The following is a quick "how-to"to minimize the repercussions that arise when dealing with the police on the side of the road.
I would like tostart by stating that I am not an attorney, nor am I offering legal advice. The following is simply guidance that I follow and recommend to others who ask.
First thing to remember is to remain calm. The last thing you want to deal with is a jumpy cop who already is on edge. Remainingcalmencompassesacouple things. Keepyour handsonthehandlebars,do not make sudden (furtive) movements, and do not fight the police. The side of the road is not the place to argue a traffic ticket.
Next thing you want to do is make sure you are recording the traffic stop. This provides evidence and documentation that you do not have to worry about being lost, redacted, or otherwise altered. A recording does not forget details, does not forget court dates, and is considered an impeccable witness.
Many police will "request" you stop recording for their "safety". They will often cite "privacy laws" or wiretap statutes. These claims almost always fall short under judicial review. While the Supreme Court has not specifically ruled on any police recording cases, each U.S. Federal Court that has taken up such has stated that a public official (police officer) performing public duties with public funds in public, has no expectation of privacy. The 10th Circuit Court ofAppeals went as far to say that recording police is a constitutional right
Next up is documentation. We advise all motorcyclists to keep all their paperwork, driver's license, registration, and insurance, in one central location, such as a dedicated pocket, or small document holder. This will prevent the police from performing any additional, and potentially illegal, searches of your motorcycle or personal belongings. The documentary Ride Free or Die by Randall Wilson showcases an example of what police can, and will, do while on a traffic stop. Keeping everything together decreases the chances of any further problems arising.
Finally, REMAIN SILENT! The Fifth Amendment of the US Constitution unfortunately gets a bad rap these days. The Fifth simply states: "No person... shall be compelled in any criminal (or traffic) case to be a witness against himself." Supreme Court Justice Robert Jackson wrote: "(A)ny lawyer worth his salt will tell the suspect in no uncertain terms to make no statements to the police under anycircumstances"
Being an Irish Catholic, (and for those who know me), this is the hardest piece of advice for me to follow. You will almost never explain your way out of a traffic ticket, and most likely can and will walk yourself into deeper trouble. Anyand all statements made to the police can and will be used against you in a court of law. The only response to any police question should be "Officer, I exercise my right to remain silent."
While this is not a "end all be all" guide for handling all traffic stops and police interactions, it is at least a quick, brief overview of a few things that can be done to help keep you out of trouble and on two wheels!!!!
Irish Infamous Ryders MC- NationalAmbassador Motorcycle Profiling Project National Council of Clubs
• Advocate the integration ofan updated federal definition of a motorcycle.
• Advocate a mandate that autonomous vehicles must detect and respond to motorcycles.
• Advocate for expanding opportunities to address motorcyclist profiling.
• Ensure motorcyclesare not banned from federally funded roads.
• All high priority issues and emerging technologies
Taxes:
Encourage fair treatment ofmotorcyclists in any change to federal taxesrelatedto transportation.Vehicle milestraveled and other taxproposals must account for the different impact motorcycles have on infrastructure.
2025 MONITOR ITEMS
Distracted Driving:
Work to discourage any/all forms of distracted driving.
EV Incentives:
Seek fair tax rebate and or credits for the purchase of electric motorcycles similar to those offered for electric automobiles.
Exhaust Systems:
Monitor and vigorously oppose any federal standard proposing stamping and certifying of motorcycle exhaust systems.
International Partnerships:
Continue participation in motorcycle-related activity in the European Union, United Nations, Canada, India, China and other relevant global markets informing the membership of key developments.
National Studies:
Continue monitoring any national studies concerning motorcycles (i.e., Federal Crash Causation Study or MSF Naturalistic Study).
Opponents:
Monitor private and public organizations that oppose the legislative agenda or mission of the MRF.
Sound Testing:
• Monitor any SAE Motorcycle Roadside SoundTesting (addressedby individual states).
• Monitor any action by the EPA Office of Noise Abatement.
Tariffs:
Monitor any tariffs on imported motorcycles, parts,or apparel.
Tolling:
• Monitor fair tolling concepts on federally funded roadways and projects supported by federal bonds.
• Monitor any congestion tolling concerning motorcyclists by federal, state, or local governmentalagencies.
• Ensure thattolling technology is safe for use by motorcyclists.
