Hogknookers - News form ABATE of New York

ABATE of New York, Inc., P.O. Box 300, Walker Valley, NY 12588-0300 1-888-344-4400 www.abateny.org PRESS RELEASE ABATE of New York Opposes New York City Int. No. 416-A FROM: Timothy D. Werder, ABATE of New York State President DATE: January 10, 2009 Following a December 29th meeting with New York City Council Member Alan Gerson (1st District) to discuss proposed Local Law Int. No. 416-A, which he sponsored, ABATE of New York, Inc. reiterates its strong opposition to this legislation, however well intended, that will potentially make unavailable non-stock exhaust systems that conform to current sound level standards, due to cost & availability issues, and production & equipment-related concerns. There is the severe potential of wide-ranging negative results of this legislation passing. If a motorcycle owner is fearful that a stock or stock equivalent exhaust will be unavailable in the future, then the owner is more likely to remove and store the stock exhaust for future use. A chosen replacement exhaust may meet legislated sound levels, but not be legal due to stamping requirements. Also, there are a number of motorcycles for which stock replacement and stock equivalent exhausts are already not available. Owners of many of those motorcycles must seek out exhaust systems from custom manufacturers, many of whom are not large enough to be able to afford EPA certification. Additionally, examples are readily available of current, stock vehicles that do not meet the stamping requirement sitting on showroom floors and in owner’s garages. These vehicles have not been modified in any way, meet the current legislated sound levels, and are being legally operated on the highways. Lastly, ABATE of New York, Inc. vehemently opposes the discriminatory tactic of targeting only motorcyclists when there are numerous other sound-level violators on the streets. It is far better to enforce the existing sound level requirements across-the-board, than to pass this onerous legislation. ABATE of New York was established in 1974, and incorporated in 1991 as a 501c4 not-for-profit corporation representing the rights of all New York State motorcyclists. For further information, contact ABATE of New York, Inc. at the above address, or: Susan Long, Public Relations Officer 585-255-0103 or George Gorman, State Legislative Officer 585-293-2086