Legislative Session 2016

Helmet Law Modification Bill:

This bill, with a lead sponsor and 30 co-sponsors, failed in committee by a vote of 18-6. The bill would have allowed helmet choice for adult motorcycle operators at least 21 years old with either 2 years riding experience or the satisfactory completion of an approved motorcycle safety course. Any operator under 21 would be required to wear a DOT compliant helmet. Passengers over 21 would be permitted helmet choice if the operator qualified for choice.

Motorcycle EMT Unit Prince George’s County:

This bill was supported by ABATE and would have authorized an EMT motorcycle unit in Prince George’s county. The concept was that a properly equipped motorcycle operated by an Emergency Medical Technician could arrive at many calls well in advance of a regular EMT ambulance. The bill did not get a vote.

Autocycle bill:

This bill, which was passed and signed by the Governor, authorizes a new style of motor vehicle in Maryland known as an “Autocycle”. This bill required a good bit of work on the part of ABATE to protect motorcyclist’s rights with regard to how Autocycles will impact motorcycling. Autocycles have side by side seating, a steering wheel, 2 wheels in front and one drive wheel in the rear, and by law will require the operator and passenger to wear helmets and seat belts. They will have motorcycle tags but will have their own body style classification for statistical purposes.

This vehicle is built to motorcycle safety standards but is in reality the front half of a car without the car safety features. We did not want the crash statistics to negatively impact motorcycling and our ability to lobby on behalf of motorcyclists. ABATE representatives worked with the bill sponsors, the MVA, and the representatives of Polaris, who produce the most well known Autocycle and were leading the drive to legalize them, to find the most acceptable language to all concerned.

Bill to Restrict Child Passengers on Motorcycles:

This bill would have would have made it illegal for any child under 10 years old to ride on a motorcycle in Maryland. This law would have applied to private property as well as public roads. ABATE does not believe it is the state’s responsibility to be the parent and that the decision of when to allow your child to ride, as long as it is safe for them to do so, should rest with the parent. ABATE lobbied strongly against this bill and saw it receive an unfavorable report in committee which stopped the bill.

​There was also language in the bill about the passenger, if between 10 and 12 years old, being able to rest their feet on the footrests. ABATE will look over this and consider it in future legislation. While ABATE does not appreciate undue restrictions and interference on personal freedoms we do understand safety is key will work on language to address the issue.

Motorcycle profiling:

This bill was requested by the Coalition of Clubs with ABATE’s endorsement and support. The bill requires all police agencies in Maryland to receive training at both the entry level and in-service to understand what constitutes profiling of motorcyclists and how to avoid profiling of individuals based on the fact that they wear motorcycle related clothing or paraphernalia and/or ride a motorcycle. This bill passed and was signed into law with only one no vote.