[Ducati] Florida Representative Carlos Lopez-Cantera wants your motorbike and drivers license

[Diego]

Florida Representative Carlos Lopez-Cantera wants your motorbike and drivers
license, so he can appear tough on crime. 


Rep Carlos Lopez-Cantera is sponsoring a bill to target bikers.

http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Bills/billsdetail.aspx?BillId=37239&S
essionId=57

This bill provides for seizure and forfeiture of a motorcycle under the
Florida Contraband Forfeiture Act, loss of driving privileges for 10 years,
and possible prison time if you exceeded 30 miles over the speed limit or
are reckless in an officers judgment. There is far less consequence for a
second DUI in Florida.

It is more then a matter of who obeys speed limits and who does not. It is a
matter of civil liberties when exceptional penalties can be enforced without
due process. In this case when an officer determines one is reckless. You
could be going 5 over at speed and deemed reckless in certain circumstances.


I turn right on my street where there is a school. The flashing lights
saying slow to 20 are 300 feet to the left of my right turn and round a
bend. Not visible at the corner. The speed limit is 45. In first gear I exit
the stop and proceed towards the school. No traffic. No kids. A crossing
guard emerges from her chair waving her arms. A deputy Turns form what he is
doing towards the crossing guard. I see my speed: 30mph in a 45. I look
ahead and see an auto slowing down at the other flashing light (not visible
from this side) on the other side of the school zone. I immediately throttle
off. The crossing guards arms cease their motion, but the deputy stares me
down.  Was that error worth loosing my motorbike, license, and possibly jail
time? 

This bill does not address other motor vehicles and unfairly targets
motorcyclists. This legislation is discriminatory and may provide law
enforcement with incentive to increase profile and crack down on
motorcycles. In Pinellas Park we have seen a rash of police blockades
stopping motorcyclists in search of law violations. If this proposed bill
becomes a law it may only serve to increase the danger by encouraging young
riders to run and evade law enforcement out of fear. Mandatory prison time
for those who kill motorcyclists might be a more effective way to reduce
fatalities. 

Venting is one thing, but serves little then ourselves if we do nothing.
Existing laws are applicable to the problems a small number of motorcyclists
create. Targeting all motorcyclists is unjustifiable. 

AMA is not in favor of bill. Follow their link to contact your state
representative. 

http://capwiz.com/amacycle/issues/bills/?bill=10350451


If you are aware of a Florida State Representative who rides and would
support a petition please help get the petition going. If you have the
resources to start a web site to collect and post information relevant to
this bill please contact me. This is our time as riders citizens, and voters
to be heard. 

I welcome your thoughts and participation. 


Respectfully

Diego