Flowers Bill suffers 17-3 loss.

by G.Ward.

March 11th was the day that A.B.A.T.E., AMA, District 17, IMDA, Clubs, Track Owners, Dealers, and Riders  from all types of racing venues converged on Springfield IL the State Capital. 

The reason, was Representative  Mary Flowers had submitted a bill for law which would have made it illegal for anyone under the age of 16 years of age to be able to ride, race or operate either an off road motorcycle or atv.  Click to read bill here.

We all met at Hall's Cycle in Springfield at 7am. Some had to roll out as early as 2:30 am to make the trek to the meeting. Once there we were quite happy to find that all the emails and phone calls had made a difference. Some where around 150 enthusiasts filled and over flowed the room making a pretty interesting impression on the people at the capital.  Not because it was the biggest, as 5000 gun rights activists were slated to show up that evening.  However that many people in an education committee meeting room isn't heard of...... that is unless part of that education was to teach our kids that OHV riding was dangerous and soon to be illegal. 

Many congressman heard the rumors through the capital about the turn out and had to come down and check it out!  They said "she won't call that bill now, way to many people in opposition". Well Ms Flowers did decide to leave the in, it was late on the agenda, but was moved to 3rd or 4th on the list.  Ms Flowers started off with a story about a tragic accident with a 7 year old named "Lacee", and how that after intensive care, and severe head injuries, that Lacee has survived, but that would have problems with learning and other processes of growing up. She talked about National studies which she quoted figures and statistics which made riding an ATV sound like everyone who rode one was taking chances like Travis Pastrana jumping out of an airplane with no parachute. If she said it once, she said it ten times she was going to "save the children" even if that meant "she saved one child it would be worth this effort". After some more, figures and stats she started telling us about Suzuki and Polaris, which by the way she could not pronounce either company name correctly. Listing riding parks which were "over a 150 miles" from here, but never mentioning the state supported riding park 20 minutes down the road.  Needless to say once the her comments were finished we all were more then  ready to talk.

The chairman said, "ok, we know many of you want to speak but lets start with saying that 124 sheets have been turned in opposed, and none for this bill. We want only a few people to comment and then take a vote." We have a lot to do today and many know on this committee how they are going to vote, so lets keep the comments short and concise."  Bob Ward from ABATE of Illinois was the first to speak and made great points about kids and family. A couple other guys spoke and sorry we didn't catch their names, then a young man Ryan Burggren did a great job of speaking in front of all those "grown" ups.  Rev there for JMX, spoke about the dangers of other sports and tragedies that happen. Compare to swimming and asked if we should drain all the bodies of water if a child drowns? Bud Northrup spoke of the family atmosphere at many racing events, and all the different places to ride, many with OHV Grant funding in which he sits on the state board. Reminding the committee that the State of IL. taxes purchases on all OHV machines,  receives tax revenues from all the gas, food and other purchases on a weekend when the family goes riding. He went on to state in this time of a really bad economy why would they consider banning this sport for the kids which would hurt all facets of business and make it even worse.

After some others said a few words, Rep. Flowers countered with some more babble about saving one child is worth it, and swimming has life guards and training.

These committee members from Chicago,  Davis, Golar, and Osterman voted in favor to Ban OHV riding by kids under 16, which are names we should remember in the future. Some other Reps. had some comments on how the bill could be better worded, or to offer safety training, & some type of schooling process to help the kids be safer.  Other people who testified against, was a representative of the drivers training education in IL., stating that " it is under funded and no way could take on this task."  Simply put the only person in the room who was for this bill was Flowers and the other 3 Reps. from Chicago.  Their were no witnesses in favor of this bill on this morning.

We made a large statement this day. Hopefully it will be heard and we won't have to keep fighting for our right to enjoy off road riding in this state.  I would think personally that these representatives would have much more pressing issues to deal with. BUT it is government, and well stay tuned we likley will see something like this again, and Rep. Flower's actually stated she will be back with witness's and with another bill to be considered.  If that happens we will rise to the occasion again.  

On a personal note Patty and I want to thank everyone who dropped everything to come out and support this effort, also to all those folks who wrote letters, called and emailed the representatives. We took our sons Travis and Garrett out of school to see the process and visit the capital.  Talked to our Representative Frank Mautino (photo), he was amazed that this got this far. In fact he stated " she is going to lose big, I don't understand why she is pushing this?" 

Today was a good day for the sport. We will work harder to provide and prove to these folks that a safety training course and process is in place through the dealers.  Work on more exposure to parents on the risks of riding and benefits of using the proper gear.