12/7/11 As per the R.I. Motorcycle Association by-laws, elections for executive officers were held on the first Tuesday in December. (December 6, 2011)
Elected to the post of President is Lou Petrucci.
Elected to the post of Vice President is Michael Araujo.
Elected to the post of Recording Secretary is Lucille Meehan.
Elected to the post of Treasurer is David Martinelli.
Congratulations to all. Each of these individuals bring a vast amount of experience and expertise to thier respective posts and will no doubt continue to represent the RI Motorcycle Association in such a way that we will all be proud to call ourselves members.

12/9/2011
MOTORCYCLE ONLY CHECKPOINTS RULED
LEGAL IN NEW YORK COURT CHALLENGE
The Federal Court in New York last month issued a ruling on a case which has pitted New York motorcyclists against the State Police and their use of the "Motorcycle Only" checkpoints.
In terms of background, in 2008, the New York State Police decided to implement checkpoints that targeted motorcycles only and in the areas of and at same time as some of the biggest motorcycle rallies in the state.
The statistics from these checkpoints are staggering:
- 5,342 motorcycles passed through 17 checkpoints in 2008.
- Authorities inspected 2,278 of those vehicles.
- They made four criminal arrests
- They issued 1,064 tickets
- 365 for helmet violations
- 99 for other safety violations
- 600 for non-safety violations.
In this court challenge, brought by motorcyclists that were forced to comply with this checkpoints, it was argued that motorcycle checkpoints were a form of profiling and this type of action violated their constitutional rights.

The court disagreed and said, in part:
".......checkpoints were enacted to promote motorcycle safety, a
manifest public interest; they were effective in addressing this interest; and that any interference with individual liberties was not only minimal, but also grossly outweighed by the interest advanced." The program gave police “appropriately� limited discretion and was “minimally intrusive,� with evidence showing bikers were detained at most 45 minutes even when they got secondary inspections and were cited for inadequate helmets, the judge wrote.
So, what is the effect of this ruling for bikers and motorcyclists in New England? In my opinion, increased confidence for law enforcement and anti-motorcycle groups with a stake in local and state government for the development and implementation of similar programs. Once in effect, the burden would shift to us to mount our own legal challenge. While courts do look to precedent for guidance in making decisions, this decision is fresh and fortunately here in the "1st Circuit" we have judges that don't automatically follow other jurisdictions. But it is an effort adverse to our motorcycling interests and one that we as bikers and motorcyclists must start thinking about.
I cannot stress enough, the importance of supporting the Rhode Island Motorcycle Association. This is the organization that will be marshalling the effort to combat such intrusive anti motorcycle government activity. These efforts take time, public support and money.
Submitted by Paul Lancia, Esq.

12/4/11 RIMA is now secured with SSL.  Entering your your username, pasword, address and other credential is now secured via SSL, or secure sockets layer.  SSL is a mechanism for web browsers to connect to web servers and encrypt the data sent in either direction.  Notice the address in the address bar starts with https instead of http and either to the right of the address bar or at the bottom right there should be a picture of a "closed lock".  This is to let you know your data tranmission is secured.

10/21/11 added 2011 Toy Run Photos

9/4/11 added A compilation of links to studies and reports involving all aspects of highway, auto, and motorcycle safety issues. Thanks to NY Freedom Riders.

8/19/11  Added History of the Toy Run Article, Toy Run Sponsor information, and Toy Run event information.

7/12/11 New memorial page added to the site

6/7/11 RIMA board of directors approve new membership rates. Single membership was $26 now $20 and family members was $30 now $25

6/7/11 RIMA is here for you when you need us, will you be here for RIMA when we need you? Two things you can do to help. 1) Even if you can't pay $20 annually to support RIMA you can still stay informed by signing up for email alerts. 2) Register to vote. Legislatures listen when we tell them we have X number of registered voters that share our views. Learn more here.

5/4/11 Posted pictures of last weekends Bike Blessing in Providence

4/25/11 Our Deepest condolences to the family and friends of Joe Lynch aka Santa.  Joe was a board member of RIMA , advocate for Motorcyclist Rights, and President of Kryptmen MC. Arrangements for Santa, will be Friday 4-8 pm at the Duffy Funeral Home, Mendon Rd, Cumberland RI service will be Sat 11 am.

3/22/11 RIMA and Pawsox present the 2nd annual motorcycle/car show and food drive.  See the events page for full details.  Entry is one can good, proceeds go to RI Food Bank

3/22/11 RIMA has learned today 3/11/11 that the City of Newport has decided to dismiss the case against RIMA member Peter Odette. In August 2010, Mr. Odette was issued a violation notice by the Newport Police that cited him for operating a motorcycle, within the city, that did not have an original EPA noise label. With the help of Attorney Paul Lancia, Mr. Odette challenged the ordinance on the grounds that the City of Newport was attempting to override existing state noise regulations. Over the last several months Attorney Lancia has met with officials in Newport and in written arguments presented last week outlined in great detail exactly how the local ordinance violates state statute. On Friday March 11, 2011 the city informed Attorney Lancia that it would be dismissing all charges. The Rhode Island Motorcycle Association, on behalf of all bikers throughout R.I. as well as visitors from other areas, wish to congratulate and thank Attorney Paul Lancia for his fine work to date.

The job is not yet done. The battle has been won, but the war continues. The next step is to eliminate enforcement of this ordinance completely and for the City to remove it.
RIMA will contest any enforcement of this ordinance this year. If anyone receives a violation from Newport citing the EPA label as the violation contact RIMA asap.
RIMA will be meeting at the next scheduled board (Tues. 3/15) meeting to consider a legal challenge in Superior/Supreme Court on this ordinance if the City will not address the ordinance itself.

MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF DEFENDANT’S
MOTION TO DISMISS

3/22/11 Recent activity on Legislation, check out our legislative page.

3/22/11 Found a pothole in need of repair? For RI state roads call 401-222-2388 and report them. Mention it's a safety hazard to motorcycles. For local city's and town's you'll need to call their town barn. If you have the numbers, let me know I'll post them as I get them. Webmaster@RIMotorcycle.com 

3/6/11 2011 Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet Photos posted

2/13/11 RIMA is looking to complete our collection of Toys for Tot's pins.  We will pay cash for the following pins.  1978,1979,1980,1981,1982,1983,1984,1985,1986,1990, 1991 Drop Senior member Steve an email at schauvette@hasbro.com

2/13/11 The February General Meeting will be held at Awards Banquet.

2/4/11 Board meeting postponed due to snow until 2/8/11, General Meeting will be held at Awards Banquet.

2/4/11  President Buddy, Vice President Pete, and Treasurer Mike announced their retirement at the end of this year.  Contact one of these officers if you're interested in holding one of these positions.  Now's the time to get educated.  See the contacts page for contact info.  Great guys, will walk you through what it takes.

1/6/2011 R.I. Motorcycle Association Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet.  Saturday February 26, 2011.  Cocktails @ 6:30, Meeting and Dinner starts @ 7:15pm Savini's Restaurant Woonsocket, RI 02895 $20/person.  Includes dinner with entertainment.  Table and 50/50 raffles.  Tickets may be purchased here at our on-line store or call 401-454-9011. Open to the public-Ticket must be purchased prior to 2/18/11

12/18/2010 Member beats battle in court,

RIMA member Norm was issued a ticket in the City of Woonsocket, RI citing him for operating a motorcycle with a loud or altered exhaust. (according to the officers personal opinion)

Norm was issued a ticket under state law  chapter 31-23-13 (see below) and issued a fine of $85.00.

Norm chose to challenge the ticket based on a couple of  factors.

1)      The motorcycle has passed all state inspections and had a current sticker

2)      No sound test was performed

3)      The statute calls for a 5 day tag, and then a fine if the bike is not re inspected and passed. 

 After going through the process, Norm reports;

 Hey Buddy, Just to let you know, I won my case yesterday. They didn’t issue a 5 day tag so the judge tossed it!!!!!!

 Happy Holiday!

Norm

12/18/2010 Reminder there will be no general meeting this month, next general meeting January 18th, 2011

11/20/2010 RIMA Events schedule for 2011

• Annual Awards Banquet February 26, 2011 at Savini's Restaurant Woonsocket, RI 02895 $20/person

• RIMA and Pawsox event, May 14th, 2011

• Toys for Tots, October 16, 2011

10/4/10 The 2010 Toys for Tots Toy Run is now in the history books. As far as I could tell, we filled those 2 huge trucks to the hilt. Thanks to all that donated.
Photos can be sent to webmaster@RIMotorcycle.com

9/18/10  Buddy's Letter regarding the importance of voting and what you need to know.

9/18/10 Read the responses from various legislators here

6/14/10 No general meeting this month.

Got motorcyle related news, we'd love to hear it, send it to Webmaster@RIMotorcycle.com

6/1/10 New meeting time for both the general and board meetings.  7 PM starting tonight.

5/30/10 Woonsocket to give verbal warnings for loud noise violations, however after June 14th expect to be ticked.  First offense $100.  New Police Chief brags about hundreds of tickets handed out in Florida while he was there. See our legislative page for link to actual ordinance.

5/23/10 We will have a table setup at the Station Fire Benefit Bike Run & Block Party.  Say Hi to Joe aka "Shadow Rider", our new Membership Director.  He'll have membership applications along with RIMA appearal.  More Info

5/23/10 Extended sale on Men's Shirts also available in our on-line store Hats, Sweatshirts, Patches, and Decals.

3/1/2010 2010 RIMA events announced: May 15th Pawsox Motorcycle Challenge and Food Drive October 3 Toy Run

3/1/2010 Men's shirts and Woman's Tank Tops on sale in our store.  Hats and Decals added to our inventory. 

12/9/2009 Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet date set for February 27, 2010.  Sit down family style roast beef dinner, entertainment, table raffle and 50/50.  $25 per person.  Tickets available in our online store.

11/28/2009 1st Annual Toy Run photos provided by Senior Board member Steve Chauvette check them out.

11/28/2009 RIMotorcycle.com broadcasting RSS feed.

11/9/09 RIMA is successful in getting East Greenwich to remove the Label and OEM statements in the noise ordinance.  Read the full story here.

10/24/09 More information posted about our newsletter Click here

10/23/09  E. Greenwich will not be using the "Label Matching Program" however they have decided to use the words "Original Equipment" instead.  They will insist you use OEM parts.  We need your help, consider attending Monday's meeting, contact Buddy for more information.

10/5/09 Toy Run 2009 is now in the history books.  There were approximately 1200 motorcycles that took part.  Two 5 ton Marine Corps. trucks were filled.   Full Story

9/29/09 E. Greenwich's ordinance is still in effect through October, however we received correspondence that they will not be using the "Label Matching Program" in their final ordinance. 

9/29/09 Lincoln's town council has adopted a new ordinance.  If they can hear your vehicle past 200 ft. you could be subject to a fine.  There is no mention of the Label Match Up Program as their original proposal had suggested

9/11/09 Added public option to subscribe to news alerts.  RIMA members already get these alerts and more.

9/3/09 Toys For Tots needs your support.