Puerto Rico Passes Strict Motorcycle Law

[HDinWA]

The Tropics? I can't think of a worse place to wear full riding gear!

http://www.newsvine.com/_news/2007/1...motorcycle-law

SAN JUAN — Tropical Puerto Rico will require motorcycle drivers to wear protective jackets, gloves, long pants and boots as part of a strict safety law signed by the governor of the U.S. commonwealth on Wednesday.

Augmenting an existing helmet law, the new law also sharply lowers the maximum allowable blood-alcohol level for motorcycle and scooter enthusiasts below levels tolerated for automobile drivers.

The law's sponsors said it was prompted by a sharp increase in motorcycle and scooter accidents, but some bikers argued that adults should be allowed to decide such matters for themselves.

In a last-ditch effort to stop the law, hundreds of motorcyclists on Monday revved their engines in protest while riding past Gov. Anibal Acevedo Vila's residence in San Juan.

Puerto Rico, which before had less stringent rider regulations than most U.S. states, now has the most restrictions of any of the 50 states, said the Ohio-based American Motorcyclist Association.

"There's really no place under the U.S. flag that has restrictions that are as strict as Puerto Rico," said association spokesman Lance Oliver.

In addition to the heavy protective gear, drivers of two-wheeled motor vehicles on the island now must wear reflective vests after dark. The legal blood-alcohol limit is now .02 percent for bikers, down from .08 percent, which will remain the tolerated limit for car drivers.

It was not immediately clear what the penalties for infractions would be.

© 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

[WOLFHOUND]

Sounds like they are going a little over board to me.

[tireater]

I only see 2 problems with the .02 limit....Biker bars and bar hopper bikes...Who is looking out for them...?

[ozzy85]

What bothers me is when something like this happens, it seems to be a test to see if their program will work before its implemented nationwide.

[tireater]

I'm a com. fisherman and we have a .04 limit at sea...That's like 2 beers.... .02 is like 1 beer....

[Renegade]

THIS! is why every biker needs to
join a Motorcycle Rights Organization!

They are going to slowly chip away at riding and restricting what to wear, where to ride, and what you can do to your bikes
TILL THEY CAN OUTLAW RIDING!

"big Brother knows whats best for you"

Resistence is futile you will be assimilated.

[tireater]

Insurance companies have to pay for a lot of claims due to cars hitting bikes...Less Bikes = Less claims to pay...
Ridership goes down in places where they inact helmet laws...