Jan. 25th Is Motorcycling Day at the Washington Capitol
15 January 2001
Jan. 25th Is Motorcycling Day at the Washington Capitol
OLYMPIA, Wash., Jan. 15 Thursday, Jan. 25th is
Motorcycling Day at the Washington Capitol. Traditionally known as
"Black Thursday" (black is the color of most motorcycle leathers), this year
will see a day packed with activities that are geared to promote not only
motorcycling, but also the rights of Washington motorcyclists. The event is
expected to pack the Capitol with motorcycle riders, owners and retailers.
Planned Activities Include:
1. ROTUNDA EVENT: All day. Motorcycle supporters will line the inside of
the Capitol with various displays that will be open to the public and members
of the legislature. This year's theme is "Motorcyclists: Positive Promotion".
Groups like Bikers Against Statewide Hunger (BASH) will educate lawmakers on
the positive aspects of motorcycling. Exhibits will be set up in the Rotunda
at 8 a.m. Karen Bolin, Washington Road Riders Association Government Affairs
Director says, "The goal of these displays is to educate the public and the
legislators that motorcycling and motorcyclists contribute in many ways to our
communities, and the state."
2. RECOGNITION FROM THE HOUSE FLOOR. Motorcyclists will once again ask
for formal recognition from the house floor. Riders are expected to pack the
House galleries. A representative will ask for formal acknowledgment, for the
house record, and members will offer comments. The time for this year's
recognition will be posted at the WRRA booth.
3. PHOTO SHOOT: The official house photographer, at the request of
several members, will do a "group photo." Last year this was held inside the
Capitol building. Depending on the number of motorcyclists who show up, the
photo shoot may move outside. House members will be present to have their
picture taken with members of the motorcycling public. Last year this
happened at noon. This year's time and place will be posted at the WRRA
booth.
4. LOBBYING REPRESENTATIVES & SENATOR: Members of the motorcycling public
have been scheduling appointments with their representatives to discuss the
three main pieces of motorcycling legislation that have been introduced for
discussion this year(Helmet law revisions, Legal definitions of helmets and
rider education funding). Members of both houses are expected to receive
hundreds of requests for appointments on these issues.
5. 5TH ANNUAL LEGISLATIVE RECEPTION: 3-9 p.m.; Oliver's Northwest,
located at the Aladdin Best Western Hotel; 900 S Capitol Way, Olympia (three
blocks from the Capitol). This reception starts at 3 p.m., however most
legislators do not show until after 5:30 p.m. It is common for legislators to
attend three or four receptions in the course of an evening.
6. WRRA PRESS CONFERENCE: Scott Bourne, a Tacoma-based technology
entrepreneur and WRRA Public Relations Director, will hold a press conference
at the Rotunda to discuss motorcycle legislation up for consideration during
this session. The press conference is scheduled for noon. Go to the WRRA
booth for more information.
More information on motorcycling and motorcycle rights will be available
at the Rotunda as the day's events unfold.
THE WRRA:
The Washington Road Riders Association is a Non-Profit Corporation, formed
by motivated riders dedicated to the protection of motorcycling within the
legislative and political arenas. The WRRA is actively involved in educating
elected officials, both state and federal, on a variety of motorcycling
issues. It has developed a pro-active legislative agenda.
The WRRA is funded by membership. It is a true grassroots organization,
which relies on active communication with its members. The WRRA does not
sponsor runs or social events. As a dedicated motorcycle rights organization,
the WRRA seeks to effectively represent all of motorcycling.