It’s been an interesting week. On Monday I received a letter from the legal counsel for Cycle News magazine. The letter explained that Cycle News is a registered trademark and that the owners of the mark feel that my use of the phrase “Cycle News” on my site and domain name infringed upon their trademark. Therefore, I was to cease and desist use of the phrase or face legal action.

On Tuesday I contacted Cycle News‘ legal counsel and we discussed possible courses of action. In short, they have a strong case and the resources to win it. I have neither. I have submitted a proposal for a “ramp down” period during which I will rename my site and migrate all of the content to a new domain. I am waiting for a response from Cycle News.

The attorney from Cycle News was very reasonable and indicated that her client had no interest in causing me to lose readers and there were no issues with the content of my site. As a trademark holder, Cycle News is obligated to defend their mark lest it be weakened. While I did not think that I was infringing their trademark, using two common words that accurately describe what I do, trademark law doesn’t see it that way and essentially obligates Cycle News to defend their mark.

Stay tuned.

On the upside, I am very pleased to welcome a new regular contributor; Steve Johann. Steve is the producer and co-host of HogRadio, a weekly internet radio show focuses on the world of V-Twins and customs. I was recently interviewed on the show and Steve and I hit it off, so I am very excited to have him onboard.

Also in this issue, Michael Pierce continues his healing journey in part 2 of A Road Story. Michael, an accomplished professional photographer, also contributed the photo accompanying the story. Look for more of his photography here in the future.

Keith Chaplin’s front page story in the June 29 issue of  the Skagit Valley Herald describes the Washington State Patrol’s “Target Zero” initiative. The objective of this initiative is to “eliminate motorcycle fatalities by 2030.”

First, it is refreshing to see the WSP taking action to reduce the number of motorcycle fatalities in our state. Certainly there is a lot that needs to be done to improve motorcycle safety in Washington. The fact that roughly half of all motorcycle fatalities involve no vehicle other than the motorcycle is telling.

It is clear that the WSP has made this program a high priority and put it on the fast track. Their very aggressive timetable of 22 YEARS is an indication of the seriousness with which they are pursuing their goal. (Yes, folks, that was sarcasm.)

Second, what kind of goal is zero fatalities anyway? I’m sorry, given the infinite number of ways for a motorcyclist to be killed on Washington roads, many of which are unforeseeable and therefore not preventable, how is this even remotely achievable? These are just “feel-good” words about unattainable goals.

I get very skeptical whenever I see government agencies and politicians use words like “zero.” (“Zero tolerance” anyone?) Usually the word “zero” is a good indicator of the amount of logic and sense applied. WSP’s Target Zero is another example of just that.

You have made my life so much easier. No longer do I have to try to convince people that motorcyclists do not have death wishes and are, in fact, a safe and responsible bunch. You have finally revealed the truth for all to see: motorcyclists really are the irresponsible, reckless, speed-demons that the general public has always thought.

I am glad that a group of motorcyclists has finally stood up and let everyone know that the roads and highways are our personal playgrounds and that we don’t give a whit about the safety or convenience of others on the road.

Now that the truth has been revealed, I am sure the non-riding, voting public will simply quake with fear and tell their legislators to give us whatever we ask for. For example, I am sure that it will be no problem to get higher penalties for drivers who kill bikers and make sure that insurance coverage is available for injured riders.

Yep, after your masterful display, it should be no problem at all to convince drivers to treat us with courtesy respect.

So thanks I-5 stunters.

Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels was all smiles when he announced earlier this month that the city would be installing an additional 24 red light cameras at 19 intersections throughout the city. And why shouldn’t he be smiling? The one-year red light camera pilot program, using only six cameras, generated over $1 million dollars in revenue from fines while costing the city less than $400,000.

Nickels and Seattle Police Chief Gil Kerlikowske like to play up the safety impact of the program. This in spite of the city’s own report that indicates:

"There is little evidence that cameras have decreased the frequency of all auto crashes or of the more dangerous angle collisions…"

If safety is the goal, perhaps Nickels and Kerlikowske should have a look at a 2004 Texas Transportation Institute Study that concluded that increasing the length of yellow lights by just 1 second resulted in a 40 percent reduction in collisions.

Of course, no one makes any money from longer yellow lights.

From a WSP news release:

After a concerning start of the year, the Washington State Patrol reports motorcycle fatality collisions have decreased significantly over the summer compared to 2006. As of August 31, there have been 43 deaths resulting from collisions involving motorcyclists. For the same time period in 2006, there were 61 deaths.

In March 2007, the patrol noticed an increase in speed–related collisions involving motorcyclists. In an effort to reduce these collisions troopers focused their attention on motorcyclists who were driving under the influence, speeding, and driving negligently.

“It appears that riders got the message and slowed down,” said Chief John R. Batiste, “I am convinced that strong enforcement can make a difference.”

From April 2007 to July 2007, troopers doubled the amount of the arrests of motorcyclists who were driving under the influence and increased the amount of citations issued to those riders who chose to exceed the posted speed limit by two-thirds.

Of course, the lousy weather we had this summer compared to last and the resulting reduction in motorcycle riding had nothing to do with the decrease. After all, "strong enforcement," or maybe "selective enforcement," made all the difference.