Fed funding for motorcycle-only checkpoints to end?

U.S. Senators Shaheen (D-N.H.), Johnson (R-Wis.), Ayotte (R-N.H.), Manchin (D-W.Va.) and Collins (R-Maine) have introduced S.B. 127, the Stop Motorcycle Checkpoint Funding Act, which would prohibit federal funding for motorcycle-only checkpoints, limiting the implementation of these discriminatory checkpoints nationwide.

During the past few years, federal, state and local governments spent many hundreds of thousands of dollars on motorcycle-only checkpoints, funds that could have been better spent on programs to prevent distracted driving, increase rider education programs or improve motorist awareness. I've never been pulled into one of these checkpoints, but I have friends who have, particularly in New York State on the major arteries leading to the annual Americade Rally in Lake George. While I have no sympathy for those riding unregistered or uninsured bikes, or with unlawfully loud pipes, motorcycle-only checkpoints is in my view an unlawfully discriminatory practice. If a governmental entity feels the need to check motor vehicles for certain compliance, then pull all non-commercial (commercial is subject to different rules) vehicular traffic into a given checkpoint, not just motorcycles.

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