STATEHOUSE - Motorcyclists will be pleased to hear State Rep. Jacque Clements (R-Frankfort) co-sponsored Senate Bill (SB) 31 Thursday to change the regulations concerning motorcycle handlebars. The bill passed out of the House by a 91-1 vote. Currently, the Indiana law restricts handlebars from being no more than 15 inches above the driver's seat. "I have had several complaints in my community with people being confused about the height requirement because the current law does not take into account the height of the driver," said Rep. Clements. SB 31 makes changes so that motorcycle handlebars may not raise higher than the shoulders of the driver when the driver is seated in the driver's seat. "I was glad to help with the bill because it will not only improve the safety of motorcyclists, but it will also provide a common sense figure to the height of the handlebars." Several members of ABATE (American Bikers Aimed Toward Education) came to many committee and floor hearings to show support of the bill. The bill passed out of the Senate by a 38-10 vote before coming to the House. Since the bill was amended from its original form, it will return to the Senate for further consideration. |
