May 21, 2009 — Motorcycle riders in the Virgin Islands will have to pass a written exam and a bike riding skill tests if a bill sent out of the Legislature's Committee on Public Safety, Homeland Security and Justice Thursday makes it the rest of the way through the legislative process and becomes law.
As presented, the bill would establish a voluntary motorcycle safety education program. But, responding to testimony from the Office of Highway Safety and from bikers in the St. Croix Rainriders Motorcycle Club, all the committee members agreed to amend the bill to make written and practical tests mandatory.
"A rider course, a written test and a skills test are absolutely a must," said Jeff Bergstrom of St. Croix Rainriders. "I would also contact the (Office of the Lieutenant Governor) to see if passing the test could be tied to a reduction in insurance rates, because that would be a real incentive to take the course."
Tony Rome, a retired Maryland police officer and member of St. Croix Rainriders who taught motorcycle safety for years, told the committee this combination of mandatory tests and insurance incentives is the predominant model for motorcycle licensing. Rome offered to help set up the program too.
Voting yea to forward the bill out of committee were Sens. Sammuel Sanes, Wayne James, Shaun-Michael Malone and Terrence "Positive" Nelson. Absent were Sens. Patrick Simeon Sprauve and Alvin Williams.
Also approved by the committee were bills:
— clarifying and expanding rules for safety belts and child restraints;
— banning passengers in the back of pick-up trucks except for special circumstances like parades;
— changing the rules for displaying license plates;
— and appropriating $37,000 to purchase highly trained police dogs.
A bill preventing high-school dropouts from getting a driver's license until they turn 18 was held in committee. All votes were identical. The bills approved by the committee will now be considered by the Committee on Rules and Judiciary and if successful there, by the full Legislature.
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