Biker Republic: BIKER REPUBLIC ENEWS 8/21/08

Date: August 21st 2007

Biker Republics, E-news for bikers
Home to The Extreme Activists of the Biker Rights Movement!

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Contents:
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1. A first from AAA
2. AHAS -press release
3. Ticket for Loud Bike DISMISSED!
4. CT. Patriot Guard honored by Governor
5. Helmet Law Facts
6. Troopers working to tame the 'Tail of the Dragon'
7. TN: Police Crackdown on Motorcycles Riding the Dragon....
8. A Japanese biker failed to notice his leg was missing
9. As of now, killing bikers is pretty much legal
10. MOVING WALL ESCORT AUGUST 22nd
11. HERO AND DORK of the week
12. Show your support for the fight.
http://www.bikerrepublic.org

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1. A first from AAA
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http://www.swnebr.net/newspaper/cgi-bin/articles/articlearchiver.pl?161586
AAA: Be on the Lookout For Motorcyclists Heading to Sturgis
Motorcycle traffic on our state’s highways and byways is expected to increase this week due to the annual pilgrimage to South Dakota for the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally which runs from August 6-12. The 2007 Rock’n the Rally Sturgis Concerts will begin this Sunday. Touted as America’s largest 5-day rock festival, it will feature music legends including Tanya Tucker, Eddie Money, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Ted Nugent, and many others.
Based on past years’ attendance numbers, an average of 70,000 motorcycle enthusiasts are expected to travel into the Sturgis area each day during the week long event. With many expected to travel through Nebraska on their way to and from South Dakota, AAA reminds motorists to look twice before making a lane change or turning left in front of oncoming traffic.
Give motorcyclists an extra margin of safety by keeping a safe following distance. Never cut in front of a motorcyclist especially if you are driving a high-profile vehicle which tends to kick-up rocks and other hazardous road debris. So far this year, six motorcycle fatalities have occurred on Nebraska roadways. For more information on the events and concerts planned for the 67th annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, log on to www.sturgis.com.
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2. AHAS -press release
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www.saferoads.org/press/press2007/NCSRLPressConferenceRemarks080607.pdf

Remarks of Judith Lee Stone
President of Advocates for Auto and Highway Safety
And Member of the Advisory Board of the
National Campaign to Stop Red Light Running

Monday, August 6, 2007

Recently the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
released the annual motor vehicle fatality toll for 2006 that indicates
minor overall improvement over 2005, but the total number of fatalities
last year – 42,642 -- is still one of the largest in the last decade.
The small decrease clearly represents neither steady nor sustained
progress toward addressing the number one killer of all Americans
between the ages of 4 and 34.

I see two major ironies in these numbers, related to today’s topic:
First, the number of deaths, and the death rate -- 1.42 deaths per 100
million vehicle miles traveled – still leave the U.S. lagging behind
other industrialized nations throughout the world.

Within a few days of NHTSA’s announcement, the Organization for Economic
Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the International Transport Forum
reported that the U.S. ranks 42nd out of 48 countries in motor vehicle
deaths, based on number of fatalities per capita. The OECD report shows
that Australia, Britain, France, Germany and Japan dramatically
outperformed the U.S. in deaths per capita, and when measuring lowest
death rates by miles driven, the U.S. ranked only 11th.

Our low global ranking may come as a surprise to some. The second irony
that occurs to me is that most of the countries that do better than the
U.S. in getting a handle on this major public health problem have been
benefiting from wide use of automated enforcement, usually without
public opposition, for decades. So we shouldn’t be surprised they do
better than we do. Why wouldn’t governments struggling to contain costs
and looking for effective ways to protect families choose
readily-available technologies that lead to safer roads and
neighborhoods, and why wouldn’t they see the results of their actions in
the bottom line?

If you knew there was a proven technological application that would cure
a lifethreatening disease diagnosed by your doctor, would you settle for
anything less in the hospital?

In this country, we know the solutions to reducing highway deaths and
injuries but it seems we are often lacking the political leadership to
enact the necessary laws and regulations to do so. We need to construct
a much better safety policy infrastructure that is then vigorously
enforced, if we want sizeable reductions in the annual motor vehicle
crash and fatality picture.

With photo enforcement now being used in a majority of states and over
200 localities, there may be an assumption that the U.S. is implementing
this technology as effectively as possible. Unfortunately, this is not
the case, and there is a need for federal leadership and positive
guidance to the states.
Only 17 states and the District of Columbia have enabling legislation to
permit and define how photo enforcement should be used. And, only three
states have passed such legislation in recent years. Despite
overwhelming evidence of the effectiveness of photo enforcement to
combat red light running and speeding both here and abroad, there has
been very little encouragement to our state legislatures for taking such
action from the federal level.

Growth in the use of automated enforcement has come almost entirely from
communities – having already appealed to state representatives, but
unwilling to wait any longer – that have proceeded with implementing
programs without state authorization. These systems are working well
throughout the nation, reducing crashes, deaths and injuries. Automated
enforcement is predictably effective and a proven highway safety
vaccine.
The majority of Americans agree that enforcement on our roadways is too
lax.

Poll after poll, including surveys conducted for my own organization by
Lou
Harris starting nearly 10 years ago, indicate high levels of support for
automated enforcement to stop red light running and speeding. The
politicians and other government leaders need not worry about a
backlash.

As a member of the Advisory Board of the National Campaign to Stop Red
Light Running and the President of Advocates for Highway and Auto
Safety, I want to commend this report, Focus on Safety, and am glad it
is being sent to the National Surface Transportation Commission. I urge
the Commission to stress the importance of state enabling legislation by
recommending in their report to Congress that states adopt such
legislation to authorize the use of photo enforcement for red light
running and speeding. While every American community may not need or
choose to use automated enforcement, it should be an option that is
available at the determination of law enforcement and traffic control
experts in each jurisdiction throughout the country.
Thank you.
#####
Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety is an alliance of consumer, health
and safety groups and insurance companies and agents working together to
make America's roads safer. For more information, please visit
www.saferoads.org.
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3. Ticket for Loud Bike DISMISSED!
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http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/local/article/0,1299,DRMN_15_5665356,00.html
Ticket for Loud Bike DISMISSED!
By Daniel J. Chacon, Rocky Mountain News
August 9, 2007
The first and only ticket that police have issued to a motorcyclist under Denver's controversial new noise ordinance was dismissed Wednesday.
The city's decision to drop the case highlights a fundamental flaw - Denver police aren't equipped with the $1,000 noise monitors needed to make the charge stick, said Wade Eldridge, lawyer for the ticketed biker.
"In any case in which it's properly challenged, the city has an impossible burden," said Eldridge.
The reason Assistant City Attorney April Snook cited in her motion to dismiss the case was the city was "unable to prove charge beyond a reasonable doubt."
The ordinance, which took effect July 1, was in response to rising complaints about ear-splitting motorcycle noise in areas such as downtown, where more people are living in lofts and high-rise condos.
It limits noise levels to 82 decibels from a distance of 25 feet and requires motorcyclists with bikes made after 1982 to have a muffler with an EPA noise-certification stamp.
Ellen Dumm, spokeswoman for the city's Environmental Health Department, said an "oversight" caused the case to be dismissed.
"The police officer did not inspect the pipes for the required (Environmental Protection Agency) sticker," she said.
Dumm also said she thinks the dismissal was a "one-time" thing and that the ordinance's enforcement will result in quieter streets.
Eldridge's client, Stuart Sacks, was stopped in LoDo near Little Raven and 20th streets at 5:25 p.m. July 2. He was ticketed for having an "unlawful modified muffler," records show.
Eldridge said he believes Sacks was initially pulled over for making an illegal lane change.
"Basically, they had no noise meter and no visual inspection in this case," Eldridge said.
"So the most they would have had was the officer's gut feeling that it was too loud, which is not enough."
Eldridge said he wasn't "at liberty to comment" about whether his client's motorcycle had an EPA noise-certification stamp.
"But," Eldridge said, "I'd be surprised if he did."
chacond@RockyMountainNews.com or 303-954-5099

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4. CT. Patriot Guard honored by Governor
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Patriot Guard Riders Honored By Governor
By ALAINE GRIFFIN | Courant Staff Writer
August 9, 2007
http://www.courant.com/news/local/hc-midmotor0809.artaug09,0,2842358.story
MIDDLETOWN - In June, nearly 200 bikers sat on their Harleys, ready to keep anti-war protesters away from family members grieving at 1st Lt. Keith Heidtman's funeral in Norwich.

The funeral for Heidtman, who was killed in Iraq, was one of several soldiers' military funerals and public military events members of the Patriot Guard Riders have attended through the years. Sometimes they go to provide volunteer security for soldiers' families. Sometimes it's just to show their patriotism.

Today at the second annual Middletown Motorcycle Mania, the state's nearly 500 Patriot Guard Riders will be honored for their service. This week, Gov. M. Jodi Rell issued a proclamation recognizing the Patriot Guard's efforts, saying the group has "an unwavering respect for those who risk their lives for America's freedom and security."
Cathy Duncan, an organizer of Middletown Motorcycle Mania, said Rell's proclamation will be read at today's event and will be followed by the reading of the names of the Connecticut soldiers killed in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Duncan said last year's event - which attracted more than 900 bike registrations - was a patriotic event, in part because of the participation of the Patriot Guard. So when the idea of recognizing their service at today's event came up, "We felt it was a perfect match," Duncan said.

Rell spokesman Adam Liegeot said the governor witnessed the "sincere respect" the Patriot Guard has for the military during the most recent welcome-home ceremony for troops.

"The Patriot Guard Riders filled the state armory gymnasium last Sunday morning waving flags and applauding the soldiers who have recently returned from Afghanistan," Liegeot said. "Gov. Rell believes these words of recognition are a small but fitting tribute to a group that has shown strong and unwavering support for our men and women in uniform."

Patriot Guard member Scott Wilderman said about 70 percent of the members are veterans. The members - men and women, young and old, Republican and Democrat - "truly care about these young men and women who have died and their families," he said. When families request their presence at military funerals, Wilderman said, their mission is to provide respectful security for loved ones who want to be shielded from protesters.

"The governor's recognition is validation that we've done a great job," Wilderman said.

Contact Alaine Griffin at agriffin@courant.com.

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5. Helmet Law Facts
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My article, Helmet Law Facts, has been updated with the latest financial info from Florida. Also, there are 3 new addendums covering NHTSA's VMT fraud, the Brain Injury Association of America's findings, and the powerful testimony of helmet victim Shannon Laughy.

Many of you have seen much of the information in HLF elsewhere. I like to think what I have done is bring value to the information by presenting it in concise, clear way. Feel free to use anyway you can.

http://www.sbumaui.org/helmet_law_facts.pdf

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6. Troopers working to tame the 'Tail of the Dragon'
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Sound Off

Join the discussion.
http://www.WATE.com/Global/story.asp?s=6916626

Troopers working to tame the 'Tail of the Dragon'

August 10, 2007

By ADAM LONGO
6 News Anchor/Reporter

BLOUNT COUNTY (WATE) -- A stretch of U.S. 129, nicknamed "The Tail of the Dragon" is known around the world as one of THE places for motorcyclists to ride. But lately, it's also been known as one of THE places for traffic enforcement.

The Dragon is an 11 mile stretch of road from with 318 curves from Tab Cat Creek to Deals Gap. It's one of the most treacherous drives in East Tennessee, running through part of Blount County into North Carolina.

So Tennessee troopers are on a mission to tame the Dragon.

One rider from South Florida came to enjoy the ride and the view on Friday. But he got "...two tickets each, one for speeding and one for passing."

The rider is leaving with $625 in fines. "Plus, they tow away the bike out of the park so we have to wait for a towing company to come tow the bike."

Another rider, Adam Barnett, from Bloomington, Illinois, has this perspective. "The cops up here are slowing everyone down. That should be a good thing for all of us."

But some riders don't see it that way, especially those whose jobs are to encourage area tourism.

"We're concerned with the amount of pressure that's being put on them," says Herb Hanley, with the Smoky Mountain Visitor's Bureau.

For the most part, Friday was a quiet day on the Dragon. But last weekend, troopers wrote 142 tickets.

Eleven troopers are staking out the area and the state has authorized $60,000 in overtime for increased patrols.

So Herb Hanley advises, "Kind of stay away from the Dragon and let things cool down there a little bit."

In the meantime, the eyes of the law have their sights set on safety.



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7. TN: Police Crackdown on Motorcycles Riding the Dragon....
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Top news item at www.bikernation.net
It seems Tennessee doesn't want your tourism dollars......
~splatt

http://www.tailofthedragon.com/dragon_SHUTDOWN.html

Well, the Late Great State of Tennessee has answered our open letter. Not in words but in actions. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday August 3-6, there were some 14 Tennessee Highway Patrol vehicles and a couple of Blount County Sheriffs cars blatantly harassing both motorcycles and cars on the 11 miles of the Dragon. They promise to be here for the next month. Talk about showing your ignorance.

CLICK HERE to count the Troopers in this VIDEO filmed August 4, 2007

These actions prove Tennessee does not welcome visitors to this area. One Trooper pulled me over for no reason. I was on my motorcycle following three cars at the posted 30 mph speed limit and the Trooper signaled me to pull over onto the gravel. He gave my bike a once over and then signaled me to pull back out. Why did he let the cars pass and then stop me?

We heard worse stories. An older female vacationer from Minnesota in an SUV was pulled over in one of the straights and ticketed for 45 in a 30. She insisted she was not going that fast. A local Blount County family was showing their friend from out of state the Dragon. He was ticketed for 40 in a 30. A Georgia rider was pulled over and threatened with arrest when the Trooper insisted that he had crossed the double yellow at 30 mph. He was then harassed for having his face shield up even though he was wearing glasses. The Trooper said the rider HAD TO PROVE they were shatter proof. We heard of a number of non-DOT helmet tickets and saw many rider helmets being inspected buy THP. Traffic crept over the Dragon at 20 mph all day. Get a life Tennessee. Many visitors who were staying in Tennessee told us they would not return or spend any money in that state.

Some Emails
· Rider ticketed for standing-up on pegs at 25 mph to stretch.
· Car driver pulled over for "appearing to be traveling at high rate of speed". Car was behind a pick-up towing a boat at 25 mph. Trooper then said he had illegal tinted windshield and exhaust even though car was stock from factory and had passed emmission test in TN. Trooper then harassed driver for DRIVING WITH ONE HAND ON STEERING WHEEL. Driver asked how he was supposed to shift gears. Trooper then rudely said, "GET LOST".
· Rider harassed and threatened with arrest for not having proof of shatterproof glasses.
· Bikers ticketed for passing on the double yellow even when the car ahead pulled over and stopped. Troopers said the car had to be COMPLETELY OFF THE ROAD before moving around it.
· Cars pulled over for 35 ... threatened with arrest .
· Car ticketed when wheels accidentally went a few inches off the roadway.
· Pick-up stopped and harassed for having tailgate down.
· Cycle group tailgated for miles by THP which then passed on double-yellow with no emergency devices operating.
· Pick-up truck tailgated by THP. Truck pulled over several times to let Trooper pass. Each time the Trooper pulled over just ahead and returned to tailgating truck when it passed.
· Car came around blind corner only to see Trooper with car completely blocking lane. Trooper was out of car issuing tickets to bikers. Car stopped, saw it was clear ahead, and eased around. Car was then ticketed for crossing double yellow.
· Ticket for failing to have proof of insurance.
· Ticket for no mirrors.
· Ticket for bike with license plate verticlal. Custom bike was purchased from a Knoxville Police Officer.
· Cruiser pulled over doing 30 mph and asked for all documentation, blinkers/headlight and plate checked. Harrassed for no reason at all.
· Trooper tailgating female motorcyclist who pulled off road she was so nervous. Her son was then tailgated until he had to pull over.
· Trooper with stopped bike saw another bike almost crash when seeing the Trooper ..... Trooper laughed.
· Out of state car ticketed for having temporary tag and no registration in spite of producing bill of sale. Registration had not yet been sent.
· Trooper with car over double yellow on several occasions.
· Troopers making U-turns in dangersous curves.

While these 14 Troopers were here:
· Friday 11 am, Meigs TN, 45 miles from the Dragon - Two pick-ups collide, one driver dead
· Saturday Morning, Bledsoe TN, 65 miles west of the Dragon – A motorcyclist was killed in a one vehicle accident.
Bottom line ….. Tennessee doesn't want your tourism dollar. Answer ….. bring it to North Carolina. We have many roads that rival the Dragon. US 129 all the way through Robbinsville to US 19/74 has some great sections. The Hellbender NC28 is a real challenge. Continue to the east of US 19/74 on NC28 and get a real thrill. And all of these roads have a 55 mph speed limit, not a ridiculous 30 mph like the Dragon.

Ride the Cherohala Skyway. The speed limit is 45 in North Carolina, but that's fast enough to get a thrill. In Tennessee the limit drops to 40 mph even though the road is easier. Ride the NC side.

You'll have to obey the law in North Carolina, but there won't be a storm trooper at every turn.

Now tell the Governor of Tennessee, other state officials, and Blount County Commissioners what you think. LET'S BE HEARD.

CLICK HERE TO EMAIL ALL STATE OFFICIALS

CLICK HERE TO EMAIL BLOUNT COUNTY OFFICIALS (NOTE: You'll need to visit the Blount County webpage to contact the commissioners. The Dragon is in District 8 which is represented by Mike Walker and John Keeble. Or contact all of the commissioners by selecting the first one of the list, hold the shift key and select the last name on the list.)
Blount County Commisioners
359 Court Street
Maryville, TN 37804-5906
Phone (865) 273-5830
Blount County District Attorney CLICK HERE FOR CONTACT INFORMATION
Blount County Clerk of Court, regarding Traffic Court CLICK HERE FOR CONTACT INFORMATION

Here is where to contact Tennessee State Officials with individual emails on links below

Governor Phil Bredesen
Tennessee State Capitol
Nashville, TN 37243-0001
Phone: 615.741.2001
Fax: 615.532.9711
CLICK HERE TO SEND EMAIL
Commissioner Gerald F. Nicely – Tennessee DOT
James K. Polk Building
505 Deaderick Street
Suite 700
Nashville, TN 37243-0349
Phone: 615.741.2848
Fax: 615.741.2508
CLICK HERE TO EMAIL
Tennessee Highway Patrol
Colonel Mike Walker
1150 Foster Avenue
Nashville, TN 37243
(615) 251-5175
Fax: (615) 532-1051
CLICK HERE TO EMAIL
RAYMOND FINNEY – TN State Senate, Blount County
R - Maryville
District 8 - Bl District Address
2119 Middlewood Drive
Maryville, TN 37803
Phone: 865-984-1424
Nashville Address
320 War Memorial Bldg.
Nashville, TN 37243-0208
Phone: (615) 741-2427
Staff Contact: Deana Guenther
CLICK HERE TO EMAIL

JOE McCORD Tennessee House Representatives R - Maryville
District 8 - Parts of Blount and Sevier counties
District Address
4504 Montvale Road
Maryville, TN 37803
Phone (865) 984-5881
Nashville Address
214 War Memorial Building
Nashville, TN 37243-0108
Phone (615) 741-5481
Fax (615) 253-0220
Staff Contact: Phyllis Piercy
CLICK HERE TO EMAIL

DOUG OVERBEY Tennessee House Representatives R - Maryville
District 20 - Part of Blount county
District Address
1105 N. Heritage Drive
Maryville, TN 37803
Phone (865) 681-8236
Nashville Address
201 War Memorial Building
Nashville, TN 37243-0120
Phone (615) 741-0981
Fax (615) 253-0224
Staff Contact: Tina Still
CLICK HERE TO EMAIL

Tennessee Department of Tourist Development
William Snodgrass/Tennessee Tower
312 8th Avenue North, 25th Floor
Nashville, TN 37243
Commissioner Susan Whitaker
CLICK HERE TO EMAIL

Smoky Mountain Convention and Visitors Bureau
7906 E. Lamar Alexander Pkwy.
Townsend, TN 37882
Phone: (865) 448-6134
email: CLICK HERE TO EMAIL

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8. A Japanese biker failed to notice his leg was missing
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http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/asiapcf/08/14/japan.biker.reut/index.html

TOKYO, Japan (Reuters) -- A Japanese biker failed to
notice his leg had been severed below the knee when he
hit a safety barrier, and rode on for 2 km (1.2
miles), leaving a friend to pick up the missing limb.

The 54-year-old office worker was out on his
motorcycle with a group of friends in the city of
Hamamatsu, west of Tokyo, on Monday, when he was
unable to negotiate a curve in the road and bumped
into the central barrier, the Mainichi Shimbun said.

He felt excruciating pain, but did not notice that his
right leg was missing until he stopped at the next
junction, the paper quoted local police as saying.

The man and his leg were taken to hospital, but the
limb had been crushed in the collision, the paper said.
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9 As of now, killing bikers is pretty much legal
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As of now, killing bikers is pretty much legal
Mike Hendricks proves my point about the political motives of cycling advocates . . . Your freewheeling SUV days are just about over as the biking crowd moves toward LEGISLATING the rights of KC bikers with tougher penalties for anybody who hits a cyclist and thereby giving bikers the run of KC streets. Wonderful idea that should make KC look like the streets of Beijing circa 1978. Now that's progressive thinking from my favorite hack from The Star!!!
http://www.tonyskansascity.com/2007/08/as-of-now-killing-bikers-is-pretty-much.html

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10. MOVING WALL ESCORT AUGUST 22nd
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Anyone that is interesting in helping, please contact Phil. He has done a great job organizing this escort.
Danny "Greasy" Belcher, Executive Director
Task Force Omega of KY Inc.
Vietnam Infantry Sgt. 68-69
"D" Troop 7th Sqdn. 1st Air Cav
----- Original Message -----
From:
phillip maggard
To:
tfogreasy@alltel.net
Sent: Friday, August 17, 2007 2:06 PM
Subject: Moving Wall Escort Aug 22nd
To all interested TFO members.
The moving wall escort will be on Aug 22nd from the south bound rest area between mi marker 27 and 28 on I-75 in Ohio to Pioneer Park in Covington Ky, for the USS Forrestal Association's annual reunion. The Patriot Guard Riders were approached by the Forrestal Association to provide an escort for the The Moving Wall and are the lead group on this escort and have invited Task Force Omega as well as Rolling Thunder, Freeriders, Marine Core Riders, Vietnam Vets MC, and Christian Bikers Association, and the Warthogs Mc to join this escort of the Moving Wall into Pioneer Park.
Task Force Omega Dist 3 will leave the BP Station in Mt Sterling Ky, at 8 am Aug 22nd to ride to exit 21 off I-75 in Ohio to meet up with members of TFO ky dist 5 and TFO Ohio dist 1 at the Frishs restaurant. There is gas available at this exit for those who need to fill up before going on to the rallying point. TFO all districts will travel as a group on north to the Monroe Oh exit then double back onto southbound I-75 to the rallying point in the south bound rest area arriving there at or before 1pm for a ride and safety briefing of all groups involved by the Ride Captains for the escort. Ohio and Ky law enforcement will be handling traffic control along the escort route to Pioneer Park in Covington Ky.
Also there are custom moving wall escort vest pins that will be available for sale at the escort. They are 8 dollars if anyone wants to buy one to help the Forrestal Association defray some of the cost of bringing in the Moving Wall.
The opening ceremonies by the Forrestal Association will begin Aug 23rd at 6 pm, the wall to be open for visitation 24hours a day until the following Sunday Aug 26th at 6 pm.
Any questions or for more info call Phil (Ghost) Maggard at 606 286 5170, cell 606 316 0633, or email
ghostrider52005@alltel.net.
Thanks Ghost

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11. HERO AND DORK of the week
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HERO: Tommy Mitchell, 57 KANSAS CITY, Mo
Bystander Helps Motorcyclist Who Lost Leg
Kansas City Channel.com, MO - KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- A man on a motorcycle lost his leg in a collision with a car, but he could have lost his life were it not for a bystander who raced to help the victim.
Tommy Mitchell, 57, said he has no special medical training -- he works for a car dealer -- but at Monday night's crash scene, Mitchell was able to do what was necessary to save the motorcyclist.
Mitchell said he was on the corner of Vivion Road and Chouteau Trafficway at about 7:30 p.m. when he saw the wreck.
"The guy in the motorcycle was going southbound. The guy that hit him was northbound and making a left turn and ran right into him," Mitchell told KMBC's Maria Antonia. "I saw this white thing coming up and I thought it was his shoe. It was more than his shoe, it was his lower limb, and it hit my truck and went across the windshield."
Mitchell said he knew he had to act fast.
"When the gentleman landed, he landed with his legs toward me. I could see that his leg was missing. He was starting to bleed and I reached for my belt, but I didn't have one. I hollered to someone to give me a belt and they did, and I ran over, slipped it around his leg and cinched it down for a tourniquet," Mitchell said.
He said he thinks he was meant to be there to help the man.
"It's been pretty emotional. Everybody's been telling me I did a good thing," he said.
The motorcyclist was listed in critical condition at a local hospital.
The driver was questioned by police. The incident remains under investigation.

DORK: Dajuan Prince 22 West Clinton Avenue, Roosevelt
http://www.newsday.com/news/local/crime/ny-limoto0814,0,1106056.story
Police: Roosevelt motorcycle robber foiled BY JOHN VALENTI | john.valenti@newsday.com 8:09 AM EDT, August 13, 2007 : Police said Dajuan Prince wanted to steal a motorcycle -- and arrived at the scene to steal it armed with a handgun and wearing a motorcycle helmet.
But, though he was prepared to steal the 2007 Honda motorcycle late at the BP gas station on Nassau Road late Saturday night in Roosevelt, he wasn't prepared for what happened when he tried to get away: The owner of the bike tackled Prince, fought him -- and chased him away. And police found Prince several blocks away -- and arrested him.
The incident began at 10:55 p.m. Saturday, Nassau County Police said, when Prince, 27, of 22 West Clinton Avenue, Roosevelt, arrived at the BP station wearing the motorcycle helmet. Police said he approached a 32-year-old man, pointed the handgun at him -- and demanded his 2007 Honda. But when Prince tried to flee on the bike, the victim tackled him and fought with him.
Prince fled on foot.
Police said they found Prince behind a building at nearby 31 West Pennywood Avenue. They also found the gun.
Prince was arrested and charged with first-degree robbery, first-degree criminal use of a firearm, second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, fourth-degree criminal mischief and resisting arrest.
Details of his arraignment were not available.
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12. http://www.bikerrepublic.org
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The Biker Republic has formed to fight the overbearing government intrusion into our lives. Our primary is the fight for biker rights. These two fights are intertwined and cannot be compromised. The average citizen is now aware our liberties are steadily being whittled away. We are working to stop this erosion of liberty and while simultaneously working to restore lost liberties. To this end we are active in the political, legislative, and judicial arenas. Our only charity is to help our fellow bikers and restore liberty. We are dedicated to returning to the roots of the motorcycle rights movement. We are the premier news and information source for biker rights activists.