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Bikers push for tougher penalties on motorcycle accidents (video)

 Updated: Monday, April 14 2014, 07:03 PM CDT It was one of the loudest demonstrations in Tallahassee, hundreds of motorcycle riders rode their bikes to the State Capital demanding lawmakers crack down on drivers that injure bikers on the road. The bikers are supporting bills in the Florida House and Senate that provide criminal penalties for anyone who hits and seriously injures not only motorcyclists on the road but also bicyclists and pedestrians. The bikers roared up US-27 and onto Capital grounds. Abate Florida, a motorcycle organization, planned this rally. They displayed their colors, and raised the American flag to draw attention to their message. With each tolling of a bell, a name from a list was read out loud, names of fellow riders killed in the last year. Josh Bear was visibly upset. His brother, Jacob, was killed six months ago. The bikers have been pushing for tougher penalties for several years. The response from lawmakers, "accidents happen." but demonstrators say policymakers have the power to make the roads safer for riders and walkers. Doc Reichenbach, former Abate President in Ocala, "In previous years, the lobbyists have won money for road safety, as well as the elimination of the helmet law, and even their own license plate." Robert Russel Crans, "It's a long shot that lawmakers pass the laws the bikers want, but leaving the scene of deadly accident could soon send someone to prison."