Apr. 17 – The sale of new two-stroke off-highway motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles would be banned in Massachusetts under House Bill 1909, introduced by state Rep. J. James Marzilli Jr. (D-Arlington), the American Motorcyclist Association and the All-Terrain Vehicle Association reports.

Under his proposal, it would be illegal for anyone to sell "a recreational vehicle containing a two-stroke engine, including, but not limited to, a snow craft, an all-terrain vehicle, a personal watercraft, or a motorboat."

"This is the most sweeping ban ever introduced in any state," said Royce Wood, AMA/ATVA legislative affairs specialist in charge of off-highway issues.

If passed, the bill would outlaw new sales of the vast majority of motocross bikes in the state, although anyone who bought a two-stroke built before June 1, 2004, would be allowed to resell the vehicle.

The bill has been referred to the Joint Committee on Natural Resources and Agriculture. Letters from Massachusetts residents opposing the bill should be sent to the committee chairwoman, Sen. Pamela P. Resor (D-Middlesex), Joint Committee on Natural Resources and Agriculture, Room 473F, State House, Boston, MA 02133.

Or, Massachusetts citizens can go to the ATVA Rapid Response Center to send a message opposing this bill.