Written January 16, 2006 by FastFred
Tired of waiting at Traffic Lights that don't Change?
So are we!
Help us change the law in South Carolina.
Artwork by Chris Blumingberg
S 1027 Summary: Relating to traffic control signals, so as to provide that a driver of a motorcycle may proceed through a highway intersection controllers by a traffic control device under certain circumstances when a vehicle sensor fails to detect the vehicle.
H 4261 Summary: Eliminates personal property tax on private passenger vehicles and motorcycles but increases Sales and use tax by 1%. Sponsored by Toole, Bingham, E.H. Pitts and Haley. Currently resides in the House Committee on Ways and Means.
S 69 Summary: Reduces property tax of homes and personal property tax on private passenger vehicles and motorcycles but increases Sales and use tax by 2%. Sponsored by By Thomas, McConnell, Cromer, Knotts, Hawkins, Grooms, O'Dell, Fair, Mescher, Bryant and Verdin. Currently resides in the Senate Committee on Finance.
S 261 Summary: Definition of pickup trucks for purposes of registration and titling; property tax exemption for motorcycles. Sponsored by Knotts, Mescher and Cromer. Currently resides in the Senate Committee on Finance.
S 484 and S 485 Summary: Provides no relief of personal property tax on motorcycles and increases sales tax by 1% and maximum sales tax from $300 to $1,000. This would likely increase the cost of your next motorcycle by $700. Currently resides in the Senate Committee on Finance.
H 3583, H 3664, H 3693, and H 4011 Summary: Provides no relief of personal property tax on motorcycles and increases sales tax by 2.5% and maximum sales tax from $300 to $1,000. This would likely increase the cost of your next motorcycle by $700. Currently resides in the House Committee on Ways and Means.
S 772 Summary: Eliminates the discriminatorily enforced motorcycle handlebar height law. Introduced by Mescher and currently resides in the Senate Committee on Transportation.
H 3049 Summary: Prevents discrimination based on ownership or operation of motorcycle or wearing of clothing associated with ownership. Introduced by J. Brown and Clark and currently resides in the House Committee on Judiciary
H 3146 Summary: Public accommodations may not discriminate against a person for ownership or association with ownership of motorcycle. Sponsored by J. Brown, Clark and Whipper. Currently resides in the House Committee on Judiciary
H 3110 Summary: Concealable Weapons permit from another state is valid. A person on a motorcycle is legal when the pistol is secured in a closed saddlebag or other similar closed accessory. Currently resides in Conference Committee made up of Ritchie, Knotts, Alexander, MA Pitts, JE Smith, and Herbkersman.
S 79 Summary: Criminal Street Gang Prevention Act that names outlaw motorcycle gangs and erodes rights. Introduced by Knotts, Elliott and Setzler and currently resides in the Senate Committee on Judiciary.
S 265 Summary: Criminal Street Gang Prevention Act that names outlaw motorcycle gangs and erodes rights. Sponsored by Leatherman, Setzler, Alexander, Courson, Drummond, Anderson, Williams and Knotts. Currently resides in the Senate Committee on Judiciary.
H 3119 Summary: Criminal Street Gang Prevention Act that names outlaw motorcycle gangs and erodes rights. Sponsored by Harrison, Lucas, G.R. Smith, Barfield, Kirsh, Leach, Hinson, Clark, Bales, Simrill, Toole and Whipper. Currently resides in Committee on Judiciary
H 3058 Summary: Provides Motorcycle special handicap license tags. This bill is not needed as these tags are currently available. Introduced by J. Brown, Clyburn, Clark and Toole and currently resides in the House Committee on Education and Public Works
S 213 Summary: Create an interagency study committee to provide opportunities for trails on state owned or leased or privately owned land for off-road motorcycle and all terrain vehicle recreation activity.
My life has been a dedicated blend of open road adventure and relentless advocacy for motorcyclists’ rights. I'm "Fast Fred" Ruddock, and my journey on two wheels began as a teenager. Over the years, I’ve owned 13 Harleys and several other motorcycles, machines that were far more than just transportation. They represented a freedom that I have fought to protect. Recognizing the power of information, I earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, skills I immediately put to use for the movement.
My commitment to advocacy led me to a complete immersion in ABATE of South Carolina (ABATE of SC). I quickly moved through the ranks, starting by developing the ABATE of SC website in 2001 and serving as the Berkeley/Dorchester Chapter Coordinator. This progressed to serving as Lowcountry Area Coordinator, where I successfully shifted our local focus decisively toward rights and rapidly increased membership. From 2003 to 2007, I served as the State Coordinator, where I helped coordinate several key legislative victories, including the passage of the Purple Heart license tag bill and the successful repeal of unnecessary handlebar height restrictions. My primary strategic goal was always to achieve widespread political influence by organizing a chapter in every single county.
On the national front, I extended my influence by serving as the State Representative on the board of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) for several years during the 2000s. This role ensured that the concerns of South Carolina riders were directly represented in critical federal legislative discussions. Crucially, I also worked to shape public opinion: I wrote articles related to motorcycle rights for various magazines and had a small column in Easyriders magazine for several years, using media to educate riders nationwide on the issues impacting their freedom.
My activism was not only about lobbying but also direct action and constitutional challenges. I participated in the Myrtle Beach civil disobedience against local helmet laws, contributing to the legal groundwork for the eventual overturning of that restrictive law through a landmark SC Supreme Court case. I also challenged helmet laws personally, fighting three tickets in court as an act of civil disobedience in several states. I lobbied in multiple state capitols with me friends across the country. My dedication continued after my ABATE leadership, as I served as the Director of Bikers Of Less Tolerance (BOLT) of South Carolina.
Today, while I also enjoy working as a river guide and sharing my travel adventures, my legacy remains rooted in the fight for motorcycle freedom. I have spent decades on the front lines, utilizing both political strategy, legal challenges, and national media to protect the rights of every person on two wheels.
I'm a professional whitewater guide and kayak instructor. I grew up rafting, sailing, and surfing, and I spend my North American summers guiding on world-class whitewater. I have spent much of my adult life riding motorcycles and paddling kayaks.
Raft with me: Check out Fast Fred Rafts for details.
Got questions about solo travel, Latin America, or budgeting? I'd be happy to give you honest answers!
My Travel & Video Gear: Curious how I travel so light? Dig into my Amazon Shop for an inside look at the gear I carry. (Purchases via this shop provide a small commission at no extra cost to you.)
Tip Jar: Your support helps fund the next adventure of cup of coffee!