From Virginia Capitol Connections Quarterly Magazine, Summer 2002

Motorcycle Man

by Bill Kincaid

Tom McGrath (L) Jim Cannon (R)

No, motorcycle man is not a caped freedom fighter rescuing citizens from the bad guys of Gotham City. He is a bespectacled, fit, middle-aged lawyer living and working in Richmond, Virginia. Tom McGrath maintains an active practice as an attorney primarily representing motorcyclists injured on the highways and byways of our Commonwealth, also acting a motorcycle lobbyist. Tom also defends those who might run afoul of the confusing laws regarding motorcycle helmets, mufflers and handlebars.

Tom was raised spending winters in New Jersey at home with mom and dad and summers on grand pop’s tobacco farm in eastern North Carolina, where he was born. His law school years were spent as a “Gamecock” at the University of South Carolina. He moved to Richmond in the late 60’s to establish his law practice. His office is located on West Cary Street, in a building that also is home to the Virginia Coalition of Motorcyclists (VCOM), founded by Tom as an organization dedicated to improving the lot of motorcyclists.

Controversy and safety
The legislation Tom has pushed, as VCOM founder has been oriented to making things better and safer for Virginia bikers. Some of Tom’s legislative successes include opening the HOV lanes to motorcyclists, supporting legislation making motorcycle awareness a part of Drivers Education courses in high schools, pushing for increased funding for the Motorcycle Rider Training Program (a program run without taxpayer dollars).

The headliner in the General Assembly for biker issues lately has been the helmet law reform legislation. This legislation sponsored by Delegates Jack Reid, Dick Black, Jackie Stump, and Sam Nixon to allow adult riders to choose whether to wear a helmet gained remarkable support and failed by the slimmest of margins. When asked why he thought allowing adult to choose when they wore helmets and what type, Tom responded, “Many states returned this freedom to biker and the results are astounding in that these states had virtually the same safety records as those who did not. In fact statistics are slightly better in states with helmet choice.

“While allowing adults to choose about helmets seems counter intuitive to safety the actual facts have proved otherwise”

Why a coalition of motorcyclists?
Tom responds, “ there are diverse groups of bikers out there, some based on the manufacturer or the two-wheeler of choice, some issue focused, and some are socially knitted. The need for an organization to represent all groups, as well as the independent rider, at the state level of government presented itself and I responded with VCOM.”

The VCOM leadership includes Jim Cannon as its director and day-to-day general workhorse. Jim has en extensive background in the building and maintenance of motorcycles. He holds several land speed records and has obvious solid ties to the competitive aspect of motorcycling. Easy going and laid back, a native of Roanoke, Jim helps lobby, organize, and promote VOCM. Along with his regular duties, he helps with the many charities that benefit from biker generosity. Helping currently with the March of Dimes “Bikers for Babies” rally set for October at Richmond International Raceway.

ABATE
American Bikers Advocating Training and Education (ABATE) is a nationally recognized, motorcycle rights organization with about 14 chapters and a state organization in Virginia. ABATE serves as a local and regional organizer of those who are interested in biker issues and want regular meetings and social activities. Mike Niznik, State Coordinator for ABATE of Virginia appreciates Tom’s advice and his service as a watchdog in Richmond around the Capitol. “Our members like coming to Richmond to lobby the General Assembly, but we can only be there a few times a year, so Tom lets us know what’s happening.”

Tourism and the Commonwealth
Looking to the future of motorcycling in Virginia, Tom McGrath has a “Biker friendly” posture with the hospitality and tourism industry. Already a coalition of sorts has developed with the Virginia Hospitality and Tourism Association. The VHTA has issued positive articles to its membership in at least tow monthly newsletters advocating the advantages of marketing to the motorcycling tourist. Myrtle Beach and Daytona Beach draw thousands of tourists each year for Biker related events. Many ride through Virginia on the way to these motorcycle meccas. Virginia can compete for two-wheeled tourism if it makes a choice to do so. In fact, the Commonwealth has a unique combination of beaches, mountains, valleys, rivers, and history that has no equal.

Conclusion
Barely a decade has gone by since Motorcycle McGrath entered the legislative scene. We might predict that based on past performance and the rapidly expanding biking market the next decade will likely be even more remarkable. We predict more well trained and therefore safer motorcyclists, a healthy market for those who well and service bikes, and an ever-expanding tourism economy pulling tow wheeler tourists to Virginia.

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