Loophole in the law sends wheelie rates soaring

Law enforcement officials are scrambling to find a way to close the "wheelie loophole" at Deals Gap. In 2007 lawmakers in Tennessee made "raising the front wheel of a motorcycle off the ground" into reckless driving. When they did it, they made a provision for those participating in a parade.

The statute reads:
55-10-205 - Reckless driving.

(a) Any person who drives any vehicle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property commits reckless driving.

(b) A person commits an offense of reckless driving who drives a motorcycle with the front tire raised off the ground in willful and wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property on any public street, highway, alley, parking lot, or driveway, or on the premises of any shopping center, trailer park, apartment house complex, or any other premises that are generally frequented by the public at large; provided, that the offense of reckless driving for driving a motorcycle with the front tire raised off the ground shall not be applicable to persons riding in a parade, at a speed not to exceed thirty miles per hour (30 mph), if the person is eighteen (18) years of age or older.

(c) A violation of this section is a Class B misdemeanor.

[Acts 1955, ch. 329, § 57; T.C.A., § 59-858; Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 112; 2007, ch. 308, § 1.]

For obvious reasons, this makes wheelies at the "Dragon" legal eagle.

For examples of the many, many parades for one to ride in, one only need to turn to any of the photographers' websites and look at the myriad of riders lined up 20, even 30 bikes in a row traveling less than 30MPH with flag poles, stuffed animals, trick pets, topless girls (and guys), naked riders, waving, flipping off, "trapping," costumes and other stunts associated with parades.

One Tennessee lawmaker said, "Dear, God. What have we done?"
Mr. Legislator, you made the Gap fun again. That's all. And for that, we thank you.