Fine approved for Fla. motorcycle wheelies

TALLAHASSEE, Fla., April 30 (UPI) -- Florida has passed a law making it illegal for motorcycle riders to perform wheelies that impress spectators but can also lead to spectacular spills as well.

The state Legislature Tuesday passed a measure imposing a $1,000 fine on first-time offenders and up to $5,000 and possible jail time for a third strike.

The Miami Herald said the law has angered some motorcycle lovers. One blogger allegedly threatened one of the measures sponsors, which Capitol police were investigating on Wednesday.

But State Rep. Carlos Lopez-Cantera, R-Miami, told the Herald he sponsored the bill after riding with Florida Highway Patrol officers and seeing turbocharged bikes racing along on one wheel at speeds as high as 136 miles per hour.