Al's Morning Meeting

ATM fees are at an all time high, costing consumers $4.2 billion in 2006, and more banks are announcing plans to raise them even higher.

That could mean a big hit to the millions who do not hold accounts at the Charlotte-based bank, which also has the largest ATM network in the U.S.

BofA spokeswoman Betty Reese said the higher fee, which only applies to non-customers, is designed to improve access and convenience for its account holders using ATMs at its branches - reducing traffic to cash machines.

Other banks are also raising fees, including U.S. Bank (Charts, Fortune 500), which raised its fee at about 300 ATMs in California, and Wachovia, which raised fees to $3 at 200 ATMs on the east coast.

And that worries riders rights groups, which fear that a wave of ordinances aimed at muffling Harley-Davidsons, hushing Hondas and stifling Suzukis will create a confusing patchwork of laws that motorcyclists won't be able to navigate. The motorcycle industry is concerned it could turn these frustrated riders away.

"From our perspective, this creates enormous problems for us because people notice the one motorcycle that makes a lot of noise," said Bill Wood, spokesman for the American Motorcyclist Association. "They don't notice the 50 that pass that don't. So there's a perception that motorcycles are noisy."

Ordinances come in many forms. Some are against certain types of products -- like mufflers that would rattle the apples off of trees -- while others are aimed more on the intent of the driver, who may want to turn some heads or rile up the neighbors on a Sunday afternoon.

--As of July 1, riders in New York City are subject to a minimum $440 fine for having a muffler or exhaust system that can be heard within 200 feet.

--In Lancaster, Pa., starting this month riders -- and all motor vehicle drivers -- could be ticketed for drawing attention to themselves, whether by creating too much noise by revving their engines or doing hard accelerations. Tickets start at $150.

--As of July 1, motorcyclists in Denver could be ticketed $500 for putting mufflers on their bikes made by someone other than the original manufacturer, if the bike is 25 years old or less. These so-called after-market products can be louder than their manufacturer-made counterparts.

Denver's plan is unique because it targets the after-market equipment. Wood said it limits riders' freedom to choose what products to use. Many motorcyclists who need to replace parts use these products, rather than go to a dealer, which can be more expensive, Wood said.

After decades of riding on the backs of bikes often driven by men, women in growing numbers are sliding to the front of the saddle and driving themselves, a movement Genevieve Schmitt fosters as president of Women Riders Now, based in Livingston, Mont.

Women account for at least 10 percent of motorcyclists in the U.S. today, and they're the fastest-growing segment in the graying $9.7 billion motorcycle industry.

Although the motorcycle industry is still fairly strong -- manufacturers sold 1.1 million bikes in 2005, the most recent year for which figures are available -- growth has slowed from the boom between 1995 and 2000, according to the Motorcycle Industry Council.

In addition, the average age of motorcyclists continues to increase, from 32 in 1990 to 41 today, said Jessica Prokup, a spokeswoman for the industry council.

About 15 percent of Kawasaki's motorcycle sales are to women, the largest percentage in the industry, said Sean Alexander, a company spokesman. Harley-Davidson is second, with 12 percent.

"Baby boomers are reaching an age where they are moving away from motorcycle purchases," Alexander said. "Someone has to replace them over the next 15 years."

Women are getting plenty of encouragement from manufacturers. They accounted for about $970 million in motorcycle sales in 2005. Harley-Davidson, for example, has established a Web site for women, sells clothing and gear for women, and sponsors "garage parties" at Harley-Davidson dealers to introduce women to motorcycling.

I bet one of these "garage parties" would be fun to cover. Here are some of them from around the country.

It is worth noting that for the first time in 30 years the Canadian dollar hit parity with the US dollar yesterday. The last time it happened, Gerald Ford was President.

Interstate Bakeries Corp., the maker of the Twinkie, says it may have to close if it can't persuade unions to bow. The company says low-carb diet plans such as Atkins and South Beach cut into its sales of white bread and snack cakes.