May is Motorcycle Awareness Month

We always want the drivers of cars, trucks, and vans to watch for motorcycles, but we really emphasize this in May. While some bikers in Wisconsin ride anytime they can year-round, the motorcycles really start appearing on the roads in May. So, we use May as Motorcycle Awareness Month.

As ABATE of Wisconsin Junior Patriots, you surely know someone that rides a motorcycle, but did you know that motorcycles come in many different styles to suit different people and different types of riding? The bikers you know or may have ridden with, may be riding only one of the several different styles of motorcycles out there. The most basic motorcycle is the “Standard motorcycle.” This is just a basic, no frills motorcycle. This is often the first street bike most bikers use and is the type of motorcycle you will use when you take the Basic Riders Course. Most ABATE of Wisconsin members ride “Cruising” and “Touring” motorcycles. Cruising motorcycles are similar to Standard motorcycles, but the seat is usually a little lower and laid back for cruising. Touring motorcycles are usually the biggest motorcycles and are set up for long distance riding comfort and have extra luggage space.

You may be familiar with “Sport” bikes. These are set up for extra speed and improved handling for those people who like to get the most performance out of their bike. Most of the professional motorcycle racing is done with sport bikes.

Some motorcycles are made for off road use. Some of you may already be riding a dirt or “Off -Road” bike. These are the motorcycles are also used in motocross racing and as stunt bikes. Closely related to off road bikes are the “Dual Sport” bikes which are set up to be used on dirt trails and paved roads.

Many people that live in the city may use a “Scooter” or a “Moped” to get around. Because of their small size, scooters and mopeds are not used on the highways, but they are excellent vehicles for getting around town. In most cities in Wisconsin, scooters and mopeds can be parked on the sidewalk like a bicycle. Many people that travel in RV’s will carry along a scooter or moped for running errands after they park their RV at the campground.

ABATE of Wisconsin represents the riders of all these types of motorcycles. The adult members of ABATE and you, as Junior Patriots, continue to work to raise awareness and preserve the rights of all bikers, no matter what they ride. When you travel this summer, instead of whacking someone on the arm when you see a “slug bug,” give them a high-five when you see a motorcycle and try to figure out what type it is.

John