Jr. Patriot Report

by John Stumpner

People often think ABATE of Wisconsin spends all its time trying to influence our government to insure the freedom of the road for motorcyclists. While ABATE’s efforts to influence the government are important, ABATE of Wisconsin does much more than that. One of the more important things ABATE of Wisconsin members do is help those people that don’t ride motorcycles be aware that motorcycles are on the road and how to get along with them.

Often, the people that only drive cars are used to just looking for cars and don’t see motorcycles. Motorcycles are smaller than cars and, if one is not used to looking for them, can be missed in traffic. For this reason, the State of Wisconsin has named May as Motorcycle Awareness Month. Some ABATE regions will hold Awareness Rallies in May. The ABATE members stand safely along a busy road holding signs to remind car drivers to watch out for motorcycles. The car drivers will often show their appreciation for these efforts by honking their horns and giving the ABATE members a thumbs up.

A very important motorcycle awareness effort is ABATE of Wisconsin’s Share The Road program. Specially trained ABATE members present this program, most often to driver’s education classes, all over the state. The ABATE instructors talk about how motorcycles operate, why they may ride a certain way and how the audience can be better aware of motorcycles in traffic. You can view the video used in this program on YouTube (ABATE of Wisconsin – Share The Road) or through the link on the ABATE website. Steve, the narrator, is a prominent ABATE of Wisconsin member and a hard-core biker.

Even though you’re not old enough to drive, you can start practicing looking for motorcycles. While traveling, instead of playing “Slug Bug,” play “Biker-Biker.” When you see a motorcycle, say “Biker-Biker”, and give the person next to you a high five. Give yourself extra points if you know what kind of motorcycle it is and triple points if you know the rider.

Educating car drivers to be aware of motorcyclists is just one of the many ways ABATE of Wisconsin works to preserve the freedom of the road for bikers. Many of you may know a current or former Share The Road instructor and some of you may have even participated in an Awareness Rally. These are just some of the many ways that you, as part of ABATE, will be able to help preserve our freedoms for the future.
John