Are They Listening?

by Steve Panten

I hope everyone had a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving Holiday and deer hunting season. Thanksgiving is a special time for me because rather than pressure to give gifts, or having a big party, it is time for small gatherings of family and friends.

My family is very important to me. Whether it’s my biological family or my motorcycle family, I appreciate the time that we get to spend together. My ABATE family is a lot like my biological family as they have my back. The success that ABATE has in the state or on the Federal stage, is because of the work that the members do, and I am excited to see that happen.

Let’s reflect on what we were able to do in 2021.

Advocates for Highway and Automobile Safety Report: Early in the year we had to respond to a report that was published by the Advocates for Highway and Automobile Safety which gave Wisconsin a lower grade because we do not require all motorcyclists to wear a helmet. We were very disappointed by this group’s position that roads would be safer, if we crashed safer. There was no discussion about rider training, or motorcyclists being endorsed, but just the simple-minded approach that helmets will make everything better.

SB170 Success: Then came the SB170, the Paddle Wheel Bill. Remember that one? It was the second year in a row that we supported this piece of legislation even though we did not initiate it. It was also the second time that we helped other groups that could benefit from holding paddle wheel raffles by working with our legislators to get SB170 passed. Again, for the second time, the State Legislature passed this piece of legislation overwhelmingly, only to have the Governor veto it. If this is going to be introduced again, it would have to be after there is a change in the Governor’s office.

Virtual Lobby Day: We did our best with a virtual Lobby Day. Even though it worked out well for the members that were able to do it, I sure hope we never have to do it again. There is nothing like a face-to-face meeting with the people that we vote into those offices. Lobby Day is what we use to pop start our Legislative Agenda so, considering everything that was going on, I was happy that we able to use technology to get our message out.

WAVE Committee: The State Department of Transportation invited us to represent the motorcyclists in the state by giving us a seat on the Wisconsin Automated Vehicle External (WAVE) Advisory Committee. Damon Payne has done an amazing job bringing the motorcyclist’s perspective to discussions about implementing autonomous and connected vehicles on Wisconsin roads. This is going to be a lengthy process and ABATE is committed to being active in the discussions. As you know, the future of motorcycling is in jeopardy and the best way to protect it is to be involved at every level.

DOT Meeting: John Reblin and I had the opportunity to sit down with Secretary Thompson from the State Department of Transportation to discuss motorcycling in Wisconsin. This wa s an awesome opportunity to bring the DOT up to speed on our concerns. For quite a while now, we have been able work with them, and it is invaluable to continue this relationship. It is another way for us to give the motorcyclist’s perspective on how new technologies will affect motorcycling as we know it.

DC Trip: We traveled to Washington DC with a dedicated group of ABATE members to meet with our Federal Legislators to discuss how they can help motorcycling in the State. This was interesting since we did this even though much of Washington DC was shut down. This was a joint effort with the Motorcycle Riders Foundation during their Bikers Inside the Beltway event. What an opportunity! We had mostly in-person visits with one phone conference. Without our input, they would not understand how decisions being made in Washington DC affect motorcyclists in the State.

Motorcycling Matters Ride: In October, we had 300 motorcyclists ride from Baraboo to the Capitol to show officials in Madison that motorcycling is an important part of the culture in the State. When they are working on the future of transportation in WI, motorcycling needs to be considered an equal priority as other legal road users. This ride was very successful. A few of us attended an event with legislators a couple of weeks later and we were asked what all the motorcycles were doing circling the Capitol. It was exciting to tell them that we are organized and ready to fight for our survival, which we may need to do in the near future.

We, as an organization, did well in 2021. We started the laborious task of ensuring motorcyclists are being included when writing policies for autonomous and connected vehicles. We are going to have to focus on that in 2022, and it is going to start with our Lobby Day on February 17th. Make arrangements to have the day off and join us. We will have busses running as usual, or you can drive yourself and park at the CC Riders Clubhouse. We will have a shuttle from the clubhouse to the Capitol, so you won’t have to deal with parking by the Capitol.

The end of one year means the start of a new one with new opportunities. We are happy that the Department of Transportation is including us in discussions that they are having, but are they listening? We need to take every opportunity to reinforce the benefits of motorcycling in Wisconsin. Join us in February!

That’s it –

Steve