Safety Report

Safety Report

by Gary Klinker

As of now the temperature is still in the cellar, but the days are getting noticeably longer. The Holiday season is behind us. Lobby Day is in the books. Congratulations to Steve Panten and the Legislative Committee for all their hard work. I also want to mention how much I liked John Reblin’s last article about the flywheel. It was a very good comparison of an engine to the organization.

As for Safe Rider, we have the schedule of classes set for the year. With the switch to on-line registration last year, we wanted to have it out early. We are anticipating a busy year for the basic classes. As for the BRC2 experienced classes that will be of interest to most of you, we will have four different weekends set, involving seven classes. Two of the classes are designated for License Waiver. That means people who have been riding without endorsements can get legal through the one day experienced class. It also means that we cannot have any passengers in those two classes. If you are interested in taking an experienced class, act now and reserve your seat in the class. Go to the ABATE web site and look for Safe Rider.

With Officer Training set for February 9-11, Safe Rider will again be presenting information and answering questions about the program. The DOT Spring Kick-off for the Wisconsin Motorcycle Safety Program is scheduled for the following week-February 13. We should get a lot of new information for the coming season as well as statistics from last year. I’ll try to pass that on to you next month.

On a more personal note, this is my 30^th year as a Motorcycle Instructor/Rider Coach. I’m not sure if that is from determination, endurance, or a higher tolerance of bureaucracy. Whichever it is, I still am very happy to be bringing new riders into the life that we love so much, as well as trying to save lives. It started 1988 teaching for the Monroe County Sherriff’s Department. There was a deputy, a driver education teacher, Troll, and me. Speaking of Troll, I saw him last week at the gun show in La Crosse. He is doing well. After my first year and a half of teaching I was elected Executive Director of ABATE. In the next couple of years the Sherriff’s Department decided to get out of the training business and Troll brought the idea to the ABATE BOD that we should have a rider education program. That was the start of the Safe Rider Program that carries on today. We saw the training aspect as a complement to our Legislative efforts. As we lobby for or against laws, we demonstrate that we are serious about safety and are willing to put our money where our mouth is. It has given us great credibility and input into the Legislature, the DOT, and the Wisconsin Motorcycle Safety Program.

We have a very dedicated group of Rider Coaches with a minimum of thirteen years of experience. I’m not sure how many more years I can chase bikes around a range, but we have a solid program that will keep working. We are making a concerted effort this year to recruit new young people to become Rider Coaches. If you know someone who would fit the bill, send them my way.

In the meantime, get those bikes ready to go. Spring will be here before you know it. My new seat from Russell (www.day-long.com) is scheduled to be built February 15 so I should be all set for more long miles. One ride we are considering is to Aladdin Wyoming. If you have ever been to the Aladdin General Store you know. It will be under new ownership and the whole town is going to have a celebration.

Until then stay warm and safe,

Gary