Motorcycle Awareness

by John Stumpner

May is Motorcycle Awareness Month in Wisconsin and some other states. Depending on the weather, motorcycles can be seen on the roads almost year around. However, by the month of May most bikers are out on the road riding on a regular basis. So, we make an effort in May to remind the other roadway users to watch out for motorcycles.

Most motorcycles are smaller than cars, trucks or vans. Because of this, they can often be hidden behind other cars or even a GPS mounted on the dashboard. Motorcycles are usually moving at the same speed as the rest of the traffic, so other motorists may not notice them as they would a slower moving moped, bicycle or pedestrian.

As ABATE of Wisconsin Junior Patriots, you have family members and other important people in your life that ride. We remind all roadway users to be aware of motorcycles so all can more safely enjoy the freedom of the road. If you have the opportunity, you can participate in one of the many Awareness Rallies put on by the various ABATE regions. Check the Junior Patriots social media (Facebook: ABATE of Wisconsin – Junior Patriots, Instagram: AW Junior Patriots) for information and graphics about motorcycle awareness that you can share with your teachers or other drivers you may know. If your class does “Show and Tell” in May, perhaps you could tell about your friends and family that ride motorcycles and use the things posted on the Junior Patriots social media to talk about motorcycle awareness.

We would expect that bikers would be aware of other bikers, even when driving a car. What bikers may not be aware of though, is the many different types of motorcycles and riding styles on the road. Many people that don’t know much about ABATE of Wisconsin, think that all ABATE members are old, “large,” guys riding big Harley Davidsons. However, some of the leaders in ABATE of Wisconsin are younger women riding big Harley Davidsons. The parking lot at a typical ABATE board meeting will have motorcycles from manufacturers all over the world and the United States. ABATE of Wisconsin members ride their bikes everywhere, roads, racetracks, and trails. Bikers truly are everywhere.

If you get a chance to help with motorcycle awareness, let us know. Send your stories and pictures to the Junior Patriots coordinator or, even better, join the Junior Patriots Facebook group and share your stories and pictures there (get your parents’ permission first). This is, after all, what ABATE is all about, having fun and ensuring the freedom of the road.

John