ABATE in the Future

by John Stumpner

The form of government we have in the United States encourages the active participation of its citizens. Part of this activity is supporting or opposing the actions taken by our elected government. 50 years ago, ABATE of Wisconsin came together to oppose laws passed by the Wisconsin government which limited the ability of motorcyclists to make their own choices about how to enjoy the freedom of the road. Since then, ABATE of Wisconsin has worked with our elected officials to make sure that bikers have continued to enjoy the ability to ride free.

ABATE has had many successes. One might think it would be time to sit back and enjoy the victories. After all, elected representatives and the various road and transportation managers in the state listen to and value ABATE’s input on motorcycle and transportation issues. However, care for the environment and new technologies all present new challenges to motorcycling and the freedom of the road in general.

Everyone cares about the environment. After all, we all have to breath the air and drink the water. The problem is finding the best way to care for the environment and live happy and comfortable lives. Many environmental activists would like to see extreme rules which will, in their opinion, save the earth. Some of these rules want to get rid of gasoline engines. Unfortunately, for many uses, the gasoline engine is still the most practical way to run cars, trucks, vans and motorcycles. Other extreme rules want to limit the type of fuel we are allowed to use in our cars and motorcycles. Gasoline with a high portion of so-called renewable fuel (ethanol) will cause permanent damage to many gasoline engines, including all motorcycle engines. ABATE of Wisconsin will be working in the future to make sure that we can use the type of engine for a bike that best fits our lives and that we will always be able to get fuel for it.

New computer technologies can present challenges. Computers in new vehicles, including motorcycles, are getting more complicated. Newer cars have sensors to help the driver with driving and avoid collisions. Some new cars and trucks even have self-driving capabilities. These sensors are programmed to see various other roadway users. Unfortunately, these sensors do not always detect motorcycles. Also, the computers in newer vehicles can collect huge amounts of data for the vehicle manufacturer about the how and where the vehicle is driven. This data can be sold to others that want to spy on the vehicle owner. Other than the vehicle owner, it is really no one else’s business where and when the vehicle is being used. These concerns about new technologies are the concerns of bikers everywhere and so they concern ABATE.

Looking into the future, we can see that motorcyclists will face many new challenges in enjoying the freedom of the road. With 50 years experience, ABATE of Wisconsin will continue to work with our state government to ensure that we will always be able to ride free.

John