Motorcycles are Not “Dangerous”

by John Stumpner

Have you ever heard someone talking about how motorcycles are dangerous and should be outlawed? Often, these types of people want everyone else to agree with their prejudices and opinions and become angry when others don’t. They may see a skilled biker carving through some curves and think “since I can’t do that, no one else should.” But everything we do carries some amount of risk. Even the simplest board games carry the risk of hurt feelings when one loses. All activities in life require a certain level of skill and practice. Have you ever watched a toddler attempt to eat? Yet as we get older, we practice our table manners and are able to eat without spreading food all over the place. This, in fact is why you go to school, to learn and practice the skills you need to be happy in life.

Those of you that ride bicycles certainly did not hop on your bike at 5 years old and head into traffic across town for ice cream. It takes years of practice and training to be able to safely ride a bicycle on our streets and roadways. The same is true with driving a car or truck and is especially true with operating a motorcycle. Most bikers started out riding mini-bikes, small dirt bikes, scooters or small street bikes before they moved up to a larger bike. Some motorcycle shops won’t let a customer test drive a large cruiser or touring bike until they demonstrate the experience necessary to operate a big bike. As bikers gain skills and experience, they are able to move up to bigger and better bikes and increase the freedom and pleasure from riding.

And while we’re on the subject of fun times, the Family Camp weekend at ABATE Acres is coming up the second weekend in August (Aug. 11 – 13). While ABATE members are free to use ABATE Acres any time (except during the annual Summer Hummer), the Family Camp weekend is set to encourage members to bring their families for a weekend of fun and friendship. The ABATE Acres grounds crew will again be going all out to give ABATE Acres a playground like appearance and various ABATE members are again planning games and prizes for all to enjoy. Hope to see you all there.

John