What a week! Officer’s Training and then Lobby Day. We definitely felt the strength in numbers at these events. And seeing everyone together, in-person, fighting for the same cause, is so motivating. Soon it will be riding season again, so let’s keep the motivation rolling.
At Officers’ Training, we discussed the importance of supporting both ABATE of WI and the Motorcycle Riders Foundation. Every single officer of ABATE should lead by example by personally being a member of the MRF then sharing with your regions and districts why each and every member should join and support the MRF also. It wouldn’t be difficult to double the membership of each organization if every one of us got just one friend to join.
How many of your friends ride snowmobiles, ATVs, SXSs, use chainsaws, lawn mowers, farm tractors, or drive big rigs? All these types of equipment are affected by ethanol fuel and they run best with an internal combustion engine. It's an easy conversation to start and should end with them signing up to be a member.
Our Team WI MRF Reps try to make it fun by offering you raffle opportunities to join the MRF. We love the enthusiasm that brings, and we know most people like a little friendly competition. If you didn’t win a membership, thank you to all those that still joined. We truly hope we were able to explain how the MRF and ABATE of WI works together but that we are two separate organizations (one state, one federal) with similar goals.
Coming up next is the Heartland STEAM conference in Bettendorf, IA, April 4-5th. There’s no better place to get educated and get motivated than at the Seminar to Educate and Motivate (STEAM). Join up with other states throughout the Midwest to get fired up and stay motivated.
Shortly after that is Bikers in the Beltway in Washington DC on May 19-20th. From autonomous vehicles running over motorcycles from behind, to manufacturers not allowing independent shops to get the technology to work on our bikes, to the government trying to take away our fuel for internal combustions engines, we have a lot to fight for.
We have a lot of new legislators both in Madison and in Washington DC so it’s imperative that we meet them where they are and make connections and build relationships in order to get things accomplished.
One relatively new connection is Representative Derrick Van Orden (R-WI) who is now co-chair of the House Motorcycle Caucus. Derrick was so proud to ride his motorcycle to work his very first day in Congress. We look forward to great thing from the Congressman and appreciate having a fellow rider from Wisconsin step up to lead the Motorcycle Caucus.
Recently, the National Roadway Safety Strategy report came out and motorcycle fatalities are definitely on the radar. NHTSA estimates there was a 2% increase in fatalities from 2022 to 2023. A rate that was too high to begin with. The DOT created the Motorcycle Advisory Council (MAC) for the very purpose of addressing concerns like fatalities, yet it has yet to be convened since it was re-created. Our Vice-President of the MRF, Jay Jackson, sits on the MAC and is chopping at the bit to get something done. Let’s all hope that government efficiency really does increase moving forward.
Stay vigilant, my friends!
Jennifer Abraham
ABATE of WI, MRF State Rep
MRF Assistant to the Board
ABATE Region 2A Treasurer
(920) 207-4679
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