Share the Road Report

by Bill Kingsley

First off… Thanks to all our STR Instructors for your ongoing efforts to teach our STR Program. I appreciate your time, commitment, and the positive impact you have in making our roadways safer!

There are several new opportunities for teaching Share The Road Classes at “new’ locations. It is an easy 1, 2, 3 step process to become involved. If you are interested, contact either me or a STR Instructor for more information.

In late September and early October Tom Barten and Bob Tieberg taught “Train The Trainers” classes for the Wisconsin Driver Traffic Safety Education Association (WDTSEA). These training classes were for Drivers Ed Instructors, who are WDTSEA members, so they can be better versed in teaching Share The Road when our STRI cannot be in their classroom. These classes were in four different locations throughout the state on four separate days. Thanks Tom and Bob for taking the time from your schedule and for the miles you traveled to conduct these classes!

At the State Meeting I acknowledged those in the STR program who have made a positive impact in our program over the last year and awarded the Share The Road Person of the Year recognition award. Here are excerpts from my presentation:

Our STR Program utilizes an all-volunteer team of dedicated STRIs throughout the state. Each and every STRI takes time out of their personal schedules to teach Motorcycle Awareness and Safety to thousands of students, fellow roadway users and the general public every year.

They contact Driving Education Schools, schedule and prepare their classes and teach. They describe their personal experiences to their audiences. They make being a biker on Wisconsin roads safer. They have a positive impact.

Each year the greatest challenge I have as part of the STR Program is selecting one of our members as standing out amongst their peers. This is not ever easy for me or anyone at ABATE of Wisconsin who heads up a program.

There are several Honorable Mentions that must be recognized this year – and I know I will miss a couple, so I apologize to those not recognized now.

Special thanks this year go to; Tom Barten, Barb Batker and Batman, Pauline Forrest, Tom Fox, Tom Leonard, Andy Rueth, Wendy Schneider, Schnidd’r, Bob Tieberg and Sue Vertz.

There are many STRIs who have taught hundreds, if not thousands, of classes to hundreds of students. There are many STRIs who have taught classes and have made a positive impact on our Program. Unfortunately, time does not allow me to recognize all of you tonight.

Today I am honoring my selection for ABATE of Wisconsin STR Persons of the Year.

             These ABATE members have been teaching STR for many years.

             They promote and teach our STR Program outside of the regular Driver Education classrooms.

             Examples of these are:

             They attend and participate in local parade and promote “Sharing The Road” with motorcyclists

             They teach at different community groups and even go to EMTs with this program

             They are always looking for new audiences to teach STR.

             They have taken on additional responsibilities within their region.

             They are always willing to help.

             Interestingly enough – they do not even ride.

             Those students attending their classes “get it” and know to “Look Twice for Motorcyclists” when they are

finished.

This year’s ABATE of Wisconsin STR Persons of the Year are Cowboy and Bunny Martin – Region 1I.

Thank you, Cowboy and Bunny – We appreciate you!

Share the Road Instructors New “STR Trained” decals, “Look Twice” wristbands, jumbo pencils and carpenter pencils that are in addition to the folders, bumpers stickers, pens and key fobs are available. These items can be mailed out or delivered by me – if you need some of these items contact me. I am getting close to ordering new items for class handouts. If you have something that you would like – contact me. Also – we are nearing the end of 2019. If there are STR support items, handouts, etc., that you need or would like me to order please contact me. I have a limited budget for these types of items and would need to order before December 1, 2019.

STR Info on the new ABATE of WI Website. Here you can find the STR video in the middle of the STR page making it even easier to find and use. Additionally, you will find an overview of the program and links to many of the STR documents. I have separated the documents into 3 areas; Share the Road Documents, Drivers’ Educator / School Documents and STR Instructor Documents. Simply click on the name of the file you are interested in and a PDF version will appear and be available to download or print for your needs.

STR Forms / Video / PowerPoint. In addition to the STR resources noted above, the most current editable forms and PowerPoint are also cloud based. If necessary, contact me to gain access these documents. The STR video is available on DVD and on YouTube. This PowerPoint is available on YouTube. You can easily find these two training presentations on YouTube by typing in “ABATE of Wisconsin” in the search window. These videos should be at the top of the results list. The STR DVD is available through the Share The Road District Coordinators (STRDCs) or me. Contact us if you need one.

STR Presentation Hardware. There are laptops and projectors available. Contact me if you are in need. We are always looking for additional equipment… especially laptops and presentation projectors for our Instructors. If you have a laptop or presentation projector that you no longer use, the STR Program will put your old device to good use. I would certainly appreciate it – as would any of our STRI in need. Contact one of our STRI, DC or me to donate your equipment.

STRI / District Coordinators. District Coordinator Positions open in Districts 2, 5 and 8. If you are interested please contact me.

STRI Gear. NOTE – STR Instructors will now be able to create their own Gear using approved ABATE logos, transfers, etc. at your own selected local or online provider. I will coordinate your requests with our Products Directors (Stephanie and Dawn). Contact me for more information.

As always… Thanks to all our STR Instructors for your ongoing efforts to teach our STR Program. I appreciate your time, commitment, and the positive impact you have in making our roadways safer!

One last thing… after over five years of having the good fortune to be the STR Program Director (and Steve Williams!) I have decided to step down. This will allow other ABATE members an opportunity to step up, show their abilities and make their contribution. This will also allow me to focus on my new job and its responsibilities along with international travel.

I truly appreciate the opportunity I have had to further our STR program, work with an outstanding and highly committed team of STRI and fellow members throughout our great state. I am thankful to the Board of Directors for their support. An extra special thanks to all who have fundraised for the STR Program during my time in this role. I will stay on through the end of the year and will make myself available to help transition in the new Share The Road Program Director. If you are interest in this position or would like to become more involved in STR please contact either me or Chubby. Thank you!

See you at the next Big One…