Share the Road Report

by Bill Kingsley

First off… 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!

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.

Here are excerpts from my presentation;

“Our STR Program utilizes an all-volunteer team of dedicated STRIs through 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 make contact with 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.”

“Please know that I appreciate each one of you, your efforts and the positive impact that you make. Special thanks this year go to; Tom Barten, Barb Batker and Batman, Tom Fox, Tom Leonard, Cowboy and Bunny Martin, Schnidd’r, Tim Tomann and Sue Vertz. There are many STRIs whom have taught dozens, if not hundreds, of classes to hundreds of students. There are many STRIs whom have taught classes and have made a positive impact on our Program. Unfortunately, time does not allow me to recognize all of you today.

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

• This person is a long time ABATE member who has been teaching STR for many years.
• This person has been influential in recruiting, training and retaining STRI.
• This person has always taken on additional STR responsibilities. The largest being bringing our STR   Program back into Milwaukee Public Schools’ re-started Driver Education Training.
• This person helps me out by overseeing our STR Program in the Milwaukee metro area.
• This person is a natural teacher who delivers the STR message to a very diverse group of students.
• Those students attending her classes “get it” and know to “Look Twice for Motorcyclists” when she is finished.

This year’s ABATE of Wisconsin STR Person of the Year is Holy Walz – Region 1A. Thank you Holly! We appreciate you!”

Share the Road Instructors – There are only two months left this year for budgeted funds to be spent on your requests. If you need any materials, new handouts or items for teaching your students please contact me. Late-November will be the cut off for any new purchase requests. I have worked with Doris in Marketing for some new items. I have 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. These items can be mailed out or delivered by me if you contact me. Also, these items will be available Officer Training.

If you have class reports that you have not sent to me, please send at your earliest convenience. I would like to update our training accomplishments. Thanks!

STR Info on the new ABATE of WI Website. The new website is up and easy to use. The STR video is in the middle of the STR page and is 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 myself. Contact us if you need one.

STR Presentation Hardware. There are now some laptops and projectors available. Contact me in 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 1, 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… Be sure to thank a STR Instructor for a safer riding season!

See you at the next Big One…

“Wind and rain can affect how a motorcyclist operates. “When you encounter a motorcyclist in (the rain or in windy conditions) any of these conditions please give them extra space and be ready for them to slow down or swerve unexpectedly.” – Steve Williams