What is ABATE All About?

by John Stumpner

Junior Patriots are a part of ABATE of Wisconsin, one of the most effective biker’s rights groups in the United States. Maybe you’ve had a chance once in a while to talk about ABATE or the biker’s life with some of your classmates or teachers. The Junior Patriots of course know that ABATE is all about freedom of the road for bikers, but many people do not know that. Very often, when you mention ABATE, you will hear the comment, “those are the fat old guys on Harleys that don’t like helmets.” Nothing could be further from the truth.

Back in the early 1970’s, all fifty states had laws that all motorcyclists were required to wear a helmet. Many bikers did not like that they were told they had to wear a helmet because they wanted to have a choice to wear a helmet. So, in 1974, ABATE of Wisconsin was formed to work to overturn the laws taking away the freedom of choice as to what bikers could wear on their head.

ABATE of Wisconsin is about way more than freedom of choice as to helmets. ABATE of Wisconsin has worked with the Wisconsin State Government and Department of Transportation on many issues affecting bikers. ABATE wants to make sure careless drivers are held accountable for their actions, especially when they cause injury to a biker. ABATE encourages bikers to get training, including seeing laws passed that make it easier for a biker to get a motorcycle license by completing a training course. With all the new technology coming to our roads, ABATE wants to make sure bikers will always be able to get the proper fuel for their bikes. Also, we want to make sure that we will be able to safely use the roads in the presence of the new self-driving cars. (Also, many ABATE members do routinely wear helmets while riding).

Another misconception about ABATE is that all its members ride Harleys. While most of the motorcycles at most ABATE events are Harley Davidsons, this is not any different than any large motorcycle event. Harley Davidson is after all, the most popular American made motorcycle in the world. However, many ABATE members ride other brands of motorcycles from the various European and Japanese motorcycle manufacturers. Brands of motorcycles ridden by ABATE members include Hondas (Japanese), BMWs (German), Moto Guzzis (Italian) and Triumphs (British).

Part of the purpose of the Junior Patriots is to keep you informed as to what is going on in ABATE and to get you involved. If you have any questions or want to get involved more, talk to your parents and any ABATE members you know. The Junior Patriots Coordinator (jrpatriots@abatewis.org) may also be able to answer any questions or give a more detailed update on what ABATE is up to.

John