Protecting the Freedom of the Road should be a concern of all motorcyclists and the best way to do so is by supporting ABATE!
With warmer weather comes literally thousands of motorcycle runs and events most of which are for the purpose of raising funds in support of one thing or another. Bikers may be the most charitable group of individuals in this country, many of which support some type of charitable event most every weekend. Riding to end child abuse, fight cancer and support wounded veterans are just a few of the very long list of charitable causes bikers of all types ride for each weekend and while every one of these events is a well worthy cause, it seems the one cause bikers seem to leave out is their own, protecting their Freedom of the Road!
The rights of motorcyclists in each state are being challenged every day. From helmet mandates to what type of handlebars they can have on their motorcycles, it seems that there is always some group or political figure targeting motorcyclist, there have even been some that have gone as far as suggesting that motorcycles be removed from roads all together. Sounds a little far fetch? Well maybe it is, at least today, but once upon a time, nobody thought that motorcyclists would be forced to wear a particular type of helmet, be singled out in “motorcycle only” checkpoints or have their particular bike of choice be uninsurable as it was placed on the insurance industries “black list”. Enter the Motorcycle Rights Organization!
Motorcycle Rights Organizations (MROs) are the driving force in protecting motorcyclist’s Freedom of the Road. ABATE has been a leader in protecting and defending the rights of motorcyclists as well as being responsible for the overturning of many political wrong doings that have targeted motorcyclists in each of the states they are active in. But the fight to protect and defend the rights of motorcyclists does not come for free. ABATE is a grassroots organization solely supported by its volunteer membership. Money to support the legislative battles, each states ABATE involve themselves in, is raised through membership dues and fundraising events such as hosting motorcycle rodeos, poker/fun runs, overnight campouts and even major motorcycle rallies.
So, when you are looking over the motorcycle events calendar to plane your future rides, don’t be so quick to pass over an ABATE sponsored event. Attending an ABATE supported event not only helps to protect your Freedom of the Road but you might also be pleasantly surprised and find ABATE events to your liking. From poker runs to adult style bike rallies, the range of fund raising events hosted by the various ABATE chapters run the full gamut, from family to no kids allowed!
If you are unable to support an ABATE sponsored event, maybe consider becoming an ABATE member in your state and while every ABATE chapter enjoys the help of another active member, your membership alone helps to support the fight to protect motorcyclists freedoms of the road even if you choose not to be active. The price of membership varies from state to state but a single membership is rarely more than what you will spend in a single day of riding or that sexy new top you will probably only wear once. And you could be pleasantly surprised and find the members of your local ABATE chapter to be quite friendly as well as a good group to ride with! If you are concerned about protecting your Freedoms of the Road, consider joining ABATE, the worst that can happen is you’ll make some new biker friends!