Motorcycle Organizations You Should Know About Part 1

As we spend all this money on our gear, "hooking" up our motorcycles we need to also pay attention to legislation and see what laws are affecting us as motorcyclist.  As a motorcyclist you should at least join a motorcycle rights organization so you can stay informed.  These organizations are here to fight for our rights.  They are motorcyclist as well, they are not outsiders.  They have a stake in this as we do so their passion is their passion. 

With recent legislation that was trying to get passed for example the South Carolina Helmet Law, the pipe law in NYC, harassment that is taking place against motorcyclist these organization are here to help.

I will be listing four organizations I'm apart of.  We will list two today and the other two tomorrow.  Take your time to research these organizations and see what's best for you but join at least one organization.

Motorcycle Safety Foundation(MSF) http://www.msf-usa.org/  -The Motorcycle Safety Foundation® is the internationally recognized developer of the comprehensive, research-based, Rider Education and Training System (MSF RETS). RETS curricula promotes lifelong-learning for motorcyclists and continuous professional development for certified Rider Coaches and other trainers. MSF also actively participates in government relations, safety research, public awareness campaigns and the provision of technical assistance to state training and licensing programs. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation is a national, not-for-profit organization sponsored by BMW, BRP, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Piaggio, Suzuki, Triumph, Victory and Yamaha.  If you have any questions concerning training and safety this is the place to go.  They offer group training, individual training as well.  

There is no membership fee but they do accept donations.  Your contributions make a difference. Once hundred percent of your contributions goes to work for the National Motorcycle Safety-Fund none is lost to cover administration or other related costs.  

   
Here's a small sample of some key programs you'll be supporting: 

Assisting in the development, production and distribution of educational material on riding responsibly and the perils of riding under the influence of alchol or other drugs.  Producing and distributing rider-awareness public service announcements, seminars and video aimed at educating car drivers on the importance of noticing motorcyclists.  Developing and distributing on-and off-highway riding tips booklet and other materials. Supply helmets and other training materials and aids to rider-training sites across the nation. 

Their slogan is "We're motorcyclist working for motorcyclist and we need your help"   

Brotherhood Against Totalitarian Enactments (ABATE)  http://www.abateny.org/  The name alone should let you know this  organization means business.  ABATE fights for the rights motorcyclists.  There are essentially ABATE chapters throughout the United States and abroad.  They promote motorcycle safety, awareness and education.  There are membership dues associated with ABATE but that's OK because how else are they going to fight our fight.  There are three levels of ABATE membership of NY and they are Full Member $25 per year, Associate Member $20 per year and Member at Large $25 per year.  For explaination of each membership level visit their site.  

If you live in NY here is a brief description of the NY ABATE chapter but do keep in mind there are ABATE chapters throughout the United States. 

 ABATE of New York Aims and Purposes

A.  To review and inform our members about federal, state, and local levels 
      of government motorcycle legislation and to promote favorable 
      motorcycle legislation regarding the following:

1. Insurance
2. Licensing
3. Modifications
4. Bans
5. Restrictions
6. Emissions
7. Noise Levels

B.  To improve road condition thus making roads safer for motorcyclists.

1. Alerting the D.O.T. of dangerous roadway conditions.

C.  To help prevent accidents through education.  

     1.  Promote motorcycle awareness programs for all motorists.  

     2.  Promote rider education course for motorcyclists.  

     3. To work towards insurance reductions through motorcycle 
         rider education and lower motorcycle accidents.

D. To promote positive community relations.

1. Active participation in activities benefiting the common welfare of the community.
2. Active participation in events sponsored by/for charitable organizations.

E. To promote political involvement of motorcyclists.

1. Informing members how elected or appointed government representatives voted on legislation affecting motorcyclists.
2. Encouraging members to register and vote.
3. Encouraging qualified members to run for public office.
4. Encouraging members to write their representatives at federal, state, and local levels, on all issues concerning motorcycles: Favorable or Unfavorable.
5. Attending motorcycle events and distributing information on current status of motorcycle legislation. Report on elected officials at all levels of government who approve or disapprove of said legislation.
6. To act as an information source to help discrimination against motorcyclists.

F.  To act as a legislative liaison between motorcyclists and goverment 
      authorities, police departments, government agencies, insurance 
      compaies, and other organizations.

G.  To report and discourage biased news reporting of motorcyclists.

H. To present and promote a better public image of motorcyclists.  Keeping 
     ABATE of NY, Inc. Sponsored events orderly and peaceful.

TOMORROW PART TWO OF MOTORCYCLE ORGANIZATIONS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT!!