The national ABATE movement was organized to assist motorcyclists in sharing our ideas related to motorcycle issues with our government.  NC Motorcyclists of CBA/ABATE have organized an opportunity for bikers to discuss our current concerns and possible solutions with our legislators on 28 May 2008.   This visit is a part of our organizational heritage.

In the 1970’s when the original ABATE was formed, life was simpler.  We rode our bikes mostly on two-lane roads. The speed limit was 55 mph.  Congestion in Los Angeles, DC, or Chicago meant a ten/fifteen minute delay, and - when your motorcycle “t-boned” a ford pinto, you flew over the top.  Today many of us find ourselves keeping up with traffic at 80 MPH, on 4 or 6 lane, limited access highways.  In mid-sized cities across the nation, congestion delays are rapidly exceeding those previously reserved for only the largest cities.  And, when you crash into the side of an SUV, you don’t fly anywhere, you stop - abruptly.  

Even politics were simpler.  It was easier for an elected official to fully understand each of the limited number of “big issues.” Today, issues are more complex, and vast demands are being made on limited government resources.  Miniscule components of the “big issue” have become the focus of zealous “Special-Interest” groups.  Elected officials, unable to follow every issue as closely as was possible in the 70’s, seek the advice of the current tax-payer funded professional-subject-experts (aka: bureaucrats).

CBA/ABATE of North Carolina members understand the need for consultation with subject experts on complex issues.  In the past, because we rode, we were considered the motorcycling experts.   Back then, bikers knew about biker issues, and elected officials worked with us to find solutions.   However, over the past 37 years, we have somehow lost the status of counsel to our elected officials.  We want to earn that role back. 

We still ride, we still know...  We believe that today, the “true” subject-experts on motorcycle safety are still motorcyclists, not desk-bound bureaucrats.  Our thoughts and concerns about motorcycling issues are still the only valid perspective.  Over the session break, I’ve continued communication with our elected officials about several issues of concern to their riding constituents.  I have notified them that bikers will be coming to Raleigh on 28 May 2008, and I have invited them to ask you, their constituents, about some of the important issues we face today.  I have listed some of these issues below, followed by the official CBA/ABATE position on that issue:

Motorcyclist Licensing:  Motorcycles are not just recreational vehicles.  Motorcycles are an important and legal form of transportation.  Motorcycles conserve fuel, leave a smaller environmental footprint than the typical enclosed vehicle, and reduce the growing problems associated with congestion.   The rising costs of fuel suggest an increase in the number of motorcycles registered in NC.  Any legislation that reduces rider opportunities for skill development, or mandates restrictive conditions on motorcyclists’ licensing is discriminatory and violates the equal rights provisions of the US and NC Constitutions.

Rider Education:  The operation of a motorcycle requires a special skills-set.  Because specialized training and experience may help some riders develop these skills, motorcyclists of NC pay an additional $3.00 annual tax to fund the Motorcycle Safety and Education Program conducted by the NC Community College system.  Rider Education Program attendance is currently voluntary.  Mandating attendance in these programs will overwhelm the limited resources, and disrupt the quality programs currently available.  Any changes in the rider education program should consider the citizens who fund the program.    

Right of Way Violations:       In 2004, CBA/ABATE supported and lobbied for passage of a bill that penalized drivers for violating the right of way of motorcycles and pedestrians.  During legislative deliberations the consequences for violating the right of way were removed from the bill and replaced with provisions that increase revenues for insurance companies.   Victims of right of way violations, and/or their survivors, are left with no measures of compensation other than an expensive and lengthy civil suit.   CBA/ABATE believes that drivers who are responsible for a crash involving death or serious injury to a motorcyclist should be held responsible for their irresponsible actions.            

Crash Prevention Strategies:  Crashes kill motorcyclists.  Crash reduction, not mandating a certain type of helmet, will lead to reduced fatalities.   For thirty-five years safety professionals have tried unsuccessfully to make motorcycles fit into the “survive-the-crash” approach to highway safety.  The motorcycle’s design does not lend itself to “passive protection” measures such as seat-belts or air-bags (and helmets).  Crashes kill motorcyclists.  Crash reduction will lead to reduced fatalities.  Motorcyclists are tired of pandering to a bureaucratically convenient approach to motorcycle safety.  Motorcyclists are entitled to an appropriate “crash-prevention” model of safety that is scientifically valid for the characteristics of the motorcycle.

Safety-helmet Protection/Risks:  Motorcycles are more vulnerable than the enclosed four-wheeled vehicles they share the road with.  In a crash, the motorcyclist is more likely to suffer death or injury.  The research on helmet protection versus helmet risks is controversial.  Regardless, even the best helmets cannot guarantee protection in impacts greater than 13 mph.  Although only 40% of the states have universal mandatory helmet laws, National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) statistics indicate that more than one-half of all riders who died were wearing a helmet.  Statistics from NHTSA indicate that rates of fatalities (when compared to motorcycle registrations) are higher in states that have universal mandatory helmet laws than in states with adult freedom of choice.

Motorist Awareness Programs:  The growing number of “technological gizmos” available for motorists (i.e., cell-phone, GPS, DVD players, rear viewing cameras) help contribute to driver distractions.   Accidents may happen, but crashes can be avoided.  “I didn’t see the motorcycle,” is not an excuse... it is an admission of guilt. 

There is strong evidence that driver and motorcyclist education and awareness programs are the most effective ways to reduce the incidence of crashes between motorcycles and other vehicles.  The rising costs of fuel suggest an increase in the number of motorcycles registered in NC.  More motorcycle use suggests higher fatality rates unless something can be done to reduce the number of crashes between motorcycles and enclosed vehicles.     

Increased Motorcyclist Fatalities:   The increase in fatalities from 1997 to 2006 is simply the result of more motorcycles being on the road.  NC DOT reports increasing numbers of motorcycle registrations annually.  More people are turning toward the fuel efficient motorcycle as a means of reducing the impact of increasing fuel costs. Without appropriate intervention, we can expect motorcycle fatalities to increase accordingly.  CBA/ABATE believes those appropriate interventions include motorists awareness and rider education programs.

Young-Driver Education:  There is strong evidence that Driver Education and Awareness programs can reduce motorcycle crashes. To that end, CBA/ABATE has been collaborating with the NC Governor’s Highway Safety Program to deliver Motorcycle Awareness classes to high school driver’s education programs across NC.  CBA/ABATE believes that these classes should become mandatory in all drivers’ education programs in the state.

Street Gang Prevention:  CBA/ABATE is concerned about the rising number of street gangs in North Carolina, however we are not willing to risk our fundamental rights to freely assemble in an effort to reduce the risks. 

The definition of criminal street gang member is too broad and all encompassing.  Many law-abiding members of motorcycle organizations could become subject to enhanced sentencing guidelines because of the actions of other members of the group with which they associate. 

Under the existing definitions, individuals, including children and youth, may be identified as gang members if they: mimic or adopt gang signs and symbols for status reasons, join gangs for self-protection, are involved in minor drug offenses, wear similar clothing or insignia, or engage in serious delinquent behavior.  The impact on the black and hispanic youth is unclear, but suggests an even higher rate of incarceration from within these populations.

The current bills are punitive, not preventative.  Research on changing human behavior clearly suggests that punishment is the least effective method for changing behavior.  These bills call for expending more than $10 Million on unproven prevention programs. The estimated cost for additional correctional confinement is approximately $45 million annually.

Take A Day Off of Work on 28 May 2008:

Join the dedicated freedom fighters of the Concerned Bikers Association/ABATE of North Carolina and NC Bike-PAC during the annual Lobby day activities in Raleigh.   CBA/ABATE will be establishing a Freedom Fighter support center at the Days Inn Downtown.  Any, and all, North Carolina motorcyclist’s who are interested in sharing their thoughts with their legislators are welcome to join us.  Activities will start at 08:00 hours on Wednesday morning and continue throughout the day. 

Information about locating your elected officials and important biker issues will be provided so that we can all share our experiences and ideas with the people who represent us in our legislature.  CBA/ABATE of NC members will be stationed at the hotel to help you identify and prepare for visiting your elected officials.  Additionally, CBA members will be stationed throughout the legislative pavilion to assist and direct you to the offices designated for your legislators.  Informational portfolios containing materials supporting CBA/ABATE’s positions on the above listed issues will be prepared for you to deliver to your legislators.

Directions to the Days Inn Downtown Raleigh:

Take I-40 to the S Saunders Street Exit (298 - B).

Turn right off of the off-ramp onto S Saunders (US 401 N) toward downtown.  Go approximately 0.8 mi

Take slight right turn onto McDowell St (US 401 N). Go approx 1.5 miles

Turn left onto Lane Street. 

The Days Inn is located on the right hand side of Lane Street between McDowell and Dawson Streets.

The address is 300 N Dawson St. Raleigh, NC 27603.  Phone number - (919)828-9081

See you there.

Keep the Faith!

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