Born To Ride News

Every day in the Sunshine State hundreds, if not thousands of people are riding their motorcycles enjoying the breeze in their face and the feeling of freedom.  Florida offers hundreds of miles of great roadways and almost 12 full months of beautiful weather for our residents and visitors to get on a bike and cruise for hours.
It may sound harsh saying some motorcyclists take too much for granted, but many will say it’s true: 

·         Most don’t give a thought of what penalties a car/truck driver will face if they are involved in an accident with a motorcycle.  When it happens to someone the motorcyclists know, they are outraged at the slap on the wrist the offending driver receives, if anything at all.

·         Most never considered if their health care plan would cover them if they got hurt while on their bike, yet many are shocked when the health insurance they’ve been paying into for years shows them the “fine print” saying that injuries sustained while on a motorcycle may not be a covered event. 

·         Most enjoy the freedom of choice they are allowed in Florida every time they hop on their scoot… “Do I want to wear a helmet today?”  There are still thousands of bikers that don’t give it a second thought that just a decade ago they didn’t have that choice.

·         Most have heard the 2008 HB137 and the stricter sanctions it applied to overly excessive speeding and other motor vehicle infractions.  Many still don’t realize that originally this Bill only applied to motorcycles.  Freedom Fighters got involved and what became final law was not the original 30+ MPH over the limit, but now 50+ MPH.  The over thousands of dollars of fines related to vertical license plates was stricken from this Bill.  CONFISCATION OF YOUR MOTORCYCLES WAS STRICKEN FROM THE ORIGINAL LANGUAGE.  These changes didn’t happen on their own.

·         Many may think it’s a great thing for car drivers to see the “Look Twice, Save A Life” ABATE of Florida, Inc. billboard when they ride into Florida along I95 or drive through Pensacola, but some never give it a thought of how it was paid for.  Those involved know that ABATE of Florida, Inc, a 501 C(4) non-profit organization, has been awarded a million dollars over the past few years to help teach and remind drivers to always look out for motorcycles.

I know for a fact that at least 7,500+ bikers think of these issues.  They are the largest group of Freedom Fighters in Florida, fighting for motorcyclists’ rights.  Yes, there are others that “walk the line” as well, but the members of ABATE of Florida, Inc. have put together the largest Motorcycle Rights Organization in Florida’s history.  We’re the ones that offer you the opportunity to ride your motorcycle right up to the front steps of the Governor’s office to tell your elected officials what you want them to fight for and against.  No, not up to a parking lot nearby, but right onto the grounds, up the sidewalks, and park your scoot next to the Florida Capitol’s steps.

What I’m talking about is ABATE of Florida’s 15th Annual Freedom Rights Rally April 19, 2010.  Sure the local Tea Parties have been letting your legislators know that the general citizenry is unhappy with the way things are going, but if you ride, if you used to ride, and even if you don’t, why not join us in helping make sure all motorcyclists’ rights are being constantly fought for here in Florida?   There’s nothing like seeing the public’s faces as hundreds and hundreds of motorcycles rumble up the hill on Apalachee Pkwy and drive right up onto the Florida Capitol Grounds.  Make your plans now.  Be there with us.

Dave “Lockdown” Rich

State Public Relations Trustee,

ABATE of Florida, Inc.

PO Box 990584, Naples, FL 34116 

386.490.4821      386.490.4482 FAX

statepr@abateflorida.com    www.abateflorida.com/