ABATE of Oklahoma

Hello to all my Motorcycling friends! Well, by the time you read this, we'll be getting ready to reach the end of the 2010 Oklahoma Legislative Session, which I'm gratified to say has turned out to be one of the most successful in ABATE's two-decade history. The topper even came at the beginning of May, when riders all over the state noticed messages on Electronic Bulletin Boards urging motorists to look twice, watch out for motorcyclists, and Share the Road! John Pierce, our Legislative Coordinator for ABATE of Oklahoma, forwarded important announcements regarding signature of our key bills by Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry. In mid-April, the Governor signed our Motorcycle Rider Education, Training, Safety and Awareness bill and the bill naming three experienced riders to the Oklahoma Motorcycle Advisory Council. As mentioned last month, these bills passed both Houses of the Legislature with overwhelming majorities. A week later, legislation was signed
authorizing ABATE of Oklahoma specialty license plates, and the Governor
also signed into law our Malfunctioning Traffic Light bill. As a result, bikes that don't trigger the light to turn green will be able to proceed through a controlled intersection after stopping and determining it safe to do so, essentially treating the intersection as at a Stop Sign. Hardly a cause for traffic to dissolve into chaos as opponents have portrayed, this legislation has directly contributed to reductions in motorcyclist deaths and injuries in states where it has been passed. This makes FOUR major pieces of legislation ABATE has advanced have been signed into law by May 1. Gunner's Law and others will take effect
November 1, the standard beginning date for new legislation. What a way
to celebrate ABATE's Twentieth Anniversary! Many thanks to all those
ABATE Members and others who made the phone calls, sent the e-mails, and
visited their elected officials at the State House to make this happen--you have my gratitude! Be sure to voice your thanks to ABATE lobbyist Suzette, John Pierce, our Legislative Committee and all those who spent scores of hours lobbying at the Capitol on behalf of Oklahoma's Motorcycling Community. For the price of a couple of tasty beverages in the course of a full year, each rider will directly contribute to reducing motorcyclist deaths and injuries in the Sooner State, and improving Oklahoma's overall Motorcyclist Quality of Life.

Another legislative development in passed in April that might help
achieve this goal involves the Governor signing a bill penalizing those
pulled over for driving dangerously with hand-held cell phone use
contributing, and a bill penalizing sending text messages while driving.
Please pick up the phone and thank your Representatives and Senators for
voting "YES" on the bills ABATE has sponsored--we need to keep
cultivating those political friendships. I heartily salute each and
every one of ABATE of Oklahoma's and the OK Confederation of Clubs
officers and members, all of whom dedicate their time on a volunteer
basis, and look forward to our continued success working together in the
spirit of unity to make Oklahoma the best state in which to ride.
"Gunner" Catcher, our dearly departed Brother and victim of America's
Right to Drive Stupidly, would be immensely proud of each of you for
continuing his legacy! Additionally, Channel 4 News in OKC announced
the third week of April that Oklahoma motorcyclist deaths in 2009 were
the lowest they've been in ELEVEN YEARS, reflecting a recent downward
trend Nationwide! Though sadly, one of those involved someone very
special to us, if Gunner's Law does what we anticipate, this reduction
of Biker deaths and injuries in the Sooner State will become a trend.
The Governor graciously again issued the State Proclamation designating
May as Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month, which was read at the May
2 OK Confederation Of Clubs Meeting in Medicine Park, but many thanks
also go to you folks who worked hard to secure local Motorcycle Safety
Proclamations from municipalities and counties throughout Oklahoma--YOU
ROCK!

Tiger's Tip O' The Month: Welcome to the onset of Summer Riding
Season! We entered the 101 Critical Days of Summer on May 31, and the
period will last until Labor Day. This time of year is identified by
safety agencies as the period folks are most vulnerable to, among other
problems, vehicle accidents, injuries and deaths. It's obviously also
the time when the most bike-related events are planned, and not just on
the weekends. Festive Bike Nights are taking place at different
locations virtually every night of the week, and are excellent
opportunities to catch up with old friends, make new ones, and see what
kind of amazing hardware folks are riding on in the Sooner State and
elsewhere. ABATE constantly emphasizes its support and defense of
Riding Freedom, but that Freedom always has to be accompanied by
personal responsibility. Our 2010 Legislative successes will only be
truly effective if ALL motorists (including ourselves) use the streets
and highways aware of others and Share the Road, and that ALL
motorcyclists ride safely, responsibly, and sober! I know the Biker
Stereotypes, both positive and negative, have been drummed into our
heads since we were kids, but the sad fact remains that a majority of
bike wrecks, especially single vehicle ones, involve the use of alcohol.
Ultimately, each of us is responsible for our own decisions, but if you
drink and ride, you put yourself at increased risk for death and injury,
as well as causing pain to your friends and loved ones and providing
ammunition to enemies of Biker Liberty. We want to hear from you, not
about you!

As I wrap this up for June, I want to deeply thank all of our proud
American Patriots who attended the Operation Carry the Flame Across
America event, and ABATE's annual Memorial Day Bike Parade to the State
Capitol. With all the hot-button news topics out there, it can be easy
to forget that we have thousands of men and women in our Armed Forces
putting themselves in harm's way to safeguard our Freedom worldwide. We
must never forget the service and sacrifice of our Armed Forces, and the
Motorcycling Community continues to lead the charge in reminding folks
to keep supporting our Military and our Veterans. The timing of this
month's Biker Journal submissions doesn't allow me to, but I'll provide
a recap of how the ABATE War Memorial Run went, as well as coverage of
the 25th Anniversary NCOM Convention, in the July issue. Enjoy the
nicer weather as we Spring into Summer, check out and take part in the
numerous fun events our ABATE Chapters are hosting. As we get ready to
celebrate American Freedom with family and friends on the Fourth of
July, be sure to translate the culture of more effective and enjoyable
Motorcycling into every ride throughout the year, and not just during
Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month. See you on the Road!

Keep It On The Black Strip Between The Trees,
Tiger Mike