Abate

American Bikers Active Towards Education

The new Federal Administration appears to be motorcycle friendly. Even so, the new attacks on motorcyclists’ rights are unprecedented. President-elect Obama did vote against the attempt to reinstate a mandatory Federal helmet law and he has a good rapport with ABATE of Illinois as does his Secretary of Transportation, Ray Lahood (R-Illinois). The Motorcycle Rights Foundation (MRF) reports that many of the newly elected members of the House and the Senate are Motorcyclist friendly.
            On the flip side of the coin is the movement to confiscate motorcyclist’s property. The city of New York is attempting to pass a law that would give them the right to impound a motorcycle if it has exhaust pipes that are not stock or EPA approved even if it is parked. After paying the $1100 fine plus impoundment fees the bike would be released for the first offense. The second offense is $2500 plus confiscation of the motorcycle.
            The Federal Government has already confiscated the Mongol, MC trademark and is in the process of confiscating anything using their insignia on it  - be it a motorcycle, vest or whatever.
            Folks, this isn’t a crack in the floor of our basic rights, it is a gaping hole through which our basic constitutional right to own property is being dumped down.
            This time last year motorcyclists all across the state of Georgia were up in arms because they were being denied a tag or title to their custom motorcycles. ABATE of Georgia went to bat to correct this problem at the State Capitol and with your help Senate Bill 437 was passed to allow for tag/titling of custom motorcycles.
            While keeping a watchful eye on what is going on nationally we are hard at work on the state level on issues you all can relate to.  Our four bills include: “Red Light Proceed”, “Enhanced Penalties for Right of Way Violations”, “Freedom of Choice” and “Discrimination against Motorcyclists”. We need your help now more than ever to fight for your rights. “Eternal Vigilance is the cost of freedom”. Join ABATE to protect YOUR rights. Attend our Bike Show and Swap Meet to benefit MOTO-PAC on February 22nd at the North Atlanta Trade Center. Visit our website at www.abatega.org or call us toll free at 866-867-5063.
            Ride Safe, Ride Free, and Ride Often in this God Blessed U. S. of A. !!!