Looking out for everyone's rights on the road

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Biker Rights Issues by Gary Vercrouse, Santa Rosa Gazette
When you hear people talking about ABATE of Florida, Inc and realize that this particular organization is a State Motorcycle Rights Organization, most non-biker types shut down from the attentive mode and go into the “what do bikers have to do with us mode?” Biker is a term that is thrown around quite loosely these days to encompass all who ride. The term Biker has its birth someplace long ago and far away. Most of today’s riders would fit more into the enthusiast category. The demographics of today’s motorcyclists vary through a wide range of lifestyles and chosen occupations.
Why does it matter? ABATE of Florida, Inc is a misunderstood organization by the non- motorcycle world. As a State Motorcycle Rights Organization we fit into the grassroots political organization category. What most people don’t understand is that the bad laws we fight against and the changes in laws that we support effect operators of all motor vehicles. To paraphrase a quote given to me by a friend of mine who happens to be a State Representative, “Once the camel gets its nose under the tent, how long before the rest gets under”. If there is a law that targets just motorcycles, what right of which group is next? Some of the battles ABATE has fought and continues through its lobbyist are: the recently repealed Crash Tax, cell phone use while driving, texting while driving, unfair insurance loopholes, highway disrepair, laws calling for the impounding of vehicles caught speeding, and many more.
The only way to resolve most of the issues that come before the legislature is to engage the Legislators and public in debate to be sure that they are, as the new word of our generation says, Transparent. Many laws passed are add-ons to non-related bills.
Therefore, if you think what Motorcycle rights organizations like ABATE does not fight for everyone’s best interest, then think again. We are in the life saving business together.
Educate yourself and debate the issues. Silence is said to be golden. Not when your rights are threatened.
Gary ‘Satch’ VerCrouse is the President of the Gulf Coast Chapter of ABATE of Florida, Inc
Original article...
http://www.srpressgazette.com/opinion/rights-9090-organization-people.html