Be Ready

Reprinted from the January 2011 "Hoosier Motorcyclist" magazine

I’m really feeling like the broken record, talking about the broken record. You know, those infinity things. Like a snow globe with a little girl holding a snow globe with a little girl holding a snow globe…

We face a new year, new challenges and new opportunities. All I can do right now is remind everyone… again, to be ready. Sign up for the ABATE Alerts and keep a real close eye on the website. Motorcyclists have a lot of things going on legislatively at the state and federal levels.

At the Statehouse, we’ll be looking at updating some motorcycle licensing laws, right-of-way legislation and rider education issues. On Capitol Hill, we are watching activity by NHTSA and NTSB, as well as, pushing for the reauthorization of the highway bill. Additionally, we continue to evaluate the motorcycle safety checkpoints, the progress of the FHWA Crash Causation Study and all sorts of noise and emissions issues. These are some serious subjects that can shape the future of motorcycling and will require your attention and support, if we are to be successful.

We’ve said before that things happen quickly. That is why we need to be ready to act when the time comes. Those that were at the Fall Seminar heard State Representative Dale Grubb give us some insight as to what we can expect this session in Indianapolis. We must have the motorcycling community educated and motivated concerning motorcycling issues. Since this happens quickly, even in a general session (long session), the best and quickest way to keep members advised is through the website and alerts. I frequently write updates using my phone, right from the Statehouse as situations develop.

Although our grassroots lobby event, ABATE Day at the Statehouse, is not scheduled until Thursday March 10th, you can, and should, make other visits with your legislators. We’ve used the example before, that going to church once a year may not be enough to help your cause. Well, going to the Statehouse or speaking to your legislators once a year probably isn’t enough either. Stay informed and watch the alerts for a call to action to come to the Statehouse, or meet with your representatives at “Third House Meetings” in your district to let them know how you feel about an issue.   

We’ll continue to play this broken record until everyone has heard and understood the message, We must be clear concerning “what we’re about” and always “be ready”.

Ride Safe / Ride Free,
Jay Jackson