Promoting Motorcycle Safety
by Anita McMullen
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Chisholm Trail 412 is a local Chapter of the Motorcycle Rights Organization, A.B.A.T.E. (A Brotherhood Aiming Toward Education) of Oklahoma. This mission statement of ABATE of Oklahoma is:
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To Promote and defend Motorcyclist’s freedom, safety, and awareness through education and legislation to make Oklahoma the best place to ride.
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There are 9 Chapters of ABATE of Oklahoma throughout Oklahoma and they all have the same goal—keeping motorcyclist safe. Our t shirts have the logo “Look Twice for Bikes”. We would love for every driver to look to the left, look to the right and look again. As the motorcycle riding population is increasing in great numbers and it includes riders that have 50+ years of riding experience to the first time rider. A motorcycle does not have a chance against any vehicle, so our focus is to educate the rider of the motorcycle and the driver of the vehicle to Share the Road.
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Oklahoma riders have the freedom of choice whether to wear a helmet or not. Some choose to and some don’t wear them at all. The clothing you wear can also protect you, whether it be bright colored so you can be seen or leather to protect your arms and legs. Shorts and flip flops probably are not the wisest choices due to burns as well as crashes, but again we are in a state that offers the choice of how you ride.
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Recently in the legislative area a bill was signed by Governor Fallin making it a primary offense to text and drive. ABATE of Oklahoma was a huge supporter of this bill in order to keep drivers eyes and mind on the road and those around them. Another bill that ABATE of Oklahoma has supported is the fines for riding without an “M” endorsement on your driver’s license will increase, but you will have 6 months to get the endorsement and the ticket removed. It has been studied that a great number of accidents are involving those without the “M” endorsement. As of November 2013 when you take a Motorcycle Safety Course and pass it you will receive your “M” endorsement upon completion. Things in the works are reduced tolls on Oklahoma turnpikes for Motorcycles.
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Did you know you can legally turn left if a red light does not recognize your bike and changed to green? This bill was passed in 2010 due to motorcycles being hit by cars while waiting for the light to change. You do have to let it cycle a couple of times. Also in 2010 $3 was added to motorcycle tags and that money goes into a special fund strictly for motorcycle safety, education and awareness. This is how places like the Edmond Police Department can offer classes to experienced rider for free. People that have attended these classes have ridden for years and walked away with new knowledge. Would love to see Enid get something going like this.
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Our Chapter has fundraisers and the monies are used to send members to Basic Riders courses as well as to other states to find out what they are doing and we can learn from them. A lot of our members as well as myself are members of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation which is the National level of ABATE of Oklahoma. A couple of weeks ago 10 MRF/ABATE members went to Washington D.C. to lobby the Senators and Representatives are 3 main topics were: To stop Federal Funding of motorcycle only checkpoints (not an issue in Oklahoma yet). A huge concern for Motorcycle owners is E15 Ethanol. It can and will ruin your motorcycle as well as other engines. The studies were on 6 vehicles all less than 6 years old so therefore inconclusive. The use of this Ethanol may and probably will void factory warranty. Most meetings were extremely positive.
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Yes we ride Motorcycles, Yes we wear leather, yes we have vests with our patch on the back but we are NOT a club. Anyone that has and interest or loved one that rides is welcome to join us. You do not have to ride a Harley Davidson or even ride a motorcycle. A lot of friends and family members have lost their lives or been injured and we would like to prevent this if at all possible.
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Chisholm Trail 412 meets every 2nd Sunday of the month at the Enid Moose Lodge located at 302 E Purdue. If anyone is interested in finding out what we are about we would love to have you and your ideas. Please feel free to contact Anita McMullen at 580-541-3149 or by email ct412abate@yahoo.com, or follow us on Facebook. If you see one of our ABATE of Oklahoma patches come up and say hello. We are very family oriented as many couples are members as well as children. Our 9 year old granddaughter is a member of our chapter so they are never too young to learn safety.
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I DID NOT SEE THEM are 4 words we never want to hear. With the riding season getting into full swing, please put the phones down and pay attention around you. Loud Pipes are to let you know we are there. Remember those riders are someone’s loved one so let’s keep them safe. Check your side mirrors before changing lanes and keep your attention forward for sudden stops this goes for riders as well, not all accidents are the driver’s fault. Getting careless while riding is also a concern, as riders always look twice for cars as well.
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Contact Anita McMullen at 580-541-3149 or ct412abate@yahoo.com.
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