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Our Mission
An alliance of bikers dedicated to the protection of
the individual
rights of motorcyclists through
political change, charitable works and public education.
A.B.A.T.E. is the “Alliance of Bikers Aimed Toward Education.” It is an
organization of motorcyclists dedicated to the protection of the individual rights of motorcyclists through political change,
public education, and charitable works. As part of this mission, ABATE is active in the elimination of unfair legislation
as it concerns motorcyclists; promoting motorcycle safety through both motorist and rider education; and improving the image
of motorcyclists to the general public.
ABATE’s goal and purpose is to keep motorcyclists, members, and the public informed, to promote safe riding habits,
and to encourage favorable legislation for motorcyclists. This is accomplished through a monthly newsletter, e-mail alerts,
safety & education programs, working with the state and federal legislators, and voter registration promotion.
Since 1983, A.B.A.T.E. has represented the interests of motorcyclists riding Pennsylvania's roads. Through a variety of
programs, A.B.A.T.E. is working to protect and preserve the rights of over 750,000 licensed motorcyclists. Regardless of whether
you enjoy touring, or cruising, A.B.A.T.E. of PA is here to serve Pennsylvania’s motorcyclists, and to protect and promote
their right to ride.
To ride free is not a free ride.
JOIN A.B.A.T.E.!
What We Do |
- Represent Motorcyclists Throughout PA
- Protect Against Road & Land Closures
- Introduce Motorcycle Related Legislation
- Conduct Fund Raisers To Benefit Our Community
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Promote Motorcycle Safety Training Classes
Educate The Public About Motorcycle Awareness
Defend Against Harassment & Discrimination
Preserve Motorcycling As Transportation & Recreation | |
Why Join A.B.A.T.E.?
Hollywood movies, an uninformed media and the irresponsible operation of motorcycles by a limited few have created
an image of motorcyclists that is far from being factual. As a result, we are continually faced with issues, legislation and
prejudice which threaten to eliminate motorcycling as we know it today. In order to protect against the infringement of your
right to choose motorcycling as a life style or recreational choice, it is absolutely necessary that you include yourself
among the thousands of Pennsylvania motorcyclists who have banded together to form one of the most effective grassroots lobbying
organizations in the state.
In addition to joining a national motorcycling organization such as the American Motorcyclist
Association (AMA) or the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF), all riders should also join A.B.A.T.E., a state motorcycle rights
organization (SMRO). While the AMA and the MRF work to protect your interests at the national level, A.B.A.T.E. works to protect
your rights at the state and community levels.
The insurance industry, the medical community and poorly informed lawmakers
would like nothing more than to see motorcycles disappear from the roads of America. Year after year, legislation has been
introduced toward that end. Any time the legislature is in session, your personal freedom to ride your motorcycle is in
danger of being taken away. Road bans, confiscation of property rights, denial of access to public accommodations, inflated
insurance rates, prohibition of equipment modifications and senseless laws to inhibit your enjoyment of riding have, and will,
continue to be a threat to motorcycling.
Keeping those threats from becoming reality is expensive. A.B.A.T.E.
employs a lobbyist, produces educational and information materials, maintains a full time office staff to respond to Members
inquiries, provides expert testimony at state or local hearings and keeps a constant vigil to insure Members are immediately
aware of any legislation that impacts upon motorcycling.
Benefits of Membership |
- Representation By Paid Professional Lobbyist
- Monthly Newsletter
- Membership Patch (Year Pins On Renewal)
- Entrance to Members Only Events (Hazen!)
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- MSF Instructor Training Refund
- Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance
- Training Opportunities - Legislative & Leadership
- Motorcycle Theft Reward Protection (Coming Soon)
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Accomplishments:
- TOLLS - Motorcyclists using the PA Turnpike and taking advantage of the E- Z Pass now receive a 25% discount
on tolls. (July, 2003)
- HELMET USE - Modified the helmet law to allow adult motorcyclists 21 years of age and older with two years
experience or successfully completing the PA Motorcycle Safety Course, to choose when and where to wear a helmet. (September
4, 2003)
- HANDLEBAR HEIGHT - Act 152 of 2002 eliminated any restriction on handlebar heights.
- UNRESTRICTED PARKING - 2 or more motorcycles may park within the same parking space without the risk of being
arbitrarily ticketed (Act 123 of 2002)
- EMISSIONS TESTING - Motorcycles are exempt from emissions testing.
- C.A.T. FUND - removed the unfair catastrophic trust fund surcharge on moving violations from never-eligible-to-participate
motorcyclists.
| Issues:
- RIGHT-OF-WAY -a demand to increase penalties for drivers who fail to properly yield to motorcyclists or cause
accidents by failing to obey a traffic control device.
- CLEANER ROADS - promoting a more comprehensive covered load law.
- LEMON LAW - working to include motorcycles in the PA lemon law.
- NIGHT LIGHTING - working to legalize neon and other lighting that makes motorcycles more visable.
- BANS - eliminated, and continue to fight, bans within municipal, state and national parks - both on roads
and off-highway - as well as all public roads open to other vehicular traffic.
- RIGHT TO RIDE - an ongoing effort to monitor legislation, insurance trends and government actions which could
adversely effect motorcyclists who ride on, and off, the road.
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JOIN A.B.A.T.E.
Today
We need YOU!
Help us Fight for your Rights.
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contact webmaster here
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