August 2006 ABATE Legislative Meeting

Photos and article by FastFred Ruddock

Concerned bikers of ABATE came from across South Carolina to help develop legislative strategies to defend our remaining liberties in South Carolina. Many topics were discussed including: Addressing failure to yield right of way problem; Increasing funding for Riders Ed through grants; Correcting faulty traffic detectors at traffic lights; Protecting motorcyclists from discrimination; Requiring toxicology testing after fatal accidents; Legalizing poker runs in South Carolina; Opposing gang legislation that has any motorcycle language; Maintaining South Carolina's current helmet law. All ABATE of SC members are urged to take part in the current membership survey. Attend our next meeting on the first Saturday of the month at Michelle's Place.

There seems to be a wide divide in opinions on how to address Right of Way Violators in South Carolina. It is important that we work together to find common ground in order to craft a successful legislative strategy to address the right of way issue. However we can all agree that bikers should attend the trail of those who kill or maim our brothers and sisters. Additionally we can each locally pressure our elected solicitors to take those cases seriously.
The chapters who made this month's honor roll for taking an active roll in attending this meeting and helping develop a legislative strategy include: At Large, Charleston, Columbia Riders, Greenville, Hell Hole, Lexington, Palmetto, Pee Dee, Sumter, and Swampfox. We had a total of 25 members present including one brand new member named Ralph Bell who brought his young daughter.

I would like to thank each and everyone of you who attended this meeting and those who have already taken ABATE of SC's member survey. Our past and future successes all belong to you the active rank and file members. Leaders do not have the right to claim credit for success. A good leader will only claim credit for failures because he may have failed to rally the troops or pursue the right strategy. Again thank you for your efforts.

Make plans to attend our next meeting and see a few local sights too...