Feb 03, 2007 - 03:56:49 CST
With subzero temperatures compounded by bone-chilling winds keeping most of us indoors, the fine folks at ABATE have their sights set on spring and motorcycle weather.American Bikers Aiming Towards Education is preparing its North Dakota Motorcycle Safety Program offerings for 2007, according to Executive Director Michael Jay. ABATE is a nonprofit organization which contracts with the North Dakota Department of Transportation to provide the safety program statewide.
In 2006, 1,875 riders participated in ABATE's 18-hour beginner and six-hour experienced ride classes. Jay is anticipating more than 2,000 participants will sign up and complete courses this year. There were 23 rider coaches employed last year, and that will be increased by five this year.
There are more than 27,500 registered motorcycle riders in North Dakota, and $10 from each of those licenses issued by the state goes to the motorcycle safety program. In 2006, the safety program was held in 14 North Dakota cities. In Bismarck, the program trained on average 60 riders a week.
Jay took some time recently to testify on House Bill 1183 at a hearing held by the House Transportation Committee. The bill is in regard to motorcycle handlebars, particularly those known as "ape hangers."
The current state statute requires that handlebars be more more than 15 inches above the seat. The new version offered by Rep. Dan Ruby R-Minot, calls for handlebar grips to be at shoulder height of the motorcycle's operator, removing the 15-inch requirement.
Jay testified in favor of the bill.
"For motorcyclists, adjusting handlebar heights would be the same relationship as getting into a vehicle and adjusting one's mirror, seat and steering wheel to adequately adjust to that person's body position," Jay told legislators. "A person over that height would have a hard time adjusting to the current limitations now placed on handlebar heights."
A similar law was passed by the South Dakota Legislature catering to the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally which brings in more than a half million participants each year.
The ABATE executive director believes that states are better off investing funds in training and safety rather than spending money on enforcement of laws requiring helmets.
Jay urges anyone interested in participating in ABATE motorcycle safety classes to apply as soon as possible. Applications can be found online at the North Dakota Motorcycle Safety Program Web site NDMSP.com.
The basic courses are open to anyone ages 14 and up. Upon completion of the basic safety course an individual only has to take the written portion of their license test and the riding portion may be waived by the NDDOT.
The basic rider classes provide motorcycles and helmets, and participants are charged $50 for 18 hours of instruction. In Bismarck, classes are offered mornings, afternoons and weekends.
This year, courses are scheduled to begin in May, which is national Motorcycle Safety Month.
Douglas wrote on Feb 9, 2007 11:43 PM:
cdog wrote on Feb 8, 2007 8:30 AM:
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