Georgia Bikers Welcome New Law Saturday, June 03, 2006 (18:19:17) This article contributed by editor A local member of the American Bikers Active Toward Education of Georgia, Inc. , or ABATE, wants everyone driving on the highway to understand the rules of the road and the work the group is doing to inform legislators of the needs of motorcyclists. Robert Patterson, a member of ABATE of Georgia District 13, said the organization is also actively helping charitable organizations in the area. “We help the Christian Motorcyclists Association with their charity runs and they help us with ours,” he said. Patterson said Gov. Sonny Perdue signed HB1392, also known as the “Right of Way” bill, into law April 28. The bill stiffens penalties for motorists who violate bikers’ rights on the highway. ABATE lobbied to have the bill passed in hopes that those who cause the death or injury of a motorcyclist would face stiffer fines. But motorists’ awareness must be coupled with rider education. Patterson said that motorcyclists are required by law to take 16 hours of training before being allowed on the highway. “All other drivers have to take is a written test to drive anything from a semi to a tractor,” Patterson said. According to Patterson, the group is working now to have legislation passed that will require all motorists to know the laws motorcyclists are required to follow and have that information incorporated into pamphlets and into driver’s license tests. ABATE is not a club; Patterson said it’s a nonpartisan politically active organization working on motorcyclists’ rights. Some of legislation that ABATE has sponsored and successfully seen pass include the creation of the Georgia Motorcycle Safety Program, the state’s rider education program. ABATE of Georgia, Inc., has sponsored the Bike Show and Swap Meet at Lakewood Fairgrounds in Atlanta for 22 years. This year’s event will be held, rain or shine, beginning at 9:30 a.m. July 30. Anyone interested in becoming an ABATE member may call Patterson at (229) 556-9904 or e-mail him at rpatte3713@aol.com. Patterson said member benefits include a monthly newsletter with legislative updates, event dates and places and more information; discounts at many of the motorcycle shops and dealers around the state; reimbursement of $25 of the fee for completion of the Georgia Motorcycle Safety Program; and spiritual consultation with the Christian Motorcycle Association for ride prayers, weddings and visitation. Content received from: Brain Bucket Magazine, http://brainbucketmag.com