A Report From the Webwench

On January 19, 2008, ABATE and MMA along with the Phoenix Coyotes hosted their first bike night of 2008. This bike night was promoted by the Phoenix Coyotes as ‘Motorcycle Safety & Awareness Night. Members of both ABATE and the MMA congregated on the Plaza with tons of ‘Look Out for Motorcycles’ pencils, badges, t-shirts and information about sharing the road.  Both organizations had papers and membership forms on hand. Volunteers were talking with the kids and parents and educating them on being aware of motorcycles. The kids were really excited with the goodies and liked getting up close and personal with a couple motorcycles parked next to the tables. Many put their shirts on right away, so after awhile the plaza was dotted with little florescent ‘Look out for Motorcycle’ shirts.

We also experienced our share of people who walked wide circles around us and pulled their kids away from us. We all just smiled and continued to spread the word to all that would look and listen. We still have our work cut out for us as we still face the old stereotype as ‘bad bikers’ to many in our communities. But acceptance will come in time as the young that we have made an impression on today, grow up. Perhaps they will remember the positive experience they had in meeting a biker and be more alert to us as they enter the driving world.

I would like to thank Gareld Riggs, MMA Leather District member and ABATE Phoenix Chapter Coordinator, for all the hours of time and effort he put into organizing this event. He picked up all the items from the Governors office, sold tickets to the game and recruited the volunteers. Thanks to the volunteers of both organizations for giving up a Saturday night to work towards a common cause and goal, to educate the public. Thanks to all who supported the event and bought tickets. And last but not least, thanks to the Phoenix Coyotes for allowing us this opportunity.

So kids…. the moral of the story is to ‘Congregate, Communicate and Educate!’

'Snakebite', DM Leather District, ABATE Phoenix Communications

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