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48 Pages·2014·4.89 MB·English

December
2014

National Motorcycle news from all
ABATE of Georgia Legislative Update,
three national rights organizations, pg
State Legislative Director,
16
Brad Coulston, pg 41
Toy Runs for everyone! Pg 22-24 and
Find out what’s happening in your local
the District 11 Children’s parade on
ABATE of Georgia District on pg 26
pg 25
Chuck Watwood of lawbike.com talks
MARK YOUR CALENDER’S
about Lane Splitting on pg 10. Read it

then check out the difference between
JANUARY 21st, 11:00 AM
splitting and filtering on pg 23

At the Georgia Capital is ABATE of
Georgia’s LOBBY DAY, come help us
educate your legislators. More info on
pg 41
The 2015—2016 ABATE of Georgia Legislative Agenda has been
published, check it out on page 15
Not a member? JOIN RIGHT NOW, flip this newsletter over!
Fighting for the rights and education of every Georgia motorcyclist
DECEMBER 2014 A.B.A.T.E. OF GEORGIA, INC. NEWSLETTER
STATE OFFICE ADDRESSES Advertising Fees

www.abatega.org
(Mailing Address) ABATE OF GEORGIA, INC.
Website 115 1 Month
P.O. BOX 116
Newsletter
Austell, GA 30168

Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone] Business Card

ABATE OF GEORGIA STATE OFFICERS 2012-2014 Term Black & White Term in Months
State Director
$ 40.00 1
Ned Williams (404) 324 –2037
E-mail [email protected] $ 110.00 3

$ 200.00 6
Legislative Director
Brad Coulston [phone]
E-mail [email protected]
1/4 Page
Treasurer
Black & White Term in Months
Gary Bonds [phone]
Email: [email protected] $ 70.00 1

$ 200.00 3
Membership Director
Ann Crenshaw [phone] $ 360.00 6
Email [email protected]
$ 660.00 12

Sgt. At Arms $ 1 One Month Member Memorial
Dave Woodruffe 678-778-9646
Email: [email protected] 1/2 Page
Black & White Term in Months
Activities Director
David Neal (678_ 770-9188 $ 125.00 1
Email: [email protected]
$ 360.00 3

State Secretary $ 660.00 6
Ann Turner [phone]
$ 1,200.00 12
Email [email protected]
$ 2 One Month Member Memorial

Director of Education Full Page
Chriss Carr [phone] Black & White Term in Months
Email: [email protected]
$ 225.00 1
Webmaster $ 660.00 3
Bill Mattison [email protected]
$ 1,200.00 6
A.B.A.T.E. Legal Advisor
$ 2,200.00 12
Steve Murrin (404) 221-0777
Email: [email protected] $ 3 One Month Member Memorial

A.B.A.T.E. Tax Advisor Ads Must Be Received in digital format or ready to scan by the 10th of the month, accompanied by
full payment, to be printed in the next issue. Credit card payments are welcome. Ads must be paid in
James F. Trucks (404) 307-2541
advance to receive the multiple ad discount rate. If you wish, we can lay out your ad for you for an
additional $25 charge plus any reasonable costs. Additional charges and services offered at the discre-
A.B.A.T.E. State Chaplin tion of the editor. Please allow additional lead time for all ads that we must lay out.
Wade Warnock (CMA) [phone] Payment must be received in advance for ad renewals. If not you will lose the discounted multiple ad
rate and the account will revert back to monthly prices. Make your check or money order payable to
A.B.A.T.E. of Georgia, Inc. Send to:
A.B.A.T.E. OF GEORGIA, INC.
P.O. BOX 116
Austell, GA 30168

Call the State Office @ 770-881-7438 for more info.
A.B.A.T.E. of Georgia, Inc. All rights reserved. This newsletter is published
monthly and distributed throughout the state of Georgia as well as to other
motorcycle organizations nationwide. A.B.A.T.E. of Georgia accepts no re-
sponsibility for the comments or opinions from reprinted materials contained
within this publication. We welcome your news, opinions, comments, com-
plaints, and suggestions on Motorcycle related issues. All articles must in-
clude your name and address. We do not accept slanderous, accusing letters;
profanities (photographic or written); non-A.B.A.T.E. related letters.
A.B.A.T.E. of Georgia reserves the right to refuse or edit any article, photo,
letter, or advertisement that is decided is not in the best interest of the organiza-
tion or its members.
2 DECEMBER 2014 A.B.A.T.E. OF GEORGIA, INC. NEWSLETTER
ATTENTION
ABATE OF GEORGIA
MEMBERS

If you have had trouble
with your member card, a
pin or a patch
A new hotline has been set up to
make sure your issue is addressed

Please call the membership hotline
At
[phone]
(The hotline is monitored during business hours 7 days a week. Calls made after hours will be returned the next business day
3 DECEMBER 2014 A.B.A.T.E. OF GEORGIA, INC. NEWSLETTER
Some of A.B.A.T.E.’s accomplishments over the years: WHAT IS
•
Successfully lobbied for legislation that created the Georgia
A.B.A.T.E. OF GEORGIA, Inc.?
Motorcycle Safety Program (GMSP), our state’s rider education
program that is available to all.
•
Lobbied to have legislation passed to modify the existing manda-
The letters “A.B.A.T.E.” stand for
tory helmet law to allow adults age 21 and older freedom of choice
as to the wearing of a helmet. American Bikers Active Toward Educa-
•
Successfully lobbied for legislation leading to the repeal of the
tion. A.B.A.T.E. is composed of motor-
Georgia law prohibiting use of speakers or headphones while riding
a motorcycle.
cyclists from all areas of the state, from
•
Fought and stopped legislation introduced in the 1992 Session of
the Georgia General Assembly that would have made it illegal for all walks of life, and who ride all makes
kids age 10 and under to ride as passengers on motorcycles.
• of bikes. A.B.A.T.E. is not a club, it is a
Established May as “Motorcycle Awareness and You” month
through a proclamation signed by the Governor and through non-partisan politically active organiza-
resolutions passed by the Senate and House each year. This is an
annual effort that raises public awareness of motorcycles. tion working on motorcyclist’s rights.
•
Successfully lobbied legislators to approve increased funding for
We are affiliated with national rights
the Georgia Motorcycle Safety Program, in the amount of
$170,000 after the license tag rate was raised on all vehicles to groups like the American Motorcy-
$20.
• clist Association (AMA), the Motorcy-
Successfully stopped proposed legislation that would have
increased the size of motorcycle tags. cle Riders Foundation (MRF) and the
•
Successfully lobbied for handicapped tags for motorcycles without
further enabling legislation, by bringing it to the attention of the National Coalition of Motorcyclists
Department of Revenue that the code section was written in such
(NCOM).
a way that it was already authorized.
•
Successfully lobbied for antique tags for motorcycles in the 1998
legislative session.
• Our main focus is to keep motorcy-
Established a 15 District organization that has led to more
participation locally, while raising our membership statewide. The cle legislation in its proper perspec-
more members we have, means the more clout we have at the
State Capitol. tive. Many restrictive laws are enacted
•
Sponsor and promote the largest Swap Meet/Bike Show in
by uninformed legislators. A.B.A.T.E.’s
Georgia, 5 times a year.
•
Successfully forced prosecution of a trucker who, while making an goal is to keep our lawmakers informed
illegal turn, killed fellow motorcyclist Mark Bonner.
• of our members collective position on
Successfully lobbied to pass the “Frank-Lee” (ROW) bill to enhance
penalties to those who cause death or serious injury to a Motorcycle related legislation.
motorcyclists by failing to yield the right of way.
• Successfully lobbied to pass the “Tag/Title” bill SB-437 that allows Preventing unfair legislation from be-
for registration of kit/assembled bikes. Signed by Governor Purdue
coming law is easier than fighting to get
May 14, 2008.
the law repealed.

Your benefits as a member of A.B.A.T.E. of Georgia:
Organized lobbying of State and Federal legislators to make your Rider education and public aware-
views on motorcyclist rights known to your Representatives.
ness of motorcyclists are goals of
Current information on all motorcycle related legislation and where
your legislators stand on the issues that affect your motorcycling
A.B.A.T.E.. We are not against the
rights and freedoms.
Monthly newsletter with legislative updates, event dates and wearing of helmets, and we encourage
places, and information
Membership card, patch, and one year pin for new members. all riders to ride safely. An informed and
Yearly pin for renewals.
educated rider is a safer rider. Helmet
Admission discounts at most A.B.A.T.E. events around the state,
including ALL State Swap Meets.
laws do nothing to prevent an accident,
Discounts at many motorcycle shops and dealers around the state
Personal satisfaction of joining your brothers and sisters in pro- and a helmet only provides the illusion
moting the great sport of motorcycling while supporting your right to
ride by participation at State and District meetings, toy runs, blood of safety, while rider education is
drives, camp-outs, bike shows, swap meets, etc.
proven to prevent accidents and save
Spiritual consultation with the Christian Motorcycle Association
(CMA) for ride prayers, weddings, and visitation.
lives.

A.B.A.T.E. OF GEORGIA, Inc. IS A TEAM EFFORT
WE WELCOME ALL RIDERS, ALL BRANDS
4 DECEMBER 2014 A.B.A.T.E. OF GEORGIA, INC. NEWSLETTER
Ned Williams, State Director
The holiday season is upon ABATE and it’s members, Toy Runs are happening
across the state and with each run, ABATE members get to help a make a few
Christmas seasons a little bit brighter for children around that state meanwhile a
positive image of motorcyclists is conveyed to the non riding public with each pre-
sent laden motorcycle on they see on Georgia’s roads.

However the time of the year for ABATE’s existence is upon us. With the coming
the new year also brings the Legislative season, State Legislative Director Brad
Coulston has been sending out updates to District Coordinators as well as Legisla-
tive Coordinators for 4 weeks now, if you want to be part of these email updates
reach out to Brad and let him know. We ask that each ABATE of Georgia member
reach out to your state house representative and your state senator, introduce your-
self as a member of ABATE, let them know you hope they will support the bills
brought forth from our Legislative Agenda, make a point to keep the lines of com-
munication you establish with your elected officials open. Let them know you are
not going anywhere.

Those simple steps will help us win victories for all of Georgia’s motorcyclists.
You, as an ABATE member are key to our success, please help us win this fight.

Also several districts are in desperate need of officers, if you have time and can
lend a hand consider becoming a district officer in your district if any officer posi-
tions remain open. Lets all do our part to make ABATE a success.

Last but not least mark your calendars, Lobby Day is January 21st at the Capital,
we are trying to bring Delmar’s Chili back and at the same time help educate a few
legislators, we need everyone’s help, a talk between a legislator and his or her con-
stituent is a powerful tool in getting our message across, if you can, come down
and helps spread the word this year, the event starts at 11:00am.

Ride safe everyone,
Ned Williams
State Director, ABATE of Georgia

5 DECEMBER 2014 A.B.A.T.E. OF GEORGIA, INC. NEWSLETTER
District Coordinator Contact Information
District 1st Name Last Name Phone # EMAIL
1 Dennis Warren 706-270-4406 [email protected]
1W Frank Chaney 706-694-8626 [email protected]
2 Anthony G Love 706-499-4672 [email protected]
3 Dave Woodruffe 678-778-9646 [email protected]
4E
4W Jon Lambert 404-3682093 [email protected]
5
5-N Allen Kennedy 770-231-4824 [email protected]
6 Bobby Bass
6-2 Gary Allen
7 Leigh Jester 478-319-4013 [email protected]
8 Nancy James 706-592-1015 [email protected]
9 Cyndi Griffith 706-332-7675 [email protected]
11 David Jackson 912-441-7586 [email protected]
12 Dez Harris 229-206-0481 [email protected]
13 Dennis Crenshaw 229-924-7449 [email protected]>
15
6 DECEMBER 2014 A.B.A.T.E. OF GEORGIA, INC. NEWSLETTER
A.B.A.T.E. of Georgia District Boundaries
1W: The Fourth Monday of each month at the 1:1st Tuesday of the month at the 2: 2:00pm the first Sunday of each month
Dari Dip on Villanow St. Lafayette. Meeting Logan’s Roadhouse 2140 East Walnut David's Garage 60
starts at 6:30pm Avenue Dalton, GA 6211 Thompson Bridge Road
Dahlonega, GA 30533
4E : 1st Wednesday of the Month 7PM, Con-
3 The Watering hole ,Tri
fetti’s Bar and Grill, 6470 Spalding Dr.
County Plaza 451 W
Bankhead HWY Villa Norcross, GA 30092-4656
Rica 1st Sunday of each
month at 2:00 pm 5N: third Tuesday of the month 7PM at Cycle
World 4225 Atlanta Highway ,Athens
Ga
4W :1st Thursday of the
Month B3 bar and grill,
Austell, Ga
5 : 7:00PM 2nd Tuesday
of the Month at Rock City
Cycles, Conyers Ga.
8: 4th Thursday of the
month @ 7:00 p.m. at
Side Track Bar and Grill
4029 Washington
Rd., Martinez, GA
6/2:3rd Tues- 30907
day of the 6 :1st Tuesday
month at 7PM of the month
@Jekyll and at 7:00 PM at
Hyde's, 10 The Grove Bar
The Blvd and Grill,
7: 1st Sunday of
HWY 29 4681 Bill
the month at 2:00
North, New- Gardner
PM at AP's Hidden
nan Pkwy.,
Hideaway on
Broadway in
Macon
9: 1st Tuesday
of the month at
7:30 PM at
Player’s on 54th
St. Columbus. 10: Current ly
working to re-
open
11: 2nd
Sunday
3:00PM
VFW Post
660, 5115
Ogeechee
Rd, Savan-
nah, GA
31405
13: Meets 1st Sunday of Month
@2PM at The Henry T. Elrod 12: Meets Last Saturday of
Welcome Center 100 Washing- Month @2PM at Mr. Chicks
ton Ave. Ashburn, Ga Chicken, 1125 US.84 Cairo, Ga 15: 1st Saturday of every
month at 2PM at Toucans Ale
House 2450 Perry Lane
Road Brunswick, GA 31525
7 DECEMBER 2014 A.B.A.T.E. OF GEORGIA, INC. NEWSLETTER
Events for December 2014
8 DECEMBER 2014 A.B.A.T.E. OF GEORGIA, INC. NEWSLETTER
Events for January 2015
9 DECEMBER 2014 A.B.A.T.E. OF GEORGIA, INC. NEWSLETTER
Studies Report Lane Splitting Advantages

By: Chuck Watwood
LawBike.com 770-650-0016

Riding a motorcycle between two lanes of stopped or slowly moving traffic, or
'lane splitting,' is relatively safe when both the motorcyclist and other drivers
know the law and maintain 'safe and prudent' practices, according to two Califor-
nia studies released in October.

One report is a crash study of nearly 8,000 motorcyclists who were involved in
crashes while lane splitting between June 2012 and August 2013. The second
report examined lane-splitting habits among various groups in 2012 and 2013.
California has more than 800,000 registered motorcycles.

"We compared the proportion of collision-involved, lane-splitting motorcyclists
with injury across several body regions by whether the lane-splitting was done
only in traffic flowing at 30 mph or less and that the motorcycle speed should
exceed the traffic speed by no more than 10 mph," the crash study stated. "We
found that the proportion with each injury type was high when the lane-splitting
was consistent with neither speed component, was lower when it was consistent
with one speed component, and was lower still when it was consistent with both
speed components." The speed components mentioned in the report mirror the
lane-splitting guidelines posted on the California Highway Patrol website in
2013. California is the only U.S. state where lane splitting is permitted. State law
neither prohibits nor specifically allows the maneuver.

Among the findings in the California studies:
•
Lane-splitting riders (2.7% of crashes) were less likely to be rear-ended by another vehicle than were
other motorcyclists (4.6%)
•
Lane-splitting motorcyclists involved in crashes were notably less likely than other motorcyclists in
crashes to suffer head injury (9.1% vs. 16.5%), torso injury (18.6% vs. 27.3%), or fatal injury (1.4% vs. 3.1%)
than other motorcyclists
The proportion of motorcyclists with a head injury was 6.3 percent for those lane-splitting consistent with the
'safe and prudent' traffic speed guidelines, 10.7 percent for those lane-splitting in traffic flowing at 30 mph or
less but exceeding the traffic speed by more than 10 mph, 9 percent for those lane-splitting in traffic flowing
faster than 30 mph but exceeding traffic speed by less than 10 mph, and 20.5 percent for those who were
lane-splitting in traffic flowing at more than 30 mph and who were exceeding traffic speed by more than 10
mph.

In many countries, lane splitting is normal practice for motorcyclists. In fact, motorcycle and scooters are ex-
pected to pass between vehicles and advance to the front of the group in most European and Asian coun-
tries.

In the Sate of Georgia, motorcyclists may share a lane with a second motorcyclist; however, lane splitting
through traffic or at red lights is prohibited. All motorcycles are entitled to full use of a lane, and no vehicle is
allowed to 'share the lane' unless it's another motorcycle. No more than two abreast in one lane. It is also not
permitted to ride in between lanes or between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles.
Editor’s note: Lane Splitting and Lane Filtering are not the same practice, The article refers to “splitting at a redlight”
this act is in fact part of Lane Filtering, check out Page 23 for a more detailed explanation of the difference in the two
practices.
10 DECEMBER 2014 A.B.A.T.E. OF GEORGIA, INC. NEWSLETTER