Welcome to the Webpage of...... Mike Stock Safety & Education Director. This site is provided for access to public information in an effort to better serve the Members of ABATE of Ohio, Inc., Residents of Ohio, and the motorcycling community in general. Phone (419) 654-5446 or E-mail

Safety & Education Report September/October 2019     Hi Friends     This has been one of those years, starting out cold and rainy, then hot and more hot and now it seems to be just nice out. I hope all are finding time to get out and get some miles on. Beware though, this is the time of year that things can go terribly wrong. The problem is that you start to think that this motorcycle riding is not that hard, but you are wrong. All the skills that you use to stay upright this long are still very important. Always be ALERT - you never know when something’s going to change RIGHT NOW. A deer can come out of nowhere. A distracted driver can come left of center. A driver can not see you at a stop sign. You could take your mind off what you are doing and make that ultimate mistake. Be ALERT when you’re out riding.     With more than half the year gone, the older you get the faster time goes by, we seem to be riding better than we did last year. Last year at this time we had 81 fatalities and to date this year we have 66. Also there were 7 passenger fatalities, 10 out of state licenses and 5 three wheel motorcycle fatalities. What I desperately wish we could change but I have not found a way, 36 of our fatalities were our own fault. We are better riders than that, are we not?     A fact that we can take and run with, only 2 of the 66 fatalities were motorcycle trained, with 1 of those being at fault. The point is, if we were all trained could we save lives? Another thing to consider, 32% of the fatalities did have their helmets on. Talk to your family, friends and brothers to ride SMART and have a good time.     The riding season is not quite over so make some time and take a Motorcycle Ohio ‘MO’ riders course. They are still giving classes and will until it snows. I was talking to a group not too long ago and the statement was “I have been riding on my temp every year. I just don’t have time to take a 16-hour course.” Well, take the one-day class for returning riders and at the end of the day you will have your endorsement. Give them a chance to make your ride safer. www.motorcycle.ohio.gov     By the time you read this the 2019 Raffle Bike will be in the hands of a new owner. The ABATE of Ohio Foundation is getting ready to start the 2020 Raffle. If you did not win this year, you may be the one next year. For the first half of this year, all new and renewed members received a FREE 2019 raffle ticket and it will be the same for the rest of the year. All new and renewed members will get a 2020 raffle ticket.     If you are not a member of ABATE of Ohio, Inc. or even some other organization such as the American Motorcycle Association or Motorcycle Riders Foundation, you are not protecting your Right to Ride. Currently, we at ABATE of Ohio, Inc. are watching Motorcycle Profiling, Facial- Recognition, Distracted Drivers and Hearing protection just to name a few issues. Come get involved and join. Remember you get a FREE raffle ticket. Online go to www.abate.com, go to membership or call ABATE at 614-319-3644. We take credit cards. If you don’t like to go to meetings you don’t have to, but you need to be ready to protest when they want to take your rights away.     Hope everyone has had a great year and I will see you down the road.                      Ride Within Your Limits                             Mike Stock            State Safety & Education Director                   mikestock419@gmail.com                           (614) 319-3644

Safety & Education Report August 2019     Hi Friends     It is now August and I’m wondering where did summer go? The start of the year was so wet I didn’t get much riding in. Now it’s hot but I will never complain that it is too hot. With my statistic site being shut down I have not been able to get any crash stats and information. I have been taking training classes for a new site and hope to be up and running shortly. I was recently told that we have 64 fatalities in 2019 compared to 65 in 2018. That is what we like to see but we are moving into the last part of the year and our percentages like to go up at that time. Keep riding SMART !     The reason that crashes go up this time of year is that we get lazy and think that we’ve got it and nothing is going to happen. Every time you walk up to the bike do your visual check; tires have air in them and good tread? any oil under bike? anything hanging loose that should not be and do all the lights work? When riding don’t be distracted, keep your mind on riding and what’s going on around you.     I stopped and helped a biker one day because his pack came loose and as we know, that can happen. But remember when you are packing up that your bike has a load limit. Inside the saddle bag and in the owner’s manual, you can find weight limits. Try to follow them as much as possible. And yes, when my wife and I would head for a rally we were overloaded, but I knew I was and would give myself more stopping distance and checked the feeling of the bike on a couple slow corners.     I’m now on my second or third call on handlebar heights. The Law was changed a couple years ago to say that with you on the bike, the highest point of the bars needs to be even with your shoulders. If your mechanic is 6 foot 5 inches and you are 5 ft 6 inches, you may get a ticket if he adjusts the handlebars. One more thought to keep in mind, if you borrow your friends bike you could get a ticket if your hands are up higher than your shoulders. Be aware of the height of the handlebars when you are sitting on the bike.     My lawyer friend Charles Boyk sends out a newsletter every month. This month he had a note titled “Can I have a witness” and the title made me read the note. Never assume anything when it comes to a traffic report. #1, More often than not accident witnesses are not listed on the crash report. This results in a clear liability case becoming a “he said, she said” case of disputed liability. Insurers love these situations as it allows them to deny your claim. #2, Do the police work yourself. Ask everyone who come to your aid to write down their name and address and number or put it in your smart phone. #3, Better to be safe than sorry. This important step can lead to the most important evidence in winning a personal injury case. I hope this may help you or a friend someday.     With the hot temperatures we have lot of alligators, large pieces of rubber on the highways. Stay away from them as they have wires in them that will puncture your tires and the large pieces can send you flying. Don’t get mad at the trucker. It’s just the way it is and I’m sure he does not want a flat tire any more than you do.     Motorcycle Ohio is training more riders than ever and our crashes and fatalities are down this year. It works to get trained and you may become a better rider. The last time I talked to MO the waiting list is low. Contact by going to motorcycle.ohio.gov. Do it today.                      Ride Within Your Limits                             Mike Stock            State Safety & Education Director                   mikestock419@gmail.com                           (419) 654-5446

Safety & Education Report July 2019     Hi Friends     I hope everyone is off to a roaring start to the riding season with it now being half over. My first part has been a little wet. But hoping that changes but it is always good to get rain riding practice in early, I guess. What is the first thing you do when it starts to rain, take a brake put your rain gear on, it takes about 30 minutes for the roads to get oils and gunk washed off. Ok know more about rain till next year.     To all the riders that read this that are not members of ABATE I would like you to think about something, do you know what ABATE of Ohio does for the riding community.     We are the ears and eyes of the motorcycling community we keep us riding safe and free. The things that should make a difference to every rider is E15 gas, smart cars, are freedom to wear and ride what we want and so much more. We need every rider to become a member because, if E15 takes over and our gas gets hard to find you will not be riding. If we Don’t loose our gas, and all pumps always has E10, we still another problem Automated Vehicles “Smart Car’s”. At this time not all parts of a Smart Car can see us.     This meaning if a driver of a smart car thinks his or her car is sensing everything around them and it is not, they will not be warned that we are there, and we will be a victim. So as these vehicles start taking up space on our roads, we need to be more aware of what could happen. Never underestimate what that driver and car may do. We motorcycle rider must ride more defensive now than ever.     Now that we have all been riding, in-between rains, remember to check your bike out before every ride. I just had a friend stop and ask me to check his bike out. Told me it was not handling like it did. So, as I walked out to the bike, I seen that the front tire looked a little low, 18 psi. every time you walk up to your bike look it over, low tire, something hanging and fluid under the bike. Then once a week or day check the air pressure, oil level and lights most owner manuals have nice check list.     Spent ten days at Ohio Bike Week great time and I love to watch people. As I watched the thing that came to my attention was the passenger mounting and dismounting the motorcycle. Seen two bikes go down because the passenger got off before the rider was ready. When I get a new rider, I like them to mount like a horse left foot on the peg and right foot over the saddle. One girl was tall and stood next the bike and put her right foot over and stood there, but she was tall. Talk to your passenger they don’t need to be kicking the saddle bag lid.     As I have talked about before to support the old riding clubs that have been around forever. When I came back from Vietnam my dad said we are going on a poker run. Back then it was $10.00 for AMA, you had to be member because all runs were sanctioned, and $5.00 for the Club. AMA at that time was our voice in government and then in 1978 ABATE was started and then each state had an SMRO, State Motorcycle Rights Organization, so support the organizations and clubs that have been so many years keeping us free.     When riding remember your manors and be kind we may need there vote some day to pass a law to keep us safe.                             Mike Stock            State Safety & Education Director                   mikestock419@gmail.com                           (419) 654-5446

Safety & Education Report June 2019

Safety & Education Report May 2019     Hi Friends     The riding season is off and running, now we need to keep it safe. To do this riders need to do a visual bike check every time you walk up to your bike, plan your ride, slow down and be aware of your surroundings.     We have started this year out a little on the bad side with 11 fatalities in 2019 and 8 fatalities in 2018 so we are up and now we are going into May. Last year in May alone we had 25 fatalities. What will it take to keep this number down? It will take all of us working with the young riders and to watch our friends and tell them when they are getting ready to do something stupid.     One of the ways we can keep ourselves safe is to take a motorcycle riding class. The first thing I hear people say is “I have been riding for 30 years so I don’t need to do that”. Everyone I have ever talked to that takes a class comes back and says “I did learn something”. They are training more riders today than ever before. Class enrollment is up this year, 525 students over last year. We need to keep the classes full. Remember that you can take a 16-hour course or a one-day course. I think everyone going for the first time should take the 16-hour course. If you are an experienced rider, they do have a very full 1-day course. This one-day course also works for the rider that has been riding on a temporary permit for years because he has not found the time to go take the test. Do the one day and if you pass the riding test you will get your endorsement. The class is ONLY $50. Contact Motorcycle Ohio     I spent a very productive afternoon attending the Distracted Driving Task Force meeting. We have sent the Governor a report and he should be releasing it with his input. The Task Force has been meeting since February of 2017 and with input from everyone, it’s making a difference making people aware of the dangers of distracted driving. I will continue to represent the motorcycle community to keep our roads safe for all bikers.     Every day we read about something that makes us wonder why. Members will take the time to call me and voice their opinion and I try to help give them way to fix it. But sometimes I cannot without their help. Let’s take grass clippings on the road. As a biker, you should stop and tell whoever is doing it how dangerous that is to a motorcyclist. And tell them there is a law prohibiting depositing any foreign material on the roadway. And if that doesn’t work, then talk to the proper authority respectfully asking for their help. Also you can go to www.RoadHazard.org and report the problem. The offender will get a letter from our friend Rod Taylor that should help. Please remember to always be nice, even when its down to the last draw - BE NICE!     I hope everyone has a great riding season. Remember everyone is watching us and no one sees us. Ride defensively always, keep scanning 180 degrees and look way down the road. Something or someone is getting ready to be stupid.                     Ride With In your Limits                             Mike Stock            State Safety & Education Director                   mikestock419@gmail.com                           (419) 654-5446

Safety & Education Report March/April 2019     Hi Friends     It is the first part of February and my article is late, it is 16 degrees even though the sun is out and bright and it looks like a nice day. However, there is 2 inches of salt on the road so even if I put all my winter gear on, I still cannot ride on salt. I am friends with some West Virginia riders and it seems like they get more nice days then I do up in Toledo, Ohio. So on this day in February, I’m going to dream as I write this article that spring is just around the corner.     With all the wisdom our government agencies have, they went and changed the way I get my stats to report on how we are riding. So, I’m going and get trained on the new way. But I did find out that last year the ending number of fatalities is 147 and that is below 2017’s number of 157 and even lower than 2016’s number of 204. Good work by all riders on riding SMART.     Motorcycle Ohio is registering for classes and so far the numbers are almost double the number from last year at this time. We also have a new director at Motorcycle Ohio, Tyler Fehrman. Michele Piko had been running things after Chuck retired. Tyler has been a rider in the past and I think he will work out with a little of our help. Congratulations Tyler and we all look forward to working with you.     One of the stories that I tell is about going to have coffee before work and this guy always asked me where I went last weekend and I would tell him and then I would say to him, why don’t you go with me next week, you would have fun. He always had an excuse. Then one day I got a look at his driver’s license and he had no endorsement. That was why he never would go with us. He liked to ride and had been riding for years, just never got his endorsement. I gave this guy all the info for Motorcycle Ohio and what sold the deal was that he would have his endorsement at the end of the weekend course. If you think someone might be in the same situation, bring up the MO program and how easy it is to get endorsed. Most of the motorcycle crashes involve motorcyclists who are not trained.     Riding season is almost here so you need to get ready, meaning you need to get in shape to ride. The same as you need to get your bike serviced, you need to get your body in shape. If you have had something bothering you, get it fixed before riding season gets here. And remember that rattle under your bike last year, get it fixed too. In your owner’s manual there are suggestions on what you need to service before you get her out.     Last year we were working on getting the hearing protection bill passed so you could use ear plugs in both ears. Yes, for many years it has been illegal to wear earplugs in both ears. This all came about back in the day when everyone was installing speakers in their helmet. There is a group from the Cleveland area who started working on a bill to allow ear plugs for hearing protection. It made it through the House and through Committee but did not get voted on in the Senate. Now this year we need to start over, but it will go faster since we have all the ground work done. We will keep you up to date.     May is Motorcycle Awareness Month. Start making plans to ride to AD Farrows in Sunbury on Saturday May 4, 2019. Sign up starts at 9am, Parade to the Ohio State House leaves at noon. Then down to Victory’s for the After Rally Party. This is how we show Motorcycles are back on the Ohio roads for the summer. Check out the flier in this magazine an on our web page at ABATE.com. Please ride safe and free.     As you plan your rides this summer, try to support your local ABATE of Ohio runs because we are Dedicated to the Freedom of the Road and we work hard to keep you Safe and Free.                    Ride With In your Limits                             Mike Stock            State Safety & Education Director                   mikestock419@gmail.com                           (419) 654-5446

Safety & Education Report January/Feburary 2019     Hi Friends     Since it is January and we are entering a new year, we need to start planning on how we are going to continue our decline in Motorcycle crashes and fatalities. Training motorcyclists and all the advertising to watch for Motorcycles, we have made a difference. Now it is time to start re training with advanced training on your own motorcycle, two up training, three-wheel training and to bring more awareness to Distracted driving and driver just being in a hurry.     I’m writing this the first of December and all the crash reports are not in. I will quote the latest stats. In March I should be able to close out the year with year-end totals. In 2017 we had 3803 crashes and 156 fatalities to this date. In 2018 we have had 3147 crashes and 143 fatalities to this date. I just hope that everyone keeps doing the best they can to insure everyone around them rides SMART, rides SOBER, rides MOTORCYCLE ENDORSED, rides ALERT, rides with the RIGHT GEAR and rides Trained.     Something that we have been working on for some time is to change the law that says we can not cover our ears while driving or riding. Many of us wear ear plugs to cut down on wind noise and as per the existing law, we cannot plug both ears. We are working to amend part of the law so we can wear ear plugs, but we are not saying you can obstruct your hearing with speakers for sound or music. The amending law HB 548 has passed the House and is in Committee in the Senate.     Distracted driving continues to be something we need to focus on. We need to keep putting out the word that distracted driving is killing us. Everyone needs to stop using cell phones and electronic devices while driving. Other driving habits also need to be corrected. Tailgating and just being in a hurry keeps adding to crashes. As bikers we need to talk to all drivers and riders to be responsible behind the wheel and behind the handlebars.     A couple of things to watch for this year. Many states are looking at bikers that wear face masks or face protection and lane splitting for keeping traffic flow moving. If you have opinions on these subjects and if you would like to make difference, join ABATE of Ohio, Inc. and make your voice heard. Logon to ABATE.com or call 1-800-25-BIKER.     Motorcycle Ohio will be starting 2019 registration on January 22, 2019. If you want to get in an early class, sign up early. If your Christmas present was a bike, please get trained before you get out and have a crash. A lot of insurance companies will give you a discount for taking a class. This year they have overhauled their web site and have made it mobile friendly. If you have any questions, contact MO at Motorcycle.ohio.gov or 1-614-466-4041.     If you would like to learn more about ABATE of Ohio, the State Seminar would be a great start. You do not need to be a member to attend. If you are interested the cost is $30.00 and that includes dinner. The date is Saturday, February 2nd starting at 8:00am at Embassy Suites Dublin. For more info contact ABATE of Ohio at ABATE.com or 614-319-4715.     Now for the big news. Beginning in January, the cost for 2019 membership will be $20.00 and will include a FREE 2019 Raffle Bike Ticket. The Magazine is $10.00 for a printed copy or it’s free on the Web Site, ABATE.com. As in the past, you will be enrolled in a $3,500 Accidental Life and Dismemberment Insurance policy as part of your membership. Let’s get out and sign those friends up. This is how you can keep your FREEDOM to ride your Motorcycle.                    Ride With In your Limits                             Mike Stock            State Safety & Education Director                   mikestock419@gmail.com                           (419) 654-5446

Safety & Education Report November/December 2018     Hi Friends     How does the time fly so fast? It’s November and I’m not ready for winter. As I’m writing this article we still have three months to go in this year for motorcycle crashes and fatalities.     Yes, we are looking good, but remember that we still need to Ride Smart. In 2017 at this date we had 3373 crashes and 137 fatalities and now in 2018 we have 2747 crashes and 114 fatalities. That is down for the year and it will do nothing but help if we can stay that way. Keep up the good riding.     Summertime means the National Conference of State Legislatures is meeting and Helmet Laws are once again on the agenda. They have revised their web site to have a motorcycle safety section, meaning that they are gathering more information to pursue a helmet bill. We in Ohio have not seen any helmet language at this time because we actively check any signs of helmet discussion. Currently our stats on helmet use is at about 41.7% used and 51.8% not used with unknown at 6.5%. With this we should be in the clear. Remember that ABATE of Ohio would fight as hard to defeat a law that would say you could not wear a helmet as we have for our Freedom not to wear one.     Motorcyclist’s biggest threat at this time is Distracted Drivers. We go down the road every day and see it first hand. That it must come to a stop is why I am part of a Distracted Driving Task Force. Putting all the different distracted driving problems out on the table is how we can find ways to eliminate each kind. The first defense would be through Education and Awareness and then we need to create new Laws and penalties. At this time, it is illegal to use your cell phone or any electronic device while driving but it is a secondary offense. Does it need to be a primary offense?     In September every year the Motorcycle Riders Foundation, MRF, puts on The Meeting of the Minds, a conference of all the States ABATE’s under one roof. This year it was in Denver, Colorado and meant renting a car loading Jim Elgin, Kolman Fuzy and myself with gear for a non-stop 1,300 miles to spend three days in meetings. Yes, it would have been nice on the bike like Ed Schetter did, but I am just too old to make those mad dashes anymore and be safe. It is very interesting to see how other states are handling the same problems that we have. Everyone is working on Distracted Drivers and Self Driving Cars so we must stay vigilant to jump in and demand our rights.     When you get to read this the leaves have been falling, that meaning riding is getting shorter and it is getting colder out. Remember to slow down because leaves are very slippery and dress for the weather, so you can react to any Hazard. RIDE SMART!     Many of us put our bikes away in the winter for about 5 months. I try to keep mine a little ready for a nice day. You should follow your owner’s manual recommendations. I like a full tank of fuel, maybe a little stable, all fluids topped off, tires aired up and give it a good cleaning. I always do a complete service in the spring, so I know I’m fresh and ready.     This is the 40th year ABATE of Ohio has been representing Ohio motorcyclists. Please support us by joining. The special this year to be a member is $10.00 and with membership you get a $3500.00 accidental death insurance policy, an electronic magazine (a paper magazine is available for an additional $10) and you are represented at the Ohio State House by ABATE of Ohio. To join call 1-800-25-BIKER or go online at ABATE.com                    Ride With In your Limits                             Mike Stock            State Safety & Education Director                   mikestock419@gmail.com                           (419) 654-5446

Safety & Education Report September/October 2018     Hi Friends     It has been a great summer for getting out and putting miles on. So far the majority of us have been riding safe and as an advocate of safety, I want to thank all of you. As many of you know we have legislators that want us to lose many of our freedoms and they may win if we have another bad year of fatalities as we did two years ago. If you can talk to just one person and prevent a crash, you may save us from getting another law that takes away my freedom.     Now for the numbers, remembering these are the first of August stats. In 2017 we had 2,269 crashes with 79 fatalities, and by the end of last year we had 149 fatalities. Now in 2018 we have 1,738 crashes with 66 fatalities. It’s helpful to compare to one of our bad years like 2016 with 2,416 crashes and 105 Fatalities and finishing the year at 200 fatalities. Ride SMART, as if your Freedoms depend on it.     When I took my first Motorcycle Ohio Training Course I had been riding for about 20 years. I learned enough that I talked my dad into going that same year. That training managed to keep him riding to the age of 74. Training even for someone with experience can and will save your life or keep you from serious injury. Go online and sign up at Motorcycle.Ohio.gov you can learn how to Ride SMART.     The Ohio Drivers Training Program asked me to make a presentation at their driver training school to update them on Motorcycle Awareness and Safety. I updated them on what we would like younger drivers to know about what we are doing and why we do it. In the program they teach to new drivers, they have to cover Motorcycle Awareness. I just gave them a little more information than what they have in their script. I let them know that if we have someone in area, we can come into the classroom and do a presentation on Motorcycle Awareness by an actual motorcyclist.     As many of you know I ride a 2007 FLHTC H/D and I take care of her. So when I gave her a bath and started to wax from the back forward, because last time I started front to back, I found a broken bracket on the right and then the same support broken on the left. Even if you don’t service your own bike you need to check her over and a good way to do that is to wax it. Hunt for shiny, worn parts and things out of alignment. And while you are down on the ground look at those tires not only for wear but for something stuck in them. For ideas of more things to look for, check your owner’s manual under maintenance schedule.     If I can help in anyway, to get more signs out, more magnets on car, more banners up on fences and more Awareness - get in touch with me. At the office we have all this stuff in stock or we know who to contact to get it. My next big stop is the MRF’s Meeting of the Minds out in Denver. Hope to bring back some good information to pass on.                    Ride With In your Limits                             Mike Stock            State Safety & Education Director                   mikestock419@gmail.com                           (419) 654-5446

Safety & Education Report August 2018     Hi Friends     Well summer is coming to an end and I’m not ready. This summer has been hot but I like it better than winter. I hope we get a nice fall. If so, we all need to remember that fall will bring new riding hazards. In the spring we have loose gravel from the winter months, summer time brings heat and out of town drivers and fall will give us leaves on the roads. We have all learned and most always practice to be aware and alert to the changing conditions.     I hope everyone at least checks this part of my article every month because we need to be aware of crash and fatality statistics. Remember, I write this article a month before you get to read it. So as of the first of July 2017, we had 1703 crashes and 51 fatalities and now this year we have 1220 crashes and 46 fatalities. We are down 483 crashes, 5 fatalities and 430 less injuries with what has been reported so far. The numbers are down but we still need to be aware of our surroundings and ride defensively at all times.     As the riding season goes on we all must Ride Smart and remember road etiquette. I was stopped at the side of the highway and was checking for a noise. I was so surprised that out of 8 bikes that went by, not one slowed down or stopped to check on me. If you see a biker on the side of the road, stop or at least slow down to see if they need help. It maybe you some day.     Many of us have helped friends get started in motorcycling but have you checked on them lately? When new riders get up and going they pick up bad habits fast. We need to help them if they are backing their bike wrong or they’re parking on a hill in the wrong direction. We need to make sure our friends don’t continue to ride on a temporary permit. They need to get their endorsement. If you know someone that only wants to ride at night or not on the big roads, they may be riding on a temp. Help them get into a Motorcycle Ohio class and take the beginners course. They will have their endorsement at the end of the 3 day class. Contact Motorcycle Ohio at www.motorcycle.ohio.gov     If you would like to get more involved with Motorcycle Safety, on February 2, 2019, ABATE of Ohio will be hosting a State Legislative and Education Seminar. It is a great place to learn how you can get involved and help your friends in many different ways. Information can be found on our web site. You do not need to be a member of ABATE to attend, but we hope you will be when you get done. www.abate.com     This is an election year so I ask that when you vote, know what E15 and higher fuels can do to your Motorcycle. At the very least it will cause damage and void your warranty. Read and understand the laws on E15 fuel and vote against E15. Know how your Legislators feel about motorcyclists and know the ones that will take our freedoms away.                    Ride With In your Limits                             Mike Stock            State Safety & Education Director                   mikestock419@gmail.com                           (419) 654-5446

Safety & Education Report July 2018     Hi Friends     Well the riding season is at about the half way point and we have made a big turn for the worst. In last month’s article I reported 288 crashes and 4 fatalities for 2018 to date. Now it is 717 crashes and 24 fatalities compared to 655 crashes and 18 fatalities to date in 2017. I have been looking up police reports and have found that it is taking longer to find reports because officers are taking longer to file reports.     When I broke down some of the facts, alcohol seems to be running high in both crashes and fatalities. Folks, curb your consumption when you are riding. With the fatalities at 24, Franklin County has 6, Hamilton County has 3 and the remaining 15 are spread out over the rest of the counties.     Now what can we do as bikers to try fix this? It would be a great start to get everyone trained. Remember 55.6% of crashes are single vehicle crashes. More than half the time we do it to ourselves. Before every ride check your motorcycle and make sure it is ready for the ride. It is time to check your tires for air pressure and tread. We need to slow down, scan ahead and ride defensively.     As we are the group that is Dedicated to the Preservation of Motorcycling, we have been asked to set on a Task Force Council to find a way to stop distracted driving. It’s being headed by our friend Michelle May from ODOT. We will be having meetings about every two months, so I will be giving you updates as we go along.     Motorcycle Ohio is giving training courses every weekend so get signed up and take the course. When I see someone that is having a hard time maneuvering his bike and the time is right, I talk to them about the course and how it benefits even experienced riders. you can get help and you will enjoy riding a lot more. To sign up for a course anywhere in the state go online to motorcycle.ohio.gov. All the information is there, or 1-800-83 RIDER.     Let’s get out and ride to an ABATE event. Join ABATE. We need you to help keep us riding Free and ride SMART.                    Ride With In your Limits                             Mike Stock            State Safety & Education Director                   mikestock419@gmail.com                           (419) 654-5446

Safety & Education Report June 2018     Hi Friends     When you read this May will be history. It was a busy Month starting with the Awareness Rally, ending with Ohio Bike Week, and several events in between. It’s a great way to get the summer started and it looks like we are riding safer. In 2017 by this time we had 651 crashes with 18 fatalities and this year to date we have had 288 crashes with 4 fatalities. Tell your friends to help others to ride safe and you may just save a life.     Many will remember “Ride SMART” so let’s review the meaning;    S – Ride “SOBER” Please don’t drink and ride as it never ends well.    M – Ride “MOTORCYCLE ENDORSED” If you have been riding on a temporary and just get a new one every year please contact Motorcycle Ohio it only costs $50.00 to get endorsed. www.motorcycle.ohio.gov    A – Ride “ALERT” Don’t ride tired and always scan ahead at least 10 and 15 seconds.    R – Ride with the “RIGHT GEAR” Always take rain gear, proper eye protection, gloves and boots that cover your ankles. Know the laws of the states you are riding in.    T – Ride “TRAINED” If you have never taken a rider’s course you will learn something and if you have taken one in the past, go back and take a refresher course.    If we all pass this message “Ride Smart” around it will be safer. Talk to your riding friends and know who you are riding with. The ride is only as safe as the least experienced rider.     I have been asked to participate in a training program for driver’s education instructors. The driver’s education program is coming back, so maybe the internet was not the answer. They do feel that a motorcyclist can make an impression on a new driver to be aware of motorcycles. In the near future we may need some help by spending an hour to talk to new drivers about Motorcycle Awareness.     Now for taking care of your motorcycle. Service should be done as per your owner manual. Everyone should do a pre-ride inspection by looking for fluid under or on your bike, checking for low tires, see if all the lights are working and check how much gas you have. Every week you should check the tire air pressure, check that all the controls are adjusted and working smoothly, check all fluid levels and get down and look around for lost or worn parts.     Trip time (not that kind of trip but a bike trip) for me is a two or three-day weekend trip. You can have a great time riding along the shores of Lake Erie. Stop and pick up a brochure that shows where to get great food, taste some Great Lakes wine and just stop along the way to take in the sites. If time allows go to Cedar Point, Put n Bay and Geneva on the Lake. Ohio is a great place to ride and you don’t have to be gone for weeks.     If you don’t have your Look Twice Save a Life sign in your yard, get it out of the garage now. If you don’t have one, get one. They are only $10.00. Call the state office, go online or contact your Region Director. It does help!!                    Ride With In your Limits                             Mike Stock            State Safety & Education Director                   mikestock419@gmail.com                           (419) 654-5446

Safety & Education Report May 2018     Hi Friends     As I’m writing this article we are all waiting for those nice spring days but they’re just not here yet. Today we are having snow in parts of state and if it’s not snow, it’s rain. Sorry. I’m so ready for nice weather. Let’s talk about how we are going to get and keep our accident numbers down. Go out to the garage and get your “Look Twice Save a Life” sign cleaned off and put it out in the yard. If you don’t have one call 614-319-3644 and Chris will send you one. Put a new bright yellow “Watch out for Motorcycles” magnet on your vehicle and while you’re at it, put on a “Stay Alive Don’t Text and Drive” Magnet.     The salt has been heavy on the roads up this way and I know the northeast has had a lot of snow so riding has gotten off to a slow start this year. In 2017 we had 265 crashes and 10 fatalities by this time in the year and remember, we ended up with 198 fatalities for the year. This year we have 120 crashes and 3 fatalities so far; 2 in central Ohio and 1 down by Cincinnati. Please ride SMART - Ride Sober, Ride Motorcycle Trained, Ride Alert, Ride with the Right Gear and Ride Trained.     May is Motorcycle Awareness Month. It’s time to show all motorists that motorcycles are back out on Ohio roads. As motorcyclists we need to be Aware that motorists just don’t see us, so we need to be alert. On Saturday May 5th at 9:00am, sign in starts for the Motorcycle Awareness Rally to the Ohio State House. Be there. Then go to the After Rally Party at Victory’s and see some old friends from around the state. Find out where some of the other Awareness rides are in other Regions. Also check out ABATE.com event calendar for a complete list.     When I talk motorcycle safety, it is not just about motorcycles knowing the car driver. It’s about how we can prevent crashes. Many have been looking at the fact that within ten years, 25% of all drivers will be over 65 years old. That’s me. So remember when you can’t see anyone in the driver’s seat, they may not see you in the blind spot. Some may have arthritis and may not move as fast as they used to or their head may not come around as far as it used to. Another factor may be diabetes. If they get a sugar unbalance it may affect their driving and they may not see as well. So many senior citizens centers are putting on programs called Car Fit. This program educates seniors on ways to make their driving better. If you have time and would like to help with Car Fit, contact your local police and they should head you in the right direction. Remember you may save a biker’s life.     I wish I could put signs on my car or bike that would say “Pull Over and Slow Down for Stopped Emergency Vehicles” and “Put Down Your Phone - No Texting No Calling No Livestream”. It is the Law! If only people would think to turn on their lights in dusk of the day, when it’s raining and in the fog, and that is also the law! As bikers we are hard to see and we run with our lights on, and that is the Law! One thing I would like to remind you this month is that when you have automatic day lights, that does not always turn on the tail lights or rear lights. Check and make sure your car, your wife’s car and your kid’s car come on and if not, make sure they know it so they don’t get rear-ended in bad weather.     Again this is Motorcycle Awareness Month. Go online and sign up for a riding class. Motorcycle Ohio has a Basic Rider class and you get your endorsement upon completion. Take the Basic Rider class for new and returning riders, Basic Riders 2 is a good class for a new bike and you can take a passenger with you and in Advanced Rider classes you can use your own bike and drag those running boards. If you have never taken a class, contact Motorcycle Ohio, 1-800- 83RIDER or www.Motorcycle.Ohio.gov The crew will help you and they are very nice.     This year I’m going to be very busy around Ohio and will put most of my miles on in Ohio. I would like to go to Kentucky and finish the Bourbon Trail. And I may ride out to Denver for the MRF’s Meeting of the Minds, weather permitting in late September. Hope to see you out and about, please say hi.                    Ride With In your Limits                             Mike Stock            State Safety & Education Director                   mikestock419@gmail.com                           (419) 654-5446

Safety & Education Report April 2018     Hi Friends     Here we are in April and riding season is upon us. We have had bad weather for the most part and the numbers show that. Here are the stats for this year - 62 crashes with 1 death and 38 injuries. The weather in 2017 was nice and the figures also show that - 143 crashes with 8 deaths and 105 injures. Remember, in 2016 we had 199 deaths and last year’s total was 145 deaths. That is a 28% drop. Lawmakers and insurance companies are watching us trying to get more laws and higher priced insurance so these better stats help us fight them. Let’s all of us ride smart, take an experienced rider’s course or just go back and take a basic course. It will help keep you safe.     I went to the Motorcycle Ohio Awards Ceremony and Jim Elgin received an award for 11 years of service and all his dedication to Motorcycle Ohio. It was well deserved. At the same ceremony, ABATE of Ohio, Inc. received a Supporting Partner award for all our hard work in the effort to get riders trained and our other support for the Motorcycle Ohio program. Other awards were presented to Road Hawk magazine, Ride On Magazine and Thunder Roads Ohio Magazine for all their work promoting the Motorcycle Ohio program. As the finale, Motorcycle Riders Foundation presented Chuck and his crew at MO an award for all they have done to train and promote motorcycle safety. It was a great night.     You may think winter is now over but remember it always snows on the daffodils. The roads have taken a beating. The pot holes on the roads I travel are bigger than ever, gravel is still on the roads and signs are missing from being run over. It will take time to get them repaired and cleaned up so start out slow and be aware. Don’t forget to go find a large parking lot to practice. Start out slow, do some figure eights, slow rides, dodging maneuvers and then the fun panic stops, remembering to use both brakes.     Next month is Motorcycle Awareness Month. ABATE of Ohio will be hosting the Awareness Rally and After Rally Party on Saturday May 5, 2018. The gates open at 9am and we will leave for the State House at noon. I71 will be shut down and the Columbus Motor Patrol will be escorting us all the way to downtown. If you have never been on this ride, it is a great thrill taking over downtown Columbus. After the ceremony at the State House we go down State Street to Victory’s for some fun. For more information go to ABATE.com.     Every year ABATE promotes safe riding and motorcycle awareness. We do this as a volunteer group and one of our fund raisers is the ABATE Foundation Bike Raffle. Tickets are on sale now, so find an ABATE member or call the State Office to get yours. Tickets are $10.00 each. That buys you a chance on a new 2018 Street Glide and a trailer to pull it home. New this year you can get 6 tickets for $50.00. Help us keep Motorcycling Safe.                    Ride With In your Limits                             Mike Stock            State Safety & Education Director                           (419) 654-5446                   mikestock419@gmail.com

Safety & Education Report March 2018     Hi Friends     As we all know living in the great State of Ohio, ( “GO BUCKS” ) Motorcycling really does not start until April. Still we will all try to get out there as soon as the snow quits coming down and the salt gets washed off the roads. Spring is just around the corner and events will be starting and another year will kick off.     So with that being said you may assume that there are no stats to report for this year. Well, it is better than last year. In January 2017 we had 37 crashes, 26 injuries and 1 fatality. If you remember we had a very nice January. In 2018 we have had 17 crashes, 9 injuries and NO fatalities, but the weather has not been very nice. I’m writing this article the first of February and the weather is not looking all that great. If you get on your bike, be ready to ride safe and remember that cars aren’t used to seeing you out there.     Most of you know that I have been appointed as Chairman of the Board for ABATE of Ohio Inc. This new job is going to keep me very busy. I will still be doing the job of Safety and Education Director until we find someone interested in taking it over. Contact me if you are interested and I will talk it over with you. This job enables you to work all over the state and meet a lot of great people.     Start making plans for the Motorcycle Awareness Rally and After Rally Party, Saturday, May 5th,2018. It starts at A.D.Farrow Co. Harley Davidson in Sunbury and goes to the State House in downtown Columbus for the reading of Proclamations and then to Victory’s for the After Rally Party. This event kicks off Motorcycle Awareness Month for the whole country and to make as many motorists Aware That We Are Back On The Roads. Check your local Region to see if there is an Awareness Rally or Run in your area to help make everyone aware that we are back.     The crew over at Motorcycle Ohio is in full swing with early registration and when this article comes out they will be starting training soon. It is never too late to take your first class. I went to a seminar about the ageing driver and did you know that 25% of all car drivers will be over 65 years old within the next 10 years? The motorcycle community is going in the same direction. As our physical condition changes, think about upgrading your rider training. Motorcycle Ohio gives a one day course and they pack a lot of information in that one day. Give it a try.     There are many things going on in our Motorcycle Community and we all need to support Motorcycle Rights Organizations. There are a lot of people and groups that would like to take a lot of our rights away. With the introduction of autonomous cars, our whole riding experience may change. Many manufacturers are looking at electric cycles and say that they will eliminate motorcycles with gas power. Abate of Ohio Inc. has been protecting our, yours and my rights for 40 years now. Let’s keep our freedoms as they are. JOIN now. Only $10.00. Go on line at ABATE.com or call 1 800 25 BIKER.     When you read this, some lucky folks will be heading for Daytona Beach. The rest of us will just be getting the bike out to give her a good wax job and wait for that first nice day. On one of those nice days, go down to a nice large parking lot and practice some tight turns, panic stops and slow rides. Also adjust those mirrors so you can see the best. Ride like they can’t see you.                    Ride With In your Limits                             Mike Stock            State Safety & Education Director                           (419) 654-5446                   mikestock419@gmail.com

Safety & Education Report February 2018     Hi Friends     2017 was a good year for us in our mission to keep riders safe. We had 45 less fatalities in 2017. The totals for 2017 were 3,724 crashes, 155 fatalities and 3,090 injuries. All of these were down from last year. Our job is not done because riders were at-fault 54.6% of the time. 33% or 1/3 of those killed or injured were between 45-60 years old. 41.3% of those killed or injured were wearing a helmet.     Sometimes the statistics don’t tell the whole story. It looks like us old guys are not as skilled at riding but the truth is that there are lots more older bikers than younger ones. At a conference I attended we were told that in the near future, 25% of all car drivers will be 65 and older. There is a program being developed called “Car Fit” that advises an older person on ways to operate a vehicle safer. There is new technology to increase your vision by using different mirrors, etc. Plus all the technology we see on ads to stop your car for you or turn on your windshield wipers and lights on automatically. We don’t like the stat above that 1/3 of the motorcyclists killed or injured are over 45, but we have to face reality. As we age, we need to make sure we keep our skills sharp and our bikes mechanically sound.     Online registration for Motorcycle Ohio classes begins on 1/22/18. The courses are only $50 and there are different courses for different skill-level riders. All motorcycle training programs in Ohio have the same curriculum and are certified by Motorcycle Ohio. The MO program also certifies and trains all of the instructors. No matter where you get trained, the information is the same. New riders can take a 16 hour Basic Rider Skills course where the motorcycles and helmets are provided. After the completion of the course, you will have earned your motorcycle endorsement. There is an 8 hour course called Basic Rider Skills for Returning Rider. This is for those with or without motorcycles who are returning to riding after several years, or anyone who wants to sharpen their riding skills. Here also if you don’t already have it, you get your endorsement after this course. You can get all the info at motorcycle.ohio.gov. Back in the day ABATE was very instrumental in the formation of Motorcycle Ohio and still remains very involved today.     The Motorcycle Awareness Rally has been set for Saturday, May 5th. It starts at A.D. Farrow in Sunbury and a parade of motorcycles shuts down Rt 71 as we head to the State House. I promised I wouldn’t predict the weather this year, so you’ll just have to plan on coming no matter what. You can go on our website at ABATE.com for all of the details.     If you want to get out and start thinking about riding, the swap meet at Allen County Fairgrounds in Lima is the place to go. It’s Feb 11th from 10-3. You might just find that unique part you have been looking for. Jim & Mary are J&M Collectibles and they put the swap meet on. They are always at the front entrance greeting everyone who comes. Tell them thanks for keeping up this great tradition. For more info call them at 419-795-4185.     As spring comes, I want to encourage everyone to ride safer than ever. Thank you for your support and remember “LOOK TWICE – SAVE A LIFE”.                    Ride With In your Limits                             Mike Stock            State Safety & Education Director                           (419) 654-5446                   mikestock419@gmail.com

Safety & Education Report January 2018     Hi Friends,Happy New Year to all. I’m happy to have made another one and it’s going to be a great year. I usually start every article with the stats, but we have none because it’s a new year. I have not seen any of the stats to finish the 2017 year out. After the 15th of the month I should have the year end figures to report. If nothing changes in December, we should have a 25% decrease in fatalities in 2017 over 2016.     I hope this article finds everyone putting up with old man winter. This is a bad time for all bikers with no runs on the calendar. Get online and find a Swap Meet to go to. You can find lots of stuff to look at and get ideas that just might work on your ride. One time I was looking at seats, you know a seat for a short old fat guy, and just could not come up with the $500.00 that it was going to take for a seat that I may not like when I try it so I found one that someone else did not like and it did not cost that much. Then I put a gel pack in it and it worked out just fine.     I feel that January and February are months to work on your sweetheart, to check everything for a future problem. If it is shiny it could be wearing and that could be problem. Look in your shop manual, (if you are making adjustments you will need a shop manual) and you will find a checklist for maintenance. Follow it and you will cover all critical points and you won’t miss anything. If you have your work done at a dealer, ask for the list that they will be using. It may remind you of something that was giving you a problem when riding. Most shops will move the handlebars from side to side if they feel nothing then it passes, but when you’re riding you may feel that catch in the neck bearing. Tell them if something feels wrong.     With the New Year we need to help Motorcycle Ohio, our riders training program. They are hunting for instructors. This is a job that really pays well, about $26.00 per hour. Also they are in need of some new training locations. Remember, it needs a big lot to ride in with no obstructions. We should always remember that this program is partly funded by us. $6.00 of your motorcycle registration goes to this program. They have beginner classes, advanced classes and two-up classes. You receive your endorsement when you complete the beginner class.     In Ohio for years we have had a law that we cannot plug both of our ears. We can plug one ear or we can have a sound source in one ear but not both. There has been a bill introduced that will let us have ear protection in both ears. Some legislators feel that this may limit us from hearing emergency vehicles but as we know, we can still hear with ear plugs in. You cannot hear with music playing. Several groups, ABATE being one of them, have testified that we are in favor of this bill. So when or if you talk to a legislator, tell them that we support this bill.     2018 is the 40 Year Anniversary for ABATE of Ohio. For many of those years ABATE of Ohio has put on a Legislative and Safety and Educational Seminar. The 2018 Seminar will be April 7th at Crown Plaza, Columbus North. It will be covering how ABATE works, what Laws are under review, what the MRF (Motorcycle Riders Foundation in Washington DC) is doing with federal laws and how YOU can make a difference. Go to ABATE.com and check out all the information. This is open to the public with a small charge for registration.     Now that everyone has their calendars out, you need to make plans to attend the Awareness Rally Saturday, May 5, 2018 to kick off Motorcycle Awareness Month. We will be gathering at A.D. Farrows Harley Davidson in Sunbury, Ohio starting at 9am, then parading to the Ohio State House. There will also be an After Rally Party to give everyone a chance to hang out. Hope to see you there. For more info, check us out online at ABATE.com.                    Ride With In your Limits                             Mike Stock            State Safety & Education Director                           (419) 654-5446                   mikestock419@gmail.com

   

Safety & Education Report December 2017     Hi Friends,     You will be reading this article near the first of December and for most of you, the motorcycle riding season is over. We need to start looking at next year and figure out how we can have a safer year and still have a fun year. This year we are at 136 fatalities on 10/01/2017. This figure is lower than the last two years to date and even with the two prior years. So here are the stats as I give them to you every month: 2016 we had 4005 crashes and 190 fatalities as of this date and 2017 we have 3248 crashes and 136 fatalities for 2017. Another year like this one having a downward trend can help our image as safe riders and show that we are being responsible motorcyclists. Remember be responsible, take responsibility and ride responsible.     Every month I look at which counties have the highest fatalities; Cuyahoga County had 12 fatalities with 3 of them alcohol fatalities, Lorain County had 8 fatalities with 5 of them alcohol fatalities and Summit County had 7 fatalities with 1 of them an alcohol fatality. All three of these Cleveland area counties touch each other. Franklin County (Columbus) had 8 fatalities with 1 of them alcohol, Lucas County (Toledo) had 7 fatalities with 1 of them alcohol, and Hamilton County (Dayton) had 7 fatalities with 1 of them alcohol. The challenge is to figure out what can we do to bring these numbers down next year. You will hear more on this soon; help me if you have any ideas.     Next year ABATE of Ohio Inc. will have spent 40 years being Dedicated to the Preservation of Motorcycling. In this time we have worked to make motorcycles safer, helped to set up a fair licensing program, supported our rider training program and helped to enact fair and workable motorcycle laws. Even with all this work, motorcycling is still dangerous. So you ask what can we do? Some “experts” say that if we quit riding we will have less fatalities. DUH! I feel that we all know that motorcycling is a dangerous lifestyle and to be safe out there we need to ride good equipment, get properly licensed and get trained. We also need to stop distracted driving! Making motorists aware that we are sharing the roads and we are not going away needs to be our focus. In Ohio, ABATE is your SMRO “State Motorcycle Rights Organization”. Join us to help keep the freedoms we have fought for.     December is the last month of the Year of The Member. For only $10 you can join the fight. For only $10 you can give a membership as a Christmas present. If you want a magazine mailed to you, it’s $10 additional. Reading the magazine online is free. With your membership you also get a free $3500 Insurance policy. What a way to save our lifestyle and support your State Motorcycle Rights Organization. Go online to ABATE.com; call the state office at 800-25-BIKER or 614-319-3644.     Want something to do or someplace to go? Take in some of our great swap meets or ABATE winter functions. It’s a great time to read up on some new accessories and put them on your bike. Don’t wait till spring to find out you need new tires. Find a deal and do it now. Just remember that if you buy them online, you will have to pay the long dollar to get them mounted and balanced. When the snow flies and it’s cold outside, get the wax out and make her shine.     Well it’s time to close this year out. Kay and I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! And everyone please have a very safe holiday. This year was a good year and next year will be even better.                    Ride With In your Limits                             Mike Stock            State Safety & Education Director                           (419) 654-5446                   mikestock419@gmail.com

   

Safety & Education Report November 2017     Hi Friends,     What a year it has been. You could not ask for better weather. Sometimes it did interfere with my yard work because I went riding, so it was very nice. When we have a good riding year, our fatalities seem to go high but this year our riding has shown improvement. So let’s look at how we are doing in 2016. We had 3603 crashes and 158 fatalities as of 10/02/2016 and now in 2017 we have 2863 crashes and 119 fatalities. It’s not over yet because we ended last year with 200 fatalities. A wise man said that if we work hard on lowering our crashes, we will lower our fatalities. Let’s work hard on it.     At different times riders will ask what they can do to help motorcycling be safer. We all need to ride better and the only way to do this is by getting training. Learning how to avoid a crash will make all our numbers come down. At this time 55.7% of motorcyclists are at fault in a crash. We need to turn this around. A slogan that has been around for a long time is “Educate don’t Legislate”. The lawmakers say a law that says we have to wear a helmet, reflective vest, and limit the size of our bikes would make us safe. I say let’s take a motorcycle training beginners course, then the expert class and lets become better riders and we won’t need any laws. Contact Motorcycle Ohio at motorcycle.ohio.gov.     Motorcycle Ohio is hunting for a training site just north of or in the area of Dayton Ohio. The site needs to meet a lot of different criteria. It has to have a parking lot that is large enough to make a suitable range, plus a class room and storage area to make it all come together. For more information on putting a site together, contact Motorcycle Ohio. They can fill in the blanks.    For all of you that have been following driverless cars, smart cars or autonomous cars, whatever you may call them, I also have been following them. Columbus has received funding to be a test area, and that means we will be in on the early stages of testing. Michigan has been developing and testing in the Ann Arbor area for some time now. On September the 6th the government passed a bill to speed up the development of driverless cars. ABATE is working to insure motorcycles are included in the testing. Since we are small, we may not be detected in the sensors. We can’t let theses cars on the roads until we are covered. ABATE of Ohio has the driverless car issue on our agenda and we will be watching. When the time comes, we will need every biker to help with letter writing and emails to our legislators to make sure that motorcycles can be detected.     With this year coming to an end we need to get all membership forms filled out and turned in. Remember $10.00 gets you in the Year of the Member program, $10.00 a member, 2 memberships for $20.00. How can you not join up? Being a member of a States Rights Organization lets you defend for your right to ride free. Every day we get more threats to lose our right to ride free and when you lose your freedom of choice, you lose what we all love to do - ride free. With your membership you get a $3500.00 insurance program and an electronic copy of the Magazine. Another $10.00 will get you a year’s subscription to the Outspokin’ Magazine. If you need a Christmas idea, get a friend or family member an ABATE membership.     Last thing, make plans to get a ride in to look at the fall colors. OHIO has great views no matter where you take that ride. Remember leaves on the road can be very slippery. Ride Safe                    Ride With In your Limits                             Mike Stock            State Safety & Education Director                           (419) 654-5446                   mikestock419@gmail.com

   

Safety & Education Report October 2017     Hi Friends,     Well this riding season is winding down fast. If we stay on track, this year may be a three year low. 2017 has been a great riding year - not too much rain and nice warm days. Fatalities for 2017 are 92. That is 45 less than last year. Crashes for 2017 are 2,479 and that is 540 less than last year. I think part of the reason is what we have done; working very hard to decrease the number of distracted drivers on the roads, implementing a new training program and increasing the visibility of Motorcycle Awareness and Education programs.     We need to keep using the acronym Ride SMART. Ride Sober, Ride Motorcycle Endorsed, Ride Alert, Ride Right Gear and Ride Trained. The numbers will keep going down if we keep getting better. As a rider gets more time in the saddle, he/she learns what they should have done differently. Could we have made ourselves more visible by backing off, moving over or changing lanes? Should we have been scanning further ahead so we would have had more time to react? Or should we just slow down and give ourselves more time to make those decisions? Keep riding “like no one can see you” and “know your surroundings”. Ride safe.     Something that we have not ever talked about is our passenger, most of them your better half. This year we have 8 passenger fatalities and we need to make sure we keep them as safe as we can. My wife and my son have ridden many miles with me. Harley now takes his better half as a passenger and my wife is still riding with me. When we first started I had a lot of talks with her on how she should react in dangerous situations and she has always been more help back there than not. When Harley turned old enough to ride on his own, we all went and took the MO program. My wife does have her endorsement now but still likes riding behind me. She is a much better passenger than ever before because she now understands more clearly how it all works. Her being my second eyes and ears may have saved us a more serious accident 5 years ago in a construction zone. So talk to your passenger and let them know how they can help. If you can take course with her, she will be even better. But don’t kick her off the back seat. Maybe she likes you.     At this time of year it is a good idea to keep checking that bike over as if it was the first ride of the year. I just found a broken bracket on my bike, ordered a new one and now it’s fixed. Start making a list of things to do and a wish list of new accessories for Santa. Also go to your manual and look up what service schedule you are going to need, 10,000 miles, 20,000 miles or whatever. Some are a little costly if you have the shop do it so you may need to save up, but don’t skip it. If you take your bike to a shop, let the shop know of your concerns. One example is neck bearings. A mechanic may not feel that niche that you do on a slow turn to the right, so let him know.     October is a great time to check out the colors. You can go almost every weekend to a different part of the state and find some great views. As many of you know I like the southeastern part of the state. Many great roads and when you come to the top of the world and look out, you can see forever. It is so beautiful at this time of the year. If you have never ridden Route 9, it runs north and south and has a lot of “top of the world” views. It’s one of my favorite roads.     On one of our good rides we stopped for the night in Coshocton Ohio, where 36 and 16 come together. It has a great historic place called Roscoe Village where the girls loved walking around the shops. It gave us a nice break. Downtown we found a very good steak house but I do not remember the name. It is really in the middle of the northeastern and southeastern part of the state. A lot of the roads over that way run along a river and that always makes the roads curvy. Hope it is a good experience for you.     We have been promoting ABATE of Ohio Inc., your state rights organization, with the Year of the Member. This year you can join ABATE of Ohio for $10.00 per member. So join or re-up now and save some money and support your state rights organization and most of all your FREEDOM. For information call 1-800-25-BIKER or Mike 419-654-5446. Thank you.     In closing, I want to thank some great businesses and people. We just had the Foundation Bike Raffle to support Motorcycle Safety and Education and without these people we could not have done it: The Original Margaritville , Signature Harley Davidson, all the members and friends that sold tickets and helped, Thunder Roads Ohio Magazine for the bike show and advertising, Ridin’ On Magazine for advertising, all the great bikers that came out and supported the Raffle Day, and Jim “Bushman” Sprague for dragging that bike all over the state to promote the raffle. Thank You. Thank You for everything and if I forgot someone, I’m SORRY and I do Thank You.                    Ride With In your Limits                             Mike Stock            State Safety & Education Director                           (419) 654-5446                   mikestock419@gmail.com

   

Safety & Education Report September 2017     Hi Friends,     I am hoping that these stats stay this way for the rest of the year. Overall the weather has been as nice as one could ask with rains coming during the week for the most part and very nice weekends. The last five years we have had our stats going up every year. Now we have a decline in our stats and I hope that stays true. In 2016 we had 2,416 crashes with 105 fatalities and in 2017 we have had 1,872 crashes with 65 fatalities. That is looking good. We need to keep them down.     Here are some facts that may help in our quest to keep these stats down and keep safety nuts and legislators from making new laws to save us all. In the month of July in 2015 and 2016 we had 31 fatalities and this year we have only had 24 fatalities. Last year in August - 30 fatalities, September - 19 fatalities, October - 34 fatalities, November - 8 Fatalities and December -1 Fatality. Using these numbers, we will still finish this year 25% short of last year’s 200 fatalities. Last year we had almost half of our fatalities in the last half of the year. Remember, in half of the crashes bikers are at fault, most being single vehicle crashes and we still have way too many distractions.     Motorcycle Ohio will still be running classes through most of October. If you have never taken a class, sign up and you will learn something. As in anything we do every day, we get lax in our skills and that is when we need help. The one day course is a very good way to get back to safe riding and stay alive. To check on class openings, go to www.motorcycleohio.gov or call 1-800-83-biker.     As many of you know I did my time in Vietnam 1967, seeing many types of motorcycles and three wheel motorbikes, carrying many people at one time or very large loads at one time. So this month in AMA magazine I see that the Vietnam government is going to banish all motorcycles by 2030. I have seen pictures and I don’t think the roads have improved that much and I don’t think the people have that much money. The reason to banish all motorcycles is to reduce pollution and reduce congestion. As we always say it has to start somewhere. Will we be next? They always look at our pollution and want us to water cool everything. Just saying!!     Every day we read more about Autonomous cars and how they will make driving cars safer. One thing you may want to look at is that they have no distractions. Today we have drivers texting, emailing, making calls for no real reason (most could wait) and eating. No I don’t think these cars are ready to intermingle with motorcycles yet but we need to keep telling them that we are not going away. Figure out how to drive with us before going any further.     My safety tip,(think before you stop reading), pedestrian and bicycle safety. Pedestrian fatalities are going up rapidly. Some of the reasons are distractions and not knowing the laws. Cell phone distractions are very bad and people will walk out in front of you. Pedestrians walking with the traffic don’t know what is coming or how close cars are. You are supposed to walk against the traffic and you should have time to get out of the way. It is now a law that we have to stay 3 feet away from bicycles but they still don’t follow all traffic laws and that is how they get killed.     With fall almost here it’s a good time to start thinking about a colors ride. The southeastern part of the state is great. On the Triple Nickel, Rt. 555 you have a great ride and some beautiful colors. I like to take a map, a paper Ohio map, and put it on the table and hunt for a river and that nice curvy road next to it. You can find some great riding and many stories to tell. One of my favorites is the Muskingum River out of Marietta - check it out. But you’ve got to stay off those 4 lanes. Can’t find stories out there!                    Ride With In your Limits                             Mike Stock            State Safety & Education Director                           (419) 654-5446                   mikestock419@gmail.com

   

Safety & Education Report August 2017     Hi Friends,     We are half way through the riding season and it’s time to look at the stats. In 2017 we have had 1400 crashes and 42 fatalities, and in 2016 we had 1834 crashes and 77 fatalities. If we stay on this track we could finish the year at let’s say 100 fatalities. That would be “Half” of last year. Wouldn’t that be great? Looking at the overall stats, Motorcyclists are a fault 55.9% of the time. Yes, over half of us do it to ourselves. What can we do to help this? Remember the things that we have learned over the years of riding. Don’t take what we do for granted. Scan ahead, check your mirrors, use your turn signals, slow down and always remember to do your pre-ride check. With our reputation and all, something that we can boast about is we have only had 114 crashes and 12 fatalities, to date, due to alcohol. That is way down from our past.     It is never too late to take some time and take the Motorcycle Ohio riding class. Chuck and the crew have been working hard getting the Motorcycle Ohio More class up and running. If you don’t know, Motorcycle Ohio has created its own curriculum. It is structured to Ohio riding conditions and will teach us more about our road conditions. Go to the web site and check out the new classes and schedules at www.motorcycleohio.gov or call 1-800-83-Rider. If you have never taken a class you will learn something and if your passenger wants to become a better passenger, go and take a class. You will see a difference.     As I have found in my trips this year, the weather has been playing with us. In the spring nice warm days ended up not being that warm and you needed that coat that you did not bring. The nice dry and warm days we ended up finding developed some rain and some of us had no rain gear. The point is that you always need to be prepared for all conditions. If you get too cold your reaction time is slower and if the rain gets into your eyes you can’t see. Remember, in the first 15 min to half hour of a rain, the roads are the slipperiest. Stop, take a break and put your gear on, or just wait for the oils to be washed off the roads. And with the rain showers you get gravel washing out on the roadways. Slow down.     Distracted Driving, Drunk Driving and Drugged Driving are still major problems to Motorcycle riders. In Toledo they are now writing tickets for cell phone use. We have not heard yet how it is going but the prosecutor is prosecuting. We will keep you informed. With drivers on the road distracted or under the influence, we need to be ready to react at any time and be alert to what may happen. If you ever see a Safe Communities event, go check it out and see what you can do to help make our roads safer.     In the past I have talked about the flood walls in Portsmouth. They have murals on them of all different subjects, but the Motorcycle mural is my favorite. Steubenville also has a lot of murals on walls of buildings throughout the town. I have not been there as of yet but at Gallipolis and across the river there are supposed to be some great murals. Hope to get down that way soon, will keep you posted. If anyone finds some nice murals take a picture and send it to me.     This is the month that we all need to come together and support the ABATE of Ohio Foundation Raffle Bike. If you have not gotten your ticket this year and would like to support Motorcycle Awareness and Safety call me and I will send you a ticket. They are only $10.00 per ticket, buy 5 tickets and you get a free ABATE membership, and you get a chance on a 2017 Ultra-Limited Low, trailer, docking system, storage box and 10% off your next trip to Signature Harley. The drawing is Saturday, August 26th at The Original Margaritaville, Sandusky Ohio. The day will be full of Music, Bike Show, Road ride, Raffles of all kinds and Great food. For info call or email me.     Time to end this. I would like to ask everyone to support your local motorcycle events. Too many fund raisers don’t support the motorcyclist but take advantage of our deep pockets and kindness. Fund raisers are important, but so are motorcycle organizations. Continued support is needed so non-motorcyclists cannot vote to put helmets on our heads and take our freedoms away.                    Ride With In your Limits                             Mike Stock            State Safety & Education Director                           (419) 654-5446                   mikestock419@gmail.com

Safety & Education Report June 2017     Hi Friends,     Ohio Bike Week 2017 is up and running as you read this article. ABATE of Ohio will be at Margaritaville all ten days. We hope to see you there. Ohio Bike Week is still down at the waterfront, out at the Fairgrounds, at Mad River Harley and at Margaritaville. There are a lot of activities around Sandusky to make sure we all have a lot of fun. Check it out at www.ohiobikeweek.com. As we do every month, we are going to check out the facts. We have had a nice spring and the numbers are not good but could be worse. In 2016, from the first of the year to date, crashes 613 and fatalities 16. In 2017, crashes 445 and fatalities 14. This year we as motorcyclists need to pay attention to this fact - we are at fault 60.2% of the time. One of the major things we do is run off the roadway. The best ways to help us from running off the road is to slow down and don’t be distracted.     Motorcycle Ohio is back teaching classes every weekend. Go online and sign up soon at www.motorcycleohio.gov or call 1-800-83-Rider. By taking any of the classes you will find that there is something you’re doing wrong. They will teach you what to practice to keep yourselves on the road. Every year Motorcycle Ohio has kickoffs to start the year. They have two in June, so go online, check out the locations and take in a ride. It’s always a good time.    This is the year we need to watch the 3D’s. First, drunk drivers and drunk riders. Last year we did very well as riders - only 26% of crashes were alcohol related. Second, distracted drivers. Cell phones are the number one distraction and we do have distracted riders. Don’t be messing around with anything other than riding on that bike. Third is drugged drivers and riders. At this time I have no answer for this. Just don’t do it and especially don’t ride when you are under the influence.     Abate is always working to keep roadways safe and keep the laws benefiting us as riders. The only way we can do this is with members. This is the Year of The Member. We would like everyone to sign up a friend so we are giving 2 for 1, but really it is $10.00 a membership for a year. So sign up now and we will keep our laws helping us. Note - if you purchase 5 Raffle tickets you get a free membership, and if you’re lucky, a free Motorcycle.     So at that I’m signing off. If you need anything ask, I will do my best. My goal this year is to get to more regions than last year. You may see me at your meeting or run.                    Ride With In your Limits                             Mike Stock            State Safety & Education Director                           (419) 654-5446                   mikestock419@gmail.com

Safety & Education Report May 2017     Hi Friends,     May is Motorcycle Awareness Month! We are back out on the roads and car drivers need to start watching out for us. This is the month that we have to remind motorcyclists need to watch out for those car drivers. Distracted driving is just getting worse by the day, so be aware we are smaller and some car drivers just won’t see us. So far this year we are not doing great but with the nicer weather, we could be in trouble. Last year, 2016, we had 268 crashes and 10 fatalities. This year, 2017, we have had 201 crashes and 8 fatalities. Remember it is our job to ride aware at all times and ride defensively.     The one thing that would show our Legislators that we are working hard at zero fatalities is to have Zero Fatalities and keep crashes and crash injuries low. We can accomplish this by taking a training program, staying alert, riding sober and practicing in aa empty parking lot. As an Awareness group we are putting up billboards and yard signs to bring “Look Twice and Save a Life” to everyone’s attention. This is all about riding SMART. The best person to control your destiny is you.     If you read this at the end of April, say thanks to Lisa for getting the mag out in time to read what’s coming up. You still have time to make the Motorcycle Awareness Rally 2017. Gates open at 10am Saturday May 6, 2017 at A.D. Farrow Harley Davidson at I71 and 37, North Star. We head out at 12 noon and go to the Ohio State House to have our day on the steps. We read Proclamations and listen to a few, very few, speeches. We’re out of there by 2pm and just down High Street south to Vickers’s for an After Rally Party. This is our time to let our State Government know we are involved. Ride Free!     Ohio Bike Week this year starts on May 26th and goes through June 4th with great times to be had by all. ABATE of Ohio will be set up at Margaritaville on the west side of Sandusky Ohio. The products trailer will be there and you can get your year pins so bring your coupon and get caught up. We have a very good supply of Look Twice Save a Life shirts in neon colors, only $10.00. We are fully stocked on all products.     Something that I really believe in is the Motorcycle Ohio Training program. We are starting a new year with Ohio’s own program. It’s called the Motorcycle Ohio More Program and it was developed to take in Ohio problems like deer, roundabouts and many different road conditions unique to our part of the country. The goal is to get every rider trained and endorsed because it is a fact that unlicensed motorcyclists are involved in more single vehicle and road departure accidents than licensed riders. In case you don’t know, if you take the course you will have your endorsement at the end. You can enroll online at www.Motorcycle.ohio.gov .     In spite of everything we see on social media, remember we are basically nice people. We need to ride as if we are representing the Motorcycling world and the whole world is watching. As what we do as bikers, there is no international sign for a biker in need of help. When a bike is setting alongside of the road we need to check on that bike and rider. Never just fly by. If they are standing there, look for a thumb up or a wave on, but always slow down and make sure they do not need help. I even check on cars. Remember, we are the good guys.     Ok I’m done for this month so let’s go riding. Always be responsible, take responsibility and ride responsible. If anyone would like me to come and do a presentation about ABATE of Ohio, the 3-R’s or Motorcycle Awareness, call me.                    Ride With In your Limits                             Mike Stock            State Safety & Education Director                           (419) 654-5446                   mikestock419@gmail.com

Safety & Education Report April 2017     Hi Friends,     It is April and Motorcycle Season is here. We have already had some very nice days and with those came crashes with some fatalities. The crashes that I have been able to review have told me that over winter, we forgot how to negotiate curves, slow down, watch for distracted drivers and not ride impaired. At this time in 2016 we had 67 crashes with 3 fatalities and 47 injuries. In 2017 to date we have had 76 crashes with 3 fatalities and 62 injuries. Injuries and fatalities do not add up to total crashes because some lucky ones do walk away unharmed. However, as you can see in this short two month period, we have had significantly more injury crashes. Please ride SMART: Ride Sober, Ride Motorcycle Endorsed, Ride Alert, Right Gear and Ride Trained.     Motorcycle Ohio is up and running. Call 1-800 837 4337 or go online to motorcycleohio.gov and get into a class. If you have never taken a class you will learn something. If you have been riding on a temporary permit every year, take a class and walk away with your endorsement. If you are an experienced rider with no endorsement you can take a one day course and get your endorsement. If you want to make some extra money, become an instructor and get paid an average of $26.00 an hour to play on your motorcycle.     Spring is here and it’s time to get those “Look Twice Save a Life” signs out in your yard, still priced at $10.00. Check with your local ABATE member and he or she will get you one. You can also contact me at 419-654-5446 and I will help. The more we make motorists aware, the more they will look out for us. Pick up a “Look Out for Motorcycles” magnet for your vehicle because they are free. If anyone has a spot for a 3X6 “Look Twice Save a Life” sign, it is two sided and only costs $35.00. For all signs check with the ABATE office 1-800-25-BIKER or ABATE.com and someone will get them to you.
There is a picture in this Outspokin’ of a sign made by Donnie and Mark Kalb in Colorado. To get it to Donnie’s sister in Holgate, OH they took it to the Meeting of the Minds in Oklahoma City last year, had ABATE of Michigan members take it to Lansing, MI, Ed picked it up at the Michigan Seminar and took it to Columbus with him and Ed & I finally delivered it to Holgate last week. The sign is on OH 108 in Holgate for everyone to see look Twice Save a Life. We get the job done!	Click for larger image
May 2017 is Motorcycle Awareness Month. As in the past, ABATE of Ohio Inc. will be holding the Motorcycle Awareness Rally and After Rally Party. The day will start at A.D. Farrow Harley Davidson, sign in at 9:30am parade leaving at 12:00noon for the Ohio State House. It’s great when we shut down I71 to downtown. It lets everyone know that we are back on the roads for the season. This is one ride that brings bikes from every corner of the state. They will bring with them Proclamations from their local legislators and government officials to read on the Statehouse steps. Please check out our web site, ABATE.com, for more info.     Coming up this month ABATE of Ohio will be hosting the 2017 State Seminar, highlighting legislation, safety and education. It is open to everyone and it’s a great place to learn what is happening with our motorcycling life. You can find all the info online at ABATE.com or call me at 419-654-5446.     If you have not seen it by now, ABATE is calling for your help. We need membership numbers to fight the fight. You can join ABATE with a friend 2 for 1 - $20.00 will get you two memberships. This is The Year of The Member. Renew with a friend or sign up two new members for $20.00. If you purchase five (5) Bike Raffle tickets, you get one free membership in ABATE. Remember this is The Year of The Member, so tell everyone to help us out.     Please ride SMART and don’t drive or ride distracted. You may save the life of a friend or relative.                    Ride With In your Limits                             Mike Stock            State Safety & Education Director                           (419) 654-5446                   mikestock419@gmail.com

Safety & Education Report March 2017 Hi Friends,     It is the 2nd of February, “Ground Hog Day”, and they say that it’s going to be 6 more weeks of winter. I think Mother Nature has more to do with it than an underground rodent does, but we will get what we get. Every year at this time we get a day or two of nicer than nice days and we have to get the bike out for a ride. Well, we had one of those days the day before my birthday. I had to run some errands and had to take the cage. I must say my fellow bikers were not setting a good example to fellow citizens. They were riding way too hard for having the bikes in storage for 60 days. People only remember the loud and reckless. At the end of the day I got home and saw on the news that we had a fatality in Wood County involving speed and alcohol , the first fatality in more than a year.     Our stats; in 2016 we had 1 crash and 1 fatality to date. In 2017 we have 23 crashes and 1 fatality to date. It is going to be a long year. There are really many factors that contribute to these stats and we as bikers need to talk about riding safe and respectful. If we think we don’t need to worry about it, we will just keep loosening our right to ride free. If we have a nice day by all means get out and go for a ride but take it easy. The road surfaces are going to change and we need to check them out. They are called Road Evils.     Looking at 2016 there are a few facts that we should keep in mind. In June we had a very large number of fatalities, with June and October having the most fatalities. I have been telling you that we are our own worst enemies, so now I’m going to list some stats that show you how we do it to ourselves. Rider at fault 53.1%. At fault crashes caused by unendorsed riders 44.9%. At fault crashes caused by endorsed riders 55.1%. Fatal crashes 48% single bike. Fatal crashes 26% were alcohol related. 70% of fatalities the rider was at fault. 60% of fatalities happen on the weekends. 37% of fatalities were with fixed objects. Something that I never even thought about, the Ohio Turnpike had 9 deaths and 5 of these are motorcycle related. I hope everyone takes a look this new riding season with a responsibility to ride safer and help our fellow biker to ride safer.     For those of you that are just starting, Motorcycle Ohio is taking registrations for this year at www.motorcycle.ohio.gov. If you can’t get into a class in your area make it a getaway weekend and take your other half and make it fun. We need to get everyone endorsed and trained you can learn something even if you have been riding forever. If anyone is interested in becoming an instructor, check with Motorcycle Ohio at 800-837-4337. Most training sites pay about $26.00 an hour. And to all instructors, you all have refresher workshop on March 18th. I thank all instructors for doing what you do.     ABATE of Ohio, Inc. State Seminar Information Workshop and Awards Banquet. This is a PUBLIC EVENT and a great place to learn what ABATE is all about. Saturday April 8th is full of interesting speakers covering legislation, laws, insurance and what is coming in the future for motorcyclists. You can go to ABATE.com and preregister or just show up. Information: April 7-8, 2017, at Double Tree by Hilton Hotel Akron – Fairlawn, 3150 W. Market St. Akron, Oh 44666, deadline for block rooms: March 17, 2017, contact 330-869-9000. If you are interested in how motorcycle laws work and how you change the laws, this is a very good place to start.     May is Motorcycle Awareness Month, with the Motorcycle Awareness Rally riding from A.D Farrow’s in Sunbury, Oh. to the Ohio State House and Region 9 is hosting the After Rally party. Next month I will have all the details for you or you can go to state web page and check out the flier. This ride lets everyone know that we are back out on the roads for summer.                    Ride With In your Limits                             Mike Stock            State Safety & Education Director                           (419) 654-5446                   mikestock419@gmail.com

   

Safety & Education Report January 2017 Hi Friends,     It is a new year and a new government is ready to make it a great year? I have set some new goals for this year, the biggest being Motorcycle Crash reduction. If we can reduce crashes, that will reduce fatalities. With the fatalities we had last year we have big job ahead of us. I’m writing this on the first of December so we may have a few more riding days but will have a final report in a few months. At this time the 2016 Crashes are 4164 and fatalities 189 compared to 2015 Crashes are 3720 and fatalities 158. As soon as I can get a final report I will add more facts like how many new registrations we had, how many trained riders, riders’ ages with the most crashes and much more, with a big emphasis on how can we fix it.     The number one cause of Motorcycle Crashes is Motorcyclists themselves. 54.2% of the time it is our fault. 2083 crashes and 118 of the fatalities we did to ourselves. We need to correct this. Things that could help are getting trained, riding more aware, riding less distracted, and not riding impaired. We need to help our fellow riders, like suggesting to take a class together or having something to eat after a couple beers before we get back on the road. When I started riding, our elders helped us be safe. We have a lot of new riders coming out that have bikers in family so we need to be their teachers.     If you have no idea how to find out about motorcycle rights and what we are facing in the future, come to our ABATE of Ohio, Inc. State Seminar in April of 2016. All the information is on the ABATE.com web site. The dates are April 7-8, in Akron. Information that will be covered include legislative projects coming up and being worked on, Awareness and Education programs and the new Motorcycle Ohio Program. We also have guest speakers, Legislators, insurance representatives and maybe even a lawyer or two. This event is open to the public and everyone is invited. If you need help of any kind contact me mikestock419@gmail.com.     To start the riding season and make everyone aware when we are back on the roads, take part in a local run or even better, come to the 2017 Motorcycle Awareness Rally and After Rally Party. The State Event is on Saturday May 6, 2017 starting at AD Farrow Harley Davidson in Sunbury. We will have a parade to the Ohio Statehouse, with the reading of our Governor’s Proclamation and local proclamation’s from cities and villages throughout the state. This kicks off May as Motorcycle Awareness Month 2017. A lot happens before the Rally and at the After Rally, so check out the flier on ABATE.com.     Motorcycle Ohio 2017 registrations start February 23rd 2017. Don’t delay because prime times go fast. If you are a new rider or a rider without an endorsement, take the class and at the end you will have your endorsement. For anyone that would like to be an instructor and make some extra money, Motorcycle Ohio has posted the 2017 instructor course schedule. They are putting on three to start the year. Please, if you think this may work for you give them a call. They need people all around the state.     It’s cold out and the Bike is sitting waiting on me to start my annual maintenance so I’m going to close this and be back the first of February. Don’t be a Procrastinator. Get your bike ready for riding season because it’s only 2 or 3 months away, depending on where you live.                    Ride With In your Limits                             Mike Stock            State Safety & Education Director                           (419) 654-5446                   mikestock419@gmail.com

   

Safety & Education Report December 2016 Hi Friends,     Here we are in December but I’m writing this article on November 1st so I will give you the news thru October. In 2015 at this date we had 3552 crashes with 152 fatalities and now in 2016 we have 3753 crashes with 170 fatalities. With the month of November looking like we are going to have nice weather, these numbers will be going up. At this time we are still at 54.3% biker at fault. For as long as I have been doing this we have never been under 50% and it has been in the 60% a few times. If we could just slow down and not run off of the curves we could be below 50%. Remember “Ride Within Your Limits”.     Motorcycle Ohio is starting a new curriculum. They will be teaching Ohio’s own program and it will be taking into consideration Ohio problems. From what I have seen it looks very good. If you have not taken the course before now you need to do this one. Registration will start on January 23rd 2017. If you have never taken a class you will learn something and you may get a discount on insurance.     Last month I gave you FOMO, Fear Of Missing Out. It is saying that the phone is more important than driving. Now I give you the 3-D’s, “Drunk Driving, Drugged Driving and Distracted Driving”. We need to work on ways to get these under control. The new “Drugged Driving” is the hardest to beat because when people are under the influence of drugs, they believe they are good drivers. It is also the hardest to detect. Over the years we have been educated to change our behavior, then new rules are enacted and they don’t work because we have no enforcement. So now we are going to let the cars do the thinking, and that is a whole new story.     We have talked about Road to Zero and Vision Zero programs, which seek to have zero crashes. I have been following these very closely. To get these programs to work we have tried programs like Awareness and Education, new laws and more enforcement. This has to help but has not been enough to make the goal of Zero crashes. Now we are going to make cars and bikes do our thinking. If this does not work then maybe we will just start getting rid of the problem and Motorcycles are a problem. Smart cars are being tested but not with motorcycles in the equation even leaving out pedestrians and bicycles. We as motorcyclists need to stay on top of all these programs and be ready to act.     To make all that I have been talking about work in our favor, everyone needs to join a Motorcycle Rights Organization. I would like to see every biker in Ohio be a member of ABATE of Ohio, Inc. That would make every state Legislator and Official listen. On the back page of this Magazine is an application. Remember that you are not required to come to meetings but you are required to Vote to save our right to ride. With your membership you get the Outspokin’ Magazine, in paper or online, and you will get a $3,500 Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance policy. We have a lot to fight for and we can only do it with numbers, so join now.     Even with the riding season slowing we still have a lot going on. Cleveland IX center is having some great shows coming up and Easy rider will be back in Columbus with the Bike Show. I heard that a parts EXPO is coming to Columbus also. In April ABATE will be hosting a statewide Legislative and Safety and Education Seminar - more to be coming. I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.                    Ride With In your Limits                             Mike Stock            State Safety & Education Director                           (419) 654-5446                   mikestock419@gmail.com

   

Safety & Education Report November 2016 Hi Friends,     Well my friends we are at the end of another year and snow will be falling soon. Back in the day we had 9 month riding seasons and 3 month layups for cheaper insurance and our insurance always started first of March. Now we ride for the same price all year. So where am I going with this? It seems like all insurance policies start at different dates so CHECK YOUR RENEWAL. When we have that rare nice day on Christmas Day you can go for a ride.     The same as every month, we need to talk about motorcycle crashes and fatalities. The riding season has been great and we have been logging a lot of miles. This has brought use a lot of crashes and when we have crashes, we get fatalities. In 2015 we had, at the end of September, 3,247 crashes and 141 Fatalities and in 2016 we have 3,146 crashes and 145 Fatalities. The motorcyclist was at error 54.3% of the time, non-motorcyclist drivers 35.9% and animals 5% of the blame. We need to do a better job riding.     Looking at the crashes we find that motorcyclists make a lot of mistakes. We run off the curves, we fail to stop in time and we fail to use good riding habits. When you read this, Motorcycle Ohio will be done but the first of the year I will be on everyone to sign up for a class to sharpen their riding skills. In February’s article you will see the end of the year statistics and a summary on what we need to do to save ourselves from that crash.     I was at a NHTSA, (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), meeting covering our area. The theme of the meeting was Driving Behavioral Change in Traffic. The goal in NHTSA is to have ZERO crashes and fatalities. How do you accomplish this? Do away with high risk activities. That is not all I got out the meeting. We talked a lot on how to get the communities involved in creating programs to make the roads safer and get law enforcement involved in creating safer programs. This is mostly to create programs to stop distracted driving and drunk driving. In our new day and age we have DRUGGED driving and riding. We need to work hard to stop these practices.     Drugged driving and riding is a whole new problem. Most impaired drivers feel that they can drive and ride okay but let’s face it, that is not true. To detect some of these drugs it takes special testing and officer training. And being the old guy that I am, I feel we need to stop this opioid problem.     In the future we need to watch smart technology. My question is do they recognize a Motorcycle. Columbus has been picked to be a test city for self-driving cars. I want all of us as motorcycle riders to be aware that if those sensors miss us, they will run over us. Everyone that rides a motorcycle needs to belong to ABATE of Ohio, Inc. As a motorcycle legislative organization we are attending these meetings and we will make sure we are part of these programs. In joining you will get the Outspokin magazine that reports the most up to date fact on these programs. To make our voice heard we need numbers and your voting power.     I was at a Safe Communities meeting and learned a new acronym - FOMO, Fear Of Missing Out. This was aimed at teens but I think it is true of everyone who just can’t leave that cell phone lay. Now that we have figured out that it is a disorder and could have a cure, we may be one step closer to the solution of curbing distracted driving. I would love to hear your comments on FOMO.     Last of all this is November, don’t forget to Vote. To everyone who supports Veterans, this is what we fought for. It is your duty to go to the polls and vote for someone! Make time for family on Thanksgiving. We all have a lot to be thankful for, so take this one day and enjoy. Be responsible and join a Motorcycle Rights Organization and it may just save what we all enjoy doing.                    Ride With In your Limits                             Mike Stock            State Safety & Education Director                           (419) 654-5446                   mikestock419@gmail.com

Safety & Education Report October 2016 Hi Friends,     Here we are getting the bike packed for our Labor Day ride and I’m writing the October article. The facts this month will be one month old, but I think everyone will get the message that we need to ride extra cautious. In 2015 to date, we’ve had 2682 crashes and 124 fatalities compared to 2016, we had 2614 crashes and 116 fatalities. If we look at Motorcycle Ohio’s report we look worse. They look at the Police reports that I sometimes can’t see, so look at the numbers with an open mind and realize that all the numbers are bad so we need to ride with caution.     As we all ride together and compare riding experiences sometimes we need to look into these conversations. One that comes to mind is that car and truck drivers don’t care about us. I would say that this is not true. Most people don’t want to run into us, but most likely did not see us. Let’s look at some of the possible reasons that affect why they can’t see us; the sun setting behind us, we are in the glare of head lights, can be hidden behind a door post and just the fact that we are smaller and cannot be seen. If you are in the sunset, move to one side of the lane or other to make yourself more visible. Do your best to stay out of the glare of head lights behind you. Put your hi beam on so they can tell the difference when you beam down. Don’t ride in the blind spots of cars and trucks. If you look at the mirror and you see them, they can see you. Also don’t hang out next to a car or truck.     I talk a lot about getting trained and sharpening your skills. In class you learn that keeping your eyes moving and scanning ahead will help keep you out of that crash. But sometimes hazards will pop up too quickly. You need to cut speed and try to not hit the big mass. Go for the edge or the small part. Try to protect yourself by wearing boots, gloves, long pants and yes, even a helmet. All of these could help.     Now for the big one, “I laid it down”. Most of the time this statement means you over-braked and down it went. We should all realize we can stop faster with the brakes than if we are sliding to a stop on our side. With good braking and off the brakes and counter steer and back on the brake, you can miss a crash. You can get good at braking if you go to a parking lot and practice.     Motorcycle Ohio is still running classes so if you have the time, this is a good time of the year to get in. If you have never taken a class it will be worth your time. They will show you the reason you do what you do and then you can practice and get better. Also if you were interested in becoming an instructor and just did not get it done, they will sign you up at Motorcycle Ohio and you will be ready to make about $26.00 per hour next year.     This is the last month to make up your mind who to vote for. I can’t tell you the best person, whether we are talking the President, Federal, State or your local Mayor. You need to ask yourself if this is the best person for the job, to represent you and your Motorcycle lifestyle. Will this person support motorcycle friendly laws and help make the roads safe? Know who you are voting for.     In the September ABATE State Board meeting, I passed out a trifold named “A Motorcyclist’s Guide to Safely Riding the State Routes in Holmes County”. It was put out by Holmes County Safe Communities organization. It has some great routes laid out and points out hazard areas. To get a copy contact the ABATE of Ohio Inc. State office, your Region Director or myself. With the fall color changes and the last chances to take a ride, this will help in planning a nice ride. It will even show you some new areas to see and I’m always hunting for that.     Please get out and support your local and state rights organization. If you are already a member, thank you and please sign up a new member. With getting new government leaders we will have new laws introduced that we may not like and we all will need to act on them.                    Ride With In your Limits                             Mike Stock            State Safety & Education Director                           (419) 654-5446                   mikestock419@gmail.com

Safety & Education Report September 2016 Hi Friends,     We are in trouble with fatalities. At this rate we will surpass last year and we will be the center of attention to all who think they can fix it. We as Bikers can and need to fix it ourselves. In 2015 we had 2111 crashes and 84 fatalities and now in 2016 we have (as of 8/1/2016) 1948 crashes and 93 fatalities. At this time we can study 80 of these: 16 were trained and 11 of these were at fault, 10 were passengers and 1 was a 3-wheeler. Then we need to look at helmet use because the people that think they know what will fix things think helmets will, but 45% were wearing helmets. The last figure that we need to look at is in 54% of fatalities, the motorcyclist was in error. Now we have the facts but what will fix it?     One thing that would help is if everyone would take a Motorcycle Training Course. In Ohio we have Motorcycle Ohio. For $50.00 you can take their training course. Some say that the beginner’s course is a waste of time because they already know how to ride. Yes you do, but there are things over the years that we don’t practice anymore and the training brings them back to being a habit. There are also advanced courses and even a one day course. For those that have been riding on a temporary permit for years, you will have your endorsement at the end of the course. Being trained can and will fix a big percent of our crashes. Fix crashes and fatalities will come down. Just so you know, I personally have taken the beginner’s course 3 times, and each time have learned something new.     Most of us have two more months of riding. At the end of October we stop riding and go into winter mode. Some of us keep going until they put salt down on the road. I don’t ride until the rain washes it off. Start thinking about getting your bike ready for this time of the year. It’s probably time for a fresh oil change. If you have an oil cooler, find your covers and put them on for the cold weather. If you have an open air cleaner, find the socks that cover it. And check those tires because you need good traction this time of year. I just had to put on a new front tire and I can tell you from experience, tire installation is much cheaper at home than on the road. Don’t forget to get out your cold weather gear that you haven’t had to wear lately. Make sure it is ready to go. Most of the time it takes about two weeks to get a zipper put in. It is great to ride for as long as we can and with the right gear and a well maintained bike, it can be Fun.     I have been getting around Ohio visiting different party and runs. It seems that many of the events are getting smaller and many of these small riding groups rely on these events to support them for the year. One of these small clubs in the Toledo area was my first organized ride. I still go back and do their events. Not as many as I would like but it helps. At the same time I went on my first organized ride, I had to join AMA because back then all rides were sanctioned and insured by AMA. Today we all go on runs and some are not insured. This is not good. If you are involved with the organization of a run, or know who is, please make sure they get insurance. Some of the fatalities I talked about earlier happen on these runs, and insurance protects the organizers.     ABATE of Ohio Inc. is an organization, not a club. We do not require you to come to meetings, but we do require that you stay informed about motorcycling, as we are “Dedicated to the Preservation of Motorcycling”. It’s the same idea as in guns where you have the NRA, an origination to inform gun owners of their rights. ABATE works through legislation to keep motorcycling FREE and inform you on any laws that may hinder your way of riding. In our Magazine you can find articles on what is going on with our lawmakers, information on motorcycle safety and education, information on insurance issues and fliers for events going on around the state. To become a member you can go online, ABATE.com, or call 1-800-25BIKER. We do take credit cards.     I want everyone to stay responsible and ride with care; remember that DISTRACTED DRIVERS ARE EVERYWHERE!! Always look ahead and know where you can go to avoid a hazard and ride SMART.                    Ride With In your Limits                             Mike Stock            State Safety & Education Director                           (419) 654-5446                   mikestock419@gmail.com

Safety & Education Report August 2016 Hi Friends,     Well we are half way through this year and we are no way in great shape but not looking to bad. In 2015 we had 1,439 crashes, 53 fatalities; in 2016 we had 1,469 crashes, 51 fatalities. This report was taken the day before 4th of July weekend so if all my friends can keep out of trouble I will be so happy. One of our big facts is that more than 50% of the time we cause the crash. But we are doing better by 1% but will take that as we are getting better. Now for the last fact is that the 21 to 25 have more injuries but the 61 to 65 have more fatalities with 36 to 40 in 2nd in both crashes and fatalities. Lets all of us work hard at riding safe and help your friends stay safe, RIDE RESPOSIBLE, TAKE RESPOSIBILITY and BE RESPOSIBLE.     The MRF (Motorcycle Riders Foundation) Has introduced a new slogan “Ride Aware, Drive Aware and Live Aware”. We need to take this and work on it because it does touch all the bases. We all know that we need to Ride Aware; we work on this from day one. Tell your family and friends to Drive Aware and keep putting those yard signs out “Look Twice Save a Life” and a magnate “Look out for Motorcycles” on the back of every car. And the last is Live Aware this to me means we to get every fellow biker to be a member of ABATE, the MRF or AMA (American Motorcycle Association). And support our freedom to ride and live our life.     Today our world is moving so fast that we keep increasing accidents and fatalities. Many lawmakers see the answer in smart technology, in the next thirty years our country will grow by 70 million people. In solving this problem one factor that is being over looked is the Motorcycle. We need to keep pushing and force these lawmakers to keep us in their objective. Columbus is one of these cities that are leading the way we need to be a part of this. And we will be with all of your help when we call for you to talk to your locale legislator you, the Motorcyclist, need to make that call or stop by their office.     On this same subject off safety, Parise is restricting Motorcycles built before 2000 from being ridden in the city at different time during the week. This is just not for motorcycles but even banding old car. As many of us remember from the past that some countries in Europe do have recycle program, meaning that when you trade in your bike it goes to recycle and you get a credit on you knew bike. With this being said support your Motorcycle Rights Organization so that you are not the last to know.     You hear some of the best things on face book, a couple of riders have written that they were forced off the road. Would be nice to have more info but as I ride and watch other riders I see them riding in the right side of the lane. If you ride more to the left side and let those drivers know you’re in that lane you will be more of a force. When riding in a group and staggered stay close so drivers can’t get in between. And last when riding with friends talk over how you are going to handle emergency situations be smart.     As I said we are half way through this riding season remember more drivers are driving distracted and we need to be ready at all times. If you see your friends starting to ride a little reclus have a talk with them and tell them that we need to be Responsible. Thank You.                    Ride With In your Limits                             Mike Stock            State Safety & Education Director                           (419) 654-5446                   mikestock419@gmail.com

Safety & Education Report July 2016 Hi Friends,     I was at Ohio Bike Week this week working at the ABATE trailer and selling Raffle Bike tickets, so I had a very good picture of what was going on. I saw riders with every type of riding gear on that I think was ever made. And as I have always said, if you feel comfortable and safe that is what you should wear and use. I also saw every size of person on every size of machine, small bikes, large V8 bikes, small V Twin trikes to Large V8 trikes, and I would say 95% of them were in control. If you feel you don’t have control 100% of the time, don’t ride in big crowds. And when you’re picking out that ride, get it to fit you. With that all being said; I saw 4 big bikes go down on close right hand turns and so many close calls I lost count. Overall, I had a great time at Ohio Bike Week. You can be entertained by a different band and all types of music every 6 hours for the whole 10 days! There were lots of vendors and every type of food you can think of. Attending OBW is supporting all types of businesses and motorcycle support groups. As motorcyclists, we need to support our core groups and events.     Talking with a lot of different bikers at OBW, I found that many have never heard of ABATE, MRF or even AMA. This is not good. Maybe they don’t know that E15 ethanol gas can damage your bike, that states are holding motorcycle only check points or that graduated licensing for motorcycles could become a reality. Also, they may not know that lawmakers and insurance companies are trying to restrict what types of motorcycles can be licensed and insured. If nothing else, they can make it very expensive if no one challenges them. That’s where ABATE, MRF and AMA come in. We are the bikers who fight for your rights and our freedom on the local, state and federal level. You don’t have to go to meetings, but you do need to join to stay informed and be ready to make your voice heard if the do-gooders start winning.     With this riding season well under way, we need to keep up Motorcycle Awareness. If you don’t have a Look Twice Save A Life sign in your yard, please get one. It is $10 that keeps going back into Motorcycle Safety and Education. Also, I can send you Look Out For Motorcycle magnets if you would like some. Remember our goal is to keep better informed and we can only do that with membership. Everyone, try to get to an ABATE run, swap meet or party and have a great time.                             Mike Stock            State Safety & Education Director                           (419) 654-5446                   mikestock419@gmail.com

Safety & Education Report June 2016   Hi Friends,     We will start with the facts. So far in 2016 we have had 417 crashes, which is 3.4 crashes every day of this riding season, and 11 fatalities. In comparison 2015 had 335 crashes, which is 2.7 crashes every day of that riding season, with 8 fatalities. What can we do? I have looked at all the fatalities trying to find ways to eliminate them. After going to fatal review meetings and reviewing crashes with authorities, we find we need to educate Motorists and Motorcyclists to not be distracted while driving or riding.     Let’s talk about distracted driving. It is any activity that you do that takes your attention from the task of operating your vehicle. The cell phone is the most common and to me, this even means hands free, because you still don’t have your mind on what you are doing. To my brothers who are using cell phones on their bikes now, “stop it”. Also adjusting your navigation system is a big distraction. Pull to the side of the road and fix it. The list goes on - reading, grooming, eating and drinking, watching or adjusting any electronical device and talking or having a heated conversation with passengers. Please show by example and don’t ride or drive distracted.     The riding season is now well underway with many of our charity groups and riding groups putting on rides that they want everyone to stay together and in a parade. This is the favorite way to move from one point to another, but not always the safest and legal way to get to that point. First, in most areas you may need a parade permit and an escort. Some groups feel they can use road guards to block traffic to get through an intersection, but this is not legal in the state of Ohio. It also gets us a bad rap from motorists who have to wait. Yes, ABATE of Ohio, Inc. has been working with legislators on a road guard bill to make it legal to road guard in Ohio. Until this gets passed we should try do our rides legal and get a parade permit and escorts or use a route sheet and send everyone to the next check point on their own, obeying all laws. I know this will get a lot of comments so if you want change, join ABATE of Ohio Inc. and you can help get that law passed.     Motorcycle Ohio is training motorcyclists all over the state, and they will be for the whole riding season. If you have never taken a class, try to work one in this summer. You will learn something that could save your life. To the rider that rides every summer on a temporary permit and never gets the time to take the three day course, they now have a one day class that you can get your endorsement in one day. If you ride on a temporary permit you have restrictions, and if you get caught not following the rules, your bike can get towed and you will be walking.     In my travels around I have seen a lot of Look Twice and Save a Life signs and would like to see more. We have good supply of the yard stompers and have just ordered banner size 3X5 signs. The yard stomper is $10.00 and the banner size is now $35.00. Both of these signs are on corrugated board. This is a proven way to educate motorists that they need to watch out for motorcycles.     As many of you know I love riding Ohio roads and have some favorites. If you like the Dragons Tail you would like Ohio route 555 “The Triple Nickle”. Another favorite of mine is Route 9 from the Ohio River north. It ends up being very interesting. Up in the Toledo area where it’s mostly flat we have Route 424 along the Maumee River that has a lot curves and things to do along the way.     I hope everyone has a great riding season and that can only happen if we ride alert and defensively. We need to keep our motorcycles in good condition. Do your safety check before every ride. And don’t forget them tires. Check the tread in more than one spot on the tire, and proper air pressure is very important.     As we all know the Motorcycle Awareness Rally 2016 was wet and cold. Because of the brave souls that made the run, we made everyone aware that we are BACK. A big thanks to the BIB’s Memorial for their donation, AD Farrow for coffee and donuts, to Jim for getting the products trailer there, for everyone that set up the sign-in area and did the sign-ins, the Columbus Motor Police and the Delaware Sheriff’s department, our key note speaker Councilman Stinziano for braving the weather, Region 9 for a great After Rally Party and for all the hard core bikers for coming out in that weather.                     Ride within your limits                             Mike Stock            State Safety & Education Director                           (419) 654-5446                   mikestock419@gmail.com

Safety & Education Report May 2016   Hi Friends,     It is snowing out and I’m writing my May article. That would not mean much to most people but this is Motorcycle Awareness month and we need the sun and warm weather. I’m writing in the future and I will say “the Awareness Ride and After Rally Party was held on a sunny and warm day.” HOPE I WAS RIGHT!     With that being said let’s get down to business. In 2015 on this date we had 147 crashes and 4 fatalities and now in 2016 we have had 166 crashes and 6 fatalities. We have had a very mild winter and it’s looking like spring is going to be the same. We need to keep up the hard work telling all our brothers and sisters to ride safe. Now is the time to get that Look Twice Save a Life sign out & get it back in the front yard. If you don’t have one, call the state office 800-25 BIKER and have one shipped to you.     I would like to thank everyone that came out to the Seminar. The speakers all did a great job and we all got some good information. I would like to thank Chuck Stiteler, Motorcycle Ohio State Program Coordinatorand Sherry Hill, Region 8 Safety and Education Coordinator and a Motorcycle Ohio Instructor for bringing us up to date on the MO program and what it takes to become an Instructor. Thank You     Every year we get our bikes out and somewhere along the way I say “have you checked your tires?” I’m a little late this year but I want you to take a look at it one more time and check that tire pressure. Also do a good check over for any oil leaks, fuel leaks or smell. Make sure all the lights work, check for soft brake pedal or lever and make sure everything is tight. Look at the bolts and see if there are any shinny spots (meaning it is loose) and then take it for a slow ride and listen for noises. Now you are ready to do a rider tune up. Go to an empty parking lot and do some figure eights, some hard stops, left and right slow turns and slow ride (get ready for the bike games). And last of all check your riding gear to make sure your stuff still fits (not saying) and it’s in good condition.     Now let’s hit the road. Something that has been going around is that the international sign of a biker in distress is a helmet behind a bike on the ground. Every bike sitting along the side of the road should be checked on. At least slow down and gets a thumbs up, and if no thumbs up, stop and check on them. There is never a good reason to stop on the side of the road. You should get to a safe place to stop and take a break; gas station, ice cream stand or rest area. If you are riding in a group and a bike breaks down, only one or two bikes should stop. The rest should move on to a safe place.     We always put out information on how we need to stay safe. We put out magnets saying “ look out for motorcycles” and signs along the road that say“Look Twice Save a Life”, but something else that would help to is if we could get all drivers to turn on their lights when it’s raining out and move over when an emergency vehicle is along the side of the road. If we tell our friend and they tell their friend, the word would get out and all would be safer.     The next big event in for me is June Jam 2016. It is coming together and all we need now is you to come to Logan Ohio and have a great time. Keep checking the web for up to date information and we will see you there. I know we could use some more vendors so if you are out and about, tell them to call.     I’m still working on that question that so far has NO answer; how we can stop distracted driving. If you have an idea let me know. We will keep looking and we will keep telling everyone that the life you save may be one of us. “Don’t text and drive”                     Ride within your limits                             Mike Stock            State Safety & Education Director                           (419) 654-5446                   mikestock419@gmail.com

Safety & Education Report April 2016   Hi Friends,     When you get this article it will be just four weeks till the Motorcycle Awareness Rally and After Rally Party. Before that, we have some hard facts to look at. This year has not gotten off to very good start. To start, on the first day of this year we a fatality and there is now one more making 2 fatalities and 61 crashes for 2016, compared to 0 fatalities and 27 crashes for 2015. Yes, the weather has been better than last year but that is no excuse. We need to start out slow and get back in riding shape and have fun.     Now back to Motorcycle Awareness month, the Motorcycle Awareness Rally and After Rally Party. This year the Rally will be on Saturday, April 30th, one day before Motorcycle Awareness Month begins. We’ll kick it off in great style by shutting down I-71 from Sunbury to downtown Columbus, going to the Statehouse to read proclamations and to get inspired by guest speakers, and let everyone know that we are back out on the Ohio Roads again. (see flier on this page)     ABATE of Ohio Inc. has been informing Motorcyclists and Motorists for years that we need to “Educate, not Legislate”. By educating motorists through “Look Twice Save a Life” signs, billboards , truck signs and bumper stickers, we have made a difference. And with Motorcycle Ohio www.motorcycle.ohio.gov/ training motorcyclists to properly ride motorcycles, we are making a difference. In the past five years we have decreased the number of fatalities. A few facts: Motorcycle riders at fault 53%. At fault crashes caused by UNENDORSED rider 45.8%. Crashes involving UNENDORSED riders 42.1%. Motorcycle Ohio trained in crashes 20.2% and Motorcycle Ohio trained at fault crashes 10.2%. We need to get these unendorsed riders trained they will become safer riders. These riders are our friends so help them get signed up today.     We are still gathering Motorcycle Awareness Month Proclamations to read on the State House Steps. If you can stop at your Mayors office, Town ship Commissioners office, and even your State Legislators office and ask them to give you a Proclamation. I have samples of letters of introduction and proclamations. Give me a call and I will mail or email to you.                     Ride within your limits                             Mike Stock            State Safety & Education Director                           (419) 654-5446                   mikestock419@gmail.com

Safety & Education Report March 2016   Hi Friends,     Here I am sitting in some of the nicest weather that a man could want - for winter anyway. But you know Old Man Winter just keeps us on the edge. They say snow and then dump brine on the roads. Well, no snow comes but there is tons of brine on the road and no rain to clean things up. Oh well, I’m not going to complain too much. How about the stats for the first month of this year? We still only have that one fatality from the first day of the New Year. It was alcohol related and the guy just drove off the road. But sadly, we have had 6 accidents so far. Last year at this time there were 20 accidents and NO fatalities. So let’s ride responsibly, be responsible and take responsibility. Remember those 3 R’s!     We’re getting ready for this new riding year and if you have the time, sign up for a riders course with Motorcycle Ohio at www.motorcycle.ohio.gov. They have a 16 hour beginners course consisting of classroom and on the range riding. There is BRC2, a one day course to get your endorsement. Also, check on the two-up course for those of us that love our girls close to us. Many years ago I got my dad to go with me and take the beginners course. That was also my first time taking the course but not the last. He even took it again with his old friends. I have to say I felt sorry for the instructors that weekend. As many of your own dad’s would say, “You can’t teach me anything”, but he was quick to take his words back. It kept him on the road until he passed so it was well worth it. Help a friend get a good start and make sure everyone gets endorsed.     In case you all don’t remember, this is the time of the year that we all go out and get our local Mayor, Township Trustees and Commissioner’s to write up a proclamation for Motorcycle Awareness Month. Most of the State offices have Proclamations in their computers so it’s easy for them to fill them out. We also have samples for you. You can contact me for paper samples and the state office has a CD that has all the info on it. Ruby Worchuck did a good job making the CD for anyone to use. During the Awareness Ride we will take all of the Proclamations to the State House and read them on the steps. If you have never gone on the Awareness Ride it is very rewarding. I went with my Dad and I took Harley when he was still riding behind me. When we show the citizens that we are out riding again, it means a lot. Please support May as Motorcycle Awareness Month 2016. The date of the ride this year is April 30th and will start at AD Farrows, North Sunbury (flyer in this magazine).     The 2016 State Seminar at Mohican State Park will be fun and informational. (see flyer) There is a lot of give and take during the talks and everyone’s ideas are discussed. We have lots of info on Safety and Education, Insurance, Legislative Issues and Politics. With the recent issues in Denver, we will have plenty to talk about. We will also be talking about where we want to direct our efforts. Distracted driving is still our top issue. Maybe we can find time to squeeze in talking about autonomous cars and robot systems on the roads and smart technology. Something for everyone. Hope to see you there.     This is the first time that I did not get one single answer to last month’s question. I’m asking for the slogan that we can put on the back of cars that will make people put the phone down! I’m going to give you one more chance to be heard. If you want, send it to me on Facebook.                     Ride within your limits                             Mike Stock            State Safety & Education Director

Safety & Education Report February 2016   Hi Friends,     Where to start when it’s February and we are having 45 and 50 degree days and no snow on the ground? What is a biker to do? We could ride but they keep coming along with brine and they’re putting it down thick. I could peel it off the back of my car so I know what it would do to my bike - pits and rust. And the future of the weather? I just don’t know if it will it be bad late into the spring or if we’ll have nice weather early so we can get out and ride. My crystal ball is not working today.     In 2015 we rode right up to the end. I made my last ride of the year the 19th of December. Even though we had a slow start to the riding season with all the rain in the spring, we ended the year with a lot of fatalities. So far in 2015 we have 3725 crashes and 153 fatalities. In 2014 we finished with 3655 crashes and 140 fatalities. Not good, but when you look at the increase in registrations the percentages are about the same. There was one motorcycle fatality on New Year’s Day in the Columbus area and alcohol was a factor. We are already counting for 2016. Please be safe and ride smart.     Chuck Stiteler is the director of Motorcycle Ohio and he has provided me the following for publication:     By the time you read this the Motorcycle Ohio (MO) site will be open for registrations. The site opened January 25th at http://www.motorcycle.ohio.gov/.     Ohio had another good year for training over 13,000 motorcyclists, mostly new riders. Thanks for your support. We hear many riders say to other riders that they should take the class…actually been told by other riders to do it! We have seen an up-tick in the BRC-2 class. This one day class has a lot of appeal. You can take it yourself and sharpen your riding skills, or take it two-up with your favorite passenger.     It is a great way to practice together in a controlled environment and “get tuned” to each other on the bike. One of the best kept secrets about this class is you can get your endorsement. If you or someone you know has been on a temporary permit, send them our way. Better yet, come with them!     Thanks Chuck. We will continue to support the MO Program. It is a good example of the way we want our tax dollars put to work.     I have been getting a lot of replies back on center line rumble strips. Most have been in favor of them, with the suggestion that they are used on straight roads in areas that people may drift over but not on curves. It will be interesting to see what the state does with them. Thanks for the feedback.     Last month my question was about the most beneficial way to promote motorcycle safety and awareness. It must be a hard question because I have not had very much response. The ABATE Foundation Board will be working on sights to place signs and promotions, so give us some ideas. The question of the month is: What slogan do you think we can use on car magnets to get people to STOP DRIVING DISTRACTED? Maybe that’s it? Some other ideas I have seen are: BUCKLE UP, HANG UP, HEADS UP I’M A BIKER, NOT YOUR NEXT ROADKILL. GET OFF THE PHONE & OPEN YOUR EYES TEXTING WILL GET YOU ON THE NAUGHTY LIST YOU TEXT, YOU DRIVE, YOU LOSE MY FAMILY RIDES, PLEASE DON’T TEXT & DRIVE     Send ideas to mikestock419@gmail.com or 419-654-5446                     Ride within your limits                             Mike Stock            State Safety & Education Director

Safety & Education Report January 2016   Hi Friends,     You will be reading this the first of 2016 and the annual stats are not good. We’ve had a rough year so far; 2015 has 3596 crashes and 150 fatalities compared to 2014 with 3615 crashes and 138 fatalities. It will be March before I will be able to sum up 2015 showing age groups, single vehicle accidents and impaired causes. The timing depends on how fast the reports get finalized. As I sit here writing this the weather men are telling me that December is going to get warm again, so we’re probably not done. Yes, I would love to get out and make one or two more runs but I’m probably done for the year. I hope everyone who is out there rides safe and we can hope for an early spring.     In the first part of December the U.S. senate approved the Federal Highway Bill and it looks like the President will sign it. This will be the first highway bill spanning longer than two years since 2005.     Some highlights: Re-establishing the Motorcycle Advisory Council Continuation of the funding of Motorcycle safety grants Funding distracted driving grant program Share-The-Road Model Language, on the importance of sharing the road safely with motorcycles Stop Motorcycle Check Points Limitation and owner definition on data retrieval from vehicle event data recorders     This will be in place for five years and it gives us new programs that we can utilize. Many of the regulations and programs apply to all vehicles and do not single out motorcycles. This is a very good advancement of what we work for.     As we all hope for warm weather in January, if you ride please remember that salt and brine stays on the roads after the snow leaves. I like to wait for a good rain and then I will suit up and go for that winter ride. If you just can’t wait for the roads to get clean, wash your bike well when you get back. That stuff will just eat at your bike parts. It is nice to say I rode every month this year. We do like a challenge.    How many of you have found the center line rumble strips? The state has started doing some test strips around the state. The one that I found is on Route 68 just north of Kenton. If you get a chance to check them out let me know how your bike handles on them. I will make sure your comments get to the ODOT.     This is the start of a new year and I would like to see all of us have a safe ride. So my question of the month is; What is the most beneficial way to promote motorcycle safety? The use of billboards, bumper stickers or magnets, radio, TV commercials, newspapers or magazines, events? Let me know mikestock419@gmail.com or 419-654-5446 The Sate Seminar is coming up in March on the 19th It is a great place to learn how ABATE works and how we can make a difference. Any questions contact the state office or me. It is a fun way to meet Bikers from around the state that have the same goals as yourself.                     Ride within your limits                             Mike Stock            State Safety & Education Director                mikestock419@gmail.com                         419-654-5446