Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Education on club's agenda

With a continued increase in the number of motorcyclists, one group is seeking to educate both the public and the bikers, and to share information about this popular pasttime.

Arkansas Bikers Aiming Toward Education has more than 2,500 members with an active chapter in the area. That group gathered recently for a spring thaw - a chance to show off bikes and riding

skills and to spend time with others who share their passion.

Ron Henderson of Hope is president of ABATE District 10, the southwest Arkansas chapter.

Henderson said he became interested in the organization as he was looking for groups with which to ride. But he quickly learned that members of ABATE are continually watching proposed motorcycle laws and looking for ways to improve conditions and safety for bikers.

That doesnt mean members of ABATE are anti-helmet.

For example, member James McCain said there are two sides to the helmet issue. The first is safety and theres little doubt that helmets provide at least some protection in the event of an accident. But helmets also restrict visibility to some degree.

McCain said the majority of bikers believe that means wearing a helmet should be an individual decision.

Loud pipes are another issue ABATE has watched carefully. Some legislators have suggested that pipes should be quieted as much as possible. But McCain pointed out that loud pipes become a warning to

animals that might otherwise step out in front of a motorcycle and that even people might hear the bike if

they dont see it.

Henderson said one of ABATEs projects has been to increase public awareness of bikers. Toward that end, the group has put up signs reminding motorists that they share the road.

Though ABATE promotes helmets and pipes as personal choice issues, Henderson said there are some laws that should be tougher. For example, he said state law requires that everyone who obtains a motorcycle license should have a driving test. Thats no longer enforced. All a rider has to do to get a motorcycle endorsement on the drivers license is to answer a simple 10-question test. Theres no requirement to prove safe riding practices.

That, according to Henderson, is a big problem.

Theyre putting people on motorcycles that dont know how to ride, he said.

He said he believes many of the accidents involving motorcycles are because of the inexperienced riders.

If youre going to ride, you need to know how to ride, he said.

Though safety is a big concern with ABATE members, its not the only reason for uniting with the group.

Theres absolutely a social side of the organization that fosters life-long friendships.

We all look out for each other, Henderson said. All in all, were all friends. We all get together and we

have a good time.

That was the purpose behind the groups Spring Thaw held recently at Rosston. Bikers from around the area joined to play games such as the slow race. The goal is to ride as slowly as possible. Last one to cross

the finish line without letting his foot touch the ground, wins.

Hope resident John Connell took a turn at that event with his grandson, T.J. The younger Connell is a student at Ouachita Baptist University and faces life head-on though he battles Cerebral Palsy. John said the family travels to bike rallies across the region, whenever T.J. is free from other duties - including his studies at

OBU.

John said he enjoys spending time with ABATE members because the membership is comprised of good people.

And the bottom line - as is the case for most who spend time on motorcycles - is that riding on two

wheels is just plain fun.

We like it, John Connell said. Thats just all.

For information about ABATE, contact any member or call the state office manager at 501-317-1832.