Sharing the Road: Bikers Have Rights Too!

STATEWIDE, Wis. - June 7, 2016 - PRLog -- Sharing the Road is essential for the survival of anyone utilizing Wisconsins' roads including motorcycles, bicyclists,and pedestrians. ABATE of Wisconsin, Inc. wants to remind all roadway users; drivers, law enforcements agencies, and motorcyclists themselves about laws that exist to ensure their safety.

The first step in reducing crashes and sharing the road is the requirement that motorcycle awareness be included in driver's education curriculum. A requirement of 45 minutes of sharing the road with motorcycles is taught in all driver's education classes. A similar requirement is required for pedestrians and bicyclists. Not only do these classes teach how to look for motorcycles, but also include information on rules that apply to motorcycles and bicycles.  For example, it is a State Law that a motorcycle, or bicycle, may go through a red light after waiting  45 seconds for the light to change if the light is controlled by a vehicle accuated sensor and there is no other vehicle stopped to help trigger the sensor.  This is because the  motorcycle or bicycle will not enable the sensor  to activate for the light to change.

Although the State of Wisconsin has for the last 3 years been below the 5 year rolling average in motorcycle fatalities, we have seen crashes caused by Right of Way (ROW) violations. We at ABATE of Wisconsin feel that the key to reducing this type of crash is education. Under Wisconsin State Law's ACT 466 (2005) and ACT 173 (2012) all persons convicted under state the statute 346.18 are required to attend a driver awareness class. Enforcement of this training requirement is essential in creating safer roads in Wisconsin.

Motorcyclists have responsibilities on the road as well. Some riders still don't have an "M" endorsement. That endorsement is given to riders who have taking a written and riding test at a DMV test sitie or had that requirement waived by attending an eligible rider class. Not only will riders learn life saving skills but also what laws apply to them. Having knowledge of laws like these, along with riders safety training is just one more way to way to ensure safer roads in Wisconsin.

For more information on ABATE of Wisconsin, Inc Safe Rider Program, visit http://www.abatewis.org/page.php?section=6

ABATE (A Brotherhood Against Totalitarian Enactments) is a bi-partisan grass roots organization with a goal to give the motorcyclists of Wisconsin a strong, united voice with regard to their future, their way of life, their safety and their legal rights as motorcyclists and citizens.