DARKE COUNTY — Urging motorists to “Look twice and save a life,” the Darke County Board of Commissioners proclaimed May 2016 as “Motorcycle Awareness Month” during its Wednesday regular session.
The proclamation was made possible through the efforts of ABATE of Ohio, Inc. ABATE — “American Bikers Aimed Toward Education” — a not-for-profit organization dedicated to “preserving the rights, improving the image, and promoting safe operation practices of Ohio motorcyclists.”
Dave Griffin, director of Region 6 of ABATE, was on hand during Wednesday’s signing. He said the organization hopes to get the word out as more motorcyclists begin hitting the road.
“We can use as much media as possible to get the public to ‘Look Twice Save A Life’ as a habit as they drive to help prevent any accidents, but particularly during the summer months when its warmer,” he said. “We realize some of us are hard to see when vehicles are pulling out of drives or turning left. By getting drivers to ‘Look Twice’ maybe a few accidents can be prevented.”
The commissioners’ proclamation urges not only motorists, but “clubs, dealerships, groups and highway safety officials in our state” to join ABATE to actively promote safe operation, increased rider training and improved licensing efforts.
The group’s Region 6 area includes Champaign, Clark, Darke, Greene, Miami, Montgomery and Preble Counties.
Griffin said that his group is soliciting proclamations from county and municipal bodies throughout Ohio.
“On April 30 this year, we are taking these proclamations to Columbus so all regions throughout Ohio will stand on the Statehouse steps and individually tell the public just how many cities, towns, villages and counties have taken the effort to proclaim May as ‘Motorcycle Awareness Month’ as we do each year at the start of the motorcycle riding season,” he explained.
Griffin said members of the group will start their ride at a Harley-Davidson dealership in Sunbury, Ohio. The Columbus Motorcycle Police will escort the riders from Interstate 71 down to the Statehouse for this event.
“It is a pretty awesome event since we have hundreds of motorcycles from across the state participating,” he said.
Abate of Ohio, Inc. is open to all persons 18 years of older having an interest in preserving personal freedoms and sharing the group’s goals. Owning a motorcycle is not necessary. Dues are assessed yearly. Single memberships are $30; couples, $50.
For more information on ABATE, visit the organization’s website at www.abate.com.
