Welcome back to the Bull Pen. If you don't remember me, my name is Dean Akey and I will be your guide for another fun filled edition. Are you ready? OK then, let's get started...
It was February 6th and I fired up my trusty scoot "Betty" to ride in a funeral for Ed Ufland. Ed was the past President of the Blue Knights where I serve as Chaplain. Ed had lost his battle with cancer and was a wonderful man & lifelong biker who will be missed by many. The weather was a balmy 9 degrees when I departed for work and even considering the circumstances, I couldn't have had a bigger smile on my face. It was great to be on two wheels again. After getting into work and wiping the frozen boogers out of my moustache I got to thinking that another riding season has begun. What a wonderful feeling to be back in the saddle.
It has been said that only a biker knows why a dog sticks its head out the car window. I would definitely enjoy the wind rushing thru my hair if I had any. Even without hair I love the feeling of freedom from when I ride. Freedom is something that universally ties all bikers together. Speaking of freedom, have you ever heard of Representative Karen A. Yarbrough (D) of the 7th District? If you are a biker and live in Illinois, you will. You see, on February 10th, Representative Yarbrough introduced House Bill 925 to the 96th General Assembly. House Bill 925 if passed amends the Illinois Vehicle Code to require every operator and passenger on a motorcycle, motor driven cycle, or motorized pedalcycle to wear a helmet that meets federal safety standards. That's right, mandatory helmets are coming to Illinois should Representative Yarbrough get her way.
Now, not all Illinois Bikers are passionate about this topic. If you are now is the time to reach out to your State Representative and share your thoughts. If you don't know who your State Representative is you can search for your Representative at the following link. http://www.elections.il.gov/DistrictLocator/SelectSearchType.aspx?NavLink=1
In addition to contacting your State Representative, you may want to join ABATE
A.B.A.T.E stands for A Brotherhood Aimed Towards Education. The mission of the members of A.B.A.T.E. of Illinois is to preserve the universal right to a safe, unrestricted motorcycling environment, and to propose and advocate actions that can be taken by elected and appointed officials to protect and conserve the natural resources of the State of Illinois, and ensure through professional management that sustainable use, recreational opportunities and enjoyment of these new resources is available for this and future generations.
ABATE makes every effort to influence State, National, and Worldwide political actions in favor of motorcycle rights. In addition, ABATE conducts programs to educate drivers, seniors, legislators, and motorcyclists. You can find a local chapter at http://www.abate-il.org/. Please stay tuned to Abate for the latest developments on this issue and let freedom ring.
The debate on motorcycle helmets continues to evoke great emotion from all of us bikers. It is my belief that as bikers, we, and not our government should be allowed to decide this issue.
If you would like to share your opinions and meet other bikers, please join the Chicagoland Bikers group on Facebook. The Chicagoland Bikers group is open to everyone and has some great features like your favorite rides, biker friendly establishments and the latest biker related events.
Well, that's it for this month. When I am not sharing my wisdom with you via my Thunder Roads editorials or running the Rescue Rider program, I run an insurance agency West of Chicago. I enjoy working with fellow bikers helping you protect what matters most. If I can help you with your insurance please drop me a note at deanakey@allstate.com or give me a call at 877-232-9899. I would love to hear from you. Until next month, enjoy the ride.
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