February 9, 2008 ABATE of Florida, Inc.

Public Relations Officer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

PO Box 2520

DeLand, FL 32721

abateflpr@yahoo.com

386-760-6610 phone/fax

386-852-7252 cell

ABATE of Florida, Inc.

FREEDOM FIGHTERS

FOCUSED ON THE MISSION

Cyndi von Bulow

PENSACOLA, FLORIDA  ABATE of Florida, Inc., American Bikers Aimed Toward Education, met in Pensacola, Saturday February 9, 2008, to discuss future legislative action to be undertaken by the 7,500 members of this grassroots political organization.  Top on the agenda was Florida House Bill 137, which allows for the confiscation of personally owned motorcycles if, in an officer's opinion, the rider incurs certain misdemeanor traffic violations. 

ABATE members voted unanimously to oppose HB-137, sponsored by Republican Representative Carlos Lopez-Cantera of Miami.  Lopez-Cantera, unable to attend the meeting as promised, responded in a last minute letter to ABATE's President, James "Doc"� Reichenbach, II.  In his letter, Representative Lopez-Cantera attempted to explain the penalties his bill would inflict on motorcycle riders, specifically sport bike riders, without explaining the intention or need for the legislation.  Apparently a third time offender of reckless driving or speed in excess of 50 mph above the posted speed limit, would suspended the riders license for 10 years and require the person to forfeit their motorcycle. 

Florida's Representative Clay Ford and Representative Greg Evers were in attendance and discussed their negative position toward HB-137, which discriminates against all motorcyclists.  This proposed legislation is being heard in committee in Tallahassee.  Current laws already exist to cover speeding, reckless driving and motor vehicle confiscation, without targeting or discriminating against motorcycle riders. 

Lopez-Cantera claims this legislation is aimed toward sport bike riders and bikers who can outrun police officers with their motorcycles and would make the streets safer.  ABATE contends this legislation would encourage riders to consider running from law enforcement rather than face the loss of their machines.  High-speed traffic encounters would not only endanger the rider and officer but the public at large.

ABATE has spent years working diligently to educate the public and the motorcycle riders of Florida on motorcycle safety and awareness.  Working with the Florida Legislature, The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, the public schools, motorcycle clubs, law enforcement and civic groups, volunteers from ABATE have spent hundreds of hours toward this endeavor.  The membership firmly believes education will contribute to safe riding and driving practices rather than burdening law enforcement, the court system and the public with redundant and discriminatory legislation.

April 14, 2008, hundreds of concerned motorcycle riders from around the state will meet with their legislators to discuss the issues affecting all Floridians, including HB-137, health care, taxes, insurance availability, the housing market, education, disaster preparedness, employment and the economy.  These face-to-face meetings let the law makers hear from actual riders, who are educated tax payers, home owners, parents, teachers, lawyers, doctors, nurses, business owners, medical personnel, blue collar workers and professionals from every socio-economic background, concerned with the continued prosperity of their home state. 

Instead of just talking about safety, the Twelfth Annual Motorcycle Ride to the capital by ABATE members will be followed by The Fourth Annual, Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Workshop on April 19^th in Deland, Florida.  The Workshop is open to the public, motorcyclists, media, legislators and law enforcement, free of charge.

Additional information on the legislative and safety issues facing Florida's motorcycle riders can be found on the ABATE of Florida, Inc. web site at www.abateflorida.com.  For additional information, to become active in the mission, or to speak with a representative of ABATE call 386-943-9610.