ABATE OF FLORIDA, INC.

SOUTHWEST CHAPTER
Newsletter
February 2017 Volume XLI Issue II

Next Chapter Meeting Sunday, February 19th @ Six Bends Harley Davidson at 10:30 a.m.

ABATE OF FLORIDA, INC.

The only Motorcyclists Rights Organization in the State of Florida
Legislative News MSAP Instructors Community Service
ABATE: American Bikers Aimed Towards Education
We lobby and educate the Government and the general public to promote motorcycling in a safe and positive image.
ABATE of Florida, Inc. 2010 ABATE of Florida, Inc., Southwest Chapter. All rights reserved. ABATE of Florida, Inc.
and the Southwest Chapter does not condone drinking while riding or driving.
1
 ABATE OF FLORIDA, INC. SOUTHWEST CHAPTER MEETING:
MISSION STATEMENT

We are a non-profit organization of SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19TH @ 10:30 a.m.

motorcycle enthusiasts from all walks of life.
We lobby and educate the government and the at SIX BENDS HARLEY DAVIDSON
general public to promote motorcycling in a 9501 Thunder Road
safe and positive image. We endeavor to enlist Fort Myers, FL 33913
the cooperation and participation of all
organizations and individuals that share a
similar interest in preserving our American
tradition of FREEDOM. We promote
motorcycle safety, training and political MEMBER MATERIAL DEADLINE,
awareness. We ARE NOT A CLUB OR NEW ADVERTISERS AND/OR AD
GANG. We fund our work through toy runs, CHANGE DEADLINE:
poker runs, campouts and other motorcycle
activities. We are your neighbors and friends
who work, pay taxes and get involved with our 20th of the month for editorial and Board
community. We serve and support our country approval
and believe in freedom. We use all legal means
to protect our rights without infringing on the
rights of others.
IDENTIFICATION STATEMENT
OUR GOALS
Southwest Chapter Newsletter
To become a powerful and viable political
force in legislative matters concerning the
Issue date: February 2017
motorcyclist;
To promote safe riding habits without PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY
infringing on individual freedoms; ABATE of Florida, Inc.
To motivate bikers to write letters to their SOUTHWEST CHAPTER
legislators before, during and after the PO Box 60745
legislative session; and Fort Myers, FL 33906
To furnish our members with a newsletter to
keep all bikers informed in regard to upcoming www.southwest.abateflorida.com
legislation.

DISCLAIMER: The views expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily those of ABATE of Florida, Inc. and/or the
Southwest Chapter. The publication allows members to express their beliefs and opinions. ABATE of Florida, Inc., and the
Southwest Chapter accepts no responsibility for the comments, opinions, or views contained in this newsletter.

Please direct correspondence in reference to this publication to: Heidi Szolga, Southwest Chapter, P.O. Box 60745, Fort
Myers, FL 33906-6745 or email at abateswc@yahoo.com.

Donations to ABATE of Florida, Inc. are not deductible for Federal Tax Purposes.
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 Presidents Message and Report: ABATE of Florida, Inc./Southwest Chapter
EXECUTIVE BOARD & TRUSTEES
PO Box 60745, Fort Myers, FL 33906-6745
www.southwest.abateflorida.com

President: Robb Rabell

thesawguide@yahoo.com / 239-458-3136

Vice President: Moe Moser

ironcitysupplyco@yahoo.com / 412-999-3397

Brothers and Sisters, Secretary: Gwynne Hickman

Gwynne.hickman@gmail.com / 239-246-2025
First Id like to thank our advertisers who renewed
their newsletter ads for another year. Manfred at Haus Treasurer: Heidi Szolga
of Trikes & Bikes, Joe at Palladen Cycles, Steve at love_of_tigers@hotmail.com / 618-616-0870
Southwest Cycle, Gator Press, Andy at RackEms,
Spivey Law Firm, Lynn, Brian & Anna at A1 Shelters. Sergeant-At-Arms: John Lupo
Wed like to welcome Ralph & Michael at Sun Sports the_loops@msn.com / 239-850-4905
Cycle & Watercraft along with Erik Elsea of Jones
Group Realty for coming onboard with Southwest
Asst. Sgt-At-Arms: Don Gator Meredith, Jr.
Chapter. Please show these loyal advertisers your
patronage and let them know who you are when
239-245-3147
youre there. Their support is invaluable to our
missions. Membership Trustee: Heidi Szolga
love_of_tigers@hotmail.com / 618-616-0870
Well, new year, new helmet fight. As you know the
safety progressives are at it again, this time they want Public Relations: Gwynne Hickman
to delete paragraph (B) in Florida Statue 316.211, Gwynne.hickman@gmail.com / 239-246-2025
Section 1,subsection 3 which is the specific language
that makes wearing a helmet in Florida a Personal Legislative Representative: Vacant
Choice as long as the insurance requirement is met.ie:
$10,000.00 medical coverage. If this paragraph is Safety Director: Ed Lufkin
deleted it will not only make wearing a helmet Ed@southwestchapter.com / 508-685-9220
Mandatory, not wearing one, automatically
becomes a Primary Stop offense along with provided Newsletter: Heidi Szolga
penalties. You see, its not about Helmets its about love_of_tigers@hotmail.com / 618-616-0870
the misconception that making Motorcycle crashes
Safer will save lives, while completely disregarding Webmasters: Taylor Musburger
Crash Avoidance through education. A Helmet is ABATE@musburger.net / 360-298-1921 and
not a guaranty to save a life, only avoiding a crash Ed Lufkin, Ed@southwestchapter.com /
WILL! Thats why its so important that we defeat this 508-685-9220
Bill & continue to provide ABATEs MSAP
education program in our High Schools. So we at
Chapter Chaplain: Tom Provenzano
Southwest Chapter are pursuing a very aggressive
tprovenz@comcast.net / 239-267-8641
Membership Drive, with Membership discounts,
advertising & talking points handouts, in hope of
doubling our Membership numbers. Come join us at Products: Vacant
the Cape Coral & Ft. Myers Bike Nights for our
Membership Discount. Thanks. Chapter Rep: Moe Moser
Chapter Rep: Carl Nelson
Live Free & Ride Safe,
Robb HELP SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL MOTORCYCLE
RIGHTS ORGANIZATION (MRO)
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 Vice Presidents Message:

Hello Southwest Chapter.

As you know, The battle is on! A misguided Florida

state representative has introduced HB 6009 which,
if passed, will require all motorcyclists to wear a
helmet at all times. Have YOU called your
representative yet? If not, ask yourself why not?
THIS IS WHAT ABATE IS ABOUT! Do you want
some legislator who has never ridden a motorcycle
to tell you that you have to wear a helmet? This has
to be stopped now before it gains any traction. If
youre not sure who to call, google find my Florida
representative and youll get a website that asks you
for your address and gives you your rep. What could
be easier? Then, grab your phone and call him or her.
Even better is a hand-written note- it has the best
chance of actually being read and hopefully passed
on to the rep. All you have to do is identify yourself
as a voting Floridian and request that the
Representative not support HB 6009. Forget texting-
they get 10,000 a day. I dont want to wake up some
day this spring and find out that I have to go out to
buy a helmet. Do YOU? MAKE THE CALL!

In the meantime, we have been given, on a silver

platter, the best possible recruiting tool imaginable-
a mandatory helmet bill. Every member should be
telling any motorcyclist that they encounter about
the bill and should urge that person to join ABATE.
Explain that politics is a numbers game- the bigger
we are, the louder our voice in Tallahassee. Lets get
this Chapter membership up.

Ride free thanks to ABATE,

Moe

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 ABATE OF FLORIDA, INC./SOUTHWEST CHAPTER
GENERAL MEETING
Six Bends Harley-Davidson, Fort Myers on January 15, 2017
17 members, 1 guest fund. A handout was given to all at the meeting that lists the talking
Pledge of Allegiance, Moment of Silence points given to us by State with regard to how to reach out to your
Meeting called to order at 10:29am legislator and statistics to relay that show the statistics they are
getting dont show everything. President advised the PIP Insurance
President: is trying to be removed, but he is looking into it more.
Thanks goes out to new advertisers, as well as those who renewed
with us. Discussion of Helmet Bill 6009 and removal of Safety Director:
paragraph that makes it an option to wear a helmet with Section No dates received for upcoming classes yet and calls are going to be
1(3)(B). It is on its way to two committees. The second committee placed regarding same. We took more pictures of the safety booth
is chaired by individual in North Fort Myers District. for State if they need it for legislative purposes.
Vice President: Sgt-at-Arms:
Helmet bill in place is the best recruiting tool we have. In order Nothing to report.
to help keep this bill from passing, we MUST contact our
legislators. Write a letter or make a phone call. There is a court Products:
date on the Adam King case on January 25. Will find out if a plea We still have BLM patches for sale. Also we have pins available.
is being entered and if defendant will be there, we will ask Advertising/Newsletter:
motorcyclists to show up and show support for Adam Kings American Cycle did not renew. Palladen Cycle, Haus of Trikes and
family. Southwest Cycles all renewed. We obtained one new advertiser Erik
Treasurer: Elsea of Jones & Company Real Estate. We are also talking with Sun
Beginning and end balance of December report was read and Sports, Performance 41, Victory Lane and the Bagel Factory about
expenses and income were noted in detail. Motion to approve by placing ads.
John Lupo, Seconded by Gator. Motion carried. Old Business:
Secretary: Veterans Ride we went ahead and got gift cards for each Veteran.
Our Secretary had an excused absence from the meeting today. A We are going to take them up this week. Fort Myers Bike Night
motion was made by Gator to accept the minutes as noted in the we were able to meet with the RDA and get placed back on First
December meeting. Seconded by Fran Lupo. Motion carried. Street.

Membership: New Business:

In December we had 7 renewals and 5 new members. As noted
by VP, this helmet bill is the best recruiting tool available to us.
We added 35 new members to our membership list at the Fort
Myers Bike Night. And most individuals at the bike night knew
nothing of the Helmet Bill, which means it is up to us to get it out
to the public. A motion was made by Moe Moser that our
Membership Trustee be the sponsor for all new members from
the Fort Myers Bike Night. Seconded by Robb Rabell. Motion
carried.
PR/Communications:
We are following up on interviews with Dane Eagle, Trey Radell
and Matt Caldwell. Matt Caldwell is the Chair of the Second
Committee to review HB 6009 and he is in the North Fort Myers
District. Trey Radell is the host of Day Break and he is advocating
for the bill. We want to try to educate him on statistics not
change his mind, but give him the full facts.
Legislative:
There was discussion of the Helmet Bill and about reaching out
to Legislators to reject the bill. Also discussed getting a better
understanding of the steps a bill goes through until
passing/failing. Discussed gun bills open carry is being pitched
in Senate; red light camera bills bill to remove lights and notice
of a Red Light Scam letter demanding payment; express
lanes/HOA lanes toll by plate, money was designated to be used
for specific items and not to be placed in a general
Sun Sports wants to do two more events with us each year besides
our Christmas Run, maybe a bike show, bike games or both. There
has been discussion of March 18th or 25th. We are trying to stay away
from weekends with other events. After talking with Victory Lane,
where bike nights used to be held on Wednesday nights, they want
us back. This is being discussed. Pericos Restaurant is under new
management and starting a Wednesday night bike night. We are
going to check it out and see about maybe setting up a booth there.
Also discussion was held about getting signs in businesses like
Harley Davidson, Sun Sports, etc., regarding the Helmet Bill and the
Chapters information for signing up. Cape Day Drinkers is an
organization that picks out a charity to raise money for and holds
their fundraisers at different venues. Discussion was held about
going to one to see if this is something we could get involved in.
Good of the Order:
Discussion was held how to raise attendance at Chapter meetings.
We discussed the fact that we dont do a lot of riding, but that is
mostly because of the insurance costs and requirements that are now
in place to hold an ABATE ride. We are going to look into it and see
what can be done. Also discussion was held of maybe changing the
meeting place. It was discussed, but it seems that most people are
fine with it where it is.
Motion to Adjourn:
Motion made by Charlie Fisher, Seconded by Fran Lupo. Motion
carried.

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 Father Toms Message:
Dear Fellow ABATE Members,
Whats the Point?
Why am I Here?

One of the things that riding motorcycles allows us to do, is to clear our heads/minds. Many of
us will agree, the sole purpose of some of our short and long journeys is to get away from being
too close to the everyday influences, routines, friends, family, job and familiar surroundings. We
just need to ride and think! For some, it is also a time to enjoy Gods surroundings and pray.
As we are getting older and have those mind clearing experiences thoughts of mortality and how we have spent our lives are
taking more precedence. There are also thoughts of, How do I finish, well?
Life and the world in general has only part of the correct answers to the above questions, as we always seem to be in preparation for
something. Many of us prepare for school, a career, marriage, retirement, or just getting ready to go for a motorcycle ride. However,
we need to realize that all the world has us prepare for will eventually come to an end. In addition to the above questions, our thoughts
can lead us to additionally ask, Is that all there is? It can lead to depression, with all its ugly symptoms and consequences.

Matthew 25:34 says, Then the King will say to those on His right hand, Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom
prepared for you from the foundation of the world:-KJV 1 Corinthians 2:9 says, But as it is written: Eye has not seen, nor ear
heard, nor have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for those who love Him. KJV Hebrews
13:14 says, We do not have an enduring city here; instead, we seek the one to come. HCSB

We can all agree the life we are living is not all there is. It is temporary. If we listen to Gods word, the time we are spending now is in
preparation for eternity.
2 Corinthians 5:6 says: Now we look forward with confidence to our heavenly bodies, realizing that every moment we spend in
these earthly bodies is time spent away from our eternal home in heaven with Jesus. TLB

Ecclesiastes 3:11 says, Everything is appropriate in its own time. But though God has planted eternity in the hearts of men, even
so, many cannot see the whole scope of Gods work from beginning to end. - TLB

Ephesians 1:10 says, and this was His purpose: that when the time is ripe He will gather us all together from wherever we
arein heaven or on earthto be with Him in Christ forever.

The preparation for eternity can still take place. Even if near the end of our lives, we finally realize and accept what God and His
eternity have to offer.

Please pray: My dear God, the God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, the God of Jesus... right now I come before You as a sinner and ask
forgiveness of my sins, I repent of those sins and ask that you help me through any temptations so as not to commit them again. I
believe that your Son, the Lord Jesus Christ paid for those sins on the cross and I receive Him into my heart as Lord and Savior. I
believe that Jesus died for me, He was buried for me, He rose for me, and He is coming back for me. I open the door of my life to
You. I look forward to the eternity you promise. Help me to finish my life well, fulfilling the purpose you have for me, here on
earth, in your service. In the name of Jesus... Amen.
If you have prayed this for the first time, will you please let us know? Give us a call to share your experience.
Blessings and hugs,
Pastor Tom (Estero River ABATE Life Member and Southwest ABATE Chapter Chaplain) and Chaplain Kathy (SW ABATE Life
Member)- tprovenz@comcast.net 239-267-8641

Membership Report:
For the month of January we had 1 renewals and 37 new members!!!!

To become a member, simply complete the application on Page 19 of this Newsletter and mail it to ABATE Southwest
Chapter, PO Box 60745, Fort Myers, FL 33906 along with cash or check for $20 annual or $600 life payable to Southwest
Chapter. Or come to either the Fort Myers or Cape Coral Bike Nights or come to our next Chapter Meeting on Sunday,
February 19, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. at Six Bends Harley-Davidson. Memberships that will expire at the end of February are
Robert Coco, Mary Cranden and Steve Hogan. Please see me about your renewal.

Heidi Szolga
Southwest Chapter ABATE Membership Trustee

6
7
Legislative Report:
HB 6009 Motorcycle Safety

General Bill by Hahnfeltd

Motorcycle Safety: Removes provisions authorizing certain persons over 21 years of age to operate/ride motorcycle
without wearing protective headgear; provides penalties.

Effective Date: July 1, 2017

Last Event: Now in Transportation & Infrastructure Subcommittee on Monday, January 09, 2017 2:25 PM

HB 6009 the helmet bill has just been assigned to committees. It has only been given two committees so we need to keep in contact
with our legislators. Please make sure all your members are aware of the importance of contacting their legislators. Have them go to
this website to find their legislators http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Representatives/myrepresentative.aspx

The first committee that it will be heard in is the Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee
Brad Drake Chair; Clay Ingram - Vice Chair; Barbara Watson - Ranking Democrat; Kimberly Daniels; Michael Grant; Kristin Diane
Jacobs; Amber Mariano; Ralph Massullo; Mike Miller; Wengay Newton; Bobby Payne; Jackie Toledo; Matt Willhite; Jayer
Williamson; Clay Yarborough

The second and last committee is the Government Accountability Committee:

Matt Caldwell Chair; Charlie Stone - Vice Chair; Clovis Watson - Ranking Democrat member; Joseph Abruzzo; Ben Albritton;
Colleen Burton; Neil Combee; Brad Drake; Jay Fant; Patrick Henry; Kristin Diane Jacobs; Chris Latvala; Amber Mariano; Wengay
Newton; Cary Pigman; Scott Plakon; Holly Raschein; Daniel Raulerson; Bob Rommel; David Santiago; Carlos Guillermo Smith;
Barbara Watson; Matt Wilhite; Jayer Williamson

Helmets are not the magic hat people say they are.

o In 2015 296 died wearing a DOT or other Helmet. 237 died without helmets
o 2014 223 died with helmets .. 198 died with no helmets
o 2013 233 died with helmets .. 204 died without helmets
o 2012 210 died with helmets 209 died without helmets
o 2011 188 died with helmets.. 218 died without helmets
o 2010 186 died with helmets. 122 died without helmets
o 2009 203 died with helmets.. 134 died without helmets
o 2008 279 died with helmets. 171 died without helmets
o 2007 305 died with helmets. 208 died without helmets
o 2006 322 died with helmets. 199 died without helmets
o 2005 252 died with helmets. 189 died without helmets
o 2004 200 died with helmets. 186 died without helmets

All of these yearly reports can be found at the FHSMV (Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles) website under the
RESOURCES tab click on Crash and Citation Reports & Statistics. Here is a direct link:
https://www.flhsmv.gov/resources/crash-citation-reports/

They still cannot prove that every rider that died without a helmet, died due to a head injury. Having your body ran over by a
car that pulls out in front of you can kill the same with or without a helmet.

When they talk about the cost of medical treatment to injured riders, they are trying to deceive people into thinking that riders
do not have insurance and all this cost is passed on to the public. However a report titled Motorcycle Crash Trends in Florida
presented in 2010 by the Center for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR) at USF, shows that 91% of the 2009
Hospitalizations in Florida for Nonfatal Injuries Sustained in Motorcycle Traffic Crashes had a payer source. That report has
since been taken off of their website. They did post this from 2014 that still makes our point.

8
 They do not want to count Medicare, Medicaid, Charity and Other as a payer source. They want to mislead you by making
you think that if the rider does not have Commercial Insurance they have no payer source. Besides, since Obama Care,
doesnt everyone have to be covered or pay a big fine? So when you look at this graph notice that how many riders actually
do have a payer source.

When you contact your legislator calmly point out the hard facts that:
o More riders die each year wearing a helmet.
o There is no proof that all the deaths of riders without a helmet wear due to head injury.
o Over 90% of hospitalizations of riders did have a viable payer source.
o A proper Motorcycle Safety Awareness Program can increase driver awareness of motorcycles and is the key
program to decrease motorcyclists deaths.

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Talking points suggestions for HB 6009
Below are a few talking points that you can use to talk with your legislators about HB 6009.

Phone calls to either the legislators District office or Tally office are better than sending email.
You have more clout with your own legislator than with one from another district. Use that clout by telling the legislators
office that you are on their constituents.
The absolute most important thing is to speak to them in a calm friendly manner. Do not call angry or talk down to the
person. The old saying is true You attract more bees with honey than you do with vinegar. We cannot afford to turn any
legislators against us.
When you call the legislators office, you will almost always get the secretary or aide. Be prepared to tell your name, address
and phone number. Tell them that you are a member of ABATE of Florida, Inc., Southwest Chapter. If you are a regular
voter then tell them that. Dont tell them you vote if you rarely ever vote.
If you do vote regularly, the past few general and primary elections are you a Super Voter. This carries more clout because
they now know that you actually do get out and vote.
Tell the person at the office that you are opposed to HB 6009 and you would like the legislator to help fight against this bill.
Something as simple as:
o Hello, my name is Joe Smith, 1234 Main Street in Ft. Myers-Cape Coral, Florida. I am a member of ABATE of
Florida, Inc., Southwest Chapter in Lee County. I am calling to ask (Rep. Name) to help in opposing HB 6009. I
live in (Rep. Name) district and I vote in every single election. Please let (Rep. Name) know that I am opposed to
HB 6009 and I would like his/her help in opposing this bill. Thank you.
o Occasionally they might ask you why you are opposed to the bill. If the office is busy that day they probably will
not ask you why you are opposed.
Here are a few short easy to give reasons why you oppose HB 6009:
o There has not been any definitive proof that simply wearing a helmet will guarantee saving a life. In 2015, 296
motorcyclists were killed in Florida while wearing a helmet. This is compared to 237 killed without a helmet.
o There is no definitive proof that all motorcyclists killed without a helmet died from head injuries.
o There is no definitive proof that the cost of medical treatment to an injured motorcyclist is actually passed on to
society to pay. People for the mandatory helmet law love to say that X amount of dollars for motorcyclists
medical bills are passed on to the citizens of Florida. This is simply illogical and is presumptive that ALL
motorcyclists have no insurance at all.
o If the only reason for this bill is to save lives, then support a statewide Motorcycle Awareness Program. Education,
not legislation can save more lives.
o $2.50 of all motorcycle registration fees goes into a motorcycle awareness education fund. Give ABATE of Florida,
Inc., at least 25% of that yearly money and we can mount a Statewide Motorcycle Awareness Program that is
effective, efficient and saves the State of Florida lives and money.

Dear Editor: I have taken the opportunity to respond to your editorial. My comments will be inserted in red where needed. Thank you,
Darrin Scribe Brooks.
Here is the editorial that was published in the DAILY COMMERCIAL newspaper on Sunday, January 1, 2017. >The original editorial
is in black type with my comments in red.
Editorial: In favor of the helmet law
January 1, 2017
A local lawmaker has filed a bill that would require all motorcycle riders to wear helmets in Florida, a measure that is long overdue.
State Rep. Don Hahnfeldt, R-The Villages, said he filed the helmet bill because he believes it will save lives and taxpayer money. (He
believes it will save lives and taxpayer money. Did he provide any proof that this will happen? Or is this just one of those generic
feel-good statements like I want to stop world hunger?) Hahnfeldt correctly noted that the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration labeled Florida as the leader in motorcycle fatalities. There is little question that other factors play into the Sunshine
States dubious record-setting achievement. It is one of the largest states, so it stands to reason that Florida has more motorcycle riders
than most states. It also has pleasant year-round weather, which means bikers are riding 12 months of the year because they dont have
to deal with snow, sleet, bitter cold and other adverse conditions. But there is also little question that the 2000 law that made it optional
for bikers over 21 to wear helmets has exponentially increased the carnage on Floridas highways. (Please see Table 1 below for the
proof that the fatality rate per number of registered motorcycles has actually DECREASED since 2000. In 2000 the death rate per
registrations was 8.5. In 2015 the death rate dropped to 4.6 per registered motorcycles.) Now 16 years later we have doubled the number
of motorcycle fatalities (they dont tell you that in the past 16 years motorcycle registered has increased from 289,760 in 2000 to
1,227,674 in 2016) and cost hundreds of lives and hundreds of millions of dollars in medical costs, attorney and legal fees and lost
productivity, not to mention the pain and suffering of families of loved ones who have been killed on our highways or severely injured
permanently simply because they did not wear helmets, Hahnfeldt told Daily Commercial report Livi Stanford last week. (Show me
the stats where he gets this hundreds of millions of dollars? Not to mention that they are making the assumption that all of this money
was passed on to the Florida taxpayers. That whole quote is silly and defies logic and science . . . Oh wait.. You will hear those exact
words in a few paragraphs) Predictably, Hahnfeldts bill is drawing opposition for bikers who believe the bill infringes on their freedom.
10
If youve ever ridden a motorcycle, you know and even if you havent ridden one, you can imagine the sense of peace and freedom
you feel with the wind blowing against your face and through your hair, the sun shining on you as you cruise down the highway sans
helmet. But when weighed against the sobering state and national statistics on injuries and deaths among helmetless riders, the riders
freedom to choose pales. (again, look at Table 1, the death rate per number of registered motorcycles has been cut in almost half since
2000).

According to the Center for Urban Transportation Research study, after the universal helmet law was repealed, motorcycle crashes and
fatalities increased sharply. The report stated that while motorcyclist injuries nationwide increased 60 percent between 2001 and 2008,
they ballooned 85 percent in Florida during that time. (During that time motorcycle registrations increased from 289,760 to
649,210See Table 1 below) Advocates for Highway & Auto Safety, a public interest group, concluded that in 2013, in states without
an all-rider helmet law, 59 percent of the motorcyclists killed were not wearing helmets, as opposed to only 8 percent in states with all-
rider helmet laws in 2013. (Invalid statit is like saying drivers in Orland have a 59% chance of being struck in traffic as opposed to
only 8% of drivers in Weirsdaleriders in states that have all-rider helmet laws HAVE to wear helmets, that is why the helmetless
deaths are so low.) Motorcycle groups like ABATE, of course, serve up their own data (Really? Our OWN data? Florida Department of
Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles doesnt count? Or do the facts get in the way of your article?) to show that there is no correlation
between helmet use and death rate. Some overly ambitious bikers will even argue that here is a greater incidence of death and injury
among helmeted riders than non-helmeted riders, (as a matter of factthe 2015 FHSMV Crash Facts show that 296 riders wearing a
DOT approved or other helmet died compared to 237 without a helmet. https://flhsmv.gov/odf/crashreports/crash_facts_2015.pdf) which
is silly and defies logic and science. (See, I told you you would see those words again. I think that writing something for the newspaper
without checking your facts is silly and defies logic and science, but then I am just a biker.) As for the arguments that the law infringes
on riders freedoms, we say this: Of course it does. Most laws prohibit behavior that lawmakers and the public at large judge too risky
or too detrimental to the individual or the common good. In that regard, the helmet law is no different than laws that proscribe smoking
in public places or wearing seat belts in cars. (In 2015 632 pedestrians were killed in Florida, should we force people walking to wear
helmets? https://flhsmv.gov/pdf/crashreports/crash_facts_2015.pdf) We support Rep. Hahnfeldts bill and encourage you to contact your
local legislators and get them behind it as well. (ABATE of Florida, Inc. does not support this bill as it has no basis in fact and only uses
emotion and feel good rhetoric.) Please see Table 1 belowI also have included other documented facts.

11
TABLE 1
The graph below is from FHSMV 2008 Traffic Safety Statistics
http://www.flhsmv.gov/html/VulnerableUsersRpts/Motorcycles2009.pdf

I am using the 2008 report to show how many registered motorcycles were in 2000 compared to 2015.

Year Fatalities Registrations Rate

2015 546 1,185,787 4.6
The death rate per registered motorcycles has exponentially DECREASED the carnage on Florida Highways.

Motorcycles vs. All Vehicles (Fatality Rate per 10,000 Registrations)

Motorcycles All Vehicles

Year Fatalities Registrations Fatality Rate Fatalities Registrations Fatality Rate
2000 246 289,760 8.5 2,999 11,948,485 2.5
2001 276 323,301 8.5 3,013 13,448,202 2.2
2002 304 366,196 8.3 3,143 12,989,278 2.4
2003 365 432,732 8.4 3,179 14,080,886 2.3
2004 416 489,167 8.5 3,257 14,512.264 2.2
2005 477 561,455 8.5 3,533 15,062,993 2.3
2006 550 599,036 9.2 3,365 15,612,161 2.2
2007 550 647,968 8.5 3,221 14,858.332 2.2
2008 532 649,210 8.2 2,983 15,966,287 1.9

Encourage all drivers to share the road with motorcyclists.

When motorcycles crash with other vehicles, the other vehicle driver usually violates the motorcyclists right-of-way (NHTSA, 2011b).
Motorcycles and motorcyclists are smaller visual targets than cars or trucks and drivers may not expect to see motorcycles on the road.
Many states have conducted communications and outreach campaigns to increase other drivers awareness of motorcyclists.

NHTSA (2011b). Countermeasures That Work: A Highway Safety Countermeasures Guide for State Highway Safety Offices. Sixth
Edition, 2011. DOT HS 811 444. Washington, DC: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
http://www.nhtsa.gov/staticfiles/nti/pdf/811444.pdf

This is to help everyone know that some people who are for the helmet bill will use only half of the facts and throw away the facts that
go against their argument. ABATE of Florida, Inc. is neither pro-helmet nor anti-helmet. We want all riders to make the best choice for
themselves. And we want the facts to be stated correctly.

ABATE of Florida, Inc. has a patented Motorcycle Awareness Safety Program that educates the general public to be aware of
motorcycles on the road. When given the financial resources we have shown education can result in decreased deaths, but that is another
story that will not get printed. I know that you wont print this but if you have any question, please email me.

LAWMAKER TARGETS EXPRESS TOLL LANES

A Senate Republican on Thursday proposed limiting the creation of high-occupancy toll lanes or express lanes on Florida roadways ---
and restricting how toll money could be used. Sen. Frank Artiles, R-Miami, filed a bill (SB 250) that would prevent the creation of high-
occupancy toll lanes or express lanes as of July 1. Also, the bill would restrict the use of tolls collected from such already-existing lanes.
Those tolls could only be used to pay off bond debts from high-occupancy and express lane projects. After the debts are paid off, tolls
would be eliminated and the lanes could not be used as high-occupancy or express lanes, according to the proposal. The bill is filed for
the legislative session that starts March 7.

CRASHES UP AT RED-LIGHT CAMERA INTERSECTIONS

By LLOYD DUNKELBERGER, THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA

THE CAPITAL, TALLAHASSEE, January 5, 2017.......... As Florida lawmakers prepare to renew their debate over red-light cameras,
a new report from state highway officials shows an increase in vehicle collisions at intersections with the traffic-control devices.

In a survey of 148 intersections in 28 cities and counties across the state, total crashes were up 10.14 percent when comparing data
before the cameras were installed and after they were in place, according to the Dec. 31 report from the state Department of Highway
Safety and Motor Vehicles.

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The survey, which used crash data collected between July 2012 and April 2016, also showed:
--- Rear-end collisions were up 11.41 percent.
--- Angle crashes were up 6.72 percent.
--- Accidents involving pedestrians, bicyclists and other "non-motorists" were down 19.64 percent.
--- Collisions involving vehicles running red lights were down 3.14 percent.
--- Crashes involving injuries were up 9.34 percent.
--- Fatalities doubled from five to 10 in the survey, which involved more than 10,700 total accidents.

Highway safety officials cited two factors for the increase, including the fact that Florida motorists are spending more time on the
roadways. Vehicle miles in the state increased 8.32 percent from 2012 to 2015, the report noted, meaning an increased likelihood of
more crashes overall. The second factor is the reliability of the data, with the survey noting that not all crash reports give exact locations,
making it more difficult to correlate the accidents with red-light camera intersections

Attempts to ban red-light cameras have failed during past legislative sessions. Artiles used the crash data to try to pass a red-light camera
repeal bill last year. "The purpose of red-light cameras is not about safety. It's about money," Artiles said. "We finally have the proof
we need." Money remains a major factor in the debate over the cameras, with the state and local governments splitting the $158 fines
for red-light camera violations.

Fines yielded nearly $60 million for the state budget last year, according to the state Department of Revenue. Cities and counties
collected about $53 million, with about half of that going to red-light camera companies. The number of red-light cameras in use through
June 30 dropped by 108 devices, down to 688, from the prior year, according to the highway safety survey of 59 cities and counties
using the cameras. Six local governments dropped the use of the cameras in the last year, the report showed.
But while the number of cameras declined, violations rose by 27.5 percent to 1.23 million during the 2015-16 fiscal year. Citations
written personally by law-enforcement officers declined about 12 percent to 50,755, the report said. American Traffic Solutions was the
top company providing red-light cameras in Florida, servicing 46 cities and counties. Xerox and Redflex each had four local government
clients, the report said. The companies earn an average of $4,250 or more per month from each camera, prior reports showed. Please
see attachments in Legislative Report Email.

The cost of life saving education

Did you know that each year when you register your motorcycle, you pay a mandatory fee that goes into a Trust Fund to be used
specifically for motorcycle safety awareness programs? That is the absolute truth. The State of Florida cares so much about us that they

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are setting aside some of OUR OWN money to help keep us safe. Well. Kinda, they have included a loophole in their own law that
allows for whatever money they do not spend on motorcycle safety and awareness, can actually go back into the FDOTs (Florida
Department of Transportation) general budget.

GUN ISSUES GRAB ATTENTION IN TALLAHASSEE

By LLOYD DUNKELBERGER, THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA

THE CAPITAL, TALLAHASSEE, January 10, 2017.......... In the wake of mass shootings at an Orlando nightclub and at the Fort
Lauderdale airport, the gun-control debate intensified Tuesday with Democratic lawmakers filing legislation to try to improve gun safety
while an appeals court heard arguments about local-government gun ordinances.

Sen. Gary Farmer, D-Fort Lauderdale, and Sen. Linda Stewart, D-Orlando, announced they are sponsoring a proposal (SB 254) that
would ban so-called assault rifles and "large capacity" ammunition magazines. Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith, D-Orlando, is sponsoring
the measure (HB 167) in the House. The bills would specifically ban the ownership of Sig Sauer MCX semi-automatic rifles, which was
the type of weapon used by Omar Mateen in killing 49 victims at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando in June. "We cannot continue to say
I'm sorry or let's pray for these folks. We do. But that's not what we need. We need gun-safety legislation," said Stewart, whose district
includes the Pulse nightclub. "We've got to start talking about this and we've got to start acting.

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 February, 2017
Sun Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri Sat
Rack Em 1 2 3 4
Cruis-In on
47th Terrace
7-10pm
5 6 7 Rack Em 8 9 10 CC Bike Night 11
Cruis-In on 5-10pm
State Meeting
47th Terrace Ocala, FL
7-10pm
12 13 14 Rack Em 15 16 17 18
Cruis-In on
47th Terrace
7-10pm
10:30am 19 20 21 Rack Em 22 23 24 25
Chapter Cruis-In on
Meeting - Six 47th Terrace
Bends HD
7-10pm
26 27 28

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 March, 2017
Sun Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri Sat
1 2 3 4

5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Fort Myers
Bike Night
6-10pm
12 13 14 15 16 17 18

10:30am 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
Chapter
Meeting - Six
Bends HD

26 27 28 29 30 31

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 SOUTHWEST CHAPTER LIFE MEMBERS
Kim Adair Sonny Gartrell Tabitha Rossi
Keith Baker Steven Goldstein Roland Salsberry
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 ABATE OF FLORIDA, INC.
Southwest Chapter P.O. Box 60745 Fort Myers, FL 33906

ADVERTISING RATE SCHEDULE

AND APPLICATION

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Ad renewal payments must be received by the 10th of the renewal month or ad will be discontinued.
Forward this completed form and payment to above P.O. Box. Checks payable to Southwest Chapter
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CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION FOR FEDERAL INCOME TAX PURPOSES.

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 ABATE of Florida, Inc.
Southwest Chapter
P.O. Box 60745 Fort Myers, FL 33906
Southwest.abateflorida.com

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