COLUMBIA, S.C., Jan. 5 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Each year since 1974 members of ABATE of South Carolina travel from across the state to lobby for their rights at the Statehouse in Columbia on the opening day of the legislative session. This year will mark the third annual legislative scavenger hunt at the capitol. Bikers are expected to begin arriving at 9:00 AM Tuesday January 8th. Last year over 100 bikers took part in the scavenger hunt and more are expected this year to answer the threat by some to amend the helmet law. The bikers of ABATE strongly oppose any change to the current South Carolina helmet law. ABATE has supported the current helmet law since its passage 28 years ago. ABATE calls upon legislators to increase funding to the state's motorcycle training program and improve access to training across the state. Additionally the current licensing process needs drastic improvement. The revolving door allowing novice riders to continually renew learner permits without attempting the road test needs to be addressed immediately. Impaired driving, riding, and lack of training are taking a toll on South Carolina roads for motorists and motorcyclists alike. ABATE urges all citizens to obtain training and exercise proper judgment. Finally ABATE wishes to address the hazard posed to motorcyclists stranded at traffic signals that fail to detect motorcycles. Rear-end collisions can be live altering or deadly to motorcyclists despite the use of the best body amour and helmets on the market. ABATE urges the legislature to quickly pass Senate Bill 111. Each day the legislature delays action on S111 increases the likelihood of another fatality. Organizers of the biker lobby day will be available to speak with members of the press between 9:00 AM and 11:30 AM in the lobby of the Statehouse. A Brotherhood Against Totalitarian Enactments (ABATE) of South Carolina is a State Motorcyclists Rights Organization dedicated to defending the rights of all motorcyclists who choose to ride in South Carolina. ABATE of South Carolina also encourages all motorcyclists to register to vote and become active in the political process. ABATE encourages motorcyclists to voluntarily obtain motorcycle rider training. Many members of ABATE are involved in a variety of charitable organizations and take great pride in being active members of their communities. To learn more about ABATE of SC visit http://www.abatesc.com.
|
