Secretary ~ Eric Eads

 Well it looks like our long summer run is coming to an end. Its the first week of November and we have our first snowfall forecast.

   Enclosed in this months Michigan Rider is a copy of the ballot and by-law proposals that will be presented to the members at the Seminar in January. You must be a current ABATE member for at least 30 days to be eligible to vote. If you have any questions regarding the ballot, you can call me at 269-435-2058.

   As a reminder, I need your Region Members of the Year by the end December, preferably sooner. I also need  a list of the members who have passed in your region.

   There is not much happening at the moment on the federal level regarding motorcycle, so.... lets see what’s happening in Europe. What happens there tends to work its way to our shores. Proposed new drivers license requirements in the EU are greater awareness of blind spots,driver assistance systems, safe operating of doors, phone distraction, and awareness of vulnerable road users. Licenses could be valid for 15 years at the EU states discretion. If the license is used as an ID, the time frame would be 10 years. CDL type licenses would be valid for 5 years. A new or renewal of an existing license would require a medical check. Those over 65 would require more frequent medical checks. Digital licenses would gradually replace physical licenses but a physical license would still be issued if requested. If a license is suspended or restricted, all EU members would be required to report this to other EU members. The plan is to have EU members implement this plan in a 4 year time frame.

  In our own backyard, Pres. Gary Kopta, thru FOIA, requested a breakdown from the State of Michigan of how the money is currently being used in the Awareness and Safety Fund that all licensed motorcyclists pay into when they renew plates and drivers licenses. This request was made back in April of this year. The request was delivered almost 6 months later. There appears to be some potential discrepancies regarding how the money is being used after going thru the 36,000 page document. If it is found the money is not being used as intended, we will take the appropriate action. Stay tune for future developments. 

   Lee Ramey, and Johnny Rotten became Life Members. Lee Ramey also contributed to the Legislative fund. Thanks for everything you all do.

Ride defensively.