Frequently Asked Questions
Hopefully we can answer all of your question, if you are wondering what A.B.A.T.E. is all about.
01
What does A.B.A.T.E. stand for?
The A.B.A.T.E. acronym stands for “Alliance of Bikers Aimed Toward Education.” Oppressive (safety) legislation can be challenged by lowering accident rates. Improvements in accident statistics through rider and driver education have been demonstrated. We support the Pennsylvania Rider Education Course called the Motorcycle Safety Program.
02
What is A.B.A.T.E. of Pa.?
A.B.A.T.E. of Pennsylvania is an organization of motorcyclists dedicated to the protection of the individual rights of motorcyclists through political change, public education and charitable works. As part of this mission, we also are active in the elimination of unfair legislation as it concerns motorcyclists; promoting motorcycle safety through both motorist and rider education; and improving the image of motorcyclists to the general public.
03
Isn't A.B.A.T.E. a Harley Group?
A.B.A.T.E. of Pennsylvania is open to all motorcyclists no matter what you ride. Whether you enjoy touring, cruising, trail riding, or racing A.B.A.T.E. of Pa. is here to serve you. We don't require that members of A.B.A.T.E. of Pa. even own, or operate a motorcycle, we just ask that you believe in protecting the rights of motorcyclists, whether it be on the road or in the dirt.
04
How long has A.B.A.T.E. been helping motorcyclists?
Since 1983, A.B.A.T.E. of PA has represented the interests of motorcyclists riding Pennsylvania's roads. Today, our Members come from every discipline of motorcycling, both on the road and off. Fayette County Chapter was established in April, 1983 and is one of the founding chapters within the Commonwealth.
05
How does A.B.A.T.E. help motorcyclists?
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Represent Motorcyclists Throughout PA
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Protect Against Road & Land Closures
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Introduce Motorcycle Related Legislation
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Conduct Fund Raisers To Benefit Our Community
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Promote Motorcycle Safety Training Classes
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Educate The Public About Motorcycle Awareness
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Defend Against Harassment & Discrimination
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Preserve Motorcycling As Transportation & Recreation
06
What are some of the issues that A.B.A.T.E. has addressed?
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Turnpike Tolls - Motorcyclists using the PA Turnpike and using E-Z Pass now receive a 25% discount on tolls. (June 2003)
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Helmet Use - Modified the helmet law to allow adult motorcyclists 21 years of age and older with two years experience or successfully completing the PA Motorcycle Safety Course. (September 4, 2003)
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Handlebar Heights - Act 152 of 2002 eliminated any restriction on handlebar heights.
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Unrestricted Parking - Two (2) or more motorcycles may park within the same parking space without the risk of being arbitrarily ticketed in PA. (Act 123 of 2002)
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Emissions Testing - Motorcycles are exempt from emissions testing.
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C.A.T. Fund - Removed the unfair catastrophic trust fund surcharge on moving violations from never-eligible-to-participate motorcyclists.
07
How can you help?
If you ride a motorcycle, believe in motorcyclists' rights, or maybe you know someone who rides and you want to help, then one way to support motorcyclists' rights is to support A.B.A.T.E. of PA, an Alliance of Bikers dedicated to the protection of the individual rights of motorcyclists through political change, charitable works, and public education.
If you or your business would like to support A.B.A.T.E. of PA. there are several options available. Please follow this link,
http://www.abatepa.org/Common_pages/Support.html to see which is best for your.
08
What are the "Watch for Motorcycle" signs, and where can I get some?
The "Watch for Motorcycles" signs originally started in 2005 with our blue and white "Look Twice / Save a Life" yard signs. There were 1000 initial signs that were created and completely funded by A.B.A.T.E. of PA. In 2006, we increased our order to 2,500 signs, and in 2007 A.B.A.T.E. of PA ordered and distributed 6,500 signs. In 2008 we ordered and distributed 10,000 more signs and in 2009 we distributed 4,000 more.
In 2010 PennDOT, the Motorcycle Safety Program and A.B.A.T.E. of PA. decided to unite and push towards greater public awareness for motorcycles, and have created the current yellow and black "Watch for Motorcycles" signs that you currently see today. With the help of PennDOT and the Motorcycle Safety Program we have successfully distributed over 40,000 yard signs within the last few years.
If you would like to show your support, please feel free to contact any of the officers for Fayette Co. Chapter, and we can direct you to either your local chapter, or information about ours.