ABATE of Maryland

ABATE (A Brotherhood Against Totalitarian Enactments) of Maryland is the largest association of motorcycle riders in Maryland, whose members have joined together to advocate training as the foremost means to reducing accidents and injury, to put an end to discriminatory legislation, to communicate via a bi-monthly newsletter, to explore ways to improve the overall motorcycling experience in Maryland, and to provide for and assure a continuing freedom and affordability of motorcycling.

ABATE of Maryland is the only organization in Maryland exclusively engaged in representing the rights of Maryland motorcyclists. We maintain a presence in Annapolis, your state Capitol, from the ABATE of Maryland state office. Local chapters throughout the state provide the foundation for our organization.

Motorcyclists in Maryland and nation-wide are presented with challenges from some elements of society that would eliminate or severely restrict motorcycling. Those who would like to restrict motorcycling attempt to do so with restrictive laws or prohibitive insurance costs. We perceive the risks associated with motorcycling as being manageable through programs of rider and driver education. The only effective method of reducing motorcycle injuries is accident avoidance.

Aims and Purposes of ABATE of Maryland, Inc.

	ABATE of Maryland is dedicated to, but not limited to, protecting the individual and collective rights of motorcyclists through public education, political change, and charitable works.
	Improving road conditions, thus making roads safer for motorcyclists.
	Alerting the State Highway Administration of dangerous roadway conditions.
	Promoting motorcycle safety by protecting and improving the Maryland Motorcycle Safety Program.
	Encouraging insurers to decrease premiums for motorcyclists due to increased rider education and fewer accidents.
	Promoting political involvement of motorcyclists. Informing members how legislators voted on legislation effecting motorcyclists.
	Encouraging members to register and vote.
	Inspiring qualified members to communicate effectively with their elected officials.
	Acting as a liaison between motorcyclists and government or regulatory agencies and officials.
	Countering and discouraging biased and negative press coverage of motorcyclists and motorcycle events.
	Promoting a positive public image of motorcyclists.
	Maintaining peaceful and orderly ABATE sponsored events.
	Encouraging family events such as swap meets, picnics, bike shows, and rides.
	Encouraging generosity and concern for charitable foundations by participating in toy runs and blood runs.

Benefits of Membership

Membership is open to ALL people interested in furthering the aims and purposes of ABATE of Maryland, Inc. There are NO restrictions regarding brands of motorcycles owned nor is motorcycle ownership required. Members are eligible for any and all benefits of ABATE of Maryland upon receipt of a membership card. Members may join by sending an application to the state office in Annapolis or through any chapter and choose to be affiliated with any chapter.

New members receive a patch, membership card, and 6 annual issues of the newsletter. Renewing members receive a year pin, membership card, and 6 annual issues of the newsletter.

ABATE of Maryland maintains an office in Annapolis. Legislative activities are managed there, along with producing the newsletter, maintaining membership rolls, and other work required to maintain the organization.

Motorcyclists in Maryland enjoy the freedom to ride the brand of motorcycle they prefer, enjoy the type of riding they prefer, and associate with other riders with similar riding interests. This encompasses a large number of diverse groups and the legislative issues associated with this diversity. ABATE of Maryland presents a unified front to Maryland legislators and regulatory agencies.

The strength of our organization comes from the strength and commitment of our members.

ABATE Accomplishments

Acquired voluntary helmet use for motorcycle riders between 1979 and 1992.

	Since 1992, we have continued to work towards achieving voluntary helmet use for motorcycle riders.
	Successfully lobbied for the creation and maintenance of the Motorcycle Safety Program.
	When the Motorcycle Safety Program’s existence was threatened, we prevented it from being eliminated and continue to monitor this essential program.
	Defeated an attempt to impose catastrophic health insurance that would have made the sport of motorcycling unaffordable for most riders.
	Defeated an attempt to require expensive personal injury insurance for motorcyclists.
	Enacted a Lemon Law that protects the consumer interests of motorcycle purchasers.
	Enacted a Parking Law that allows multiple motorcycles to park in a metered space instead of only one.
	Members successfully lobbied to allow the use of handicap license plates for motorcycles.
	Defeated several attempts to require vehicle registration of All Terrain Vehicles (ATV) and off-road motorcycles.
	Established and continue to maintain a solid rapport with our local, state, and federal legislators and regulatory agencies.
	Maintain relationships with other motorcycle rights organizations and attend legislative seminars and workshops at national motorcycle conventions including NCOM, MRF, and AMA.