'Tis the season: time for motorists to be more aware          

[April 23, 2007]  It's that time again: time for motorcycles (and their drivers) to emerge from winter hibernation. Now that nice weather is mostly here to stay and with over 558,000 registered motorcyclists in Illinois, motorists should to be more on their toes as they drive.

As such, the city of Lincoln adopted a proclamation of May 2007 as Motorcycle Safety Month. In the proclamation it is also recognized that Illinois is striving for motor safety and that it is extremely important to recognize motorcycle awareness and safety.

Motorcycles are recognized as a common and economical means of transportation, easy on fuel and roadways. They contribute relief to traffic and parking congestion.

Present for the proclamation were members of A Brotherhood Aimed Toward Education, known as ABATE. The organization strives to present motorcycle safety practices and awareness to drivers through driver's education at the high school level and to the general public. They have reached more than 100,000 motorists in three years.

All motorcyclists are encouraged to join ABATE, and promote and practice safety. The organization has many volunteers focused on presenting safety awareness, but they also participate in contributing to many charitable organizations.

Eldon Read represented the local ABATE chapter at the proclamation reading at the city council meeting on March 19.

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