President's Desk July 2011
- Details
- Published on Thursday, 16 June 2011 22:46
Hello Readers,
Looks as if we jumped right from winter into summer as far as the weather goes. The monsoon season seems to have finished up and now it’s time for some riding. So as you are out on the roadways please be sure to stay safe and definitely watch out for the other guy. The KMA/KBA has recently finished a study of accidents here in KY and the top two reasons for accidents are #1 the operator lost control on their own in a curve and #2 another vehicle failed to yield. Hopefully we have addressed these issues to some degree but nonetheless must do better. In terms of reason #1 we have a rider education program here in KY that is very under-utilized.
This program is for both new riders and those with some experience under their belts to try and improve their skills. For beginning riders the cost is only $100 max to take the course. Some locations may be a little less. The site provides the bike, helmet and other materials. You just need to provide a willingness to learn. If you would like to take the experienced course you can do so for only $25. You can call (859) 622-2236 for more information or a location near you. With proper training hopefully we can bring down the number of accidents due to operator errors.
Reason # 2 involves the general public and their attention to us on the roadways. We have been trying for some time to get through to other users of the highways to look twice and save a life. Various signage campaigns have been tried and hopefully have helped somewhat. We are looking to start going to local cities and counties and ask them to start placing motorcycle awareness signs in key locations in those cities and counties. Perhaps you can help with this effort. The KMA/KBA several years ago was able to get a law on books which allows for cities and counties to place these signs on certain roadways. They must comply with standard DOT regulations and such but this is easily met. The main issue to date has been cost in most cases. As budgets are strapped for cash to fund schools and emergency personnel, signs take a back seat. What we would like to see happen is if you know our local Judge Executive or Mayor to ask them if they would be agreeable to first off to posting these signs in their areas. If they are then maybe we can help ourselves out a bit with a local fundraiser to help pay for the signs. I can think of no better reason to hold a benefit than to help fellow riders NOT go through the pain of an accident. One other way we can help impact the general public is through the Share the Road program. Glenda Hobbic and her team of volunteers do an excellent job of presenting a program aimed at the general public. They have presented to the State Legislature, Kiwanis groups, high school kids, and other civic organizations. Maybe you belong to a group who would like to share this program with your members. Maybe even a few folks may wish to volunteer to be a presenter after the program. Glenda is always looking for folks willing to help. So let’s get the word out. Share the Road’s website is http://www.sharekyroads.com so please stop by and check it out.
Well time to wrap things up and enjoy the riding weather while it last. Hopefully I will see you out and about this year. One place you will definitely find me is the KMA State Party on the Lake. This year it will be held once again at Lake Cumberland State Resort Park in Jamestown, KY on Sept. 16-18. You can find more details on our website at www.kmakba.com. This is one of the best kept secrets in the state. Ask anyone who has been there the past couple of years. Camping is only $25 per person and includes dinner on Saturday night. Live music, poker run, games and more. If you don’t like camping then the hotel is right around the corner and the shuttle bus runs back and forth til midnight. Come on out and have a great time as wind up the summer.
Jay Huber
State President KMA/KBA
800-68-CYCLE
