ABATE of PA to Conduct Rights Rally

The Alliance of Bikers Aimed Toward Education (ABATE of PA) will hold its 32nd Annual Motorcyclist Rights Rally at noon today at the state capitol. Preceding the rally will be a tribute ride for the late Lieutenant Governor and ABATE member Catherine Baker Knoll, extending from Shellsville to Harrisburg. Multiple speakers, including Senator John Wozniak and possibly Governor Ed Rendell, will be at the event, which will focus on the consequences of driving a motorcycle drunk and the effects of “distracted driving” on motorcyclists. ABATE of PA spokesman David Tuschel says not all distractions are necessarily from cell phones – he says a woman on a motorcycle was rear-ended and killed at a red light by another woman who was doing her nails while driving. “We want severe penalties for this sort of thing. There’s no reason for severe penalties to exist for maiming or killing someone as a result of drinking and being inebriated, but if you’re being inattentive, that should be a $50 fine. We don’t think so,” says Tuschel. The spokesman says the group will support any legislation aimed toward reducing distracted driving, but opposes any laws that mandate the wearing of protective helmets. Following the speakers, the Clarence D. Bell Scholarship will be presented to its recipients by Devon Collins of ABATE of PA. For more information, visit ABATE’s website.