One of the principle reasons ABATE of Illinois exists is education. Education about motorcycles and motorcyclists is perhaps the single most important ABATE function. Education helps eliminate discriminatory stereotypes and raise awareness.
The efforts of Eastern Illinois ABATE’s Safety and Education Coordinator benefits motorcyclists in East Central Illinois and throughout the State every day. Each year Eastern Illinois ABATE’s Safety and Education Coordinator and other members from Eastern Illinois ABATE teach Motorcycle Awareness classes in more than 15 different school districts in Champaign and Vermilion Counties.
The Motorcycle Awareness Program was developed by ABATE of Illinois in cooperation with the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, the Illinois Department of Transportation and the Motorcycle Awareness and Safety Program of Greater Illinois to teach new and inexperienced riders how to look for and interact with motorcycles in traffic. In Champaign and Vermilion Counties Eastern Illinois ABATE presents instruction in more than 60 classrooms each year. Through these instructional presentations over 1100 soon to be new drivers are taught the importance of being aware of motorcycles when they drive.
The value of these Safety and Education efforts cannot be measured. The Safety and Education program is directly responsible for saving lives and helping motorcyclists get home safe when they ride each and every day. Think about it. In 10 years Eastern Illinois ABATE has instructed over 10,000 future motorist. These classes are being taught all across the state by more than 60 individual ABATE chapters. ABATE of Illinois and Eastern Illinois ABATE have been around for 30 years. By the numbers hundreds of thousand of motorists have educated about the importance of being aware of motorcyclists through the efforts of ABATE of Illinois
The Safety and Education Motorcycle Awareness program is not limited to Driver’s Education classes. The program is available to be presented to private driver’s education classes or any group or civic organization of ten or more drivers interested in improving their driving skills related to interacting with motorcycles while driving. For more information contact Eastern Illinois ABATE Safety & Education Coordinator Mike Mahorney. Phone: 217-504-3124
Visit our Safety and Education Links page for links and helpful information related to motorcycle safety and education.
Dennis Yeager of MRF reports: On a nearly annual basis the media in this country is inspired to report stories about motorcycle fatalities on our nation’s roadways. Invariably, these stories
Centennial High School- 4 Presentations, 100 Students
ABATE of Illinois – Motorcycle Awareness Program
Link to Classroom Education Program.
ABATE of Illinois – T Clock Pre-ride Safety Check
Pre-ride routine to ensure safe operation of your motorcycle.
ABATE of Illinois – Ride Smart Program
Developed by ABATE of Illinois with the Illinois Department of Transportation to discover root causes of motorcycle accidents. Provides valuable information on how to reduce the risk of being in a motorcycle crash and Ride Smart.
Illinois Central Motorcycle Program – Illinois Central College
Free motorcycle rider training course. Basic, Intermediate and Advanced course offered. Successful completion allows for M endorsement on Illinois Driver’s License.