The 2025 State Rally is fast approaching; the summer is rolling by all too fast.  Spread the word, hoping to see everyone!

Mark your calendar today for your chance to meet your legislators.

DMV offers free Circuit RiderCourse motorcycle safety training across the Commonwealth

Click link for story, We applaud efforts of the Commonwealth to increase motorcyclists’ safety through training and education rather than the mandatory use of equipment that may or may not be useful in a mishap.

Prof

Found my credentials for the webpage. Testing new format. Hope to begin regular updates. ABATE of Virginia members can also join our legislative page at ABATE of Virginia Legislative Page | Facebook

Prof Sutton

Concerned motorcyclists from around the Commonwealth met today in Richmond for the annual Virginia Coalition of Motorcyclists legislative roundtable, sponsored by Tom McGrath’s Motorcycle Law Group.The first half of the meeting consisted of participants presenting and discussing various concerns that may be actionable for the 2025 General Assembly session. There were several.

VCOM Director Liz Sorrell and VCOM lobbyist Susan Gaston are going to look into several actionable topics. While lane splitting/filtering have negative public perceptions due to irresponsible riders, the fact remains that slow moving or stopped traffic can present dangers to motorcyclist. Two obvious ones are getting sandwiched between heavier vehicles and overheated air-cooled engines. Susan will poll legislative leaders about the possibility of allowing EMERGENCY EXITING of the traffic pattern in certain cases. Got to start somewhere folks.

By statute, public driver education courses must include motorcycle awareness training. However, many schools are not following the regulations, others are closing down driver ed programs. Private driver training corporations do not currently have to provide that training. This will also be examined.

Class M licensing fees and part of motorcycle registration and inspection fees go into the DMV Rider Education program. VCOM will file a Freedom of Information request to find out how the money is being allocated. Creating and funding a Defensive Rider Course for those convicted of offenses while riding motorcycles will also be explored.

And finally, due to the large crowds, especially the gun lobby, at the capitol on MLK Jr. Day, our Lobby Day will be on President’s Day, February 17. It is a Monday holiday also and we should be able to have a bigger, more positive impact. Any committee hearings and other meetings cropping up earlier in the session can be handled by Tom Mcgrath , myself, and others near the capitol with more flexible schedules.

(UPDATE: Lobby Day has been moved BACK to the January 20 Monday holiday with a pre-meeting on January 19. Sorry about the confusion.)

Remember, just because something does not appear here does not mean it will not be addressed. For example, VCOM is waiting for our lead on helmet legislation. I told Liz that I have advised ABATE to not present a bill this year. We need to develop a cohesive, CONSISTANT strategy, build political relationships, and come up a with a simple, passable bill, WITHOUT GIMMICKS, for the 2026 session.

Ride Safe, Ride Free,

Dave “Prof” Sutton

Legislative Director/ABATE of Virginia Inc.

Asst. Virginia State Representative

Motorcycle Riders Foundation

Purgatory Mountain Chapter has two rides this fall you won’t want to miss.  Hope to see you there.

Click photo for full size –

Hi ABATE of Virginia members, The current political situation in the Commonwealth makes serious helmet law reform in the near future unlikely. (I still say we could have and should have gotten it done 20 years ago when the climate and momentum were in our favor) Still, as our record of accomplishments shows, there remains a need for motorcyclists to be represented in the halls of state government. We remain a highly visible, misunderstood, and easily targeted minority of motor vehicle operators. Our way of life requires constant vigilance and action. As your state legislative Director, I am asking for your input concerning the next legislative session. What are the top three issues concerning street riding motorcyclists that you believe should be our current legislative priorities? Please answer by FB Messenger. I will take this information to the Legislative Roundtable as we plan ahead. Thank you. Ride free and keep the rubber side down, Dave “Prof” Sutton

Purgatory Mountain Chapter, ABATE of VA

Bryan was an Army Veteran and a Roanoke County Police Officer. This is an annual event, held in his memory, to help bring awareness to Military and First Responder Suicide.

All Proceeds go to the American Legion Veteran and Children Foundation and New Freedom Farms. Both are non-profit Organizations that help Veterans and their families.

Ride Map…https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1905105346600937&set=a.375210876257066

Flyer…https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1905041943273944&set=a.375210876257066

Mark your calendar for this year’s big event, the ABATE of Virginia State Rally.  2 days of camping, music, bike games, silent auction and fun with friends.  Click on flyer for full size.  Note prints best 8×14 legal size paper.

See you there!