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!

Tell Lawmakers to Stop the Environmental Protection Agency’s Attack on Internal Combustion Engines

Hard to believe but, “Tis the Season”.  Come out and join us for the poker run and great time. Click on flyer below for full size.

Come join the fun for the best fall party ever!  This year’s Rally features indoor vendors, music and outdoor primitive camping and biker games. Hope to see you there!

Some great news – As reported by Motorcycles Rider Foundation  –  6/3/2023

On June 1st, Nebraska governor Jim Pillen signed into law a motorcycle helmet modification bill, which allows riders to choose if they wear a helmet. Congratulations to the motorcyclists in Nebraska, ABATE of Nebraska and all the groups in Nebraska who for years fought to have helmet choice in the Cornhusker State.  

Nebraska State Senator Ben Hansen originally introduced the language, which was included in a larger transportation bill that passed the legislature at the end of May. Effective January 1, 2024, an individual age 21 and older, who has completed a certified motorcycle safety course may now choose whether or not to wear a helmet, provided the rider uses protective eye equipment. 

In 2020, Missouri passed a helmet choice bill leaving Nebraska as the sole state in the Midwest that required all riders to wear a helmet. With this new law, Nebraska now joins its neighboring states and becomes the 33rd state allowing helmet choice. 

For 34 years riders in Nebraska have sought the freedom to decide whether to wear a helmet. This victory is a testament to the handiwork, determination and passion of all those involved. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) has long championed the belief that “those who ride should decide.”

When hearing the news, MRF President, Kirk “Hardtail” Willard said, “Grass roots activism at its finest, it is encouraging to see that there are still politicians and bureaucrats in this great country of ours that bend to common sense and the will of the people.  Given the nanny state of our society today, it is an outstanding achievement by ABATE of Nebraska and other involved motorcyclists in earning their freedom of choice.” 

This message from “Rouge,” State Coordinator for ABATE of Nebraska, Todd C. Miller should inspire us all. “It is hard to explain what this bill means to me. I was mentored and encouraged by so many. I am turning 60 and had the privilege to ride in this state prior to the mandatory helmet law enacted in 1989. Over the years, I have lost many friends, colleagues, brothers and freedom fighters who were on the frontlines of this fight.  It is hard to encourage a group of young riders that have never ridden free in Nebraska, for us, that was anyone under the age of 50! So, in honor of all of those we have lost, I am very proud to say the next generation of riders will know what it means to ride free in this state.  I pray they make memories, enjoy the ride here in Nebraska and become emboldened with the same desire I, and so many others, had to defend our rights in the years to come.  We all know the fight is NOT over. 

I would like to Honor my Board of Directors/State Officers both past and present for sticking with the plan… and making it happen. My legislative officers over the years who helped keep us focused and get us there one step at a time, including Charles Thomas, Scott Lucey, Gary Neeman and my current Legislative Representative Randy Geer. Last and certainly not least, my wife and State Membership Secretary, Sheri Miller for all the late nights, weekends, and continued support.   

My list of outstanding contributors also includes Rick Backer, Jimmy Wray, Jodi Wessel, and Duane ‘Drano’ Goff, all of whom are no longer with us …” 

Congratulations Nebraska!  

Ride Safe and Ride Free! 

If the Lord’s awillin and the crick don’t rise, the 1st two events of 2022 are scheduled for April 23rd!

Culpeper ABATE is planning to meet at Pepper’s Grill in Culpeper at 10:00 am., in case anyone wants breakfast the buffet will open until 10:30 a.m.  Ride out at 11:00 a.m. $20 per hand.

Purgatory Mountain Chapter is holding a fundraiser and Pork Dinner, following a ride at 11 am from the Buchanan Moose Lodge.  Click on flyer below for details.