When Will Those Who Ride Decide?

This sounds like a trick question, but it really isn't. We always say "Let those who ride decide," hoping that someday someone will give us that right.

But there isn't any "let" about it, because the decision is already in our hands. The real question is whether bikers will decide, or continue to leave that decision to others.

Just to clear things up, I'm not talking about violating the helmet law. That's a whole other story. And I'm not talking about court challenges, where a judge decides the law.

I'm simply talking about the easiest way to take charge of the helmet law -- and all bikers rights issues -- with one simple act. Whether we do it or not, it is still our decision.

Letting Others Decide

Most of the time we let others decide for us. When we write to a newspaper, we hope the editor will decide to print our letter. And in our letter we ask the public to see things our way, hoping they will decide to respect our rights.

But neither the editors nor the public has the ability to change the law. Whatever they decide doesn't matter outside the court of public opinion.

Biker's rights advocates usually go straight to the state legislature. They know that's where state laws come from, and state laws affect motorcyclists the most.

During lobby day -- and throughout the legislative session -- bikers ask state legislators to decide in our favor when they consider bills affecting motorcyclists. And these decisions are important, because legislators are the lawmakers.

When to Decide

There is one time period, however, when bikers can decide for themselves. That time is the campaign season -- when legislative candidates need our help. And that means more than just voting for them. It means delivering votes -- through campaign work.

That's the only time we can help them, too. Whichever candidate has the best volunteers wins the election, and there are no better volunteers than bikers. But if bikers ignore candidates during the campaign season, legislators will surely ignore bikers during the legislative session.

There's a difference between what you say and what you do. When it comes to freedom, a pair of flags on a bike can't top a pair of campaign signs in the ground. While "the pen is mightier than the sword," it's also obvious that "actions speak louder than words."

Every little bit helps. And one hour is all it takes -- the same manpower it takes for one bike wash, one afternoon putt, or one chapter meeting.

When bikers work as campaign volunteers, they decide who the state legislators will be. And when they help candidates win, they get the helmet law handed to them on a silver platter -- along with virtually every other bikers rights issue there is.

It's Really Up to You

Every biker that can draw breath can spare one single hour. If they say they can't, they're really just choosing to let someone else decide for them. But that "someone else" includes YOU!

What can you do right now? For starters, join an SMRO. If you're already a member, ask your SMRO which campaigns need help. Talk about campaign work at your next meeting, or write about it in your newsletter.

Best of all, you can lead by example. If you make it a priority, you'll find the time. Or you can choose to let others decide for you.

Either way, it's totally up to you.