This weekend there were two very different biker events on both sides of the Potomac River, in Maryland and Virginia. Helmet law repeal was the primary goal of each one. In comparing these two events, they provide a perfect example of potential vs. actual power in the world of biker activism.
One event was a large rally in Maryland, with about 200 bikers protesting the helmet law. We started out with hot coffee, listened to some good speeches, and then rode along beautiful country roads on a warm Sunday afternoon. Once we got to Annapolis, we circled the state capitol, and then gathered at our destination for food, music, and solidarity.
The other event had just 2 bikers, riding through the Virginia suburbs. No music, no food, no speeches. Just two bikers ... with campaign yard signs strapped to their luggage racks, each with a list of a dozen delivery addresses. It would seem like the Maryland event had the most impact. It took a lot of work to set up, and it brought together hundreds of activists with a common purpose. We stood together, and we rode together. Everyone in downtown Annapolis heard our thunder, and we turned lots of heads.
But what were the results?
Did Maryland bikers get one step closer to helmet law repeal? There was a tremendous amount of potential ... with about 800 man-hours of activity over the course of a few hours. It's hard to know for sure, but it seemed like it did.
Only time will tell.
Over on the Virginia side of the river, those two bikers met at the campaign headquarters of a state delegate. He was running for reelection in a very tight race. He was also a member of the House Transportation Committee. Those two bikers spoke with him for about 15 minutes, while they were each loading campaign signs onto their bikes.
In the course of their conversation, the delegate thanked the bikers for helping him in his time of need, and he offered to sponsor legislation to repeal the helmet law. The bikers were happy to hear his offer, but let him know that their top priority was the immediate task of getting him reelected.Then they rode their separate ways, going house to house through the Virginia suburbs, delivering campaign signs to voters who had requested them. And in so doing ... they were delivering votes to the delegate.
But what were the results?
Did Virginia bikers get one step closer to helmet law repeal? There was just a tiny amount of effort ... with only about four man-hours of activity that Friday afternoon. Not thousands, or even a dozen. But it wasn't potential power.
It was actual power ... because it produced results.
Yes, Virginia bikers got one step closer to repeal. It was actually more like several steps: 1. They helped the reelection campaign of a biker-friendly candidate.
2. They earned the gratitude of a member of the House Transportation Committee.
3. They cultivated a personal relationship with a legislator.
4. And they got themselves a bill sponsor. Cha-ching!
Most biker activists follow the traditional approach. And they've been doing it for so long, they're actually starting to get good at it. RepealMachine.com will keep trying to earn their support, because they represent a tremendous amount of potential. We want to kick it up a notch and make it REAL.
So if you want to bridge the gap between what's potential and what's actual biker power, you are headed in the right direction. Take that extra step. We need you just as much as you need us. So come and join our network, and you can start by clicking on the red SUBSCRIBE tab at the top of RepealMachine.com. Together we'll do more than just talk about repeal. We'll get results, too.
- RIDE2REPEAL@gmail.com
PS: Special thanks to Robin McGlohn and Bob Seoane for making a difference.
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