About Us

American Bikers for Awareness Training and Education (A.B.A.T.E.) is a non-profit organization of motorcyclists whose goals are public awareness of motorcycles on the roadways; and the constant improvement of motorcycle safety through training and education, and the changing of people’s negative attitude towards bikers.

            Glacial Ridge is a local chapter of A.B.A.T.E. that covers the counties of Pope, Swift, Kandiyohi and Sterns.  The chapter was formed in March of 1989 and has about 185 members.  There are 25chapters in the state of Minnesota.

            A.B.A.T.E. sponsors many community projects, one of them is “Sharing the Road”, an experienced motorcycle rider will teach a class to driver education students, or an over 55 Alive class, a Lions Club, etc.  A frequent comment made by car drivers who are involved in an accident with a motorcycle is “I just did not see them”, this is not an excuse, it is true.  Drivers do not see motorcycles simply because they do not expect to see them.  To help us with our goal of increased awareness and understanding for both the car driver and the rider we offer a free of charge 45-minute program complete with a video aimed at bridging this gap.

            Another program offered to help with awareness and education is the Minnesota Motorcycle Safety Program administered by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.  This course covers three areas, basic rider skills training course—this is for new, young, or inexperienced riders, advanced rider training course for the rider who is now out on the road and would like to sharpen their riding skills.  They may also carry a passenger or pull a trailer; there is also an inspection and care course.

            As part of working on our image, we at A.B.A.T.E. are also active in the community, such as helping with blood drives, supporting Minnesota Motorcycle Rider Association (MMRA) charity rides (such as the rides for MS and cancer).  We do food shelf rides, a Buddy Bear program; where we provide teddy bears for the state patrol, sheriffs officers, local police, rescue and ambulance squads, to use in traumatic situations involving young children.

            Another program that is sponsored by A.B.A.T.E. and MMRA is the Dial-a-Ride program.  The basic program is designed to keep impaired riders off the road by offering a workable alternative.  The program works like this: If you are with someone who has had to much to drink and you don’t want them to ride you can simply call a phone number and tell the person who you are and where you are.  They will notify an on call volunteer who will then pick up the impaired rider and will take both the rider and his motorcycle (which will be loaded on a trailer) home safely.

            As members of A.B.A.T.E. of Minnesota, we are active on the political scene.  Many of our state legislators are motorcycle riders, or are friendly to our cause.  We strive to protect the rights and freedoms that Minnesota motorcyclist are nationally recognized for.  We actively support and lobby for laws that are fair and protect us from discrimination.  A.B.A.T.E. of Minnesota sponsors a Write-to-Ride patch with year rockers for members who write letters to their legislators and receive a reply from them.  Every year a number of new patches and year rockers are handed out at our annual April Board of Directors meeting signifying the number of letters that have been answered.

            A.B.A.T.E. is not a motorcycle gang, or a motorcycle club.  We are your neighbors, your friends, or your relatives.   We are a group of motorcycle riders who come from all walks of life, blue collar, white collar, business professionals, and business owners, all who enjoy a sport which we are working hard to make safer for everyone—car drivers and bike riders.  If you are not a member of A.B.A.T.E. and would like to be, we the members of the Glacial Ridge Chapter invite you to join our chapter, we would love to have you.