Safety Report - January 2026

Gary Klinker

It seems pretty weird to write 2026 already. It does mean we are on the slide toward Spring. December was busy for Safe Rider. We had our scheduling meeting and have the 2026 schedule posted the earliest ever. We even have one student registered for the first class in April. The classes are listed on the ABATE website. All this is because of the Motors system that we transitioned to last year. It encompasses registration, financial, bike inventory, and Rider Coach information and records, as well as a direct link to the state Motorcycle Safety Program. Be Crash Free, who owns and builds the system and is constantly making updates and improvements.

January is a time when a lot of people make resolutions for the coming year. I have never made a resolution, but it is a good time to examine our riding skills and attitude toward motorcycle use. A lot of the content of the rider courses has to do with self-examination and reflection. Be honest, are your riding skills up to date and sharp? Do you feel uncomfortable riding curves? Do you drink when you ride? Have you had moments of panic when riding, or maybe dropped your bike?

No matter what your age these questions should be addressed. As we age there are other questions that pop up. When is it time to consider stopping riding? Should I think about another wheel under me? Is it time to get a smaller, lighter bike so I can keep riding safely? All these questions require honest self-analysis and reflection on your safety attitude, safety for you and other people on the road.

The good news is that there are solutions to problems you have identified. Classes to sharpen and build skills is a start. Even reading books or watching You Tube videos on motorcycling skills through the winter will help. Staying fit and healthy with exercise will extend your riding time. Though a third wheel is not on my bucket list yet, I sure have fun on my small light bike for short trips and day rides. Even for long ride touring something like Shawn’s bike has all the weather protection, luggage capacity, comfort, and power at only 460 pounds, along with GPS and SiriusXM radio.

With a couple of months until riding season there is plenty of time for self-reflection to answer these questions and come up with answers and solutions. Maybe it is time for an important resolution for the New Year, one that will make a big difference for all of us. “In 2026 and beyond I will not drink and ride.” Try it. It has worked for a lot of us for many years.

Ride Safe,

Gary