Harley-Davidson "Share The Road" License Plate Launched Today in Wisconsin

From its world headquarters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin today, Harley-Davidson Motor Company in partnering with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation launched the first-ever Harley-Davidson branded "Share The Road" automotive license plate. The plate is available for automobiles, light trucks and motor homes in Wisconsin. 

"Rider safety is critically important to all of us at Harley-Davidson," said Matt Levatich, Chief Operating Officer and President of Harley-Davidson Motor Company. "We are pleased to partner with the State and help increase awareness and support for motorcycle safety programs that further enhance rider safety and driver awareness in Wisconsin."

The new license plate is the first and only Harley-Davidson branded plate available anywhere in the United States, and it is only being offered in Wisconsin – the birthplace of Harley-Davidson. The plate was designed in collaboration with the Harley-Davidson Motor Company Styling Team. The words "Share the Road" are displayed to emphasize the importance of motorcycle safety.

Motorists who wish to display the "Share The Road" specialty plates will pay an additional $15 issuance fee and an annual $25 donation. The annual donation will help support safety initiatives throughout the state. The plates can also be personalized (standard annual fees apply) and can be purchased at any time, not just when a motorist renews their registration (actual costs will vary based on time of purchase).


For more information about the Harley-Davidson/Share the Road license plates, visit the Wisconsin Department of Transportation website at http://www.wisconsindmv.gov/.


SOURCE Harley-Davidson, Inc.

Kimmy Chapman Memorial Sunday at WestWorld

Arizona Bike Week will pay tribute to one of its greatest supporters, Kimmy Chapman at 1pm Sunday, April 3rd at WestWorld. Kimmy died at the scene of a motorcycle crash around 5pm Saturday, March 26th after spending her final day in life helping at a community fundraiser. Her life companion, Mark Tapp is at John C. Lincoln Hospital recovering from serious injuries.
Kimmy helped to establish the rally and was the founding editor of Biker Information Guide -- a business she started in 1997 in Arizona that has expanded to 10 other states. She received the Arizona Bike Week "Hero" Award in 2009 for her years of dedication to the rally.
"We want to thank each and every one of you for your thoughts and prayers," said Dave Shafer, media director for Biker Information Guide in a statement issued on the company website. "Kimmy had such a wonderful personality and everyone who knew her, loved her. She was someone that would bend over backward to help whenever she could. She was so full of life and it is so sad that we lost her. Her passion was Biker Information Guide and for that reason alone Kelly, Jim and I will continue to do what Kimmy loved doing. I’ve worked with Kimmy for over 12 years and there was never a better friend. I will truly miss her."
Hundreds of rally fans, friends and family are expected to celebrate her life during the memorial service on Sunday. "Due to the amount of people expected to show up, we decided to use the Big Tent at Bike Week for the Celebration of Life event," Shafer said in an update on Tuesday. “Unfortunately due to contractual agreements, a $10 gate charge will apply to get into WestWorld. Please keep in mind that if you bought a week event pass or if you participated in the Logan's Run, then you have already paid the $10 gate charge.”

Barb Heller of the ArmedZilla Angels American Legion posted this updated regarding an ongoing police investigation: I spoke with the Lead Detective Pitts on Kimmy's case, a bike rider himself, who is working on her case and keeping in close touch with Kelly and other family members. He feels he owes Kimmy's family a full and thorough investigation. He called in the state expert on impairment to investigate any signs of impairment of the driver and to provide them with the 'probable cause' needed to issue an order to draw blood. They found none. This state investigator is the same one working on the dump truck case from a year ago, which is still ongoing. He wants everyone to know that this is far from over and the only thing they haven't shown is 'criminal intent'. The police department can ONLY charge the driver with a 'Violation', such as in this case 'Failure To Yield'. Any other charges will come AFTER the investigation is through. Detective Pitts said that once everything is turned over to him to review, then it goes to the 'review unit' and then it is turned over to their Supervisor for Final Review and then passed on to the County Attorney's office. That is where the final charges will be filed if any. We need to stay on top of the County Attorney's office. Detective Pitts also said that he would be willing to come to any organizations meeting to explain the process and answer questions that he can at that time. Please contact Barb Heller at 602-505-8760 or ltlwtduv@cox.net to set this up.

The crash one year ago in Phoenix - on March 25, 2010 - was so horrific that the president of the American Motorcyclist Association made a public statement of condolence to the families of the nine bike riders that were injured or killed when they were struck from behind by a dump truck while they waited for a light to change at an intersection in Phoenix. Read the story.

"TrAuMa MaMa" & The Chicago Rescue Riders

Chicago, Illinois - Teresa McClelland (pictured in action with the volunteer "Rescue Riders") describes herself as "a down to earth, do anything for a friend type of person." Her friendships are unconditional. "I do not judge. Im an ER/ Trauma Nurse that scored a monday thru friday gig and ride my 'MO' when ever I can."

She proudly displays the Rescue Riders patch - and she has a new Trama Nurse tat.

She is one of the unsung heros in life that rushes to the scene of motorcycle accidents to give aid and comfort to her fellow riders. She is also the national director of training and curriculum for the Chicago-based Rescue Riders.

"We recruit, train and educate motorcyclists to be prepared to handle emergency situations.

"Our core curriculum is Accident Scene Management. Many members are licesed EMT's paramedics and nurses. Our mission support is volunteer medical support at events and runs to ensure safety and secure any emergency until EMS arrive."

"We are a National 501c3 - Classes for training can be found at http://www.accidentscene.org/."

South Wales Naked Bikers Make A Statement

What do we have to do to get noticed? That is the Question. And a group of bikers in South Wales came up with an unusual answer in a Motorcycle Safety video they are promoting on YouTube: How about bikers riding NUDE? That's right!

Arizona Bike Week 2010 Marked by Tragedy

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Arizona Bike Week 2010 was tragically marked by a pre-rally accident on March 25th that has claimed the lives of 4 motorcyclists, while two others remain hospitalized in serious condition.

"PLEASE everyone watch out for motorcycles...It's that time of year when there are a lot of us out there!!!" advised Mark of the Hideaway Grill in nearby Cave Creek, where "Phoenix Bike Night" kicks off the rally on Friday, April 9th.

A group of 10 motorcycles were stopped at a red light at 27th & Carefree in Phoenix, AZ when they were stuck from behind by a semi-dump truck. Most of the bikers were members of the Phoenix Motorcycle Riders Group on a day ride with the Phoenix Motorcycle Kruzers.

"Pegs Down" - Some riders have vowed to ride their motorcycles with the passenger pegs down in memorial to the fallen riders, while others have vowed to tie a black bandana on the left handlebar of their bike to signify the loss of fellow-riders.

Many motorcycle riders have adopted the phrase, "Look Twice, Save A Life."

The YouTube video "You Didn't See Me" has been viewed 392,335 in the past three years and is something everyone should see and share.