Folks-I agree with Marc about the scope we must consider. While it is paramount that as bikers we pursue and promote our rights, it is just as important that we be realistic. As citizens of this state we must work toward the goal of equitable consideration for ALL citizens on our streets, roads and highways. It is by reminding others that bikers are an intregral segment of the community that cares about the safety of everyone NOT only riders, we all benefit.

Anyone that uses a vehicle of any type needs to be held accountable for unlawful action. No part of the population is immune from the danger of being injured or killed by someone else and no one is excused from their legal responsibility for inflicting harm on someone else. We need to be willing to recognize and accept our own role in our community's social welfare.

There are ways to let your neighbors, local businesses and law enforcement understand you are fighting for the right of EVERY man, woman and child to be able to move place to place for school, work, personal business and recreation without the constant threat of an assault by a careless motorist OR motorcyclist.

It makes no more sense to exclude the majority of the population from any safety campaign as it does for the state of Florida to exclude motorcyclists from theirs.

Like it or not, we are all in this together. I am NOT suggesting we abandon our passionate commitment to safety awareness related to motorcycles but remember, we are not isolated from the rest of our communities, we are members of them. We need to look beyond our organizations, clubs and colors and take in the entire view of the road safety landscape. Although, our SMRO leadership may not agree, the landscape also reaches across the border of the sunshine state and into every state in the union. What we accomplish here in Florida, as well as what we fail to do defines us like it or not. It's time to remind ourselves and others of just what we can do when we put our minds to it.

FYI-Watch this forum for a rip-roaring announcement on this very topic.