A Long Island-based motorcyclist advocacy group is condemning two groups of bikers busted last month for riding recklessly in Suffolk County, saying such behavior gives all motorcyclists a bad name.
Members of the nonprofit American Bikers Aimed Toward Education (ABATE), lobbies for legislation benefiting motorcyclists, organizes charity events and hosts rider education forums, said reckless riders make up only a small percentage of the motorcycle community.
“Most riders are law abiding citizen enjoying the fresh air with friends,” said former Suffolk County Legis. Jack Eddington, one of ABATE’s 750 members. “Please don’t categorize all bikers as law breakers.”
Suffolk police arrested several bikers on various charges—more than two dozen of whom were cited for trespassing—last week and seven others following a wild ride on the Long Island Expressway in early October.
The two groups were nabbed followed a high-profile incident in which a gang of motorcyclists attacked the driver of an SUV in Manhattan.
ABATE’s LI chapter is one of 25 statewide that organizes, among other events, Toy Runs, Poker Runs, Family Picnics, letter-writing campaigns and classes for new riders.
