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Motorcycle Awareness – 9th Annual Look Twice Save a Life

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By Laurie Montoya

It is a well-known fact that the public does not watch for motorcycles no matter how many billboards CDOT puts up or lighted signs that are only up a few days in May or in August during Sturgis.  It is a well-known fact that most motorcycle accidents involve a car and/or some sort of distracted driving.  Distracted Driving comes in many forms including texting/driving, use of handheld mobile devices while driving, putting your makeup on while the vehicle is moving, looking in the back seat at your kids, eating while driving to changing the radio station.

Our riding community continues to be the victim of irresponsible drivers who are out driving with no driver’s license and little to no insurance and driver’s leaving accident victims on the ground and leaving the scene.  Driver’s change lanes without looking and run stop signs/lights, hit the biker and keep on going.

BikerDown Foundation received a Proclamation in 2015 from then Governor Hickenlooper proclaiming May17th as Colorado Motorcycle Awareness Day.  This was quite an honor to be recognized by the state of Colorado for the good work that BikerDown has done for the motorcycle community.

On May 15th, BikerDown will again host the only motorcycle awareness ride on the front range, called the Look Twice Save a Life ride.  We are going to repeat the theme of last year with Can YOU SEE me NOW.  These awareness shirts were a tremendous hit with riders no matter what you rode.

Riders will need to pre-register for the ride to guarantee themselves 1 of our motorcycle awareness t shirts.  T-shirts will be available the day of the event in limited sizes.  Registration is $25.00 per rider.  Each rider who pre-registers will get 1 free month of motorcycle roadside assistance sponsored by Motorcycle Towing Services.

Our ride will start and end this year at Dirty Dogs Roadhouse in Golden with kickstands up at 10-10:30 am.  The Look Twice ride is known for great rides routes and safety is always key for this event.  Dirty Dogs will have some great entertainment for our event, and our sponsors and biker community always donates great raffles and 50/50 drawings prizes.

Our sponsor for the ride is again Rider Justice.  For over 8 years, Scott O’Sullivan from RiderJustice.com has supported this event as well as BikerDown Foundation to ensure that injured motorcycle riders have a resource to go when they go down.

Pre-Register to get your Can YOU See me NOW event tshirt

This is BikerDown Colorado’s primary fundraiser that will enable us to continue the mission of helping injured riders until the end of the year!

You can register for our event by clicking here to be guaranteed your own Can YOU SEE me NOW t-shirt.  If you cannot make the event, please register and BikerDown will ship your shirt to you.  100% of your donation goes into the Colorado BikerDown Accident Fund to help injured riders.

Remember to Ride Safe and SAVE THE DATE!

Custom Wheelchair Competition set for October 17th – Medical Equipment Needed

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The contest is on!  The wheelchairs have been given to the clubs, organizations and biker owned businesses and BikerDown is looking forward to hosting our 1st Annual Customized Wheelchair Competition on Saturday, October 17th from 1pm to 5pm at Dirty Dogs Roadhouse.

2020 BD Las Vegas winner

In February 2020 we launched this competition in our BikerDown chapter of Las Vegas Nevada, and the response was overwhelming.  10 teams competed and each team really pulled out all the stops.  Tents were set up and the creativity of their booths almost outshined the amazing work each team did on the wheelchairs.

The premise of this event is to gather medical equipment for our charity.  As many of you know, for 10 years BikerDown has been supplying much needed medical equipment to injured riders in the Colorado area.   We decided this year to include the biker community and to try to make a medical equipment fundraiser FUN. 

No injured riders ever wants to recover in a wheelchair, they are depressing and the only motivation a wheelchair gives you, is how fast can you get out of it.  Our customized wheelchairs have given our riding community great joy and put a smile on their faces during one of the toughest moments in their life.  The injured rider also gets to SEE that a group, club, or organization/business took the time to jazz up a wheelchair and show the community we care about you.

All medical equipment is needed

In 2020, due to COVID-19, BikerDown Colorado began to run out of wheelchairs and the other much needed medical equipment such as shower seats, toilet seat risers and walker.  We are hoping that this event on the 17th will replenish the needed medical equipment that we need to help riders until the end of the year.

A special THANK YOU to Rider Justice and The O’Sullivan Law firm for their continued support of helping injured motorcycle riders.  RiderJustice.com donated 10 brand new wheelchairs for this competition and sponsored the trophies. 

So, if you have any gently used but good working condition medical equipment, please bring it to Dirty Dogs Roadhouse on October 17th and vote for the BEST Customized Wheelchair!

Motorcycle Crashes – How Do You React? By Don Enninga

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By Don Enninga

  • 191,403 registered motorcycles in Colorado in 2019
  • 1965 motorcycle crashes in 2019
  • 1361 motorcycle injury crashes in 2019
  • 96 motorcycle fatal crashes in 2019
  • 1022 motorcycle crashes were non intersection in 2019
  • 595 motorcycle crashes were intersection related in 2019
Don Enninga

We don’t really think of motorcycling in terms of numbers like these.  We tend to see what we enjoy as living in our own little bubble until reality hits us in the face.  Now, reality can be in the form of being involved in a crash or witnessing one.  Hopefully you have not experienced either one but the truth of the matter is that you probably will in your riding career.

There has been way too many reports of motorcycle crashes in 2020 and far too many serious injuries and death.  The latest one I saw in the news was an Aurora Police Department off duty officer that died in an intersection crash when a driver failed to yield the right of way and turned left in front of her at an intersection.  We all need to watch out for motorcycles when driving as they have a very small “footprint” on the highway.  I have had instances in my own life where I almost failed to see someone riding a motorcycle so I work constantly to make sure I look twice to save a life! 

Rider Justice and BikerDown Foundation sponsor classes thru out the year.

When the unthinkable crash happens, how do you react?  Do you provide care? How will that look? What is safe, what will put you in danger?

Taking an Accident Scene Management course can provide you the skills and knowledge to make informed decisions and do the best you can in a tough situation.  Avoiding being hurt or killed and keeping the victim and those around you safe is kind of important!  Look around:  What will harm or kill you?    Scene safety is just one of many valuable skills offered in the ASM Bystander Assistance course.

Imagine this if you will: It’s a great day for a ride and you with several friends have put on a couple hundred miles when a deer vaults out of the trees into one of the motorcycles who was 20 yards in front of you.  The impact is on the front end of the bike causing the rider, who has leathers and a helmet on, to be thrown violently onto the pavement and skid down the highway stopping in the middle of the road.  You are able to hit the brakes, avoid the motorcycle and deer and stop in time to avoid running into the rider who is lying motionless.  You have thought about taking some kind of first aid or maybe an Accident Scene Management class but have not “taken the time”. 

If this picture strikes a nerve or you feel a bit rusty on trauma skills you may have learned at some point in the past, then it’s time to act, find an Accident Scene Management class and learn the skills you need to manage a motorcycle crash scene.   The $85 cost of a class is a small price to be able to feel confident and manage a situation that calls for calm thinking and decisive action for the best outcome.  In Colorado, there have been and will be opportunities to take an ASM class that is sponsored by Scott O’Sullivan from Rider Justice and BikerDown.  Both of these great organizations have dedicated the resources needed to help motorcyclists get the training to properly manage the injured rider on a crash scene. The best part is their sponsorship will reduce the cost to you by half or more depending on the class and location.   

It’s been great to have bikes back on the road but that does increase the chances of crashes and injury.  With the Covid 19 virus and the restrictions on contact, wearing of masks, smaller class sizes and issues with appropriate venue size for classes to allow for social distancing, planning of classes is more difficult but not impossible.  Contact Rider Justice, BikerDown or myself and we will be happy to schedule a class for you and your group.  Even though 2020 quickly turned upside down, here’s to life getting back to the point of normal, whatever that will be and we are able to provide you, the motorcycling community, with the tools necessary to react and treat the biker who has crashed.                  

Ride free and ride safe!

Don is the Colorado instructor for ASM Road Guardians and a Colorado Rider News motorcycle safety contributor

* 2019 Most report

What Rider Justice Does for You

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It happens at every event we attend. A biker steps up and we ask, “are you familiar with Rider Justice?”

Scott O'Sullivan - The O'Sullivan Law Firm, motorcycle accident attorneys
Scott O’Sullivan

“Yes,” they often reply. “You’re a law firm.”

That’s kind of correct, but it isn’t the whole picture.

I’ve been working with motorcyclists through my firm, The O’Sullivan Law Firm, for over 20 years, now. Yes, I most absolutely help riders who have been injured in accidents, however, my intention with Rider Justice is to extend further and support the riding community in truly meaningful ways. To me, it means not marketing with massive billboards everywhere, but finding avenues that positively impact riders and enhance their lives every day.

[Read more…] about What Rider Justice Does for You

BikerDown Foundation restructures levels of assistance for 2020

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BikerDown Foundation helps injured motorcycle riders with the recovery aspect of their accident with a variety of services including but not limited to medical equipment, funeral assistance, limited financial assistance, legal assistance and victim fundraising.

BikerDown has received a 100% increase in requests for assistance since 2018 and 2019 and it has been challenging to meet the financial requests from accident victims.  The Board has reviewed our current Bylaws and has voted to implement a cap on financial assistance based on level of membership to BikerDown.

This policy change will still enable BikerDown to continue to help ALL riders in our chapter states and nationwide but will limit the assistance to riders that are not a member of BikerDown.  All non-members and FREE members will still have access to services that are important to them such as our BDFundme program that gives accident victims the ability to fundraiser without paying high credit card processing with companies such as Facebook and GoFundMe.  Free or non-members will still be able to get help with medical equipment, strategic planning and legal assistance.

President and Founder Laurie Montoya commented, that for 10 years BikerDown has done our very best to help ALL riders nationwide with the recovery aspect of their injuries, but for us to continue to help ALL riders, but especially in our chapter states, our Board felt that it was time that we detailed levels of assistance to ensure the stability and ability to help victims in 2020.

BikerDown offers several affordable levels of membership that provide you additional financial services but also provide you value when you need it most.  

Membership Levels

Free Membership – free members will have access to our BDFundMe fundraising, medical equipment, legal resources, strategic planning and receive our monthly newsletter.  Your free membership will also put your In Case of Emergency Information in the event we are contacted by law enforcement or the hospital we can work to get in touch with your family or designated contact.

Roadside ($35.00 per year) – Annual members will have access to all the services referenced in the FREE membership + will have our MTS nationwide towing and assistance with funeral expenses and financial assistance up to $100.00 

Roadside ($100 one-time payment or $10 per month $120) – This level includes all the services referenced in our Free and Roadside 35 yearly level + you will have access to increased financial assistance up to $500 maximum.

Roadside Plus ($35.00 per month) – BEST VALUE – this level includes all of the service included in the above referenced membership levels + you will have access to increased financial assistance up to $750 maximum + this level also includes the Aflac Accident Policy inclusive in this membership, Accidental Death Benefits and the peace of mind that in the event of an accident you have the coverages necessary to help get you thru a serious accident.

Roadside Plus 2 bike – 2 riders ($60.00 per month) – this is the same level as the Roadside Plus but for 2 bikes – 2 riders and you will receive a saving of 10.00.

To sign up please visit our website or contact us at info@bikerdown.org

Make BikerDown’s Roadside Membership Part of Your Road Trip Checklist

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As riders begin to get ready for their fall road trips, please take a moment to think about do you have the right coverages on your bike in the event of a breakdown or accident?

There is nothing more frustrating than the anticipation of the ride of a lifetime, only to have that trip shattered with un-expected expenses such as an expensive motorcycle tow.  

How many of you have had to have your bike towed and cringed when your insurances’ roadside assistance brought the wrong type of tow truck.  Being out-of-state, riders deserve to know that when they need a tow, the right type of tow truck will come out and pick them up.

BikerDown’s roadside membership for $35.00 per year includes motorcycle towing in our membership that is now NATIONWIDE.  BikerDown has contracted with MTS, LLC to provide its BikerDown members a true Motorcycle Towing service.  

We ask all riders to sign-up today before you head out on your next trip join BikerDown for $35.00 per year.  This membership level will ensure that if you need towing, you are covered.

Click here to learn more.

Make BikerDown’s Roadside Membership Part of Your Road Trip Checklist

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As riders begin to get ready for their fall road trips, please take a moment to think about do you have the right coverages on your bike in the event of a breakdown or accident?

There is nothing more frustrating than the anticipation of the ride of a lifetime, only to have that trip shattered with un-expected expenses such as an expensive motorcycle tow.  

How many of you have had to have your bike towed and cringed when your insurances’ roadside assistance brought the wrong type of tow truck.  Being out-of-state, riders deserve to know that when they need a tow, the right type of tow truck will come out and pick them up.

BikerDown’s roadside membership for $35.00 per year includes motorcycle towing in our membership that is now NATIONWIDE.  BikerDown has contracted with MTS, LLC to provide its BikerDown members a true Motorcycle Towing service.  

We ask all riders to sign-up today before you head out on your next trip join BikerDown for $35.00 per year.  This membership level will ensure that if you need towing, you are covered.

Go to to our website to start your membership today!

Make BikerDown’s Roadside Membership Part of Your Road Trip Checklist for $35.00 per year!

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As riders begin to get ready for their summer road trips or that annual trip to Sturgis.  Please take a moment to think about do you have the right coverages on your bike in the event of a breakdown or accident?

There is nothing more frustrating than the anticipation of the ride of a lifetime, only to have that trip shattered with un-expected expenses such as an expensive motorcycle tow.  

How many of you have had to have your bike towed and cringed when your insurances’ roadside assistance brought the wrong type of tow truck.  Being out-of-state, riders deserve to know that when they need a tow, the right type of tow truck will come out and pick them up.

BikerDown’s roadside membership for $35.00 per year includes motorcycle towing in our membership that is now NATIONWIDE.  BikerDown has contracted with MTS, LLC to provide its BikerDown members a true Motorcycle Towing service.  

We ask all riders to sign-up today before you head out on your next trip join BikerDown for $35.00 per year.  This membership level will ensure that if you need towing, you are covered.

Please go to http://bikerdown.org/join-us/

Wanna Win a Bike?

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BikerDown with the help and donation of Wide Open Saloon are offering riders a chance to take home this 2017 Harley-Davidson Road Glide? You do not need to present to win, which is a great benefit to anyone purchasing a raffle ticket. Winner will be announced at Wide Open Saloon on October 26th at their Halloween event.

Tickets will be $20.00 for 1 ticket, $100.00 for 6 tickets and can be purchased online at www.wideopensaloon.com. Wide Open Saloon and BikerDown will be at the Freedom Fest on June 29th at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds as well as many other BikerDown events.

100% of the proceeds of this raffle go to help injured motorcycle riders in Colorado.

Honoring Our Military

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This issue will focus a lot on veterans and their upcoming events up in June. The Freedom Fest, Brotherhood of Veterans, Combat Vets and many more have events that will help our veterans with hands on services and boots on the ground assistance here in Colorado. It has always been my policy to donate and support charities that help actual residents and not send my funds to a charity outside of my local community.

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