Posted July 8, 2005 Email this page

Volunteers urge fellow bikers to Ride Straight

Since the American Motorcyclist Association partnered with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to warn motorcyclists about the dangers of drinking and riding, few individuals have contributed more time and effort to the Ride Straight cause than Mike Sifter and Veronica Goldwater.

The two members of the Wolverine Riders, a club based in Livonia, Michigan, have visited sites where motorcyclists hang out, explaining the Ride Straight message and getting motorcyclists to pose for photos with the three Ride Straight posters. They've gotten permission from business owners to place the posters in motorcycle dealerships, coffee houses, muffler shops, and even a police supply store — all places frequented by riders.

They began their personal support for the campaign after first explaining the Ride Straight program to their fellow club members.

"We don't have a big problem with drinking and riding in our club," said Goldwater.

"So we found we were preaching to the choir," added Sifter. "We wanted to go out to where the riders are."

"We come at people with a positive message," said Goldwater. "And we've had a positive response. People will listen to what we have to say."

Sifter and Goldwater plan to continue attending bike events through the summer and have a supply of posters and flyers to hand out.

"Mike and Veronica have gone far beyond what most people would expect from volunteers," said Sean Maher, the AMA's director of state affairs. "I believe their work will save lives, by getting riders to think twice before they drink and ride. They're a model for what individual motorcyclists can do for the entire riding community."

Get the full story on the Ride Straight campaign, including facts on riding while impaired, at www.ridestraight.com.