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Motorcycle Safety and Education Highlighted at BBC

Posted on Mar 30, 2010

Attendees listen to opening remarks at the Bikers Betterment Conference

Motorcyclists from nineteen states attended the Biker's Betterment Conference (BBC) March 26-27, 2010 at the Doubletree Hotel, O'Hare, in Rosemont, Illinois. This was the first annual conference presented by the newly formed Road Guardians, a motorcycle safety resource, recognition and rewards program founded by Vicki Sanfelipo and Chris Hawver.

The focus of the BBC is motorcycle safety education based in an apolitical environment, leveraging six categories of safety derived from the National Agenda for Motorcycle Safety (NAMS); Rider Education, State Licensing and Laws, Impaired Riding, Protective Apparel, Awareness and First Response.

After early registration on Friday, attendees were treated to a free cocktail and social reception event. Many different groups and style of riders were represented, all eager to gain more knowledge from the exceptional gathering of presenters. Saturday morning started with opening remarks from Road Guardian Co-Founder, Chris Hawver. Vicki Sanfelipo then explained the Road Guardians Program and introduced the keynote speaker, Lee Parks. Mr. Parks is an author and President of Lee Parks Design. He was there to talk about his book and advanced riding clinics, Total Control. He also demonstrated some cornering techniques in the parking lot of the hotel.

This was a wonderful conference with an impressive array of speakers, including Bobbi Carlson, Director of Military Services Safety Curriculum for Cape Fox; Michael Jordan, NHTSA Office of Safety Programs; Pat Hahn, Author and Director of Communications for Minnesota Motorcycle Safety; Al Hydeman, Director, R,D&D for the Motorcycle Safety Foundation; Daniel Thomas, M.D, M.P.H, Snell Foundation; Imre Szauter, Government Affairs Manager of the AMA (American Motorcyclist Association); Greg Zaffke, Founder, Black Nail Brigade Foundation; Mike Aguilar, Co-Founder and President, Innocorp.

Besides the cornering technique demonstration by Lee Parks, Wes Symonds of the Rockford Park District Park Police Department performed the police maneuvers drill around cones that always thrills onlookers. Afterwards, Rescue Riders conducted a mock motorcycle crash simulation complete with treatment and long boarding of the patients.

Wes Symonds demonstrates exceptional skill in tight cornering

Back in the hotel after the demo break, topics presented included Government Initiatives and Resources, See and Be Seen, A, B, C's of Trauma, Green, Yellow, Red anti-impaired program, Helmet Standards and construction and Street Smarts. Some of the most popular presentations included the AMA's Justice for All program, Greg Zaffke's emotional speech about distracted drivers and the fatal consequences and Al Hydeman's exhibit of the Honda Simulator, much like an arcade motorcycle riding machine on steroids. It takes real skill to handle that ride.

ABATE member Lance Kirmse takes the Honda Simulator for a spin

In the evening, guests were treated to an excellent banquet and rewards program. Recognized for outstanding service to motorcycle safety and commitment to the motorcycle community were Road Captain units from Wild Prairie H.O.G., St. Paul H.O.G., Kettle Moraine H.O.G. and Women in Motion. Also acknowledged for outstanding representation of injured motorcyclists and contributions to the motorcycle community were Hardison & Cochran, P.L.L.C. North Carolina, Sevenish Law Firm, P.C., Indiana and Hupy and Abraham, S.C., Wisconsin and Illinois.

Hupy and Abraham, S.C. employees at the conference included Attorney Pete Naylor, and investigators Bob Sumption, Sharon Kneisler and Matt McManus

Finally, Open Road Radio and Allstate Insurance were recognized for Outstanding Service to Motorcyclists and Denise Carey, Texas, was honored as Accident Scene Management's Instructor of the Year. Road Guardian Co-Founder, Chris Hawver received the Vision & Excellence ASMI Volunteer of the Year award. Vicki Sanfelipo was honored by receiving the "Packy" Award from Northern Illinois University for outstanding achievements in motorcycle safety.