MOTORCYCLSTS GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY
BY GLENN C. MCGOVERN
AV RATED TRIAL ATTORNEY AND MSF BASIC MOTORCYCLE INSTRUCTOR
[email protected] • 1-800-721-3992
[email protected] a fatality occurs where a motorist’s reckless conduct causes a death or serious
injury, the Protecting Louisiana Motorcyclists Group members sends letters to
District Attorneys asking for full investigation and prosecution instead of just
misdemeanor citations with a small fine penalty—which is not a deterrent to
bad motorist behavior. The Group is already having an effect with its successes.
It is hard for an elected official to ignore 360 letters on any issue. It has a
positive impact on them and the community.
Want to help? Go to the Protecting Louisiana Motorcyclists Group page on
Facebook and answer the questions. If you are committed to help— (and not
just hit an emoji)—then you may be allowed to join. Are you qualified to join?
---All you need to promise is to send a letter to your designated public official
when asked. The Protecting Louisiana Motorcyclists Group works with other
motorcyclist groups to promote justice for Louisiana motorcyclists. It is another
great example of motorcyclists giving back to the community. The members
have either been severely injured or have lost loved ones due to motorcyclists
that fail to yield.
Motorcyclists are always working to make the community
a better place. Here is a few examples of motorcyclists doing
good things for the community. THE YELLOW CROSS PROJECT FOR MOTORCYCLISTS
KILLED BY MOTORISTS
Imagine if a large bright color cross with a symbolic red motorcycle without
its rider could be posed at each fatal crash site in Louisiana. Imagine if each
fatal crash site also had a yellow “Look for Motorcyclists” sign. Imagine if each
site was photographed and posted on the Protecting Louisiana Motorcyclists
Group website and used when lobbying legislators and District Attorneys. What
impact would that have? The Protecting Louisiana Motorcyclists Group has been
working on this project and a fatal motorcyclist cross design is being finalized.
Production of the signs should be by early January. This will be a huge project
that will have a positive effect on the community.
It is the brainchild of the author Glenn McGovern, motorcycle instructor and
attorney, but the exact final design is a result of the work of dedicated volunteer
members of the Protecting Louisiana Motorcyclists Group. The Protecting
Louisiana Motorcyclists Group members have given and shared much though
and each member has given valuable input into this project. This participation
has resulted in a project that will have a large impact to help prevent future
fatalities and raise motorist’s awareness of these fatalities. Designing a cost-
effective and visible symbol is complex. But the rewards will be great. Won’t
you help us?
37TH ANNUAL G.N.O. MOTORCYCLISTS CHARITABLE FOUNDATION
MAGNOLIA GIFT RUN 2018
The Greater New Orleans Charitable Foundation, a non-profit was formed to
continue the oldest known Motorcycle Toy Run in Louisiana. This year’s 37st year
of the event was spectacular as usual. It is a great example of motorcyclists
pulling together to help the community. David Key was Santa again this year and
rode into the Magnolia School, escorted by a group of Jefferson Parish Deputies
on motorcycles and the Sheriff of Jefferson Parish, Sheriff Joe Lopinto, with his
entire family! Sheriff Lopinto and Captain Ernst of JPSO Reserve Motorcycle
officers fully participated in the event as they do annually. The residents each
got special gifts customized by Terry Key for each resident. Refreshments and
food were provided by the various sponsors. The Magnolia kitchen chili and
C.M.A. hot chocolate and coffee was fantastic as usual.
Special thanks to David and Terri Key for all they do to help organize and
raise the money for the gifts for each resident of the Magnolia School for special
needs adults and help fund this event. Also special thanks to G.N.O. A.B.A.T.E.
members who work year-round to put on this event. Other clubs such as the
C.M.A, Blue Knights, Green Knights, Red Knights and many other motorcycle
groups and individuals all contribute to help make this a great event.
PROTECTING LOUISIANA MOTORCYCLISTS GROUP ON FACEBOOK
LAUNCHES FATAL CROSS PROJECT
The 365 members of the Protecting Louisiana Motorcyclists Group is on
Facebook is made of members of the community who want to actively help
prevent more automobile/motorcycle deaths due to motorists who fail to
yield the right-of way to motorcyclists. Last year Louisiana had over 69 deaths
of motorcyclists due to motorists who failed to yield. Distracted motorists are
a growing problem. It is getting worst each year. This Protecting Louisiana
Motorcyclist Group shows great promise it is coming up with efforts to make
our motorcycle and scooter community safer.
One of the activities of the Protecting Louisiana Motorcyclists Group is each
member pledges to send a letter to a District Attorney or Legislator when asked
to help promote motorcycle safety and act as a deterrent to bad motorists’
behavior that kills or maims motorcyclists every day. The Protecting Louisiana
Motorcyclists Group has had success it is insuring that reckless motorists that kill
motorcyclists are fully brought to justice thru the criminal justice system. When
in honor of fallen N.O.P.D. officer ricardo silva jr.
26 Thunder Roads Magazine LA/MS Gulf Coast | January 2019 | www.thunderroadslams.com