When riders go down on their bikes , their whole world changes . Often , their family and friends lives change due to the results of the crash on the rider . Unfortunately , the reality of riding motorcycles is that it is dangerous . Over the past 5 years , 393 riders have lost their lives as a result of a motorcycle accident in Oklahoma . The number of injured riders is over 800 per year . The injuries can be extensive , leaving the rider temporarily disabled or sometimes disabled for life . This is a heavy topic that none of us as riders like to discuss . However , there are groups and associations of riders who work diligently to keep us thinking about safe riding , others teach ride tactics to stay safe on the road , while these are necessary concerns and organizations , Downed Bikers Association ( DBA ) works to help from a different angle by helping those who have gone down while riding .
DBA was founded in Oklahoma City in 1999 as a 501c3 Public Charity Organization . Their goal is to provide emotional and financial support through hospital visits , benefit and poker run events . The raise funds to provide aid to those lost or confined to a hospital due to a motorcycle accident . Their members and board of directors are volunteers . The association holds monthly events in which 100 % of the funds raised are donated to a
18 Thunder Roads Magazine of OK / AR
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designated event recipient who has been a victim of a motorcycle crash . Over the nearly 19 years , they ’ ve gained over 1,500 members statewide and donated over $ 500,000 dollars to those who need it .
In a recent talk with the Oklahoma City Chapter President , “ Lil J ”, he said that he got into Downed Bikers as a rider who enjoyed the rides and events that the DBA held around town . He found it a great way to meet other riders and have a good time . Once he was asked to be a board member , he found that it was very different on the “ other side of the table ”. He said that his first position was the Sergeant of Arms which is designated as the first person to meet a rider and / or their family at the hospital . “ I had no idea I was about to learn about medical machines , procedures and such ”, he stated seriously . Lil J went on to say that being a member of the board of directors changes a person . The visits to the hospital with the riders and their families are serious business and drives home the reason that Downed Bikers Association works to provide support and raise funds to relieve some of the many hardships an accident may cause .
The Downed Bikers Association has not been isolated to Oklahoma City . Over the past years , three other chapters have been started which helps riders in more areas around the state . Western Plains Chapter began in 2003 ; Tulsa Chapter followed in 2013 ; Enid in 2015 and the most recent chapter Twin Rivers was formed this year near Grand Lake area . With this many chapters , it helps benefit more downed riders with a hand up in their troubling situation . Although there ’ s many chapters and members , there ’ s always room for more . If you want to be a member of Downed Bikers Association , have a concern for those riders who have lost their lives or injured in a motorcycle accident , you can become a member . You don ’ t have to ride any certain type of bike or even ride a bike at all . Your ride status is not relevant . Your concern for those who need support after an accident is your membership requirements .
As far as requesting a run , you don ’ t have to be a member to request a run for someone who has gone down . If you go to the DBA Website at www . downedbikers . com , you will find a “ run request ” button in which you can apply on-line . The website is also filled with great information , photos and each chapter ’ s page for more detailed insight into membership and availability in your area . Who are you riding with this year ? Consider Downed Bikers Association !