A.B.A.T.E. of Central Louisiana was formed in May 2004. not as "Motorcycle Club", but a non-profit political action commitee whose members are mostly motorcycle riders.

Our purpose was, at that time, to fight against the proposed motorcycle helmet law that was in the state legislature. We lost that fight mainly because we got a late start on fund raising, because the now defunct Louisiana Motorcycle Rights Association (LMRA), whom we thought was working with a lobbyist, had not informed any of its members that the organization no longer existed.

As of August 15, 2004 Louisiana now has a helmet law, because motorcycle riders as a collective group were not paying attention to what was happening in the legislature.

This organization as well as other A.B.A.T.E. chapters across our state are now trying to work together as a collective group to increase membership and interest in following what is going on in the legislature

We are trying to work through a paid lobbyist to bring about legislation favorable to motorcycle riders.

Our first order of business now is to elect officials in the upcoming 2006 elections that will be in favor of protecting motorcyclist freedoms and help REPEAL the present helmet law. We cannot do this although until the 2008 legislative session. So we are stuck for now wearing our helmets, but this also gives us time to increase awareness, and increase membership.

As everyone knows, Louisiana has the best politicians money can buy, and it does take money to pay for a lobbyist. We are fortunate that our lobbyist is also a motorcycle rider, and really wants to help in the cause to bring about legislation that is favorable to all motorcycle riders, and is also willing to work at a reduced fee, but its still expensive. You know it takes a lot of money to wine and dine the State Senators and Representatives so that they will vote favorably for legislation that we promote.

That being said, A.B.A.T.E. of Central Louisiana will be dedicating all money raised from memberships, and fund raisers to paying our lobbyist, and minimal operating cost of the organization . We will also be participating in other community efforts, which will raise community awareness of our organization, and at times will be contributing time and money specifically raised for those charities. The membership at all times will be kept informed of fund raising efforts, and where these funds are being distributed.

If you feel strongly about your rights as a motorcycle rider, and are not already a member of a local A.B.A.T.E., please find out how to join the local chapter in your area, and lets all work together to make motorcycle riding safe yet with the Freedom of Choice.

Alexandria Chapter now has 160 Members, but we still need all motorcycle riders in the area to join, we have power in numbers, so tell your friends and join us in helping to protect your motorcycle rights.

Remember it NOT a CRIME to be a BIKER!!