OPEN ROADS ILLINO What is ABATE? A Brotherhood Aimed Toward Education ensures that the rights and freedoms enjoyed by motorcyclists/off-roaders/ATV riders in Illinois will not disappear. ABATE believes that freedom of choice is one we can't lose and will work with state and local legislators to ensure that freedom is never lost for motorcyclists in the State of Illinois. ABATE will ensure that motorcycles are a primary mode of transportation in Illinois and see to it that motorcyclists are included in all aspects of transportation planning in the future. 2026 - A new year, new goals, new challenges, and new members. We have to be a unified organization working together for the betterment of motorcycle rights. This means male and female motorcyclists of all ages. Together we must continue to spread the word about who we are, what we do, and why every motorcyclist should be an active member of ABATE of IL Single membership is $30 per year and couple membership is $55 per year. Benefits of becoming a member is a free legal will (value of $500), $3,000 life insurance, updates on motorcycle and vehicle issues, patches, and special communications. Why join ABATE? Obvious reasons are group riding, making friends, socializing, and wind therapy. But what about our rights as motorcyclists and off-roads? Have you been profiled for just wearing your vest? Do you find it difficult to select the right grade of gas to put into your bike? Will more off-roads parks be created for your enjoyment? How about your freedom to wear or not to wear certain clothing or a helmet? How about when you encounter a driverless vehicle that will not recognize that your bike is near them? Waymo is a BIG issue now. We need new members and retain our existing members to keep motorcycle rights and awareness now and for the future. New Officers for 2026 - Open Roads ABATE begins the new year with several new officers: President - Sam Mataya; Vice-President - Fred Chaffer; Secretary - Robin Stanley; Treasurer - Diana Rebechini; Activities - Kevin Smith; Safety & Ed - Dave Curran; Membership - Frank Lorang; Legislative - Sam Mataya; Board of Directors Rep - Patti Smith; Products - Sharyl Mataya; Court Jester - Sara Jones; Sergeant-at-Arms - Andrew Bell; Publicity - Cliff & Linda Oleson. They will be working hard all year keeping up with legislature, sharing the current safety laws, keeping educated on motorcycle rights, promoting our products, working at activities for the good of Open Roads ABATE, networking with other chapters, and making our voices heard at the board of directors meeting. WAYMO will be the concern in 2026 - A futuristic, convenient, and potentially safer autonomous ride-hailing experience, offering a driverless, tech-forward alternative to traditional taxis and rideshares with benefits like in-car customization (music/temp), no tipping, and reduced human error, though it's still evolving with ongoing safety monitoring. It aims to improve road safety by removing distracted or impaired drivers and offers a unique, comfortable ride, making it appealing for those seeking a novel, reliable transport option. Sounds great but is it? Here is what ABATE of Illinois says: ABATE of Illinois, Inc. P.O. Box 2077 Decatur, Illinois 62524 ABATE of Illinois Statement on Premature Waymo Deployment ABATE of nois is disappointed in Waymo's decision to place highly automated vehicles on Chicago streets without any safety oversight. Waymo appears to be more interested in publicity stunts instead of continuing conversations about how to monitor their unregulated robots and ensure the State of Illinois and City of Chicago have the right to remove these robots off the road when they engage in unsafe behavior. Behaviors such as continually passing stopped school buses and occasionally hitting a child, both of which have already occurred in other areas where Waymo is testing. If Waymo can't accurately see a flashing red light on a school bus arm, how can we expect them to see motorcyclists, pedestrians, and bicyclists? This decision appears to be tied to a recent gain of $16 billion in new funding for Waymo, showing that Waymo and parent company Alphabet, Inc. continue to put shareholders above safety. While Waymo claims that this is for mapping purposes and a driver will be operating the vehicle at all times, there is no guarantee that Waymo will not engage the highly automated driving systems on these vehicles while the "driver" occupies a seat. The use of those systems would be unsanctioned. puting Ilinois drivers and motorcyclists at risk, and could lead to the capture of data in a manner that violates llinois law. ABATE of Illinois calls on llinois officials to obtain information on exactly how these vehicles will accomplish their mapping tasks and to verify that the highly automated driving systems on these mapping cars are rendered unusable until legislation is passed allowing for autonomous driving. Waymo is clearly trying to sway the overwhelming negative opinion of their job stealing technology. Recent polling data shows that Illinois residents surveved in counties where driverless taxis were may be in January, 2027. Dates are subject to change. You may read the complete response at "ABATE of Illinois, Inc" on Facebook. ABATE of IL closes their response with "ABATE of Illinois asks state and city officials to oppose any further expansion of driverless cars until proper safety regulation, oversight and independent testing requirements are in place to protect the motorcyclists, drivers, pedestrians and school children of Illinois." New Meeting Location for 2026 - Open Roads ABATE meets at the Sandwich VFW, 713 S. Main Street in Sandwich. Tentative meeting dates are April 25, June 27, August 29, October 31, and December meeting ABATE PACs - Political Action Committees for all Federal (FEDPAC - US Senate, US Representative)) and State Elections (ABATE PAC - Governor, Lieutenant Governor, IL Senate, IL Rep). ABATE PAC is responsible for raising money and supporting motorcycle friendly candidates (vote on our issues, sponsor a bill for us, back us on local issues, work with ABATE chapter). The 2026 Primary Election is upon us on March 17, 2026. Know the candidates and where they stand on motorcycle rights and issues. Knowing a candidate's position before you vote is critical. ABATE FEDPAC has endorsed 11th District Jeff Walter, 6th District Niki Conforti, and 14th District James Marter all candidates for Congress. ABATE Pac has endorsed several area candidates including 38th District Sue Rezin, 75th District Jed Davis, 84th District Stephanie Kifowit. A complete list of endorsed candidates is in the ABATE of IL newsletter. FIRST SIGN OF SPRING ISN'T A ROBIN. IT'S MOTORCYCLES WATCH FOR MOTORCYCLES. OPEN ROADS ABATE stands with Aftermarket Motorcycle Shops in DeKalb and Kendall Counties! OPEN ROADS We Support Right to Repair! 2026 OPEN ROADS CHAPTER A.B.A.T.E. of ILLINOIS BOOK RUN IT'S ALL ABOUT THE RIDE April-Sept We provide the destination You create the JOURNEY The 2026 Open Roads ABATE Summer Books will be ready for distribution mid-March. The stops include bike dealers, places of interest, and bars & grills. You can get your book at most of the stops in the book. Please see Open Roads ABATE Facebook Page for the flyer listing the stops that have books. Dates to get your book stamped are April 1 through September 30. Book donations are $10 each. Call Linda on (630) 552-3828 with questions. Open Roads ABATE wants YOU...join our organization and have a voice in motorcycle rights. For more information please contact Sam at (630) 336-1630. 2026 Open Roads ABATE Officers Cliff Oleson (Public Relations), Fred Chaffer (Vice-President), Diana Rebechini (Treasurer & Road Captain), Andrew Bell (Sergeant-at-Arms), Frank Lorang (Membership), Sam Mataya (President), Robin Stanley (Secretary), Dave Curran (Safety & Ed), Sharyl Mataya (Products), and Linda Oleson (Public Relations). Not pictured: Kevin Smith (Activities) and Patti Smith (BOD Rep). COMING THIS SPRING TO A ROAD NEAR YOU! May is Motorcycle Awareness Month Share the Rood OPEN ROADS ILLINO What is ABATE ? A Brotherhood Aimed Toward Education ensures that the rights and freedoms enjoyed by motorcyclists / off - roaders / ATV riders in Illinois will not disappear . ABATE believes that freedom of choice is one we can't lose and will work with state and local legislators to ensure that freedom is never lost for motorcyclists in the State of Illinois . ABATE will ensure that motorcycles are a primary mode of transportation in Illinois and see to it that motorcyclists are included in all aspects of transportation planning in the future . 2026 - A new year , new goals , new challenges , and new members . We have to be a unified organization working together for the betterment of motorcycle rights . This means male and female motorcyclists of all ages . Together we must continue to spread the word about who we are , what we do , and why every motorcyclist should be an active member of ABATE of IL Single membership is $ 30 per year and couple membership is $ 55 per year . Benefits of becoming a member is a free legal will ( value of $ 500 ) , $ 3,000 life insurance , updates on motorcycle and vehicle issues , patches , and special communications . Why join ABATE ? Obvious reasons are group riding , making friends , socializing , and wind therapy . But what about our rights as motorcyclists and off - roads ? Have you been profiled for just wearing your vest ? Do you find it difficult to select the right grade of gas to put into your bike ? Will more off - roads parks be created for your enjoyment ? How about your freedom to wear or not to wear certain clothing or a helmet ? How about when you encounter a driverless vehicle that will not recognize that your bike is near them ? Waymo is a BIG issue now . We need new members and retain our existing members to keep motorcycle rights and awareness now and for the future . New Officers for 2026 - Open Roads ABATE begins the new year with several new officers : President - Sam Mataya ; Vice - President - Fred Chaffer ; Secretary - Robin Stanley ; Treasurer - Diana Rebechini ; Activities - Kevin Smith ; Safety & Ed - Dave Curran ; Membership - Frank Lorang ; Legislative - Sam Mataya ; Board of Directors Rep - Patti Smith ; Products - Sharyl Mataya ; Court Jester - Sara Jones ; Sergeant - at - Arms - Andrew Bell ; Publicity - Cliff & Linda Oleson . They will be working hard all year keeping up with legislature , sharing the current safety laws , keeping educated on motorcycle rights , promoting our products , working at activities for the good of Open Roads ABATE , networking with other chapters , and making our voices heard at the board of directors meeting . WAYMO will be the concern in 2026 - A futuristic , convenient , and potentially safer autonomous ride - hailing experience , offering a driverless , tech - forward alternative to traditional taxis and rideshares with benefits like in - car customization ( music / temp ) , no tipping , and reduced human error , though it's still evolving with ongoing safety monitoring . It aims to improve road safety by removing distracted or impaired drivers and offers a unique , comfortable ride , making it appealing for those seeking a novel , reliable transport option . Sounds great but is it ? Here is what ABATE of Illinois says : ABATE of Illinois , Inc. P.O. Box 2077 Decatur , Illinois 62524 ABATE of Illinois Statement on Premature Waymo Deployment ABATE of nois is disappointed in Waymo's decision to place highly automated vehicles on Chicago streets without any safety oversight . Waymo appears to be more interested in publicity stunts instead of continuing conversations about how to monitor their unregulated robots and ensure the State of Illinois and City of Chicago have the right to remove these robots off the road when they engage in unsafe behavior . Behaviors such as continually passing stopped school buses and occasionally hitting a child , both of which have already occurred in other areas where Waymo is testing . If Waymo can't accurately see a flashing red light on a school bus arm , how can we expect them to see motorcyclists , pedestrians , and bicyclists ? This decision appears to be tied to a recent gain of $ 16 billion in new funding for Waymo , showing that Waymo and parent company Alphabet , Inc. continue to put shareholders above safety . While Waymo claims that this is for mapping purposes and a driver will be operating the vehicle at all times , there is no guarantee that Waymo will not engage the highly automated driving systems on these vehicles while the " driver " occupies a seat . The use of those systems would be unsanctioned . puting Ilinois drivers and motorcyclists at risk , and could lead to the capture of data in a manner that violates llinois law . ABATE of Illinois calls on llinois officials to obtain information on exactly how these vehicles will accomplish their mapping tasks and to verify that the highly automated driving systems on these mapping cars are rendered unusable until legislation is passed allowing for autonomous driving . Waymo is clearly trying to sway the overwhelming negative opinion of their job stealing technology . Recent polling data shows that Illinois residents surveved in counties where driverless taxis were may be in January , 2027. Dates are subject to change . You may read the complete response at " ABATE of Illinois , Inc " on Facebook . ABATE of IL closes their response with " ABATE of Illinois asks state and city officials to oppose any further expansion of driverless cars until proper safety regulation , oversight and independent testing requirements are in place to protect the motorcyclists , drivers , pedestrians and school children of Illinois . " New Meeting Location for 2026 - Open Roads ABATE meets at the Sandwich VFW , 713 S. Main Street in Sandwich . Tentative meeting dates are April 25 , June 27 , August 29 , October 31 , and December meeting ABATE PACs - Political Action Committees for all Federal ( FEDPAC - US Senate , US Representative ) ) and State Elections ( ABATE PAC - Governor , Lieutenant Governor , IL Senate , IL Rep ) . ABATE PAC is responsible for raising money and supporting motorcycle friendly candidates ( vote on our issues , sponsor a bill for us , back us on local issues , work with ABATE chapter ) . The 2026 Primary Election is upon us on March 17 , 2026. Know the candidates and where they stand on motorcycle rights and issues . Knowing a candidate's position before you vote is critical . ABATE FEDPAC has endorsed 11th District Jeff Walter , 6th District Niki Conforti , and 14th District James Marter all candidates for Congress . ABATE Pac has endorsed several area candidates including 38th District Sue Rezin , 75th District Jed Davis , 84th District Stephanie Kifowit . A complete list of endorsed candidates is in the ABATE of IL newsletter . FIRST SIGN OF SPRING ISN'T A ROBIN . IT'S MOTORCYCLES WATCH FOR MOTORCYCLES . OPEN ROADS ABATE stands with Aftermarket Motorcycle Shops in DeKalb and Kendall Counties ! OPEN ROADS We Support Right to Repair ! 2026 OPEN ROADS CHAPTER A.B.A.T.E. of ILLINOIS BOOK RUN IT'S ALL ABOUT THE RIDE April - Sept We provide the destination You create the JOURNEY The 2026 Open Roads ABATE Summer Books will be ready for distribution mid - March . The stops include bike dealers , places of interest , and bars & grills . You can get your book at most of the stops in the book . Please see Open Roads ABATE Facebook Page for the flyer listing the stops that have books . Dates to get your book stamped are April 1 through September 30. Book donations are $ 10 each . Call Linda on ( 630 ) 552-3828 with questions . Open Roads ABATE wants YOU ... join our organization and have a voice in motorcycle rights . For more information please contact Sam at ( 630 ) 336-1630 . 2026 Open Roads ABATE Officers Cliff Oleson ( Public Relations ) , Fred Chaffer ( Vice - President ) , Diana Rebechini ( Treasurer & Road Captain ) , Andrew Bell ( Sergeant - at - Arms ) , Frank Lorang ( Membership ) , Sam Mataya ( President ) , Robin Stanley ( Secretary ) , Dave Curran ( Safety & Ed ) , Sharyl Mataya ( Products ) , and Linda Oleson ( Public Relations ) . Not pictured : Kevin Smith ( Activities ) and Patti Smith ( BOD Rep ) . COMING THIS SPRING TO A ROAD NEAR YOU ! May is Motorcycle Awareness Month Share the Rood