Many motorcyclists are so upset with State Police roadblocks targeting motorcycles, they're organizing a statewide boycott of charity rides like Bikers for Babies which raises hundreds of thousands for the March of Dimes. Others caught up in the dispute include the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Toys For Tots, and the Special Olympics.
The Learning Place, which offers literacy education for 200 clients, is a small charity. Director Linda Green says it depends on the Ride for Literacy. "What the community really needs to know is that bikers are out there to help and with these charity rides, it's really important that they continue to do that and not be hassled on the rides."
The State Police campaign is named 'Operation 5060', after the badge number of Trooper Craig Todeschini. Todeschini was killed in 2006 while chasing a speeding motorcyclist. The checkpoints pull over motorcycles to check them and their riders for proper registrations and safety equipment. But many bikers see the roadblocks not only as profiling but as "retaliation" over Todeschini's death.
While ABATE, a motorcycle group that advocates safety programs, is not part of the charity ride boycott, it sympathizes with those who may wish to participate. ABATE's Legislative Officer, Christina Rathbun says, "He was a good Trooper and now because of the circumstances surrounding his accident, I do believe all motorcyclists are paying for this."
State Police Captain Jeffrey Raub says 'Operation 5060' results from a growing number of motorcycle accidents and deaths . "You can't deny the fact that motorcycles are a group that has surfaced as been needful of additional attention." When asked to respond to the bikers contention that the operation amounts to retaliation over the death of Todeschini, Raub replied, "No, this effort has little or anything to do with an single event."
Before the charity boycott gathers more strength, ABATE says it wants to open a dialogue with State Police. Captain Raub says he would welcome that.
