AN INTRODUCTION TO THE ANABD
AMERICAN NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
for BIKERS with a DISABILITY
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The ANABD (American National Association for Bikers with a Disability)
was set up in the United States in January 2009 by one woman who has
dedicated her retired life to helping disabled bikers get back on the
road. The idea that disabled people cannot ride motorcycles, scooters
or trikes is unacceptable.
Initially, the disabled biker community resulted from bad accidents or
our soldiers who are, or have been, wounded in combat and are returning
to think they can no longer ride. Birth defects and debilitating
illness also contribute to this scenario. As baby boomers start getting
older, there are more and more people who feel the need for some kind
of adaption to their motorcycles to continue to ride. Often a trike kit
is the answer for those people who have had ankle, knee, hip
replacements or amputations. This type of adaption also works well to
stabilize the bike if the rider can't hold up the bike without fear of
dropping it. The demand for these adaptions continues to rise as do the
costs to pay for these adaptions.
After much research, we found the United Kingdom based NABD (National
Association for Bikes with a Disability). The dream to start a charity,
to help out disabled bikers, became a viable option. The membership of
the NABD in the UK has now grown to a staggering 5,000+ individual
members with the support of over 200 affiliated clubs and businesses.
Over the past 15+ years, the NABD has directly helped over seven
thousand disabled people enjoy the freedom and independence of
motorcycling. The NABD has been instrumental in similar groups setting
up in Norway, Sweden, France, Japan and now the United States.
Unlike may registered charities, the ANABD has no need to spend large
amounts on wages and plush office accommodations. Disabled Motorcycle
Riders, Inc. and DMR Trikes, Inc. in Palmetto, Florida have volunteered
to supply an office space and the Office Manager will split her time to
work as needed. We expect to have only up to 3 paid employees. All of
the other people working for the ANABD are volunteers, as is the
Chairman. Almost all donations from individuals, clubs or companies
will be used, 90-100% for the benefit of, and service for, disabled
riders (the administration costs of the association should be met from
other sources) and we are looking into charity foundations as a source
to meet these needs.
Our contributors need not be disabled; we welcome the support of anyone
interested in biking. We are also looking for state volunteer
coordinators to serve as liaison to the national state coordinator.
Please contact us with any questions or suggestions.
FINANCIAL GRANTS
The ANABD operates
a system of financial grants to help with the cost of special adaption
work to bikes, scooters, ATV's and trikes, necessary to suit the needs
of disabled riders who already have their own vehicle.
These grants range from $50 to $4000 dependant on the type of machine and the particular requirements of the rider.
Financial grants for our first fiscal year will depend on you!