An open letter from Stash,

Bikers; Who Are These People?

Hello all my Biker brothers and sisters and my extended Motorcycle Enthusiast family. My name is Julie. I also go by 'Stash'. I am a full time student studying Comparative Sociology and also work at The University of Puget Sound in historic Northern Tacoma, WA. I am a person who has ridden (as a passenger and behind bars myself) most of my life and, of course, an ABATE member.I would be grateful for your assistance in taking advantage of what is, for all of us, a once in a lifetime opportunity.

I have been awarded a research grant with the specific purpose of studying Bikers, Motorcycle Enthusiasts, and people who associate with them. I will be investigating the concepts of; family (biological vs. chosen), gender relations, socialization, communication, trust of law enforcement, dedication to riding, and anything else that presents itself as significant throughout the research process. I will be conducting research through participation (going on rides and to events), one on one interviews, and gathering data through an electronic survey to be taken online.

Protecting the study participants from any issues which could arise from their participation in the study is of the utmost importance to me. With this said, the survey is through a third party, electronic service, and completely anonymous. No IP addresses will be saved or tracked. This is where I would like your participation. ABATE of Washington is in full support of my research and the Web Master has graciously agreed to post a link to the survey so anyone who wishes to participate may do so through the ABATE of Washington Website at: http://www.abate-wa.org.

My research will be published in an electronic repository sponsored by the university. I will also be presenting my findings at a symposium at the university sometime in the fall of 2010. This will be a very small venue. If I can get enough interest in the results of the study, which by the positive response I have already received, I will; I will be negotiating with university officials to schedule a larger venue in order for study participants and community members to attend an in-depth presentation of the results.

This is OUR chance to tell people who might otherwise unfairly judge us WHO WE (as Bikers and Motorcycle Enthusiasts) ACTUALLY ARE in OUR OWN WORDS! Please, get on board with me and let the public know you are not a stereotype. If you would like to contact me personally to offer suggestions or schedule an interview, all of my contact information is on the survey, as well as contact info for my academic advisor at the university. Thank you for your support!

Click here to take survey