Learn to Assist an Injured Motorcyclist in Indiana

Badlands of Indiana, USA - In the next couple of months, motorcyclists in Indiana will be getting ready for those road trips we’ve all been waiting for since last summer, and now is the time for some much needed preparation. 

As motorcyclist, we all know that motorcycle maintenance is very important, along with good riding skills. The preparedness that we are talking about here is what to do in case of a motorcycle accident involving injuries. A good solid course by trained and experienced professionals will provide you with the knowledge and know how if a situation were to happen, especially if travelling in a group. 

Pictured: A local EMS assisting an injured motorcyclist

There are great first aid course providers across Indiana, including Red Cross that teaches general first aid, but we may need something more that goes beyond the CPR and band-aid stuff. Knowing how to react and provide immediate care in the aftermath of a crash, whether it involves yourself or a fellow rider may mean the difference between life and death. 

Remember, professional medical help is often delayed, especially in the remote areas where we, as motorcyclists, are likely to ride. Having the knowledge and the basic equipment to manage life threatening injuries like catastrophic bleeding or airway obstruction, can dramatically improve outcomes. 

Riders Rescue 

One such course that we highly endorse for Indiana is the training classes by Riders Rescue out of Indianapolis, Indiana. Their training courses will provide you with the tools you need to manage motorcycle trauma and make a difference in the care, before EMS arrives on the scene and assure proper hand-off of the injured rider. 

Photo courtesy of Riders Rescue

They offer both their basic course along with an advanced motorcycle first aid training option for the general public so motorcyclists and even bystanders can assist in the event of a motorcycle or any other two wheel trauma; be it a bicycle, scooter or a motorized bicycle accident. 

Their goal is to have as many in Indiana trained and prepared to handle motorcycle and two wheel accidents as possible, with training available to all corners of the state.

Military and Veterans Discount 

The folks at Riders Rescue are extremely grateful to our men and women who served our nation and for those that continue to do so. What started as an internal, enhanced first aid course by a few military members of their non-profit organization, including a Paramedic and a retired EMT-B, the training became available statewide in 2025. 

In fact, their lead instructor is a retired Veteran of the US Air Force. Due to the program being ran by ex-military folks, the training incorporates some Combat Medic and Hospital Corpsman education versus the traditional, sanitary environment you have in a hospital. 

Photo courtesy of Bikers Helping Veterans

As the first and only Veteran created and ran first response trauma training geared toward motorcyclists in Indiana, they are honored to offer discounts to our nation's finest. Military and Veterans discounts applies to all class materials, training, as well as their trauma kits and supplies once a Veteran is verified. 

Sponsorship Opportunities 

Riders Rescue is open to sponsorships to help with minimizing rider fatalities in the state of Indiana. If your business entails directly working with motorcycle people, then this is a great opportunity to show you care and support them. 

Your sponsorship will go far because it will help pay for course materials, trauma kits, pay down costs for student courses and specialized training tools. If anyone is interested in sponsoring a class or wants to be involved in some capacity, go to RidersRescue.org for more information. Sponsorships are tax deductible. 

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Riders Rescue is an educational program of Bikersinc.org, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization..

Biker Bar Co-Owner Found Dead

Savanna, Illinois, USA (April 23, 2025) - Today, the largest biker bar in Illinois, Poopy’s Saloon and Gaming Parlor in Savanna announced the death of its co-owner, Shelly Leab. Shelly, 52, and Brian Witherspoon, 57, were found dead April 18, 20125 during a welfare check at a home in Clinton, Iowa. 

An Iowa medical examiner has ruled Shelly’s death a homicide and Witherspoon’s death a suicide, according to KWQC.



A candlelight vigil was held Monday outside Life Connections Peer and Recovery Services, to remember Leab’s life and legacy.

Over 17 injured in motorcycle crash

Fort Worth, Texas, USA (April 19, 2025) - A serious motorcycle crash in far North Fort Worth has left 17 people injured, including four critically. About 15 motorcycles were involved in the crash, according to officials.

 

The crash happened when the lead vehicle's tire blew out, leading to a chain-reaction crash, Fort Worth police believe.

The Fort Worth Fire Department said the crash occurred near Interstate 35 West by the Chucky Cheese in the Presidio shopping center after 9:00 p.m.. 

The southbound toll road was shutdown following the crash.

Bikers Against Child Abuse Vice President Arrested

Buffalo, New York, USA (April 11, 2025) - The Buffalo chapter vice president of Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA) was arrested Wednesday for sex crimes against children. John Todaro, 49, of Amherst, was allegedly found to be in possession of child pornography following an Internet Crimes Against Children investigation. He was also disseminating child pornography, officials said.

 

Police said Todaro would have had opportunities to be around children in his role. The BACA website says at least two members must be present to meet with a child to protect against accusations of child abuse. Background checks are necessary to become members. Todaro was charged with promoting a sexual performance by a child and possessing a sexual performance by a child.



The Buffalo chapter of Bikers Against Child Abuse said in a statement it is "deeply troubled" by the charges. "The reported actions represent a serious breach of the values and mission we uphold. Such behavior is unacceptable to our organization and stands in direct violation of our strict code of conduct." the chapter said in a statement. "Upon learning of the allegations, our leadership took immediate and decisive action to permanently remove the individual from our organization."

He was released on his own recognizance and is expected back in court in May.

ABOUT: Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA)

 
The organization says on its website that it's a nonprofit that "exists with the intent to create a safer environment for abused children."

If a child is "frightened by his or her environment," an agency or individual can refer them to BACA, which makes sure the case has been reported to appropriate authorities. The BACA chapter will ride to meet with the child and give them a biker vest and assigns them two primary contacts they can call for support. The contacts may ride by the child's home or have a presence in their neighborhood if they feel intimidated, attend court hearings and interviews or even physically intervene if further violence occurs, the site says.

"Prior to becoming the primary contacts for the child, the bikers are cleared for participation by passing an extensive background check, have ridden with the Chapter for at least a year, and have received special instructions from the Licensed Mental Health Professional," the site says.