Tony "Pan" Sanfelipo

Pan: A Lifelong Champion for Motorcyclists' Rights

Since 1964, Pan has been a relentless advocate for motorcyclists' rights, beginning his journey with his first bike, a 1950 Harley-Davidson FLH. His passion for the freedom of the road collided with legislation in 1968 when Wisconsin enacted a mandatory helmet law, a consequence of the federal Safety Act of 1966. This law sparked a movement among bikers, and by 1972, Pan had become a central figure in the fight for rider freedom, serving as secretary of the Concerned Motorcyclists of Wisconsin (CMW). His commitment deepened in 1974 when he co-founded ABATE of Wisconsin alongside John Barajas, marking the beginning of a legacy that would reshape biker rights in Wisconsin and beyond.

Pan was instrumental in organizing and leading anti-helmet rallies, collaborating with the Wisconsin Better Bikers Association (WBBA) to mobilize massive demonstrations. He testified at every state capitol hearing on the helmet law, and in 1977, Wisconsin saw the largest anti-helmet rally in U.S. history, with 50,000 bikers gathering to demand their rights. Though their initial victory was met with a gubernatorial veto, Pan’s leadership paid off in 1978 when Wisconsin did something unprecedented: overturning the governor’s veto of a helmet repeal bill with a two-thirds vote in both houses.

Beyond helmet laws, Pan worked to amend administrative rules affecting motorcycles, such as regulations on headlights, handlebars, and foot pegs, reducing the burden on riders. He formed alliances between motorcycle clubs and groups that historically didn’t get along, creating a powerful unified front for biker rights. His efforts to bring justice for a biker killed in police custody in Milwaukee in 1977 further cemented ABATE of Wisconsin as a respected and influential group.

Pan's advocacy wasn’t limited to the legislature. He also focused on education and community service, spearheading Waupun Prison Bike Shows between 1977 and 1982. These events, held at Wisconsin's maximum-security prison, became models for other prison shows across the country and earned him commendations from the governor and the director of prisons.

Under his leadership, ABATE of Wisconsin developed an award-winning motorcycle safety program, organized food and blood donation drives, and consistently thwarted attempts to reinstate helmet laws. In 1992, Pan founded BOLT (Bikers of Lesser Tolerance), a group dedicated to fighting unjust helmet laws and other biker-related legal issues through the court system rather than the legislature. His efforts expanded into protecting bikers' rights in the courtroom, including seminars on reclaiming motorcycles confiscated for suspicious engine or frame number stamps.

Pan’s legal advocacy extended to issues like ATV injury cases. When a Wisconsin Supreme Court ruling allowed for reduced damages in cases where helmets weren't worn, even though there was no mandatory helmet law, Pan spent two years lobbying the legislature to enact a law that made the ruling moot.

Throughout his career, Pan has worked closely with Hupy and Abraham, S.C., a renowned law firm, advocating for motorcyclists' rights and testifying at every motorcycle-related hearing since 1974. He has also contributed to a number of publications, including Easy Riders Magazine, Biker, Midwest Biker, FTW, and Choppers Magazine.

In 2002, Pan was inducted into the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame as part of the newly created Freedom Fighters section, a testament to his lifelong dedication to the cause. Later that year, Wisconsin Governor Tommy G. Thompson was also inducted into the Freedom Fighters Hall of Fame, and Pan had the honor of serving as the governor’s head road captain for his rides starting in 1995. Pan continued in this role when Thompson became U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, and later served as Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker’s ride captain for seven years before Walker became governor of Wisconsin.

Pan’s legacy as a relentless advocate for motorcyclists' rights spans decades, and his work continues to benefit riders today. His unwavering commitment to freedom, safety, and justice has left an indelible mark on the biker community, both in Wisconsin and across the nation.