Vince Consiglio

Vince Consiglio: Detroit’s Champion for Motorcycle Rights and Education

Vince Consiglio is a true product of Detroit. Like many in the Motor City, he started his career working at the factories of the Big Three—Chrysler, GM, and Ford—while putting himself through college. But when layoffs hit, Vince found a different path, one that would shape the rest of his life. With $20 in his pocket and a motorcycle under him, he set off on his first cross-country ride from Detroit to Las Vegas, traveling the legendary Route 66. That ride, full of freedom and adventure, ignited a passion that would turn Vince into one of Michigan’s foremost advocates for motorcyclists' rights and safety.

However, the freedom Vince found on the open road in California didn’t extend to his home state of Michigan. A court appearance in 1974, after being charged with violating Michigan's helmet law, sparked his activism. The experience, combined with his deep love for motorcycles, led Vince to join ABATE of Michigan (American Bikers Aiming Toward Education) in 1975. ABATE's mission was to protect riders' rights, and Vince became an important voice in the fight for motorcyclists' freedom, safety, and education.

After several years of battling legislative hurdles, Vince, along with several other ABATE directors, became certified Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) instructors in 1979. Their goal was ambitious: to establish formal motorcycle education programs across Michigan. Vince’s tireless efforts played a pivotal role in building a robust motorcycle education infrastructure, which eventually won legislative support.

One of the most notable achievements of Vince’s career has been the success of the Detroit Metro Regional Motorcycle Safety Program, run through Schoolcraft College. From 1981 to 2019, the program trained over 100,000 students, equipping riders with the knowledge and skills needed to safely navigate the road. This milestone stands as a testament to Vince’s long-standing commitment to motorcycle safety and rider education in Michigan.

Vince Consiglio’s journey from Detroit factory worker to cross-country rider and advocate for motorcyclists' rights highlights his unwavering passion for motorcycles and the freedom they represent. His work with ABATE of Michigan and the MSF has left an indelible mark on the motorcycling community, making the roads safer and ensuring that generations of riders are well-prepared to ride confidently.