HANCEVILLE, Ala. – Registration is now open for the ninth annual Jay’s Legacy Bike & Car Ride starting at J&S Karaoke on Saturday, July 29, 2023. The public is invited to participate either by riding a motorcycle or, for the first time, by car to help spread the message and fundraise for distracted driving awareness.
The registration fee before July 22 is $15 per bike and $5 per additional passenger and $20 per car. Registration is also available 8-10 a.m. the morning of the event, at $20 per bike and $5 per additional passenger and $25 per car. Kickstands up and the ride begins at 10:30 a.m.
This event honors former Vinemont Postmaster Jay Kendall, who was hit and killed on his motorcycle while waiting at a red light en route to work at the Hanceville Post Office. Kendell was hit and killed by a teen distracted driver on May 21, 2014.
Co-owners of the family friendly and non-alcoholic J&S Karaoke, Jay and his wife Suzette frequently sponsored benefits for local residents in need, along with Toys for Tots, Thanksgiving and Christmas give-a-ways and clothing drives.
After Jay’s tragic accident, Jay’s widow Suzette began the nonprofit Jay’s Legacy, based at J&S, to create awareness of distracted driving, mainly texting and talking on cell phones. Each year, approximately 3,000 people in the U.S. lose their lives due to distracted driving. And each year, Alabama is the second-worst state for this dangerous behavior, after New Mexico, with roughly 155,000 car accidents here, and most due to texting and talking.
The bike/car ride, lasting approximately one hour, will begin in Hanceville and proceed to Garden City, Blountsville and Holly Pond before returning to J&S. Participants are invited to enjoy two designated stops. All participants will receive information about the dangers of distracted driving.
Fellow advocate Michelle Dunn has also dedicated her life to this cause for years. Together, she and Suzette Kendall have worked tirelessly toward the recent passing of the distracted driving bill by the Alabama Legislature. Kendall volunteers to speak to groups and organizations about the potential for deaths and injury when not giving driving your full attention, having presented to the Cullman Chamber of Commerce, Walker County’s The Vigil for Victims and at various safety meetings. Her work advocating for distracted driving awareness has been featured in the Alabama AAA Magazine, local newspapers and a TV PSA featuring her and Jeff Hanson warning against the dangers of distracted driving, which has appeared since 2015.
Kendall and Dunn work year-round promoting awareness and fundraising to award an annual scholarship in Jay’s name to an outstanding student selected by Wallace State Community College. This past May, the 2023 recipient was Andrew Light.
To preregister for the bike/car ride, send your name, phone number and email address with your check to J&S Karaoke, 860 County Road 404, Cullman, AL 35057, Attention Bike/Car Ride. Rain date is Aug. 5. For more information, contact Suzette Kendall at 256-347-0267 or Michelle Dunn at 256-636-1993, and follow Jay’s Legacy at J&S Karaoke active Facebook page.
