MRF Alerts

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) is pleased to update our members that all three of our high priority motorcyclist amendments have just passed with unanimous consent after being placed in a bipartisan en bloc vote during this morning's hearing. After lengthy negotiations between both parties, each side agreed to put 18 amendments in a single en bloc vote to help speed up proceedings in the markup of H.R. 2, the INVEST in America Act.

The MRF wants to thank all of our members and partners for engaging with their member of Congress to ensure the priorities of motorcyclists were addressed during this process. We will send out a full release later today on the hearing but wanted to alert our members who have been following the hearing proceedings over the past two days.

UPDATE: We know it's getting late, but your MRF wanted to give you an update on today's Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) Committee markup on H.R. 2, the INVEST in America Act. After 12 hours, the House T&I Committee has adjourned for the evening. The committee has addressed roughly 100 of the almost 300 amendments scheduled to be reviewed during today's hearing. The three motorcycle amendments that we are focused on have yet to be debated and will be on the agenda for tomorrow when the committee meets again at 9:30 a.m.

Today is an exciting day for the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) and the entire motorcycling community. At 10:00 a.m. today, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee will markup H.R. 2, the “Investing in a New Vision for the Environment and Surface Transportation in America” Act (INVEST in America Act). Sometimes known as the Highway Bill or Transportation Bill, this piece of legislation must be reauthorized by Congress every four to six years. The current Highway Bill, “Fixing America’s Surface Transportation” Act, also known as the FAST Act, expires on September 30, 2020.

The “markup” of the INVEST in America Act, is a formal process of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. This allows all of its 60 plus members to offer amendments and changes to the bill before it heads to the House floor for a final vote.

The Transportation Committee is the largest in Congress and usually a place where bipartisanship is the rule, not the exception. Unfortunately, as has been the case in Washington over the past few years, partisanship has infiltrated the Transportation Committee. The INVEST in America Act was written solely by the Democrats who have the majority control of the House of Representatives. This has led to an unusual situation. Today, almost 300 amendments will be considered by the committee. Most of these will be introduced by Republicans, who are using this as an opportunity to promote their policy priorities.

As you know, we at the MRF like to say: “We don’t vote Republican, We don’t vote Democrat, We vote motorcyclist.” As today unfolds, there are four key areas, we at the MRF will be watching:

• Motorcyclist Safety Funds
• Motorcyclist Advisory Council
• Autonomous Vehicle Technology
• Motorcycle-Only Check Points / Profiling

Here’s a brief outline of what may transpire over the next several hours in Washington DC.

Motorcyclist Safety Funds: The INVEST in America Act as introduced would increase funds made available to states for motorcyclist safety by $1,473,285. This is an increase in the program of roughly 34% over current funding levels. Under this bill, the total amount available to states in the next fiscal year would be $5,761,785. While we at the MRF are happy to see Congress increase the funding level for state motorcyclists safety programs, this new $5.7 million amount still only equates to approximately $0.67 per motorcycle in the country.

Motorcyclist Advisory Council: The MRF has advocated for Gallagher Amendment #116 introduced by Congressmen Mike Gallagher of Wisconsin. This amendment would re-establish the Motorcyclist Advisory Council and create dedicated seats at the table for motorcyclists’ rights groups and manufacturers. The MAC has existed for over a decade and allows federal policymakers, state highway officials, and motorcyclists to discuss the unique demands of riding a motorcycle and how roads, bridges, and other infrastructure can be built to better account for motorcyclists’ needs.

Autonomous Vehicle Technology: Congressman Troy Balderson of Ohio, a rider himself, will offer Balderson Amendment #21. This two-part amendment focuses on autonomous vehicles and motorcycles. The first part requires that when the Department of Transportation conducts safety studies on autonomous vehicles, motorcycles must be considered as unique roadway users. For example, autonomous vehicle technology must account for factors like lane splitting, something unique that is only relevant to motorcycles. The second part ensures that a motorcycle safety group is included in the Department of Transportation working group on autonomous vehicle deployment. Once again, motorcyclists need a seat at the table, so our voices are heard.

Check Points / Profiling: The provisions passed in the FAST Act of 2015 regarding motorcycle-only checkpoints were not changed in this bill. This means that states and local governments will continue to be prohibited from using federal funds to establish motorcycle-only checkpoints. This federal provision complements the nearly 20 states who have outlawed motorcycle-only checkpoints in their states.

In addition to retaining the prohibition on funding motorcycle-only checkpoints, Congressman Balderson will offer amendment #25 that would prohibit using federal funds to profile and stop motorcycle operators or passengers, using as a factor, the apparel they are wearing or their mode of transportation. This amendment is consistent with our profiling resolution and would be an acknowledgment by Congress that motorcyclists should not be profiled because of what they wear or ride.

This markup is just the first step in a long journey that still requires the Senate to act and the President’s signature. As the day progresses, we will provide short updates on what is going on and how our priorities are faring. If you wish to follow along with today’s markup, the hearing begins at 10:00 a.m. eastern, and you can watch the live stream here.

Today is an exciting day for the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) and the entire motorcycling community. At 10:00 a.m. today, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee will markup H.R. 2, the “Investing in a New Vision for the Environment and Surface Transportation in America” Act (INVEST in America Act). Sometimes known as the Highway Bill or Transportation Bill, this piece of legislation must be reauthorized by Congress every four to six years. The current Highway Bill, “Fixing America’s Surface Transportation” Act, also known as the FAST Act, expires on September 30, 2020.

The “markup” of the INVEST in America Act, is a formal process of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. This allows all of its 60 plus members to offer amendments and changes to the bill before it heads to the House floor for a final vote.

The Transportation Committee is the largest in Congress and usually a place where bipartisanship is the rule, not the exception. Unfortunately, as has been the case in Washington over the past few years, partisanship has infiltrated the Transportation Committee. The INVEST in America Act was written solely by the Democrats who have the majority control of the House of Representatives. This has led to an unusual situation. Today, almost 300 amendments will be considered by the committee. Most of these will be introduced by Republicans, who are using this as an opportunity to promote their policy priorities.

As you know, we at the MRF like to say: “We don’t vote Republican, We don’t vote Democrat, We vote motorcyclist.” As today unfolds, there are four key areas, we at the MRF will be watching:

• Motorcyclist Safety Funds
• Motorcyclist Advisory Council
• Autonomous Vehicle Technology
• Motorcycle-Only Check Points / Profiling

Here’s a brief outline of what may transpire over the next several hours in Washington DC.

Motorcyclist Safety Funds: The INVEST in America Act as introduced would increase funds made available to states for motorcyclist safety by $1,473,285. This is an increase in the program of roughly 34% over current funding levels. Under this bill, the total amount available to states in the next fiscal year would be $5,761,785. While we at the MRF are happy to see Congress increase the funding level for state motorcyclists safety programs, this new $5.7 million amount still only equates to approximately $0.67 per motorcycle in the country.

Motorcyclist Advisory Council: The MRF has advocated for Gallagher Amendment #116 introduced by Congressmen Mike Gallagher of Wisconsin. This amendment would re-establish the Motorcyclist Advisory Council and create dedicated seats at the table for motorcyclists’ rights groups and manufacturers. The MAC has existed for over a decade and allows federal policymakers, state highway officials, and motorcyclists to discuss the unique demands of riding a motorcycle and how roads, bridges, and other infrastructure can be built to better account for motorcyclists’ needs.

Autonomous Vehicle Technology: Congressman Troy Balderson of Ohio, a rider himself, will offer Balderson Amendment #21. This two-part amendment focuses on autonomous vehicles and motorcycles. The first part requires that when the Department of Transportation conducts safety studies on autonomous vehicles, motorcycles must be considered as unique roadway users. For example, autonomous vehicle technology must account for factors like lane splitting, something unique that is only relevant to motorcycles. The second part ensures that a motorcycle safety group is included in the Department of Transportation working group on autonomous vehicle deployment. Once again, motorcyclists need a seat at the table, so our voices are heard.

Check Points / Profiling: The provisions passed in the FAST Act of 2015 regarding motorcycle-only checkpoints were not changed in this bill. This means that states and local governments will continue to be prohibited from using federal funds to establish motorcycle-only checkpoints. This federal provision complements the nearly 20 states who have outlawed motorcycle-only checkpoints in their states.

In addition to retaining the prohibition on funding motorcycle-only checkpoints, Congressman Balderson will offer amendment #25 that would prohibit using federal funds to profile and stop motorcycle operators or passengers, using as a factor, the apparel they are wearing or their mode of transportation. This amendment is consistent with our profiling resolution and would be an acknowledgment by Congress that motorcyclists should not be profiled because of what they wear or ride.

This markup is just the first step in a long journey that still requires the Senate to act and the President’s signature. As the day progresses, we will provide short updates on what is going on and how our priorities are faring. If you wish to follow along with today’s markup, the hearing begins at 10:00 a.m. eastern, and you can watch the live stream here.

Today is an exciting day for the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) and the entire motorcycling community. At 10:00 a.m. today, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee will markup H.R. 2, the “Investing in a New Vision for the Environment and Surface Transportation in America” Act (INVEST in America Act). Sometimes known as the Highway Bill or Transportation Bill, this piece of legislation must be reauthorized by Congress every four to six years. The current Highway Bill, “Fixing America’s Surface Transportation” Act, also known as the FAST Act, expires on September 30, 2020.

The “markup” of the INVEST in America Act, is a formal process of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. This allows all of its 60 plus members to offer amendments and changes to the bill before it heads to the House floor for a final vote.

The Transportation Committee is the largest in Congress and usually a place where bipartisanship is the rule, not the exception. Unfortunately, as has been the case in Washington over the past few years, partisanship has infiltrated the Transportation Committee. The INVEST in America Act was written solely by the Democrats who have the majority control of the House of Representatives. This has led to an unusual situation. Today, almost 300 amendments will be considered by the committee. Most of these will be introduced by Republicans, who are using this as an opportunity to promote their policy priorities.

As you know, we at the MRF like to say: “We don’t vote Republican, We don’t vote Democrat, We vote motorcyclist.” As today unfolds, there are four key areas, we at the MRF will be watching:

• Motorcyclist Safety Funds
• Motorcyclist Advisory Council
• Autonomous Vehicle Technology
• Motorcycle-Only Check Points / Profiling

Here’s a brief outline of what may transpire over the next several hours in Washington DC.

Motorcyclist Safety Funds: The INVEST in America Act as introduced would increase funds made available to states for motorcyclist safety by $1,473,285. This is an increase in the program of roughly 34% over current funding levels. Under this bill, the total amount available to states in the next fiscal year would be $5,761,785. While we at the MRF are happy to see Congress increase the funding level for state motorcyclists safety programs, this new $5.7 million amount still only equates to approximately $0.67 per motorcycle in the country.

Motorcyclist Advisory Council: The MRF has advocated for Gallagher Amendment #116 introduced by Congressmen Mike Gallagher of Wisconsin. This amendment would re-establish the Motorcyclist Advisory Council and create dedicated seats at the table for motorcyclists’ rights groups and manufacturers. The MAC has existed for over a decade and allows federal policymakers, state highway officials, and motorcyclists to discuss the unique demands of riding a motorcycle and how roads, bridges, and other infrastructure can be built to better account for motorcyclists’ needs.

Autonomous Vehicle Technology: Congressman Troy Balderson of Ohio, a rider himself, will offer Balderson Amendment #21. This two-part amendment focuses on autonomous vehicles and motorcycles. The first part requires that when the Department of Transportation conducts safety studies on autonomous vehicles, motorcycles must be considered as unique roadway users. For example, autonomous vehicle technology must account for factors like lane splitting, something unique that is only relevant to motorcycles. The second part ensures that a motorcycle safety group is included in the Department of Transportation working group on autonomous vehicle deployment. Once again, motorcyclists need a seat at the table, so our voices are heard.

Check Points / Profiling: The provisions passed in the FAST Act of 2015 regarding motorcycle-only checkpoints were not changed in this bill. This means that states and local governments will continue to be prohibited from using federal funds to establish motorcycle-only checkpoints. This federal provision complements the nearly 20 states who have outlawed motorcycle-only checkpoints in their states.

In addition to retaining the prohibition on funding motorcycle-only checkpoints, Congressman Balderson will offer amendment #25 that would prohibit using federal funds to profile and stop motorcycle operators or passengers, using as a factor, the apparel they are wearing or their mode of transportation. This amendment is consistent with our profiling resolution and would be an acknowledgment by Congress that motorcyclists should not be profiled because of what they wear or ride.

This markup is just the first step in a long journey that still requires the Senate to act and the President’s signature. As the day progresses, we will provide short updates on what is going on and how our priorities are faring. If you wish to follow along with today’s markup, the hearing begins at 10:00 a.m. eastern, and you can watch the live stream here.

Ride Safe and Ride Free,

The D.C. Team

WASHINGTON, D.C. – This coming Monday will mark the 29th anniversary of Ride To Work Day, an annual event that promotes the motorcycle as an option for commuting to work. Since 1992, this event has been promoted by the Ride to Work organization with a goal of increasing public awareness of motorcyclists; promoting the use of motorcycles as a method of transportation; and increasing motorcycle safety.

According to the Motorcycle Industry Council, an estimated 150,000 commuters ride their motorcycle to work. While this is a very minor portion of all commuters, figures show these numbers are on the rise. It may be surprising that the numbers are not higher given data that supports that traveling by motorcycle can shorten journey times by as much as 33 minutes of every hour for city travel. Additional benefits can include more parking options, fuel savings and the undeniable advantage of enjoying the environment and the open air preparing yourself for a long day of work, or better yet, decompressing post-work!

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation encourages its members and partners to participate in this year’s event on June 15th to help demonstrate support for riders across the nation and spur recognition that the use of motorcycles as an alternative to commuting can help alleviate traffic and parking congestion.

Another important message that the event sends is that, despite a sometimes less than flattering portrayal of motorcyclists by Hollywood and even the media and naysayers, motorcyclists are our neighbors, teachers, family, lawyers, servicemen and women and friends and they have a rightful place on our nation’s highways.

For more information, visit: http://www.ridetowork.org/

If you have photos of yourself participating in Ride to Work Day, send them to mrfoffice@mrf.org or text them to (202) 546-0983

If you’re riding now, it’s because you’re as tired of the lockdown as the rest of the country, and riding is a 70 MPH exercise in “social distancing.”

Your rights as motorcyclists’ are just as important as your safety. While the world was on lockdown and “recommended social distancing,” the MRF never lost focus of the reason the organization exists – protecting the rights of all motorcyclists, even while Congress was closed.

Bikers Inside the Beltway was reluctantly canceled because Congress was closed to the public. With that, the MRF turned our focus to the Meeting of the Minds and protecting our rights beyond the lockdown. With twelve workshops, six major presentations, and a cadre of motorcyclists’ rights activists presenting, the 2020 Meeting of the Minds Conference is destined to be one of the most dynamic in recent memory. And it doesn’t stop there…

For the first time ever, event registration includes eight full meals -- not box lunches, eight full meals! The Waterfront Hotel is a class act and, for the past several years, has hosted ABATE of Indiana events. You’re going to get more than your money’s worth on the 36th Annual Meeting of the Minds!

The lockdown is lifted, and we’re moving beyond it. As you’ve seen or experienced, individual rights beyond the ones the MRF diligently fights for, have been under siege since March. With that, the MRF is expecting a record number of attendees at this year’s Meeting of the Minds, September 24-27. Get beyond the lockdown; make your reservations now!

Now’s the time to use this link and register for Meeting of the Minds 2020. The hotel information is on the same page.

We will endure beyond the lockdown. However, without exaggeration, your rights, your motorcycle, and your lifestyle are under siege. The 2020 Meeting of the Minds provides you with the tools to get beyond the lockdown; see you in Indianapolis!!!

Today the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee released its Highway Reauthorization bill titled, “Investing in a New Vision for the Environment and Surface Transportation in America (INVEST in America) Act.’’

The 864-page bill outlines the priorities of the Democratic majority in the House, focusing on everything from carbon emissions to road safety programs. The draft bill would authorize $319 billion for highways, $105 billion for transit, $5 billion for highway safety, $5 billion for motor carrier safety, and $60 billion for rail.

We at the Motorcycle Riders Foundation are currently reviewing the text and changes to the current statute that would follow if this bill becomes law. The MRF is committed to protecting the rights of motorcyclists in any federal transportation legislation.

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) focuses on a few key areas such as the protection of motorcyclists from law enforcement profiling, ensuring that motorcycle safety funds sent to states remain available, the continuation of a Federal Motorcyclist Advisory Council, protection of motorcycles during the deployment of autonomous vehicles, and a continued ban on lobbying by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. You can read our entire 2020 Legislative & Regulatory Priorities here.

A preliminary review of this bill indicates that some of these areas are addressed in the House bill. Where our priorities are not addressed, we will seek inclusion during the mark up of the bill through the amendment process. We will also continue to advocate that our priorities are included in any Senate transportation bill.

Kirk “Hardtail” Willard, President of the MRF, stated: “While I am pleased that Congress is beginning the process of a Highway Reauthorization bill, I am troubled by the fact this bill was written solely by one party. We, as motorcyclists, do not believe that the safety of riders is a partisan issue. We will continue to educate lawmakers about our priorities and will remain vigilant in defense of our freedoms and safety.”

For more information about the INVEST in America Act, you can click here.

This Memorial Day weekend is unlike any we have experienced. Traditional motorcycle events honoring those lost in military service have been cancelled or postponed around the nation. We at the Motorcycle Riders Foundation are forever grateful to our brothers and sisters lost defending the freedoms we cherish. These trying times are an important reminder that freedom isn’t free.

As Ronald Reagan said, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children's children what it was once like in the United States where men were free.”

As we try and return our lives to normal and spend time with family and friends, let’s all take a moment to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice. We at the MRF wish you and yours a safe and happy Memorial Day.

Ride Safe and Ride Free!

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) was alerted by our contacts in the U.S. Senate regarding a proposed change to the dedicated 405 Motorcycle Safety funds in the National Priority Safety Programs that is authorized through the Highway Bill. The proposed change to this program would add another criteria for states to qualify for motorcycle safety funds. In order to qualify, states have to meet two of the six current criteria. In addition to the current criteria, the additional qualifying area would add a category for states that have a mandatory helmet law for anyone under the age of 18. While meeting the under 18 helmet law is not mandatory to receive these funds, we at the MRF oppose any such change. We cannot allow any amount of erosion of our rights on this issue. The MRF is adamantly opposed to any federal law that would require the use of a helmet, apparel or conspicuity standard.

We are actively monitoring this situation to make sure that this staff discussion does not find its way into any draft highway bill legislation. The back-door attempt to include language that leverages a state without a helmet law for those under 18 as one of the minimum criteria may encourage some states to change their current laws to make it easier to qualify for these federal funds. In 1975, Congress enacted a law forcing all states to enact a mandatory helmet in order to receive any federal transportation funds. The MRF and state motorcycle rights organizations around this country fought tirelessly during this time for the law to be overturned. Congress flip-flopped on the helmet law by striking down the 1975 law, then reinstating it in 1991. The MRF and the motorcycle rights organizations were finally successful in 1995 by overturning the federal mandatory helmet law.

We at the MRF have already communicated with our contact that we would be adamantly opposed to any changes to the language. This potential change could be viewed as an attempt to blackmail states into changing their current laws as a way to additionally qualify for these funds. While there is not any official draft in circulation for the next highway bill reauthorization, we will continue to remain on guard against attempts to add or implement such changes.

The motorcycle safety funds were first authorized in 2005 through the highway reauthorization known as SAFETEA-LU. The federal government began a dedicated state grants program in an attempt to reduce the number of single and multi-vehicle crashes involving motorcyclists. The program has continued to be authorized in the federal highway bill legislation and is currently still active in the current iteration known as the FAST ACT of 2015 which is set to expire in September 2020. Last week, we reported that NHTSA had released the fiscal year 2020 state grant totals for each of the National Priority Safety Programs. The $4.2 million motorcycle safety grant program was divided between forty-three states and Puerto Rico. In fact, the motorcycle safety grant program only makes up 1.5% of the appropriation for this program. With over 8.5 million registered motorcycles on our nation’s roadways, the federal government only spends on average $0.49 per motorcycle.

We will keep you posted on this and other topics as lawmakers continue the process of drafting a new transportation and infrastructure package in 2020.

Thomas Wyld, retired U.S. Navy Commander, 71, passed away after a long battle with cancer.

Following his distinguished Navy career he became the Vice President of Legislative Affairs for the National Rifle Association, after which he joined the Motorcycle Riders Foundation as Vice President of Government Relations in our Washington D.C. Offices.

Tom was instrumental in our efforts to protect our right to modify motorcycles when the EPA rolled out their restrictive Tier 2 regulations that became known as the Color and Chrome Campaign. At this same time Tom was responsible for commissioning and overseeing the famed Vaughn Study. The MRF’s most significant legislative accomplishment concerning rider education was achieved during Wyld’s tenure. The Murkowski Amendment to the federal highway bill, which provides for financial incentives to state motorcycle safety programs, continues to this day, thanks to Tom’s efforts.

In discussing Tom's contributions with MRF Board Members who worked with him it was felt he brought a genuine technical acumen and professional congeniality to his position. He also coined our oft used tag line "Ride with the Leaders"

Our condolences go out to his family and friends.