MRF Alerts

  • COMMON GOALS & MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING -- MOTORCYCLISTS’ RIGHTS ACTIVISTS MEET

    06/21/2023 10:27 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Phoenix, Arizona – Eleven motorcyclists’ rights activists representing the National Coalition of Motorcyclists, the Motorcycle Riders Foundation, and four motorcycle clubs took time away from the NCOM annual convention to meet in a closed-door session to discuss differences and focus on common goals. 

    With a joint willingness to acknowledge a tumultuous past but not allow the past to detract from the need to work toward the commonalities of mutually recognized issues effecting the future of motorcycling, the goals were quickly acknowledged and unanimously agreed upon: Profiling, Right to Repair, Renewable Fuels, Autonomous Vehicles, Emission Regulations, Definition of a Motorcycle, Crash Avoidance, support of SB 202 Internal Combustion Bill of Rights were accepted from the MRF’s 2023 top legislative goals.  

    The issues that have historically divided NCOM and the MRF took more time to address. Once introductions were made, meeting moderator Kansas Tim, was clear with the direction the meeting needed to take during and after it adjourned.  

    The pace of the closed-door, limited attendance meeting was motivated by a newly elected NCOM board of directors, plus organizational leadership’s willingness to meet.  Ground rules were quickly established when the moderator outlined a list of issues that suppressed trust and even prevented working together. Overcoming distrust was reviewed and addressed with mutual assurance that both MRF and NCOM would “pick up the phone” regularly instead of relying on emails and third-party communications. 

    An agreement to encourage organization liaisons to attend meetings of respective leadership boards was also agreed upon. Welcome invitations to the respective board meetings would be forthcoming.  

    Acknowledgement and attribution for an organization’s accomplishments provoked the most heated discussions. In a spirit of fostering a positive relationship between NCOM and the MRF, acknowledgement and attribution will continue to be a high-priority item for both NCOM and the MRF. 

    Ending the meeting between the National Coalition of Motorcyclists and the Motorcycle Riders Foundation with a photo op and a mutual commitment to work together, words taken from the NCOM event program summed up that commitment: “forging relationships and fostering communications to present a united front against our common enemies and in support of common ground.”

  • Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame Freedom Fighter

    06/17/2023 11:00 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)


    Motorcycle Riders Foundation board member Russell Radke is set to be inducted into the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame this August.

    Russell is the International Vice President of Soldiers for Jesus Motorcycle Club. He was also an active supporter of the Southern Nevada Confederation of Clubs and a committed member of the Nevada Association of Concerned Motorcyclists lobbying team and he has worked diligently with the National Council of Clubs. Russell’s commitment to motorcyclists’ rights has not wavered, he relentlessly encourages all motorcyclists to join the endeavor to protect their rights. Russell’s commitment, plus calm, and persistent way of encouraging involvement, has a way of bringing out commitment within others.

    In 2014, Russell’s dedication to motorcyclists’ rights was recognized when he was elected to the Motorcycle Riders Foundation’s board of directors as the Representative for Motorcycle Clubs (“Club Dude”). With his persistent “encouragement” he has met with members of Congress and has repeatedly encouraged them to sign onto legislation that those with less determination would have given up on. Russell is a tenacious Freedom Fighter.

    Through Russell Radke’s dedication to motorcyclists’ rights, the threat against something we love is lessened. Motorcycle clubs are more united with the goals of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation and through it all, Russell remains a strong and respected member of his club and the motorcycling community. All along remaining true to his conscience and his family.

    Congratulations Russell!

  • MEETING OF THE MINDS 2023 THE MRF LISTENS & MAKES A DIFFERENCE.

    06/14/2023 5:00 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    CORRECTION:  The previous phone number for the Meeting of the Minds 2023 hotel was incorrect. Please accept my apologies for any inconvenience this may have caused. THE CORRECT NUMBER: 717-939-7841 

    The Motorcycle Riders Foundation listens. Culminating 18 months of planning and fulfilment, the MRF ended Meeting of the Minds 2022 by reviewing input from over three hundred attendees.

    Meeting of the Minds 2023 will reflect that the MRF listens and what we heard will make a difference in building the MRF and strong partner state motorcyclists’ rights organizations.

    Bikers inside the Beltway 2023 was a total success because of the work the MRF does at the Meeting of the Minds addressing the needs of members and our partner SMROs. The feedback we received from MOTM 2022 put us on track with new workshops, more workshops, and new presenters with topical presentations.

    This year, we added four workshops for a total of sixteen! Although some workshops are updates of annual presentations, we’ve added ten new presenters and a slew of new topics.

    If you or your SMRO is social media challenged, meet Joy Mack. She’s a Twenty-First Century wizard who understands the challenges individuals and SMROs face when delving into social media. Her workshop --- The Power of Social Media: A Catalyst for Recruitment -- is tailored to putting the “social media challenged” into a comfort zone – and because we know her workshop will have high demand; we’re offering it twice!

    Wondering why the MRF and our partner SMROs have such a high success rate on Capitol Hill and state legislatures? Meet Steve Panten, he and Dave Dwyer will provide attendees a few hundred ways on Building Effective Legislative Lobbying Efforts, another key to positive advocacy for motorcyclists’ rights.

    Bikers inside the Beltway, Meeting of the Minds – the Motorcycle Riders Foundation --listening and making a difference.

    The Meeting of the Minds – September 21-24, Red Lion Hotel, 4751 Lindie Road, Harrisburg, PA 17111. Use the QR codes below to register and make reservations or call 717-939-7841  and mention Motorcycle Riders Foundation 2023 Meeting of the Minds.   

    Thank you for your support of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation. We look forward to seeing you in Harrisburg at the 39th Annual Meeting of the Minds, Sept. 21-24, 2023.

    Yours in Freedom,

    Fred

    Fredric Harrell

    MRF Director of Conferences & Events

    P.S. Hotel rooms are available and going fast, confirm your plans now, register with the MRF, and use the QR codes to make hotel reservations early for the Meeting of the Minds 2023. Thank you.

  • “It’s very dangerous for motorcycles to be around Teslas”

    06/12/2023 8:40 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Over the weekend a Washington Post story on Tesla’s Autopilot system made national news. The story included this quote from former National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) senior safety adviser, Missy Cummings, “It’s very dangerous for motorcycles to be around Teslas.”

    According to the Post’s research, since 2021, there have 17 fatal crashes involving Teslas operating in Autopilot mode. Motorcycles were involved in four of the 17.

    You may remember that NHTSA recently opened investigations into fatal crashes involving Tesla vehicles and motorcycles. One occurred in Utah, when a motorcyclist on Interstate 15 outside Salt Lake City, was struck from behind by a Tesla in Autopilot. “The driver of the Tesla did not see the motorcyclist and collided with the back of the motorcycle, which threw the rider from the bike,” the Utah Department of Public Safety said.

    Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in May that Autopilot is not an appropriate name “When the fine print says you need to have your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road at all times.”

    The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) has been raising this issue with federal officials for years. Just last month, MRF President Kirk “Hardtail” Willard and Vice President Jay Jackson, met with safety officials at the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) on this very topic. The two MRF leaders stressed the concerns of bikers about the deployment of this new technology. Additionally, in the coming weeks, MRF senior officials will meet with leaders at NHTSA to seek answers on this troubling report. 

    These meetings with Biden Administration officials come on the heels of the MRF’s Bikers Inside the Beltway (BITB) annual event. During BITB, riders from across the country met with Members of Congress seeking action on self-driving cars as they relate to motorcyclists.

    The MRF has been, and will remain, vigilant on this subject that effects ALL motorcyclists. Increased media scrutiny, along with the thousands of voices demanding action, is turning the heat up. Let’s keep the pressure up and protect bikers on our nation’s roadways.
    Link to full Washington Post article(fees may apply)

  • California Focusing on Motorcycle Emissions

    06/06/2023 7:30 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)


    On Wednesday, June 7th the California Air Resources Board (CARB) will be conducting a public workshop to discuss proposed changes to the On-Road Motorcycle (ONMC) emissions standard and test procedures.

    As the background in the public notice states, “CARB has not proposed new standards for ONMCs since 1998. Since then, much has changed in the capabilities of emissions control technologies for ONMCs and similar categories of engines and vehicles. Further, other jurisdictions around the world have adopted more stringent emissions standards for ONMCs. These technical and regulatory developments have created an opportunity to reduce ONMC emissions quickly and cost-effectively in California.”

    In advance of the hearing, the Motorcycle Riders Foundation submitted written comments about the proposed push to make electric motorcycles 50% of all motorcycle sales by 2035. With nearly 1 million registered motorcycles on the roads in California, any regulatory action in the Golden State will have major repercussions for the rest of the country.

    If you’d like to watch the California hearing on June 7th click here to register.

    To read the MRF’s comments to CARB click here.

  • Let Those Who Ride Decide – State #33

    06/03/2023 6:00 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)


    On June 1st, Nebraska governor Jim Pillen signed into law a motorcycle helmet modification bill, which allows riders to choose if they wear a helmet. Congratulations to the motorcyclists in Nebraska, ABATE of Nebraska and all the groups in Nebraska who for years fought to have helmet choice in the Cornhusker State.  

    Nebraska State Senator Ben Hansen originally introduced the language, which was included in a larger transportation bill that passed the legislature at the end of May. Effective January 1, 2024, an individual age 21 and older, who has completed a certified motorcycle safety course may now choose whether or not to wear a helmet, provided the rider uses protective eye equipment. 

    In 2020, Missouri passed a helmet choice bill leaving Nebraska as the sole state in the Midwest that required all riders to wear a helmet. With this new law, Nebraska now joins its neighboring states and becomes the 33rd state allowing helmet choice. 

    For 34 years riders in Nebraska have sought the freedom to decide whether to wear a helmet. This victory is a testament to the handiwork, determination and passion of all those involved. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) has long championed the belief that “those who ride should decide.” 

    When hearing the news, MRF President, Kirk “Hardtail” Willard said, "Grass roots activism at its finest, it is encouraging to see that there are still politicians and bureaucrats in this great country of ours that bend to common sense and the will of the people.  Given the nanny state of our society today, it is an outstanding achievement by ABATE of Nebraska and other involved motorcyclists in earning their freedom of choice." 

    This message from “Rouge,” State Coordinator for ABATE of Nebraska, Todd C. Miller should inspire us all. “It is hard to explain what this bill means to me. I was mentored and encouraged by so many. I am turning 60 and had the privilege to ride in this state prior to the mandatory helmet law enacted in 1989. Over the years, I have lost many friends, colleagues, brothers and freedom fighters who were on the frontlines of this fight.  It is hard to encourage a group of young riders that have never ridden free in Nebraska, for us, that was anyone under the age of 50! So, in honor of all of those we have lost, I am very proud to say the next generation of riders will know what it means to ride free in this state.  I pray they make memories, enjoy the ride here in Nebraska and become emboldened with the same desire I, and so many others, had to defend our rights in the years to come.  We all know the fight is NOT over. 

    I would like to Honor my Board of Directors/State Officers both past and present for sticking with the plan… and making it happen. My legislative officers over the years who helped keep us focused and get us there one step at a time, including Charles Thomas, Scott Lucey, Gary Neeman and my current Legislative Representative Randy Geer. Last and certainly not least, my wife and State Membership Secretary, Sheri Miller for all the late nights, weekends, and continued support.   

    My list of outstanding contributors also includes Rick Backer, Jimmy Wray, Jodi Wessel, and Duane ‘Drano’ Goff, all of whom are no longer with us …” 

    Congratulations Nebraska!  

    Ride Safe and Ride Free! 

  • California Unification Rally Draws 3,000 to State Capitol

    06/02/2023 7:42 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    On May 21,2023, over 3,000 motorcyclists gathered at the California State Capitol in Sacramento to talk biker’s rights, and to send a message to the state legislature that a change in how California deals with issues important to riders is needed. Speakers from the Modified Motorcycle Association (MMA) of California, ABATE of California, the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF), the National Council of Clubs (NCOC) and other groups took to the podium to stress the importance of all riders - as well as other consumer advocates including those in the automotive industry - coming together to present a unified front. Rally organizer and MRF State Representative ‘Chappy’ Patrick Carver and his team of volunteers did yeoman’s work in organizing the event. Chappy is also the President and lobbyist for the MMA of California and works closely with the MRF on legislative issues being addressed in Congress. Numerous long-time California activists, including ABATE lobbyists Jim Lombardo and Bobby T, ABATE officers David ‘D-Man’ Seiler, Chuck Pedersen, and MMA/ABATE Liaison Dave Battles were on hand as well. 

    For California riders, a major concern continues to be the issue of being unfairly profiled by law enforcement. Following a concerted, years-long effort by motorcycle clubs from around the country, the NCOC, the MRF, state motorcyclists’ rights organizations and thousands of independent riders, anti-profiling resolutions have now been passed in both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives with bi-partisan support. On a local level, five states have passed standalone anti-profiling laws. California and other states are working to have similar legislation enacted.  

    Other topics of discussion at the rally included protecting the rights of consumers to repair their machines, the unrealistic rush to outlaw internal combustion engines in favor of electric vehicles, ongoing issues associated with unregulated self-driving autonomous vehicles, and the appropriate labeling and availability of E10 or lower petroleum fuels.  

    MRF Executive Director Mark Buckner addressed the rally, emphasizing the importance of the challenges and opportunities facing riders today. Buckner discussed MRF’s recent Bikers Inside the Beltway lobbying campaign in Washington, D.C., highlighting the issues discussed with members of Congress and their staff. Those issues included ongoing efforts to end unfair profiling; H.R. 906, the Repair Act, seeking to stop manufacturers from limiting the ability of consumers and independent shops to repair products; H.R, 1435, the Preserving Choices in Vehicle Purchases Act, seeking to amend the Clean Air Act to prevent a ban on internal combustion engines; ensuring that Congress and executive branch agencies including the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provide appropriate oversight regarding self-driving vehicles; ensuring that consumers will continue to be able to purchase E10 and lower ethanol fuels at a reasonable price; and building strong, bi-partisan motorcycle caucuses made up of motorcycle-friendly legislators in Washington, D.C. 

    Overall, the California Unification Rally was a resounding success, with unity and opportunity the messages of the day.

  • Memorial Day

    05/26/2023 9:08 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    This Memorial Day weekend take a moment and remember the sacrifices made by many while fighting for the freedoms each of us enjoy everyday. In streets across our nation traditional motorcycle events honoring those lost in military service will be held. We at the Motorcycle Riders Foundation are forever grateful to our brothers and sisters lost defending the freedoms we cherish.

    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 spend time with family and friends, let’s all take a moment to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice to keep our country FREE. We at the MRF wish you and yours a safe Memorial Day.

  • Baker’s Dozen Fight for Biker

    05/25/2023 12:23 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    On Tuesday, 13 members of the House of Representatives sent a bipartisan letter to U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary of Pete Buttigieg seeking the formation of the Motorcyclist Advisory Council (MAC). As you may remember, the MAC was first established by Congress in 2015 and renewed with passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act in 2021.

    Unfortunately, despite the requirement that the MAC be established within 90 days after the law is passed, DOT has failed to act. In the past, the MAC has provided a critical forum for policy makers, roadway engineers, and motorcyclists to discuss ways roadway and barrier design, construction and maintenance practices and intelligent transportation systems can better meet the safety needs of the nearly 9 million motorcyclists in this country.

    One important part of the reestablished MAC, as outlined in the text of the law, is the expansion of membership seats. The inclusion of manufacturers, motorcyclist rights organizations and safety professionals will provide for a more expansive knowledge base and information sharing on the council. As prescribed in the law, the MAC will be required to submit biennial reports on their findings.

    Establishment of the MAC was one of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation’s priorities during the recent Bikers Inside the Beltway event in D.C. Thank you to Rep. Gallagher for leading the letter and to the 12 other lawmakers listed below for supporting our efforts to seat the MAC.

    •     Rep. Gallagher (WI)
    •     Rep. Carsen (IN)
    •     Rep. Finstad (MN)
    •     Rep. Fitzgerald (WI)
    •     Rep. Fitzpatrick (PA)
    •     Rep. Grothman (WI)
    •     Rep. Lee (NV)
    •     Rep. Norman (SC)
    •     Rep. Stauber (MN)
    •     Rep. Steil (WI)
    •     Rep. Tiffany (WI)
    •     Rep. Van Orden (WI)
    •     Rep. Wilson (SC)
    To read the full text of the letter click here.

  • Bikers, Bikers Everywhere!

    05/20/2023 12:10 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)


    This week bikers from across the nation descended on Capitol Hill. The 2023 Motorcycle Riders Foundation’s (MRF) Bikers Inside the Beltway was the largest event in the 14-year history of the event! Motorcyclists from 34 states made the trip to Washington, D.C. to advocate for issues that matter to the street rider.

    The list of policy concerns was long!  Issues include: right to repair, preserving the internal combustion engine, profiling of bikers, autonomous vehicles, ethanol mandates, the definition of a motorcycle, and the creation of a Motorcyclist Advisory Council within the Department of Transportation.

    In just one day, all 435 members of the House of Representatives and 100 Senators received an informational packet from the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) explaining who we are, what we’ve done, and what we want.
    Working with our State Motorcyclist Rights Organization (SMRO) partners, sustaining clubs and the National Council of Clubs we earned many important victories. In 2022 we saw the passage of an anti-profiling resolution, answers from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on autonomous vehicles, and language requiring a report from the Department of Transportation on policies related to the targeting of bikers.

    Perhaps the best part about Bikers Inside the Beltway is the buzz that occurs on Capitol Hill when hundreds of bikers roam the halls on Congress. They not only hear us, but they see us!
    The MRF is committed to being your voice in Washington, D.C. We’ve had a presence in town since 1986 and we won’t leave until the job is done! We are, and will remain, the voice of the street rider in our nation’s capital.

    Thank you to all the motorcyclists that attended the event! It’s never too early to start making plans for the next installment of Bikers Inside the Beltway in May 2024.
    Check out some of the pictures of your fellow riders fighting for your rights in the halls of Congress.