MRF Alerts

  • 11/24/2020 10:00 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    November 24, 2020 

    For Immediate Release

    Motorcycle Riders Foundation Announces Organizational Changes 

    The purpose of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) is to be an independent, national advocate for the advancement of motorcycling and its associated lifestyle. To accomplish this in the most fiscally responsible manner, the MRF has taken the following actions.

    We have renewed our agreement with Husch Blackwell Strategies LLC for an additional year for them to act as our governmental affairs consultants. We will continue to be represented by registered lobbyist, William (Rocky) Fox.

    We have also renewed our contract with JPK Services to provide administrative and office management services to the MRF.

    We have entered into an agreement with DB Services to provide editorial oversight and publication services for the American Bikers Journal, our printed and electronic bi-monthly magazine.

    Also, during our recent board meeting at Meeting of the Minds in Indianapolis the position of executive director of the MRF that was created by the Board in 2018 was filled. The Chairman of the Board Kirk Willard and MRF Vice President, Jay Jackson, recommended MRF Past President, Mark Buckner, be appointed to the position; the board unanimously agreed. Mark will focus on the MRF Corporate Strategic Plan, membership retention and growth, and the Corporation’s operational efficiencies. Additionally, the following MRF Officers were elected. Kirk “Hardtail” Willard to his 9th term as President and Board Chairman and Dave Cazel to his 2nd term as Treasurer. Additionally, former Treasurer, Frank Carbone, was ratified as an Ex-Officio member of the Board.

    President, Kirk “Hardtail” Willard stated, “Each of these moves allows us to maintain an eagle eye focus on accomplishing the MRF Legislative Agenda while serving our constituency in the most financially sound way possible. Additionally, we are very enthused to have Mark return to the organization and lead the MRF Strategic Plans and our membership programs.


  • 11/20/2020 6:00 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) has long partnered with the Federation of European Motorcyclists’ Associations (FEMA) in the European Union. This week FEMA alerted the MRF to potential changes regarding end-of-life vehicle directives that could have a dramatic impact on European motorcyclists.

    MRF President Kirk “Hardtail” Willard stated, “Policy ideas that first appear in Europe have a history of popping up in the United States. The ability to own, collect, work on, and refurbish older motorcycles is a fundamental part of who we are as motorcyclists. We stand side by side with FEMA in their battle to protect motorcycle owners from changes to the end-of-life vehicle rules in Europe.”

    Wim Taal, FEMA’s communications officer said, “Inclusion of motorcycles in the scope of the directive could also mean a serious threat to historical motorcycles. These bikes are especially dependent upon available and affordable original spare parts to keep them in working order. And who wants to see old-timers disappear into state approved demolishing facilities?”

    Below is the full statement from FEMA and their response to the European Union on potential changes to European law.

    Europe has rules in place for the collection and destruction of cars that have come to the end of their life. Motorcycles are exempt from these rules. That may change, if it’s up to the European Commission.

    These rules are part of the End-of-life Vehicles Directive, aimed at the prevention of waste from vehicles that have come to the end of their life. The directive also tells Member States to set up systems for the collection and de-registration of all end-of life vehicles. The directive also pushes producers to manufacture new vehicles without hazardous substances (in particular lead, mercury, cadmium and hexavalent chromium), thus promoting the reuse, recyclability and recovery of waste vehicles. The directive tells Member States to have all vehicles that have reached the end of their life ‘transferred to authorized treatment facilities’ to be demolished in an environmentally friendly way.

    If motorcycles were to be included in the scope of the directive, that could mean the end of so-called home recycling. Recycling of motorcycles and motorcycle parts is an inherent part of motorcycle use. Home recycling, where you end the bike’s registration and take it apart for reuse of its parts, is a significant part of the motorcycle culture. Home recycling helps to keep bikes on the road with used spare parts, instead of using new parts that have to be produced from raw materials. As we did in the 1990s, FEMA still believes that the private reuse of motorcycle parts is one of the best ways to prevent waste and to prevent the unnecessary use of raw materials. This way, motorcyclists play their part in the circular economy as well as being environmentally friendly.

    Luckily motorcycles and other powered two-wheelers are not included in the scope of the current directive, a position that was lobbied for by FEMA when the directive was written and adopted in the late 1990s.

    The European Commission now plans to revise the End-of-life Vehicles Directive and asked for feedback (there will be a public consultation in the second quarter of 2021 and the Commission’s adoption of a revised directive is planned for the second quarter of 2022). As part of the revision of the directive, the European Commission wants to explore the need to have powered two-wheelers include in the scope.

    FEMA responded to the European Commission’s request for feedback with the following statement and explains why in their view motorcycles and other powered two-wheelers should not be included in a new directive.

    The Federation of European Motorcyclists’ Associations (FEMA) thanks the European Commission for the opportunity to give its vision on the revision of the End-of-life Vehicles Directive (2000/53/EC).

    In FEMA’s view, the current Directive succeeded in preventing waste from vehicles, the reuse of parts from vehicles and improvement of the environmental performance of all economic operators involved in the life cycle of vehicles. We can also understand the need to extend the scope of the directive to other kinds of vehicles than cars.

    However, extension of the working of the Directive to powered two-wheelers (PTWs) is less obvious because of the different nature of both use and build of PTWs. PTWs do not have a body like cars; they can have body parts attached to the frame, but this cannot be compared with the body of cars. Most PTWs spend the largest part of their live indoors and as a rule are used for far less kilometers than cars. Because of this, and because parts can easily be removed, PTWs seldomly reach the end of their life like other vehicles do.

    Virtually all PTW parts can be reused, through a large network of specialized second-hand part suppliers throughout the European Union, or by users themselves who swap and change parts with other owners. Parts that are not reused are recycled through local recycling schemes or sent on by second-hand part shops. There is no evidence of PTWs being dumped beside the road or otherwise disposed of in an inappropriate manner. Inclusion of PTWs could even be contrary to the aim the directive, by causing a problem where none exists now. In particular, the certificate of destruction may prohibit users from dismantling their vehicles for the purpose of reusing components. Furthermore, the administrative requirement on specialized second-hand parts businesses, which are generally small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), could mean job losses.

    An exception could be made for electric powered vehicles (EVs). The demolition of EVs is specialistic work that should not be done by unqualified people. To ensure that the demolition of PTWs with a combustion engine can still be done in-house by the owners themselves or by SMEs, and to ensure that demolition of electric PTWs is done by qualified specialists, FEMA suggests not to include PTWs in the End-of-life Vehicles Directive but to draw a separate Directive for powered two-wheelers and perhaps other L-category vehicles.

    If the European Commission does propose to include motorcycles and other powered two-wheelers in an End-of-life Vehicles Directive, FEMA would ask the Commission to ensure that the possibility of controlled in-house demolition remains possible (as part of a circular economy), either by including it in the Directive, or by allowing Member States to make their own rules and regulations for in-house demolition.

    If the European Commission does propose to include motorcycles and other powered two-wheelers in an End-of-life Vehicles Directive, FEMA would ask the Commission to ensure that historic PTWs or PTWs of value to collectors or intended for museums, kept in a proper and environmentally sound manner, either ready for use or stripped into parts, do not fall within the scope of this Directive.

  • 11/19/2020 7:42 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    RIDING FREE FROM DC:

    Your Weekly Biker Bulletin from Inside the Beltway

    Your Motorcycle Riders Foundation team in Washington, D.C. is pleased to provide our members with the latest information and updates on issues that impact the freedom and safety of American street motorcyclists. Count on your MRF to keep you informed about a range of matters that are critical to the advancement of motorcycling and its associated lifestyle. Published weekly when the U.S. Congress is in session.

    Picture Time!

    Over the last few weeks MRF members and SMROs have had the opportunity to meet and thank elected officials for their support of motorcyclists. Below are some pictures of MRF members with lawmakers. Remember if you or your SMRO meet with a lawmaker take a picture and send it to us. We love seeing bikers talking motorcycles and politics with members of Congress!Senator Joni Ernst attending Iowa STEAM after receiving her MRF Legislative Champion vest.Congressman Tom Tiffany of Wisconsin being presented an MRF PAC check from MRF President Kirk “Hardtail” Willard.Congressman Tom Tiffany of Wisconsin being presented an MRF PAC check from MRF President Kirk “Hardtail” Willard.

    Congresswoman-Elect Lisa McClain with supporters from ABATE of Michigan.

    Getting Organized

    The current session of the 116th Congress expires at noon on January 3rd. On that day, the 117th Congress will be sworn in. While the current Congress still has a number of items to deal with, planning for the 117th Congress is already underway. Last week, newly elected members of Congress (A.K.A. Freshmen) traveled to Washington, D.C. for orientation.

    Over the course of several days, incoming lawmakers will learn about the mechanics of being a Representative or Senator including office budgets, personnel regulations and travel limitations. Freshman lawmakers need to set up offices both in Washington D.C. and back in their home state. There is no automatic carryover of staff from one lawmaker to the next, so offices will need to hire a full complement of legislative aides.

    For many new members, the most highly anticipated aspect of the next few weeks is the Congressional office lottery. Based on seniority, all members of Congress are offered the opportunity to move to new office space. The most coveted offices on Capitol Hill tend to have views of the Capitol Dome, extra square footage or historical significance. While senior lawmakers rarely move offices, less tenured lawmakers draw numbers to determine the pecking order to pick from newly open offices. Just remember if you came to Washington, D.C. for Bikers Inside the Beltway in the past, the next time you meet with that same lawmaker it might be in a totally new office or building!

    The most important activity of the coming weeks will be election of congressional leadership by both parties and the announcement of committee chairmen, ranking members and committee membership. While there may be some minor changes to congressional leadership it appears the same “Big Four” will return to their leadership posts in 2021. Nancy Pelosi (Speaker of the House), Kevin McCarthy (House Minority Leader), Mitch McConnell (Senate Republican Leader) and Chuck Schumer (Senate Democratic Leader) should all retain their leadership posts. If you’ve been following the news, you know that runoff elections in Georgia will decide which party has the majority in the Senate.

    Additionally, in the next few weeks the chairmen and ranking members of all congressional committees will be selected. The membership and ratio of Republicans to Democrats on these committees will also be decided. Seniority will determine which lawmakers get the most sought-after committee assignments.

    The MRF will continue to track who ends up where and be prepared to take our message to Capitol Hill when the 117th Congress begins early next year.


  • 11/11/2020 12:00 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    The freedoms we as Americans cherish would not be possible without the men and women of our military. We as motorcyclists are fortunate that so many of our fellow riders are veterans. The motorcycle community is stronger because of the hundreds of thousands of riders who have served our country. We at the Motorcycle Riders Foundation wish all veterans a happy Veterans Day. Thank you for your service in defense of our liberties!

    “Honor to the soldier and sailor everywhere, who bravely bears his country’s cause. Honor, also, to the citizen who cares for his brother in the field and serves, as he best can, the same cause.” - Abraham Lincoln

    About Motorcycle Riders Foundation

    The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) provides leadership at the federal level for states’ motorcyclists’ rights organizations as well as motorcycle clubs and individual riders. The MRF is chiefly concerned with issues at the national and international levels that impact the freedom and safety of American street motorcyclists. The MRF is committed to being a national advocate for the advancement of motorcycling and its associated lifestyle and works in conjunction with its partners to help educate elected officials and policymakers in Washington and beyond.

    You are receiving this message because you opted in at http://mrf.org/alerts/. If you choose to not receive these alerts moving forward, please click the unsubscribe button or contact the office at: MRFoffice@mrf.org
    PLEASE NOTE: If you intend to forward this email, please remove the unsubscribe link at the bottom of the page.

    All Information contained in this release is copyrighted. Reproduction permitted with attribution. MotorcycleRiders Foundation. All rights reserved. Ride With The Leaders ™ by joining the MRF at http://mrf.org  or call (202) 546-0983


  • 11/06/2020 8:00 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    RIDING FREE FROM DC:

    Your Weekly Biker Bulletin from Inside the Beltway

    Your Motorcycle Riders Foundation team in Washington, D.C. is pleased to provide our members with the latest information and updates on issues that impact the freedom and safety of American street motorcyclists. Count on your MRF to keep you informed about a range of matters that are critical to the advancement of motorcycling and its associated lifestyle. Published weekly when the U.S. Congress is in session.

    As votes continue to be counted and races decided here is an update on how some of our champions and allies fared on election day.

    MRF Legislative Champions:

    • Senator Ron Johnson (Wisconsin) – Not Up for reelection in 2020
    • Senator John Thune (South Dakota) – Not up for reelection in 2020
    • Senator Joni Ernst (Iowa) – Won reelection to new 6-year term
    • Senator Gary Peters (Michigan) – Won reelection to new 6-year term
    • Congressman Tim Walberg (Michigan)- Won reelection to new 2-year term
    • Congressman Michael Burgess (Texas) – Won reelection to new 2-year term
    • Congressman Collin Peterson (Minnesota) – Lost reelection
    • Congressman Troy Balderson (Ohio) – Won reelection to new 2-year term

    All four co-chairs of the House and Senate Motorcycle Caucuses were successfully reelected. In the Senate the co-chairs are Senator Ernst and Senator Peters. The House co-chairs are Rep. Burgess and Rep. Walberg.

    Congressman Peterson, a longtime friend and ally to the riders in Minnesota was defeated. He has served in Congress since 1991. We at the MRF wish him well and thank him for his countless years looking out the interests of all motorcyclists.

    Benchmark

    One of the important things the MRF has done over the last two years is drive cosponsors to H. Res 255 regarding profiling. Not only does adding cosponsors help in passing the resolution but it is a great way to build new relationships with lawmakers. Additionally, it raises the profile of the MRF on Capitol Hill and shows us which Congressional offices have an open mind to our concerns.

    As of election day we have 139 cosponsors of the resolution. How many of those will return in January for the opening of the 117th Congress?

    • Returning Cosponsors: 124
    • Defeated Cosponsors: 5
    • Retiring or Ran for Other Office: 10

    Remember, as more votes are counted these numbers could change slightly. Nevertheless, we should see nearly 120 lawmakers who supported one of our main priorities returning to the House of Representatives next year.

    A MRF Member in Congress?

    On Tuesday, Lisa McClain was elected to Congress to represent the 10th District of Michigan. A handful of riders in Michigan connected with Ms. McClain early in the year, supported her during the Republican Primary and attended her victory party this week. Not only did they talk to Ms. McClain about motorcycle issues, they convinced her to join the MRF! In October she became an official member of the MRF and in January she will become a U.S. Congresswoman! Congratulations to her and the folks in Michigan for their hard work.

    All Information contained in this release is copyrighted. Reproduction permitted with attribution. MotorcycleRiders Foundation. All rights reserved. Ride With The Leaders ™ by joining the MRF at http://mrf.org/ or call (202) 546-0983

  • 10/16/2020 8:00 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Last month, at the 36th annual Meeting of the Minds in Indiana, Senator Gary Peters of Michigan and Representative Troy Balderson of Ohio were awarded the 2020 Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) Legislator of the Year Award.

    The Legislator of the Year Award annually recognizes lawmakers for their commitment to advancing policies that support motorcycle riders across the nation. This year, both honorees are avid motorcyclists and have spent numerous hours on their bikes sharing the roads with fellow bikers and constituents.

    U.S. Senator Gary Peters of Michigan is a founding member of the Senate Motorcycle Caucus and leads the caucus as it’s co-chairman. In his role on the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee Senator Peters has consistently fought to protect the rights and freedoms of motorcyclists. Senator Peters has played a leading role on legislation regarding autonomous vehicles. In public statements, meetings and during committee hearings, Senator Peters has made it a point that motorcyclists need to be protected during the deployment of this new technology.

    “I’m honored to receive this award. There is no better way to see Michigan’s gorgeous scenery than by motorcycle. Through riding across Michigan, I’ve met people from all walks of life and had the opportunity to form a bond through a mutual love of riding,” said Senator Peters. “I’ve been proud to work with ABATE over the years to ensure riders always have a seat at the table. I’ll continue fighting for motorcyclist safety and ensure that we can keep riding as technologies on the road adapt in the coming years.”

      

    ABATE of Michigan President Vince Consiglio said, “ABATE is proud to have its members ride with Gary on his annual ride across Michigan – and I can say firsthand Gary handles his bike well!” MRF President Kirk Willard added, “Autonomous vehicles continue to be a growing concern for motorcyclists. We are fortunate to have a motorcyclist, like Senator Peters protecting our interests.”

    Also honored as Legislator of the Year in the House of Representative was Congressman Troy Balderson. Congressman Balderson represents Ohio’s 12th district, is a member of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee and was instrumental in adding motorcycle friendly amendments to the surface transportation reauthorization legislation passed by the House in 2020. As motorcyclist himself, Congressman Balderson has displayed a keen understanding of the unique role that motorcycles play in our transportation network.

    Upon learning of his award, Congressman Balderson said, “I’m proud to be one of the few motorcycle riders in Congress, as I personally understand the needs of riders across the country, including the thousands who live in my district. I’m honored to be named the Champion Legislator of the Year by the Motorcycle Riders Foundation; I’ll never stop working for the needs of Ohio’s fellow riders.”

    “Congressman Balderson has been a true champion for our nation’s motorcyclists,” said MRF President Willard. “His work on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee has been invaluable to the protection of the rights and freedoms of the more than 8 million riders nationwide. We are honored to present him with our Champion Legislator Award for 2020.”

    Since 2017 an award has been presented to one member of the U.S. Senate and one member of the U.S. House. Both award winners are presented, by their state motorcycle rights organizations, with personalized leather motorcycle vests. Below is a list of past vest winners. Congratulations to this year’s winners and thank you to all past winners for their efforts on behalf of motorcyclists.

    2017 – Sen. Ron Johnson (Wisconsin), Rep. Tim Walberg (Michigan)

    2018 – Sen. John Thune (South Dakota), Rep. Michael Burgess (Texas)

    2019 – Sen. Joni Ernst (Iowa), Rep. Collin Peterson (Minnesota)

    2020 – Sen. Gary Peters (Michigan), Rep. Troy Balderson (Ohio)


  • 10/09/2020 8:30 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    Legislative Agenda set during Meeting of the Minds 2020

    One of the most important events at Meeting of the Minds is the legislative strategy session. Each year, during this session, state motorcycle rights groups develop the federal legislative priorities for the following year. Items are discussed, debated and eventually voted on, with each Sustaining State Motorcyclists’ Rights Organization (SSMRO) having a voice and a vote. Legislative priorities are placed in one of three categories, “High,” “Medium” and “Monitor”. These priorities will serve as a roadmap, for the Motorcycle Riders Foundation Washington D.C. team, as we focus on 2021.

    While you can see the full detailed list of priorities in the next American Bikers’ Journal, below is brief preview of the “High” priority items approved during the session.

    • Profiling: Continue pursuit of the House anti-profiling resolution mirroring the Senate version that passed unanimously. Build momentum for inclusion of anti-profiling language in other legislation.
    • Renewable Fuels: Advocate for targeted changes to the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).
    • Autonomous Vehicles: Advocate and monitor any legislation or regulations related to motorcycles concerning connected and autonomous vehicles.
    • Emission Regulations: Engage the EPA & Congress on any activity related to motorcycle emission regulations.
    • Definition of a Motorcycle: Educate policymakers and advocate for change to current definition, that better reflects the current two- and three-wheel motorcycle landscape.
    • Crash Avoidance: Continue to promote the theme of crash avoidance versus safer crashing urging NHTSA and the DOT to focus on crash prevention and rider education.
    • Helmet Laws: Oppose any mandatory federal helmet, apparel or conspicuity standards.
    • Black Box: Pursue legislative language that any collected or available vehicle data is the property of the consumer and in which the consumer has the choice to opt-out of having their personal data communicated to interested parties.
    • Surface Transportation Reauthorization (Highway Bill): Advocate and pursue legislative efforts that impact motorcyclists in the Highway Bill, now set to expire in 2021.

    Remember, as part of your MRF membership you receive an issue of each American Bikers’ Journal (ABJ). Not a Member of MRF? Click here and join today! The next ABJ is where you will find more details on these specific priorities, as well as the list of over a dozen other priorities in the “Medium” or “Monitor” categories.

    Looks like 2021 will be a busy year!

    About Motorcycle Riders Foundation - The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) provides leadership at the federal level for states’ motorcyclists’ rights organizations as well as motorcycle clubs and individual riders. The MRF is chiefly concerned with issues at the national and international levels that impact the freedom and safety of American street motorcyclists. The MRF is committed to being a national advocate for the advancement of motorcycling and its associated lifestyle and works in conjunction with its partners to help educate elected officials and policymakers in Washington and beyond.


  • 08/21/2020 4:00 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    For Immediate Release

    Friday August 21, 2020

    Motorcyclist Profiling Pushed in the House

    Today the Co-Chairmen of the House Motorcycle Caucus, Rep. Burgess (R-Texas) and Rep. Walberg (R-Michigan), released a letter they authored to Speaker Pelosi and Republican Leader McCarthy asking for a vote on the House floor of H. Res 255, the motorcyclist profiling resolution. Joining Reps. Burgess and Walberg as signatories on the letters were Rep. Balderson (R-Ohio), Rep. Peterson (D-Minnesota) and Rep. Raskin (D-Maryland). These five bipartisan lawmakers should be commended for seeking a vote in the House of Representatives on this topic. The Senate passed an identical version of this resolution in 2018 and action by the House of Representatives in overdue.

    Click here to view the letter

    In the past three Congresses similar resolutions have been introduced in the House. In the 114th Congress H. Res 831 garnered 18 cosponsors, in the 115th Congress H. Res 318 had 37 cosponsors, and in the now H. Res 255 has 138 cosponsors and counting. This continued growth of cosponsors demonstrates that the issue of motorcyclists profiling is not going anywhere.

    Put simply, 32% of House Members are cosponsors of this resolution. It is time for the House of Representatives to act! We, as motorcyclists, demand our concerns and grassroots work not be ignored. We have spent far too long fighting this battle to be ignored any longer.

    A vital tool in driving awareness and education of the issue with lawmakers has been the Motorcycle Profiling Project (MPP). For over 5 years the MPP has sought to collect data on the profiling of motorcyclists and use that data as a tool to change public policy. The MPP has been at the forefront of the fight to pass state laws on profiling. Four states, Idaho, Maryland, Louisiana and Washington have all passed state laws to address the issue in part because of the efforts of the MPP.

    This year the MPP hit a milestone with 10,000th respondent to its annual survey. We at the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) commend the MPP for achieving this milestone. We at the MRF have used the data provided by the MPP to educate lawmakers and make the case that profiling is real and happening in their home states. If you haven’t taken the MPP 2020 survey yet, please click here.

    Thank you to these five Congressmen and the Motorcycle Profiling Project for leading the charge on this important topic. Now get to work Congress and pass this bipartisan resolution!


  • 08/03/2020 2:00 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    MRF 2020 HOF Inductee Announcement

    The Motorcycle Riders Foundation announces the 2020 Freedom Fighter Hall of Fame Inductees.

    The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) is pleased to release the names of the 2020 class of Inductees to the Motorcycle Riders Foundation Freedom Fighters Hall of Fame (MRF HOF). These will be presented at the Annual Meeting of the Minds conference September 25-26, in Indianapolis, Indiana. To include deserving activists from the motorcyclists' rights community that have already been recognized elsewhere, the class of 2020 Legacy Inductees are:

    • Dick "Slider" Gilmore
    • Charles Umbenhauer

    This year’s MRF HOF Class of 2020 - Freedom Fighter Inductees are:

    • Wanda Hummel-Shultz
    • "Biker" Jim Rhoades
    • Lee Ryan
    • Marc Falsetti
    • Gary Klinker
    • Charlie Williams
    • Dave Dwyer
    • "Radio" Bob Letourneau
    • "Farmer" John Eggers
    • Michael "Boz" Kerr

    Past Motorcycle Riders Foundation Hall of Fame inductees are: Keith “Bandit” Ball, Mark Buckner, Wayne Curtin, Michael “Balls” Farabaugh, “Still” Ray Fitzgerald, Richard Gray, Bob Illingworth, Nathan “Buck” Kittredge, Ed Netterberg, Sherman Packard, Todd Vandermyde, Paul Vestal, Penny Walker, Ed Youngblood, Vince Consiglio, Fredric Harrell, Rodney Roberts, Simon Milward, JoAnne Packard, Karen Bolin, Lee Richardson, Jerry “JT” Thomas, and Teresa Hepker.

    Congratulations to all from the Motorcycle Riders Foundation Board of Directors.


  • 07/24/2020 9:30 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    SMRO’s Hitting the Phones

    In the Senate, our focus the last few weeks has been on the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee. This is the committee with jurisdiction over most of the motorcycle priorities we won in the House bill.

    Over the last two weeks, nearly 1,000 MRF members, who live in one of 25 states with a Senator on the committee, have answered our call to action. To reinforce our message with these critical Senators, SMRO leaders in specific states and your D.C. team have done conference calls with Senate offices. Over the last two weeks, nine states have participated in a call with Senate staff, pressing them to include our hard-fought motorcycle provisions in a Senate bill.

    Special thanks to leaders in Alaska, Massachusetts, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin for taking the time to join these phone calls and make the connection between the riders back home and the lawmakers in Washington, D.C.

    In the coming weeks, we plan on having other states join in this process. We are already working out the details for calls with leaders in Arizona, Colorado, and Michigan.

    We are fortunate to not only have great leaders in these states, but great leaders throughout the country. Having the ability to tap into this talent is vital to our collective success in Washington D.C.

    MRF President and Vice President Score Cosponsors

    While the last few months turned our focus to the highway bill in the House of Representatives, we haven’t forgotten other priorities like H. Res 255 regarding motorcyclists profiling.

    Strict rules regarding how the House has operated since the middle of March made it difficult to add cosponsors to legislation. However, recently the House has relaxed some of its internal protocols, making it easier to add cosponsors.

    Late last week, we added our first new cosponsors since right before the pandemic struck. It’s fitting that the two new cosponsors were direct results of the work done by MRF President Kirk “Hardtail” Willard and Vice President Jay Jackson.

    As you may remember, Hardtail drove Congressman Tom Tiffany (WI-R) home from the airport after the two ended up on the same flight back from D.C. last month. Obviously, 3.5 hours in the car with Hardtail did the trick, and the Congressman became the 7th member of the Wisconsin delegation to sign onto the resolution.

    In January, Jay Jackson attended an event in Kentucky with the riders of the Bluegrass State. In attendance was Congressman Brett Guthrie. The riders in Kentucky and Jay worked their magic, and the Congressman just joined H. Res 255 as a cosponsor.

    With these two additions, we now have 139 cosponsors of H. Res 255 the motorcyclists profiling resolution.


© Motorcycle Riders Foundation
Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software