MRF Alerts

  • 05/24/2019 1:10 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    For Immediate Release

    May 24, 2019

    Another Successful Bikers Inside the Beltway

    Bikers Take the Hill

    This week was the 11th Annual Michael “Boz” Kerr Bikers Inside the Beltway event in Washington D.C. Nearly 150 bikers from 28 states made the journey to Washington D.C., to advocate for issues of importance to the motorcycle community. With kickstands up at 6:45am, an armada of bikes rolled down the streets of Washington to the doorstep of the U.S. Capitol Building.

    Riders met with almost 300 Congressional offices to discuss issues like motorcycle profiling, autonomous vehicle technology, the definition of a motorcycle and consumer education surrounding ethanol. It goes without saying that when 100 plus bikers start roaming the halls of Congress people take notice. In fact, we were so visible that a Congressman started up a conversation with a few riders in an elevator and the next day signed on to our profiling resolution!

    The MRF would like to thank all those that participated in the Bikers Inside the Beltway event. We know that coming to Washington requires time, money and effort on your behalf, but it is an invaluable way for us to advocate for our priorities. Included in the contingent were representatives from many State Motorcycle Rights Organizations (SMRO), the Confederation of Clubs, the National Coalition of Motorcyclists, the National Council of Clubs and the Motorcycle Profiling Project. Everyone coming together in Washington, to accomplish the shared goals. The D.C. team would not be successful without the grassroots effort of our members and partners.

    Next week Congress is in recess for Memorial Day and most lawmakers will return home to their districts to meet with constituents. If you were unable to make it to Washington, next week is a great opportunity to stop by your Congressman’s local office to chat with them about the motorcycle community. Below is a link to the issue papers on topics we discussed in Washington. These one-page papers are a great way to educate lawmakers on issues of importance to motorcyclists. We need to keep up the pressure and make sure that our concerns are not forgotten.   2019 Bikers Inside the Beltway Talking Points

    First Time Riders

    While bikers from around the country were meeting with lawmakers, the MRF in connection with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and MRF Awareness & Education (MRF A&E), hosted an open house where Capitol Hill staff had the opportunity to “ride a motorcycle” inside a government building. The smart trainer provided by MRF A&E was a unique opportunity for Capitol Hill staffers to try their hand at riding a motorcycle. For many, this was their first experience to understand the skills required to operate a motorcycle.

    The leadership of the MRF including President Kirk “Hardtail” Willard
    and Vice
    President Jay Jackson welcomed Michael Fox from the NTSB to the open house. Michael is the lead government investigator for all accidents involving motorcycles nationwide. Michael is a passionate motorcyclist who understands the balance between safety and personal freedom. Michael was excited to be part of Bikers Inside the Beltway and pledged to work with the MRF to find common ground on issues we can agree on.

    Awards

    Bikers Inside the Beltway was the perfect opportunity for the MRF to thank specific lawmakers who have been true champions for our movement.  On Tuesday, Senator John Thune of South Dakota and Congressman Mike Burgess of Texas were presented with their MRF Legislator of the Year vests.

    Senator Thune was the lead Republican in introducing the AV START Act – the first federal framework to mandate the regulation of automated vehicles. Prior to the bill’s introduction, his office worked directly with ABATE of South Dakota and the MRF to understand riders’ concerns on the issue and then included motorcycle-specific considerations in the bill.

    Jiggs Cressy, Executive Director of ABATE of South Dakota presented Senator Thune with his vest and stated, "Senator Thune has not only been a close family friend but has also been a dedicated servant to South Dakota for many years. He has also been a supporter of the mission of ABATE of South Dakota, and the MRF.  Senator Thune and his staff have always made time to listen to the concerns and opinions of motorcyclists from both South Dakota and across the country. I can't think of any Senator more deserving of this honor than Senator Thune."

    At a ceremony in front of the U.S. Capitol with riders in attendance, Kirk “Hardtail” Willard presented Congressman Burgess with his legislator of the year vest. Congressman Burgess spoke about the formation of the House Motorcycle Caucus and his efforts over the last decade to fight for the rights of motorcyclists. Congressman Burgess was joined at the podium by Congressmen Tim Walberg of Michigan and Congressman Troy Balderson of Ohio. All three Congressman are riders, members of the House Motorcycle Caucus and passionate about protecting riders on and off the road.


    For 30 minutes after the ceremony the three Congressmen chatted with riders from all over the country, sharing stories about their experiences and their efforts back home to fight for issues of importance to motorcyclists. The MRF thanks not only Senator Thune and Congressman Burgess but Congressman Walberg, Congressman Balderson and all the Members of Congress who took time this week to meet with and listen to riders. 

    Special Thanks

    An event of this size requires hard work and long hours by board members, employees and volunteers. A few individuals went above and beyond, and we’d like to give them a special shout out.

    Tiffany Cipoletti, MRF Director of Operations, not only spent hours scheduling meetings and drafting talking points but also spent nearly three full days navigating the bureaucratic maze that is the Washington D.C. Department of Parking. This effort allowed over 100 motorcycles to safely ride and park in our nation’s capital.

    Dave Dwyer, SSMRO Representative to the MRF board and fellow ABATE of Wisconsin member ‘Seven’ lead the procession of motorcycles from the hotel in Virginia to the steps of the U.S. Capitol.

    Fred Harrell, MRF Director of Conferences and Events, coordinated affordable hotel packages and meeting space for attendees. This is no easy feat in one of the most expensive metropolitan areas of our country.

    Ron Braaksma from the MRF A&E, drove over 1,000 miles to Washington with a smart trainer hitched to his truck. The smart trainer gave congressional staff a small look into the skill set that is required to ride a motorcycle.

    Finally, we would like to thank our SSMRO partners for supporting this event, the MRF and its board members who spent the days prior to the event in meetings and discussion groups working to keep the MRF a vibrant and relevant voice for motorcyclists.

    Thank you to all for a great event and we hope to see even more riders in Washington D.C. next 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.

  • 04/12/2019 12:07 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)


    For Immediate Release

    April 12, 2019

    Letter sent to NHTSA Seeking Clarification on the Definition of a Motorcycle


    The Motorcycle Riders Foundation would like to thank Congressman Michael Burgess (TX) and Congressman Tim Walberg (MI) for a letter they sent this week to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) seeking clarification regarding the definition of a motorcycle. In addition to Congressman Burgess and Congressman Wahlberg, the following U.S. Representatives joined their colleagues in signing the letter: Congressman Troy Balderson (OH), Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO), Congressman Collin Peterson (MN), Congressman Steve Stivers (OH) and Congressman Glenn “GT” Thompson (PA). The current definition is decades old and so broad that new vehicles on our roadways, with numerous carlike features, are defined as motorcycles.

    “As you know, NHTSA has long defined a motorcycle as a ‘motor vehicle with motive power having a seat or saddle for the use of the rider and designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground.’ While this was a clear characterization for many years, the recent emergence of a new class of vehicle that has attributes of both automobiles and motorcycles has created confusion,” the members wrote. “We respectfully request a response that describes whether NHTSA believes the current federal definition of a motorcycle is appropriate and if not, what NHTSA is doing to address this issue.”

    The ambiguity of the classification of these new vehicles as either motorcycles or autocycles has created a patchwork of rules and regulations at the state level for licensing, registration and insurance. The MRF believes that a review of this definition is needed and would help provide clarity to states when making decisions on how to appropriately regulate them. We thank these seven members of Congress for seeking clarification from NHTSA on this issue of importance to motorcyclists.

    President of the MRF, Kirk “Hardtail” Willard, stated “For three years our members have asked us to tackle the federal definition of a motorcycle. This letter is the first step in helping us understand the current thought process of NHTSA and hopefully opens up a dialogue on the topic. We thank this bipartisan group of Congressmen for their leadership on this issue.”

    Link to the Letter:
    https://burgess.house.gov/uploadedfiles/04112019_burgess__walberg_letter_to_nhtsa.pdf

  • 04/04/2019 2:24 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)


    For Immediate Release

    April 4, 2019

    Vince Consiglio to join other Freedom Fighters in the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum Hall of Fame

    The Motorcycle Riders Foundation would like to Congratulate Vince Consiglio of Michigan on his nomination and soon to be induction into the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum Freedom Fighters Hall of Fame. Each year, the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame recognizes individuals or groups who have made a long-term, positive impact on the motorcycling community.

    Vince joined ABATE of Michigan in 1975, and almost immediately was elected to the Board of Directors. He had spent almost four decades fighting against the mandatory helmet law in his home state before the victory finally became a reality in 2012. Vince has been a Chief Instructor since 1980 and has managed rider training ever since. He is also the current President of ABATE of Michigan and has held that position for over two decades.

    There is no one in the motorcyclists rights movement that has held the title of State President for 25 years, managed rider education for nearly 40 years all while battling a mandatory helmet law for nearly 40 years.

    Vince is also a constant presence representing the motorcyclists of Michigan in our Nations’ Capitol working closely with the Motorcycle Riders Foundation. ABATE of Michigan under Vince's leadership has fostered effective working relationships with numerous members of Congress. Many of the federal bills brought forth on behalf of the motorcyclists of this nation were sponsored and co-sponsored by members of Congress from Michigan who were designated as Legislative Champions by the Motorcycle Riders Foundation.

    Vince has been recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Motorcycle Riders Foundation as well as having been inducted into the Motorcycle Riders Foundation Hall of Fame in 2018.

    Other Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame 2019 Inductees are: Frank Fritz, Jill Parham, Ron Paugh, Danny Fitzmaurice, Ron Finch, Terry Rymer, Gloria Struck and Lonnie Isam Jr 'in memoriam'.

    If you are planning on traveling to Sturgis for the 2019 Rally, consider joining the strong contingent of Motorcycle Rider Foundation members that will be in attendance at the Induction breakfast and ceremony on Wednesday August 7th at The Lodge at Deadwood. 

    Tickets are available here:  https://www.sturgismuseum.com/hof

  • 03/26/2019 2:23 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)


    For Immediate Release

    March 26, 2019

    House of Representatives Introduced a Resolution Addressing Motorcyclist Profiling

    Today champions of the motorcyclist community in the House of Representatives introduced a resolution addressing motorcyclist profiling. The resolution (H. Res. 255) has three key points:

    (1) promoting increased public awareness on the issue of motorcyclist profiling;
    (2) encouraging collaboration and communication with the motorcycle community and law enforcement to engage in efforts to end motorcycle profiling; and
    (3) urging State law enforcement officials to include statements condemning motorcyclist profiling in written policies and training materials.


    The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) applauds Congressman Walberg (R-MI), Congressman Peterson (D-MN), Congressman Burgess (R-TX) and Congressman Pocan (D-WI) for introducing this bipartisan resolution in the House of Representatives. These four Members of Congress introduced an identical bill in the last Congress which garnered 37 cosponsors but unfortunately failed to reach the House floor for a vote.

    While the previous effort in the House failed, the United States Senate, in December 2018 passed an identical resolution regarding motorcyclist profiling. The MRF was proud to take a leading role in passing this Senate anti-profiling resolution. The United States Senate is now on record calling for the end of motorcyclist profiling.

    The MRF is committed to working with the state motorcycle rights organizations (SMROs), coalitions, COC’s, the Motorcycle Profiling Project (MPP), the National Council of Clubs (NCOC), the National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM), and independent riders to advance H. Res. 255.

    President of the MRF, Kirk ‘Hardtail’ Willard, stated “We once again thank Congressmen Walberg, Peterson, Burgess and Pocan for their leadership on this important issue. Motorcyclists in every state are impacted by profiling and we appreciate these Congressmen bringing the issue before the House of Representatives.”

    To ask your U.S. House of Representative to cosponsor H. Res. 255, please take action at the link below:

     Take Action H.Res 255


  • 02/22/2019 1:47 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)


    For Immediate Release

    February 22, 2019

    Michael “Fiz” Przybylo of Michigan Passes Away

    The Motorcycle Riders Foundation was saddened to hear of the passing of Michael “Fiz” Przybylo.

    Fiz was a Vietnam Vet serving in the Army and a long-time motorcycle rights freedom fighter. He served on the A.B.A.T.E of Michigan Board of Directors for 30 plus years and he was a long time MRF State Rep for Michigan. Fiz attended the MRF’s Meeting of The Minds conference for over two decades, his dedication, experience, and enthusiasm were an inspiration to all who attended.  He owned a bike shop which allowed him to provide valuable insight and resources to the MRF during the Tier 1 and 2 and our custom bike exemption efforts during the EPA's misguided "Color and Chrome" initiative.

    After so many years of dedication and enthusiastic support "Fiz" was awarded the MRF's highest award, the John "Farmer" Eggers award.

    A.B.A.T.E of Michigan, the MRF, and the motorcyclist’s right community will miss him deeply.

    Link to entire obituary: 
    https://www.santeiufuneralhome.com/obituary/michael-przybylo

    Memorial visitation Saturday, March 2nd, 3 pm - 8 pm with Eulogies at 6 pm at the John N. Santeiu & Son Funeral Home, Garden City, Michigan.

    In lieu of flowers, family suggests memorials to
    A.B.A.T.E of Michigan, P.O. Box 99, Constantine, MI 49042

  • 02/11/2019 5:28 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    For Immediate Release

    Nominees Wanted - Class of 2019 Motorcycle Riders Foundation Hall of Fame (MRFHOF)

    February 7, 2019

    In September of 2018, the Motorcycle Riders Foundation Hall of Fame (MRFHOF) was introduced at the Meeting of the Minds in Denver, Colorado. This institution was created to recognize individuals that have worked through the MRF to positively impact motorcycling.
    The Motorcycle Riders Foundation is proud to announce that the nomination process for the next class of inductees into the MRFHOF is now open.

    The nomination form and a timeline are posted on the MRF website at: 

    https://mrf.org/mrf-hall-of-fame/

  • 12/11/2018 9:41 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    For Immediate Release

    December 11, 2018

    Senate Profiling Resolution Passes Unanimously

    The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) is proud to announce that the Motorcycle Profiling Resolution (S. Res. 154) passed the U.S. Senate with unanimous consent on Tuesday evening, December 11, 2018. Over the past few weeks, the MRF had many productive meetings on Capitol Hill to further our objective of promoting awareness of unfair profiling of motorcyclists across the country. Our resolution’s co-sponsor, Senator Ron Johnson (R-WI), has played an integral role in ensuring that the issues of motorcyclists in this country were addressed in the U.S. Senate.

    MRF President Kirk “Hardtail” Willard said upon learning of the adoption of the resolution, “Passage of Senate Resolution 154 has been the Motorcycle Riders Foundation’s number one legislative initiative in this current Congress. This act today by the Senate is very important, as it recognizes that the profiling of motorcyclists because of our mode of transportation or choice of attire is unacceptable. The personal relationships, the tens of thousands of contacts, the visits, and the highlighting of this issue as a top priority during the MRF’s Bikers Inside the Beltway speaks highly of our passion on this issue and demonstrates our ability as grassroots lobbyists to be effective on Capitol Hill.” Willard went on to say, “It is important to note that this cause united the Motorcycle Riders Foundation, our state motorcyclists’ rights organizations (SMROs), the National Council of Clubs (NCOC), the National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM) and the Motorcycle Profiling Project (MPP), all of which brought even greater attention to this critical issue. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation would like to thank our 2018 MRF Legislative Champion, Senator Ron Johnson, and his staff for the significant efforts they put into passing S. Res. 154.”

    As you know, the MRF, along with the SMROs, the motorcycle club community, and with individual riders across this country have been advocating for a national solution to address motorcycle profiling. With the help of our champions on Capitol Hill, we have been able to advance our bipartisan and bicameral resolutions concerning the profiling of motorcyclists.

    Russell Radke, MRF Sustaining Member Motorcycle Club Representative, said, “We are now one step closer to ending the attacks on our civil liberties from unconstitutional motorcyclist profiling.”
    The MRF is encouraged that we have begun to address the concerns of the motorcycling community, but we still have more work to do on this issue. We encourage the U.S. House of Representatives to join its colleagues in the U.S. Senate and pass H. Res 318
  • 10/15/2018 6:05 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)


    October 15, 2018

    Membership Dues Update

    SMRO Executive Directors,
     
    On May 20, 2019 some of the membership dues for the Motorcycle Riders Foundation will increase for the first time in many years. This decision was not made lightly. As we continue to fight for your right to ride, with new and emerging threats on the horizon, this action is necessary to ensure your MRF has the tools it needs to continue to be an aggressive advocate for riders across the United States.
     
    Before this increase goes into effect, we are offering our most loyal members and supporters a chance to renew your membership at the current price. Whether you are an individual member or have a joint membership or a sustaining membership, we need your continued support. None of us can fight the enemy alone, but together we can make the difference and ensure that future generations can ride free while preserving our lifestyle.
     
    Don’t miss the May 20 deadline and don’t wait! Renew or upgrade your membership today before the increase!


     Membership Tier
     Previous Price
    New Price
     Individual
     $30  $35
     Joint
     $50  $60
     3-Yr Individual
     $80  $95
     3-Yr Joint
     $130  $140


    Join the MRF today!

    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.

  • 10/11/2018 6:04 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)


    For Immediate Release

    October 11, 2018

    Trump Directs EPA to Allow Year-Round E-15 Gas Sales


    Ahead of a scheduled visit to Iowa on Tuesday, President Donald Trump granted the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) authority to lift restrictions on higher blend of ethanol E-15 year-round. By lifting the restriction, the EPA will begin the arduous task of creating and seeking public comment on the new regulations going forward. The EPA anticipates the new rule making process will be completed by early June 2019 and would allow the sale of E-15 during summer of 2019. Currently, the sale of E-15 during the summer month’s is prohibited in some states due to the Clean Air Act.


    “We want to get more fuel into the system,” Trump told reporters before boarding Marine One to travel to a rally in Council Bluffs, Iowa. “This is great for our farmers, and it's a promise I made during the campaign, and as you know I keep my promises.”

    The expansion of the Renewable Fuel Standard has resulted in higher content of ethanol-blended gasoline at gas stations across America. These higher blends, like E-15 and E-85, have not been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for use in small engines like those in motorcycles. This is due to concerns for potential damage to fuel lines, injectors, seals, gaskets, and valve seats, as well as to carburetors. As a result, many motorcycle manufacturers now include statements in the manual that any warranty would be voided if E-15 or higher is used.

    What does this mean for our motorcycles? Well, we already know that EPA guidance on E-15 fuel prohibits the use in your motorcycle along with a host of other small engines. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation believes that, until higher blends of ethanol can be approved for use by both the EPA and motorcycle manufactures, the federal government must guarantee the availability of fuel blends containing no more than 10 percent ethanol (E-10) at gas stations around the country. The MRF fully intends to submit comment when it becomes available in the new rule making process in the coming months.

    So, what can we do right now? You may remember over the summer the MRF teamed up with representatives from the marine, motorcycling and outdoor power equipment on Capitol Hill in conjunction with Congressional Motorcycle and Boating Caucuses to discuss concerns over higher ethanol blends and lack of consumer education about the associated risks with ethanol. In conjunction with this event, we kicked off our support for H.R. 5855, the Consumer Protection and Fuel Transparency Act of 2018. Authored by Rep. Austin Scott (R-GA) and Rep. Lois Frankel (D-FL), the legislation would require EPA to revise the labeling requirements at fuel pumps that dispense E-15 and conduct a consumer education about the risks of using it in vehicles and equipment that are prohibited from using E-15 (i.e. YOUR MOTORCYCLE).

    You can follow the link below and ask your U.S. Representative to support H.R. 5855 and help protect consumers unknowingly using a fuel blend that will not only damage your motorcycle, and void your warranty but the EPA has decided is illegal to put in your motorcycle.


    Support HR 5855 - My Motorcycle, My Choice


    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.

  • 09/28/2018 2:58 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)


    For Immediate Release

    September 28, 2018

    The Motorcycle Riders Foundation Releases its 2019 Legislative Agenda


    WASHINGTON, DC – This week, the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) released its 2019 Legislative Agenda to its partners and supporters. A direct result of the commentary and discussion from attendees at the Legislative Strategy Session held at the annual Meeting of the Minds, this exercise establishes the MRF’s Federal Legislative Agenda for the upcoming year.

    “Our legislative agenda, which is determined by our members each year, ensures that the MRF is laser-focused on those issues important to motorcyclists nationwide,” said President Kirk ‘Hardtail’ Willard. “Our network of volunteers and staff are some of the most talented and influential in the world of motorcycle rights, and we look forward to working with the Administration and our Senate and House leaders in identifying legislation that will not only defend, but enhance the motorcycle lifestyle and community.”

    The MRF’s legislative agenda showcases the diverse range of interests that the organization advocates on behalf of each year, with issues impacting independent riders, State Motorcycle Rights Organizations, motorcycle and riding clubs, the aftermarket industry and others in the community.

    In addition, the Agenda prioritizes aggressive campaigns to combat government intrusion with a particular emphasis on motorcycle profiling, overreach by the Environmental Protection Agency, highly automated and connected vehicles, as well as new initiatives on the clarification of the ownership of vehicle data and information.
    To learn more about the Motorcycle Riders Foundation and review the 2019 Legislative Agenda, click here: https://mrf.org/legislative-tools/

    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.

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