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

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

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)

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.

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!

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.

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.

Longtime MRF Office Manager passes

We were informed over the weekend by her husband Bob that Beverly Waters Garrett passed away in Annandale, Virginia.

Beverly was our Washington D.C. Office Manager from 1994-2004. She worked with four lobbyists in that time; Carol Simpson, Wayne Curtin, Steve Zimmer, and Tom Wyld.

She was inducted into the Sturgis Motorcycle Freedom Fighter Hall of Fame at the same time as Tom Wyld in 2002.

Of learning of her passing MRF Board member then and now, Fredric Harrell, had this to say, "Bev was another one of those true believers who we were fortunate to have had with us in the early days. She was organized, understood our dedication-and egos-and was able to work with us when money was scarce, and she did her job through thick and thin. We were lucky."

Our Thoughts and Prayers are with Bev's family and friends.

After the repeal of the federal mandatory helmet law in the mid 1970s, and a vein attempt to start a national bikers’ rights organization -- A Brotherhood Against Totalitarian Enactments – many fledging state motorcyclist rights organizations took the ABATE name but focused on the matter at hand – modifying state mandatory helmet laws.

By the mid 1980s, a handful of motorcyclists’ rights activists, led by Michael “Balls” Farabaugh from ABATE of Indiana, decided that it was time to hold a “meeting of the minds.” Joining Balls on the original Meeting of the Minds Steering Committee were Jim Baker - Utah, Bill Durning – California, Bill Gannon – Massachusetts, Clay Johnson - Iowa, Nancy Lewis - New York, Sundance Mitchell -Texas, Rob Rasor - Ohio, Lee Richardson - Georgia, Jim Rhoades - Michigan, Howard Segermark - Maryland, and Linda Stewart - Florida.

With backgrounds deeply entrenched in the early days of biker right and freedom rallies, these men and women knew there were others across the U.S. with similar backgrounds and they reached out to find us.

What’s this “Meeting of the Minds” & how’d it get started?

It’s time to learn about the early days of the MRF and see how we have transcended egos, lack of funding, and a never-ending siege against our rights, our motorcycles and our lifestyles. We held true to our beliefs, compromised without surrendering our rights, and have endured 35 years! Use this link and register at Meeting of the Minds 2020. Hotel info is on the same site.

Meet legendary freedom fighters like Mark Buckner & Charlie Umbenhaur and new activists like Rocky Fox and Cathy Brush. Meet the future of motorcyclists’ rights as you’re introduced to this year’s Young Activist.

What’s this “Meeting of the Minds” & how’d it get started?

In the mid-eighties most of us were no older than this year’s Young Activists Award recipients and yet we were not daunted by a “bunch of old bikers.” We came together in a cheap hotel in St. Louis, Missouri, and built lasting friendships, began the framework for the Motorcycle Riders Foundation and were undeterred by the naysayers.

What’s this “Meeting of the Minds” & how’d it get started?

By 1989 we faced another federal mandatory helmet law. We faced a total ban on “super bikes”, a ban on motorcycles in HOV lanes… and the Motorcycle Riders Foundation was barley two years old! It may go against conventional wisdom, however, as it is sometimes said, “When the legend becomes fact, print the legend”

What’s this “Meeting of the Minds” & how’d it get started?

“The Legend”? The shirt off the back of an MRF board member auctioned to a lady from Arkansas for $1,500.00!! And… another $300.00 thrown in for good measure for the limited-edition tie from the MRF V.P. of Government Relations!!! Yeah, that’s the fact. “The Legend”? A silver ring -- the center of a live auction bidding frenzy by two MRF board members, and when it was discovered there were two rings, the bid losing board member ponied up and bought the second ring for the auction price – well over $500.00!!

What’s this “Meeting of the Minds” & how’d it get started?

The Meeting of the Minds has survived 35 years. It has survived disharmony in the ranks. It has survived a budget so thin it looked liked mayonnaise on white bread. And now… we’ve endured the lockdown. We social distanced. And the MRF has never forgotten why we were founded – to advocate and protect the rights of all motorcyclists.

The 2020 Meeting of the Minds provides you with the tools to help protect your rights, your motorcycle and your lifestyle!!! Use this link and register at Meeting of the Minds 2020. Hotel info is on the same site.

See you in Indianapolis!!!

“Show Me State”

Earlier this week, Missouri Governor Mike Parson signed legislation that modifies the current helmet law in the “Show Me State.” The new law, which will go into effect August 28, 2020, allows motorcyclists to ride without helmets if they are 26 years of age or older and have medical insurance.

For almost 40 years the motorcyclists in Missouri have been fighting for this change to state law. Congratulations to the Freedom of Road Riders, ABATE for Missouri and all those who never quit in the fight to let those who ride, decide!

Job well done!

Highway Bill Recap:

Otto Von Bismarck famously said, “Laws are like sausages, it is better not to see them being made.”

While we appreciate the quote from the namesake of the North Dakota state capital, we thought you might enjoy some of the stats behind the House Highway Reauthorization Bill. The timeline below shows how the bill evolved and how answering “Calls to Action” can help impact a bill as it progresses through Congress.

June 3: First Draft of H.R. 2 Introduced

• 864 Pages
• $494 Billion Allocated
• One MRF priority included: 402 Motorcycle State Safety Fund increases
• 569 Emails from MRF Members asking for broad-based motorcycle provisions

June 20-21: Transportation Committee Markup of H.R. 2

• 317 Amendments Offered / 57 Amendments Passed
• 3 Motorcyclist Amendments Offered / 3 Motorcyclist Amendments Passed
• Three MRF priorities added: profiling language, autonomous vehicle protections, adjustments to the Motorcycle Advisory Council
• 131 Emails from MRF members to Committee Members asking for support of our 3 amendments

June 29: Rules Committee Consideration of Additional Amendments to H.R. 2

• 388 Amendments Offered / 170 Amendments Passed
• 1 Motorcyclist Amendment Offered / 1 Motorcyclist Amendment Passed
• One MRF priority added: profiling language regarding data collection on traffic stops
• 1,513 Emails from MRF members asking for passage of the bill

July 1: House of Representatives Passes H.R. 2 by a vote of 233 to 188

• 2,309 Total Pages
• $1.5 Trillion Allocated
• Five MRF Priorities Included in the Final Bill
• 2,213 Total Emails sent by MRF members during the process

While this massive and expensive piece of legislation will undoubtedly be adjusted during negotiations with the Senate, having these five MRF priorities in the House bill is a great first step. Thank you to all riders who answered the call to action!

So What’s Next?

The Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee is drafting their version of the Highway Reauthorization. Last week, we asked you to reach out to your Senator on the committee to remind them of the priorities that are important to motorcyclists.

To date, 868 of you have answered our Call to Action. If you missed our email, click the link below if you live in one of the states highlighted above.

Take Action

Antique Motorcycle Resolution:

Late last week Congressmen Troy Balderson (O.H.), Michael Burgess (TX), and Tim Walberg (MI) introduced House Resolution 1041. The resolution calls for July 11, 2020, to be recognized as “Antique Motorcycle Enthusiast Day.” The resolution recognized the preservation, restoration, and operation of old-time motorcycles in the United States.

For over a century, motorcycles have been part of the fabric of the United States. The innovation, cultural significance and economic opportunities created by the motorcycle industry is something worth recognizing and preserving.

On July 11th, the American Motorcyclists Association hosted its Motorcycle Hall of Fame Bike Night. This resolution is a fitting tribute to all motorcyclists who care about the history and preservation of motorcycling.

To read the full text of the resolution, click here.

Ride Free,

Your DC Team