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  • For Immediate Release - Motorcycle Riders Foundation Delivers Petition at First Meeting of the Motorcyclist Advisory Council, Asking to ‘Let Riders Speak’

    12/06/2017 12:19 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)


    For Immediate Release

    December 6, 2017

    Motorcycle Riders Foundation Delivers Petition at
    First Meeting of the Motorcyclist Advisory Council, Asking to ‘Let Riders Speak’

    WASHINGTON, DC – A petition containing over 5,000 signatures was delivered to the first meeting of the Federal Highway Administration’s Motorcyclist Advisory Council on Tuesday. The document was presented by the Motorcycle Riders Foundation and demanded that the Council designate additional seats to represent the motorcycle rider community. Currently, the Council has 10 available seats; only one of which is filled by a motorcycle rider association representative.

    Reauthorized in the latest highway bill in 2016, the Motorcyclist Advisory Council or ‘MAC’ was created to coordinate with and counsel the Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) on infrastructure and other issues that affect motorcyclists. It was originally conceptualized in 2005, and designed to allow the motorcycle community a dialogue with government officials; the only one of its kind. Previous iterations of the group also held 10 seats, however unlike the current parameters, 4 of the 10 council members included representatives from the motorcycling community from various state and federal motorcycle associations. When the MAC was reauthorized, the Federal Highway Administration eliminated all but one of these, only calling for 1 representative from the motorcycling community with the other 9 positions to be filled by experts in roadway data, design and engineering.

    “We continue to be concerned that [the MAC], the ONLY group of its kind on a national scale, fails to include adequate representation of the nearly 8.5 million motorcycle riders on our nation’s roadways,” said Megan Ekstrom, Vice-President of Government Affairs for the Motorcycle Riders Foundation in prepared comments delivered at the meeting. “Only ONE out of TEN of these individuals can speak for the rider community at large and has the authority to do so and is here to serve that specific purpose. The MAC should have more of these,” Ekstrom went on to say.

    Members of Congress also weighed in. The Senate issued a letter, led by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Dan Sullivan (R-AK) asking for additional seats for motorcycle riders association. The letter, sent in February, included Senator John Thune (R-SD), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation which has jurisdiction over transportation-related matters.

    The U.S. House of Representatives issued its own letter to Secretary Chao, outlining their own concerns and asking the Secretary of Transportation to allow the motorcycle community a strong voice on the Council. The letter stated, “It is critical to allow motorcyclists to have a strong voice on this Council. These are the individuals who have experience and can provide a motorcyclist’s insights on the challenges and benefits of our roadways. Depending on where they live, riders have unique experiences and are differently impacted by roadway and barrier design, and construction, among others.”

    Seated in the audience of Tuesday’s meeting was Andy Kelly. Kelly, a rider for most of his life and a member of ABATE of Pennsylvania, which stands for “Alliance of Bikers Aimed Toward Education” made the trip to Washington, DC to attend the meeting after signing the petition. A handful of other motorcycle riders representing various state and local rider associations were also in the audience, allowed to listen, but not officially weigh in on issues that affect them as riders.

    “This is an example of government at its worst,” said Ekstrom. “The purpose of this group is to advise on issues important to motorcyclists, how can the MAC identify and prioritize these issues, without adequate rider representation?”

    A copy of the petition and Ekstrom’s remarks are below.

    P E T I T I O N

    We Call on the Department of Transportation to Add Seats to the Motorcyclist Advisory Council for Motorcycle Riders’ Associations

    In 2015, Congress re-established the Motorcyclist Advisory Council in the Highway Bill to advise the Federal Highway Administration on “issues of concern to motorcyclists.” This important group would serve as the ONLY official forum on a national scale for motorcyclists to have an open dialogue with the Government to discuss concerns like road and barrier design, the emergence of autonomous vehicles and other areas of the nation’s highways and infrastructure which impact motorcyclists in a unique way.

    In 2017, an announcement was made naming 10 individuals to serve as appointees to the Council. Regrettably, all but one individual selected was represent the technical aspects of the Council, including engineering, construction and traffic safety systems as well as roadway data. Only one seat out of ten was designated for a national motorcycle riders’ association and speak for the 8.5 million motorcyclists in the U.S. And though 8 of the 10 appointees have their motorcycle endorsements, their intended purpose for participation on the Council is to represent the infrastructure and technical side of the conversation, not to advocate for riders. Nor do they have the authority to speak on behalf of riders at large, as would other motorcycle riders’ associations at the national and regional levels.

    We, the below signed, call on the Secretary of Transportation to add 3 additional seats to the MAC; another seat for a national motorcycle rider’s association dedicated to on-street riders as well as at least two other seats for regional motorcycle riders’ associations.

    Adding these three seats will ensure a balanced and fair composition to the Council and will adequately represent the voice and concerns of street motorcyclists across the nation. 

     #LetRidersSpeak

    Prepared Remarks

    By

    Megan Ekstrom, Vice-President of Government Affairs

    Motorcycle Riders Foundation

    On 5th of December 2017

    At the Motorcyclist Advisory Council Meeting

    My name is Megan Ekstrom and I am the Vice-President of Government Affairs for the Motorcycle Riders Foundation. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation or MRF provides leadership for states’ and regional motorcycle riders associations as well as motorcycle clubs and individual riders. Through our state partners and affiliates, we have a network of over 250,000 motorcycle riders representing all 50 states.

    I’d like to start by thanking the Federal Highway Administration for allowing me to speak. As many in this room already know, the MRF has been critical of the parameters and the process for participation in the Motorcyclist Advisory Council - particularly with regard to the lack of representation for state and national motorcycle riders’ associations.

    First, I want to be very clear that our grievances are in no way intended to be an attack or criticism of the 10 current appointees to the MAC. Each one of these individuals (several of which I know personally) bring important areas of expertise to the table. Whether that’s engineering or construction, safety or roadway data, each of their voices is critical to ensuring a successful MAC. I also recognize that the majority of the appointees are motorcycle riders themselves and can speak to their own individual riding experience.

    While we recognize and appreciate this effort to be inclusive, we continue to be concerned that this important group, the ONLY one of its kind on a national scale, fails to include adequate representation of the nearly 8.5 million motorcycle riders on our nation’s roadways.

    While the majority of MAC appointees have their motorcycle endorsement, only ONE out of TEN of these individuals can speak for the rider community at large and has the authority to do so and is here to serve that specific purpose

    We believe the MAC should have more of these.

    Associations have the ability to speak on behalf of a larger group of individuals, identifying common ground, areas of interest and prioritization of issues. They can point out different concerns in various parts of the country, geographically identifying where needs are most urgent based on feedback from their extensive member networks.

    While the AMA can certainly help to fulfill that role, we are concerned that only one voice to speak on behalf of 8.5 million is enough.

    I am not alone in voicing this concern – this year almost 40 members of congress from both the House and Senate, both Republican and Democrat, sent a letter to Transportation Secretary Chao laying out the concerns I have reiterated. Each of these letters stated that in order to facilitate a successful MAC, the Federal Highway Administration should allow more seats for designated motorcycle riders associations in order to ensure a productive dialogue.

    I will submit these letters again for the record as well as a petition that I am bringing forth:

    This petition signed by over 5,000 motorcycle riders in the U.S. calls on the Secretary to add 3 additional seats to the MAC: another seat for a national motorcycle rider’s association dedicated to on-street riders as well as at least two other seats for regional or state motorcycle riders’ associations.  If these 3 seats are added, which is permitted under the discretion of the Secretary, it will result in a more robust conversation, ensuring that the purpose of the MAC, as written under the statute, is fulfilled as it was intended by Congress 

    Thank you for listening to our concerns - like everyone in this room, the MRF simply wants to ensure that the unique needs, experiences, and requirements of motorcyclists from across the U.S. are being considered and heard.

    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.

  • Targeted For Existing: Where Pop Culture Ends and Real Life Begins for America’s Bikers

    10/31/2017 11:29 AM | Anonymous
    Download the Printer Friendly Version Here

     

    Targeted For Existing: Where Pop Culture Ends and Real Life Begins for America’s Bikers

    By: Megan Ekstrom

     

    When I first spoke with “Professor Blade” I noticed a subtle accent; “Former British Army” he informed me, though he now resides in the San Diego area. In addition to his accent, I noticed he was remarkably polite and articulate, which isn’t surprising given his career as a middle school teacher and college professor. What IS surprising however, is the fact that this man was recently arrested, charged with a felony and held on a $125k bail. So why was this man, former military and college educator without any criminal record arrested? He says he was profiled by California State police, simply because he was riding a motorcycle.

    Though entertaining, bikers openly mock the hit TV show, “Sons of Anarchy” which portrays a fictional outlaw motorcycle club as murderers, rapists and drug addicts who all use excessive violence to get what they want. Unfortunately, for the 8 million Americans who ride, perception can be reality. Professor Blade and members of his motorcycle club “The Chosen Few” know this all too well. He says he and his fellow club members have been targeted by local law enforcement for years. “There’s a bar we all go to pretty regularly,” Professor Blade tells me. “The night I was arrested I was there for a party for a friend who is in the marines. When we arrived, I could see police staked out across the street from the bar, just watching and waiting.” Upon leaving the party he was pulled over the second he turned out of the parking lot on his motorcycle. The impetus for the stop? Loud pipes—a reason Professor Blade finds suspect given they were in close proximity to the Miramar Air Station. “It was so loud we couldn’t even hear the sound from the police dash camera. There is no way he heard my pipes which are in full compliance with California state law.” Ultimately, Professor Blade wasn’t cited for his pipes, but he was questioned about the leadership of his motorcycle club and then arrested for possession of brass knuckles and a deadly weapon.  One of the “brass knuckles” that prompted his arrest? His wedding ring. The deadly weapon? A 24-inch decorative whip that was zip-tied to his handlebar on the throttle side.  Police arrested him, confiscated his bike and a judge set his bail at $125,000.

    It would be unfair to pin the perception of equating bikers to criminals solely on the show, Sons of Anarchy. There are legends and lore about bikers from movies to music and throughout American pop culture. The “bad boy” biker narrative has grown over time and though entertaining, it’s resulted in some real (and not so entertaining) consequences.

    The Motorcycle Profiling Project (MPP) has been collecting research for two years capturing data and information from motorcyclists who feel they have been profiled by law enforcement for riding a motorcycle or wearing motorcycle-related attire. According to the Motorcycle Profiling Project, 28% of respondents felt they had been profiled. Though the data from 2016 is still being reviewed, early indications show that this number will grow exponentially. The state with the highest reported incidents of profiling? California—which is where Professor Blade was arrested.

    Though incidents of profiling certainly are not limited to California. Every single state has reported instances of motorcycle profiling according to the MPP. And while California is the biggest offender, Texas, Florida, Arizona and Pennsylvania rank in the top five. The state at the bottom of the list with the lowest incidents of reporting? That would be Washington state which passed a law in 2009 requiring law enforcement trainees to undergo training specific to addressing motorcycle profiling and best practices when stopping a motorcyclist. According to the MPP which spearheaded the Washington law, it’s working. In fact, reported incidents of profiling have been reduced over 90%. Maryland passed a similar law in 2016 and several state legislatures will be considering similar bills in their next sessions. Even our federal lawmakers have shown an interest in the issue with the House and Senate each introducing legislation (S.Res.154, H.Res.318) addressing motorcycle profiling in May of this year pushed by the Motorcycle Riders Foundation.

    No one should make the argument that criminal elements don’t exist in the motorcycle world. A quick google search turns up many reports of bikers arrested on drug charges and domestic violence among others. A 2015 report from the FBI on gangs identifies outlaw motorcycle gangs (OMG) as a concern stating that motorcyclists have evolved from “bar room brawlers” to “sophisticated criminals.” However, according to the report, when looking at gangs and gang members as a whole, 88% are attributed to street gangs, 9.5% to prison gangs and only 2.5% are attributed to motorcycle gangs. And yet, according to Vox Media, a recent survey showed that 14% of law enforcement officials identified motorcycle gangs first among the most problematic gangs in their jurisdictions; a figure that doesn’t add up when reviewing where motorcycle gangs actually fall on the spectrum.

    Professor Blade, whose real name is Flavius A B Akerele III, ultimately plead to a misdemeanor for possession of the decorative whip that hung from his handlebar. But the consequences didn’t stop there. As a result of his misdemeanor, he has lost his right to own a gun for three years—a hefty price to pay for an enthusiast and someone professionally trained in firearms. And despite the felony charge being dropped, the pending charge affected his background check when he was exploring a new position with a community college. And just recently, he was pulled over yet again upon leaving the local Harley-Davidson dealership where he says that once again, police were set up watching who entered and exited on motorcycles. 

    So while the “bad boy biker” persona is iconic and the popular image of bikers as degenerates and hooligans makes for good TV, there are practical effects for your average motorcycle rider. When I ask Professor Blade what he wants others to know about his lifestyle and his story he tells me, “This is the kind of harassment I see on a daily basis. Bikers aren’t criminals. They are our country’s nurses, firefighters and teachers. We are being targeted for simply existing.”

     

    MOTORCYCLE RIDERS FOUNDATION - 2221 S. Clark St. Arlington VA 22202
    www.mrf.org

     

    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 - Meeting of the Minds Agenda Released

    09/14/2017 2:23 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)


    For Immediate Release

    September 14, 2017

    Meeting of the Minds Agenda Released

    It's that time of the year again! Meeting of the Minds is one week away. We are looking forward to a great conference where we will hear from many great speakers.

    Online registration closes tonight at Midnight, there is still time to bring a friend.

    If you are flying in for the conference please contact the Conference Director 24 hours in advance of your flight departure - jcannon@mrf.org. Shuttle service will be provided from the Newport News and Richmond International Airports.

    Check out the Conference Agenda at - http://mrf.org/events/

    We are excited to see in Williamsburg!

          

    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.

  • August 24, 2017 - For Immediate Release - MOTM Early Registration Deadline

    08/24/2017 8:39 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)


    For Immediate Release

    August 24, 2017

    Meeting of the Minds 2017 Early Registration Deadline Monday

    Have you registered yet?  Monday, August 28th is the early deadline to receive the early member registration rate of $80.  We hope that you will join us Williamsburg, VA for the 2017 Meeting of the Minds Conference, September 21-24th hosted by our partners, Virginia Bikers Association and Virginia Coalition of Motorcyclists.

    You can now pre-order your MOTM event t-shirt during registration but you must do so before the early registration deadline.  This is a great way to be sure you get the shirt size and color that you need.  Event shirts will be available at the conference, but we encourage you to pre-order to assure your choice.  This year you can purchase a long sleeve shirt in gray or black for $25 or short sleeve shirt for $20 in the following colors: black, blue, gray or orange.  Pre-ordered shirts can be picked up in the products room during the conference.

    The MRF encourages you, if you have not done so already, to make your hotel arrangements by September 5th to receive the conference rate of $109.  After that date, not only will the room rate go up, but room availability is not guaranteed at the host hotel.  Reservations can be made at the Doubletree Williamsburg by calling (757) 220-2500.

    We encourage you to register for the conference prior to August 28th.  Not only will you save $10.00 on your registration, you will greatly assist our hosts in planning for the event.  The more accurate a number provided the easier it will be to assure they print conference workbooks for every attendee, not to mention stocking up on food and beverages for the Hospitality Room.

    If you're flying in, then first off - my apologies. The Virginia SMRO’s will provide shuttle service from either Richmond or Newport News airports. We will have a dedicated phone number set up that I will publish once it’s arranged if need be you can reach out to me directly. If you have auction items or anything else to ship in ahead of time reach out to John Bilotta, John is the in-state coordinator, at johnblt357@gmail.com.

    To register for this event, you can visit our website at www.mrf.org or by contacting the office at (202) 546-0983.  You can also download registration form and mail them to: 2221 S. Clark St, Arlington, VA 22202.  For more information about this conference, contact the Conference Director, Jim Cannon, by calling (804) 314-9071 or by e-mail at jcannon@mrf.org.

    See you next month in Williamsburg!

    The Motorcycle Riders Foundation would also like to thank this year’s platinum conference sponsors.

    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.

  • Ride to Work Day Supported by Riders Across the Nation and Key Cities

    06/19/2017 1:55 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    For Immediate Release

    June 19, 2016 

    Ride to Work Day Supported by Riders Across the Nation and Key Cities

    WASHINGTON, DC – Today marks the 26th anniversary of “Ride to Work Day,” an annual national event that promotes the motorcycle as viable alternative for commuting to work.

    In many areas of the country, increased traffic and parking congestion problems are accompanied by deteriorating roads due to higher-than-ever numbers of cars on the road simply used for commuting short distances. For those who ride, using your motorcycle as an alternative to commute can help to alleviate traffic and congestion problems as well instill other public benefits. 

    According to the United States Census Bureau and the Department of Transportation, over eighty million cars and light trucks are used every day for commuting, and only about 200,000 motorcycles and scooters are a regular part of this mix. Additional data suggests that traveling by motorcycle can shorten journey times by as much as 33 minutes of every hour for city travel. This is in addition to more parking options, fuel savings and the undeniable advantage of enjoying the environment and your surroundings.

    This year’s Ride to Work event recognizes our nation’s road warriors and sends a strong and united message that riding is a socially beneficial form of transportation which provides a broad range of other public benefits. Internationally this exercise is also gaining traction with dedicated Ride to Work Days in Russia, Turkey Puerto Rico, Mexico, Israel, Hungary, Great Britain, Germany, France, Ecuador, Canada and Brazil

    Here in the U.S. cities can show their support by issuing proclamations stating the benefits of riding to work and encouraging motorcycles as a form of daily transportation. At the time of writing, this year’s cities include:

    Lancaster, PA
    Kyle, TX
    Danville, VA
    Waconia, MN
    McGehee, AR

    Since 1992, this event has been organized by the Ride to Work organization in an effort to increase public awareness of motorcyclists; promote the use of motorcycles as a method of transportation; and increase motorcycle safety.

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

  • BIKERS INSIDE THE BELTWAY BRINGS HUNDREDS TO WASHINGTON

    05/31/2017 3:27 PM | Anonymous

    For Immediate Release

    May 31, 2016

    BIKERS INSIDE THE BELTWAY BRINGS HUNDREDS TO WASHINGTON

     

    WASHINGTON, DC – Last week, over 100 motorcyclists made the trek to Washington, DC to connect with elected officials from across the country in support of motorcyclists’ rights. Participants included Members of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation, State Motorcycle Rights Organizations (SMROs) and representatives from NCOM, as well as motorcycle clubs all across the country. More than 300 meetings with Members of Congress and their staff took place on May 23.

    Dozens of motorcycles lined third Street in front of the U.S. Capitol as rights advocates prepared to discuss issues critical to the 2017 legislative agenda. Among these included supporting the RPM Act, ensuring motorcyclists had a voice within the emerging area of autonomous vehicles, and the reestablished Motorcycle Advisory Council, as well as recommendations concerning the definition of a motorcycle. Notably, participants asked their legislators to support and co-sponsor recently introduced legislative measures citing concerns over the profiling of motorcyclists (H.Res.318 and S.Res154).

    Every meeting marked another critical step forward in building and maintaining relationships with congressional offices, and each meeting provided the opportunity to communicate directly with a wide array of lawmakers who are currently considering legislation that would affect the rights of motorcyclists. The event also helped to educate and raise awareness among elected officials about the challenges many motorcyclists face on our nation’s highways. This was demonstrated in an event held in Cannon House Office Building, which allowed Members of Congress and their staff to experience these challenges first hand by using a SMARTrainer which simulates some of the situations riders experience. The SMARTrainer event, sponsored by MRF Awareness & Education, was hosted by Congressman Dave Loebsack of Iowa and was widely-attended.

    President of the Board of Directors for the Motorcycle Riders Foundation Kirk ‘Hardtail’ Willard said, “This mobilization of riders from across our nation delivered crucial messages ensuring our voice is heard in Washington. With every Member of Congress representing hundreds of thousands of constituents, this event allows riders to deliver our message in person and hold our lawmakers accountable for protecting our right to ride.”

     

    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.

     

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

  • 2017 BITB – THANK YOU & ACTION ITEMS

    05/26/2017 3:26 PM | Anonymous

    For Immediate Release

    May 26, 2017

    2017 BITB – THANK YOU & ACTION ITEMS

     

    To Everyone that Helped Make This Year’s BITB a Success-

    WE DID IT! Many of you are still making the trek home from Washington, DC probably a little tired from all of the excitement and activity of our lobbying meetings this week. I can tell you without a doubt the day was a success. I know this because my inbox is already starting to get full with emails from staffers saying they met with a group of motorcyclists wanting to follow up on their discussions.

    BUT OUR WORK IS NOT DONE YET. Though the day was a success – our work is far from over. We’ll need to follow up on our meetings and ensure that our elected officials come through on whatever promises they made during your meetings on Tuesday.

    YOU CAN START RIGHT NOW. Please consider copying and pasting the below thank you note and emailing it to the staffer or office you met with. A thank you note is expected and will ensure that we stay on their radar. Hopefully the below will make it easy on you! Please utilize your state delegation contact sheets for the email addresses or the business cards you picked up in the meetings.

    Last but not least – SEND YOUR PHOTOS! We’ll publish many of these in our reports as well as other outlets in the coming weeks and months. You can text pictures to (202) 546-0983 or email to mrfoffice@mrf.org

    Thank you to everyone that make the trip to Washington. Our voices were heard! Let’s not lose this momentum!

    -megan

     

    SAMPLE TEXT TO EMAIL TO STAFFERS:

    I want to thank you for taking the time to meet with me on Tuesday May 23rd to discuss many of the issues that are important to our state as well as motorcyclists across the country. I enjoyed our conversation and am looking forward to working with you over the coming weeks to support the biker community.

    As a reminder, we are asking that if your boss has not already done so, please sign on to our resolution that addresses the profiling of motorcyclists (H.Res.318 and S.Res.154).

    ALSO, we want to increase supporters for the RPM Act (S.203 and H.R.350) and get this bill to the floor for a vote!

    And as the discussion advances on things like autonomous vehicles, autocycles, ethanol and the Motorcyclist Advisory Council, we hope we can be included and have a seat at the table!

    Lastly, I wanted to provide you with contact information for Megan Ekstrom with the Motorcycle Riders Foundation. Megan is our eyes and ears in Washington and can provide you with any additional information you might need to ensure our meeting on Tuesday turns into action! Her email is MEGAN@mrf.org and her mobile number is 202-725-5471

    Thank you again for your time. We hope we can count on your office for support!

     

    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.

  • Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill Introduced Addressing Motorcycle Profiling

    05/04/2017 1:48 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    For Immediate Release

    May 4, 2017

    Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill Introduced Addressing Motorcycle Profiling

    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Representatives Tim Walberg (R-Mich.), Mark Pocan (D-Wisc.), Michael Burgess (R-Texas) and Collin Peterson (D-Minn.) along with Senators Ron Johnson (R-Wisc.) Jeanne Shaheen (D-New Hamp.) jointly introduced a bipartisan and bicameral resolution concerning the profiling of motorcyclists.

    The bill defines the practice of motorcycle profiling and expresses the sentiments of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives on the issue of motorcycle profiling. Additionally, the bill promotes increased public awareness on the issue and encourages collaboration, education and training for the motorcycle and law enforcement communities in order to end instances of profiling.

    The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF), which has been advocating for a national solution to address motorcycle profiling with the support of the Motorcycle Profiling Project, will work over the coming months with states’ motorcyclists’ rights organizations as well as motorcycle clubs and individual riders to advance the measure.

    President of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation, Kirk ‘Hardtail’ Willard, stated this with the bill’s release: “For too long motorcyclists have felt the effects of discrimination from law enforcement. Riding a motorcycle doesn’t make me suspect. We hope that, with this bill’s introduction, we can shine a national spotlight on this issue that affects every rider in every state, and helps put an end to this unconstitutional practice.”

    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.


  • CALL TO ACTION - A Message from MRF President, Kirk ‘Hardtail’ Willard

    02/20/2017 12:46 PM | Anonymous

     

     

    For Immediate Release

    February 20, 2017

     A Message from MRF President, Kirk ‘Hardtail’ Willard – CALL TO ACTION

     

    As many of you know, last year the MRF assumed a new endeavor related to the unconstitutional practice of motorcycle profiling. After reports began to rise from our own membership citing instances where they felt singled out by law enforcement simply because of their appearance, apparel, or because they are simply riding a motorcycle, the MRF decided to take action.

    Working with its partners within the Anti-Profiling Action Group, the MRF developed a strategy at the national level to help combat profiling, an issue that affects ALL riders and is unfortunately increasing. We know this to be true because of a survey put forth by the Motorcycle Profiling Project. In 2015, the survey found over 50% of riders across the U.S. reported being unjustifiably stopped by police at least once while riding their motorcycles.  With a participation level of over 5,000 motorcyclists nation-wide, these facts and figures will help support and solidify our concerns over this issue when addressing lawmakers in Washington, D.C.

    This year, the Motorcycle Profiling Project has launched another survey designed to reach an even broader audience. Like the previous survey, its results will be used as critical tools in the efforts to obtain legislative relief across the country.

    I am asking you to take a few moments and fill out the survey, which can be accessed by clicking on the link below. It’s completely anonymous and it’s only 15 questions.
    YOUR VOICE MAKES A DIFFERENCE!

    http://www.motorcycleprofilingproject.com/national-motorcycle-profling-survey/

    On behalf of the entire MRF membership and its Board of Directors, thank you for your support on this issue.

    RIDE FREE-

     

    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.

     

    All Information contained in this release is copyrighted. Reproduction permitted with attribution. Motorcycle Riders Foundation. All rights reserved. Ride With The Leaders ™ by joining the MRF at http://mrf.org or call (202) 546-0983
    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
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  • Senate Joins House in Support of the RPM Act

    01/26/2017 12:48 PM | Anonymous

     

     

    For Immediate Release

    January 26, 2017

    Senate Joins House in Support of the RPM Act

     

    WASHINGTON, DC –  It was a one-two punch for motorcycle and race car enthusiasts during the month of January. Following the January 6th introduction by the House of Representatives, the Senate released its version, (S.203) of the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act of 2017 (RPM Act). Introduced by Senator Richard Burr (R-NC), the bill already has a number of supporters from both political parties. Similarly, the House version (HR.350) has 73 supporters though this number grows by the day.

    Like the version pending in the House, the Senate bill ensures that transforming motor vehicles, including motorcycles, into race cars or racing bikes used exclusively in competition does not violate the Clean Air Act. The issue came to a head when EPA officials insisted that they have the authority to regulate the racing industry according to the Clean Air Act. The RPM Act would clarify that the Clean Air Act does indeed allow motor vehicles, including motorcycles, to be converted into dedicated race vehicles without fear of EPA penalties or enforcement action.

    Similar bills surfaced last year but ultimately fell short of passage before the 114th Congress adjourned in December of 2016. Proponents of the amateur racing industry and others including the Motorcycle Riders Foundation, and the Specialty Equipment Market Association have included passage of the RPM Act as one of their key priorities in the 2017 legislative season. Both organizations among several others were listed as supporters on Senator Burr’s press release on S.203:

    http://www.burr.senate.gov/press/releases/burr-introduces-bill-to-keep-epa-from-devastating-amateur-motorsports

    “The Clean Air Act was never intended to allow the EPA to regulate race cars or motorcycles,” said Megan Ekstrom, Vice-President of Government Affairs for the Motorcycle Riders Foundation. “This is, unfortunately, yet another example of an agency’s overreach.”

    Over 200,000 letters were sent last year to Congress in support of passage of the RPM Act last year. The bills will now go through the legislative process in which many are hopeful the proposals will cross the finish line.

     

    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.

     

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