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  • The ‘Connected’ Motorcycle & its Place in Future Technology

    06/30/2016 10:01 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    For Immediate Release

    June 30, 2016

    The ‘Connected’ Motorcycle & its Place in Future Technology

     

    WASHINGTON, DC – As cities around the nation continue to experience increases in commute times, accidents, and fatalities, we are seeing more policymakers turn to technology as a potential solution. Over the next thirty years, America’s population is projected to grow by 70 million people. What that does to congestion alone has many in Washington considering the potential impacts of a fully integrated transportation infrastructure to solve transportation problems and improve public transit in the long run. One sect of the population not immediately thought of, but is undoubtedly effected is motorcyclists.

    In December 2015, the U.S. Secretary of Transportation launched the Smart City Challenge—a national competition to implement bold, data-driven ideas that demonstrate the use of advanced data and intelligent transportation systems technologies. Almost 80 cities responded and drafted plans detailing holistic visions as to how technology can help city residents get from place to place more easily and with less traffic. The prize for the best blueprint went to Columbus, OH who won a $40-million-dollar grant from the Department of Transportation. However, absent from Ohio’s plans was anything addressing motorcyclists. In reviewing the seven finalist cities for the initiative, it appears that none of these addressed motorcyclists and their role on the road. Bicyclists and mass transit including busses, shuttles and trolleys, self-driving cars, and new traffic-related applications for smartphones were all included in potential city plans and yet none of the finalists considered motorcycles in their campaigns.

    Interestingly, across the pond in Europe, at the Intelligent Transportation Systems World Congress that took place in France last year, the European motorcycle industry took a major step towards connecting technology and motorcyclists when three major motorcycle manufacturers announced the launch of a Connected Motorcycle Consortium (CMC), to further the development of Cooperative-Intelligent Transport Systems (C-ITS) applications in motorized two-wheelers. Representatives from BMW Motorrad, Honda, and Yamaha all participated in Europe’s new consortium believing it would accelerate the development of connected motorcycles and scooters helping to address traffic and safety in years to come.

    Though in the U.S. there are individual programs and initiatives addressing technology and motorcycles, there are few and far between and are typically found at universities. It’s unclear to what degree U.S. domestic motorcycle manufacturers are involved with these projects. Nor is it clear whether the U.S. Department of Transportation intends to prioritize or even view motorcyclists as a player in achieving a fully integrated transportation infrastructure. With motorcycle ridership increasing (growing from 3,826,373 in 1997 to 8,404,687 in 2013), it’s a community that cannot, and should not, be ignored.

  • ABATE OF MICHIGAN SETS THE RECORD STRAIGHT

    06/21/2016 1:50 PM | Anonymous

     

     

    For Immediate Release

    June 21, 2016 

    Facts Instead of Fiction on Michigan's Helmet Law Modification

     

    In recent weeks, many advocates of mandatory helmet laws have attacked Michigan’s ADULT CHOICE motorcycle helmet law passed in 2012.  In these “reports” the claim is that 40% of riders in fatal crashes were not wearing helmets which means 60% of riders were wearing helmets.  More riders died wearing a helmet than without.

    The real problem is UNENDORSED MOTORCYCLE RIDERS.

    Every year since 1989 (a total of 26 years) when Michigan started keeping track of this data, 40% OR MORE of the motorcycle riders did not have a motorcycle endorsement and, were thus, riding illegally.  In 2013 and 2015 that number reached 57% or nearly 3 out of 5 riders involved in fatal accidents, according to Michigan’s Office of Highway Safety Planning (OHSP).

    ABATE of Michigan President Vince Consiglio stated, “With the extended riding season and the outrageously high number of unlicensed riders, it is unacceptable and cannot be tolerated.  Why are motorcycle riders allowed to get insurance without an endorsement?”

    Additional claims are taken out of context and show a lack of integrity in their reporting.  The claim that there was a 23% increase in motorcycle fatalities from 2014 to 2015 is misleading since they do not state that 2014 had the lowest number of motorcycle fatalities in ten years while 2015 had the highest number.  The helmet law faction claims “The very low figure in 2014 appears to be an anomaly.”  Thus the truth, buried in their report is that 2015 was normal.

    ABATE Statistician, Vince Piacenti, finds this “cherry-picking” of data to falsely represent motorcycle safety records to be unprofessional.  He added, “Comparing a high year with a low year is not statistically valid.”

    The objective of ABATE of Michigan has and will always be to promote motorcycle safety and car driver awareness programs in Michigan.  Legislative Coordinator Jim Rhoades said, “ABATE has initiated and helped pass four separate bills in the last four years aimed at the issue of unendorsed riders and motorcycle safety and awareness.  The helmet law question is an adult freedom issue.”

    The insurance industry continually hammers motorcycle riders on Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association (MCCA) coverage which ALL motorcycle riders are required to pay for.  The fact is that motorcycle riders are NOT covered in a catastrophic accident unless the incident involves an auto or truck.  There is no coverage in a single vehicle accident, if another motorcycle is involved, or if a cyclist hits a deer or other animal.

    Motorcyclists represent approximately 5% of the catastrophic costs to the insurance industry while injured pedestrians and bicyclists use more than three times for medical costs and do not pay anything into the MCCA.

    ABATE of Michigan, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the rights and promoting the safe operating practices of all Michigan motorcyclists.

    ABATE has partnered with public schools and private drivers schools to teach more than 80,000 new drivers about motorcycle awareness, using resources donated by ABATE members.

    ###

    Contact:                                                                                                    
    Vince Consiglio
    President, ABATE of Michigan                                                                     
    (248) 672-0957

    Jim Rhoades                                                                                      
    Legislative Director, ABATE of Michigan                                                              
    (734) 578-6144          

    http://www.abateofmichigan.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.

     

    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://motorcycleridersfoundation.wildapricot.org/page-1654836 or call (202) 546-0983

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  • Members of Congress Call on DoT to Include MRF & SMRO Participation on the Newly Reestablished Motorcyclist Advisory Council

    06/17/2016 1:36 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)


    For Immediate Release

    June 17, 2016

    Members of Congress Call on DoT to Include MRF & SMRO Participation on the Newly Reestablished Motorcyclist Advisory Council

    WASHINGTON, DC– This week, twenty elected officials from eleven different states issued a letter addressed to the Federal Highway Administration housed under the Department of Transportation. The letter, which had both republican and democratic signatures, addressed a section of the highway bill that would reestablish the Motorcyclist Advisory Council which would counsel the Administrator of U.S. Department of Transportation on infrastructure issues that could affect motorcyclists. The highway bill, also known as the FAST Act, was signed into law by the President earlier this year.

    Specifically, the letter called on the Federal Highway Administration to ensure that the, “Motorcyclist Advisory Council include participants from the full spectrum of available experts and stakeholders of different organizations.” The letter went on to suggest explicitly which participants should be involved and calling on the Administration to include, “one member recommended by a national motorcycle riders foundation” and “two members of State motorcyclists’ organizations.”

    As implementation of the FAST Act begins, the Federal Highway Administration is likely to go through a process to establish a charter for the Motorcyclist Advisory Council. Congressional letters like the one sent yesterday can play a critical role in the decision making behind determining the specifics of the Council.

    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. {Organization_Name}. All rights reserved. Ride With The Leaders ™ by joining the MRF at http://motorcycleridersfoundation.wildapricot.org/page-1654836 or call (202) 546-0983

    You are receiving this message because you opted in at {Organization_URL}. If you choose to not receive these alerts moving forward, please click the unsubscribe button or contact the office at: {Organization_Contact_Email}

    Link to Letter Below:

    Ribble Pocan Letter Re Motorcyclist Advisory Council.pdf

  • The MRF Supports Ride to Work Day

    06/14/2016 1:50 PM | Anonymous

     

    For Immediate Release

    June 14, 2016 

    The MRF Supports Ride to Work Day

     

    WASHINGTON, DC– Next Monday will mark the 25th anniversary of “Ride to Work Day,” an annual event that promotes the motorcycle as an option for commuting to work. Since 1992, this event has been organized by the Ride to Work organization aiming to increase public awareness of motorcyclists; promote the use of motorcycles as a method of transportation; and increase motorcycle safety.

    According to the Motorcycle Industry Council, an estimated 150,000 (approximately) commuters ride their motorcycle to work. This is a very minor portion of all commuters, though figures show these numbers are on the rise. It may be surprising that the numbers are not higher given data that supports that traveling by motorcycle can shorten journey times by as much as 33 minutes of every hour for city travel. Additional benefits can include more parking options, fuel savings and the undeniable advantage of enjoying the environment and the open air preparing yourself for a long day of work, or better yet, decompressing post-work!

    The Motorcycle Riders Foundation encourages its members and partners to participate in this year’s event on June 20th to help demonstrate just how many motorcyclists are on the road and that the use of motorcycles as an alternative to commuting can help alleviate traffic and parking congestion.

    Another important message that the event sends is that, despite a sometimes less than flattering portrayal of motorcyclists by Hollywood and even the media and naysayers, motorcyclists are our neighbors, doctors, family, lawyers and friends and they deserve to have their voices heard.

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

     

    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://motorcycleridersfoundation.wildapricot.org/page-1654836 or call (202) 546-0983

    You are receiving this message because you opted in at http://motorcycleridersfoundation.wildapricot.org/. If you choose to not receive these alerts moving forward, please click the unsubscribe button or contact the office at: mrfoffice@mrf.org

  • TRANSPORTATION SECRETARY TESTIFIES ON HIGHWAY BILL IMPLEMENTATION

    06/09/2016 8:45 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)


    For Immediate Release

    June 8, 2016

    TRANSPORTATION SECRETARY TESTIFIES ON HIGHWAY BILL IMPLEMENTATION

    WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Senator John Thune (R-SD), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation convened a hearing concerning the implementation of the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act or FAST Act. The FAST Act is a bi-partisan five-year reauthorization of surface transportation agencies and programs and contains several provisions affecting motorcycle riders.

    U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx testified before the committee and provided an update regarding where the Department of Transportation and its reporting agencies, including the Federal Highway Administration (FHA), and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) stood on implementing the FAST Act.

    Primarily, Secretary Foxx was questioned on issues that have made national news as of late including long lines at airports and a consideration to privatize air traffic controllers. Safety was also a key topic during the hearing, but was limited to the safety needs of commercial vehicles and widespread concerns surrounding NHTSA’s management of safety recalls.

    Though issues related to motorcycles were not specifically addressed in today’s hearing, they do remain a key component of the FAST Act and are referenced in provisions related to the stopping of federal funding for motorcycle checkpoints and the reestablishment of the Motorcyclist Advisory Council which aims to coordinate with and counsel the Administrator of U.S. Department of Transportation on infrastructure issues that could affect motorcyclists. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) continues to closely monitor the implementation of these provisions working with stakeholders to ensure the interests of motorcyclists are represented.

    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. {Organization_Name}. All rights reserved. Ride With The Leaders ™ by joining the MRF at http://motorcycleridersfoundation.wildapricot.org/page-1654836 or call (202) 546-0983

    You are receiving this message because you opted in at {Organization_URL}. If you choose to not receive these alerts moving forward, please click the unsubscribe button or contact the office at: {Organization_Contact_Email}


  • TRANSPORTATION SECRETARY TESTIFIES ON HIGHWAY BILL IMPLEMENTATION

    06/08/2016 1:49 PM | Anonymous

    For Immediate Release

    June 8, 2016

    TRANSPORTATION SECRETARY TESTIFIES ON HIGHWAY BILL IMPLEMENTATION

     

    WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Senator John Thune (R-SD), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation convened a hearing concerning the implementation of the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act or FAST Act. The FAST Act is a bi-partisan five-year reauthorization of surface transportation agencies and programs and contains several provisions affecting motorcycle riders.

    U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx testified before the committee and provided an update regarding where the Department of Transportation and its reporting agencies, including the Federal Highway Administration (FHA), and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) stood on implementing the FAST Act.

    Primarily, Secretary Foxx was questioned on issues that have made national news as of late including long lines at airports and a consideration to privatize air traffic controllers. Safety was also a key topic during the hearing, but was limited to the safety needs of commercial vehicles and widespread concerns surrounding NHTSA’s management of safety recalls.

    Though issues related to motorcycles were not specifically addressed in today’s hearing, they do remain a key component of the FAST Act and are referenced in provisions related to the stopping of federal funding for motorcycle checkpoints and the reestablishment of the Motorcyclist Advisory Council which aims to coordinate with and counsel the Administrator of U.S. Department of Transportation on infrastructure issues that could affect motorcyclists. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) continues to closely monitor the implementation of these provisions working with stakeholders to ensure the interests of motorcyclists are represented.

    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://motorcycleridersfoundation.wildapricot.org/page-1654836 or call (202) 546-0983

    You are receiving this message because you opted in at http://motorcycleridersfoundation.wildapricot.org/. If you choose to not receive these alerts moving forward, please click the unsubscribe button or contact the office at: mrfoffice@mrf.org

  • U.S. Department of Transportation Reminds People to ‘Share the Road’

    06/03/2016 1:48 PM | Anonymous

    For Immediate Release

    June 3, 2016

    U.S. Department of Transportation Reminds People to ‘Share the Road’

     

    WASHINGTON, DC – Though this week marked the end of May’s “Motorcycle Awareness Month” the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Assistant Secretary Greg Winfree reminded everyone to keep an eye out for motorcyclists.

    Assistant Secretary Winfree, himself a motorcyclist, was the author of a recent bulletin posted by the Department of Transportation’s Research and Technology office. The bulletin, available by clicking here reminds all road users to share the road and be alert. Though Winfree does mention the recent Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) report, he acknowledges that the numbers showing an increase in motorcyclist fatalities in 2015 are preliminary.

    Importantly, Winfree himself makes no mention of a universal helmet law as a solution despite the GHSA’s report repeated insistence. Instead, Winfree points to the importance of having concrete data to help inform and shape critical safety priorities.

    The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) agrees on the importance of having concrete data which is why ensuring that the statistics compiled by Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) and used by the GHSA and are actually capturing motorcycles and not other vehicles such as the newly emerging class of autocycles. Reasons like this are why the MRF and its partners are advocating for the Department of Transportation to ensure the federal definition of a motorcycle is narrowed to guarantee that any collected data is accurate. Accurate data helps lead to responsible strategies rather than blanket solutions that focuses solely on surviving motorcycle crashes rather than avoiding them. 

    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://motorcycleridersfoundation.wildapricot.org/page-1654836 or call (202) 546-0983

    You are receiving this message because you opted in at http://motorcycleridersfoundation.wildapricot.org/. If you choose to not receive these alerts moving forward, please click the unsubscribe button or contact the office at: mrfoffice@mrf.org

  • GHSA REPORT ADVOCATES FOR UNIVERSAL HELMET LAW…AGAIN

    05/26/2016 11:39 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)


    For Immediate Release

    May 25, 2016

    GHSA REPORT ADVOCATES FOR UNIVERSAL HELMET LAW…AGAIN


    WASHINGTON, DC– Last week, the Governor’s Highway Safety Association (GHSA) released its preliminary data and findings regarding motorcycle fatalities in 2015. The GHSA represents the state and territorial highway safety offices that implement programs to address highway safety. Although GHSA’s primary mission is to improve traffic safety, their latest report appears to be more focused on thinly veiled demands for nationwide universal helmet laws despite their failure to provide real data demonstrating the effectiveness of such laws.

    While the report highlights that the preliminary data suggests a 10% increase in motorcycle fatalities in 2015, it fails to connect the presence or lack of universal helmet laws to the projected increase.  In fact, there are a number of other factors that may explain the projected increase, including the climate, education and experience of the motorists involved, and the inclusion of faulty data in the making of this report.

     Climate Affects

    In 2015 many parts of the country enjoyed a longer riding season than in previous years. Warmer and dryer weather leads to additional time and riding hours on the road. While the report does address this possible explanation, it does not conclude that it has the same influence as the absence of a universal helmet laws.

     Education & Experience

    Another issue that GHSA barley addresses is the consideration of education and experience. For example, one of the most populace states that experienced a decrease in motorcycle related fatalities was California. While the state has not had any changes to their helmet law, the state did engage in a motorcycle awareness campaign for motorists. This suggests that perhaps other factors, such as motorist education and awareness initiatives, impact fatalities. Further, the report identifies a connection between riding experience and increases in fatalities.  It states that roughly 25% of all motorcycle fatalities are the result of invalid motorcycle licensure. These statistics underscore the belief long held by the Motorcycle Rider’s Foundation that training and education is a crucial component to motorcycle safety.

     Flawed Data

    Perhaps one of the biggest questions raised from reading the report is the data itself and specifically, what “counts” as a motorcycle. According to federal statute, a motorcycle is defined 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.” With the rise of autocycles, a new class of vehicle that has attributes of both a car and motorcycle, it raises the question if this type of vehicle was included in the data supporting the statistics in the GHSA report. As this type of vehicle continues to emerge as a form of transportation, it will be critical that they are addressed independently, and not unfairly categorized with motorcycles or any other form as transportation so as not to skew the data. It is not clear from the report that this consideration is given.

     Failure to Connect the Projected Increase to the Lack of Universal Helmet Laws

    Despite the report’s effort to relate the projected increase in motorcycle fatalities to the lack of universal helmet laws, it fails to provide any data suggesting a connection between those who were wearing helmets versus those who were not wearing helmets when the fatality occurred. Of the nineteen states that currently have a universal helmet law in place; twelve experienced an increase in motorcycle fatalities between 2014 and 2015.  Of the sixteen states that saw a decrease in motorcycle fatalities in 2015, only six have a universal helmet law.  The other ten either allow adults to make their own choice or have no law at all. 

     The report also suggests that the increase in motorcycle fatalities in Michigan is due to the state’s modification of its helmet law in 2012, which allowed adult riders to choose whether to wear a helmet.  The report suggests that the 2015 increase in motorcycle fatalities in Michigan is due to fewer riders wearing a motorcycle helmet but have not provided any data to support this claim.  However, the report fails to explain the 18.8% decrease in motorcycle fatalities between 2013 and 2014.  According to the National Highway Transportation & Safety Administration (NHTSA), Michigan motorcycle fatalities dropped from 138 to 112 in 2014 despite the change to the state’s motorcycle helmet law.

     In conclusion, despite its best efforts, the GHSA report fails to make any connection between the rise in motorcycle fatalities in 2015 and the implementation of universal helmet laws. It is unfortunate that entities such as the GHSA continue to hold such a myopic view when it comes to motorcycle safety.  The Motorcycle Rider’s Foundation encourages the GHSA and other groups interested in a meaningful campaign to enhance motorcycle safety to adopt a strategy that focuses on avoiding motorcycle crashes and not merely surviving them. 

    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.


    Full Report Can be Found here:

    http://www.ghsa.org/files/pubs/spotlights/motorcycles_2015.pdf


  • MARYLAND BECOMES SECOND STATE TO PASS MOTORCYCLIST ANTI-PROFILING LAW

    05/24/2016 2:46 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)


    For Immediate Release

    May 24, 2016

    MARYLAND BECOMES SECOND STATE TO PASS MOTORCYCLIST ANTI-PROFILING LAW

    WASHINGTON, DC – The motorcyclists of Maryland counted a major victory last week when Governor Larry Hogan signed a bill into law that would expressly prohibit the profiling of motorcyclists within the state.  At the signing ceremony were members of ABATE of Maryland, the Maryland Confederation of Clubs, and Motorcycle Riders Foundation. The teamwork, cooperation and hard work by these organizations ensured swift passage of the measure.

    "The unanimous passage of this legislation through both chambers is a direct result of well thought out strategic positioning, thorough lobbying and a truly unified motorcycle community,” stated Bill “Colt” Kaitz from the Maryland Confederation of Clubs and Co-Founder of the Motorcycle Profiling Project. “We had tremendous support in both chambers and all committees.  Our community hopes that this will serve as an example to any state with well documented profiling incidents that with a unified community and intelligent, concentrated effort, this legislation is possible and stands to better the lives of all motorcyclists."

    Maryland is now the second state to pass a motorcycle anti-profiling law. Washington state passed related legislation in 2011. Similar activities and advocacy efforts are underway in several other states across the U.S.  Federally, the issue has been gaining traction due to the recent Michael ‘Boz’ Kerr Bikers Inside the Beltway event where it was raised before elected officials in Washington, D.C. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation and affiliated individuals and organizations will continue to mount pressure to ensure that unjust motorcycle discrimination is not tolerated.

    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. {Organization_Name}. All rights reserved. Ride With The Leaders ™ by joining the MRF at http://motorcycleridersfoundation.wildapricot.org/page-1654836 or call (202) 546-0983

    You are receiving this message because you opted in at {Organization_URL}. If you choose to not receive these alerts moving forward, please click the unsubscribe button or contact the office at: {Organization_Contact_Email}

  • THE ETHANOL ISSUE – CONGRESSIONAL ACTIVITY AND STRIKING A BALANCE

    05/19/2016 1:46 PM | Anonymous

    For Immediate Release

    May 19, 2016

    THE ETHANOL ISSUE – CONGRESSIONAL ACTIVITY AND STRIKING A BALANCE

     

    WASHINGTON, DC – There is no shortage of legislative proposals addressing ethanol blends in the nation’s capital. So far in the 114th Congress alone, there have been 16 different measures that would address the use of ethanol blends in fuel. Last week’s activity added one more to the tally, the “Food and Fuel Consumer Protection Act of 2016” H.R.5180.

    Introduced by Congressman Bill Flores from Texas, the proposal would institute a cap on the ethanol content in fuel. Presumably, the bill would stop what many are concerned about; an uncomfortable creep towards a higher content of ethanol in gasoline, which could have the effect of voiding many motorcycle warranties. However, it is unclear what the proposal’s chances of passage are, especially given a number of other pending measures that aim to do the exact opposite (see the REFUEL Act, H.R. 4773). What is certain, is that the issue of ethanol in fuel is controversial and will not be easily solved.

    The position of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF), instead of being "pro" or "anti" ethanol, has been one of concern about the effect of higher ethanol content in fuel. The MRF seeks to strike a balance between the various opposing federal bills; instead calling for a policy that emphasizes research on ethanol blends. Encouraging new research, specifically targeted towards motorcycle engines as well as the effect on internal combustion, could help alleviate the concerns of motorcycle riders, as well as motorcycle manufacturers.  

    Current discussions taking place in the halls of Congress can be used as an opportunity to learn more about the short and long term effects of ethanol on small motors, as well as open a dialogue with the manufacturers of motorcycles, to better understand their concerns in using a higher ethanol content in motorcycle fuel systems.

    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://motorcycleridersfoundation.wildapricot.org/page-1654836 or call (202) 546-0983

    You are receiving this message because you opted in at http://motorcycleridersfoundation.wildapricot.org/. If you choose to not receive these alerts moving forward, please click the unsubscribe button or contact the office at: mrfoffice@mrf.org