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  • Industry Veteran, Bob Kay, Leads Independent Motorcycle Aftermarket Council

    09/11/2023 4:54 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)
    The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) has formed a council to review the challenges of independent motorcycle dealers and custom bike builders so they may be addressed by the MRF lobbyists in Washington, DC. “We are pleased to have Bob Kay lead the Independent Motorcycle Aftermarket Council, stated Kirk ”Hardtail” Willard, Bob’s firsthand experience over 5 decades will be invaluable to focusing the efforts of our lobbyists.” The recent focus on internal combustion engines is threatening the future of independent motorcycle dealers and custom bike builders to provide alternative service centers as well as servicing older bikes and customization projects. Bob Kay said, “I am extremely proud of the team we put together to focus lobbyists on our right repair and modify with the input we receive from the Independent Motorcycle Aftermarket Network.” The Independent Motorcycle Aftermarket Council chaired by Bob Kay membership includes Keith Ball from Bikernet, Chris Callen from Cyclesource Magazine, Scott Hakins from S&S, Steve Broyles from Stevenson Cycles, John Jessup from Dream Rides, Jason Hallman from Cycle Stop USA and John O’Brien of Hardcore cycles. 

    Independent motorcycle dealers and custom bike builders wishing to join the Independent Motorcycle Aftermarket Network can contact Bob Kay at IMA19032023@gmail.com. Or go directly to the website at https://mrf.org/join/join-mrf-imac/

    There is also a private Facebook group set up for discussion of these important topics at https://www.facebook.com/groups/2667411906733736/

    And a public Instagram page dedicated to passing IMA news and events. https://www.instagram.com/i.m.a.network/

    You can also support our lobbyists efforts by purchasing a Sustaining Independent Motorcycle Aftermarket Annual Membership at https://mrf.org/join/join-mrf-imac/

    About the 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.

    Right to Repair – You or the repair shop of your choice should have access to the tools, parts, and technology you need. However, manufacturers want to restrict your ability to service, maintain and repair your bike.

    Right to Modify – The ability to modify and customize your bike is a fight the MRF has won before. In the 1990’s the MRF defeated a proposal that would have limited modification to “color and chrome.” We continue to fight for consumers rights to modify products they buy how they see fit.

    Renewable Fuels – The availability of fuel for use in motorcycles is under attack. The MRF fights for the universal availability of approved fuel blends, containing no more than 10% ethanol by volume.

    Internal Combustion Engines – Not only is the fuel we need under attack, but the engines that burn that fuel are being targeted. A push to ban the sale of vehicles with internal combustion engines is happening right now! We believe Americans should have the right to choose what time of engine to buy not have the choice mandated by the government.

    End of Life Directives – In Europe, “end of life directives” require vehicles over a certain age be turned in for destruction. Policy ideas that first appear in Europe have a history of popping up in the United States. The ability to own, collect, work on, and refurbish older motorcycles is a fundamental part of who we are as motorcyclists. The MRF will battle any end-of-life directives in the U.S.

    Protect the Motorcycle Ecosystem– Independent shops and manufacturers are a critical part of the motorcycle ecosystem. They provide choice and competition in the marketplace. The MRF believes that to preserve the lifestyle and culture of motorcycling, independent shops and manufacturers must be protected.

  • Act Now... Congress Votes Thursday!

    09/11/2023 3:00 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    The House of Representatives has scheduled a vote Thursday on H.R. 1435, the “Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act.” H.R. 1435 would amend the Clean Air Act to prevent a ban on the sale of internal combustion engines, effectively trumping any state law that outlaws their sale.

     

    Now is the time to have your voice heard! Let Congress know you support the right to choose the type of engine you buy. Click here to contact your Member of the House of Representatives and ask them to vote for H.R. 1435.

  • MEETING OF THE MINDS 2023 – TIME IS RUNNING OUT! – REGISTER NOW

    09/03/2023 9:59 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)


    The Meeting of the Minds conference is where it all began and it’s where motorcyclists’ rights advocates come to experience tailormade workshops addressing issues facing motorcyclists today. The Meeting of the Minds is where motorcyclists’ rights advocates can get up-to-date information on issues relating to the attacks against motorcycling and motorcyclists’ rights.

    Time is running out -- Hotel rooms, at $109 nightly, are available and going fast. “Early bird” hotel reservation and Meeting of the Minds registration cut-off date is September 6. Use the QR codes below to make your reservations now. Time is running out!

    Since June, the Motorcycle Riders Foundation has shared this series of “E-blast” with thousands of motorcyclists. During the series, the MRF has introduced workshop presenters and workshop topics. The 2023 Meeting of the Minds conference will reflect that the MRF listens to our members, partner state motorcyclists’ rights organizations, and motorcycle clubs. The MRF is making a difference and moving forward – on Capitol Hill and in state legislatures -- to protect the future of motorcycling and motorcyclists’ rights.

    Listening, making a difference, and moving forward to protect the future of motorcycling, this year’s Meeting of the Minds conference features sixteen workshops and ten new presenters, plus a host of new topics added to the mix!

    The Meeting of the Minds – presenters who live and breathe motorcyclists’ rights, topical workshops that have real-world applications for protecting the future of motorcycling –The Motorcycle Riders Foundation -- Since 1987 the MRF has been the only national motorcyclists’ rights organization dedicated to on-street riders with full-time representation in Washington, D.C.!

    With more than a few hundred thousand hours of collective motorcyclists’ rights advocacy, some of the following names you’ll recognize, and some will be new to you. Regardless, this diverse assembly of freedom fighters will bring to the Meeting of the Minds new workshop topics and updates on topics that are cornerstones in the foundations of motorcyclists’ rights advocacy.

    THE PRESENTERS: Dave Dwyer - Russell Radke - Kirk "Hardtail" Willard - William "Rocky" Fox - Ryan Hubbard - Kris Cook - Seven - Lane Triplett - Jay Jackson - Gary Goracke - Steve Panten - Jennifer Abraham - Eric Ross - Joy Mack - Chris "Clutch" Ward - Rick “Brick” Lindsey - Mark Buckner - Bob Stoner - Aaron Meyer - Sherman Packard - Angela Engel - Keith “Bandit” Ball - Bob Kay – Chris Callen - Ron Braaksma - Traci Beaurivage - Imre Szauter

    The presentations and workshops are as diverse as the presenters--and just as important to promoting and protecting the future of motorcycling and motorcyclists’ rights.

    THE PRESENTATIONS: Legislative Strategies - Building Effective Legislative/lobbying Efforts – First Timers – Keeping the Bridges Open Between Clubs & SMROs  - Executive Directors Townhall - Leadership Principles - SMRO Guidebook: “A Cookbook for Your SMRO” -  MRFPAC Update – Beyond Legislative Lobbying - The Future of Motorcycling: The intentional phasing out of internal combustion engines and their fuel source -- American Income Life (MRF benefit presentation) – MRF Sustaining Clubs Meeting -  MRF Awareness & Education Update - Strategic Planning - The Power of Social Media: A Catalyst for Recruitment -  Building Effective legislative/Lobbying Efforts – MRF Awards – and much, much more…

    Yes, there’ll be plenty of time to renew old acquaintances and meet soon-to-be new friends. However, you will go home with a mind full of innovative ideas and a saddlebag full of informational handouts. You’ll wonder where the weekend went and will be disappointed that there wasn’t more time. This is what the Meeting of the Minds has always been about!

    Meeting of the Minds – Bikers Inside the Beltway -- the Motorcycle Riders Foundation – listening, making a difference, and moving forward to protect the future of motorcycling and motorcyclists’ rights!

    The Meeting of the Minds – September 21-24, Red Lion Hotel, 4751 Lindle Road, Harrisburg, PA 17111. Use the QR codes below to register and make reservations or call 717-939-7841 and mention Motorcycle Riders Foundation 2023 Meeting of the Minds.

    Still need convincing that this is a “must attend” event for anyone serious about protecting the future of motorcycling and motorcyclists’ rights?  At $109 a night, room rates at the Red Lion are hard to beat!  But they’re going fast!

    Thank you for your support of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation. We look forward to seeing you in Harrisburg at the 39th Annual Meeting of the Minds.

    Yours in Freedom,

    Fred

    Fredric Harrell

    MRF Director of Conferences & Events

    PS: Time is running out for “early bird” registration cut-off date Sept. 6. Hotel rooms are available and $109 per night, going fast, confirm your plans now, register with the MRF, and use the QR codes to make hotel reservations early for the Meeting of the Minds 2023. Thank you.

    PPS: A.B.A.T.E. of Pennsylvania asked me to remind you while you’re packing for the trip, put on your old Donna Summer and Bee Gees records, find your disco shoes and Saturday Night Live clothes. They’re hosting a FUN Raiser for the MRFPAC, and it promises to be a disco-mania memory lane hoot!

  • THE ROAD TO THE MEETING OF THE MINDS IS STILL CALLING YOU

    09/03/2023 8:58 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)


    Thank you.  Your individual responses to the Eblast you received from the MRF around August 4 were encouraging.  So encouraging in fact, that I was requested to pull together one more appeal for biker rights advocates in the Northeast to join your brothers and sisters and “get your motors runnin’!” and head down to Harrisburg and the Meeting of the Minds in September.

    With someone from clean across country making such a production out of attending an event in Pennsylvania, you’re probably wondering what the fuss is all about.  First, it’s about the MRF listening, making a difference, and moving forward to protect the future of motorcycling, and motorcyclists’ rights -- this year’s Meeting of the Minds features sixteen workshops and ten new presenters, plus a stack of new topics added to the mix!

    The Motorcycle Riders Foundation–presenters who live and breathe motorcyclists’ rights, topical workshops that have real-world applications for protecting the future of motorcycling – Bikers Inside the Beltway, the Meeting of the Minds–there’s no other place in the world that you can get this much information in such a short span of time; even if you spent an evening ‘surfin’ the net!’  

    If you haven’t already, get ready to meet Bob Stoner, a 27-year member of ABATE of Indiana. He’ll join Aaron Meyer to present 90 minutes that will help keep your SMRO on track -- SMRO Guidebook: A Cookbook for Your Organization.

    Whether you’re contemplating running for political office or supporting a motorcycle-friendly candidate, “think globally, act locally” puts the mission of protecting the future of motorcycling directly into the avenue of approach to motorcyclists’ rights advocacy. Traci Beaurivage and Imre Szauter present Beyond Legislative Lobbying and share their collective political experience with attendees in their workshop.

    The Motorcycle Riders Foundation -- Bikers Inside the Beltway, Meeting of the Minds --listening, making a difference, and moving forward to protect the future of motorcycling & motorcyclists’ rights!

    I’m not the guy to tell you that the MRF has all the answers.  However, I will tell you that Since 1987 the MRF has been the only national motorcyclists’ rights organization dedicated to on-street riders with full-time representation in Washington, D.C.! The MRF may not have all the answers, however you can take it to the bank that the information shared at the Meeting of the Minds will be useful to you and your SMRO!

    One more time: Why attend the Meeting of the Minds? With the increasing attacks against motorcycling and motorcyclists’ rights – profiling, end of life directives for motorcycles, over-regulating the availability of fuel – the Meeting of the Minds offers sixteen workshops tailored to the motorcyclists’ rights activists. These workshops are presented by some of the nations’ most respected and knowledgeable freedom fighters. Plus, the information will serve you well before your legislators, state regulatory agencies, and members of Congress.

    The successes of the Motorcycle Rides Foundation are hard won. They are won because freedom-loving riders like you help make the victories easier. Thanks for using the links below to register for the Meeting of the Minds and make your hotel reservations. See you in Harrisburg in September and enjoy the ride!

    The Meeting of the Minds – September 21-24. The Red Lion Hotel, 4751 Lindle Road, Harrisburg, PA 17111; at $109 nightly, there are rooms available, but they’re going fast.  Use the QR codes below to register and make reservations or call 717-939-7841 and mention Motorcycle Riders Foundation 2023 Meeting of the Minds.

    Thank you for your support of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation. We look forward to seeing you in Harrisburg at the 39th Annual Meeting of the Minds.  

    Yours in Freedom,

    Fred

    Fredric Harrell

    MRF Director of Conferences & Events

    PS: A.B.A.T.E. of Pennsylvania asked me to remind you while you’re packing for the trip, put on your old Donna Summer or Bee Gee records and find your disco shoes and Saturday Night Live clothes. They’re hosting a FUN Raiser for the MRFPAC, and it promises to be a memory lane hoot! 

  • MRF MEETING OF THE MINDS – RENEWED COMMITMENTS TO THE FUTURE OF MOTORCYCLING & MOTORCYCLISTS’ RIGHTS

    08/31/2023 10:16 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)


    As we approach another traditional American holiday, I am repeatedly drawn back to the collective words of the fifty-six lovers of freedom who put their lives and fortunes on the line when they signed the Declaration of Independence nearly 250 years ago. Barely one hundred miles away from where another group of freedom fighters will gather for the Motorcycle Riders Foundation’s Annual Meeting of the Minds conference.

    “We Mutually Pledge To Each Other Our Lives, Our Fortunes, And Our Sacred Honor.”

    Fourteen words that cemented their commitment to freedom. In less time than it took to gather those fifty-six signatures, the MRF will kick off the 39th Annual Meeting of the Minds and bring together the nation’s motorcyclists’ rights activists for an intense weekend of workshops, presentations, and renewed commitments to preserve and protect the future of motorcycling.

    There will be no debate about the finer points of the Declaration of Independence. Instead, the MRF has a reputation for providing attendees with workshops and keynote speakers specifically tailored to motorcyclists’ rights advocacy--on Capitol Hill and in state legislatures.

    Focused on protecting the future of motorcycling, this three-day assembly of bikers honors the spirit and tradition that our nation’s founders risked their lives and liberty laying the foundation for the freedoms we enjoy today through the motorcycles we ride.

    Just as the founders of our nation experienced, the actions of a few dedicated freedom fighters are united to protect the freedoms of many. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation provides the Meeting of the Minds conference as a platform for motorcyclists’ rights activists of all levels and a venue to make new friends, renew old acquaintances and take home the tools needed to protect the future of motorcycling.

    The MRF listens, makes a difference, and moves forward at the direction of members, SMRO and motorcycle club partners to protect the future of motorcycling. This year’s Meeting of the Minds features sixteen workshops and ten new presenters, plus a host of new topics added to the mix!

    Never been to a Meeting of the Minds conference? We’ve got you covered. Meet Jennifer Abraham and Eric Ross. Their First Timers workshop was designed to make “first timers” and repeat attendees feel welcome and vitalized to stay involved in motorcyclists’ rights activism.

    The MRF’s legislative agenda represents the collective interests of the nation’s owners of 8.6 million registered street motorcycles. The burden of keeping the voice of motorcycling heard before Congress, regulatory agencies, and state legislatures is shouldered by the Motorcycle Riders Foundation, MRF sustaining state motorcyclists’ rights organizations, MRF sustaining motorcycle clubs, and the five hundred activists who attend the Meeting of the Minds and take the word back to their respective states.

    None of us are pledging our lives, fortunes, or our sacred honors as those fifty-six signers of the Declaration of Independence did in August 1776. However, the MRF represents a committed cadre of dedicated motorcyclists’ rights activists and freedom fighters who understand that if we as motorcyclists do not stand together to support the efforts to protect the future of motorcycling, motorcycling has a bleak and limited future.

    The success of this year’s Bikers Inside the Beltway was a result of what is taught at the Meeting of the Minds. Keeping our members and partner SMROs and motorcycle clubs informed and on point is what makes the Motorcycle Riders Foundation the leading motorcyclists’ rights advocacy group in the nation.

    Bikers inside the Beltway, Meeting of the Minds – the Motorcycle Riders Foundation –listening, making a difference, and moving forward to protect the future of motorcycling and motorcyclists’ rights!

    The Meeting of the Minds – September 21-24, Red Lion Hotel, 4751 Lindle Road, Harrisburg, PA 17111. Use the QR codes below to register and make reservations or call 717-939-7841 and mention Motorcycle Riders Foundation 2023 Meeting of the Minds.

    Still need convincing that this is a “must attend” event for anyone serious about protecting the future of motorcycling and motorcyclists’ rights?  At $109 a night, room rates at the Red Lion are hard to beat!  But they’re going fast!

    Thank you for your support of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation. We look forward to seeing you in Harrisburg at the 39th Annual Meeting of the Minds.

    Yours in Freedom,

    Fred

    Fredric Harrell

    MRF Director of Conferences & Events

    PS: A.B.A.T.E. of Pennsylvania asked me to remind you while you’re packing for the trip, put on your old Donna Summer and Bee Gees records, find your disco shoes and Saturday Night Live clothes. They’re hosting a FUN Raiser for the MRFPAC, and it promises to be a disco-mania memory lane hoot!

  • NHTSA Investigates Tesla Again...

    08/31/2023 5:00 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)
    In a letter made public this week, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is seeking answers from Tesla on the company's “Autopilot” system. The letter sent on July 26th states, “Recently, NHTSA became aware that Tesla has introduced an Autopilot configuration that, when enabled, allows drivers using Autopilot to operate their vehicles for extended periods without Autopilot prompting the driver to apply torque to the steering wheel.”

    As the letter notes, the ramifications of this feature are worrisome. “Relaxation of controls designed to ensure that the driver remains engaged in the dynamic driving task could lead to greater driver inattention and failure of the driver to properly supervise Autopilot.”

    It is unclear whether Tesla responded by the August 25th deadline noted in the correspondence. However, this action by NHTSA comes on the heels of several other investigations of Tesla. Most important for motorcyclists is the investigation, started nearly a year ago, concerning the deaths of three bikers in crashes involving Teslas believed to be in autopilot mode.

    Stories like this one are why the Motorcycle Riders Foundation continues to press federal officials for safety standards on self-driving cars and how they interact with motorcyclists. As the summer riding season comes to a close, don’t forget the words of former NHTSA senior safety adviser, Missy Cummings, “It’s very dangerous for motorcycles to be around Teslas.”

    To read the letter from NHTSA click here.

    Ride Safe and Ride Free.

  • Motorcycle Riders Foundation Meeting of the Minds Conference -- Moving Forward to Protect the Future of Motorcycling and Motorcyclists’ Rights!

    08/25/2023 4:30 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)


    The Meeting of the Minds conference is where it all began and it’s where motorcyclists’ rights activists meet to experience tailormade workshops addressing issues facing motorcyclists today. It’s where motorcyclists’ rights activists can get up-to-date information on issues relating to the attacks against motorcycling and motorcyclists’ rights.

    The Motorcycle Riders Foundation’s annual Meeting of the Minds conference will reflect that the MRF listens to our members, partner state motorcyclists’ rights organizations, and motorcycle clubs. MRF members and the motorcycling world know that the MRF is making a difference and moving forward – on Capitol Hill and in state legislatures--to protect the future of motorcycling and motorcyclists’ rights.

    The success of this year’s Bikers Inside the Beltway was the result of what the MRF shares at the Meeting of the Minds. Keeping our members and partner SMROs informed and on point is what makes the Motorcycle Riders Foundation the foremost motorcyclists’ rights advocacy group in the nation.

    Listening, making a difference, and moving forward to protect the future of motorcycling, this year’s Meeting of the Minds conference features sixteen workshops and ten new presenters, plus a host of new topics added to the mix!

    The MRF’s legislative agenda represents the collective interests of the nation’s owners of 8.6 million registered street motorcycles, and it is a direct result of the input provided by Meeting of the Minds attendees.

    The Meeting of the Minds–presenters who live and breathe motorcyclists’ rights, topical workshops that have real-world applications for protecting the future of motorcycling –The Motorcycle Riders Foundation--Since 1987 the MRF has been the only national motorcyclists’ rights organization dedicated to on-street riders with full-time representation in Washington, D.C.!

    Motorcyclists’ rights and motorcycling safety have been interwoven since the time when motorcyclists’ rights advocates were accused of only caring about the modification of mandatory helmet laws. Dispelling those accusations, Ron Braaksma and Lane Trippet, representing MRF Awareness & Education, will present workshops on motorcycling safety and riding skills.

    The burden of keeping the voice of motorcycling heard before Congress, regulatory agencies, and state legislatures is shouldered by the Motorcycle Riders Foundation. The activists who attend the Meeting of the Minds conference take home a wealth of information to help strengthen the collective voices of all street riding motorcyclists.

    Nearly fifty years ago, the burden of freedom was lifted in the quest to protect the future of motorcycling and motorcyclists’ rights when a biker from New Hampshire and his wife founded one of the nation’s first SMROs–NHMRO–New Hampshire Motorcyclists Rights Organization. Sherman Packard rose from “just another biker fighting for our rights” to become the New Hampshire Speaker of the House of Representative and the MRF is honored to have “Mr. Speaker” Sherman Packard sharing his years of experience as the 2023 Meeting of the Minds keynote speaker.

    Bikers Inside the Beltway, Meeting of the Minds – the Motorcycle Riders Foundation – listening, making a difference, and moving forward to protect the future of motorcycling and motorcyclists’ rights!

    The Meeting of the Minds – September 21-24, Red Lion Hotel, 4751 Lindle Road, Harrisburg, PA 17111. Use the QR codes below to register and make reservations or call 717-939-7841 and mention Motorcycle Riders Foundation 2023 Meeting of the Minds.

    Thank you for your support of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation. We look forward to seeing you in Harrisburg at the 39th Annual Meeting of the Minds, September 21-24, 2023.

    Yours in Freedom,

    Fred

    Fredric Harrell

    MRF Director of Conferences & Events

    P.S. Hotel rooms are available and going fast, confirm your plans now, register with the MRF, and use the QR codes to make hotel reservations early for the Meeting of the Minds 2023. Thank you.

  • Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Releases "simple steps"

    08/24/2023 9:23 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)
    Earlier today, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) released a document highlighting what it sees as “simple steps” to reduce motorcyclist deaths. First and foremost, the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) is very concerned about the safety of bikers. 2021 saw 6,000 motorcyclists killed on our nation’s roadways, accounting for nearly 14% of all traffic fatalities.

    While we don’t agree with all the positions of the IIHS, including their push for universal helmet laws, we do appreciate that they take a wider view of the issue. They point out the need for other people on the road to look for motorcycles and ensuring other vehicles properly judge their speed in relationship to motorcycles.

    Additionally, the IIHS position of ensuring crash avoidance systems are designed to detect motorcycles is a good idea. Of course, that’s a good idea! That’s why the MRF is pressing Congress and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on this topic here in Washington, D.C.

    All bikers should be happy to learn about a new technology focused on left turn assist. According to the IIHS, “Left turn assist, has the potential to address crashes in which another vehicle turns left in front of an oncoming motorcycle — the most common type of crash between a motorcycle and another vehicle.”

    Another place where we find common ground, is understanding that crash avoidance is the best way to save lives. A crash that never happens is 100% better than a “safer crash.”

    As the release notes, “Each one of the thousands of motorcyclists who die on U.S. roads every year is someone’s loved one.” The MRF has lost way too many members and friends because of crashes on our roads. Let’s work together and decrease fatalities.

    To read the full release from IIHS click here.

  • The Fight Continues

    08/24/2023 7:02 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)
    For over a decade the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) has been pushing the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on key priorities for motorcyclists. We’ve focused on the issues of autonomous vehicles, crash avoidance, and design and construction of our nation’s roads.

    On the autonomous vehicle front, the MRF fought for inclusion of language in the 2018 Senate AV bill that required NHTSA to compel manufacturers to report on the self-driving cars ability to “sense motorcyclists in or crossing the path of travel through the automated driving system”

    In 2020 and 2021 the MRF advocated for language in the House version of the Highway bill, which required that when USDOT conducts safety studies on autonomous vehicles, motorcycles must be considered as unique roadway users. Additionally, a planned working group on autonomous vehicles would have required inclusion of a motorcycle safety group as part of its membership.

    Unfortunately, the dysfunction on Capitol Hill entangled these bills and they failed to meet approval by both chambers. But the MRF won’t take no for an answer so they took the fight on these issues to the executive branch. Just last month, MRF leadership met with half a dozen NHTSA officials on the importance including motorcycles in the autonomous vehicle regulations. On two different occasions MRF members have met with motorcycle specialists at the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) about crash investigations and policies around fatalities involving motorcyclists. And just before Christmas last year, 27 members of Congress sent a letter at the request of the MRF to NHTSA that asked 5 key questions about its policies, regulations, and plans for incorporating motorcyclists in automated driving guidelines.

    In both 2015 and 2021, the MRF fought for creation of, and then the renewal of, the Motorcyclist Advisory Council (MAC) at USDOT. This body is tasked with developing policies that make roadway design, construction, and maintenance practices that factor in motorcycle riders. The MRF anticipates having a seat when the new MAC is established.

    We raise these issues because the journey is long, the fight is never over but the victories are critical. We thank you for your continued support of the MRF. We do what we do, and we fight for these issues, because you provide the resources, passion and resilience that fuels us.

    If you are a rider and not currently a member of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation, follow this link to join us now.

    As Always, Ride Safe and Ride Free

  • Louisiana Town Hall Meeting

    08/22/2023 11:18 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)


    On July 29, the Louisiana Confederation of Clubs and Independent Riders (COC&I) held a Biker Town Hall in lieu of its normal meeting in Alexandria.  The guest speaker was Clay Higgins (R) U.S. Representative for Louisiana's 3rd congressional district. Jacque and I had the honor of being invited to represent and speak about the MRF and ABATE.  MRF President Kirk "Hardtail" Willard was also in attendance. 

    We met up with Congressman Higgins at the Cajun Harley Davidson in Scott, just west of Lafayette and rode with his group of a dozen or so bikes to Alexandria. Jacque gave a briefing to a standing room only crowd about what A.B.A.T.E. is, what we do for the motorcycle community in Louisiana and our proposed legislative agenda for 2024. I told the story of how we came to be involved with the Town Hall by being in Congressman Higgins' D.C. office when Swamp, the COC&I Commander, called to speak with him about it. I then turned the mic over to Hardtail. He spoke to a very attentive group of bikers from across Louisiana about the dire situations for motorcyclists due to the push to get rid of combustion engines, the dangers of autonomous vehicles, the effect of using E15 gas in small engines, etc. Congressman Higgins took the floor and spoke of the precious rights afforded to all of us by the 1st, 2nd, 4th, and 5th amendments of the Constitution and then took many questions from the audience.

    The entire meeting can be viewed on the COC&I Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/LouisianaCOC

    Rick 'Brick' Lindsey

    SSMRO Representative to the  MRF Board


    The Motorcycle Riders Foundation sees this as a very successful path towards engagement and education for the motorcycling community and encourages all States to put an event like this together.