The start of a new year means many state motorcyclist rights organizations are holding their annual meetings. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) is always honored to be invited to attend and present at these events across the country. This weekend representatives from the MRF were in Michigan and Kentucky discussing the MRF’s 2022 accomplishments in Washington, D.C. and our goals for 2023. These meetings are a great opportunity to share with riders around the country some of the things we are working on. We discussed our victories on issues like motorcyclist profiling and autonomous vehicles as well as work we have ahead of us on things like the Motorcyclist Advisory Council. While many of the attendees at these events are MRF members some are not, so educating bikers about the MRF is an important part of these presentations.   In Lansing, Michigan the ABATE of Michigan event was joined by Congressman Tim Walberg. Congressman Walberg is the Co-Chair of the House Motorcycle Caucus, the 2017 MRF Legislative Champion of the Year and a longtime Michigan motorcyclist. These meetings are a great opportunity to share with riders around the country some of the things we are working on. We discussed our victories on issues like motorcyclist profiling and autonomous vehicles as well as work we have ahead of us on things like the Motorcyclist Advisory Council. While many of the attendees at these events are MRF members some are not, so educating bikers about the MRF is an important part of these presentations.

The KMA/KBA’s Freedom Fighter’s Forum in Bowling Green, Kentucky was attended by Congressman Brett Guthrie.  Congressman Guthrie is a member of the powerful Energy and commerce Committee which has jurisdiction of important government agencies to motorcyclists like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In addition to Congressman Guthrie state officials were in attendance as well. The Kentucky Secretary of State, Attorney General, Auditor and half a dozen candidates for governor all made appearances. What an impressive collection of elected officials from the Bluegrass State!

In the coming weeks look for more alerts and photos of the “2023 MRF Road Show.” If we’re in your state make sure to come up and say hi, we love meeting MRF members!

2022 Ends With Multiple D.C. Victories for Bikers

In case you missed it, the last two weeks of 2022 saw multiple victories for the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) and all motorcyclists in this country. With the clock ticking down before the 117^th Congress adjourned, three major parts of the MRF legislative agenda were addressed by leaders in Washington, D.C.

• December 16^th – Rep. Tim Walberg of Michigan and 26 bipartisan members of the House of Representatives sent a letter to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) regarding three recent fatal crashes between self-driving vehicles and motorcycles. The letter seeks answers about how self-driving cars interact with motorcycles and whether recent crashes are statistical outliers.
  To read the full letter click here.
• December 22^nd – Rep. Susie Lee of Nevada inserted committee report language into the year-end omnibus government funding bill released by the U.S. Senate and passed both chambers of Congress. The report language states “The Committee is concerned that National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) may be conducting activities that encourage states to adopt legislation, regulation, or other policies that unjustly profile motorcycle riders. The Committee directs NHTSA to report to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations on the extent to which the agency works with states on motorcycle passenger policies within 120 days of enactment of this Act.”
• December 23^rd – Six years after it was first introduced the U.S. House of Representatives passed H. Res 366, the motorcyclist profiling resolution. The resolution “Promotes increased public awareness on the issue of motorcyclist profiling; encourages collaboration and communication with the motorcyclist community and law enforcement to engage in efforts to end motorcyclist profiling; and urges State law enforcement officials to include statements condemning motorcyclist profiling in written policies and training materials.”
  To read the full version of H. Res 366 click here.

These three victories in the span of just a few days reflects the hard work of MRF members and our allies over the course of 2022. The work done at events like Bikers Inside the Beltway and by state motorcyclist rights organizations throughout the year paved the way for these successes.

As we look towards 2023 more challenges remain. For example, the Motorcyclists Advisory Committee (MAC) has yet to be established despite legislation passed in 2021 that directs the Department of Transportation to seat the MAC. Follow up on issues like profiling and self-driving cars will be necessary as will action on other items in the robust 2023 MRF legislative agenda.

While we are excited by the end to a successful year in our nation’s capital, we know that staying engaged is the only way to protect the freedoms we cherish. Thank you for your continued support of the MRF. Without your time, energy, and passion the voice of the street rider would disappear from the halls of power in D.C.

Let’s keep the momentum going in 2023! Not yet a member of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation? Click here to Join in the 2023 Freedom Fight.

Ride Safe and Ride Free

This week, the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives agreed to a $1.7 trillion omnibus spending package that funds the federal government through September 2023 and avoids a government shutdown. Attached to that 4,155-page bill is a request by Congress to learn more about the profiling of motorcyclists.

Within the funding section for the Department of Transportation, language was included that states: The Committee is concerned that National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) may be conducting activities that encourage states to adopt legislation, regulation, or other policies that unjustly profile motorcycle riders. The Committee directs NHTSA to report to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations on the extent to which the agency works with states on motorcycle passenger policies within 120 days of enactment of this Act.

For years the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) has worked to address the profiling of motorcyclists. We believe this action by Congress is an important step that will continue the dialogue on this topic. We cannot thank Rep. Susie Lee of Nevada enough for her leadership on this issue. Her willingness to seek answers from NHTSA is why this language was included in the final bill.

We hope that when NHTSA responds to the request from Congress, we will have more information to share with you.

Thank you for your continued support of biker rights and the MRF.

As always Ride Safe and Ride Free.

In one of the final actions before the 117^th Congress dissolved the House of Representatives passed, H. Res 366, the motorcyclist profiling resolution.

The resolution, which was first introduced in 2016, failed to receive a vote on the House floor until today. In the six years since it was introduced motorcyclists have spent countless hours educating lawmakers and raising awareness on the issue of motorcyclist profiling.

The 2016 version of the resolution had just 18 cosponsors, but that number grew to 103 this month. These 103 cosponsors represented a diverse set of political beliefs and geographic interests, but all were committed to supporting bikers.

It has been a long journey to this point and many parties are responsible for this victory. Former Representative Reid Ribble of Wisconsin originally introduced the resolution and after his departure from Congress Representative Tim Walberg of Michigan picked up the baton. The Motorcycle Profiling Project provided important data that helped inform lawmakers about the extent of motorcyclist profiling. Motorcycle clubs and independent riders all invested time and resources in the battle on Capitol Hill. State motorcyclist rights organizations leveraged their relationships with home state lawmakers and increased cosponsor numbers dramatically. Most importantly all these groups remained committed and focused despite setbacks and disappointments.

With this action, the House joins the Senate, which passed a similar resolution in 2018 standing against motorcyclist profiling and asking for collaboration between law enforcement and bikers to prevent profiling. Additionally, six states, Washington, Maryland, Louisiana, Idaho, New Hampshire and Arizona all have state laws against the profiling of bikers.

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation hopes that this demonstration of support from the United States Congress will provide other states a foundation to enact legislation. 

To see a full version of H. Res 366 click here.

This week, thousands of American bikers contacted their elected officials to express concern about recent crashes involving motorcycles and cars believed to be in self-driving mode. Specifically, three crashes this summer, which occurred in California, Florida and Utah have been a major topic of conversation for the nearly 10 million motorcyclists in this country.

In response to outreach by constituents, Representative Tim Walberg of Michigan and 26 other members of Congress sent a bipartisan letter to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) seeking answers. The letter, delivered to Acting Administrator Ann Carlson, asked five basic questions regarding self-driving technology and motorcycles.

It is the hope of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF), our members and partners that answers to questions like, “Should motorcyclists take extra precautions when sharing the road with vehicles with self-driving technology?” will shed light on the capabilities of this new technology.

Click here to read the official letter.

American motorcyclists owe the following 27 Representatives, from 16 different states, our thanks. Their desire to seek answers and protect all roadway users makes all of us safer. Thank you for your leadership on this issue!

• Rep. Troy Balderson – Ohio
• Rep. Jack Bergman – Michigan
• Rep. Mike Bost – Illinois
• Rep. Cheri Busto – Illinois
• Rep. Angie Craig – Minnesota
• Rep. Rodney Davis – Illinois
• Rep. Val Demings – Florida
• Rep. Scott Fitzgerald – Wisconsin
• Rep. Lois Frankel – Florida
• Rep. Paul Gosar – Arizona
• Rep Glenn Grothman – Wisconsin
• Rep. Andy Harris – Maryland
• Rep. Clay Higgins – Louisiana
• Rep. Dusty Johnson – South Dakota
• Rep. Ron Kind – Wisconsin
• Rep. Ann Kuster – New Hampshire
• Rep. Darin LaHood – Illinois
• Rep. Doug Lamborn – Colorado
• Rep. Brian Mast – Florida
• Rep. Lisa McClain – Michigan
• Rep. Mark Pocan – Wisconsin
• Rep. Bill Posey – Florida
• Rep. Pete Stauber – Minnesota
• Rep. Glenn Thompson – Pennsylvania
• Rep. Dina Titus – Nevada
• Rep Tim Walberg – Michigan
• Rep. Robert Wittman – Virginia

Tuesday morning, the Motorcycle Riders Foundation attended a panel by the European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers. The discussion centered on “The Motorcycle Industry’s Vision for Decarbonization.” As in the United States, there is a growing movement to shift away from carbon-based fuel and toward decarbonization and elimination of emissions.

While motorcycle emissions account for less than 1% of all emissions in Europe, the motorcycle industry is taking a proactive approach to the future of fueling their transportation system. Regulators in Europe have already set 2035 as the deadline for the ban on the sale of new cars with internal combustion engines. So far, motorcycles have escaped such a ban, but there is little doubt they will come under the microscope of regulators soon. 

European motorcycle manufacturers see the writing on the wall and are navigating a potentially complex set of rules and regulations. Two camps have formed within Europe on the topic, one camp focused on strict regulations including the banning of combustion engines and picking winners and losers for which technologies will replace what is on the road today. The second camp is focused on market-based solutions, allowing all technologies to compete, that in theory will lead to the most efficient and cost-effective technologies winning out. Some of the new technology being discussed includes electric bikes, swappable batteries, synthetic fuels, hydrogen fuel cells and hybrid powertrains.

There is also a fear in Europe that other regions of the world have already taken the lead in this technology and Europe is playing catch up. Specifically, the electric car industry and the success of brands like Tesla in the United States has Europeans concerned. European motorcycle firms want to be the leaders in the future of motorcycle technology. European advances in fueling and swappable battery projects could help solve the problem of range and lack of charging infrastructure that is the Achilles heel of electric transportation.

Why does this matter to bikers in America? Europe has over 40 manufacturing facilities and 35 research and development sites across the continent. They are taking a forward leaning approach and have stated their goal to be industry leaders. If Europe chooses a market-based approach and allows the development of a wide variety of technologies American manufactures may end of playing catch up.

While Europe and the United States have different views on many topics, it was great to hear the closing message from the panel in Europe. “Motorcycles are not part of the problem, they are part of the solution.” We at the Motorcycle Riders Foundation couldn’t agree more.

There’s more than one way to have your voice heard!

Last Tuesday was election day, but our voices should be heard every day. In less than 50 days the 2022 Motorcycle Profiling Project annual survey closes. Have you filled out the survey?

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) relies on surveys like this to help back up our arguments in Washington D.C. Not only is this information useful in our nation’s capital but bikers have successfully used this data to change laws at the state level.  

It takes less than 2 minutes and can help make the difference in the lives of all bikers.

Do you part, fill out the survey today before it’s too late!

Click here to take the survey

While ballots are still being counted in many races, the results on the 2022 midterm elections will have major ramifications in Washington, D.C. As of Wednesday afternoon, control of both the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives remains undecided.

What is clear is that there will be many new faces in the halls of Congress. Nearly 100 new lawmakers will be sworn in on January 3^rd when the 118^th Congress convenes. That means almost 20% of Congress will be new to the job come 2023. Almost every state will be sending at least one new elected official to our nation’s capital!

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) is committed to working with all lawmakers regardless of party to achieve our policy goals. We can’t do that without the relationships that you as bikers have built back home. While we strive to introduce our organization to every lawmaker on Capitol Hill, we need your help!

Do you have a new Representative or Senator? Has that new lawmaker supported biker rights in the past? Have you worked with or met these incoming freshmen?  Maybe they even own a motorcycle?!?!?

Let us know if bikers have any new friends or foes headed to Washington, D.C.

We want to hit the ground running in January and any intel or information you can help provide us is valuable!

At the 2022 Motorcycle Riders Foundation’s (MRF) 38th annual Meeting of the Minds Conference held in Des Moines, Iowa a legislative strategy session was hosted by the MRF’s Legislative Committee. The purpose of the session was to establish and prioritize the MRF’s 2023 Federal Legislative Agenda.

Legislative issues fall into one of three categories, high, medium and monitor. This list remains fluid and can be adapted depending on the issue and political environment.

Below is a brief description of the issues on the MRF’s 2023 agenda. The January 2023 issue of the American Biker Journal will have more detail on each of these legislative priorities. As a reminder, all MRF members receive a copy of the American Biker Journal with their membership.

If you aren’t a MRF member click here to join and support freedom and safety for street motorcyclists in Washington, D.C. 

The 2023 Motorcycle Riders Foundation Legislative Priorities List

HIGH PRIORITY OBJECTIVES:

Profiling - Sustain lobbying efforts for the passage of resolutions or legislation that promotes awareness and prohibition of motorcyclist profiling. 

Renewable Fuels - Advocate for targeted changes to the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) including supporting the universal availability of approved fuel blends, containing no more than 10% ethanol by volume.

Autonomous Vehicles - Advocate and monitor any legislation or regulations related to motorcycles concerning connected and autonomous vehicles (AV):

Emission Regulations - Engage the EPA & Congress on any activity related to motorcycle emission regulations including efforts by California and other states that endangers the future of motorcycling

Definition of a Motorcycle - Seek a more appropriate and up to date federal definition of a motorcycle which reflects the current set of vehicles on the roads today.

Crash Avoidance - Promote the theme of crash avoidance versus safer crashing, urging NHTSA and the DOT to focus on crash prevention and rider education.

Helmet Laws - Oppose any mandatory federal helmet, apparel, or conspicuity standards

Black Box / Data Recording - Pursue legislative language that any collected or available vehicle data is the property of the consumer and in which the consumer has the choice to opt-in to having their personal data communicated to interested parties.

Internal Combustion Engines - Work to ensure the survival of internal combustion engines.

2023 MEDIUM PRIORITY OBJECTIVES:

Surface Transportation Reauthorization (Highway Bill) - Advocate and pursue legislative efforts related to the next highway bill reauthorization (expiring in 2026).

Roadway Design - Pursue safer roadway design strategies in federal infrastructure legislation or discussions.

Discriminatory Legislation - Oppose any motorcycling, motorcycle, or motorcyclist-based discriminatory legislation or rules proposed by the U.S. Congress or by any governmental agency.

Vulnerable Roadway User Terminology - Monitor and ensure that motorcycles and motorcyclists are a specific and unique category or classification.

Gang, Club and Other Language - Monitor and respond to federal legislative or regulatory activity concerning the usage of the terms gang, club, known associate, and associate when referring to motorcyclists.

Taxes - Encourage fair treatment of motorcyclists in any change to federal taxes related to transportation.

2023 MONITOR ITEMS:

Distracted Driving - Work to discourage any/all forms of distracted driving.

Sound Testing - Monitor any SAE Motorcycle Roadside Sound Testing or EPA action. 

International Partnerships - Continue participation in motorcycle-related activity in the European Union, United Nations, and Canada informing the membership of key developments.

National Studies - Continue monitoring any national studies concerning motorcycles

Exhaust Systems - Monitor and vigorously oppose any federal standard proposing stamping and certifying of motorcycle exhaust systems.

Opponents - Monitor private and public organizations that oppose the legislative agenda or mission of the MRF.

Tolling - Monitor fair tolling concepts on federally funded roadways and projects supported by federal bonds and issues related to congestion tolling.

Lane Filtering and/or Lane Splitting - Monitor and support federal efforts to study and review the benefits and concerns of lane splitting and lane filtering.

Emissions - Monitor and report on any litigation related to motorcycle emissions violations.

Tariffs - Monitor any tariffs on imported motorcycles, parts, or apparel.

Incentives - Seek fair tax rebate and or credits for the purchase of electric motorcycles similar to those offered for electric automobiles.