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A letter released to the public on Thursday, from the Ford Motor Company to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) regarding automated driving systems is eye opener. While not giving up on “self-driving cars” Ford appears to be dialing back their testing and investment.
In the letter, Ford formally withdraws a petition seeking U.S. regulatory approval to deploy up to 2,500 self-driving vehicles annually without required human controls like steering wheels. Ford states, “We believe the road to fully autonomous vehicles, at scale, with a profitable business model, will be a long one."
In December, the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) worked with bipartisan lawmakers in Washington, D.C. to get answers from NHTSA about this new technology. The deployment of vehicles like the type mentioned in the Ford letter, are a major concern of motorcyclists. The MRF remains troubled by the rush to allow testing of these vehicles on public roads.
While the decision by Ford appears to be based on the economic reality surrounding this new technology, the MRF applauds any decision that pauses the deployment of this unproven technology on our nation’s roads.
To read the full letter click here.
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The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) 2023 legislative agenda includes a diverse set of issues that strike at the core of who we are as bikers.
Historically, the MRF has fought many battles to defend individuals and the aftermarket motorcycle businesses’ rights to customize and repair motorcycles. Our successful defense against the EPA’s “Color and Chrome” only initiative and the regulations/enforcement related to it helped define the MRF and what we stand for to this day.
The MRF has long supported the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act (RPM Act), which would ensure that modifying motor vehicles into racing vehicles used for competition would not violate the Clean Air Act. We anticipate an updated version of the RPM Act will be introduced this Spring. The MRF and our partners will work diligently for passage of this commonsense piece of legislation. Importantly, some of these parts and technology we are looking to protect are used in the EPA allowances for one-per-lifetime custom bikes and Tier 1 eligible motorcycles we fought for two decades ago.
The MRF agenda also strongly supports the desire to protect a consumer’s right to repair, and ownership of data related to their vehicles. A recently introduced bill, H.R. 906 The Repair Act, helps protect consumers ability to utilize independent repair shops and aftermarket parts to work on vehicles, including motorcycles.
These issues are becoming increasingly important and drawing the attention of the aftermarket industry and bike customizers. The EPA has restarted a campaign of increased enforcement and it is threatening shops and individuals with legal action.
MRF President Kirk “Hardtail” Willard recently appeared on Cycle Source Magazines “Shop Talk” radio show to discuss these issues and this week traveled to Daytona Bike Week to join independent motorcycle shop owners and others in the aftermarket industry to discuss the many issues facing this industry. The meeting was hosted by Chris Cullen of Cycle Source Magazine and moderated by industry icon Bob Kay. Hardtail had this to say about the meeting, “It was encouraging to see both the level of concern and willingness in this group to engage in our efforts and educate other players in the aftermarket industry.”
The MRF won’t tackle these challenges alone, we are aggressively looking to put back together our coalition that was so effective in past battles. In the past the coalition included, the aftermarket industry, media and print publications, other custom vehicle organizations, and other motorcyclists’ rights groups. Lastly, our Master Mechanic and technical expert Dave “Dad” Dwyer is looking to schedule a meeting with the EPA in Detroit to discuss our growing concerns.
These are challenging issues, but with your continued support and the help of other like-minded advocates we will fight to defend the rights and freedoms we cherish.
| Almost a decade ago, the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) began outreach to motorcycle clubs to find common ground on key legislative items. An MRF board seat, titled Director of Sustaining Member Motorcycle Clubs, was created and that seat is held by Russell Radke. Part of Russell’s mission is to educate the motorcycle club community on what the MRF is working on in D.C. and how our efforts impact all riders.
The National Council of Clubs (NCOC) has, for the past several years, invited the MRF to participate in its meetings to foster that dialogue. Last weekend, leaders of the MRF attended the February NCOC meeting in St. Louis, Missouri. The MRF was represented by Kirk “Hardtail” Willard (MRF President), Fred Harrell (Director of Conference & Events), Russell Radke (Director of Sustaining Member Motorcycle Clubs), Seven Cassel (Membership Director) and Rocky Fox (Government Relations). Also in attendance was ABATE of Wisconsin Legislative Director, Steve Panten. Four different presentations involved an MRF or ABATE member sharing their views on motorcycling and legislative action. Hardtail gave a presentation on the “The Future of Motorcycling in America.” Rocky spoke on the MRF’s recent victories on profiling in D.C. Seven discussed how best to unite independents and MCs. Steve gave a case study on a recent summit held in Wisconsin between ABATE and motorcycle clubs in the state. The weekend was filled with lively debate and great questions. The MRF thanks the NCOC and the club community for their hospitality and willingness to work together on issues we all care about. |
February 20, 2023
For Immediate Release
Pressure Mounts on Federal Government to Act on Self-Driving Cars
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| Bikers inside the Beltway – with the encouragement and direction of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation, since the first Bikers inside the Beltway in 2009, thousands of bikers have met with their elected representatives and educated them about issues of importance to all street riding motorcyclists.
Last week, President Biden signed into law what the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives agreed upon -- a $1.7 trillion omnibus spending package that funds the federal government through September 2023 and avoids a government shutdown. Included in that 4,155-page bill is a request by Congress to learn more about the profiling of motorcyclists. Specifically, within the funding section for the Department of Transportation, language states that: The Committee is concerned that the 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. The words of retiring U.S. Representative David Price from North Carolina may just as well apply to the recent efforts of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation “... Understand that not every battle can be won on the first try and that politics is a matter of striking a balance between ... compromising and finding common ground where you can, and fighting where you must.” The MRF’s victories, realized in the waning hours of Congress in December, should drive home Congressman Price’s words. Those victories came from the year-after-year vigilance of MRF members writing, calling, and meeting with members of Congress during the Motorcycle Riders Foundation’s annual Bikers inside the Beltway. The pandemic, and the events of January 6, 2021, did not deter the MRF. More than one hundred motorcyclists attended the first in-person meetings in 2021 with members of Congress. Even more attended Bikers inside the Beltway in 2022. Now is the time for you to make plans to attend Bikers inside the Beltway – May 15 & 16, 2023. As in years past, Bikers inside the Beltway will be dual-faceted to accommodate in-person visits to Congress plus visits to local district offices. To ensure that the mission of getting our message to Congress continues to be successful, please consider the following:
In conjunction with Bikers inside the Beltway, a meeting of the MRF Board of Directors takes place on May 15 at the Embassy Suites, 1900 Diagonal Road, Alexandria, Virginia. Rooms are available through the hotel direct line 703-684-5900 and use reference code MRF. Attending Bikers inside the Beltway is an essential element of the MRF’s grassroots activism. Make plans to attend the pre-event briefing and Q&A for visits to Congress, scheduled for 7:00 p.m., Monday, May 15. Briefing packets and “leave behinds” will be available during the briefing. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation’s Bikers inside the Beltway — May 15 & 16, 2023. Thank you for your commitment. Yours in Freedom, Fred Fredric Harrell MRF Director of Conferences & Events P.S. Registration for Bikers inside the Beltway is free. However, we request that you register early to help us plan the event. Use the link or the QR code below for Bikers inside the Beltway registration. Thank you. https://motorcycleridersfoundation.wildapricot.org/widget/event-5008758/Registration |
| 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. |
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| You Have Until Thursday to Help Protect Bikers…
The Co-Chairman of the House Motorcycle Caucus, Rep. Tim Walberg of Michigan, is sending a letter to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) regarding self-driving cars and motorcycles. Crashes involving self-driving cars and motorcycles have made news over the last few months and Rep. Walberg and his colleagues on Capitol Hill are seeking answers. In the letter to Ann Carlson, Acting Administrator of NHTSA, lawmakers are asking basic questions like, “Should motorcyclists take extra precautions when sharing the road with this new technology?” Want to help? The letter goes out Friday… ACT NOW! To read a draft of the letter click here. Thank you for supporting motorcycle riders, |
| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| Wednesday morning, members of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) leadership team attended a virtual seminar titled “Bridging the Gap to Climate Neutrality - The Case of eFuels for Motorcycles.” The event was hosted by the European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers and the eFuel Alliance of Europe.
The movement to end the use of fossil fuels in Europe has gained steam in recent years. As part of this plan the European Union has proposed that all new cars registered as of 2035 will be zero-emission. While motorcycles and other two wheeled vehicles are not yet included in this directive the writing is on the wall. The eFuel Alliance and motorcycle manufacturers in Europe are seeking ways to end the use of fossil fuels while not fully embracing the electric motorcycle. Just like in the United States, motorcyclists and their allies remain skeptical of full electrification. Concerns regarding range, grid dependability and charging locations voiced by those in the U.S. are also concerns of Europeans. To push back against electric motorcycles and expand options for bikers, many believe the answer is the use of eFuels. eFuels are climate-neutral synthetic fuels produced from renewable energy sources, including solar, wind and hydrogen. However, the cost and production concerns of eFeuls remain to be fully flushed out.a The motorcycle sector has a $20.5 billion impact on the european economy and is seen as key to many of the transportation problems facing Europe. Motorcycle tourism and events alone contribute over $2 billion to the economies of European countries. By including all two wheeled vehicles into the numbers Europe has nearly 40 million two wheeled vehicles on the roads. The appeal of this form of transportation is obvious. The cost to commute is 1/3 that of traditional cars and because of their smaller size help alleviate much of the congestion and space issues that older, crowded European cities face. As MRF President Kirk “Hardtail” Willard has repeatedly warned, “Policy ideas that first appear in Europe have a history of popping up in the United States.” Speaking on that topic Karl-Maria Grugl, a member of the European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers said, “Europe is setting the scene for other regions of the world. We hope that other regions of the world follow the lead of Europe.” The MRF has a long-standing partnership with the Federation of European Motorcyclists’ Association (FEMA) and remains committed to addressing the challenges all bikers face together. We will monitor the fuel debate in Europe and prepare for its migration to the U.S. To read more about eFuels in Europe click here. |
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“Our liberties we prize and our rights we will maintain.” – Iowa State Motto
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| August in Washington, D.C. is normally a quiet time of year as lawmakers have left town and will not return until after Labor Day. Despite this, a few issues caught our eye that we wanted to make you aware of.
On August 11th Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI) and Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) sent a joint letter to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on how the agency is working to address its report showing that Tesla vehicles were implicated in numerous crashes, including crashes involving serious injuries and five known deaths. As we mentioned last week, two fatal crashes between Tesla vehicles and bikers in California and Utah earlier this year have raised concerns at the MRF. According to the letter, “Federal investigations and recent reporting have uncovered troubling safety issues associated with these systems, including but not limited to the following: Driver Engagement– The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) found that Tesla’s Autopilot system does not effectively monitor driver engagement and respond to driver inattentiveness. Erratic Driving – Reports have found that vehicles in Full Self Driving (FSD) mode have imperiled bicyclists and pedestrians, driven down tram tracks, and crashed into bollards. Rolling Stops– Last year, Tesla issued a software update enabling FSD to make “rolling stops,” in which the vehicle fails to come to a complete stop at all-way stop intersections. Passenger Play – Last year, Tesla introduced a new “Passenger Play” feature enabling occupants to play video games on the center console while the car is in motion, which could be used by the driver when the Autopilot feature is engaged. Phantom Braking – In October 2021, Tesla recalled certain vehicles equipped with FSD software over issues with vehicle braking. 11 Vehicles equipped with this software were reportedly braking sharply in response to falsely detected road hazards.” To read the full letter to NHTSA click here. To read about the Utah crash click here. To read more about the California crash click here. The other major news this month was the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. Included in the legislation was a 10-year tax credit worth up to $7,500 for the purchase of a new electric vehicle and a $4,000 tax credit for a used vehicle. The Department of Energy has released a list of nearly 30 vehicles that meet the requirements for the tax credit, however, clearly missing from the list are electric motorcycles. The tax credit only applies to four wheeled vehicles assembled in the United States. Now there is no doubt that many of the 10 million bikers in this country have no interest in purchasing an electric motorcycle! If it doesn’t run on an internal combustion engine, they have no interest in riding it. Nevertheless, it’s concerning when the federal government crafts policy regarding our transportation system and omits motorcycles from that policy. While D.C. has ignored bikers, a handful of state governments have rightly included motorcycles in their state-run tax credit programs for electric vehicles. Even with Congress on vacation until September, the MRF remains committed and vigilant in defending the rights and safety of all bikers. Ride Safe and Ride Free. |
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"Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty." – Thomas Jefferson
| For nearly forty years, the Motorcycle Riders Foundation has been eternal vigilant. Nothing demonstrates more the MRF’s commitment to freedom and liberty than the MRF’s ongoing presence on Capitol Hill and the offices of members of Congress.
Eternal vigilance comes from an unyielding commitment by the MRF that goes to the roots of the nation’s premier bikers’ rights advocacy organization – the Annual Meeting of the Minds Conference. The 38th Annual Meeting of the Minds, scheduled for September 22-25 in Des Moines Iowa, will do everything to reinforce the MRF’s commitment to motorcyclists’ rights and staying eternal vigilant. Charlie “Chopper” Gilmore – U.S. Army veteran, motorcycle restorer, and freedom fighter is on deck as just one of the presenters at the 2022 Meeting of the Minds. His presentation – The Price of Freedom – is taken from life experiences and will certainly motivate and inspire attendees. Plus, the conference is sure to reinforce the MRF’s commitment eternal vigilance. The Meeting of the Minds – renewing old friendships and making new ones. The Meeting of the Minds – three days of nuts-and-bolts workshops to augment the tools needed to promote and protect the rights of all motorcyclists. The Meeting of the Minds – more than a dozen presentations and workshops to build and strengthen individual’s and state motorcyclists’ rights organization’s commitment to protecting the freedoms motorcycling brings us all. Workshops and presentations include but are not limited to:
The Motorcycle Riders Foundation lives and understands Eternal Vigilance… understands The Blessings of Freedom… and understands the commitments needed to protect rights, liberty, freedom, and our motorcycles from the pending siege from over-regulating and callous bureaucracies. Jefferson, Paine, and a host of others took stands to promote and defend the freedoms that all motorcyclists’ rights advocates understand. The Meeting of the Minds – September 22-25, Marriott Downtown Des Moines, 700 Grand Avenue. Use this link to Book your group rate for Motorcycle Riders Foundation Annual Meeting 2022. Or call (888) 236-2427 and mention Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) when you make reservations. Use this link to register for the conference Meeting of the Minds 2022. Last Day to Book: Wednesday, September 7, 2022. Thank you for your support of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation and we look forward to seeing you in Des Moines for the 38th Annual Meeting of the Minds. |
| The Motorcycle Riders Foundation was inducted into the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame at the breakfast in Deadwood on Wednesday August 10th. The MRF President and Chairman of the Board Kirk 'Hardtail' Willard had this to say, “On behalf of the original Steering committee, the Board of Directors, all Sustaining Motorcycle Rights Organizations, MRF State Representatives, and general members, we appreciate the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of fame recognizing the MRF for their tireless dedication to protecting the members rights and freedoms for nearly four decades.”
The Motorcycle Riders Foundation is a national organization dedicated to lobbying for those who ride, to protecting and defending their rights as motorcyclists, and to addressing the concerns of street riders and the motorcycle industry they support. In 1985 the MRF held its first annual Meeting of the Minds conference. For many activists from around the country this marked the first time they’d met to discuss how to best preserve and protect motorcycling. The main issues of the day, mandatory helmet laws, unfair insurance laws, and the right to modify motorcycles, are still faced today, along with many others. In 2022, the MRF will hold its 38th Annual Meeting of the Minds, representing an unbroken chain of unparalleled training and networking opportunities that has molded the American biker’s rights movement into the highly effective force it is today. MRF also holds its annual ‘Bikers Inside the Beltway’ grassroots lobbying event where riders from all over the country go to Washington, D.C. to help fight for their rights. |
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The Motorcycle Riders Foundation announces the 2022 Freedom Fighter Hall of Fame Inductees.
The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) is pleased to release the names of the 2022 class of Inductees to the Motorcycle Riders Foundation Freedom Fighters Hall of Fame (MRF HOF). These will be presented at the Annual Meeting of the Minds conference September 22-25, in Des Moines, Iowa.
This year’s MRF HOF Class of 2022 - Freedom Fighter Inductees are:
Past Motorcycle Riders Foundation Hall of Fame inductees are: Keith “Bandit” Ball, Mark Buckner, Wayne Curtin, Michael “Balls” Farabaugh, “Still” Ray Fitzgerald, Richard Gray, Bob Illingworth, Nathan “Buck” Kittredge, Ed Netterberg, Sherman Packard, Todd Vandermyde, Paul Vestal, Penny Walker, Ed Youngblood, Vince Consiglio, Fredric Harrell, Rodney Roberts, Simon Milward, JoAnne Packard, Karen Bolin, Lee Richardson, Jerry “JT” Thomas, and Teresa Hepker, Dick "Slider" Gilmore, Charles Umbenhauer, Wanda Hummel-Shultz, "Biker" Jim Rhoades, Lee Ryan, Marc Falsetti, Gary Klinker, Charlie Williams, Dave Dwyer, "Radio" Bob Letourneau, "Farmer" John Eggers, Michael "Boz" Kerr, Butch Brown, Deb Butitta, Jim Dahling and Carol Downs.
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| DATE: August 6, 2022 - Saturday
TIME: 12:00PM - Noon PLACE: Prescott Fair Grounds - 531 Fairgrounds Ave, Prescott, AZ 86305 Deborah was committed to serving and protecting motorcyclists' rights at the state, federal and international levels during the last four decades. She was a sustaining & life member of ABATE of Arizona, 17-year ABATE Yavapai Chapter Board Rep., and simultaneously held many other chapter positions throughout the years. Deborah maintained memberships in numerous other state motorcycle rights organizations too, like the MMA of AZ. In 2001, she was selected as the first designated lobbyist for the Arizona Confederation of Motorcycle Clubs (AZCMC). She also served on the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) Board of Directors for many years and was instrumental in the formation of the MRF A&E (Awareness and Education), a 501(c)(3) charitable non-profit organization created to assist the MRF in providing resources to promote motorcycle awareness and "share the road" programs, along with all aspects of motorcycle safety education, including rider training. A highly successful businesswoman in her own right, Deb was extremely well connected, not only in the motorcycling community and industry, but legislatively and in some very influential social circles as well. These relationships were of incredible value to the bikers of AZ, and the entire country. Deb's accolades and awards are many, including being inducted into the MRF Hall of Fame in 2020 and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum Hall of Fame as 2021 Freedom Fighter of the year. Deb is a past winner of the MRF Presidents' Cup (2003), the MRF Founder's Award (2017), and the MRF Lifetime Achievement Award (2020). Among her many other duties, Deb served 14 years as the MRF State Representative for Arizona. For several years now, the MRF has given the 'Deborah Butitta Award' to its' highest performing State Representative in her honor. A true leader, Deborah had a profound influence on many of her fellow activists. Few people have dedicated so much of their life or contributed as much to motorcycling as Deborah Butitta. Personally and professionally, her passing leaves a tremendous void in our "family". REST IN PEACE Freedom Fighter! Judi Miller, |
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| It’s been one month since the Motorcycle Riders Foundation’s Bikers Inside the Beltway event and our efforts are paying off.
An updated membership list of the House Motorcycle Caucus was released last week and it shows substantial growth in the month since riders came to Capitol Hill. 11 new members joined the organization which previously had 28 members. The nearly 40% increase is a direct result of outreach by MRF members! The caucus hosts educational seminars and press events that shine a light on the issues facing the motorcycle community. It’s also a great way for riders to know which lawmakers are true allies. The Senate has a similar caucus and we hope to see growth with that group when its roster is updated. Below is a list of the 11 new members of the House Motorcycle Caucus: Representative Axne (Iowa) Additionally, the House profiling resolution (H. Res 366) passed the 100-cosponsor mark last week as 10 new lawmakers signed on since Bikers Inside the Beltway. Passing the 100 mark is a great benchmark that helps show Congressional leadership that the issue of profiling is a concern to lawmakers. A special shout out to the riders from Kansas who added three new members and now have all four Representatives from their state as cosponsors. Below is a list of the 10 new H. Res 366 cosponsors: Representative Banks (Indiana) Thank you to those that help impact these numbers and thank you to all the riders who came to D.C. last month. Keep your eyes peeled for upcoming calls to action on our legislative priorities. Answering calls to action is the easiest way to have your voice be heard in our nation’s capital. |
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| Bikers Inside the Beltway – “Let us refuse to be silent! Speaking freely is a decisive step forward on the road to freedom” -- Leyla Zana
“Speaking freely” since its first orchestrated visit with members of Congress in 1989, is exactly what the Motorcycle Riders Foundation does. And the results are evident in the MRF’s history of legislative accomplishments. Participatory democracy is what the MRF is all about. Bikers Inside the Beltway is a 13-year exercise in participatory democracy. Biker’s Inside the Beltway is about making a difference. You still have time to make a difference and let your voice be heard when you attend Bikers Inside the Beltway on May 17! Protecting the rights of motorcyclists is not just a collection of words in a press release any more than leaving your motorcycle parked in your garage is about riding. Profiling, E-15 (ethanol fuel), autonomous vehicles, all part of the present and future of motorcycling. The MRF’s legislative agenda is a result of input from motorcyclists with the directions to take care of business on Capitol Hill. That’s what Bikers Inside the Beltway is all about. The MRF understands motorcycling, motorcyclists’ rights, and what it takes to keep the siege against your rights, your freedom, your lifestyle, and yes, your motorcycle at bay. However, participatory democracy works best with participants. Your participation in Bikers Inside the Beltway is needed now. Your visit to Congress does make a difference. In 2021, co-sponsors on MRF supported legislation rose over 20 percent during Bikers Inside the Beltway. Numbers make a difference. Currently, there are almost ninety co-sponsors on H. Res 366 – an anti-profiling resolution. By joining other freedom loving motorcyclists, you can help increase those co-sponsors and the resolution can move forward. Rooms are available until May 15. Call the hotel direct line 703-684-5900 and use reference code MRF. Also, make plans to attend the MRF Board of Directors meeting on May 16 at the Embassy Suites, 1900 Diagonal Road, Alexandria, VA 22314. Bikers Inside the Beltway 2022 – The Motorcycle Riders Foundation – “Let us refuse to be silent! Speaking freely is a decisive step forward on the road to freedom” Yours in Freedom, Fred Fredric Harrell |
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| Bikers Inside the Beltway, less than a month away and the Motorcycle Riders Foundation is rolling toward Washington.
Since 2009 the MRF has brought over a thousand motorcyclists to Washington to meet with their members of Congress with the sole mission of promoting a legislative agenda that continues to successfully become law on behalf of all street riding motorcyclists. The MRF’s legislative agenda – beyond the three items listed below -- recommended and approved by SMRO leaders at the 2021 Meeting of the Minds, is not all-inclusive. The following items are at the top of the MRF’s legislative agenda as we move toward Bikers Inside the Beltway:
The pandemic, and the events of January 6, 2021, did not deter the MRF. More than one-hundred motorcyclists attended the first in-person meeting in 2021 with members of Congress last May. The above items are the missing pieces of the 2021 infrastructure legislation, and they are driving the MRF’s need to return to Washington when Bikers Inside the Beltway meets on May 17. To ensure that the mission of getting our message to Congress does not fail, please consider the following:
A meeting of the MRF Board of Directors will take place on May 16 at the Embassy Suites, 1900 Diagonal Road, Alexandria, VA 22314. Rooms are available through the hotel direct line 703-684-5900 and use reference code MRF. The pre-event briefing and Q&A for visits to Congress at 7:00 p.m., May 16 is required for all attendees. Briefing packets and “leave behinds” will be available during the briefing. Bikers Inside the Beltway 2022 – The Motorcycle Riders Foundation -- paving the way for the long haul and rolling toward Washington, D.C.! |
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| Tuesday, at an event in Iowa, President Biden announced plans by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to temporarily lift the summer restrictions on the sale of gasoline with 15% ethanol (E15).
The decision will allow E15 to be sold between June 1 and September 15. Normally only a 10% ethanol blend can be sold during that period to reduce smog caused by the 15% blend’s higher volatility. This move by the administration is an attempt to bring down surging fuel prices. However, most estimates predict this change will result in a decrease of just 5 to 10 cents per gallon. Citing the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, the EPA is using its emergency exemption authority to make the policy change. The EPA says it will review the policy every 20 days and make adjustments if needed. All motorcyclists should be educated on the proper fuel to use in their bikes. More ethanol in the marketplace may limit your fueling options. Be vigilant and as always ride safe and ride free. |
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| The street riders in this country are facing many challenges and the Motorcycle Riders Foundation is working hard to fight for your rights. We need your help. There is strength in numbers and that is where YOU can help fight the fight. The MRF is focused on doubling our membership and we need your help. We are challenging ALL our members to sign up one new member so we can pack a bigger punch when we walk the halls of congress and fight for the rights of the street riders in this great country.
Our members are our strength, and we have all made the commitment to take our battle for freedom of the road to the Nation’s Capital and now we are asking you to please consider making the commitment to double our membership and double our strength. Sign up one new member today! mrf.org/join Total Vigilance, Todd Riba MRF Member Representative |
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Members of the House of Representatives left D.C. last week for two weeks of recess. While they are away their staff members are sorting through constituent mail and reviewing legislative priorities. Now is a great time to contact those congressional offices and have your voice heard!
Click on the link below and you will be sent to a site that sends a letter to your Representative based on your zip code.
If your Representative has already signed on, your message will be a thank you note and ask them to push for a full vote on the House floor. If your elected official hasn’t signed on, the message will ask for them to cosponsor H. Res 366 and go on record supporting bikers.
So far this year over 70 Representatives have cosponsored the resolution, but that is just half of where we were in 2020. Let’s make sure the politicians in Washington, D.C. hear from bikers and act.
Click here to contact your Representative regarding H. Res 366.
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| This week the Motorcycle Riders Foundation was notified by Emma Garvin, Executive Director of the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame, that the Motorcycle Riders Foundation will be inducted into the Sturgis Motorcycle Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2022 Inductees. The ceremony will take place in August during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
While there are a significant number of individual members associated with the Motorcycle Riders Foundation that have been inducted into the Sturgis Hall of Fame, it is noteworthy that our organization as a whole will now be included. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation would like to thank Gary Sellers and Jiggs Cressy along with all of you that sent in letters in support of our nomination. |
| Happy New Year! As is the case every two years, 2022 is an election year for much of Congress. All 435 members of the U.S. House of Representatives, and 1/3 of the U.S. Senate are up for reelection in November. Add state and local elections to that and literally thousands of elections will take place this year.
What’s been interesting about this year’s congressional races is the number of lawmakers who are retiring, and not seeking reelection. While every year has a handful of retirements, 2022 might set a record! As of this week, 37 Representatives (26 Democrats and 11 Republicans) as well as 6 Senators (1 Democrat and 5 Republicans) have announced they will be stepping down at the end of the year. The reasons for retirements vary, some are seeking higher office, others are fed up with Washington D.C. and others are simply avoiding potential election defeat. Regardless of the reason for these departures, it’s surprising that nearly 10% of lawmakers are headed for the exits. There are two important things you as a Motorcycle Riders Foundation member should take away from these retirements. First, if your elected official is retiring, have they been supportive of MRF priorities in the past? In the final months of their time in D.C., many congressional offices will change their tune on issues and be more supportive of topics they avoided in the past. It doesn’t hurt to reach out again, and push for MRF priorities before the lawmakers are gone for good. Ask the MRF D.C. team if we can help! Second, with so many vacancies around the country, it’s a great time to get to know new candidates. Getting in on the ground floor and building relationships early in the process is one of the best ways to impact change and support your fellow bikers. In 2020, bikers in Michigan developed an early relationship with a candidate for office months before the election. That candidate won and became a U.S. Representative! She still fondly remembers the support she received early on from riders in her district. So get involved early and introduce yourself to the new crop of leaders headed to D.C. Below is the current list of lawmakers departing their current positions. This list will grow in the coming months, keep your eyes and ears opened and stay up to date on who represents you in D.C. Reach out to the MRF D.C. team if you have any questions about the changing make up of Congress.
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After a 13-month delay and enactment of three separate extensions, Congress finally passed a surface transportation reauthorization bill. This bill, sometimes called the highway bill or the infrastructure bill, has been a hotly debated topic in D.C. for several years. Once signed by the President, the bill will reauthorize many highway programs, provide funding for road and bridge construction and replace the previous highway bill passed in 2015, known as the FAST Act.
Just a week ago, Congress gave itself a third extension running into December. Yet election victories by Republican candidates, especially a win by the GOP in the Virginia governor’s race, seems to have spooked Democrats, and motivated passage of a bill that has been awaiting a vote since the summer.
For the last two years, the House of Representatives and Senate have battled over transportation priorities and funding levels. In both 2020 and 2021, the House of Representatives passed versions of their highway bill, only to be rebuffed by the Senate. Under pressure from President Biden, the Senate finally acted, passing in August a $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill. This action by the Senate, effectively forced the House to accept the Senate version of the bill or continue to pass short term extensions of current law.
However, pressure from the left wing of the Democratic party delayed a vote on the Senate’s infrastructure bill until an unconnected piece of legislation, referred to as the “human infrastructure bill,” was agreed to. That bill, called “Build Back Better,” had an original price tag of $3.5 trillion and effectively held the infrastructure bill hostage. After months of debate, and Tuesday’s election results, House Democrats agreed to vote on a smaller Build Back Better bill later in the month, opening the door to a final vote on the infrastructure bill.
At 11:27pm Friday night, the House agreed to the Senate’s bill and passed a $1.2 trillion 5-year highway bill, known as the INVEST ACT. The final vote in the House was 228 to 206, with 13 Republicans voting in favor and 6 Democrats voting against.
While not a perfect bill, there are victories for bikers contained in the 2,740 pages of legislation.
First and foremost, the Motorcyclist Advisory Council (MAC) will be reestablished with this new law. The MAC is a forum, within the U.S. Department of Transportation, specifically focused on motorcycle issues. The council is required to provide biannual reports to Congress on three critical areas:
Importantly, the new MAC will have expanded membership of 13 members, including one designated member from a “National Motorcyclist Foundation.”
Second, grant money allocated to states through the Section 405 funds, specifically dedicated to motorcycle safety, will be increased with this new law. In 2021, approximately $4.2 million dollars was distributed to states for motorcycle safety programs. With this new law, close to $5.1 million dollars will be set aside for grants related to motorcycle safety programs in 2022.
Last year 45 states applied for and were given money for the education and implementation of motorcycle safety programs. The five-year length of this bill will see those funds continue to grow year over year, providing important resources to states for safety training.
Finally, the bill leaves unchanged hard-fought provisions from past highway bills. These include the ban on using federal funds to create motorcycle only check points and a prohibition on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) actively lobbying state governments on pending legislation.
It is unfortunate that it took 13 months from the original expiration date of September 30, 2020, to finally pass a new highway bill. This bill does not meet all the needs of bikers, but it does take some positive steps to ensure motorcyclists remain part of the transportation network. With your help, the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) will continue to fight for motorcyclists’ priorities left unaddressed in this bill. Issues related to the profiling of bikers, autonomous vehicles and ethanol regulations are just a few of the areas that this bill falls short on. The MRF is committed to these priorities and remains the voice of the street rider in Washington, D.C.
On a nearly annual basis the media in this country is inspired to report stories about motorcycle fatalities on our nation’s roadways. Invariably, these stories paint motorcycle rider deaths as a product of irresponsible riders who live in states that have some level of helmet choice. Frequently they report statistics that prove their narrative but fail to paint a full and complete picture. The lens with which these stories are reported often takes the naïve view that crashes can be made “safer” if only bikers somehow followed government helmet mandates.
The only true solution to motorcycle safety and reducing fatalities are proactive measures, which prevent a collision from occurring at all, rather than reactive steps that may or may not offer some level of injury mitigation only after a crash has already taken place. Rider education, which prepares motorcyclists to interact with other roadway users by learning and practicing the skills necessary for hazard avoidance and developing a strategy to deal with real world traffic, is the primary component of a comprehensive motorcycle safety plan. Additionally, educating all motor vehicle operators to be alert and free of impairment as they share the road with others is critical in deterring crashes caused by inattention.
When coming across these stories keep in mind some facts that are omitted from their reports.
| Fact: Over the last decade motorcycle related deaths have varied between years but for the most part remain flat. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data from 2019 shows 5,014 deaths, a decrease from the 2008 5,307 deaths NTSHA recorded. In that same time period registered motorcycles increased from 7.7 million in 2008 to 8.7 million ten years later. In other words, there are a million more bikes on the road and there were 300 less deaths.
Fact: Twenty-nine percent of motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes in 2017 were riding without proper licensure at the time of the collision. A valid motorcycle license includes a rider having a valid driver’s license with a motorcycle endorsement or possessing a motorcycle only license. Proper training and licensing are fundamental parts of motorcycle safety, taking unqualified riders off the road is a commonsense solution to lowering motorcycle fatalities. Fact: The lack of a helmet mandate in the 31 states who have allowed freedom of choice does not prohibit someone from choosing to wear a helmet. In fact, a 2019 U.S. Department of Transportation audit showed that states without mandatory helmet laws still saw 56.5% of riders choose to wear a helmet. Fact: A 2019 U.S. Department of Transportation Fatality Analysis Reporting System report showed that in crash study data, where helmet use was known, 36% of motorcyclists killed were not wearing a helmet. Conversely 61% of motorcycle fatalities involved a rider wearing a helmet. The remaining 3% had unknown usage. These numbers closely mirror NHTSA data on overall helmet usage which shows 64% of riders wearing helmets. Fact: Despite the constant drum beat from safety advocates, the media and Washington D.C. bureaucrats about the ills of helmetless riders, state legislatures continue to trust the judgment of bikers. Just last year Missouri passed a modified helmet law allowing the choice to ride without a helmet to those who are qualified. In at least three other states, West Virginia, Maryland, and Nebraska there are active campaigns to change their helmet mandates and let those who ride decide. |