MRF Roadshow Stops:
TALES in Texas

The MRF Roadshow went to Round Rock, Texas on May 4th for the Texas A.B.A.T.E. Legislative Education Seminar (TALES). The event started with a nice lunch provided by Texas A.B.A.T.E. at the American Legion. The main event was followed by presentations from 6 different speakers who addressed the crowd on a variety of topics related to freedom of the road. Texas is an extremely important state in the political arena and the MRF was very enthused to receive the invitation to attend the event.

Thank you to all who attended the event and a big thanks to all who made the event possible.

About Motorcycle Riders Foundation

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) provides leadership at the federal level for states’ motorcyclists’ rights organizations as well as motorcycle clubs and individual riders. The MRF is chiefly concerned with issues at the national and international levels that impact the freedom and safety of American street motorcyclists. The MRF is committed to being a national advocate for the advancement of motorcycling and its associated lifestyle and works in conjunction with its partners to help educate elected officials and policymakers in Washington and beyond.

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

NHTSA Digs Deeper On Tesla Crashes

This week the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) notified Tesla that the company must provide additional information about a recent software recall and update of the Autopilot feature. The recall was announced in December of 2023 and was intended to improve Tesla’s driver-engagement systems, which are used to monitor whether drivers are safely operating the vehicle. Failure by Tesla to respond before the July 1^st deadline could result in fines of up to $135 million.

This request by NHTSA comes on the heels of an April report in which NHTSA studied hundreds of crashes involving Tesla vehicles. The report found that Tesla Autopilot contributed to at least 467 collisions and 14 deaths from January 2018 through August 2023. The report said that drivers involved in those crashes “were not sufficiently engaged in the driving task and that the warnings provided by Autopilot when Autosteer was engaged did not adequately ensure that drivers maintained their attention on the driving task.”

This issue should be on the top of all motorcyclists’ minds as just last month, months after the recall intended to address these problems, a biker was killed by a Tesla reported to be operating on Autopilot.

Later this month, MRF members will be in Washington, D.C. for the 2024 Bikers Inside the Beltway event. You can be sure that this issue and the safety of motorcyclists on the road will be a topic of conversation with hundreds of Congressional offices. The MRF is working to ensure that every Member of Congress knows what former NHTSA official Missy Cummings said last year, “It’s very dangerous for motorcycles to be around Teslas.”

NHTSA Documents

About Motorcycle Riders Foundation

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) provides leadership at the federal level for states’ motorcyclists’ rights organizations as well as motorcycle clubs and individual riders. The MRF is chiefly concerned with issues at the national and international levels that impact the freedom and safety of American street motorcyclists. The MRF is committed to being a national advocate for the advancement of motorcycling and its associated lifestyle and works in conjunction with its partners to help educate elected officials and policymakers in Washington and beyond.

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

TO: MRF MEMBERS AND ALL MOTORCYCLISTS' RIGHTS ADVOCATES
DATE: MAY 9, 2024
SUBJECT: BIKERS INSIDE THE BELTWAY 2024

HOLDING ONTO THE COMMON GROUND THAT UNITES US

Bikers Inside the Beltway: an event deemed necessary to bring us together to hold onto the common ground that the Motorcycle Riders Foundation, partner SMROs and motorcycle clubs fought hard to gain. In 2009, when bikers conceived the idea of Bikers Inside the Beltway, the mission was and remains – united, we will send a clear message to Congress that motorcycling is worth protecting.

How is this for common ground that is under attack?

• Autonomous vehicles tragically not built well enough to recognize motorcycles are killing motorcyclists with enough regularity for it to be more than just a “design flaw.” 
• Ethanol 15 – E15 fuel -- now available year-round in eight midwestern states with little or no warnings at the pump that it will damage motorcycle engines, among others. 
• The Environmental Protection Agency, National Highway Transportation Safety Administration and their bosses at the Department of Transportation continually ignore requests from Congress to address the concerns of motorcyclists. The MRF is making sure that Congress addresses this request!
• Without the Right to Repair, the threat to the livelihood of thousands of aftermarket motorcycle businesses increases to the point of putting them out of business – forever! 
• The end of the internal combustion engine will be the death knell of motorcycling.

All the above items are on the 2024 legislative priority list of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation. Bikers Inside the Beltway is where Congress hears our collective voice.

In 2023, motorcyclists attending Bikers Inside the Beltway visited all 535 congressional offices. That same orchestrated visit will be part of Bikers Inside the Beltway 2024. It is not too late to make plans to attend Bikers inside the Beltway – May 20 & 21, 2024. Event registration is free. However, we request that you register early to help us plan the event. 

To ensure that the mission of getting our message to Congress continues to be successful, make your hotel reservations and please consider the following as you make plans to attend Bikers Inside the Beltway:

ü  Make your appointments locally or in Washington.

ü  Familiar with the briefing points. (Available at the pre-event briefing).

ü  Confirm your appointment locally or in Washington.

ü  Make notes on your meetings with members of Congress.

ü  Share your meeting notes with the MRF.

The MRF Board of Directors will meet on May 20th, before the trip to Capitol Hill. They will host a Q&A briefing scheduled for 7:00 p.m. that evening 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. 

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation’s Bikers Inside the Beltway is more than holding common ground — it is about protecting the future of motorcycling and the common ground that unites us!

Thank you for your commitment.

Yours in Freedom,

Fredric Harrell
MRF Director of Conferences & Events

SCHEDULE

Monday, May 20th
MRF Board Meeting @ Embassy Suites - start 8am
Lobbying Prep. Session @ Embassy Suites 6-8 pm

Tuesday, May 21st
Lobby Day @ Congressional Offices (KSU: TBD)
Post Debrief Session @ Embassy Suites 6-8pm

HOTEL

EMBASSY SUITES
1900 Diagonal Rd
Alexandria, VA 22314
703-684-5900

Reservation Code: MRF
$260 Base Rate
Rooms Are Limited!

REGISTER FOR BIKERS INSIDE THE BELTWAY 2024

JOIN THE MRF TODAY!

About Motorcycle Riders Foundation

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) provides leadership at the federal level for states’ motorcyclists’ rights organizations as well as motorcycle clubs and individual riders. The MRF is chiefly concerned with issues at the national and international levels that impact the freedom and safety of American street motorcyclists. The MRF is committed to being a national advocate for the advancement of motorcycling and its associated lifestyle and works in conjunction with its partners to help educate elected officials and policymakers in Washington and beyond.

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

Call To Action
Congressional Joint Resolution

Lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate are again trying to push back on new Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rules compelling over half of all new vehicles sold to be electric by 2032. The new bills, H.J. Res 136 and S.J. Res 75 would overturn the rules announced in April by the EPA. 

These bills were introduced with 114 cosponsors in the House of Representatives and 48 in the Senate.  Let’s grow the number of cosponsors and let the people in Washington, D.C. know their constituents want to save the internal combustion engine

Please Write To BOTH Representative And Senators

About Motorcycle Riders Foundation

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) provides leadership at the federal level for states’ motorcyclists’ rights organizations as well as motorcycle clubs and individual riders. The MRF is chiefly concerned with issues at the national and international levels that impact the freedom and safety of American street motorcyclists. The MRF is committed to being a national advocate for the advancement of motorcycling and its associated lifestyle and works in conjunction with its partners to help educate elected officials and policymakers in Washington and beyond.

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

May Is Motorcycle Awareness Month
Support From H. Res. 1179

This week, the leadership of the House Motorcycle Caucus introduced H. Res. 1179, expressing support for the designation of May 2024 as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. The bill is sponsored by Rep. Tim Walberg (MI), Rep. Troy Balderson (OH), Rep. Michael Burgess (TX), Rep. Donald Norcross (NJ), and Rep. Derrick Van Orden (WI).

Across the nation, cities and states are introducing their own versions of motorcycle awareness resolutions and decrees. H. Res. 1179 lists several reasons why May is an important time for motorcycle awareness.  Perhaps the best section of the resolution is this line, “motorcyclists have a right to the road and that all motorists should safely share the roadways.”

Those in the motorcyclist rights movement understand the future of motorcycling is threatened. We thank the lawmakers who took the time to clearly point out that bikers have a right to use our nation's roadways!

Happy May, Ride Safe and Ride Free

About Motorcycle Riders Foundation

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) provides leadership at the federal level for states’ motorcyclists’ rights organizations as well as motorcycle clubs and individual riders. The MRF is chiefly concerned with issues at the national and international levels that impact the freedom and safety of American street motorcyclists. The MRF is committed to being a national advocate for the advancement of motorcycling and its associated lifestyle and works in conjunction with its partners to help educate elected officials and policymakers in Washington and beyond.

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

TO: MRF MEMBERS AND ALL MOTORCYCLISTS' RIGHTS ADVOCATES
DATE: APRIL 29, 2024
SUBJECT: BIKERS INSIDE THE BELTWAY 2024

COMMON GROUND THAT UNITES OUR PURPOSE

Bikers Inside the Beltway is more than holding common ground, it is what unites motorcyclists to send a clear message to Congress that motorcycling is worth protecting.

The tragedy of a motorcyclist killed by an automobile sold as an “autonomous vehicle” but without the essential technical abilities to drive itself should place all riders on common ground, with a complete focus on working with Congress to stop these senseless tragedies. 

As “driverless vehicles” proliferate on our highways, we are all in danger of similar fates. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) is united in the endeavor to force the manufacturers of autonomous vehicles to include motorcycle recognition capability in all their recognition technology before they are allowed to operate on our highways. 

The end of the Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) will be the death knell of motorcycling. A 2024 legislative priority of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation is to protect the internal combustion engine by ensuring it maintains a rightful place among upcoming vehicle technologies. 

 Motorcycles (especially older models and other small engine equipment) should never utilize the internal parts-damaging ingredients of ethanol 15. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation is committed to protecting the fuel supply needed to ensure that pumps supplying ethanol 15 are clearly labeled. 

The aftermarket industry (suppliers and shops) will no longer exist without “Right to Repair” legislation. As we meet with Congress during Bikers Inside the Beltway, the Motorcycle Riders Foundation has made the Right to Repair a 2024 top priority on our legislative agenda. 

Metaphorically, motorcycling is the common ground that we all ride upon. When the MRF hosts Bikers Inside the Beltway, Capitol Hill is where we collectively stand to hold the common ground that unites us. Since 2009, Bikers Inside the Beltway has grown to demonstrate the collective grassroots voice of the nation’s street-riding motorcyclists. 

In 2023, motorcyclists attending Bikers Inside the Beltway visited all 535 congressional offices. That same orchestrated visit will be part of Bikers Inside the Beltway 2024. It is not too late to plan on attending Bikers inside the Beltway – May 20 & 21, 2024. Event registration is free. However, we request that you register early to help us plan the event. 

To ensure that the mission of getting our message to Congress continues to be successful, make your hotel reservations and please consider the following as you make plans to attend Bikers Inside the Beltway:

• Make your appointments locally or in Washington. 
• Familiarize yourself with the briefing points. (Available at the pre-event briefing).
• Confirm your appointment locally or in Washington. 
• Make notes on your meetings. 
• Share your meeting notes with the MRF.
  
  

The MRF Board of Directors will meet in advance of the trip to Capitol Hill on May 20, and host a Q&A briefing scheduled for 7:00 p.m. 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. 

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation’s Bikers Inside the Beltway is more than holding common ground — it is about protecting the future of motorcycling and the common ground that unites our purpose.

Thank you for your commitment.

Yours in Freedom,

Fredric Harrell
MRF Director of Conferences & Events

SCHEDULE

Monday, May 20th
MRF Board Meeting @ Embassy Suites - start 8am
Lobbying Prep. Session @ Embassy Suites 6-8 pm

Tuesday, May 21st
Lobby Day @ Congressional Offices (KSU: TBD)
Post Debrief Session @ Embassy Suites 6-8pm

HOTEL

EMBASSY SUITES
1900 Diagonal Rd
Alexandria, VA 22314
703-684-5900

Reservation Code: MRF
$260 Base Rate
Rooms Are Limited!

REGISTER FOR BIKERS INSIDE THE BELTWAY 2024

JOIN THE MRF TODAY!

About Motorcycle Riders Foundation

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) provides leadership at the federal level for states’ motorcyclists’ rights organizations as well as motorcycle clubs and individual riders. The MRF is chiefly concerned with issues at the national and international levels that impact the freedom and safety of American street motorcyclists. The MRF is committed to being a national advocate for the advancement of motorcycling and its associated lifestyle and works in conjunction with its partners to help educate elected officials and policymakers in Washington and beyond.

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

MRF Flash Release
Congressional Joint Resolution On EPA

Friday morning, Congressman Andrew Clyde of Georgia and 30 cosponsors introduced a Congressional Review Act (CRA) joint resolution of disapproval to overturn the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) tailpipe emissions rule.

The joint resolution aims to overturn the EPA’s new emission standards, announced in March, that would compel over half of all new vehicles sold to be electric by 2032.

This CRA marks another tactic lawmakers are using to push back against the EPA’s recent rules and protect the internal combustion engine. The CRA is a tool Congress can use to overturn specific federal agency actions. If a CRA joint resolution of disapproval is approved by both houses of Congress and signed by the President or if Congress successfully overrides a presidential veto, the rule at issue cannot go into effect or continue in effect.

With Congress in recess and the bill freshly introduced, a bill number has yet to be assigned. Keep your eyes open for a coming “Call-to-Action” to help you contact your lawmaker regarding this joint resolution. 

For the text of this CRA, click the button below.

About Motorcycle Riders Foundation

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) provides leadership at the federal level for states’ motorcyclists’ rights organizations as well as motorcycle clubs and individual riders. The MRF is chiefly concerned with issues at the national and international levels that impact the freedom and safety of American street motorcyclists. The MRF is committed to being a national advocate for the advancement of motorcycling and its associated lifestyle and works in conjunction with its partners to help educate elected officials and policymakers in Washington and beyond.

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

Another Biker Killed By Tesla Utilizing Automated Driving Mode

Once again, Tesla is in the news and there is tragic news for bikers. A fatal crash involving a motorcyclist and Tesla near Seattle, WA, made national news when the driver of the Tesla admitted the incident occurred while the Tesla was operating in “autopilot” mode. According to the police report, the driver looked down at his phone, “ the next thing he knew there was a bang and the vehicle lurched forward as it accelerated and collided with the motorcycle in front of him," killing the motorcyclist.

When will policymakers wake up and realize lives are at stake?

Just last week, a group of six (6) U.S. Senators sent a letter to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on this exact topic. The letter, led by Ed Markey (D-MA), outlined several growing concerns with this new technology. The letter dated April 18th states,

“We remain concerned that Autopilot, and features like it in other vehicles, could lead drivers to become overconfident and distracted, putting them and other road users at risk.”

We at the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) wholeheartedly agree! For years bikers have sounded the alarm about the deployment of these vehicles on our roadways.

During meetings with NHTSA, the MRF has complained about the marketing of these vehicles, which can lead to disastrous results like the one seen in Washington State. It appears that some in Washington, D.C. are starting to take notice. The letter also points out that,

“Drivers who utilize partially automated systems often become distracted or unaware of road risks due to overconfidence or overreliance on the system. In fact, many consumers are confused about or misunderstand the limits of partially automated driving systems, sometimes due to manufacturers’ misleading names for these systems.”

Thank you to Senators Markey, Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Peter Welch (D-VT), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM) and Bernie Sanders (I-VT) for raising these issues with NHTSA.

The MRF is working on a similar version of this letter from lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives. Stay tuned for how you can educate your member of Congress on this issue.

Let’s not forget what former NHTSA official Missy Cummings said last year, “It’s very dangerous for motorcycles to be around Teslas.”

To read the full letter to NHTSA click the link below.

Ride Safe and Ride Free.

About Motorcycle Riders Foundation

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) provides leadership at the federal level for states’ motorcyclists’ rights organizations as well as motorcycle clubs and individual riders. The MRF is chiefly concerned with issues at the national and international levels that impact the freedom and safety of American street motorcyclists. The MRF is committed to being a national advocate for the advancement of motorcycling and its associated lifestyle and works in conjunction with its partners to help educate elected officials and policymakers in Washington and beyond.

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

Who Do You Know Should Join Us?

Yes, that headline is probably not the best grammar, but the question is one of the best. We participate in the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) because we want to ride what we want, where we want, when we want and with whom we want. The MRF has always been as much about personal freedom and the lifestyle as it is about motorcycles and biker's rights. If you know someone who would be a good fit with the MRF but you've never found a good way to tell them, share this message with them. Maybe they'll ask on their own.

About Motorcycle Riders Foundation

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) provides leadership at the federal level for states’ motorcyclists’ rights organizations as well as motorcycle clubs and individual riders. The MRF is chiefly concerned with issues at the national and international levels that impact the freedom and safety of American street motorcyclists. The MRF is committed to being a national advocate for the advancement of motorcycling and its associated lifestyle and works in conjunction with its partners to help educate elected officials and policymakers in Washington and beyond.

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

Senate Tries, Fails To Stop EPA

On April 18th, the U.S. Senate attempted to prohibit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from using funds to implement the Biden Administration’s new rule on tailpipe emissions. The EPA regulation would require automakers to sell more electric vehicles and hybrids by gradually tightening limits on tailpipe pollution levels starting in 2026. 

The bill, S. 4072, is essentially the same as S. 3094, the Choice in Automobile Retail Sales (CARS) Act of 2023, and Sen. Mike Crapo (R-ID) introduced both bills. The difference is that S.4072 strips funding, while the CARS Act completely prevents the EPA from enacting the rules. 

S. 4072 was a unique and fast-tracked bill in the U.S. Senate. This bill resulted from an agreement during the March effort to avert a government shutdown. Senate leaders promised a vote on the EPA rules, so this bill is that vote. The frustrating part of the vote taken on S. 4072 is that this bill received more votes for it than against it! The final vote was fifty-two (52) in favor, forty-six (46) against, with two (2) not voting. However, because of the rules in the Senate, this bill required sixty (60) votes for passage.

While frustrating, there is some good news for those who want to protect the internal combustion engine. Three (3) Democrats and one Independent, Sens. Joe Manchin (D-WV), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Jon Tester (D-MT), and Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ) joined forty-eight (48) Republicans in voting for the legislation.

This vote hopefully shows that more and more lawmakers and Americans are taking notice of the attack on the internal combustion engine. Next month, during the MRF’s Bikers Inside the Beltway, motorcyclists will take to Capitol Hill to push the preservation of vehicle choice and all our agenda!

As Always, Ride Safe and Ride Free

About Motorcycle Riders Foundation

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) provides leadership at the federal level for states’ motorcyclists’ rights organizations as well as motorcycle clubs and individual riders. The MRF is chiefly concerned with issues at the national and international levels that impact the freedom and safety of American street motorcyclists. The MRF is committed to being a national advocate for the advancement of motorcycling and its associated lifestyle and works in conjunction with its partners to help educate elected officials and policymakers in Washington and beyond.

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

MRF Agenda Gets STEAM Power

Last weekend, ABATE of South Dakota hosted the 34th Annual Heartland Seminar to Educate and Motivate (STEAM) event in Sioux Falls, SD. Riders from Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin gathered to share information about how the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) and state motorcyclist rights organizations are tackling issues facing the motorcycling community.

A diverse set of presentations occurred over the two-day seminar. Some highlights included MRF President Kirk “Hardtail” Willard’s speech, “Ride to Live, Live to Ride; Well Maybe,” a history of the Bikers’ Rights Movement by MRF Executive Director Mark Buckner and an update on legislative action from the member states. Famed long-distance rider Wendy Crocket shared her stories of career achievements in competitive endurance riding. As always, there were breakout sessions that allowed riders to learn more about issues they care about.

The seven states that make up Heartland STEAM form a crucial part of the national motorcyclist rights movement. A significant number of MRF members come from these states. The STEAM states include red states, blue states and purple states, meaning they send a diverse set of lawmakers to Washington. Forty-two (42) members of the U.S. House of Representatives and fourteen (14) U.S. Senators hail from the Heartland STEAM area. This unique political makeup helps drive our motorcyclist agenda in D.C.

A huge thank you to ABATE of South Dakota for hosting a fantastic event and for all those who presented and participated. Attendees left reenergized and enthusiastic about the work ahead and proud of a renewed bond with fellow riders. We can’t wait for the 35th edition of Heartland STEAM next year in Iowa!

As always, Ride Safe and Ride Free.

About Motorcycle Riders Foundation

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) provides leadership at the federal level for states’ motorcyclists’ rights organizations as well as motorcycle clubs and individual riders. The MRF is chiefly concerned with issues at the national and international levels that impact the freedom and safety of American street motorcyclists. The MRF is committed to being a national advocate for the advancement of motorcycling and its associated lifestyle and works in conjunction with its partners to help educate elected officials and policymakers in Washington and beyond.

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

No Speeding... Ever?

Earlier this year, a bill was introduced in California requiring “every passenger vehicle, motortruck, and bus manufactured or sold in the state” to be equipped with speed limiter technology, starting with the 2027 model year. According to the bill (SB 961), the technology would “electronically limit the speed of the vehicle to prevent the driver from exceeding the speed limit by more than 10 miles per hour.”

Representatives from the MRF attended a roundtable discussion held by the Road to Zero Coalition on this initiative and were troubled by many aspects of this proposal. It is important to note that this is not about speed governors. This proposal is about a dynamic system using vehicle cameras, road signs, GPS, and virtual maps to determine speed limits on roads and actively restrict vehicles from operating above a certain threshold.

ABATE of California, the California Motorcycle Dealers Association, the California Trucking Association, the California Manufacturers and Technology Association and the Specialty Equipment Market Association are among the organizations that have gone on record opposing the bill. The MRF remains committed to protecting our freedoms from government overreach. Allowing technology to override driver control of vehicle speed is a slippery slope. We thank the advocates in California for pushing back against this proposal. The MRF will remain vigilant in Washington, D.C., ready to oppose any similarly proposed federal plans.

To read a copy of the letter submitted by ABATE of California opposing this bill, you may click the button below on the left.

As always, Ride Safe and Ride Free

Read the letter submitted to legislators by ABATE of California

About Motorcycle Riders Foundation

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) provides leadership at the federal level for states’ motorcyclists’ rights organizations as well as motorcycle clubs and individual riders. The MRF is chiefly concerned with issues at the national and international levels that impact the freedom and safety of American street motorcyclists. The MRF is committed to being a national advocate for the advancement of motorcycling and its associated lifestyle and works in conjunction with its partners to help educate elected officials and policymakers in Washington and beyond.

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

Right To Repair
Must Be Protected
Bob Kay - IMA Chairman

The Right to Repair affects all of us whether we work on our own bikes or have a shop work on them. The information and tools necessary to make repairs must be available to independent dealers and individuals. Not everyone who owns a newer motorcycle (under ten years old), wants to go to a franchise dealer (regardless of the brand), to get their bike serviced or repaired. We should not be penalized with the threat of losing our warranty for taking our bikes to our favorite independent dealer, whom we have trusted and supported for years. Furthermore, if your bike is over ten years old, most franchise dealers will not even work on that bike.

Most bikers I've met enjoy working on their bikes as much as riding them. It is part of our culture to hang out with our buddies and help each other. Most franchise dealers would prefer to eliminate independent dealers and then charge us outrageous prices for parts and labor. Franchise dealers and manufacturers work hard to restrict parts and updated information from the Independent Motorcycle Aftermarket. Even worse than the high prices is the ridiculous amount of time they want to tie your bike up for service in the middle of riding season. The existence of independent dealers is essential for the survival of our culture, riding lifestyle and the future of motorcycling.

Harley stopped the production of carbureted bikes in 2007 and will not work on your carbureted bike because it is over ten years old. Few have the technicians on staff with experience to work on older bikes. If you own a 2007 – 2013 Harley, where do you go for an electronic fuel injection tune? Harley no longer supplies programable ECUs for these bikes and the EPA has restricted the Aftermarket from selling the current generation of modules to street bike owners. There is even a campaign to penalize any dealer willing to tune your fuel-injected bike. All this is supposedly to help create a clean climate. However, the EPA will not even publish emission standards/limits that are acceptable for the Independent Motorcycle Aftermarket so that it can manufacture the components that will be environmentally compliant. It may seem like motorcycle manufacturers would like to sell you a new bike, service it twice a year and sell you another new bike in five years, but End-of-Life Directives for motorcycles are another issue for discussion at another time.

The MRF has been fighting for our Right to Repair and has pledged its full support to the Independent Motorcycle Aftermarket to continue this battle. We cannot do it alone. We need your support by joining the IMA today so that we may continue fighting this attack on our rights and lifestyle. I will address our Right to Modify and build custom bikes in your next issue of the American Biker Journal.

Bob Kay is the Chairman of the Independent Motorcycle Aftermarket Council (IMA). Formed by the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF), the IMA is a council to review the challenges that independent motorcycle dealers and custom bike builders face. Independent motorcycle dealers and custom bike builders wishing to join the Independent Motorcycle Aftermarket Network can click the links below and select the Independent Motorcycle Aftermarket membership type.

About Motorcycle Riders Foundation

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) provides leadership at the federal level for states’ motorcyclists’ rights organizations as well as motorcycle clubs and individual riders. The MRF is chiefly concerned with issues at the national and international levels that impact the freedom and safety of American street motorcyclists. The MRF is committed to being a national advocate for the advancement of motorcycling and its associated lifestyle and works in conjunction with its partners to help educate elected officials and policymakers in Washington and beyond.

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

2022 Crash Statistics
NHTSA Report Mixed News For Bikers

This week, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released its final 2022 Fatality Analysis Reporting System traffic crash data. NHTSA reported 42,514 total fatalities in the U.S. in 2022. That is a 1.7% decrease from the previous year.

However, the final numbers show mixed results for motorcyclists. Sadly, overall rider deaths on our nation’s roadways increased by 1.2%. The official number of motorcyclists killed in 2022 was 6,218, an increase of 75 deaths compared to 2021.

Biker deaths now account for 15% of all fatalities on the road, up 1% from 2021. Large truck, bus and pedestrian deaths also saw increases, while passenger car occupants saw a decrease. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) remains concerned that these numbers may justify lawmakers taking a closer look at motorcyclists and our place in the transportation network. We surely do not need to be singled out for further scrutiny and have our freedoms limited.  

Fortunately, the final number of motorcyclists injured dropped by 2.6% in 2022. Two years ago, there were 82,687 biker injuries in crashes, down 2,211 from 84,898 the previous year.   

While every crash is unique, there are some disturbing trends. Alcohol-impaired fatal crashes account for 29% of all motorcyclist deaths. Across the nation, 7.8% of fatal crashes involved a “distracted driver.” Personal responsibility is a core value of the MRF. We must ensure we are all making the right decisions to protect ourselves and others on the road. If we don’t, who will?

Read 2022 NHTSA Report Here

About Motorcycle Riders Foundation

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) provides leadership at the federal level for states’ motorcyclists’ rights organizations as well as motorcycle clubs and individual riders. The MRF is chiefly concerned with issues at the national and international levels that impact the freedom and safety of American street motorcyclists. The MRF is committed to being a national advocate for the advancement of motorcycling and its associated lifestyle and works in conjunction with its partners to help educate elected officials and policymakers in Washington and beyond.

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

Nebraska Modifies Helmet Law

Lawmakers in Nebraska last week updated their new helmet law to make life easier for both Nebraska bikers and those traveling through the Cornhusker State.

As you may remember, after decades of fighting to let those who ride decide whether to wear a helmet, Nebraska repealed the state helmet mandate, effective January 1, 2024. However, as happens with new legislation, unforeseen loopholes and implementation issues need addressing. The Nebraska State Legislature, at the urging of ABATE of Nebraska, passed a corrective bill that clarifies some of the requirements in the original bill.

There are three fundamental changes to the law in Nebraska. First, the bill eliminates requiring out-of-state riders to take a safety course to ride without a helmet. Out-of-state riders need only be over 21 and wear eye protection. 

Second, Nebraska riders who received their M endorsement before May 1, 2024, can take a three-hour online course to qualify for helmet choice. This online course replaces the skills test requirement for all riders stated in the original bill. Again, to ride without a helmet, Nebraska bikers must be over 21 and wearing eye protection.  

Finally, the new bill eliminates the rider education course requirement for motorcycle passengers to qualify for helmet choice. A passenger need only be over 21 to ride without a helmet, assuming the rider meets the above safety course requirements, is over 21 and wears eye protection. 

When Nebraska's new helmet law rolled out earlier this year, experienced riders were flooding safety training courses to comply with the law to ride without a helmet. Allowing experienced riders to take an online course frees up safety instruction for new riders, ensuring they have the needed skills to operate a bike in the state.

The final vote of 39 yes, 4 no and 3 not voting demonstrates the broad support for these commonsense fixes. Signed by Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen on April 2nd, this corrective bill takes effect immediately.

Congratulations to the bikers in Nebraska on their victory! Cornhusker bikers prove that persistence and hard work become legislative victories. Well done!

About Motorcycle Riders Foundation

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) provides leadership at the federal level for states’ motorcyclists’ rights organizations as well as motorcycle clubs and individual riders. The MRF is chiefly concerned with issues at the national and international levels that impact the freedom and safety of American street motorcyclists. The MRF is committed to being a national advocate for the advancement of motorcycling and its associated lifestyle and works in conjunction with its partners to help educate elected officials and policymakers in Washington and beyond.

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

Out Like A Lion
Three MRF Roadshow Stops To End March
Oklahoma | Louisiana | Minnesota

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) proudly attended ABATE of Oklahoma's S.M.I.L.E Conference in mid-March. MRF Board member Deb Craig, MRF Oklahoma State Rep Art Ryan and MRF President Kirk "Hardtail" Willard represented the MRF at the event. The MRF team appreciated the invitation to participate in their Board Meeting as well.

During their Legislative updates, the MRF heard progress reports on their Handlebar Height Bill, the Oklahoma Anti-Profiling and Enhanced Penalties for distracted driving efforts.  It is worth noting their activity following Right of Way crashes in the court system has proven very effective and something we all should be paying attention to.

ABATE of Illinois State Coordinator Bob "Mouse" Ellinger conducted an excellent workshop on the roles and responsibilities of Chapter Leadership.

Kirk "Hardtail" Willard had the privilege to be the keynote speaker, making certain to thank ABATE of Oklahoma for having one of the highest percentages in the country of ABATE members also being members of the MRF during his "The Future of Motorcycling" speech.

Louisiana CoC&I President, Swamp, welcomed ABATE of Louisiana President and MRF SSMRO Representative, Brick Lindsey, ABATE of Louisiana Treasurer, Jacque Lindsey and MRF Director of Conferences & Events, Fred Harrell to their March Meeting. A presentation was made by Fred Harrell on recent MRF accomplishments and the Legislative Agenda for 2024. The MRF is proud to participate in gathering concerned motorcyclists from all organizations together to share information and our common goals.

On a Wednesday in mid-March, MRF Director of the State Reps Program, Gary Goracke, attended Bikerday at the Capitol in St. Paul Minnesota. In attendance were members from ABATE of MN, Young Riders, MRF, COC,  MMCC, AIR,  SCVR and many more independents.

Speakers that morning were from ABATE of MN, MRF, plus State Legislators and State Senators that support motorcycle rights. The talking points for the day presented to the elected officials were, Curtailing Profiling of Motorcyclists in Minnesota, Reducing the Sales Tax Imposed on Older Motorcycles, No Change to the Motorcycle Helmet Law, Protecting Internal Combustion Engines, Ground effect Lighting and Autonomous Vehicles.

About Motorcycle Riders Foundation

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) provides leadership at the federal level for states’ motorcyclists’ rights organizations as well as motorcycle clubs and individual riders. The MRF is chiefly concerned with issues at the national and international levels that impact the freedom and safety of American street motorcyclists. The MRF is committed to being a national advocate for the advancement of motorcycling and its associated lifestyle and works in conjunction with its partners to help educate elected officials and policymakers in Washington and beyond.

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