Motorcycle Riders Foundation

End of the Road… Show

Heartland STEAM in Bismarck this weekend marks the unofficial conclusion of the 2023 MRF “Road Show”. Beginning in January MRF board members have traveled to 23 states to speak and present at SMRO events. We are honored to be invited to so many events, and we do our best to attend all of them. Getting out into the states and meeting with bikers is a critical part of what MRF board members do. Listening to presentations and having one on one conversations with bikers helps the MRF shape our agenda. We are successful in D.C. because of these interactions. After Heartland STEAM, we will pivot to our next big event, Bikers Inside the Beltway. This May we again plan to take our message to the halls of Congress and fight to protect the rights and freedoms of the street rider. While this year’s road show is ending, we are already planning the 2024 version. If you’d like a representative of the MRF to visit your state event let us know! Thank you for the hospitality you’ve shown us, and let’s continue to fight on! 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. Visit http://mrf.org/ * * * * * * * * * * * * Keep up with important industry and market news, legislation, events and more — every Thursday at Bikernet Weekly News. Visit: https://www.bikernet.com/pages/cantina_bikernet_news.aspx

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NHTSA Responds to Questions from Congress

Just before the end of 2022, Rep. Tim Walberg of Michigan and 26 of his colleagues in Congress sent a letter to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) regarding recent crashes that involve motorcycles and cars believed to be in self-driving mode. The response from government regulators has some key takeaways: “NHTSA is actively working to educate consumers and the media that automated driving system (ADS) technologies are not self-driving technologies, and that drivers must always remain engaged in the driving task.” “Crashes involving motorcycles account for less than 2 percent of all reported crashes involving ADS.” “NHTSA is conducting research on how vehicles equipped with crash avoidance technologies react to motorcycles, bicyclists and other vulnerable road users in various scenarios.” The Motorcycle Riders Foundation is committed to aggressively working with lawmakers to address obvious safety gaps in the deployment of this new technology. While we appreciate that NHTSA is conducting research on this topic, on this topic, motorcyclists are not “vulnerable road users”, motorcyclists are simply road users. Additionally, it’s unacceptable that consumers falsely believe this technology, deployed on our roads, allows them to sit back and relax while in the driver’s seat. The safety of the nearly 10 million bikers on our nation’s roadways requires that all roadway users act in a responsible manner. 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. Visit http://mrf.org * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Stay updated, stay ahead of the curve. Click to Sign up for the Weekly Newsletter from Bikernet Blog for free.

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Bikers Inside the Beltway: Holding Common Ground

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. Specifically… the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has less than 30 days of their 120-day requirement to report to the Senate and House Committee(s) on Appropriations and answer how the agency may be “conducting activities that encourage states to adopt legislation, regulation, or other policies that unjustly profile motorcycle riders.” The words of former U.S. Representative David Price from North Carolina may 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 found and is holding common ground among the nation’s state motorcyclist rights organization, motorcycle club members, and all freedom loving motorcyclists who, as the Motorcycle Profiling Project demonstrates, are susceptible to being profiled while riding a motorcycle. The MRF’s victories, realized in the waning hours of the 117th Congress in December, should drive home Congressman Price’s words, and demonstrate the positive results when common ground is identified and held. 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. Now is the time for you to register 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

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Motorcycle Riders Foundation: Coalitions Rejuvenated

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

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House Passes Motorcyclist Profiling Resolution

December 23, 2022 House Passes Motorcyclist Profiling Resolution! In one of the final actions before the 117th Congress dissolved the House of Representatives passed, H. Res 366, the motorcyclist profiling resolution. The resolution, which was first introduced in 2016, failed to receive a vote on the House floor until today. In the six years since it was introduced motorcyclists have spent countless hours educating lawmakers and raising awareness on the issue of motorcyclist profiling. The 2016 version of the resolution had just 18 cosponsors, but that number grew to 103 this month. These 103 cosponsors represented a diverse set of political beliefs and geographic interests, but all were committed to supporting bikers. It has been a long journey to this point and many parties are responsible for this victory. Former Representative Reid Ribble of Wisconsin originally introduced the resolution and after his departure from Congress Representative Tim Walberg of Michigan picked up the baton. The Motorcycle Profiling Project provided important data that helped inform lawmakers about the extent of motorcyclist profiling. Motorcycle clubs and independent riders all invested time and resources in the battle on Capitol Hill. State motorcyclist rights organizations leveraged their relationships with home state lawmakers and increased cosponsor numbers dramatically. Most importantly all these groups remained committed and focused despite setbacks and disappointments. With this action, the House joins the Senate, which passed a similar resolution in 2018 standing against motorcyclist profiling and asking for collaboration between law enforcement and bikers to prevent profiling. Additionally, five states, Washington, Maryland, Louisiana, Idaho, and New Hampshire all have state laws against the profiling of bikers. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation hopes that this demonstration of support from the United States Congress will provide other states a foundation to enact legislation. To see a full version of H. Res 366 click

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NHTSA: Your Action Matters!

This week, thousands of American bikers contacted their elected officials to express concern about recent crashes involving motorcycles and cars believed to be in self-driving mode. Specifically, three crashes this summer, which occurred in California, Florida and Utah have been a major topic of conversation for the nearly 10 million motorcyclists in this country. In response to outreach by constituents, Representative Tim Walberg of Michigan and 26 other members of Congress sent a bipartisan letter to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) seeking answers. The letter, delivered to Acting Administrator Ann Carlson, asked five basic questions regarding self-driving technology and motorcycles. It is the hope of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF), our members and partners that answers to questions like, “Should motorcyclists take extra precautions when sharing the road with vehicles with self-driving technology?” will shed light on the capabilities of this new technology. American motorcyclists owe the following 27 Representatives, from 16 different states, our thanks. Their desire to seek answers and protect all roadway users makes all of us safer. Thank you for your leadership on this issue! Rep. Troy Balderson – Ohio Rep. Jack Bergman – Michigan Rep. Mike Bost – Illinois Rep. Cheri Busto – Illinois Rep. Angie Craig – Minnesota Rep. Rodney Davis – Illinois Rep. Val Demings – Florida Rep. Scott Fitzgerald – Wisconsin Rep. Lois Frankel – Florida Rep. Paul Gosar – Arizona Rep Glenn Grothman – Wisconsin Rep. Andy Harris – Maryland Rep. Clay Higgins – Louisiana Rep. Dusty Johnson – South Dakota Rep. Ron Kind – Wisconsin Rep. Ann Kuster – New Hampshire Rep. Darin LaHood – Illinois Rep. Doug Lamborn – Colorado Rep. Brian Mast – Florida Rep. Lisa McClain – Michigan Rep. Mark Pocan – Wisconsin Rep. Bill Posey – Florida Rep. Pete Stauber – Minnesota Rep. Glenn

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The MRF Salutes Our Veterans

We at the Motorcycle Riders Foundation wish all veterans a Happy Veterans Day. Thank you for your service in defense of our freedoms and liberties. We as motorcyclists are fortunate that so many of our fellow riders are veterans. You make not only our country, but our motorcycling community stronger. “Honor to the soldier and sailor everywhere, who bravely bears his country’s cause. Honor, also, to the citizen who cares for his brother in the field and serves, as he best can, the same cause.” – Abraham Lincoln https://mrf.org About Motorcycle Riders Foundation : The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) provides leadership at the federal level for states’ motorcyclists’ rights organizations as well as motorcycle clubs and individual riders. The MRF is chiefly concerned with issues at the national and international levels that impact the freedom and safety of American street motorcyclists. The MRF is committed to being a national advocate for the advancement of motorcycling and its associated lifestyle and works in conjunction with its partners to help educate elected officials and policy makers in Washington and beyond. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

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Meeting of the Minds 2022

Meeting of the Minds 2022 – Demand reaches room capacity! – Hotel booked up! Just as the MRF brought Bikers Inside the Beltway to capacity for hotel room requests, demand by attendees has brought the 2022 Meeting of the Minds conference hotel to the same level. Not to worry… the MRF has a back-up hotel two minutes away. Plus, you can still register for the conference. Use this link to register for the conference Meeting of the Minds 2022. Or register when you arrive. Use this link to book your rooms at the Renaissance Des Moines Savery Hotel or call the hotel direct at 515-244-2151; Book your group rate for Motorcycle Riders Foundation Last Day to Book: Monday, September 19, 2022 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. 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: Up-to-the-minute Legislative Updates The necessity of Political Action Committees Riding skill enhancement What aging demographics means to motorcycling Protecting the rights of

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MRF Updates: Wee Tol You So….

August 26, 2022: We Told You So… At last year’s MRF Meeting of the Minds in Atlanta, Georgia the fate of the internal combustion engine was discussed. In fact, at the urging of ABATE of Illinois, the following language was added to the MRF’s 2022 Legislative Priorities: “Work to ensure the survival of combustion engines. Including elimination of the California air quality waivers which threaten combustion engine production.” In October of 2021 California Governor Gavin Newson signed a bill into law banning the sale of all off-road, gas-powered engines, including generators, lawn equipment, pressure washers, chainsaws, weed trimmers, and even golf carts. And less than one year later we learn this, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) that governs motor vehicle emissions for the state adopted new rules that will require 35% of the new cars sold in the state are electric or plug-in hybrids by 2026, with that percentage rising to 68% by 2030 and 100% by 2035. That’s right gas burning cars will no longer be for sale in the country’s largest state in less than 15 years. Other states, including Massachusetts and Washington have already signaled that they would follow California’s lead. What does the future of motorcycling look like? Will the bike you are riding today be legal in a few years? What will your kids or grandkids be riding… or will they even be allowed to own a motorcycle? Your Freedom is under assault and without your help we can’t fight back! Thank you to all the members of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation for defending your Freedoms. We need all street riders to join this fight. 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

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MRF Annual Meeting: Our Rights We Will Maintain

MOTORCYCLE RIDERS FOUNDATION — MEETING OF THE MINDS 2022 “Our liberties we prize and our rights we will maintain.” – Iowa State Motto In 1847, those words became part of the Iowa State Seal. They ring just as powerful today as they did 175 years ago. Certainly, they ring true for the Motorcycle Riders Foundation and the 38th Annual Meeting of the Minds. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation takes seriously the quest to protect the freedoms that motorcyclists sometimes take for granted. A lobbying team with a never-ending presence on Capitol Hill. A definitive commitment to grassroots activism with the MRF’s annual Bikers Inside the Beltway. And the annual Meeting of the Minds – nearly forty years of bringing bikers’ rights advocates together to enhance their organizational and legislative skills. The 38th Annual Meeting of the Minds, scheduled for September 22-25 in Des Moines Iowa, will be a 3-day exercise in freedom enhancement. The event will demonstrate just how much the MRF and attendees prize liberty and the commitment to maintain our rights Meet the Motorcycle Riders Foundation and the freedom fighters who are instrumental in the quest to protect motorcycling and maintain the freedoms we enjoy. 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 represents. Workshops and presentations include but not limited to: Up-to-the-minute Legislative Updates Working with motorcycle clubs for the common goal of defending freedom Aging demographics – what it means to motorcycling Paying the price of freedom The

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