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Sep 26

Notice from the Federal Government

By General Posts No Comments

from Jay Jackson, MRF, with images from Sam Burns

Establishment of the Motorcyclist Advisory Council (MAC)

NHTSA announces the establishment of MAC for a 2-year period. The MAC will coordinate with and advise the Secretary of Transportation, the NHTSA Administrator and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Administrator on transportation issues of concern to motorcyclists, including: motorcycle and motorcyclist safety; barrier and road design, construction, and maintenance practices; and the architecture and implementation of intelligent transportation system technologies.

NHTSA is also soliciting nominations for appointment to the MAC.

Applications for membership must be received by NHTSA on or before 5 p.m. EST, December 15, 2023.

Click and refer details in this article at Bikernet.com

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Aug 26

Moving Forward to Protect the Future of Motorcycling

By General Posts

Moving Forward to Protect the Future of Motorcycling and Motorcyclists’ Rights

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yours in Freedom,
Fred
Fredric Harrell
MRF Director of Conferences & Events

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

Mar 17

Bikers Inside the Beltway: Holding Common Ground

By General Posts

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 ensure that the mission of getting our message to Congress continues to be successful, please consider the following:

  • Make your appointments locally or in Washington.
  • Familiarize yourself with the briefing points.
  • Confirm your appointment locally or in Washington.
  • Virtual or in person, make notes on your meeting.
  • Share your meeting notes with the MRF.

In conjunction with Bikers inside the Beltway, a meeting of the MRF Board of Directors takes place on May 15 at the event hotel — Embassy Suites, 1900 Diagonal Road, Alexandria, Virginia. Rooms are available and limited by calling 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. Act now to attend the pre-event briefing and Q&A for visits to Congress, scheduled for 6:00 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,
Fredric Harrell
RF 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.

P.P.S. This year, more than any time before, one of the MRF’s top agenda items is to specifically thank supporters in Congress for helping foster our success in 2023.

https://motorcycleridersfoundation.wildapricot.org/widget/event-5008758/Registration

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

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Dec 17

NHTSA: Your Action Matters!

By General Posts

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 Thompson – Pennsylvania
Rep. Dina Titus – Nevada
Rep Tim Walberg – Michigan
Rep. Robert Wittman – Virginia

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.

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Oct 02

Motorcycle Ride Fundraiser for corrections officer fighting for his life

By General Posts

‘Tidman Strong Motorcycle Ride Fundraiser’ for corrections officer fighting for his life
by Spectrum News Staff at https://spectrumnews1.com

A motorcycle ride Sunday raised money to support a corrections officer who is now fighting for his life.

Over 500 bikers showed up for the “Tidman Strong Motorcycle Ride Fundraiser.”

The escorted ride began at the Department of Mental Health’s Hadley Building in Westborough and ended at the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Leominster.

Matthew Tidman was beaten by an inmate at MCI-Shirley in August.​

His younger brother, Josh Tidman, organized the ride to help the officer’s family.

Josh Tidman said his brother is making progress, and the family is hoping for the best, but it’s a long road to recovery.

“A lot of people came about it, without question. I couldn’t have done this without my friends and fellow department of corrections officers who put this together,” Joshua Tidman said. “It’s unmeasured, the amount of love that’s here. The outpour of it is extremely supportive.”

The fundraiser also included live music, food, a car show and raffles.

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RIDING FREE SINCE 1996

Jul 12

Honoring Freedom Fighters: Formation of ABATE

By General Posts

by Rogue & Others

Back in 1972 Easyriders Magazine was forming an organization named A Brotherhood Against Totalitarian Enactments (ABATE). Meetings were held in Florida and California and open to the various motorcycle rights groups and individual from around the country.

Two of the people involved were Keith “Bandit” Ball and Rev. John “Rogue” Herlihy who were part of the Easyriders team.

READ this Legendary Photo Feature only on Bikernet.com

Know more about the history of grassroots movements.

Get to know about the significance of Rogue’s contributions to vast community of motorcyclists all over USA. He is still active and involved in these.

++ the incredible long-lasting friendship between two Life-Long Bikers who still ride their own motorcycles.

Visit Bikernet.com : still riding free for 25 years.

Jun 24

Vance & Hines Issues Statement on Federal Trade Commission Action

By General Posts

Vance & Hines Issues Statement on Federal Trade Commission Action Against Harley-Davidson

Background: The Federal Trade Commission announced a complaint on June 23, 2022, against Harley-Davidson, ordering the company to “fix warranties by removing illegal terms and recognizing the right to repair, come clean with customers, and ensure that dealers compete fairly with independent third-parties.”

Link to Federal Trade Commission Press Release: https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2022/06/ftc-takes-action-against-harley-davidson-westinghouse-illegally-restricting-customers-right-repair-0

Statement from Mike Kennedy, President & CEO of Vance & Hines:

“This action taken by the FTC is a huge win for motorcycle riders. While we still need to see how this plays out, we anticipate that riders will have more choices in how they repair and update their motorcycles during the warranty period, which is clearly a big deal for companies in the motorcycle aftermarket, too. I hope that the “it will void your warranty” threat for someone who just wants a better sounding or smoother running Harley is a thing of the past.”

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– simply Click & Subscribe to Bikernet’s FREE Weekly Newsletter

May 21

Introducing Tim Struck Limited Edition Signature Series Wearable Art

By General Posts


INTRODUCING Our TIM STRUCK Limited Edition Signature Series Wearable Art Button-Downs & T-Shirts!

ORDER TODAY!

Check Out the Website: https://american-brands.com/

SIGNATURE SERIES BUTTON-DOWNS & T-SHIRTS
We have searched out some of the industry’s leading artists to form a collaboration that we call our “Signature Series”. Our goal is to get their talent transformed from canvas to fabric, we call this Wearable Art. Keep a lookout as this Collection continues to grow while we work with world-wide talented artists that can now get their masterpieces on the backs of passionate enthusiasts like you!

HIGH QUALITY INDUSTRIAL DIGITAL PRINTING
We use the latest technology with the highest quality digital printers for the brightest, fullest colors that you will see but not feel on the fabric. There is a small branded woven label on the edge of your garment.

POLYESTER/COMBED RING SPUN COTTON FABRIC T-SHIRTS
Enjoy an athletic mixture of 65/35 Poly/Combed Ring Spun Cotton for a tee that can keep up with you. With shoulder-to-shoulder taping and heat-set to minimize shrinkage, you’ll be able to enjoy this tee every day. Designed in our CLASSIC FIT.

Visit https://american-brands.com/

HIGH QUALITY HEAT PRESSED PRINT
We use top of the line print transfers that establish our popular color matched look. All applications are applied to your garments using high end industrial heat press machines in the U.S.A. including a small branded woven label on the edge of your garment.

FASHION WITH FUNCTION
Our apparel is designed by bikers for bikers that transitions easily from on – to off the bike styling. Our apparel is functional enough to ride in and fashionable enough to live in so you can spend more time riding and less time changing your attire.

 

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Apr 22

MRF Update: Paving the Way & Rolling Toward Washington, D.C.

By General Posts

BIKERS INSIDE THE BELTWAY ! THE VOICE OF BIKERS IN WASHINGTON !

The groundwork to pave the metaphorical roads to Washington D.C. and Capitol Hill took time and commitments from freedom loving motorcyclists from throughout the country. Individual attendance to Bikers Inside the Beltway, less than a month away, makes a difference in accomplishing our legislative goals.

Yes, the Motorcycle Riders Foundation is rolling toward Washington. Yes, since 2009 the MRF has hosted Bikers Inside the Beltway, a grassroots tradition orchestrated by SMROs that began with just as much determination but without a name in 1989.

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.

Those visits are effective. Members of Congress know that it is not easy for constituents to make the trip to Washington, D.C. And when constituents from a well-known organization such as the Motorcycle Riders Foundation venture to Washington to meet with their congressional delegation, members of Congress tend to listen.

Your personal visit to Congress does make a difference. Co-sponsors on legislation the MRF supported rose over 20 percent during Bikers Inside the Beltway in 2021. Numbers make a difference. Currently, there 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 so that those numbers make an even greater difference.

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.

News items during the past two weeks have repeatedly demonstrated why the following items are at the top of the MRF’s legislative agenda as we move toward Bikers Inside the Beltway:

  • Profiling: Sustain lobbying efforts for the passage of resolutions or legislation that promotes awareness and prohibition of motorcyclists profiling.
  • Renewable Fuels: Advocate for targeted changes to the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Support the universal availability of approved fuel blends, containing no more than 10 percent ethanol by volume. Ensure that consumers are educated on proper fuel usage.
  • Autonomous Vehicles: Advocate and monitor any legislation or regulations related to motorcycles concerning connected and autonomous vehicles (AV) including endorsing rulemaking to set new standards specific to seeing, detecting, and properly reacting to motorcycles. Ensure motorcycles are part of all testing and development procedure.

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.

Join us to ensure that the mission of getting our message to Congress does not fail, please consider the following:

  • Make your appointments locally or in Washington
  • Familiarize yourself with the briefing points
  • Confirm your appointment locally or in Washington
  • Virtual or in person, make notes on your meeting
  • Share your meeting notes with the MRF

Numbers do make a difference toward accomplishing the legislative goals of the MRF. All 435 members of the House of Representatives are up for reelection. Thirty-four members of the Senate are up for election. Numbers do make a difference. Like it or not, legislators tend to listen better during election years.

Paving the way for the long haul is what the MRF does to ensure that the future of motorcycling survives. It is not too late to use that “paved way” to help the numbers make a difference.

Rooms are available through the hotel direct line 703-684-5900 and use reference code MRF. And while you are there, make plans to attend a meeting of the MRF Board of Directors on May 16 at the Embassy Suites, 1900 Diagonal Road, Alexandria, VA 22314.

Bikers Inside the Beltway 2022 – The Motorcycle Riders Foundation — paving the way for the long haul and rolling toward Washington, D.C.!

Yours in Freedom,
Fred
Fredric Harrell

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 Website at: https://mrf.org/

To Stay updated on all Motorcycle News and Events …
– simply Click & Subscribe to Bikernet’s FREE Weekly Newsletter

Mar 26

MRF Call To Action: anti-motorcyclist profiling resolution

By General Posts

Where Does Your State Rank?

Last month the Motorcycle Riders Foundation released our first call to action of 2022. The call to action was related to H. Res 366, the anti-motorcyclist profiling resolution in the House of Representatives. Since its release, over 1,600 bikers have taken a moment to click a few buttons and have their voice heard.

One great part about this call to action is that if your lawmaker has already been supportive of the resolution, they get a thank you email. While if your member of congress has yet to act, it explains the issues and asks for support.

We’ve seen great results from this effort. Since the beginning of February, 26 new representatives have signed on as cosponsors!

If there is one thing we know about bikers, they are a competitive bunch. So, to inspire even more engagement, here’s a list of the top 5 states who’ve taken the time to answer the call.

1. Wisconsin – 176
2. Michigan 155
3. New York 136
4. Texas – 124
5. Arizona 118

The map also shows you how many bikers from each state have contacted their member of the House.

If you have already done the call to action, we thank you! But let’s keep the pressure up! You don’t need to do it again, but you can share the link below, forward this email and hit social media. Let’s get as many bikers as we can to take 2 minutes out of their day to spread the word on profiling.

If you want Washington D.C. to address the profiling of bikers click here.

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.
Website: https://mrf.org/