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MRF Visits Waymo: Latest In Robo-Taxis

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Last week, the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) attended an event in Washington, D.C., hosted by Waymo, a self-driving car company. Titled “Every Mile Together: Waymo Safety Forum and Discussion,” this event included a panel discussion with executives for Waymo, the National Safety Council and the Governors Highway Safety Association. Waymo is a subsidiary of Google and is best known for its “robo-taxis.” These vehicles allow riders to hail a car and travel to a destination without a driver. Operating without a driver falls under the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) definition of “Level 4” automation. That NHTSA classification means, “When engaged, the system is fully responsible for driving tasks. A human driver is not needed to operate the vehicle.” An important takeaway from the event was that Waymo agrees with the MRF that current advertisements and the lack of transparency involving this modern technology are unacceptable. Other companies are operating vehicles with Level 2 autonomy. Misleading advertising means consumers are unaware of what tasks that automation level can perform. The Level 2 automation definition states: “Driver is fully responsible for driving the vehicle while the system provides continuous assistance with either acceleration/braking and steering.” The MRF is committed to fighting for the safety of bikers and will collaborate with allies on issues we agree upon. We thank the officials at Waymo for the invitation and for including us in these discussions. As a reminder, Waymo is operating in Phoenix, San Francisco and Los Angeles, with plans to start in Austin, Texas. These vehicles are on the road now and their presence is growing. Waymo will soon begin testing in other locations, so, as always, remain vigilant. Join The MRF — visit http://mrf.org/

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Is Green the New Gray Area

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by Mark Buckner with images from Sam Burns For as long as I can remember – which is getting to be a LONG time! – those of us who love riding motorcycles and have devoted a large part of our lives to preserving and protecting our way of life have been telling anyone who would listen that the enemies of motorcycling don’t just want to pass more and more restrictive laws where we’re concerned. Their ultimate goal is to get us off the road entirely. Click here to read this report only on Bikernet.com * * * * To Stay updated on all Motorcycle News and Events … – simply Click & Subscribe to Bikernet’s FREE Weekly Newsletter

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100 WFC: Rolling into Life

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100 word fiction contest continues…. #100WFC Rolling into Life by Tony Heller with illustration by Wayfarer During the early spring up-date shakedown run, the rain-fed Kern River roared and sparkled, hugging the twisting two-lane road. Careening over the rocky river bed, the cascading water leapt from boulder to boulder, disappearing darkly in shoreline eddies, then reappearing in turbulent whirlpools. The full moon peeked in and out from behind the clouds playing sneaky games with my night vision, alternately illuminating the oncoming curves, then casting darkly ominous shadows on the next. With every sense on maximum alert for whatever might lay ahead, I rolled it on in full chopper-groove ALIVE as I’d ever felt. * * * Read all the entries at: https://www.bikernet.com/pages/100_Word_Fiction_Contest.aspx Yup, its a weekly contest open to all. Just sign up for the free weekly newsletter by clicking here. Then email us your 100 word limit fiction to wayfarer@bikernet.com WINNERS SO FAR: 1. for the month of May 2023: “Been There Done That” by Steven Sanner 2. for the month of June 2023: “A Hundred” by Chris Dutcher 3. for the month of July 2023: “First Time” by Rhys 4. for the month of August 2023: “Hilary” by Gearhead 5. for the month of September 2023: “Mountain” by Koz Mraz 6. for the month of October 2023: to be announced soon

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Review: Chopper Hobo by Shovelhead Dave

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A Book Review by J J Solari that kicks some sense & hits you with wit & wisdom The book doesn’t have long paean – look it up – to the nobleness of destitution, suffering or sadness…… nor long tirades against the relentless oppression of the government and “the greedy corporations” and Man’s inhumanity to trees or anything else remotely whiney. This utter lack of depressing content and mega overdoses of relentless can-do-ness CAN be upsetting to some readers who demand to be driven to despair via their reading material. Click here to read the entire nuts and bolts of the book only at Bikernet.com * * * * * * * * * * * * The 5-Ball Racing Garage Online Shop has products you needed & never found anywhere else!!! Click to view.

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Baker’s Dozen Fight for Bikers

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On Tuesday, 13 members of the House of Representatives sent a bipartisan letter to U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary of Pete Buttigieg seeking the formation of the Motorcyclist Advisory Council (MAC). As you may remember, the MAC was first established by Congress in 2015 and renewed with passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act in 2021. Unfortunately, despite the requirement that the MAC be established within 90 days after the law is passed, DOT has failed to act. In the past, the MAC has provided a critical forum for policy makers, roadway engineers, and motorcyclists to discuss ways roadway and barrier design, construction and maintenance practices and intelligent transportation systems can better meet the safety needs of the nearly 9 million motorcyclists in this country. One important part of the reestablished MAC, as outlined in the text of the law, is the expansion of membership seats. The inclusion of manufacturers, motorcyclist rights organizations and safety professionals will provide for a more expansive knowledge base and information sharing on the council. As prescribed in the law, the MAC will be required to submit biennial reports on their findings. Establishment of the MAC was one of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation’s priorities during the recent Bikers Inside the Beltway event in D.C. Thank you to Rep. Gallagher for leading the letter and to the 12 other lawmakers listed below for supporting our efforts to seat the MAC. Rep. Gallagher (WI) Rep. Carsen (IN) Rep. Finstad (MN) Rep. Fitzgerald (WI) Rep. Fitzpatrick (PA) Rep. Grothman (WI) Rep. Lee (NV) Rep. Norman (SC) Rep. Stauber (MN) Rep. Steil (WI) Rep. Tiffany (WI) Rep. Van Orden (WI) Rep. Wilson (SC) 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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Paris Climate Accord Vs Paris e-scooters

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Parisians vote to ban e-scooters from French capital An overwhelming majority of Parisians voted to ban electric scooters from the streets of the French capital on Sunday, in a non-binding referendum that city authorities have said they would follow. The ban won between 85.77% and 91.77% of the votes in the 20 Paris districts that published results, according to the City of Paris website on what was billed as a rare “public consultation” and prompted long queues at ballot boxes around the city. “I preferred to vote against, because in Paris it’s a mess. The way it’s organised, the danger that it creates in Paris, the visual pollution, it’s not good.” said a railway worker. Cities worldwide are tightening regulations on e-scooters, limiting the number of operators as well as speed and where they can park. Electric scooters accessed through smartphone apps have operated in Paris since 2018, but following complaints about their anarchic deployment, Paris in 2020 cut the number of operators to three. They were given a three-year contract, required that scooters’ speed be capped at 20 km/hour and imposed designated scooter parking areas. The current contracts will run until September 2023. Other restrictions were checking if users age was over 18, fixing licence plates so police could identify traffic offenders and limiting to one passenger. On Sunday, operators such as Tier and Lime sent free voucher codes to users to encourage them to vote against the ban. Some voters said they would have rather had tighter regulations than an outright ban. “I don’t want scooters to do whatever they wants on pavements, but banning them is not the priority said a Parisian. “I voted for (the scooters) because I’m against the rather binary choice we’re given in this referendum,” he added. In 2021, 24 people died in

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Ultimate Motorcycle Road Trip Packing List

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Road tripping on your bike is an excellent way for celebrating your love of riding Are you planning a motorcycle road trip? Then you’re in for an enjoyable time. Road tripping on your bike is an excellent way to visit scenic locations while celebrating your love for riding. However, bringing all the necessary supplies on your trip is essential to having the best experience. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of all of the most critical items you’ll need for your trip. Read on to learn our ultimate motorcycle road trip packing list. Click Here to Read this short, simple guide on Bikernet.com Ride Free, Ride Safe …. If unfortunately, you ever find yourself a motorcycle accident victim, you can call Law Tigers team at 1-888-863-7216 for assistance. Tell them Bikernet.com sent ya.

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Music, Meaning & Motorcycling

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Rocking On Requires Some Rolling by Wayfarer Sound has more impact on life than we know or credit it for. Sound is not just significant to humans but many lifeforms. We now have turned sound to music. W have a whole range of music genres to choose from – for entertainment, for ‘edu-taiment’ of kids, for relaxing, for hitting the gym, for romantic night dinners, for wild parties and more. In this article, there are also a few examples offered of some myths & inspirations from iconic Rock group ‘Creedence Clearwater Revival’ music & songs. Often people assume meanings of songs based on lyrics, music style or other socio-cultural information from the period when a song first appeared. CLICK HERE to read this Exclusive Feature Article only on Bikernet.com Gear up & ride to your next Wild Biker Party – Click to checkout the all-new 5-Ball Racing Shop

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Zero to Zen: The Health Benefits of Motorcycling

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Good Vibrations & the Road to Wellness by Gary Mraz Naysayers are quick to spout the dangers of motorcycling but friends, countrymen lend me your helmetless ears. The psychological and emotional benefits of riding are real. Motorcycle riding also has physical health benefits. CLICK HERE To Read this article on Bikernet.com Subscribe to our Free Weekly Newsletter for updates on Motorcycle industry & events

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Wishing You All New Adventures this Halloween

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Of course Frankenstein rides a chopper… from Lowbrow Customs When it comes to motorcycles, there is a lot of tacky stuff out there. We wanted to create some motorcycle-related Halloween photos that weren’t hokey and share them with you all. Several of us donned some classic movie monster costumes and enjoyed some time in a local graveyard… Frankenstein (Tyler), Bride of Frankenstein (Amanda) with a 1975 Harley Shovelhead chopper and and a Werewolf (Todd) on his Triumph bobber. We hope you enjoy them! PS – We’ve been putting small posters of one of these photos (as well as some candy) in Lowbrow Customs orders all month, and will keep doing so until we run out! Lowbrow Customs Website: https://www.lowbrowcustoms.com/

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