Bridging the Gap
Last weekend members of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) attended a meeting of the National Council of Clubs in Gulfport, Mississippi. The MRF was invited to the event, entitled “Bridging the Gap,” to discuss opportunities for the motorcycle club community to work in partnership with the MRF on national legislation. The MRF gave two presentations, the first on our 2021 legislative agenda and the second on the outlook for motorcycling going forward.
The MRF was represented by Kirk “Hardtail” Willard (MRF President), Jay Jackson (MRF Vice President), Fred Harrell (Director of Conference & Events), Todd Riba (MRF Members Representative), Russell Radke (Director of Sustaining Member Motorcycle Clubs) and Rocky Fox (Government Relations). The weekend in Gulfport was the culmination of years of work by the MRF and clubs to find common ground on issues of importance to all motorcyclists. Specifically, Russell Radke should be applauded for his efforts to help foster lines of communication and collaboration between clubs and independents. Russell has spent countless hours spreading the word about the MRF and this weekend was a product of his hard work.
Thank you to the National Council of Clubs for the invitation to Gulfport and thank you to all those who fight for bikers’ rights nationwide.
Helping in the States
As State Capitols around the country become busy with legislative activity numerous motorcycle specific bills are being considered. Recently ABATE of Maryland reached out to the MRF seeking testimony in support of a new helmet choice bill introduced in the Maryland State Senate.
The MRF submitted both written testimony and testified via Zoom in support of SB 712 – Vehicle Laws – Protective Headgear Requirement for Motorcycle Riders- Exception. MRF Vice President Jay Jackson spent Tuesday afternoon testifying before the Judicial Proceedings Committee.
We know that many other state motorcyclists’ rights organizations are addressing issues of importance in their state capitals. Whether it be another helmet law, as Nebraska is focused on or changes to ethanol as our friends in Iowa and Indiana are addressing, we at the MRF are committed to supporting the work at the state level. Let us know what you are working on back home so we can share with your fellow riders across the country.
To read the MRF testimony submitted to the Maryland State Senate click here.
