ABATE of Colorado

motorcycleridersfoundation.wildapricot.org

Two More Bills Aimed at Protecting the Internal Combustion Engine

At the end of October, Senators John Kennedy (R-LA), Mike Crapo (R-ID) and Pete Ricketts (R-NE) introduced the Choice in Automobile Retail Sales (CARS) Act, S. 3094. This bill has a House companion bill, introduced by Representative Tim Walberg (R-MI) and Andrew Clyde (R-GA), H.R. 4468.

These bills would prohibit the Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from finalizing, implementing, or enforcing a regulation concerning emissions for light-duty and medium-duty vehicles starting with model year 2027. The bills would prevent the EPA from mandating the use of specific technology in new motor vehicles or issuing rules that result in the limited availability of motor vehicles to end-use consumers based on the engine in that vehicle. Furthermore, the goal of these bills is to preserve American automobile manufacturing and protect access for American consumers to choose affordable, dependable and functional automobiles for their needs.

As you can see, the focus of these bills is similar to H.R. 1435 and S. 2090 Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Acts, which focus on taking away the power of individual states to prohibit the sale of internal combustion engines. California specifically, has targeted the internal combustion engine for extinction.

These new CARS Acts are focused directly on stopping the Federal Government and the EPA from attacks on internal combustion engines. In March, the EPA announced plans to compel over two-thirds of new vehicles to be all electric by 2032. The CARS Act blocks this action by the EPA.

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation supports all four bills focused on protecting the sale of internal combustion engines (H.R. 1435, H.R. 4468, S.2090 and S.3094). Whether accomplished by state bureaucrats in Sacramento or federal bureaucrats in Washington, D.C., the assault on the internal combustion engine needs to be stopped.

Luckily, there are legislators in Washington, D.C. who are fighting back. Here are a few quotes on the issue from three U.S. Senators.

Senator Kennedy (LA) said, “I’m proud to support the CARS Act to stop the EPA’s radical rule, which would make the American dream more expensive for millions of hardworking people in our country.”

Senator Crapo (ID) added, “Americans deserve to have access to affordable, reliable vehicles fueled by American-made energy products. Consequences of rules and regulations such as these restrict consumer choice and raise costs for the average American family.”

Senator Ricketts (NE) concluded by stating, “I’ll always fight to protect Nebraskans’ ability to choose what is best for them and their families.”

The MRF is proud to defend the internal combustion engine. Keep your eyes peeled for a call to action on both bills. Officials in Washington, D.C. need to hear from motorcyclists about this threat to our way of life.

You gotta fight for your right to repair - SUPPORT H.R. 906! Do you enjoy working on your motorcycle? Do you want to guarantee access to the parts, tools and service information needed to modify, service and maintain your bike? If you answered yes to these questions, it’s time to contact your member of the House of Representatives and ask them to cosponsor ...

Ask your two Senators to protect the internal combustion engine! While the House of Representatives is in week three of the search for a new Speaker of the House, the U.S. Senate remains open for business.

For those of you who were not able to attend Meeting of the Minds in Harrisburg, PA, this is a must see video. The future of motorcycling has never been in greater danger. If you are not a member of your state's motorcyclists' rights organization AND the Motorcycle Riders Foundation, you are part of the problem.

pros://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jrC23_pS-Z0

MRF (Motorcycle Riders Foundation) MOM Meeting Of The Minds '23 If you ride a MOTORCYCLE and you enjoy your FREEDOM, take the time to watch this video. There is trouble brewing in the Motorcycle Aftermarket with the EPA a...

https://electrek.co/2023/09/21/bmw-stops-selling-all-its-motorcycles-in-us-except-for-electric-motorcycles/

Read it and weep...

BMW stops selling all its motorcycles in US except for electric motorcycles BMW Motorrad has issued a “stop sale” notice for all of its internal combustion engine motorcycles in the US. The...

Tesla to Expand Use of Biker Killing Technology in Illinois
ABATE of Illinois Calls on Governor & Legislative Leaders to Convene Working Group

TESLA has announced the expansion of testing their experimental full-service autonomous driving technology on public roadways into 14 additional cities including Elgin, Illinois. They announced new positions for drivers to collect data from the use of their autopilot and full-service driving systems. This technology was the subject of a blockbuster Washington Post Report that revealed TESLA’s full-service driving & autopilot driving systems have killed more drivers than previously disclosed. This included four motorcyclists, three of whom were run over at highway speeds by TESLA vehicles using these driving modes.

The specific threat posed to bikers by Tesla vehicles was recently recognized by former NHTSA Senior Safety Advisor Missy Cummings who stated, “It’s very dangerous for motorcycles to be around Teslas”. Missy continues to be active in the autonomous vehicle field as a professor at George Mason University’s College of Engineering & Computing.

“Despite the documented dangers to motorcyclists and the driving public, Tesla continues to push forward with the irresponsible and hazardous testing of their vehicles on public roadways.” Said Bob Ellinger, State Coordinator of ABATE of Illinois. “ABATE of Illinois has been a leader in talking about the dangers of Tesla vehicles in Illinois and nationwide. We will continue to fight against technology on the road that has shown to be fatal to riders.”

In addition to being dangerous to bikers and motorists, Tesla autonomous systems are under investigation for 16 different crashes into first responder vehicles including one fatality. The initial investigation was for 10 collisions, and 6 additional collisions were found during that investigation.

“While Congress removed any reference to Autonomous Vehicles in recently passed Highway Bills, there were several bills filed this year to deal with the responsible regulation of these vehicles here in Illinois.” According to Josh Witkowski, State Legislative Coordinator & Lobbyist for ABATE of Illinois. “Our lives are not a field test for autonomous vehicles like Tesla, and Illinois must step up to lead in responsible regulation and development of autonomous technology. There was talk of a serious autonomous vehicles working group during session. Now is the time to make that happen.”

A recent AAA study found that only 9% of Americans “trust” self driving vehicles and 68% are “afraid” of it. This is an increase in the level of distrust of autonomous vehicles since the AAA started tracking surveys on the issue. ABATE believes that this increased level of distrust is directly due to increased fatalities caused by Tesla’s haphazard deployment of testing their dangerous technologies. This increased distrust is harmful to those companies who want to responsibly develop autonomous technology in Illinois.

Therefore, in an effort to protect the motorcyclists of Illinois and encourage responsible development of autonomous technology in Illinois, ABATE of Illinois is calling on the Governor and legislative leaders to convene an Autonomous Vehicle Working Group to develop legislation that will both protect the public and help keep Illinois a leader in developing the next generation of transportation technologies. This group should have representatives from the manufacturing and industry sectors, transportation safety advocates and professionals, and transportation advocacy groups representing all modes of transportation and road users.

Supporting References:

Washington Post Article

https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2023/06/10/tesla-autopilot-crashes-elon-musk/

Tesla Announcement & Job Posting

https://www.fox9.com/news/tesla-hiring-test-drivers-autopilot-self-driving.amp?fbclid=IwAR2hrnvOB8iCnVNZOWu-1ABo96uDUVIf3qLcj03827gj_bzch-3c6lQra_Q

https://www.tesla.com/careers/search/job/seasonal-vehicle-operator-201955?fbclid=IwAR3OL3DjDTIDPk4IvmTn58tpyP0rZ4kYMAu4TB9GTmdySMO5YKpVgtjU6VI

News Article on AAA Study of AV Trust

https://www.thedrive.com/news/most-americans-say-theyre-afraid-of-self-driving-cars-report

Most Americans Say They're 'Afraid' of Self-Driving Cars: Report American's are not just skeptical of autonomous cars, more than two thirds in a AAA study report being explicitly "afraid" of the technology.

33 states represented at Bikers Inside The Beltway annual motorcycle lobby day in D.C. A lot of first timers!

4/8/23

Hello, Legislative Team:

First off – Happy Easter to all. With 30 days left in the Legislative session, there is still a lot of work to be done. A few more bills are being introduced but many more have a long way to go in the process. Here are the numbers as of today: Senate introduced 271 bills; 15 assigned to S-T&E and 17 concerning transportation. House – introduced 288 bills; 34 to H-THL committee with 20 concerning transportation.

Of the 271 bills introduced in the Senate so far: 92 of them have passed through the entire process with 62 of them appropriated money bills; 50 of those bills passed have already been signed by the Governor of which 31 are funds for various agencies; and 24 bills have been PI’d (killed) so far – 1 by the House after it passed through the Senate! Of course, that leaves 155 bills that still need some more work.

Of the 288 bills introduce in the House: 50 have passed through the process with 28 signed by the Governor already; and 50 bills PI’d - 1 by the Senate after it passed through the House. Which leaves 188 bills still to be addressed. Bottom line – both chambers still have a lot of work to do in the last 30 days!

Thanks to those ABATE members who have replied already confirming attendance on May 1st for the “May is Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month” Tribute. How about the rest of you? There are still a few reserved seats available on the Senate floor. Sure, would like to see a large turnout as I stressed the importance of this to us motorcyclists. Please contact me before May 1st if you can attend. Thanks.

Lastly, HB23-1059 (Lane Splitting Study) still hasn’t been scheduled in the H-APP committee yet.

Stump

76th day of session, quick number count: Senate introduced 213 bills; 14 to S-T&E with 15 transportation bills. House introduced 254 bills; 29 to H-THL with 17 transportation related. Again, the House is meeting on a Saturday. Must be some contentious bills for 2nd and 3rd readings. They’ll meet on a Saturday for these bills when they think they’re going to have a lot of discussion and don’t want to take up a regular days schedule and interfere with committee meetings.

No news on HB23-1059 (Lane Splitting Study).

But big news on a “May is Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month”!!! A Senate Tribute will be presented by Senate Minority Leader Lundeen, on Monday, May 1st. It will be sometime after session starts at 10:00 am and we’re invited to observe and be recognized from the Senate floor. So, I need to know how many ABATE members will be attending. This is really something special for motorcyclists and I hope we get a huge turnout. (Well, at least 10 would be great!). I need to know as soon as possible so they can reserve our seats. Please reply to me by Wednesday, 3/29 if you can attend. A great way to get ABATE recognized and photo ops too! Also, the House is working on a tribute too. We got 10 “sponsors” for the House tribute, including the Speaker of the House, so it’s taking a little longer for them to get it finalized, but I’m hoping they will coordinate with the Senate and schedule a presentation for the same day – Monday May 1st. More on that later….

Lastly, I’m still working on appointments for the Bikers Inside the Beltway (BITB). I got 3 confirmed appointments with 7 to go.

Stump

Hello LegTeam, 3/18/23

Quick numbers for this 69th day of the legislative session: Senate introduced 198 bills; 13 initially assigned to S-T&E with 13 concerning transportation. House introduced 248 bills; 27 initially assigned to H-THL with 12 about transportation.

Good news first – after talking to some legislators this week and sending out requests to those I know that ride, I’ve gotten 6 sponsors (at least one Democrat and one Republican from both the Senate and the House) to deliver a tribute for “May is Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month”. Last year the tribute was sponsored by a Senator and only presented in the Senate. I inquired about a possible “joint-tribute” since there are sponsors from both chambers. No such thing as a “joint-tribute”, so it looks like there will be 2 separate tributes!

Now on to HB23-1059 (Lane Splitting Study). It’s been over 4 weeks since the bill passed the H-THL committee and was sent to the H-APP committee. It has yet to be scheduled for a hearing. Could this be like last year when SB22-175 (Mobile Electronic Devices and Motor Vehicle Driving) failed because it never got scheduled in the H-APP committee? If it does get scheduled, I’ll contact the Chair of that committee with ABATE’s concerns about the bill, to maybe get an amendment or at least some clarification about our concerns. Bills usually just fly by in appropriations with the hearings usually held at 7:30 am on a Friday with multiple bills being discussed. If the bill passes H-APP, it goes to the Committee of a Whole (House floor) for a 2nd and 3rd reading. That would be a better place to address ABATE’s concerns. Our major concern is lane splitting when traffic is doing 40 mph. I know the bill is just about a study, but the sponsor and supporters of the bill, emphasized the need for lane splitting because of over-heating of an air-cooled engine and rider when stopped in traffic on a 90+ degree day. But if you’re going 40 mph, aren’t you and your engine getting some air? Other minor concerns: the sponsor doesn’t differentiate between lane splitting and filtering, which should be explained to everyone voting on this bill; the bill also says CDOT and CSP will do the study but doesn’t mention input by stakeholders. The fiscal note goes on to say that “CDOT will be given $75,000 to contract with a consultant to do the study”. (So, who’s really going to do the study?). My meetings with the sponsor have been very brief, as he doesn’t seem to want to hear my input. When I mentioned ABATE’s concerns, his answer was, “Yeah we’re addressing that”. The person he said was giving him a list of stakeholders denied that he was doing that. Furthermore, Rep. Weinberg also seems a little “misinformed” about some things. In his TV interview, he stated that “all motorcycles are air-cooled”. (Hence, over-heating in stop-and-go traffic). We all know that isn’t true. Also, at the H-THL Committee hearing he said California legalized lane splitting while traffic is doing 35 mph. After personally talking to a CHP motorcycle cop, he said there is no such regulation. CHP has issued guidelines for lane splitting and the bottom line is that “it must be done safely”. (Yeah right, like that happens!!!). So that about wraps up all my comments about the bill and the sponsor. We’ll have to wait and see if ABATE’s concerns get addressed when or if the bill progresses. I did mention that ABATE does support the bill because it is just a study.

Lastly, I started getting confirmations on my requests for appointments with legislators in DC for Bikers Inside the Beltway.

Stump

Pressure Mounts on Federal Government to Act on Self-Driving Cars

Late last week it was announced that Tesla will recall 362,000 vehicles equipped with its Full Self-Driving (FSD) Beta software. This comes after U.S. regulators said on Thursday the driver assistance system did not adequately adhere to traffic safety laws and could cause crashes. The recall comes on the heels of a string of crashes last summer involving motorcyclists in Florida, Utah, and California.
Follow link to read full article - https://mrf.org/alerts/

Hello LegTeam,

HB23-1059 (Lane Splitting Study) just passed the H-THL committee on a vote of 8-5. Rep. Weinberg had told me he was going to kill the bill. I had another appointment scheduled for today, so I didn't see a need to cancel that appointment just to hear him kill the bill. For some reason he changed his mind and presented the bill and it passed. It now goes to the H-APP committee. Here is the link to hear to committee hearing: https://sg001-harmony.sliq.net/00327/Harmony/en/PowerBrowser/PowerBrowserV2/20230214/-1/13857 . Copy the link, then enter it into your search block. Look at the agenda on the right side to see what time the bill starts (another bill was heard first). Contact me if you need further instructions.

Stump

House Transportation, Housing & Local Government [Feb 14, 2023] Duration is only an estimate.

STUMP's Legislative News February 4, 2023

Hello LegTeam,

After 4 weeks of the Colorado General Assembly session, here are the numbers: Senate – introduced 111 bills; 10 assigned to S-T&E but 12 related to transportation issues (some went to other committees first); House - 171 bills introduced; 21 assigned to H-THL committee with 12 concerning transportation. Also, 2 of the transportation-related bills have been PI’d (postponed indefinitely – killed) already.

I attended a H-THL committee meeting this week, not so much for the content of the 3 bills being discussed but to put a face to the names of the “newbies” on the committee. I did distribute “welcome” letters to the “newbies” but I didn’t really get to meet them as I gave most of the letters to their aides. I also got to observe them “in-action” – which legislators were engaged with the committee and which were “busy” on their phones and not really paying attention.

HB23-1059 (Lane Splitting Study) is going to be PI’d or pulled by the sponsor of the bill. I met very briefly with Rep. Weinberg on Thursday. Prior to our meeting, he had been in contact with Tiffany Cipoletti, the On Highway Government Relations Manager for the AMA, who informed him that the AMA thinks HB1059 was “poorly written and wasn’t supported by CDOT and CSP”. She went on to say, “entering into a study with the DOT and CHP when you know they are opposed may be detrimental to any future efforts”. That seemed to be deciding point for Rep. Weinberg. He had also talked to Capt. Honn (CSP liaison to the Legislature) to confirm CSP’s stance on the bill. At our brief meeting (about 2 minutes), Rep. Weinberg said, “ I heard from the AMA and I don’t want to do anything that would be detrimental to the relationship between the bikers and CSP, so I’m going to PI the bill. Meeting over”. But he also said maybe next year. I’m not sure if he pulls the bill before the scheduled committee hearing, Tuesday, 2/14, or if he does it at the committee meeting. I’ll try to find out next week.

Lastly, I’m still busy at the Capitol, trying to arrange personal meetings with the newbies on the S-T&E and H-THL committees to follow up on the welcome letters and give them a more informational introduction to ABATE. (And find out if any of them received constituent emails for ABATE members!).

Get more legislatively active,

Stump

Stump's Legislative News 1/21/2023

We are now 2 weeks into the Legislative Session and most of the Joint Committee Meetings have been completed and the Committees of Reference (regular session committees) meetings are getting started. Monday the S-T&E committee will be having their first meeting and will actually be discussing three transportation-related bills (if you can call an “In God We Trust” special license plate bill transportation-related)!

As of today, the Senate has introduced 64 bills: 8 have been assigned to the S-T&E committee with 6 actually transportation-related. The House Senate has introduced 95 bills: 10 have been assigned to the H-THL committee with 6 actually transportation-related. Since I browse through all the bills, I find some “interesting” topics. I used to call them “stupid” bills, but now I’ll just call them “questionable”. This week, I’ve found two bills: HB23-1014 (Yield to Larger Vehicles in Roundabouts) and SB23-038 (Prohibit Equine Slaughter for Human Consumption). HB23-1014: do we really need a law to tell us not to pull in front of that tractor trailer? How about the “Thin the Herd” rule of nature? As for SB23-038, what about freedom of choice? If it’s good enough for your dog …?

NOTE: Since I’m reporting on bills in this current session, I’m going to skip using “23”. If I reference a bill from a previous year, I’ll mention the year. Also, S-T&E is the Senate Transportation & Energy Committee and H-THL is the newly formed House Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee.

The bill most concerning for motorcyclists at this time is HB-1059 (Motorcycle Lane Splitting Study). It will be discussed at the January SBOD meeting. Thanks to the ABATE members who have sent me some comments about the bill. I’ve received “opinions” that ABATE should support the bill, oppose the bill and remain neutral. We’ll see what the SBOD’s opinion is. I’ll inform everyone when this bill is scheduled for the H-THL committee hearing, in case anyone wants to attend or even testify. I know I will, giving ABATE’s stance on the bill, since some legislators have inquired about it already.

Lastly, again I urge everyone to browse the Colorado General Assembly website – leg.colorado.gov to keep updated on legislative issues. You might even find bills, other than motorcycle issues, that might have a direct impact on your personal life and you want to voice your concerns to your legislators. Try it, you just might have some fun!

Stump

Join us for the fun!
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abateofcolo.org

ABATE of Colorado would like to thank Representative Doug Lamborn for signing on to this resolution.

December 23, 2022

For Immediate Release

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, six states, Washington, Maryland, Louisiana, Idaho, New Hampshire and Arizona 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 here.https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-resolution/366/text?q={%22search%22%3A%5B%22h.%2Bres%2B366%22%2C%22h.%22%2C%22res%22%2C%22366%22%5D}&r=1&s=1

You Have Until Thursday to Help Protect Bikers…

The Co-Chairman of the House Motorcycle Caucus, Rep. Tim Walberg of Michigan, is sending a letter to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) regarding self-driving cars and motorcycles. Crashes involving self-driving cars and motorcycles have made news over the last few months and Rep. Walberg and his colleagues on Capitol Hill are seeking answers.

In the letter to Ann Carlson, Acting Administrator of NHTSA, lawmakers are asking basic questions like, “Should motorcyclists take extra precautions when sharing the road with this new technology?”

Want to help?

https://mrf.org/federal-legislative-issues/ and ask your Representative to join Rep. Walberg and add their name to the letter to NHTSA.

The letter goes out Friday… ACT NOW!

To read a draft of the letter click here.

Thank you for supporting motorcycle riders,
Your MRF Legislative TEAM
https://mrf.org

Motorcycle Riders Foundation Ride With The Leaders!

Reprinted courtesy of Motorcycle Riders Foundation

December 9, 2022
“The Motorcycle Industry’s Vision for Decarbonization”

Tuesday morning, the Motorcycle Riders Foundation attended a panel by the European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers. The discussion centered on “The Motorcycle Industry’s Vision for Decarbonization.” As in the United States, there is a growing movement to shift away from carbon-based fuel and toward decarbonization and elimination of emissions.

While motorcycle emissions account for less than 1% of all emissions in Europe, the motorcycle industry is taking a proactive approach to the future of fueling their transportation system. Regulators in Europe have already set 2035 as the deadline for the ban on the sale of new cars with internal combustion engines. So far, motorcycles have escaped such a ban, but there is little doubt they will come under the microscope of regulators soon.

European motorcycle manufacturers see the writing on the wall and are navigating a potentially complex set of rules and regulations. Two camps have formed within Europe on the topic, one camp focused on strict regulations including the banning of combustion engines and picking winners and losers for which technologies will replace what is on the road today. The second camp is focused on market-based solutions, allowing all technologies to compete, that in theory will lead to the most efficient and cost-effective technologies winning out. Some of the new technology being discussed includes electric bikes, swappable batteries, synthetic fuels, hydrogen fuel cells and hybrid powertrains.

There is also a fear in Europe that other regions of the world have already taken the lead in this technology and Europe is playing catch up. Specifically, the electric car industry and the success of brands like Tesla in the United States has Europeans concerned. European motorcycle firms want to be the leaders in the future of motorcycle technology. European advances in fueling and swappable battery projects could help solve the problem of range and lack of charging infrastructure that is the Achilles heel of electric transportation.

Why does this matter to bikers in America? Europe has over 40 manufacturing facilities and 35 research and development sites across the continent. They are taking a forward leaning approach and have stated their goal to be industry leaders. If Europe chooses a market-based approach and allows the development of a wide variety of technologies American manufactures may end of playing catch up.

While Europe and the United States have different views on many topics, it was great to hear the closing message from the panel in Europe. “Motorcycles are not part of the problem; they are part of the solution.” We at the Motorcycle Riders Foundation couldn’t agree more.

The 35th Annual Last Brass Monkey tees are now available for pre-order through December 12th. Order yours now!

https://abateofcolorado.wildapricot.org/event-4551460

See you there!

November 1, 2022

For Immediate Release

2023 Federal Legislative Agenda

At the 2022 Motorcycle Riders Foundation’s (MRF) 38th annual Meeting of the Minds Conference held in Des Moines, Iowa a legislative strategy session was hosted by the MRF’s Legislative Committee. The purpose of the session was to establish and prioritize the MRF’s 2023 Federal Legislative Agenda.

Legislative issues fall into one of three categories, high, medium and monitor. This list remains fluid and can be adapted depending on the issue and political environment.

Below is a brief description of the issues on the MRF’s 2023 agenda. The January 2023 issue of the American Biker Journal will have more detail on each of these legislative priorities. As a reminder, all MRF members receive a copy of the American Biker Journal with their membership.

If you aren’t a MRF member click here to join and support freedom and safety for street motorcyclists in Washington, D.C.

The 2023 Motorcycle Riders Foundation Legislative Priorities List

HIGH PRIORITY OBJECTIVES:

Profiling - Sustain lobbying efforts for the passage of resolutions or legislation that promotes awareness and prohibition of motorcyclist profiling.

Renewable Fuels - Advocate for targeted changes to the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) including supporting the universal availability of approved fuel blends, containing no more than 10% ethanol by volume.

Autonomous Vehicles - Advocate and monitor any legislation or regulations related to motorcycles concerning connected and autonomous vehicles (AV):

Emission Regulations - Engage the EPA & Congress on any activity related to motorcycle emission regulations including efforts by California and other states that endangers the future of motorcycling

Definition of a Motorcycle - Seek a more appropriate and up to date federal definition of a motorcycle which reflects the current set of vehicles on the roads today.

Crash Avoidance - Promote the theme of crash avoidance versus safer crashing, urging NHTSA and the DOT to focus on crash prevention and rider education.

Helmet Laws - Oppose any mandatory federal helmet, apparel, or conspicuity standards

Black Box / Data Recording - Pursue legislative language that any collected or available vehicle data is the property of the consumer and in which the consumer has the choice to opt-in to having their personal data communicated to interested parties.

Internal Combustion Engines - Work to ensure the survival of internal combustion engines.

2023 MEDIUM PRIORITY OBJECTIVES:

Surface Transportation Reauthorization (Highway Bill) - Advocate and pursue legislative efforts related to the next highway bill reauthorization (expiring in 2026).

Roadway Design - Pursue safer roadway design strategies in federal infrastructure legislation or discussions.

Discriminatory Legislation - Oppose any motorcycling, motorcycle, or motorcyclist-based discriminatory legislation or rules proposed by the U.S. Congress or by any governmental agency.

Vulnerable Roadway User Terminology - Monitor and ensure that motorcycles and motorcyclists are a specific and unique category or classification.

Gang, Club and Other Language - Monitor and respond to federal legislative or regulatory activity concerning the usage of the terms gang, club, known associate, and associate when referring to motorcyclists.

Taxes - Encourage fair treatment of motorcyclists in any change to federal taxes related to transportation.

2023 MONITOR ITEMS:

Distracted Driving - Work to discourage any/all forms of distracted driving.

Sound Testing - Monitor any SAE Motorcycle Roadside Sound Testing or EPA action.

International Partnerships - Continue participation in motorcycle-related activity in the European Union, United Nations, and Canada informing the membership of key developments.

National Studies - Continue monitoring any national studies concerning motorcycles

Exhaust Systems - Monitor and vigorously oppose any federal standard proposing stamping and certifying of motorcycle exhaust systems.

Opponents - Monitor private and public organizations that oppose the legislative agenda or mission of the MRF.

Tolling - Monitor fair tolling concepts on federally funded roadways and projects supported by federal bonds and issues related to congestion tolling.

Lane Filtering and/or Lane Splitting - Monitor and support federal efforts to study and review the benefits and concerns of lane splitting and lane filtering.

Emissions - Monitor and report on any litigation related to motorcycle emissions violations.

Tariffs - Monitor any tariffs on imported motorcycles, parts, or apparel.

Incentives - Seek fair tax rebate and or credits for the purchase of electric motorcycles similar to those offered for electric automobiles.

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

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Motorcycle Riders Foundation Ride With The Leaders!