Bikers in Washington, D.C.

As I write this, Hardtail, Dave Dwyer, Steve Panten, Seven, and Cathy Dial, along with countless other bikers from around the U.S., are in Washington D.C. fighting the good fight. They are at Bikers in the Beltway, the national motorcyclists’ lobby day.

Several of the issues they are talking to our federal legislators about are the same issues we just got done talking about with our state legislators here in Wisconsin. While most of us were not able to go to DC in person, you can always call, write, or email your federal legislators at any time. Hopefully, you will even run into them in person at an upcoming event.

Here’s the list of items being discussed in D.C.:
HR2141—We are looking for cosponsors for HR2141 which supports the efforts to include the preservation of the Motorcyclist Advisor Council in the upcoming surface transportation bill.
HR366—We are looking for cosponsors to support the Motorcyclist Anti-profiling Resolution.
Highway Bill—We are looking to include the same motorcycle specific language in the 2021 Highway Bill that was in the 2020 bill, which died in Congress. These policies would ensure motorcyclists are treated fairly in all federal policies.
Re-examine the 40-year-old Definition of a Motorcycle and update it to define the different types of vehicles presently on the road that are being considered as motorcycles, like autocycles.
Support consumer education on the proper use of E-15 gasoline. Specifically, requiring new labeling at fuel pumps warning consumers to check their owner’s manual before using E-15.
Assure that motorcycles are mentioned by name in any legislation surrounding automated driving systems. Any autonomous vehicle on the road should be required to identify and respond to a motorcyclist.
Keep the motorcycle caucuses strong and educated on our wants and needs. Ensure they stand with us on critical issues related to motorcycling.

If you want more information on any of the above topics, feel free to reach out to me at mrfrep@abatewis.org anytime.

And as always, stay vigilant, my friends!

Jennifer Dewitz
ABATE of WI
Board of Directors
MRF State Rep
S.T.E.A.M. Committee Chair