MRF Rep Report

This year’s Bikers Inside the Beltway is going to be great! ABATE of WI has had so much enthusiasm to attend that we have opened up the scholarship budget to accommodate four more attendees. BITB will take place May 15 & 16 in Washington DC. We will hit all eight WI legislative offices, along with networking with likeminded bikers from throughout the country. BITB is also when the Motorcycle Riders Foundation holds one if it’s two in-person board meetings.

One of our recent victories on the federal level was requiring the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to report to the Senate and House Committees on Appropriations on how they may be “conducting activities that encourage states to adopt legislation, regulation, or other polices that unjustly profile motorcycle riders.” Their time is quickly running out to report on this, and we will be sure to keep you informed when we hear the results.

Another recent victory also required NHTSA to answer specific questions on how vehicles with self-driving technology are interacting with motorcycles and motorcyclists. We have received a response from Acting Administrator Ann Carlson. NTSHA reports that they are actively working to educate consumers and the media that automated driving system (ADS) technologies are not self-driving technologies, and that drivers must always remain engaged in the driving task. There are currently no ADS-equipped vehicles for sale to consumers in the United States. There are, however, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) available for sale, which the agency refers to as technologies that support drivers but require human drivers remain engaged.

Interestingly, NHTSA noted that the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law mandates automatic emergency braking systems (AEB) to help avoid and mitigate crashes with vehicles and pedestrians. The agency will continue to research how AEB and other crash avoidance technologies can help address other serious and fatal crashes, including when an ADAS system is engaged. If that isn’t enough jargon to make your head spin, here’s one more. In January of 2022, the US Department of Transportation (DOT) launched the National Roadway Safety Strategy (NRSS) to adopt a safe system approach to traffic safety. The NRSS emphasizes the need to take special care to ensure that those road users who are most vulnerable—cyclists, pedestrians, and motorcyclists—are safe. This is a slippery slope as we never want to be considered vulnerable road users. This opens up the can of worms for them to enforce stricter laws and safety standards on us.

Lastly, in response to California’s plan to ban the sale of new gas- and diesel-powered cars and trucks in 2035, US Rep John Joyce (R-PA) introduced a bill to protect Americans’ right to choose the technology that powers their motor vehicles. H.R. 1435, known as the Preserving Choice on Vehicle Purchases Act, will prevent the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from allowing California’s Zero Emissions Vehicle regulations to ban the sale or use of new motor vehicles with internal combustion engines. This bill dropped on March 8th, and already had 66 cosponsors within 8 days. It currently sits in the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

On a more fun note, MRF President, and our very own, Hardtail recently appeared on Cycle Source Magazine’s “Shop Talk” radio show discussing the RPM Act and the consumer’s right to repair act. H.R. 906, The Repair Act, helps protect consumers ability to utilize independent repair shops and aftermarket parts to work on their vehicles, including motorcycles. Independent motorcycle shops are forming a coalition to support this and continue the education to consumers. As bikes get older, dealerships are less willing to work on them and factory parts are often not available.

Continuing to be able to ride and to be able to ride what we want are challenging issues. With your continued support and the help of other like-minded advocates, we will fight to defend the rights and freedoms we cherish. Join and support the MRF, and as always,

Stay vigilant, my friends.