Washington DC, Missouri Win and a new Friendship

The motorcyclists in Wisconsin were well represented in Washington DC again with ABATE of Wisconsin sending Kirk “Hardtail” Willard and myself to discuss the issues affecting us in the state. We were able to sit down and meet with Senator Johnson’s staff, Congressman Tiffany and Congressman Steil. We also had phone meetings with Senator Baldwin, Congressman Pocan and Congressman Gallagher’s staff. I would like to thank Rocky and Tiffany from the MRF for setting up these meetings to make good use of our time in DC.

We had a major win on the federal level with the passage of the House of Representatives version of the Highway Transportation Bill. Motorcyclists were able to get very important language in the bill that will help protect us from being profiled by law enforcement, it will renew the Motorcycle Advisory Committee and will include seats at the table for motorcycle rights organizations. Also, in this bill, we will be better protected from autonomous driving technology by requiring companies to report testing with motorcycles. The final “win” will increase funding that states can use for Motorcycle Training by 34%.

Although we would have liked to have seen these in the original language of the bill, we are happy that they were included by the amendments. The next step for this massive bill is to go on to the Senate where we are sure that large changes will be made. While we were in Washington DC, we discussed the importance of these items with both Senator Baldwin and Johnson’s staff. They gave us their commitment that they will work to help keep our language in the final Senate version. Once the Senate passes their version, it will go to a joint committee to draft a final version. We need to reach out to both Baldwin and Johnson’s offices to ask for their help to keep this language in. Please go to ABATE’s website to complete the MRF’s call to action. This is the best way for us to get the message to our Senators.

On the state level we have a very important Primary Election on August 11th. This will cut the number of candidates down to one from each party on the ballot in November. There a couple very contested races for Congress. PLEASE, take the time to get to know the candidates and where they stand on motorcycle issues. Bikers tend to vote to protect their lifestyle, so knowing that we will have a friend in the House of Representatives, and in Madison is very important.

ABATE of Wisconsin learned about a very high-profile crash that happened just outside of Fond du Lac where a driver intentionally crossed the center line and killed a motorcyclist. This crash was being blamed on a protest group that is targeting motorcyclists in the state. ABATE reached out to the Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s office for information to try to better understand the situation. We learned that this tragedy was caused by an individual acting maliciously on his own and had nothing to do with a group. We were able to get this information out on social media to correct misinformation and as a result we built a good relationship with the Sheriff’s office. This was a tragedy and our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of the motorcyclist

One, or two, final thoughts. First, Congratulations to the Missouri Freedom of Road Riders and ABATE of Missouri for repealing their motorcycle helmet law. This does not go into effect until August 28th and you must be 26 or older, and have proof of insurance, but this was a huge win. Congratulations! And second, we would like to wish Tiffany, from the MRF good luck on her new journey. We enjoyed working with Tiffany in Washington DC and we thank her for all her help.

And here is a great story by Steve. While we were meeting with Congressman Tiffany, Hardtail learned that they were on the same flight back to WI later that day. The Congressman asked Hardtail if he had a car at the airport and when he learned that Hardtail did, he asked for a ride home. They were flying into the Minneapolis airport and Congressman Tiffany needed a ride to Minocqua. Hardtail obliged and after spending three and half hours in a car with a Congressman, we have a new friend in DC. That’s building relationships!

That’s it.

Steve