JOURNAL AMERICAN BIKERS - Motorcycle Riders Foundation
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AMERICAN BIKERS JOURNAL The Motorcycle Riders Foundation Reports Returns to its Roots - American Bikers Journal VOL. 26, NO. 3 May/June 2021
American Bikers Journal - May/June 2021
CONTENTS
32:1 3 POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE 22
GETTING WHAT WE WANT 4 MRF ON THE ROAD AGAIN... 23
ELECTIONS REPORT 5 NOMINATE THE 2021 YOUNG ACTIVIST
WHY WE FIGHT 6 SCHOLARSHIP WINNER 24
ALABAMA 8 ON THE ROAD AGAIN... 24
ARIZONA 8 REPRINT FROM FEMA NEWS 26
COLORADO 9 AROUND THE STATE WITH PHIL 28
INDIANA 10 AZ’S MC’S PROFILING COURT ISSUES 30
ILLINOIS 11 MRF BOARD OF DIRECTORS 31
IOWA 12
KENTUCKY 12
LOUISIANA 13
MASSACHUSETTS 13
MINNESOTA 14
MISSOURI 14
NEW YORK 15
PENNSYLVANIA 16
RHODE ISLAND 16
TENNESSEE 16
TEXAS 17
WISCONSIN 18
This newsletter is the official publication of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation,
PO Box 250, Highland, IL 62249; phone: (202) 546-0983.
All rights reserved. Portions may be reprinted with proper attribution.
The American Bikers Journal is published six times a year and distributed nationwide.
Opinions expressed herein are solely those of the authors, and do not necessarily represent those of
the Motorcycle Riders Foundation, its officers or representatives.
The Motorcycle Riders Foundation will not knowingly contract with or do business with any entity
that discriminates against motorcyclists in any way, shape or form.
Motorcycle Riders Foundation
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American Bikers Journal - May/June 2021
32:1
dirt bike track or a two-wheel off still the smile persists all the way
road trail system and watch some home. Something comforting about
kids chasing each other around. a truck or trailer full of dirty mo-
The unbridled enthusiasm and tocross bikes needing oil changes,
obvious enjoyment is absolute- filter replacements, and yes even
ly contagious. I happen to love the several times a summer piston
dirt bike riding and motocross in replacement that goes along with
particular as a sideline to my street two stroke horsepower is okay.
riding passion. I am also fortunate The other thing I think about is
to have a teenage son who would that’s where the future of motorcy-
just as soon ride dirt bikes before cling lies if we continue to support
I just returned from HEARTLAND eating and sleeping. I actually raised and foster it. These kids know
S.T.E.A.M. in Wisconsin. It is a three kids in this environment, un- the feeling that only comes from
long running motorcyclists rights fortunately only one is still at home riding a motorcycle and are expe-
conference hosted in a rotation by to keep me young, but I do have a riencing the freedom of being on
several midwestern State Motor- granddaughter in the area who is two wheels and some of them will
cyclists Rights Organizations. And only a couple years away from the undoubtedly make the transition to
while it was an excellent con- CFR 50. For the one that is home street rider. It is never too soon
ference with lots of energy, very we have a track next door to our to begin to talk to these riders and
good speakers (thanks Jazz), and house and he is allowed to ride involving them in the other side of
outstanding workshops there was on his own and each week when the ride, and that is to preserve it.
definitely a raw edge of concern I get off the road one of the first It can start by fighting for the local
amongst the attendees over the things I have to do is fill multiple track and keeping the trails open
future of motorcycling. Whether gas cans and blend the 32:1, yes, we which is the perfect segue into
it be the looming end of life direc- are two stroke people, and then go fighting for freedom of the road
tives in Europe, crippling emissions groom the track because dirt has and our associated lifestyle. Any-
regulations on the horizon, a desire been flung all over the place. Those time motorcyclists rights people get
by some to end the availability knobby tires are an amazing thing together talk will eventually lead
and/or affordability of fossil fuels; that I have a love/hate relationship a discussion about getting newer
politicians, bureaucrats, and regu- with. Our field next door is a great and younger members, I know
lators continuously forgetting to practice environment but there is where hundreds of them are every
include us in major transportation nothing like going to a track and weekend, at the local tracks and
initiatives; the autonomous vehicles thrashing the other brands and as trails. And guess what, so are their
movement requiring us to fight for anyone does, measure your speed fathers, mothers, and siblings. Find
relevancy, the smart highways in and skill against other riders, al- yourself a free weekend, head to a
design, health care “rules” and on it though I tend to pay more atten- motocross track or dirt bike trail
goes. So, there is definitely a burn- tion to the grey-haired riders on and I guarantee you will leave with
ing platform for our movement’s the track since I have long given up a smile on your face and may just
members to stay concerned, active, chasing my kids. have interacted with the future of
and fully engaged, probably now I get two things from going to these motorcycling and picked up a few
more than ever. The true freedom tracks, again the enthusiasm for new members to boot.
fighters continue to battle as hard watching kids having a blast riding
as ever, I see it and feel it. However, dirt bikes is contagious. I have never Kirk “Hardtail” Willard
having been in this movement for left a track without a huge smile Chairman of the Board
nearly 40 years I also see some on my face even though I might
folks beginning to get discouraged. move a little (ok a lot) slower after
For those headed for that camp I words than I did 20 years ago and
have a suggestion. Go to a local the crashes actually hurt these days,
Motorcycle Riders Foundation
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American Bikers Journal - May/June 2021
GETTING WHAT WE WANT
PRE-EVENT BRIEFING… and Q&A for visits to
Congress is at 7:00 p.m., May 17, and is required for all
attendees. Briefing packets and “leave behinds” will be
available during the briefing.
For the time being, large gatherings in Washington,
D.C., are out. However, we will not let that stop us.
With funding the infrastructure a priority, the language
that the MRF amended into the 2020 highway fund-
ing legislation has not changed. The MRF’s 2021 High
Priority Objectives are on track to be included in the
No, you can’t always get what you want… upcoming version of any highway funding legislation.
But if you try some time you just might find
You get what you need Walking the hallways of Congress and meeting mem-
bers of Congress on their turf is a MRF tradition. You
The lyrics to the Jagger and Richard song, although can bring that tradition home to your congressperson’s
released in 1969, still tell us exactly where we need to local office. Once a bill number for the infrastructure
be heading toward Bikers inside the Beltway 2021. legislation is made public, you will be notified of the
changes.
With enough changes to keep us on our toes, Bikers
inside the Beltway will not be deterred or distracted Although everything we do at Bikers inside the Beltway
from getting our message to members of Congress. can be done locally. That was never the point that Boz
Bikers inside the Beltway is moving WFO toward the Kerr emphasized when he developed what has become
mission at hand to deal with current realities out of an important plank in building the MRF’s legislative
our control. agenda. With the world gone virtual and using the
electronic tools to meet with members of Congress or
a staff person, it is easy to dismiss in-person events like
This is what we know: The pandemic and January 6
Bikers inside the Beltway as “too old school.”
incident forced the MRF to make flexible changes.
The following adjustments were made to move Bikers
inside the Beltway forward: So what? Old School is still cool. And it is just as
NEW HOTEL… A meeting of the MRF Board of important when we double down with meetings and
Directors will take place on May 17 at the Embassy back those meeting up with a barrage of messages
Suites, 1900 Diagonal Road, Alexandria,Virginia 22314. from constituents who are unable to attend Bikers
Rooms are available through the hotel direct line inside the Beltway. Emails, phone calls, even handwrit-
703-684-5900. Use reference code MRF when making ten letters are still effective ways to communicate with
reservations. Hotel cut-off date May 13. Congress. Electronic messaging, meeting members of
Congress in their districts can never replace the first-
INFASTRUCTURE LEGISLATION… As of this writing,
hand experience of a trip to our nation’s Capital. with
bill numbers have not been assigned to the infrastruc-
over a decade of successful Bikers inside the Beltway,
ture funding legislation. The President and Congress
the Motorcycle Riders Foundation will not be deterred
have classified it as a high priority. Language that the
from our meetings on May 18.
MRF amended into the 2020 highway funding legisla-
tion has not changed. The MRF’s 2021 High Priority
Objectives are on track to be included in the upcoming Although the MRF has combined the focus of in-per-
highway funding legislation. son visits of Bikers inside the Beltway with local
APPOINTMENTS WITH MEMBERS OF CON- visits and electronic communication, it is done with a
GRESS… You must make your own appointments with singular purpose – to get what we want. That pur-
your congressional delegation. If you cannot attend pose is augmented with the briefing packets and “leave
Bikers inside the Beltway, make appointments with behinds” that have been updated.
your member’s local office.
Motorcycle Riders Foundation
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American Bikers Journal - May/June 2021
ELECTIONS REPORT
Dave Monroe will be running again The final position up this year is
for his position as Reps Rep. The the SSMRO Rep position currently
nominations and election for this held by Duane Justus. Duane has
position will be during the State indicated that he will not be seeking
Reps meeting during Meeting of the another term. I would like to take
Minds in Atlanta. The winner of this this opportunity to thank Duane for
election will be seated at the begin- his service as one of our SSMRO
ning of the January teleconference Reps. It has been my honor to work
MRF Board meeting. The Sustaining with him serving the needs of our
Club Rep will be nominated by the SSMRO Partners. A call for nom-
Sustaining Clubs present at the Sus- ination papers will be in the next
MRF Elections for 2021
taining Club meeting at the Meeting issue of the ABJ, with the deadline
This year we have four of the of the Minds in Atlanta. The MRF for submission being the Oct. 1,
Generally Elected positions terms BOD then votes on the Nominee 2021. Ballots for this position will
expiring in January 2022. This means at the January BOD meeting with be mailed to all eligible SSMROs by
there will be elections going on at the successful Nominee being seat- Oct. 8th.
Meeting of the Minds for the State ed at that time.
Reps Rep and Sustaining Club Rep.
In the next issue of the ABJ there Dave Dwyer
The Member Rep election will be
will be a call for Candidacy Papers
through the American Bikers Jour- SSMRO Representative
for the Member Rep position. Todd
nal (ABJ) and the Sustaining State
Riba has indicated that he plans to
Rights Organization (SSMRO) Rep
seek re-election to another 2-year
will be mailed out to the Office
term. This election will be by ballots
address we have on record for the
printed in the ABJ and mailed to the
SSMROs.
MRF Office for tabulation.
GETTING WHAT WE WANT continued...
To ensure that the mission of getting our message to Congress does
not fail, here are a few items to consider: Motorcycle
•
Riders
Once infrastructure funding legislation is assigned a Senate and House number, that infor-
mation will be shared. Foundation
• Make your appointments locally or in Washington.
12TH ANNUAL
• Familiarize yourself with the briefing points.
MICHAEL “BOZ” KERR
• Confirm your appointment locally or in Washington.
Bikers
• Virtual or in person, make notes on your meeting.
• Share your meeting notes with the MRF.
Inside
Getting what we want is not easy, it never has been. Now, we will just have
to work harder to accomplish the end results. These lyrics still ring true…
but if you try some time you just might find you get what you need.
the
NATIONAL
The Motorcycle Riders Foundation, with your help, is successful because MOTORCYCLISTS’
we never stopped trying. Thanks to you, we will get what we want! Make LOBBY DAY
Beltway
appointments with your members of Congress, attend the MRF board meet-
ing, briefing session, and Bikers inside the Beltway. Bikers inside the Beltway
2021 – flexible and moving forward to get what we want.
Fred Harrell
May 18, 2021
Sponsored by
Director of Conferences & Events
Motorcycle Riders Foundation Join fellow riders from across the country
5 to help educate lawmakers on the issues
American Bikers Journal - May/June 2021
WHY WE FIGHT
pay to maintain. We believe in rider education. We re-
ject the ‘social burden’ lie that suggests we’re less likely
than some other parts of society to carry adequate
health insurance coverage.
Maybe you know someone who still thinks we’re just
the ‘helmet’ people. If you do, please remind them that
we’re not anti-helmet, and we never have been. What
we are is anti-mandatory helmet law. One of our old-
est credos is that if someone tried to pass a law saying
We live in a changing world, one where social mores we couldn’t wear a helmet, we’d fight that, too.
and individual beliefs are being challenged on a daily
basis. We may not always like it but change is inevitable, Other battles we’re fighting today include the respon-
particularly in a society like ours that values its free- sible use of renewable fuels, especially regarding the
dom. That said it’s important that we remember that labeling, dispensing and availability of higher blend etha-
some things – such as our core values – don’t ever nol fuels such as E15. We’re working to stop motorcy-
change. Those things that we hold most dear, that we cle profiling and bogus checkpoints by law enforcement
refuse to compromise on, that we teach to our chil- agencies. We’re continuing to ensure that motorcycles
dren – they stay the same, come what may. are accounted for in autonomous (self-driving) vehicle
designs.
For many of us it’s in our nature to stand up for our
rights as motorcycle riders and as Americans. But why We’re fighting to protect the motorcycle industry from
do we need to do that? onerous and restrictive federal regulations that could
severely damage the motorcycle aftermarket, and
Consider that as long as people have been living in along with it, all riders’ ability to modify their bikes the
villages, towns and cities, there have been those who way they want to. We’re guarding against End-of-Life
want to run other people’s lives. These people think directives targeting motorcycles and other combustion
they know better than we do when it comes to man- vehicles.
aging our personal affairs. They think governments and
bureaucrats should be deciding how we live. In their The moral of the story is this: without groups like the
deluded view of the world, everyone should think and state motorcyclists’ rights organizations and the Mo-
feel like they do, instead of thinking and feeling for torcycle Riders Foundation, we’d be in a whole heap of
themselves. And if you don’t go along with their agenda trouble. Any rider who thinks they don’t need to join
they consider you to be the enemy. I can’t think of and support our groups should stop and think about
anything more un-American than that. that.
Meanwhile, we’re the type of people who understand
that taking personal responsibility for our actions is
not some vague concept. It’s who we are. It’s how we
live. We don’t need the ‘nanny state’ crowd to tell us
what’s best. We’re more than capable of determining
that on our own.
In the motorcyclists’ rights movement, we’re still
fighting some of the same battles we’ve been fighting
for years – namely our right to modify our bikes the
way we want to, our right to choose whether or not
to wear a helmet, our right not to be discriminated
against by insurance companies, our right to ride with
the people we want to ride with on roads our taxes
Motorcycle Riders Foundation
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American Bikers Journal - May/June 2021
MRF Accomplishments
• MRF has provided a strong, unyielding lobbying effort on behalf of motorcyclists in Washington D.C. since
1987
• Ensuring the responsible use of renewable fuels, especially regarding the labeling, dispensing and availability of
higher blend ethanol fuels such as E15.
• Led the effort to repeal federal blackmail laws trying to force states to pass mandatory helmet laws for all
riders
• Stopped federal legislation that would have classified any group of three or more riders wearing similar
clothing as a ‘gang’
• Stopped unfair insurance provisions targeting motorcyclists
• Helped to overturn road bans attempting to stop motorcyclists from using roads we pay taxes to maintain
• Overturned the ‘superbike’ ban attempting to stop the sale of high-performing motorcycles
• Stopped governmental agencies from using taxpayer dollars to lobby against motorcycling
• Continuing to ensure that motorcycles are accounted for in autonomous (self-driving) vehicle designs
• Working to stop motorcycle profiling and bogus check points by law enforcement agencies
• Supporting voluntary rider education efforts to decrease motorcycle accidents, and helping rider education
programs to obtain government grants
• Protected the motorcycle industry from onerous and restrictive federal regulations that would have severely
damaged the motorcycle aftermarket, and along with it, all riders’ ability to modify their bikes the way they
want to.
• Continuing to work to stop distracted driving
• Stopped unfair EPA regulations that, if endorsed, would have forced riders to use only ‘Approved OEM’ parts
on their bikes
• For more than 30 years, the MRF has spearheaded a network of strong motorcyclists’ rights organizations
protecting rider’s rights. The MRF has made sure that we can ride the kind of bikes we want to ride, with the
people we want to ride with, wearing what we want to wear, on the roads we want to ride, and make the
changes to our bikes that we want to make.
If you’re not already a member of the MRF, why not?
Mark Buckner
Executive Director
Motorcycle Riders Foundation
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American Bikers Journal - May/June 2021
ALABAMA ARIZONA
I’ve been snowed under with paying Director of Public Safety, and they April 12th was our DAY AT THE
job work and haven’t been able have to be approved by that body DOME… the motorcyclists of Ari-
to keep up very well on the 2021 and that the Director of Public zona Lobby Day.
legislative session in Alabama, so Safety shall publish lists of all pro- Over 200 riders from across the
imagine my surprise when I learned tective headgear which have been state of Arizona came to meet with
of a bill, SB 357, brought by Senator approved. There never has been a our lawmakers and representatives,
Clyde Chambliss, R-Montgomery, list of “approved” helmets published 22 out of 30 legislative districts
that would mandate “protective by any governing body in the state. were represented. Owner Logan
headgear that is equipped with The federal code establishing the Roberts and crew of the Squealing
reflective features, approved by Alabama helmet law hasn’t existed Pig, served riders and legislators
the Director of the Department since the mid 70’s (Z90 of 1966). So an excellent BBQ lunch. As we ate
of Public Safety, on both sides for riders here, while they do have to lunch, riders mingled with their rep-
high visibility and which otherwise wear a helmet, can wear about any- resentatives to discuss motorcyclist
complies with standards established thing without getting hassled over issues as well as things that are of
by Section 32-12-41.” This bill is it. I did have a guy tell me he got a concern in their districts.
in the Governmental affairs com- ticket for no helmet when he was I was fortunate to meet Represen-
mittee, having been read once, on clearly wearing one on his knee not tative Walt Blackman and we dis-
March 30. too long ago. cussed our LANE FILTERING BILL,
It always surprises me when pro- (I have borrowed heavily above, introduced last year, which never
posed legislation comes down the verbatim, from an email from my came up for vote. I believe he will
pike and no one asked us anything good friend Dave “Animal” Reid, Sponsor this Bill in the next Leg-
about it. I guess the fact that this who is Alabama’s COC chairman islative Session… I will keep all up
can happen here is a clear hint that and a MRF member.) to date. Representative Blackman
we do not have enough members. I am still excited about the oppor- did receive the ABATE Legislator of
We are not active enough or visible tunity to pitch in and help ABATE the Year Award, presented by Mike
enough. I think we need to get in- of Georgie with this year’s Meeting Infanzon, the ABATE of Arizona
formation to every legislator telling of the Minds. Legislative Director.
him (or her) who we are and what And more than anything, Dixie Thank you to the MRF assistant
we do and emphasizing that if they ABATE sends strong support to Reps, Anissa ‘Dragonfly’ Huntington
are going to craft legislation for us, Doc and his family during a tough and Denny Lange for joining me at
they need to do it with our input. time. I have a heck of a respect for this event and helping to recruit
We’re laying pretty low on anything that man. five new members to the MRF.
having to do with helmets, because
the way the law has read since 1967
Kris Cook
is that all helmet manufacturers
must submit their designs to the Dixie ABATE of Alabama
Motorcycle Riders Foundation
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American Bikers Journal - May/June 2021
I also want to thank My Club members from TINNERS MC, my VP Nixon
and treasurer Overeasy who helped man the MRF Booth during the event.
At high noon all 200 bikes started and I know that we were heard… lol
This event was sponsored by the SMROs of Arizona, ACMC, ABATE and
MMA. and it was very well done. I’d also like to thank our lawmakers, the
SMROs, and the riders who attended… see you all next year. We will
receive May Safety Proclamation on May 3rd in Senate Gallery.
Ride Safe and Ride Free
Dale ‘Animal’ Dedrick
Arizona Confederation of Motorcycle Clubs COLORADO
We have been very fortunate in
Colorado that there have been no
motorcycle related bills brought up
so far during this legislative session.
There have been a few infrastruc-
ture bills that we will keep an eye
on, but the main focus seems to be
on covid; covid relief, budget, and
getting kids back in school. Stump
also keeps us aware of the “bone-
head bill of the week”. As long as
the elected people leave the bikers
of Colorado alone, we’re good. The
legislative session is supposed to go
for 120 days, but after starting on
January 13, they took a break until
mid-February. We have not yet been
told whether they will retire early
or fill out the 120 days.
Dale ‘Bear’ Meade
ABATE of Colorado
Motorcycle Riders Foundation
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American Bikers Journal - May/June 2021
2021 has been a difficult year as all of us have been aware of and it still is
going into springtime It as been having its effects on all of us making it a very
strained year to get things accomplished in Boise… currently we have had our
Distracted Driving law updated to include the use of hands free GPS while we
are in our cars with no changes to the existing law as it was written. ICMS has
been working very hard on getting the Covered Load Bill (HB 159) updated
so that it would read for all loads to be covered while on the open road. We
IDAHO all have been behind gravel and chip trucks to know the importance of this
getting done as it not only concerns all riders but motorists as well. As of this point is has a House sponsor
but ICMS is still working on the Senate. Working on for the future is Lane Filtering… this has passed in our
adjoining states of Montana and Utah this past year and ABATE of N Idaho has reached out to the AMA and
others to gather as much information as possible to further this cause. This will take a lot of education to help
all riders and the driving public to understand how this potential bill will pertain to them and how it works for
all of us.
Both ICMS and ABATE of N Idaho have on May 1st 2021 their respective Motorcycle Awareness Rally’s. ICMS
has their rally in the Boise Capital and ABATE of N Idaho holds their rally in Coeur d Alene. Both of these
events have been going on for a very long time and are always well attended and garner a lot of respect from
our Brothers and Sisters. ICMS has a very well know escorted ride to the Capital steps and ANI has local
speakers with a ride following to our long time Cataldo Swap Meet.
Duane Justus
ABATE of North Idaho
Hello from Indiana. It has been a busy beginning to the year for ABATE of In-
diana. On January 12th SB303 was introduced at the Statehouse. SB303 con-
tained language pertaining to different aspects of ethanol and a state warning
label. Our lobbyist/Executive Director sprang into action and worked long
hard hours to try to see which way to go with this. Labeling at the pumps and
wording of the label for E15 was the issue to concentrate on. Many phone
calls, emails and texts later a plan was formed and agreed upon. Then more
meetings and texts and testifying and long hours at the Statehouse to collect INDIANA
and deploy information and to advance our cause.
I wish I could tell you exactly what the outcome of all of this is but our session is not yet over and as we all
know it isn’t over till it’s over. So next time you will hopefully hear the entire story and a positive outcome.
There is another bill we are watching, HB 1285- the BMV clean-up bill. It changes the definition of a motor driv-
en cycle to the current definition of a Class B motor driven cycle. It is to clarify the changes that have occurred
over the years for definitions of a motorcycle in Indiana.
I hope we are all planning on attending upcoming events in our home state to support the cause of motorcycle
rights. Carry membership applications for the MRF and your SMRO with you.You will probably run across some-
one that hasn’t “heard the word” and would be willing to join to support their way of life.
Don’t forget ABATE of Indiana’s Boogie in July!
Roberta Meyer
ABATE of Indiana
Motorcycle Riders Foundation
10American Bikers Journal - May/June 2021
A big thank you goes out to Elizabeth Winters, and Paulette Korte for setting
in for me at our State Steel meeting. Somewhere around 15 signed up to the
MRF, between Lapsed, Renewal, New, Clubs, & Organization too. Thanks again
Ladies for the help! Also a thank you goes out to Elizabeth Winters for step-
ping up to become an Assistant State Rep. for the MRF.
Bill’s on the watchful eye in the Illinois state house, at the time of this writing.
• IL-HB36 VEH CD-TRAILER WEIGHT TAX. “SUPPORT”
ILLINOIS • IL-HB90 VEH CD-FINE WAIVER “WATCH”
• IL-HB96 VEH CD-TINTED WINDOWS “SUPPORT”
• IL-HB280 ELECTRIC VEHICLE REGISTRATION “WATCH”
• IL-HB656 VEH CD-MOTORCYCLE PASSENGERS “SUPPORT”
• IL-HB682 VEH CD-PERMANENT TRAILER PLATE “SUPPORT”
• IL-HB720 NON-HIGHWAY VEH-55 MPH “WATCH”
• IL-HB1718 VEH CD-REPEAL REDLIGHT CAMERAS “WATCH”
• IL-HJR11 PFC MEARI MEMORIAL HIGHWAY “SUPPORT”
• IL-SB58 REVENUE-VEHICLES “SUPPORT”
• IL-SB70 LICENSE PLATES NON-HWY VEH “WATCH”
• IL-SB150 ALL-TERRAIN VEH & OF-HWY VEH “OPPOSED”
http://www.ilga.gov/ this website will help you take a look at the Illinois bills that we are watching
From Josh Witkowski ABATE of Illinois State Legislative Coordinator.
ABATE of Illinois was able to find out the following on TA plates:
In 2019 there were approximately 450,000 of these plates. After the renewals in 2020 the number shrunk to
300,000. Of those 150,000 missing plates 40,000 of them appear to have been converted into semi-trailer plates.
Regardless of the missing 150,000 plates, the state of Illinois took in nearly 28 million in additional revenue
thanks to this 500% fee increase.
Dennis Yeager
ABATE of Illinois
Working the MRF informational, and membership
drive table. At the ABATE of Illinois swap meet in
Peoria IL. Dennis Yeager talking to Bobby
Carroll about the MRF.
Motorcycle Riders Foundation
11American Bikers Journal - May/June 2021
I forgot to add this bill. AN ACT re-
lating to reorganization and making
an appropriation therefor. SB131
Status as of 03/30/21: Passed
If you would like to follow any
IOWA KENTUCKY Kentucky bill the best place to go
Greetings again from the great The KMA has HB125 in the works is www.legislature.ky.gov.You can
state of Iowa. for this session that will limit a also sign up for Bill Watch on this
person who takes their motorcy- site, which will alert you anytime
I’m fresh off a weekend spent with
cle skills test on a 3-wheeler to a bill moves based on either the
fellow Freedom Fighters that made
riding a 3-wheel motorcycle only. bill number, keyword, or sponsor.
their way to Wisconsin for Heart-
Similar to a restriction for night It is a great tool we have here in
land STEAM . Congratulations to
vision or wearing glasses. If you Kentucky to use to follow and be
our host state and neighbor for do-
pass the skills test with a 2- wheel alerted about key topics.
ing such a great job in hosting this
motorcycle you can operate either
conference. It never gets old seeing KMA/KBA has their annual Free-
a 2- or 3-wheel motorcycle. It will
old friends and making new ones at dom Fighters Forum the third week
also allow for our rider ed program
events like these. It’s so important in January each year.
to reimburse our site providers
that we share information between
when they teach a person from out Please visit KMA/KBA.com for
states on what works to keep our
of state. Currently there is a legal updates and checkout each districts
freedoms and education ideas that
opinion restricting that. webpage to see all events that are
we can use to better train new and
old riders alike. Status as of 03/30/21: Passed going on here in Kentucky.
Our riders education folks are Another bill we are watching is
busy getting thing ready for what SB75 which allows for off road ve- Bonnie Hughes
we hope will be another great year hicles to use certain city and coun- Kentucky Motorcycle Association
teaching students how to safely ride ty roads. This is to help in some
their machines, we have a top notch of the more touristy areas which
RE department and an incredible cater to OHV use. If you are at the
facility and range. campground near a small town you
could run up to the local store for
Our Share the Road program is
supplies on your OHV instead of
looking into making a new PSA
having to go in the RV or other ve-
commercial in the near future and
hicle. To be eligible you would have
we’re all excited about that.
to apply for a permit.
Well that’s all I have for now, please
Status as of 03/01/21: Passed Senate
be careful out there on the open
only
road and do yourself a favor and
check out our 37th annual Free-
dom Rally in Algona Iowa on the
4th of July weekend.
Eric Ross
ABATE of Iowa
Motorcycle Riders Foundation
12American Bikers Journal - May/June 2021
As with the US Capitol, Louisiana has announced that they will not allow
visitors to our Capitol Building during the 2021 Legislative Session unless the
individual is scheduled to testify. We have several individuals that are on that
list to help support our Legislative Agenda. We have two bills being submit-
ted this year with several others that we are supporting:
HB-11 Model All Road Users Act, Rep. Polly Thomas (R-LA). This would
identify higher penalties for distracted automobile drivers and others causing
LOUISIANA serious bodily injuries or fatalities to motorcyclists in our state. Currently
most drivers only receive a “Failure To Yield” ticket of less than $300, if the
officer so choses.
HB-150 Dead Red Bill, Rep. Dodie Horton (R-LA). Will allow motorcycles to proceed through a Red Light under
certain circumstances.
HB-122 Drivers Education Training, Rep. Ken Brass (D-LA). Would require additional instruction in public schools
that address distracted driving.
HB-534 Definition of Autocycle, Rep. Rodney Schamerhorn (R-LA). Modifies the definition of autocycle applicable
to the operator’s helmet exemption and driver’s license endorsement.
*NOTE: There are several others that we are keeping and eye on but, the ones listed above will be our focus for
the 2021 Legislative session.
On March 27, we had the pleasure of having our State Legislative Director, Glenn McGovern, do an ADVOCATE
Training presentation. It was very informative on how the legislative process works in our state. It was a 30-45
minute presentation and included all the basic information that everyone needs to know.
Attached is the Mid-South MILE flyer for 2021 and MRF Staff/Members are always invited and welcome to attend.
This year the event is scheduled in Dallas, Texas, October 22-24, 2021. ABATE of Louisiana had the honor of
hosting it in 2019 and we had over 300 in attendance. Well worth the trip to attend.
Rick ‘BRICK’ Lindsey
ABATE of Louisiana
On April 4th, the word began to spread that our friend and fellow
board member Doc D’Errico was in a motorcycle crash and sustained
severe injuries. We respectfully ask that everyone please keep Doc and
his entire family in your thoughts and prayers. The D’Errico family has
also requested privacy and we implore you to honor their wishes and
not disturb them as they deal with this most trying of times.
MASSACHUSETTS Your responses of concern, caring, and warm well wishes have been
overwhelming and heartfelt for both the D’Errico and MMA families.
Since our original notification we have received numerous requests for
an address to send well wishes and tributes. Therefore, anyone desiring
to send a written card or messages to Doc, to let him hear your voices
loud and clear, please send them to the following address:
Doc D’Errico
c/o Massachusetts Motorcycle Association
P.O. Box 378
Brimfield, MA 01010-0378
Motorcycle Riders Foundation
13American Bikers Journal - May/June 2021
for April 27 and our parade to the
MRF State Rep hard at work at Capitol will begin at noon and we
ABATE University in Alexandria, gather on the south lawn steps.
Minnesota. SCR 9 is our resolution on Motor-
cycle Profiling and it was voted “do
pass” out of the Rules, Joint Rules,
Resolutions and Ethics Committee
on March 30. We also have HB 92
MISSOURI which would specifically define an
Greeting from the Show Me State, Autocycles as “a three-wheeled
motor vehicle which the drivers
Freedom of Road Riders has
and passengers ride in a partially or
completed our Annual FEW Sem-
completely enclosed non-straddle
inar (FORR® Ever Working) that
seating area (no matter the con-
includes officer training and guest
trols or pedals). And HB 996, which
speakers regarding our theme of
will remove the amber and white
Patriotism. One of our speakers
restrictions for auxiliary lights
was Ron from Minnesota’s Mo-
to allow for any color and it was
torcycle Dial-a-Ride concerning
reported ‘do pass” just needs to
the logistics of beginning a similar
be placed on the calendar. Just to
program in Missouri. It is also a
let you know it passed out of the
time for fun and fellowship before
Transportation Committee with a
the summer crush or events and
unanimous vote and then passed
fundraisers. We also present “The
the Rules Executive Session also
Buck Stops Here Award” to our
unanimously.
Legislative Coordinator “Smokin”
Joe Widmer. This is FORR’s highest Stay safe and God Bless America.
honor which is given out at the
FEW Seminar. The Buck Stops Here Amy “Sunshine” Allmon
MINNESOTA Award recognizes those individuals Freedom of Road Riders
that have gone above and beyond,
who steadfastly fight to protect the
rights of Missouri’s motorcyclists,
who are willing to make that hard
decision and not pass the buck. A
Missouri state flag is flown above
our State Capitol in honor of the
individual selected to receive this
award. The 21st Annual Mike Sloan
Memorial MAY Rally (Motorcycle
Awareness and You) is scheduled
Missouri Flag Flown for
Award winner
Speaker- Jim Miller – VFW #1829
Kansas City member
Presenting
Smokin Joe with
Buck Stops Here Award
Motorcycle Riders Foundation
14American Bikers Journal - May/June 2021
Long Island ABATE has always tried to stay up on all the Local, State and
National Legislation effecting the Motorcycle community. Seems like every
day there’s something new for motorcycles or vehicles legislation is trying to
change. Some bills we should support and other we need to voice our objec-
tions. Please look at the following Bills and contact your Government repre-
sentatives and voice your opinion. If you would like more information or a list
of the bills I currently have, just drop me a line and I will be happy to forward
NEW YORK the listing.
Debbie Stondell
Legislative Representative, Long Island ABATE
Number: NY [R] AB 2560 - Updated (Status 07/15/2020)
Title: Increases the fine for operating a motorcycle with a muffler that produces excessive
or unusual noise from one hundred dollars to seven hundred dollars
Number: NY [R] AB 3027 - Updated (Status 01/15/2020)
Title: Relates to making comprehensive motor vehicle insurance reparations (no-fault insur-
ance) applicable to motorcycles
Number: NY [R] AB 3518 - Updated (Status 01/15/2020)
Title: Relates to motorcycle profiling
Number: NY [R] AB 3731 - Updated (Status 01/15/2020)
Title: Prohibits certain children from riding on a motorcycle
Number: NY [R] AB 5098 - Updated (Status 01/15/2020)
Title: Relates to motorcycle awareness on state highways
Number: NY [R] AB 6080 - Updated (Status 01/15/2020)
Title: Provides an exemption from any congestion pricing fees for motorcycles
Number: NY [R] AB 6895 - Updated (Status 01/15/2020)
Title: Provides that motorcyclists over the age of twenty-one shall be exempt from the
requirement to wear a helmet when operating or riding a motorcycle
Number: NY [R] AB 8876 - Updated (Status 01/15/2020)
Title: Relates to issuance of distinctive plates for members of the Red Knights International
Motorcycle Club
Number: NY [R] AB 11077 - Updated (New 10/08/2020)
Title: Relates to certain vehicle equipment violations and fines
Number: NY [R] SB 784 - Updated (Ancillary 01/06/2021)
Title: Relates to certain vehicle equipment violations and fines
Number: NY [R] SB 4986 - Updated (New 02/23/2021)
Title: Establishes distinctive “”POW-MIA”” license plates and establishes the “”POW-
MIA awareness fund””
Motorcycle Riders Foundation
15American Bikers Journal - May/June 2021
RIMA is also working on the Trade relatives here, we need calls, letters
in credit for motorcycles in R.I. At and e-mails to your Tennessee state
this time there is no credit for a representatives and senators, urging
trade in, as far as sales tax is con- their support of these bills.
cerned you pay on the sales price.
Tennessee has some wonderful
Motorcycles were not included on
riding opportunities. The rolling hills
the original trade-in credit bill. That
heading down to Lynchburg and
bill only specified Cars and Trucks.
the Jack Daniels distillery. Miles of
A Bill to correct this over-site was
uninterrupted riding on the Nat-
PENNSYLVANIA introduced on February 18th, Sen-
chez Trace Parkway. Or the twists
ate Bill #298 no hearing set yet.
and turns of the Tail of the Dragon.
HB113, the Motorcycle Proces- RIMA has set up a Petition for the Imagine how much more enjoy-
sion bill, has passed the House and Trade in tax online on our web site able these experiences could be,
moved on to the Senate. It has and a paper petition at all of the when you can choose to ride with
been introduced in the Senate as Harley dealership locations. or without a helmet as you see fit
SB481. for your personal riding style and
David “King” Calabro
RI Motorcycle Association comfort level. We can realize that
dream. Help us reach that goal by
getting everyone you know in Ten-
nessee to make the calls we need.
Then come on down and help us
celebrate our reclaimed freedom,
and enjoy the ride.
Ed Domine
CMT/ABATE of Tennessee
RHODE ISLAND TENNESSEE
Current Law
Rhode Island has a partial helmet Tennessee HB 903 & SB 1536
law R.I.G.L. § 31-10.1-4, which Those are the numbers for our
states that all motorcycle operators freedom of choice bills this year.
must wear a helmet until age 21. In This legislation “exempts drivers
addition, all new motorcycle opera- and passengers over 26 years of
tors, regardless of age, are required age from the requirement to wear
to wear a helmet for one year from a crash helmet while operating or
the date they were issued a Rhode riding in motorcycles, motor-driv-
Island motorcycle license. Under en cycles, and motorized bicycles,
R.I.G.L. § 31-10.1-6, as of 2018, all if the person is covered by health
motorcycle passengers (i.e. those or medical insurance other than
not driving) are required to wear a insurance through TennCare; makes
helmet in the state of Rhode Island. a violation of the helmet law a sec-
Proposed ondary offense.”
HELMET HOUSE BILL #5567 was After 50+ years of an unreasonable
introduced that would make it restriction of our ability to wear
mandatory for everyone to wear the gear/attire of our own choos-
a helmet, taking away our freedom ing, we now have a good chance of
of choice. The bill was heard in the reclaiming the freedom to make
Judiciary committee on March 3rd. our own choices regarding the suit-
Rhode Island Motorcycle Associ- ability of helmet use for our per-
ation testified and with the help sonal riding circumstances. We are
of the many emails that were sent very confidant that we can pass this
in by everyone to the clerk of the legislation, but we need the help of
committee. The bill was held for everyone interested in supporting
further study. our right to choose. If you live in
Tennessee, if you have friends or
Motorcycle Riders Foundation
16American Bikers Journal - May/June 2021
Texas. It was the fist time, in recent This has been a historic session for
history, that a motorcycle profiling Texas in more ways than one. Texas
bill went to a committee hearing in has 6 or 7 motorcycle bills (as
Texas – and it was awesome to be Hardtail would say), and one reso-
part of this historic event! It cer- lution. The bills include motorcycle
tainly would not have been possible profiling, gang database reform, a
without the TCOC&I – not only malfunctioning red light, autocycle
for the bill sponsor, but also for bill, a LTC in a Street “Gang”, and
TEXAS the planning and preparation that another Senate bill for motorcy-
I believe it was a liberator name went into HB 1837! At the Capitol cle profiling (https://legiscan.com/
Fred Hampton, who once said “You hearing, some of the best Freedom reports/zbuy2gux ). Overall, Covid
can run a freedom fighter around Fighters in Texas got to testify for restrictions included (i.e., no guests
the country, but you can’t run free- this anti-profiling bill. I testified without an appointment”, 2 nose
dom-fighting around the country”. on behalf of myself, and the Texas swabs for a sticker, face masks, etc.),
I’m convinced that he was on to ABATE Confederation. I think over- I would say that this 87th Legislative
something. It is usually during an all it went as expected; the chair session has been mostly successful
active legislative session that I have told us that they wouldn’t vote on for motorcyclists ... so far. However,
to ask myself: Why isn’t everyone this bill today; also, that they didn’t this session is already ‘half over, and
anxious to contact his or her leg- like all of the language in it, and that these bills need to start moving -
islator? Why isn’t everyone taking they wanted to see the volumes of fast! All of our bills are in a com-
action? Are motorcycle rights not data that the COC&I had collected. mittee; however, 4 of our bills don’t
worth fighting for? Fighting for There was some “collaboration”, have a companion bill, and we are
your motorcyclist rights, especially but not enough. It was great to see working on getting joint sponsors!
during an active legislative session, the turnout of bikers; and against By the next issue of the ABJ the
is the epitome of being a Freedom the “usher’s” constant reminders, it general Texas Legislative session will
Fighter! Time goes by fast - you was standing room only. We wanted be all but over. Thanks to all of the
probably know the feeling! to sit, but the chairs were spaced Freedom Fighters - fighting for our
for covid-style seating; she left the rights around the Country!
Texas is gifted with many motor- room, lol.
cycle Freedom Fighters, and it was
evident on March 31st at the Capi- Skee Dodson
tol in Austin. I started the day early Texas ABATE Confederation
enough to register at a kiosk in
order to testify for HB 1837 - a bill
to prohibit motorcycle profiling in
Texas Freedom Fighters
Motorcycle Riders Foundation
17American Bikers Journal - May/June 2021
Educating and Motivating? You bet! S.T.E.A.M. = Seminar to Educate and
Motivate. While the S.T.E.A.M. States are Wisconsin, North Dakota, South
Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, and Illinois, we had attendees from ten,
yes 10, different states in attendance at S.T.E.A.M. on March 26 & 27th!
And our speakers delivered some phenomenal sessions. A huge thank you
to our amazing guest speakers: Mark Buckner, Hardtail, Jazz Mathies, Ron
Braaksma, Cathy Brush, Seven, John Reblin, Chubby, Jiggs, and Jodi Right.
We covered everything from What’s Going on in D.C., to Why We Fight,
WISCONSIN including Bridging the Gap Between Clubs and SMROs, Unintended Conse-
quences, Putting the Right Person to the Task, Public Relations in a Changing
World, 3Rs of Responsibility, and the Principles of Leadership. It’s seminars like this that bring out the best in us.
It brought 50 volunteers together to work long hours with no pay to put on a kick-ass event simply because
they believe in the cause. It also renews our spirits and re-energizes us so we can take our newly learned (or
refreshed) skills back to our states and continue to fight the fight.
With never a dull moment, we move on to our next events. We are setting a new precedent by hosting “The
Future of Motorcycling in Wisconsin” summit for motorcycle clubs and riding groups on May 1st. We plan on
discussing the trends that we are seeing in transportation and where, or IF, motorcycles are included in it at all.
Our Biker Day at the Capital/Lobby Day has been rescheduled for May 11th. This year’s agenda includes asking
our legislators to create a separate vehicle class for Autonomous and Connected Vehicles (ACVs) and keeping
motorcyclist profiling in the forefront of the conversations with law enforcement. We know profiling exists, we
have specific examples of it direct from local PDs, we want them to know that we know, and we want them to
stop or we will pursue legislative language if necessary.
Don’t forget to mark your calendars for June 17-20th. Join us for our Summer Hummer, a party you don’t want
to miss! Camping, vendors, camaraderie, bike games, bike show, bikini bike wash, barstool races, and tons of live
music, culminating with the sounds of REO Speedwagon played by the RichRath Project 3:13 on Saturday night,
all for as little as $35! Also, new this year, The Taste of Summer at the Hummer – a beer, wine, cheese, and meat
tasting event on Saturday afternoon.
Lastly, a huge shout out to Wisconsin Congressman Mike Gallagher for taking the lead and introducing H.R.
2141, which will renew the Motorcycle Advisory Council Reauthorization Act, and to WI Congresswoman Gwen
Moore for signing on as an original co-sponsor, giving this bill bipartisan support. Great job Wisconsin!
As always, stay vigilant, my friends!
Jen Dewitz
ABATE of Wisconsin
Principles of Leadership - Jazz
Heartland STEAM President Cup is passed on from
Nebraska to Wisconsin - Great Job STEAM States!
Motorcycle Riders Foundation
18American Bikers Journal - May/June 2021
Texas Freedom Fighters at their State Capitol
ABATE of Minnesota Members at Heartland STEAM
ABATE of South Dakota Members at Heartland STEAM
Motorcycle Riders Foundation
19American Bikers Journal - May/June 2021
Save the Motorcyclist Advisory Council:
Ask You Representative to Cosponsor H.R. 2141
Congress is back from its Easter break and it’s time for them to hear
from bikers! Last month Congressman Mike Gallagher of Wisconsin
and a bipartisan group of House members introduced H.R. 2141, the
Motorcyclist Advisory Reauthorization Act. As you may remember
the Motorcyclist Advisory Council (MAC) is a group within the U.S.
Department of Transportation that serves as the only official forum
for motorcyclists to discuss motorcycle issues with the federal gov-
ernment. The MAC is set to expire and be disbanded September
30th, 2021 if Congress doesn’t act!
We need to help Congressman Gallagher gain cosponsors to H.R.
2141 and ensure motorcyclists continue to have an official voice
within the federal government. Click here to contact your member
of the U.S. House of Representatives and ask them to cosponsor
H.R. 2141.
Log onto www.mrf.org and let your Representative know that we need the MAC Council
Motorcycle Riders Foundation
20American Bikers Journal - May/June 2021
Registration is open Now
Log on to MRF.org and save your seat today
37th Annual Sept 23-26th
2 0 21 2 0 21
of
The u
ATLANTA GEORGIA
Spend the weekend
with some of motorcycling’s
most educated and
dedicated activists. SEPTEMBER 23-26, 2021
Learn what issues MARRIOTT ATLANTA BUCKHEAD HOSTED BY
will impact bikers Marriott Atlanta Buckhead, 3300 Lenox Road NE, Atlanta GA 30326 ABATE of GEORGIA
today and in Room reservations call 800-613-2051 (mention Motorcycle Riders Foundation)
or book online at book.passkey.com/e/50148745 Cut-off date: Sept. 10, 2021 (6pm)
the future! Pre-registration for conference through the MRF, PO Box 250. Highland, IL 62249
Pre-registration (must be received by Sept. 10): $80.00 (current member) / $90.00 (non-member)
Registration rate after Sept. 10: $90.00 (current member) / $100.00 (non-member)
Registration includes all workshops, workshop materials, and Saturday banquet.
Registration questions call the MRF at 202-546-0983, or email Fred Harrell at fred@mrf.org.
Motorcycle Riders Foundation
21American Bikers Journal - May/June 2021
POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE
Brothers and Sisters,
Using either the MRF PAC link found on the mrf.org website, or this direct
link https://motorcycleridersfoundation.wildapricot.org/MRF-PAC, you will
be directed to a website containing information on your MRF PAC.
Here is a list of the information located on the website for you to
learn more about MRF PAC, request a donation to a candidate, or
make a donation to MRF PAC.
• MRF PAC FAQs (General Information about your MRF PAC)
• MRF PAC Compliance Webinar (PDF Document with the
slides from the November 2017 MRF Compliance Webinar)
• MRF PAC Collecting Agent Information (Info. and registra-
tion form to become an MRF PAC Collecting Agent)
• MRF PAC Donor Information Form (Information form for
MRF PAC Donors)
• MRF PAC Member Contribution Form (Three-copy page for
MRF Members making contributions)
• MRF PAC Member Contribution Request Form (Three-copy
page for requesting MRF Members contributions)
• MRF PAC Donation Request Form (Used to request a dona-
tion/funds from the MRF PAC)
We in the process of creating an online donation link on this site so you will be able to donate directly to MRF
PAC from this page. I will let you know and provide a link to this donation site in a future article.
If you are interested in the financial side, and want to see the MRF PAC financial records, you can see all our
reports which are filed on www.fec.gov. Enter our committee id (C00298356) in the search bar and you will be
taken to the web page with our information.
If you or your SSMRO would like to hold a fundraiser for MRF PAC, please reach out to either the MRF PAC
Treasurer, Paulette Korte, one of the committee members, or myself for assistance. We want to ensure you and
your organization are able to hold a successful event and stay within the FEC guidelines.
If you have questions regarding MRF PAC or the distribution of funds, please contact me or any one of the MRF
PAC committee members. Additional information on Political Action Committees is available on the Federal Elec-
tion Commission website at http://www.fec.gov.
Ride Safe – Ride Free,
J. Ryan Hubbard Director of MRF PAC MRFPAC@mrf.org (309) 267-0606
Contributions are only being sought from members of the MRF who are U.S. citizens, or those who have been lawfully admitted for per-
manent residence under applicable federal law. Foreign national contributions are prohibited. Contributions are not tax deductible. Any
contribution from non-MRF members will be returned. Contributions to MRF PAC are voluntary, and you may refuse to contribute with-
out reprisal. A copy of our report, filed with the Federal Election Commission, is (or will be) available on the FEC’s website (www.fec.gov).
Motorcycle Riders Foundation
22American Bikers Journal - May/June 2021
By federal election law, we can only make this
information available to members, so it must
be placed behind a log-in screen. When you
get to the log-in screen, you will need to enter
the same email and password information that
you use to renew your membership online.
MRF ON THE ROAD AGAIN...
Motorcycle Riders Foundation
23American Bikers Journal - May/June 2021
NOMINATE THE 2021 YOUNG ACTIVIST SCHOLARSHIP WINNER
The Motorcycle Riders Foundation Awareness and There are a lot of great candidates for the YAS Award.
Education, Inc. (MRFA&E) was proud to have two Thank you for sending us your nomination as soon as
outstanding Young Activist Scholarship (YAS) Winners possible.
at the 2020 annual Meeting of the Minds Conference
Please go to https://mrfae.org/young-activist-scholos-
(MOTM) in Indianapolis. Christopher Beals of Arizona
hip/yas-application/YAS Application - MRF A&E - Mo-
and Hailey Farmer of Indiana will not hesitate to tell
torcycle Riders Foundation Awareness and Education
everyone about their attendance at the Meeting of the
Minds Conference. Both winners were quick to share Mail application to: PO Box 581, Big Lake, MN 55309,
their experience and dedication to motorcyclists’ or email to secretary@mrfae.org
safety and preservation of the lifestyle with other
While you look at the website please donate to the
attendees.
Young Activist Scholarship fund.
MRFA&E is reaching out to all State Motorcyclists’ Deborah Butitta,
Rights Organizations (SMRO) requesting that they find Founding Chairman
a young activist in their organization worthy of a Young Motorcycle Riders Foundation Awareness and
Activist Scholarship recognition. The individual nomi- Education, Inc
nees are active in riding, motorcycle safety, education
deb@mrfae.org
and rights, plus help your SMRO reach out to others.
A YAS Winner receives expenses paid to attend the
2021 Meeting of the Minds Conference. There they will
be introduced to SMRO leaders, attend workshops,
even help with the conference, and take back a wealth
of information to their state. Not only do the YAS
Winners get group recognition, but they are also the
future of motorcyclists’ rights advocacy, rider safety
and education.
This is your SMRO’s opportunity to recruit younger
riders into your organization and recognize the young
rider in your ranks who go the extra mile to help your
organization.Young riders are the future holders of the
Flame of Freedom needed to preserve rider education,
our motorcycles, and our lifestyles.
ON THE ROAD AGAIN...
Did you have a MRF fundraiser?
Was the MRF represented by a
board member at your event?
Where are the photos?
Share them with us...
Send your photos and a brief
description to
communications@MRF.org
Motorcycle Riders Foundation
24American Bikers Journal - May/June 2021
Dave Dwyers Seat Collection on
Display at Heartland STEAM
Motorcycle Riders Foundation
25American Bikers Journal - May/June 2021
MOTORCYCLISTS DESERVE A FULL ROLE
IN ROAD SAFETY POLICIES
REPRINT FROM FEMA NEWS APRIL 5, 2021
FEMA wants motorcycles and other powered two-wheelers to be included in Europe’s
road safety plans.
FEMA studied the European Commission’s latest road safety plans and wrote an extensive response, stating that
the plans focus on cars only and do not sufficiently take motorcyclists into account. FEMA can and will not sup-
port an approach that is not safe for all road users, including motorcyclists.
The European Commission published its Road Safety Policy Framework, called ‘Next steps towards Vision Zero’.
The Commission sets new intermediate targets to halve the number of fatalities and serious injuries on Euro-
pean roads by 2030. According to Mrs Adina-Ioana Valean, EU Commissioner for Transport: “The Framework
provides a comprehensive set of measures for priority areas such as improving the cross-border enforcement of
traffic offences, modernising driving licences and preparing the safe transition to higher levels of automation), and
links them with financinag solutions. It also includes monitoring on the basis of key performance indicators to
assess progress. And it addresses the EU’s role in improving road safety on a global scale.”
FEMA calls upon the European Parliament, the European Commission, and the Council to include motorcyclists
and other users of L-category vehicles in the road safety policy in a way that is not restrictive for these road
users.
The EU Road Safety Policy Framework 2021-2030 has a large impact on all road users. As an organization that
represents the motorcyclists in Europe, FEMA considers this policy insufficiently tailored to motorcyclists and
other users of L-category vehicles. Assumptions, plans and key performance indicators are very much focussed
on cars and do not sufficiently take other road users into account. In this view we follow the four pillars of the
EU Road Safety Policy Framework 2021-2030. Only KPIs (key performance indicators) that are relevant for mo-
torcyclists are mentioned here.
1. Infrastructure – safe roads and roadsides
Motorcyclists need smooth roads, obstacle free roadsides and safety barriers that are fitted in a safe way. The KPI
(key performance indicator) for infrastructure – Percentage of distance driven over roads with a safety rating
above an agreed threshold – must include motorcycles.
2. Safe vehicles
In the plans for vehicle safety as formulated by the Commission, we miss powered two-wheelers. The KPI for
vehicle safety – Percentage of new passenger cars with a Euro NCAP safety rating equal or above a predefined
threshold (e.g. 4-star) – to be specified further -ignores vehicle safety for powered two-wheelers. We invite the
European Commission to also develop a KPI for vehicle safety that is focussed on powered two-wheelers and
other L-category vehicles.
3. Safe road use
We support the intention to update the UNECE regulation concerning safety belt reminders, a more effective
cross-border enforcement on traffic offences, stricter limits on blood alcohol content for professional drivers
and/or novice drivers. We are of the opinion that the Commission with the possible revision of the present Euro-
pean driving licence directive should abolish the stepped entry to the A-licence or at least set it up in such a way
that it does not form an additional threshold and the focus must be on higher level skills.
Motorcycle Riders Foundation
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