Yesterday, Senator Ron Johnson (R-WI) and Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) introduced S. 3249, the Motorcyclist Advisory Council Reauthorization Act. The bipartisan legislation aims to define the membership seats of the Motorcyclist Advisory Council (MAC), ensure more national motorcycle organizations are represented and authorizes the council for six years.
The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) would like to thank the U.S. Senate for joining their colleagues in the House of Representatives for continuing to support the issues that are important to the motorcyclists of this country. The legislation is the companion bill to H.R. 5234 introduced in late November in the House of Representatives by Reps. Mike Gallagher (WI-R), Chris Pappas (NH-D), Harley Rouda (CA-D), and Troy Balderson (OH-R).
“It is critical that motorcyclists be considered in infrastructure planning,” said MRF Vice President Jay Jackson. “The Motorcyclist Advisory Council provides this forum. The MRF is excited to have the opportunity to present to the MAC, the issues of concern from riders across the country.”
This legislation clarifies the membership of the MAC which now will include five highway engineering experts from state or local governments, one state or local traffic safety engineer who is a motorcyclist, one roadway safety data expert on crash testing and analysis, and one representative from each of the following groups: a national association of state transportation officials, a national motorcyclist foundation, a national motorcyclist association, a national motorcycle manufacturing association, and a national safety organization.
“Wisconsin has a rich history with motorcycles and we know it’s crucial to get input from the motorcycle community about how to keep roads safe and enjoyable for all,” said Sen. Johnson. “Government needs to be responsive, efficient and effective. Making sure motorcyclists have a voice and a seat at the table is beneficial for everyone.”
The MAC will advise the Secretary of Transportation, the Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and the Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration on transportation issues of concern to motorcyclists, including barrier design; road design, construction, and maintenance practices; and the architecture and implementation of intelligent transportation system technologies.
“There’s no better way to see all that Michigan has to offer than by riding a motorcycle,” said Senator Peters., co-chair of the bipartisan Senate Motorcycle Caucus. “As a motorcycle owner and rider, I’m proud to introduce bipartisan legislation to better give riders and manufacturers a voice on decisions impacting them.”