South Carolina Motorcycle Rights Association

Motorcyclist Advisory Council Bill Introduced
This week a bipartisan group of lawmakers introduced H.R. 2141, the Motorcyclist Advisory Council Reauthorization Act. The Motorcyclist Advisory Council (MAC) was first established by Congress in 2005 and reauthorized in 2015. The MAC is responsible for providing advice and recommendations concerning infrastructure issues related to motorcyclist safety including barrier design, road design, construction, maintenance practices and the architecture and implementation of intelligent transportation system technologies.
This is the second time that lawmakers have introduced a stand-alone bill to reauthorize the MAC. Last year the bill was turned into an amendment and added to the House passed highway bill. That amendment and this legislation make common sense changes to the MAC.  Some of these changes include:

• Reauthorizing the MAC for six years. This ensures that the MAC has an established timeline for its work.
• Requiring that the MAC submit a biennial recommendations report. At a minimum three reports on motorcycle policy will now be required to be submitted to the Department of Transportation and Congress for review.  
• Clarifying the membership of the MAC.  This bill sets aside specific seats on the 12-member board for motorcycle riders and advocates. For example, one seat is reserved for each of the following, a national motorcyclist foundation, a national motorcyclist association and a national motorcycle manufacturing association.

The MRF would like to thank lead sponsor Congressman Mike Gallagher (R-WI) and original cosponsors Congressman Troy Balderson (R-OH), Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-CA), Congressman Jared Huffman (D-CA), Congresswoman Gwen Moore (D-WI), Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH) and Congressman Don Young (R-AK) for their leadership on this important issue to motorcyclists.

MRF President, Kirk Willard said “The bill introduced by Rep. Gallagher ensures that the nearly 10 million bikers in America are included in the discussion surrounding our nation’s transportation network. No conversation about our roads, bridges or infrastructure is complete unless all roadway users have a voice.”  

Click here to read the official press release from Congressman Gallagher.

Country Roads Take Me Home

Last weekend Doc D’Errico, MRF Director of State Representatives Program, traveled to Charleston, West Virginia to join bikers in the Mountain State in support of a helmet choice bill. Senate Bill 77, introduced in the West Virginia legislature, would allow adults over 21 years of age with a motorcycle license and two years of experience to choose whether or not they want to wear a helmet.

Over 100 bikers gathered on the steps of the West Virginia State Capitol to show support for the bill. Lead by ABATE of West Virginia State Director Lanty Hammons, numerous speakers talked about the need for West Virginia to join neighboring states like Kentucky, Pennsylvania and Ohio and allow freedom of choice.  

Local news outlets covered the event, and you can see their reports by clicking here.

Thank you to the bikers in West Virginia for including the MRF in their fight and thank you to Doc D’Errico who traveled all the way from Massachusetts to join his fellow riders in this battle!

About Motorcycle Riders Foundation

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) provides leadership at the federal level for states’ motorcyclists’ rights organizations as well as motorcycle clubs and individual riders. The MRF is chiefly concerned with issues at the national and international levels that impact the freedom and safety of American street motorcyclists. The MRF is committed to being a national advocate for the advancement of motorcycling and its associated lifestyle and works in conjunction with its partners to help educate elected officials and policymakers in Washington and beyond.

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