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YARD SIGNS ARE HERE... If you would like one of these signs in your yard, please email arlingtonabate@gmail.com to make arrangements for pickup or come to the next chapter meeting.
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BIKERS INSIDE THE BELTWAY 2020
Are you coming to 12th Annual Bikers Inside the Beltway on May 18 & 19th? If not, you should reconsider your decision because Bikers Inside the Beltway (BITB) is critical to the mission and the effectiveness of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation. Not to mention, it is the only national motorcycle lobby day.
If you know you are going to attend BITB or thinking about attending, then you are going to want to follow along with the details below. Even if you are a long-time attendee – there is some good stuff you need to know.
Schedule Appointments with your Elected Officials WHEN? Start on April 20th!
We have been saying this the past couple of years but no more “dropping in,” which many groups have done in the past. They are nowhere near as effective as scheduling an in-person meeting with the Member of Congress or staffer. Over the past year, the D.C. team has visited over 55% of Congress and met with a transportation staffer. That means there is a pretty good chance that we have already warmed the seat up for you and know precisely the staffer you should meet with. Don’t know how to go about doing that? We’ve got you covered, so NO EXCUSES. See more on this below:
Ride Free,
Tiffany & Rocky
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. All Information contained in this release is copyrighted. Reproduction permitted with attribution. Motorcycle Riders Foundation. All rights reserved. Ride With The Leaders ™ by joining the MRF at http://mrf.org/ or call (202) 546-0983
Are you coming to 12th Annual Bikers Inside the Beltway on May 18 & 19th? If not, you should reconsider your decision because Bikers Inside the Beltway (BITB) is critical to the mission and the effectiveness of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation. Not to mention, it is the only national motorcycle lobby day.
If you know you are going to attend BITB or thinking about attending, then you are going to want to follow along with the details below. Even if you are a long-time attendee – there is some good stuff you need to know.
Schedule Appointments with your Elected Officials WHEN? Start on April 20th!
We have been saying this the past couple of years but no more “dropping in,” which many groups have done in the past. They are nowhere near as effective as scheduling an in-person meeting with the Member of Congress or staffer. Over the past year, the D.C. team has visited over 55% of Congress and met with a transportation staffer. That means there is a pretty good chance that we have already warmed the seat up for you and know precisely the staffer you should meet with. Don’t know how to go about doing that? We’ve got you covered, so NO EXCUSES. See more on this below:
- Upon registering for the event, we will provide you with a list of contact information in early spring for your state’s delegation. It has handy information like their phone number, email addresses, and location. USE THIS
- Email the contact person for the office you want to meet with – don’t know what to say? Don’t worry; the contact sheet includes the language you can COPY & PASTE into an email.
- Rather call instead? No problem. Call the phone number listed for the office you want to meet with and say, “I am going to be in Washington, DC on May 19th and would like to schedule a meeting with the Congressman (or Senator) related to motorcycling.” The receptionist will take it from there, which may be sending an email (see above) or by connecting you to the SCHEDULER (that’s basically the secretary) who will either give you a time for a meeting or connect you to the appropriate staff person. If they direct you to a staff meeting, you’ll want to say: “If the Congressman (or Senator) is unavailable, I would be willing to meet with the staffer that handles transportation issues.” Then pick a time. Write it down. Carry on.
- One helpful hint – try to group your meetings in the same building. For SENATORS, that’s going to be Russell, Hart or Dirksen. For REPRESENTATIVES, that’s going to be Cannon, Longworth or Rayburn. If you try to group your meetings by building, it’s going to save you a LOT of walking.
- One more helpful hint – for those of you with large delegations for which you can’t possibly see all in one day, pick those Representatives where a constituent (that’s someone that lives in their district) will be present for the meeting. Still have time to see more folks? Ask the D.C. team about what other offices that we think you should make an appointment to see. We can steer you towards the Representatives or Senators where you’re more likely to make headway on the issues.
Ride Free,
Tiffany & Rocky
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. All Information contained in this release is copyrighted. Reproduction permitted with attribution. Motorcycle Riders Foundation. All rights reserved. Ride With The Leaders ™ by joining the MRF at http://mrf.org/ or call (202) 546-0983
For Immediate Release
December 9, 2019
Mark Buckner Inducted into the AMA Hall of Fame
The Motorcycle Riders Foundation would like to congratulate Mark Buckner, past president, longtime leader and MRF Freedom Fighter Hall of Fame member on his induction into the American Motorcycle Association (AMA) Motorcycle Hall of Fame. On Friday December 6th, during the 2019 AMA Legends & Champions Weekend.
Mark Buckner began his leadership in motorcyclists' rights advocacy in the late 1980s as the state coordinator for ABATE of Colorado. In 1992, Buckner joined the Motorcycle Riders Foundation board of directors, becoming MRF president and chairman two years later. During his tenure, the MRF implemented strategic planning processes which led to the organization's financial stability and significant growth.
Buckner continues to have a profound influence in the motorcyclists' rights community, giving seminars throughout the United States on strategic planning, organizational design and member effectiveness. Over the past 25 years, he has delivered more than 100 presentations around the country at state, regional, and national rights conferences.
In addition, Buckner has been a leader in promoting global harmonization of motorcyclists' rights organizations in the United States and has fostered working relationships within the European motorcyclists' rights community—bonds that remains strong to this day.
Rob Rasor, former AMA President introduced Mark to the attendees while Rick Gray past MRF VP and AMA Chairman of the Board accepted on Mark's behalf; several current and former MRF Board members were in attendance. Other inductees were Kurt Caselli, Ron Lechien, Wiltz Wagner and Dale Walksler.
Kirk “Hardtail” Willard, MRF Chairman of the Board had this to say, “We couldn't be more pleased to see Mark recognized by yet another motorcyclist Hall of Fame, without question the MRF has maintained our ability to deliver on our mission and vision due to Mark's timely leadership and unique skill-set. I suspect many SMRO's around the country could say the same.”
Congratulations Mark! A well-deserved honor for many years as a Motorcycling Rights Freedom Fighter.
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. All Information contained in this release is copyrighted. Reproduction permitted with attribution. Motorcycle Riders Foundation. All rights reserved. Ride With The Leaders ™ by joining the MRF at http://mrf.org/ or call (202) 546-0983
December 9, 2019
Mark Buckner Inducted into the AMA Hall of Fame
The Motorcycle Riders Foundation would like to congratulate Mark Buckner, past president, longtime leader and MRF Freedom Fighter Hall of Fame member on his induction into the American Motorcycle Association (AMA) Motorcycle Hall of Fame. On Friday December 6th, during the 2019 AMA Legends & Champions Weekend.
Mark Buckner began his leadership in motorcyclists' rights advocacy in the late 1980s as the state coordinator for ABATE of Colorado. In 1992, Buckner joined the Motorcycle Riders Foundation board of directors, becoming MRF president and chairman two years later. During his tenure, the MRF implemented strategic planning processes which led to the organization's financial stability and significant growth.
Buckner continues to have a profound influence in the motorcyclists' rights community, giving seminars throughout the United States on strategic planning, organizational design and member effectiveness. Over the past 25 years, he has delivered more than 100 presentations around the country at state, regional, and national rights conferences.
In addition, Buckner has been a leader in promoting global harmonization of motorcyclists' rights organizations in the United States and has fostered working relationships within the European motorcyclists' rights community—bonds that remains strong to this day.
Rob Rasor, former AMA President introduced Mark to the attendees while Rick Gray past MRF VP and AMA Chairman of the Board accepted on Mark's behalf; several current and former MRF Board members were in attendance. Other inductees were Kurt Caselli, Ron Lechien, Wiltz Wagner and Dale Walksler.
Kirk “Hardtail” Willard, MRF Chairman of the Board had this to say, “We couldn't be more pleased to see Mark recognized by yet another motorcyclist Hall of Fame, without question the MRF has maintained our ability to deliver on our mission and vision due to Mark's timely leadership and unique skill-set. I suspect many SMRO's around the country could say the same.”
Congratulations Mark! A well-deserved honor for many years as a Motorcycling Rights Freedom Fighter.
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. All Information contained in this release is copyrighted. Reproduction permitted with attribution. Motorcycle Riders Foundation. All rights reserved. Ride With The Leaders ™ by joining the MRF at http://mrf.org/ or call (202) 546-0983
For Immediate Release
November 21, 2019
HOUSE INTRODUCES MOTORCYCLE ADVISORY COUNCIL RE-AUTHORIZATION ACT
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressmen Mike Gallagher (R-WI) along with Reps. Chris Pappas (D-NH), Harley Rouda (D-CA), and Troy Balderson (R-OH) introduced bipartisan legislation, Motorcycle Advisory Council Re-authorization Act. The bill reauthorizes the Motorcycle Advisory Council (MAC) for six years and ensures national motorcycle organizations regain seats on the council.
The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF), along with our partners ABATE of Wisconsin, ABATE of Ohio, Harley-Davidson, and American Motorcyclist Association, have been hard at work over the past month ensuring the future MAC membership is representative of the riding community. This legislation clarifies the membership of 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.
“As the feds address the vast roadway infrastructure issues and emerging technologies surrounding vehicles and roads, there isn't a more appropriate time to re-establish the Motorcycle Advisory Council,” said Kirk “Hardtail” Willard, President of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation. “It was originally and effectively designed to give motorcyclists a voice with regards to the unique challenges we face on two and three wheels when it comes to roadway design.”
The MRF is encouraged that this legislation will ensure that motorcyclists will continue to have an open dialogue with government officials about the unique characteristics and challenges that motorcyclists face when they are not adequately considered or accounted for as infrastructure programs are being discussed and implemented. We want to acknowledge and commend the relationships that our state motorcyclist rights organizations (SMROs), specifically ABATE of Wisconsin and ABATE of Ohio, established with their elected officials through attending events such as our annual lobby day, Bikers Inside the Beltway. This event, along with active engagement with members of Congress in their home districts, helps the MRF identify the champions of motorcycle issues and achieve our goals.
“We are pleased that our elected representatives from the state of Wisconsin continue to lead the charge in advocating on behalf of the motorcyclists in the country,” said Steve Panten, Legislative Director for ABATE of Wisconsin, Inc. “I am encouraged that years of building relationships, both in our State and by coming to Washington, D.C., every year, continues to elevate our issues on Capitol Hill. We urge other SMRO’s to take the opportunity to do the same.”
The MAC, initially authorized in the SAFETEA-LU in 2005, allotted four of the ten members to consist of representatives from the motorcycling community from various state and federal motorcycle associations. In the FAST Act of 2015, Congress re-established the Motorcyclist Advisory Council in the Highway Bill to advise the Federal Highway Administration on “issues of concern to motorcyclists.” However, the MRF was disappointed the re-established MAC only included one seat for a representative of a national motorcycle organization.
The Motorcycle Advisory Council provides the Secretary of the Department of Transportation (DOT), the Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and the Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) with expert first-hand knowledge of motorcycle issues. “Motorcycle registration is at an all-time high, but this increasing popularity has brought with it increasing risks, such as fatal accidents,” said Rep. Gallagher. “Motorcycles require specific – and in some cases different – requirements of roads, and we need an open dialogue between the motorcycle community, infrastructure experts, and the federal government to discuss these challenges.” The MAC serves as the only official forum for the motorcycle community to have an open dialogue with the federal government to discuss concerns with infrastructure design, issues with intelligent transportation systems, and other areas of safety affecting motorcycles on the road.
“With the number of motorcycles currently on the road, it is critical that the road designers and transportation engineers understand the way that motorcycles and motorcyclists interact with the roadways as well as other vehicles using those same roads,” said Ed Schetter, Executive Director for ABATE of Ohio, Inc. “Motorcyclists need to be present to help recognize those needs and ensure that motorcycles maintain their place on the road and can be safely operated into a future where technology is creating more and more challenges.”
About Motorcycle Riders FoundationThe 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. All Information contained in this release is copyrighted. Reproduction permitted with attribution. Motorcycle Riders Foundation. All rights reserved. Ride With The Leaders ™ by joining the MRF at http://mrf.org/ or call (202) 546-0983
November 21, 2019
HOUSE INTRODUCES MOTORCYCLE ADVISORY COUNCIL RE-AUTHORIZATION ACT
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressmen Mike Gallagher (R-WI) along with Reps. Chris Pappas (D-NH), Harley Rouda (D-CA), and Troy Balderson (R-OH) introduced bipartisan legislation, Motorcycle Advisory Council Re-authorization Act. The bill reauthorizes the Motorcycle Advisory Council (MAC) for six years and ensures national motorcycle organizations regain seats on the council.
The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF), along with our partners ABATE of Wisconsin, ABATE of Ohio, Harley-Davidson, and American Motorcyclist Association, have been hard at work over the past month ensuring the future MAC membership is representative of the riding community. This legislation clarifies the membership of 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.
“As the feds address the vast roadway infrastructure issues and emerging technologies surrounding vehicles and roads, there isn't a more appropriate time to re-establish the Motorcycle Advisory Council,” said Kirk “Hardtail” Willard, President of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation. “It was originally and effectively designed to give motorcyclists a voice with regards to the unique challenges we face on two and three wheels when it comes to roadway design.”
The MRF is encouraged that this legislation will ensure that motorcyclists will continue to have an open dialogue with government officials about the unique characteristics and challenges that motorcyclists face when they are not adequately considered or accounted for as infrastructure programs are being discussed and implemented. We want to acknowledge and commend the relationships that our state motorcyclist rights organizations (SMROs), specifically ABATE of Wisconsin and ABATE of Ohio, established with their elected officials through attending events such as our annual lobby day, Bikers Inside the Beltway. This event, along with active engagement with members of Congress in their home districts, helps the MRF identify the champions of motorcycle issues and achieve our goals.
“We are pleased that our elected representatives from the state of Wisconsin continue to lead the charge in advocating on behalf of the motorcyclists in the country,” said Steve Panten, Legislative Director for ABATE of Wisconsin, Inc. “I am encouraged that years of building relationships, both in our State and by coming to Washington, D.C., every year, continues to elevate our issues on Capitol Hill. We urge other SMRO’s to take the opportunity to do the same.”
The MAC, initially authorized in the SAFETEA-LU in 2005, allotted four of the ten members to consist of representatives from the motorcycling community from various state and federal motorcycle associations. In the FAST Act of 2015, Congress re-established the Motorcyclist Advisory Council in the Highway Bill to advise the Federal Highway Administration on “issues of concern to motorcyclists.” However, the MRF was disappointed the re-established MAC only included one seat for a representative of a national motorcycle organization.
The Motorcycle Advisory Council provides the Secretary of the Department of Transportation (DOT), the Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and the Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) with expert first-hand knowledge of motorcycle issues. “Motorcycle registration is at an all-time high, but this increasing popularity has brought with it increasing risks, such as fatal accidents,” said Rep. Gallagher. “Motorcycles require specific – and in some cases different – requirements of roads, and we need an open dialogue between the motorcycle community, infrastructure experts, and the federal government to discuss these challenges.” The MAC serves as the only official forum for the motorcycle community to have an open dialogue with the federal government to discuss concerns with infrastructure design, issues with intelligent transportation systems, and other areas of safety affecting motorcycles on the road.
“With the number of motorcycles currently on the road, it is critical that the road designers and transportation engineers understand the way that motorcycles and motorcyclists interact with the roadways as well as other vehicles using those same roads,” said Ed Schetter, Executive Director for ABATE of Ohio, Inc. “Motorcyclists need to be present to help recognize those needs and ensure that motorcycles maintain their place on the road and can be safely operated into a future where technology is creating more and more challenges.”
About Motorcycle Riders FoundationThe 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. All Information contained in this release is copyrighted. Reproduction permitted with attribution. Motorcycle Riders Foundation. All rights reserved. Ride With The Leaders ™ by joining the MRF at http://mrf.org/ or call (202) 546-0983
According to the MRF, we are currently at 85 cosponsors from 36 states and one territory for H. Res 255, the motorcycle profiling resolution. This is an increase of 9 new cosponsors since last week. We also added our first lawmakers from Idaho, Kentucky, and Tennessee. The map (left) shows which states have at least one lawmaker signed on as a cosponsor.
Click HERE to see if your member has signed on to H. Res 255.
Your Team in D.C. Tiffany & Rocky
The Motorcycle Riders Foundation
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. All Information contained in this release is copyrighted. Reproduction permitted with attribution. Motorcycle Riders Foundation. All rights reserved. Ride With The Leaders™ by joining the MRF at http://mrf.org or call (202) 546-0983
Click HERE to see if your member has signed on to H. Res 255.
Your Team in D.C. Tiffany & Rocky
The Motorcycle Riders Foundation
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. All Information contained in this release is copyrighted. Reproduction permitted with attribution. Motorcycle Riders Foundation. All rights reserved. Ride With The Leaders™ by joining the MRF at http://mrf.org or call (202) 546-0983
10 Common Motorcycle Crashes and How To Avoid Them
Fabulous article! Follow this link:
https://www.rideapart.com/articles/254912/10-common-motorcycle-accidents-and-how-to-avoid-them/
Fabulous article! Follow this link:
https://www.rideapart.com/articles/254912/10-common-motorcycle-accidents-and-how-to-avoid-them/
