A Defining Moment For Motorcycling There are moments in advocacy when the issue at hand is bigger than a single bill, a single meeting, or a single news cycle. This is one of those moments. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) is engaged in a fight to modernize and clarify the federal definition of a motorcycle. That may sound technical, but it is not. Definitions shape regulations. Regulations shape enforcement. And enforcement shapes every rider’s experience on the road. For years, certain three-wheeled autocycles (equipped with steering wheels, bucket seats, and automotive-style controls) have been classified under the motorcycle definition. By removing a wheel from what is otherwise an automotive platform, these vehicles have been allowed to fit into a regulatory gap that was never intended for enclosed, steering-wheel-operated machines. Let’s be direct: removing one wheel from a small car does not make it a motorcycle. A motorcycle is designed to be straddled. It is steered with handlebars. It requires balance, coordination, and direct engagement with the roadway environment. That design carries unique risks. It carries unique responsibilities. And it has always justified unique regulatory treatment. When vehicles that function more like cars are allowed to shelter under the motorcycle definition, it blurs lines that matter. It weakens the clarity of laws written specifically for riders. It creates confusion in regulatory agencies. And it opens the door to unintended consequences that motorcyclists will ultimately have to live with. This effort is not about punishing innovation. It is not about targeting any company or product. If autocycles have a place in the marketplace, they deserve a clear and honest classification. But motorcycling should not be redefined by convenience or by marketing strategy. The MRF has faced pressure before. We have been criticized for refusing to compromise when compromise would have been a sell-out. We have been told to “go along” for the sake of smooth politics. Each time, we chose principle over popularity. Because once you allow definitions to stretch beyond recognition, it becomes harder to defend the rights attached to them. This is why engagement matters right now. Lawmakers do not hear from “motorcycles.” They hear from people. They hear from constituents who take the time to call, write, and *most importantly* show up. They listen more closely when you’re there in person! That is exactly what happens at Bikers Inside the Beltway. Every year, riders travel to Washington, D.C., not for a parade, nor symbolism, but for scheduled, face-to-face meetings with Members of Congress and their staff. We sit across the table. We explain the issues. We answer questions. We ensure lawmakers understand how federal policy affects real riders in their districts. That presence makes a difference. When legislators see motorcyclists organized, informed, and unified, it changes the tone of the conversation. It reinforces that we are not a fringe interest. We are voters. We are workers. We are business owners. We are veterans. We are community members. And we expect fairness and clarity in the laws that govern us. The current definition debate is not abstract. It is about protecting the distinct identity of motorcycling and ensuring that regulations written for us remain focused on us. If you have ever appreciated the work done on your behalf in Washington, now is the time to step forward. Answer the calls to action on HB 3385 – among others. Contact your elected officials. And commit to attending Bikers Inside the Beltway. Advocacy does not happen by accident. It happens because riders decide their voice matters. This is one of those times. Hold the line. Protect the definition. Show up and make it clear: motorcyclists are paying attention — and we are engaged. We will see you in Washington at Bikers Inside the Beltway, May 18-19. SCHEDULE: Monday, May 18th MRF Board Meeting @ Embassy Suites Lobbying Prep. Session @ Embassy Suites 6-8 pm Tuesday, May 19th Lobby Day @ Congressional Offices (KSU: TBD) Post Debrief Session @ Embassy Suites 6-8pm Room Rate $270 per night incl. breakfast Room Rate Cutoff: April 22, 2026 HOTEL: EMBASSY SUITES 1900 Diagonal Rd Alexandria, VA 22314 703-684-5900 Reservation Phone #: 800-362-2779 Ref. Code: MRF MAKE YOUR CONGRESSONAL APPOINTMENTS NOW! REGISTER FOR BIKERS INSIDE THE BELTWAY 2026 Event Registration Join The MRF 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 
Take Action Now To Save Your Rights
You’re a biker and you belong to a motorcyclist rights organization, but are you doing everything you can to maintain your rights? Are you actively reaching out to your elected officials to request that they act on our issues? Have you asked your friends and family members to reach out to their legislators? Or, are you just ready to give up and let the government and manufacturers do what they want? Now is the time to take action! RIGHT TO REPAIR Do you have and ride a completely stock motorcycle? I mean 100% stock, no changes since it left the OEM’s facility. Original tires, exhaust, windshield, handgrips, floorboards, oil, and filter. If not, did you pay the dealership for all the work and only purchase OEM parts? Guess what, the manufacturers think you and your local aftermarket shop are too stupid to work on your own motorcycle, and they are working to take that ability from you. The REPAIR Act (H.R. 1566), currently assigned to the House Energy and Commerce Committee, can affect our ability to work on or modify our motorcycles. The passage of this bill will ensure that OEMs provide us access to the manuals, diagnostic tools, and parts needed to repair, maintain, and modify our motorcycles without going through the OEM’s dealership. If it doesn’t pass, we are barreling towards a world where ALL of your maintenance and repair work (tires, oil changes, etc…) must be done by a licensed dealer or the OEM will render your motorcycle inoperable. As for that local shop you currently use for oil changes or parts, you know, the one you hang out at trading riding stories with your buddies, they will be driven out of business. DEFINITION OF A MOTORCYCLE Today, there are vehicles classified as motorcycles that have a steering wheel, bucket seats, and seatbelts. Yes, you read that right. The Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) thinks this is a good thing, because their OEMs created and sell these vehicles. H.R. 3385 was written to update the nearly 60-year-old definition of a motorcycle and is assigned to the House Energy and Commerce Committee. It states a motorcycle, as originally manufactured, has a seat or saddle requiring the rider to sit astride, not more than three wheels, steering controlled by handlebars, acceleration and braking controlled by handlebar and foot controls, and capable of reaching speeds in excess of 30 mph. The MIC disagrees with MRF on this issue and doesn’t understand our concern. Why does this definition matter?
It is imperative you act now! Click below to inform your legislator on these issues: RIGHT TO REPAIR H.R. 1566 DEFINITION OF A MOTORCYCLE H.R. 3385 Your attendance is needed at Bikers Inside the Beltway on May 18th and 19th. While there, you will personally meet with your legislators and / or their staff members on these important issues. The section below contains all the information you need to attend. Now is the time to stand and be counted. Can we count on you? SCHEDULE: Monday, May 18th MRF Board Meeting @ Embassy Suites Lobbying Prep. Session @ Embassy Suites 6-8 pm Tuesday, May 19th Lobby Day @ Congressional Offices (KSU: TBD) Post Debrief Session @ Embassy Suites 6-8pm Room Rate $270 per night incl. breakfast Room Rate Cutoff: April 22, 2026 HOTEL: EMBASSY SUITES 1900 Diagonal Rd Alexandria, VA 22314 703-684-5900 Reservation Phone #: 800-362-2779 Ref. Code: MRF MAKE YOUR CONGRESSONAL APPOINTMENTS NOW! REGISTER FOR BIKERS INSIDE THE BELTWAY 2026 Event Registration Join The MRF 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 
Support H.R. 2165 - The Choice In Automobile Retail Sales (CARS) Act Of 2025
Congress is currently on a one-week recess, but before they left town, Rep. Tim Walberg of Michigan introduced the Choice in Automobile Retail Sales (CARS) Act of 2025. This bill is similar to legislation Mr. Walberg introduced in 2023, which was passed by the U.S. House. The Senate failed to move on that bill, so it died at the end of the 118th Congress. U.S. Representatives Russ Fulcher of Idaho, Gus Bilirakis of Florida and Rick Allen of Georgia have joined Mr. Walberg as lead cosponsors for the 2025 bill. This bill focuses on protecting the internal combustion engine. It does this in two ways. First, the bill prohibits using authority under the Clean Air Act to issue regulations that mandate the use of any specific technology or would limit the availability of new motor vehicles based on the vehicle’s engine type. Second, the legislation requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to update any regulations that result in the limited availability of new vehicles based on the engine. This legislation would overturn a 2024 EPA rule, which, if not revoked, would cause about 56% of new vehicles sold between 2030 and 2032 to require electric motors. If you want to save the internal combustion engine, ask your Representative to cosponsor H.R. 2165. Join The MRF 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 |
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New Leadership For
House Motorcycle Caucus This week, the House Motorcycle Caucus announced changes to its leadership team. Congressman Michael Burgess of Texas, who will retire at the end of the year, has stepped down as co-chair of the caucus. Congressman Burgess helped found the caucus in 2009 and has been a tireless champion for bikers. He was the 2018 MRF Legislative Champion of the Year and we wish him well on his retirement! The current co-chair, Congressman Tim Walberg of Michigan, revealed that Congressman Troy Balderson of Ohio and Congressman Donald Norcross of New Jersey will join him as the new co-chairs. Mr. Balderson and Mr. Norcross are longtime members of the House Motorcycle Caucus and strong supporters of biker priorities. The House Motorcycle Caucus has always been a bipartisan group, so we are pleased to see Representative Norcross, a Democrat, join two Republicans as a co-chair. Additionally, the caucus named Freshman Congressman Derrick Van Orden of Wisconsin as vice chair. Mr. Van Orden is an avid motorcyclist who made a point to ride his motorcycle to the Capitol for his first day in office! Thank you to all those who will lead and are members of the House Motorcycle Caucus. Remember, this organization and its sister group, the Senate Motorcycle Caucus, exist to educate, legislate and publicize the priorities of bikers on Capitol Hill. Below is a current list of House Motorcycle Caucus members as of Thursday, February 15th, 2024. Don Bacon (R-NE) Troy Balderson (R-OH) Jim Banks (R-IN) Mike Bost (R-IL) Angie Craig (D-MN) Rick Crawford (R-AR) John Curtis (R-UT) Tom Emmer (R-MN) Paul Gosar (R-AZ) Glenn Grothman (R-WI) Andy Harris (R-MD) Dusty Johnson (R-SD) Anne Kuster (D-NH) Doug Lamborn (R-CO) Tracy Mann (R-KS) Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA) Donald Norcross (D-NJ) Scott Perry (R-PA) Bill Posey (R-FL) Adam Smith (D-WA) Pete Stauber (R-MN) Bryan Steil (R-WI) Chris Stewart (R-UT) Glenn "GT" Thompson (R-PA) Dina Titus (D-NV) Derrick Van Orden (R-WI) Michael Waltz (R-FL) Joe Wilson (R-SC) Join The MRF 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 |
