Before Ride To Work Day, bikers were already rolling to Capitol Hill. The Independent Motorcycle Aftermarket (IMA) group led by V-Twin Industry icon Bob Kay, and supported by 300+ biker constituents (including many Independent Dealers) recently converged on Washington, D.C. for the MRF’s (Motorcycle Riders Foundation) Bikers Inside the Beltway grassroots lobby event. The MRF applauds both the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the House Energy and Commerce Committee for advancing H.R. 8870, the BUILD America 250 Act (the Highway Bill), with measures supporting motorcyclists.
The House Energy and Commerce, which has jurisdiction over portions of the highway bill, included several motorcycle related priorities addressed by the MRF/IMA. Among those provisions are enhanced protections for the RIGHT TO REPAIR. In addition, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee advanced provisions extending authorization for MAC (Motorcyclists Advisory Council), ensuring riders continue to have a formal voice in federal transportation. This legislation also strengthens protection against motorcycle profiling by expanding existing language.
MRF recognizes the collaboration with the IMA and whose leader, Bob Kay, remains an outspoken advocate on the Right To Repair and Right To Modify, helping protect riders’ ability to access repair information, replacement parts, diagnostics, software and independent service options. Additionally, MRF recognizes the AMA (American Motorcyclist Association) for its support, particularly the input of Zach Farmer and support from SEMA (Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association) joining in our walk through the halls of Congress.
This event was open to all and well planned out. Starting with a preview meeting the night before and teams were put together by State and District. By day’s end, more than 300 constituents had completed 535 visits leaving specific requests for our representatives to act on.
“Without riders and independent dealers contacting lawmakers, attending meetings and remaining engaged in the legislative process, these victories would not have been possible,” concluded MRF President Kirk “Hardtail” Willard. “This is the first step. It is a big step, but the work is not finished. The full House must still pass this legislation, then to the senate and then the President can sign it into law.”
