Doesn’t matter what you ride, this legislation affects us all.

As the Motorcycle Riders Foundation presses its legislative agenda again this year in Washington, DC, one issue is a call for clarity: What is a motorcycle?

It used to be easy to answer that question. In fact, it was defined in law way back in 1967: a motor vehicle with motive power having a seat or saddle for the use of the rider and designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with ground.

But now with these things becoming known as autocycles (think Polaris Slingshot) it gets stickier. And the problem is that requirements for motorcycle safety are not the same as requirements for autocycles. The MRF wants a new definition: a motor vehicle, as was originally manufactured, with motive power,having a seat or saddle requiring the rider to sit astride, designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground, steering controlled by handlebars, acceleration and braking controlled by handlebar and foot controls and capable of reaching speeds in excess of 30 mph.

Let’s face it, these autocycles are more accurately described as three-wheeled cars, not three-wheeled motorcycles. We have actual three-wheeled motorcycles. Let’s keep them well sorted for the sake of statistics and safety.

Anti-profiling is another recurring concern. If the police want to stop all motorists and check for license and insurance, go ahead. But do not single out motorcyclists and ignore everyone else. The Senate previously passed a resolution opposing this but it didn’t make it through the House. This year it looks like the House may be ready to sign on, too. Good.

We all know that self-driving cars are coming. What we want to be sure of is that their sensors are good enough to detect smaller forms, such as motorcycles, and respond appropriately. The MRF position states: The Motorcycle Riders Foundation maintains that federal authorities must require robust testing of manufacturers of automated driving systems, guaranteeing they have accounted for motorcycle recognition and responsiveness. Any new legislation by this Congress,in either the House or the Senate,should specifically ensure that motorcycles are considered in the bill language. The MRF continues to meet with House Energy and Commerce Committee staff as well as Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee staff to ensure motorcycles are considered in any legislation surrounding this new technology.

As federal mandates continue to promote plant-based ethanol in gasoline it continues to be necessary to do all possible to ensure that people don’t put the stuff in engines that are not designed to handle it. The MRF position: The Motorcycle Riders Foundation supports an educational campaign and warning label that will alert consumers further education on their part may be needed. By encouraging consumers to check their owner’s manual consumers, Americans will have the necessary knowledge to make informed decisions about the fuel they put in their engines. An educated consumer is empowered to make the right decision for their specific circumstances.

And lastly, the most minor of the MRF issues, is to urge members of Congress to join their body’s motorcycle caucus. This is where motorcycles get a real focus and ideas can spill out of there to fill in gaps in other legislation. Hey, we vote and we pay taxes–don’t give us short shrift.

Biker Quote for Today

A guy letting a girl ride his bike is like saying ‘I love you.’