Once bitten by the bug, a motorcyclist joins a special group of impassioned people. Bikers understand this feeling in each other, and it is why the camaraderie of bikers so often overcomes other differences. There is an entire subculture of the U.S. that knows this, but many members of that community don’t realize just how frequently lawmakers have threatened their freedom. If you love motorcycles, you need to take a minute to learn about the Motorcycle Riders Foundation.
What Is the Motorcycle Riders Foundation?
The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) is a group dedicated to protecting the legal rights of motorcycle enthusiasts. The group first formed in 1985 as a grassroots gathering of activists who wanted to oppose legislation that discriminated against bikers. Since then, they have developed into a permanent presence in D.C., and through their actions and collaborations with a global community, they have worked to achieve a fair representation of motorcyclist interest in the U.S., WHO and UN.
What Have They Accomplished?
The MRF has a long list of accolades, most of them political. The first major success came in 1987 when they successfully persuaded Congress to squash a national ban on a certain class of bikes, dubbed “superbikes.” Since then they have had a long string of successful lobbying campaigns. Some of the more notable victories include removing discriminatory legislation that banned biker groups as criminal organizations and preventing a ban of motorcycles on federally funded roads. They’ve done more than just fight for legal rights. In 2006 they successfully implemented the Federal Motorcycle Safety Program in 44 states. The program secured $6 million annually for each state to be used in various motorcycle safety programs. A more complete list of accomplishments can be seen at mrf.org.
What Are the Top Issues?
Despite numerous successes to date, the MRF still recognizes an ongoing legal prejudice against their community. Today, the most aggressive anti-bike legislation comes in the form of environmental regulation. Many laws and ordinances have unfairly targeted motorcycles as an environmental hazard when, on average, they have a much smaller emissions impact than other motor vehicles. Because of this, one of the leading, ongoing lobbies is working with the EPA to ensure fair representation of motorcycles in their analysis and recommendations.
What Does it Mean to Be a Member?
Members of the MRF are typically individuals who are passionate about motorcycles and the associated culture. Even if you don’t own a bike, if you have the enthusiasm, then joining the group can help their success. Membership includes annual dues, which are the primary funding for many of the lobbying efforts. Being a member will add you to a national registry, making it easier to find fellow enthusiasts in your area to foster relationships. It also gets you access to major events sponsored by the MRF. Mostly, it gives a larger and more powerful voice to the hardworking activists in D.C., enabling them to protect your interests more effectively.
What are Their Events?
Events vary, but the big mainstay is the annual Meeting of the Minds. A new location is chosen each year to bring enthusiasts together from around the country. The meeting features group rides and fun activities, but it also focuses on providing education to members and attendees. Seminars and workshops are staged throughout the days of the events enabling motorcyclists to educate and empower themselves in regards to protecting their rights.
Outside of Meeting of the Minds, there are still a number of rallies and rides sponsored by the group. More recently, they have made efforts to make Bikers in the Beltway an annual event. Scheduled on the official day for lobbying in D.C., bikers gather to ride on the city and voice their concerns to Congress as a group. A number of other events can be found at the MRF website, and local chapters are certainly encouraged to look into creating events for their own communities.
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