Fellow Bikers,
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has started nighttime testing of vehicles with automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems because of the increased percentage of pedestrian crashes on dark roads. While we’re all for pedestrian safety our bigger question is– If these vehicles can’t sense pedestrians, can they sense a motorcycle in the dark?
Every year, in September, your Motorcycle Riders Foundation (“MRF”) hosts a conference called the “MEETING OF THE MINDS“. This conference has MRF Reps and members from across the U.S. that talk about legislative issues in their respective states and issues on the federal level. This year we had about 300 members representing 29 states. It’s always great to hear what is happening in other states, but there are some very concerning issues on the federal level.
The Reps from each state meet to discuss what priorities should be addressed in the coming year. One huge issue is the fate of the combustion engine. Last year, CA Gov. Newsome passed a bill banning the sale of small off-road gas-powered engines, such as dirt bikes, lawnmowers, weed whackers, and chain saws. This could be just the tip of the iceberg.
We know that electric motorcycles are here to stay, and will become more prevalent. The concern is the shift away from fossil fuels. In 10 to 15 years, will be able to buy gas for our bikes? Your MRF always keeps up with what is going on in Europe because some of their ideas end up over in the U.S.
The United Kingdom has passed legislation that will eliminate gas-powered engines by 2035. You will not only not be able to register a gas-powered car or bike, but those vehicles, including bikes, must be turned in AND CRUSHED!!!! Your MRF leaders just attended a virtual seminar hosted by the European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers and the eFuel Alliance of Europe. Those groups are working on a plan to power vehicles and bikes by wind, solar, and hydrogen because they foresee the end of fossil fuels by 2035.
If you are young and have another 30 years to ride, or if you have kids or grandkids that love to ride, think about what the motorcycle scene could look like in 20 or 30 years. Are you ready to see nothing but electric bikes on the road, if there are any MC’s on the road at all? Are you willing to fight for your riding lifestyle?
Your Motorcycle Riders Foundation is ready to fight for all of us and our right to ride. Sign up for the MRF and back those of us who are fighting for our rights. Every rider should belong to the MRF. We can’t ignore our future and what will happen. Contact me for more info or to sign up for the MRF.
See ya down the road,
Bear CO MRF REP
