BETHESDA, Md., June 22 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The Motorcycle Riders Foundation strongly supports the Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act (HR 2057) and urges Congress to swiftly pass the legislation in order to safeguard individual vehicle ownership rights today and in the future.

“We have formally committed our support to the Right to Repair Act because we believe that consumers are entitled to the right to choose how their motorcycle, car or other type of vehicle is maintained or upgraded. The point of Right to Repair is to protect the freedom of American consumers to choose how they take care of their vehicles, be it in their driveway or at a trusted repair facility, and to ensure that they have access to all the information required to complete service and repairs,” said Jeff Hennie, vice president of government relations for the Motorcycle Riders Foundation.

The Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act was introduced into the 111th Congress by Reps. Edolphus Towns (D-NY), Anna Eshoo (D-CA) and George Miller (D-CA) to offer protections for vehicle owners by making it illegal for vehicle manufacturers to withhold information necessary to diagnose, service or repair motor vehicles.

“Vehicles, including motorcycles, are becoming increasingly complex with the addition of more and more computer technology, and that is only going to increase in the future. Ready access to accurate service and repair information from the manufacturers is essential to the safety and well-being of the entire American motoring public,” continued Hennie.

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation encourages its members and all motorists to visit www.righttorepair.org to send a letter to each of their congressional representatives, urging them to support the Right to Repair Act (HR 2057) by adding their names to the growing list of co-sponsors.

About the Motorcycle Riders Foundation:

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF), incorporated in 1987, is a membership-based, national motorcyclists’ rights organization headquartered in Washington, DC. As the first motorcyclists’ rights organization to establish a full-time presence in Washington, MRF is the only Washington voice devoted exclusively to the street rider. MRF established MRFPAC in the early 1990s to advocate the election of candidates who would champion the cause of rider safety and rider freedom. For more information, visit www.mrf.org.

About Right to Repair:

The Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act, which was introduced by Reps. Edolphus Towns (D-NY), Anna Eshoo (D-CA) and George Miller (D-CA), would require vehicle manufacturers to make the same service information and tools capabilities available to independent repair shops that they provide to their franchised dealer networks. The legislation further provides vehicle manufacturers with strong protections for their trade secrets unless that information is provided to the franchised dealers. The bill clarifies the responsibilities of the Federal Trade Commission in enforcing the bill’s requirements. For more information about the Right to Repair Act, visit www.righttorepair.org.

Website: http://www.mrf.org Website: http://www.righttorepair.org/

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) is holding its inaugural ride to the Nation’s Capitol for Motorcycle Awareness Month. Known as “Bikers Inside the Beltway,” the event will be dedicated to its creator, the recently departed MRF Vice President and long-time motorcyclists’ rights legend Michael “Boz” Kerr.

The MRF is encouraging bikers nationwide to ride their motorcycles to Washington DC for this historic event. We have reserved secure parking for motorcycles adjacent to the U.S. Capitol; this location should make for an impressive display of bikes.

We have invited all members of Congress to attend the event, but if you are planning to be here you should let your U.S. Senators and Representative know, and ask them to step outside for a photo op with you and a backdrop of motorcycles. The MRF’s DC staff will help coordinate any details and answer any questions you may have about arranging meetings with your members of Congress.

What: Motorcycle Riders Foundation “Bikers Inside the Beltway” National Motorcycle Awareness Month Ride and Lobby Day
When: May 14, 2009, 9:00 am – 2:30 pm
Where: Reserved motorcycle parking is along the 0-100 block of 3rd Street SW, only steps from the U.S. Capitol. A Washington DC map will be posted on the MRF website, or you can use this link for the map and directions:

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=101951183910759109860.000468b197cce57785d6b&ll=38.886707,-77.009418&spn=0.012193,0.01914&z=16

Due to the popularity of this event, the MRF obtained additional parking. We will meet at the 3rd street parking location at 9:00 am and walk one block to the staging area on the Capitol grounds where a smaller number of bikes will be parked.

Please contact jeff@mrf.org or call 202-546-0983 if you are planning to ride your motorcycle to this historic event, or if you have any questions about the event itself or local accommodations.

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Ride With The LeadersTM by joining the MRF at http://www.mrf.org/join.php or call 1-202-546-0983

(c)All Information contained in this release is copyrighted. Reproduction permitted with attribution. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation, incorporated in 1987, is a membership-based, national motorcyclists’ rights organization headquartered in Washington, DC. The first motorcyclists’
rights organization to establish a full-time presence in Washington, DC, the Motorcycle Riders Foundation is the only Washington voice devoted exclusively to the street rider. The MRF established MRFPAC in the early 1990s to advocate the election of candidates who would champion the cause of rider safety and rider freedom.

The MRF proudly claims state motorcyclists’ rights organizations and the very founders of the American riders’ rights movement among its leading members. The MRF is involved in federal and state legislation and regulations, motorcycling safety education, training, and public awareness. The MRF provides members and state motorcyclists’ rights organizations with direction and information, and sponsors annual regional and national educational seminars for motorcyclists rights activists, as well as publishing a bi-monthly newsletter, THE MRF REPORTS.

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) has learned that the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) voted last Friday, April 17, 2009, on the issue of banning sales of youth ATVs and motorcycles because of lead levels.  The CPSC voted to keep the ban in place; however, they did issue a two-year stay of enforcement of the ban.  This stay of enforcement will allow manufacturers and retailers of youth ATVs and motorcycles to continue building and selling these items.  It also gives the industry two years to comply with the new law and if, for some reason, it is technologically infeasible to manufacture a certain part with less lead than allowed by law, the industry will have a chance to make an argument to the CSPC.

The two-member CPSC board decided unanimously.  Both the acting Chairperson Nancy Nord and Commissioner Thomas Moore voted to deny the
petition from industry to completely overturn the ban; however, both cited safety as the reason for their votes to issue the two-year stay.  Nord and Moore both claim, “A bigger safety concern than lead exposure is that the elimination of youth ATV sales will likely increase the number of adult ATVs purchased to be used by younger children, therefore increasing risk of injury and death.”  Industry has 45 days to apply for the stay.

You can read the decision letter of the CPSC here:
http://www.cpsc.gov/library/foia/ballot/ballot09/atvexclusion.pdf

Legislation does currently exist that would force the CPSC to exempt all youth ATVs and motorcycles.  Denny Rehberg (R-MT) has introduced HR 1587,
and the bill has 35 co-sponsors to date. The MRF encourages you to ask your Member of the US House to co-sponsor this important legislation.

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS

The MRF is collecting any public service announcements or other advertising media your group has put together or uses with regard to motorcycling.  The goal is to establish a clearinghouse in the MRF DC
office of the most effective motorcycling messages used today.  Please send all forms of media electronically to the MRF office at mrfoffice@mrf.org, including stickers, billboard images, radio, video,
virtual or otherwise.  Call the MRF DC office at 202-546-0983 if you have questions.

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Ride With The LeadersTM by joining the MRF at http://www.mrf.org/join.php or call 1-202-546-0983

(c)All Information contained in this release is copyrighted. Reproduction permitted with attribution. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation, incorporated in 1987, is a membership-based, national motorcyclists’ rights organization headquartered in Washington, DC. The first motorcyclists’ rights organization to establish a full-time presence in Washington, DC, the Motorcycle Riders Foundation is the only Washington voice devoted exclusively to the street rider. The MRF established MRFPAC in the early 1990s to advocate the election of candidates who would champion the cause of rider safety and rider freedom.

The MRF proudly claims state motorcyclists’ rights organizations and the very founders of the American riders’ rights movement among its leading members. The MRF is involved in federal and state legislation and
regulations, motorcycling safety education, training, and public awareness. The MRF provides members and state motorcyclists’ rights organizations with direction and information, and sponsors annual regional and national educational seminars for motorcyclists rights activists, as well as publishing a bi-monthly newsletter, THE MRF REPORTS.

The bill puts the Congress on record as recognizing the contribution motorcycles make to the transportation mix. It encourages all road users to be more aware of motorcycles and motorcyclists’ safety. This is in addition to encouraging all riders to receive appropriate training and practice safe riding skills and supporting the goals of a Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.

The bill was passed unanimously by the committee with many positive statements from committee members. Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman James Oberstar (D-MN) cited many positive aspects of motorcycling and was complementary to his constituents who have been in touch with him concerning motorcycle awareness programs. The bill will next head to the House floor for a full vote.

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation encourages its members to contact their individual member of congress to sign on as cosponsors of this legislation.

Consumer Product Safety Commission – Lead issue

Recently the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CSPC) announced that off-road motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles marketed to children ages 12 and under are now banned for sale in the United States. As you may already know the 110th Congress passed the Consumer Product Safety Commission Improvement Act which set limits on the amount of lead that products marketed to Americans 12 years old and under may contain.

The MRF certainly agrees with the intent of the law which is to protect younger Americans from unknowingly being exposed to dangerous amounts of lead.

However, as with many things that come from Washington, this all out ban seems to be a case of unintended consequences. In order to correct this oversight legislation has been introduced. Congressman Denny Rehberg (R-MT) has introduced HR 1587 which would exempt the off-highway vehicles the CPSC has banned. The MRF does support HR 1587 and encourages its members to contact their representatives to cosponsor the important legislation.

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation has been working this issue hard, after making an unprecedented decision to advocate for an issue that does not affect street riders. Vice President of Government Relations Jeff Hennie, along with MRF Vice President Michael Kerr, have been on Capitol Hill together the past week. Working with members from our state partner organizations ABATE of Illinois and ABATE of Minnesota, this issue has been raised in over 30 congressional offices.

While this seems to be as straight forward as an issue can be, after working with Capitol Hill over the past few weeks the MRF has learned just how political this issue can be. Several members of Congress expressed that supporting the above legislation could be used against them in upcoming elections by their opponents because it can be viewed standing in the way of child safety. That point of view is certainly a stretch, but one that will be advocated for by many child safety organizations. The MRF believes it should be the parents that choose to allow their children to ride and race. With the proper amount of supervision and instruction, youth use of motorcycles and ATVs is as safe as any other sport. It is our challenge to convince Members of Congress that supporting (and co-sponsoring) legislation to exempt off highway vehicles from the CPSC ban can have a positive political impact as well.

Save the Date.
May 14th, 2009 is the first official National Motorcycle Awareness day. The MRF has secured motorcycle parking on the United States Capitol grounds from 10am-2pm. Due to space restraints and security concerns by the administration of the House of Representatives; we may be forced to limit the number of motorcycles that we can bring onto the grounds. So please let us know as soon as possible if you plan to ride your motorcycle to this historic event. Please call 202-546-0983 or email jeff@mrf.org to register your interest.
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Ride With The LeadersTM by joining the MRF at http://www.mrf.org/join.php or call 1-202-546-0983

(c)All Information contained in this release is copyrighted. Reproduction permitted with attribution. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation, incorporated in 1987, is a membership-based, national motorcyclists’ rights organization headquartered in Washington, DC. The first motorcyclists’ rights organization to establish a full-time presence in Washington, DC, the Motorcycle Riders Foundation is the only Washington voice devoted exclusively to the street rider. The MRF established MRFPAC in the early 1990s to advocate the election of candidates who would champion the cause of rider safety and rider freedom.

The MRF proudly claims state motorcyclists’ rights organizations and the very founders of the American riders’ rights movement among its leading members. The MRF is involved in federal and state legislation and regulations, motorcycling safety education, training, and public awareness. The MRF provides members and state motorcyclists’ rights organizations with direction and information, and sponsors annual regional and national educational seminars for motorcyclists rights activists, as well as publishing a bi-monthly newsletter, THE MRF REPORTS.

Bikers Inside the Beltway will take place to educate members of Congress on the importance of motorcycle safety and awareness programs. The MRF will also take the opportunity to reaffirm its position that “2010 funds” (funds appropriated by Congress to support motorcycle rider education and awareness) have had a positive impact and should be preserved.

The MRF has secured limited parking space on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol. If you are sincerely interested in riding your motorcycle into the grounds please email Jeff@mrf.org or call 202-546-0983 to join the list for admittance. Due to space and security concerns by the administration of the House of Representatives, we may be forced to limit the number of motorcycles that we can bring onto the grounds. So please let us know as soon as possible.

Of course, there is no limit on the number of people who can attend. The MRF is still working with House officials and will present more details shortly.

==========================================================
Ride With The LeadersTM by joining the MRF at http://www.mrf.org/join.php or call 1-202-546-0983

(c)All Information contained in this release is copyrighted. Reproduction permitted with attribution. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation, incorporated in 1987, is a membership-based, national motorcyclists’ rights organization headquartered in Washington, DC. The first motorcyclists’ rights organization to establish a full-time presence in Washington, DC, the Motorcycle Riders Foundation is the only Washington voice devoted exclusively to the street rider. The MRF established MRFPAC in the early 1990s to advocate the election of candidates who would champion the cause of rider safety and rider freedom.

The MRF proudly claims state motorcyclists’ rights organizations and the very founders of the American riders’ rights movement among its leading members. The MRF is involved in federal and state legislation and regulations, motorcycling safety education, training, and public awareness. The MRF provides members and state motorcyclists’ rights organizations with direction and information, and sponsors annual regional and national educational seminars for motorcyclists rights activists, as well as publishing a bi-monthly newsletter, THE MRF REPORTS.

We keep hoping that we can announce the date, but with the clock ticking it is time to offer an explanation.

Since the new Congress went into session, the Motorcycle Riders Foundation has been working with United States Representative Judy Biggert (R – Il) and her staff to secure a site on the Capitol grounds for our event.

Due to unannounced changes in the rules to hold such an event (made by the Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi), which went into effect this year, we have had to negotiate with officials of the Capitol. Because of the huge workload that occurs when a new Congress begins, our request was delayed. This is something that is entirely beyond our control.

Because of the rule changes, in all likelihood there will be some adjustments to be made on our part. We just can’t say exactly what at the present time.

In the last several weeks – working with the Sergeant of Arms of the House of Representatives – a spot in the Capitol complex came into consideration. While smaller than we would like, we have made a request to obtain it. That request is currently under review.  We are just waiting for confirmation from that office and we will announce the date. We have
every reason to believe that we will receive official confirmation soon.

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Ride With The LeadersTM by joining the MRF at http://www.mrf.org/join.php or call 1-202-546-0983

(c)All Information contained in this release is copyrighted. Reproduction permitted with attribution. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation, incorporated in 1987, is a membership-based, national motorcyclists’ rights organization headquartered in Washington, DC. The first motorcyclists’ rights organization to establish a full-time presence in Washington, DC, the Motorcycle Riders Foundation is the only Washington voice devoted exclusively to the street rider. The MRF established MRFPAC in the early 1990s to advocate the election of candidates who would champion the cause of rider safety and rider freedom.

The MRF proudly claims state motorcyclists’ rights organizations and the very founders of the American riders’ rights movement among its leading members. The MRF is involved in federal and state legislation and regulations, motorcycling safety education, training, and public awareness. The MRF provides members and state motorcyclists’ rights organizations with direction and information, and sponsors annual regional and national educational seminars for motorcyclists rights activists, as well as publishing a bi-monthly newsletter, THE MRF REPORTS.

On that day the committee chaired by US Representative Henry Waxman considered 10 bills that had passed the House with bipartisan support in the 110th Congress. Under a motion those bills were ordered favorably reported to the House by unanimous consent.

Under current law, insurance providers can refuse to pay for treatment of an injury based solely on the source of the injury.  Simply by pointing to the “source of injury” law, no prior notice of possible denial of benefits for that source of injury is required.

Sources of injury that can be used as a reason by insurance providers to refuse payment of medical bills include motorcycling, snow skiing, ATVs and horseback riding.

According to HR 1253, known as the Health Insurance Source of Injury Clarification Act, if an insurance provider wants to be able to put limitations on payment for an injury from a specific source they must meet the following requirements.

* “Make such limitations and restrictions explicit and clear; ”
* “If part of a group plan, must be disclosed to plan sponsor in advance
of the point of sale of plan;”
* “The plan sponsor and issuer of health insurance coverage provide a
description that is easily understandable to the participant prior to
enrollment.”

To summarize the legalese, your health insurance provider can limit payment for an injury sustained on a motorcycle so long as it is spelled out to you in simple terms well in advance of you joining the plan.

Closing the loophole entirely and mandating that insurance companies must cover all injuries sustained while operating a legal motorcycle is still the ultimate goal of the MRF.  HR 1253 puts Congress on record that this issue needs attention and is willing to work on it.  The MRF will continue to keep you updated on this important matter.

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Ride With The LeadersTM by joining the MRF at http://www.mrf.org/join.php or call 1-202-546-0983

(c)All Information contained in this release is copyrighted. Reproduction permitted with attribution. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation, incorporated in 1987, is a membership-based, national motorcyclists’ rights organization headquartered in Washington, DC. The first motorcyclists’ rights organization to establish a full-time presence in Washington, DC, the Motorcycle Riders Foundation is the only Washington voice devoted exclusively to the street rider. The MRF established MRFPAC in the early 1990s to advocate the election of candidates who would champion the cause of rider safety and rider freedom.

The MRF proudly claims state motorcyclists’ rights organizations and the very founders of the American riders’ rights movement among its leading members. The MRF is involved in federal and state legislation and regulations, motorcycling safety education, training, and public awareness. The MRF provides members and state motorcyclists’ rights organizations with direction and information, and sponsors annual regional and national educational seminars for motorcyclists rights activists, as well as publishing a bi-monthly newsletter, THE MRF REPORTS.

A Beverly Hills, California state senator has introduced legislation that would require motorcycles to participate in the state’s vehicle “smog check” program. The program was designed to service cars and because of that motorcycles were exempt “until the Department of Consumer Affairs implements test procedures applicable to motorcycles” according to standing state California state law. Senator Fran Pavely (D) is the main sponsor of the bill which would require all motorcycles beginning with model year 2000 to be tested starting in 2012.

This bill is problematic for a number of reasons. First off, it provides for no funding for the development of testing procedures. Secondly, no funding for the accommodation of the new 1.2 million motorcycles at the check stations. This will result in a financial burden for the California government at a time when every penny is already spoken for.

In the MRF’s view, the California state legislature should reconsider this motion. When the funding is available, it would then seem more feasible to invest in proper investigatory programs to best determine how to test motorcycles or if it is even necessary.

Read the bill here:
http://info.sen.ca.gov/pub/09-10/bill/sen/sb_0401-0450/sb_435_bill_20090226_introduced.html

President Obama Announces DOT Official.

Barack Obama has announced that he plans to nominate Roy Kienitz for Under Secretary of Transportation for Policy, Department of Transportation

BIO
Roy Kienitz is currently the Deputy Chief of Staff for Governor Rendell. Roy has been a leader on Gov. Rendell’s staff for Transportation, Alternative Energy, and Environment initiatives since 2003. Prior to his time in Pennsylvania, Kienitz served as Secretary of the Maryland Department of Planning. Kienitz has also served as the Executive Director to the Surface Transportation Policy Project where he was a strong advocate for innovation in transportation policy.

Kienitz’s prior experience also includes working for Former Senator Moynihan as Chief of Staff and the U.S. Senate Environment & Public Works Committee.

Originally from California, Kienitz earned his bachelor’s degree in Aquatic Biology from the University of California in 1983.

Upon close examination of Kienitz some conflicting ideologies emerge. Kienitz worked for Senator Daniel Monyihan in the late eighties and early nineties as the chief of staff for the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. That committee, at that time, was responsible for writing the surface transportation authorization bill (ISTEA) that included the penalties on states that did not have mandatory helmet laws. Kienitz was instrumental at the senior staff level in putting those penalties in
place.

However, Kienitz’s most recent post with Governor Rendell puts him in place at the same time ABATE of PA was modifying the state helmet law. ABATE of PA has never heard from him or anything that he did to stop the new law from going into effect.

Which Kienitz will end up in DC to report to DOT Secretary LaHood? That remains to be seen.

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Ride With The LeadersTM by joining the MRF at http://www.mrf.org/join.php or call 1-202-546-0983

Sign up today for the MRF’s new roadside assistance program by visiting
http://www.mrf.org/mrfroadside.php The program is available to MRF members and non-MRF members.

(c)All Information contained in this release is copyrighted. Reproduction permitted with attribution. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation, incorporated in 1987, is a membership-based, national motorcyclists’ rights organization headquartered in Washington, DC. The first motorcyclists’ rights organization to establish a full-time presence in Washington, DC, the Motorcycle Riders Foundation is the only Washington voice devoted exclusively to the street rider. The MRF established MRFPAC in the early
1990s to advocate the election of candidates who would champion the cause of rider safety and rider freedom.

The MRF proudly claims state motorcyclists’ rights organizations and the very founders of the American riders’ rights movement among its leading members. The MRF is involved in federal and state legislation and regulations, motorcycling safety education, training, and public awareness. The MRF provides members and state motorcyclists’ rights organizations with direction and information, and sponsors annual regional and national educational seminars for motorcyclists rights activists, as
well as publishing a bi-monthly newsletter, THE MRF REPORTS.