National and Regional News

Washington, D.C. — The House Motorcycle Caucus recently announced Rep. Michael Burgess of Texas, who announced his retirement at the end of this term, will step down from leadership. Taking over caucus responsibilities is current co-chair and AMA Life Member, Rep. Tim Walberg of Michigan. 

Joining the leadership team on the House Motorcycle Caucus are co-chairs Rep. Troy Balderson of Ohio and Rep. Donald Norcross of New Jersey. Walberg also announced Rep. Derrick Van Orden of Wisconsin will join the leadership team as vice-chair. 

This bipartisan leadership team signals great things for the motorcycling community. Issues impacting motorcyclists go beyond traditional political party differences and require commonsense cooperation from our legislators. The AMA continues to support the bipartisan structure and mission of the House Motorcycle Caucus.

Washington, D.C. — The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced new automobile emissions standards that officials called the most ambitious plan ever to cut emissions from passenger vehicles. The new rules relax initial tailpipe limits proposed last year but eventually get close to the same strict standards. The rules come as sales of electric vehicles, which are needed to meet the standards, have begun to slow. The auto industry cited lower sales growth in objecting to the EPA’s preferred standards unveiled last April. 

The EPA said that under its final rule, the industry could meet the limits if 56 percent of new vehicle sales are electric by 2032, along with at least 13 percent plug-in hybrids or other partially electric cars, as well as more efficient gasoline-powered cars that get more miles to the gallon. This would be a vast increase over current EV sales, which rose to 7.6 percent of new vehicle sales last year, up from 5.8 percent in 2022. 

The standards are designed to be technology-neutral and performance-based, giving car and truck manufacturers the flexibility to choose pollution-control technologies that are best suited for their customers while meeting environmental and public health goals. The new EPA standards allow for more sales of plug-in hybrids and regular gas-electric hybrids to meet emissions limits. 

State News

Kalispell, Mont. — The Flathead Resource Advisory Committee will hold two public meetings, both offering in person and virtual options for members of the public wishing to participate. The meeting will be held on April 18 and April 23 from 4:30 p.m.– 6:30 p.m. MDT. Written comments must be sent to ivy.gehling@usda.gov or via mail to Ivy Gehling, 650 Wolfpack Way, Kalispell, Montana 59901. The Forest Service strongly prefers comments to be submitted electronically. Persons or organizations wishing to make oral comments must pre-register by 11:59 p.m. MDT, April 17, and speakers can only register for one speaking slot. Oral comments must be sent by email to ivy.gehling@usda.gov or via mail, to the same address as above.

The committee is authorized under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act (the Act) and operates in compliance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA). The purpose of the committee is to improve collaborative relationships and to provide advice and recommendations to the Forest Service concerning projects and funding consistent with Title II of the Act as well as to make recommendations on recreation fee proposals for sites on the Flathead National Forest within Flathead County, consistent with the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act.

The purpose of the meetings is to hear from Title II project proponents and discuss Title II project proposals, make funding recommendations on Title II projects, approve meeting minutes and schedule the next meeting. For additional information contact Tad Wehunt, designated federal officer, at (406) 758–5280 or william.wehunt@usda.gov or Ivy Gehling, RAC coordinator, at (406) 758–5251 or ivy.gehling@usda.gov.

Monticello, Utah — Notice of Availability of the Draft Resource Management Plan and Environmental Impact Statement for the Bears Ears National Monument in Utah. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service (USDA Forest Service), have prepared a Draft Resource Management Plan (RMP) and Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Bears Ears National Monument, and are providing information announcing the opening of the comment period on the Draft RMP/EIS and the comment period on proposed areas of critical environmental concern (ACECs) on lands managed by the BLM and proposed recreational shooting closures.

The BLM is leading the NEPA process in partnership with the USDA Forest Service, which will sign a decision for the USDA Forest Service-managed lands based on the analysis in the EIS. The Agencies have and will continue to meaningfully engage the Bears Ears Commission in the development of the RMP and EIS, as required by Proclamation 10285.

This notice announces the opening of a 90-day comment period for the Draft RMP/EIS beginning with the date following the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) publication of its Notice of Availability (NOA) of the Draft RMP/EIS in the Federal Register. The Agencies will hold a total of seven public meetings. Two meetings will be held virtually, and five meetings will be conducted in-person.  The specific times and locations of the public meetings will be announced at least 15 days in advance through local media, social media, newspapers, and the ePlanning website.

For additional information contact Jill Stephenson, project manager, BLM Canyon Country District, (435) 587–1529, or BLM_UT_Monticello_Monuments@blm.gov.  

Rhinelander, Wis. — The North Wisconsin Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) will hold a public meeting on April 23 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. This meeting will be held at the Rhinelander Supervisor’s Office located at 500 Hanson Lake Road, Rhinelander, Wis. The public may also join virtually via teleconference and/or videoconference.

The committee is authorized under the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act and operates in compliance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act. The purpose of the committee is to improve collaborative relationships and to provide advice and recommendations to the Forest Service concerning projects and funding consistent with Title II of the Act as well as to make recommendations on recreation fee proposals for sites on the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest within Ashland, Bayfield, Florence, Forest, Langlade, Oconto, Price, Sawyer, Taylor, and Vilas Counties, consistent with the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act.

Topics for the meeting include electing a chairperson, hearing from proponents of Title II project proposals, making funding recommendations, hearing from the Forest Service regarding fee proposals and making recommendations on those proposals. RAC information and meeting details can be found at: fs.usda.gov/​main/​cnnf/​workingtogether/​advisorycommittees.

International News 

Bucharest, Romania — In a few weeks, a new law will come into effect that will allow holders of driving licenses category B to operate motorcycles with automatic transmission with a maximum displacement of 125 cm3, with a maximum power of 11 kW and a power-to-weight ratio of no more than 0.1 kW/kg, category A1. License holders must be at least 24 years old, have a category B license for at least 2 years and provide proof of having completed 10 hours of practical training at an authorized vehicle driver training facility. 

Previously, under existing law, any holder of a category B license could operate a motorcycle with a maximum of 50cc displacement. According to the Association for the National Development of Motorcycling (motoADN) many drivers had not taken advantage of this option due to a lack of top speed and vehicle choices in that category. At the European level, 15 countries have similar laws, and the European Parliament has shown a willingness to standardize this to avoid confusion.  

Leicester, U.K. — The National Motorcyclists Council (NMC) has strongly welcomed a new discussion with the Department for Transport (DfT) regarding making motorcycle access to bus lanes the default position in regulations throughout England. The consultation follows through on ministerial commitments made directly to the NMC last year and builds on a recent DfT update to its traffic advice leaflet on motorcycles and bus lanes, which now says: “Wherever it is appropriate, local councils should allow motorcyclists to use bus lanes.”  Although the update is welcomed, the NMC feels it still contains far too many caveats in relation to access, which extensive and long-standing practical experience of bus lane access reveals are unnecessarily precautionary.

The DfT has been historically neutral on the matter, leaving it to local authorities to decide if this is something they wish to adopt, as set out in their original advice published in 2007. In 2011, they facilitated decision making at local authority level by changes to traffic sign regulations to allow local authorities to permit motorcycles to use their bus lanes without the need for the DfT to authorize the signs. Although these decisions were welcomed, they have led to a patchwork of access around the country, with some local authority areas allowing access, but others not. A confusing situation exists in London, where TfL controlled roads allow access, but many boroughs do not, leaving riders unsure about where they can and cannot use bus lanes. 

The NMC will shortly be issuing an advice note on responding to the consultation. 

Industry News  

Irvine, Calif. — The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) has unveiled its initial schedule of RIDE Day events for 2024, consisting of 25 planned events from Alaska to Virginia, with more being added on a regular basis. Find the schedule at msf-usa.org/ride-day/ and @msf__usa on Instagram and Motorcycle Safety Foundation on Facebook. MSF recognizes nearly 2,000 training sites across the country where MSF-certified coaches teach motorcycle riding curricula. Each of these locations are eligible to host RIDE Days of their own.

RIDE Day events offer non-riders the opportunity to try a motorcycle for the first time. For current riders, it is an opportunity to ride their own machines in practice exercises designed to sharpen their skills. Through hosting a RIDE Day, MSF-recognized ranges open their facilities to the communities they serve. Events frequently feature motorcycle and gear displays, local vendors, and more to create a welcoming motorcycle experience while providing attendees a look at proper rider training.

Two key elements of RIDE Day are MOTO Intro and SKILLS Check. Events can feature either or both of these activities. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation promotes safety through rider training and education, operator licensing tests, and public information programs.

Marietta, Ga. – Yamaha Motor Corp., USA, is proud to announce the Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative (OAI) contributed over $1 million in grant awards in 2023, marking the largest annual funding total since the program’s inception in 2008. This significant increase, nearly double from the previous year, reaffirms Yamaha’s position as a leader in the powersports industry, advocating for access to public lands for motorcycle, ATV, Side-by-Side, and e-bike owners, and enriching the greater outdoor recreation community.

In the fourth quarter of 2023, the funding cycle focused on projects aimed at educating and inspiring the next generation of motorized and outdoor recreation enthusiasts. Two notable recipients were Cycle Kids, Inc. and the Strider Education Foundation, which engage elementary school-aged children in bike riding fundamentals as part of physical education curriculum. Additionally, the Sierra Foundation will provide local fifth and sixth grade students the opportunity to attend the Rich Oliver Mystery School four-week Ride & Wrench camp to learn motorcycle riding and maintenance skills. 

The application deadline for consideration in the first funding cycle of 2024 is March 31st. Visit YamahaOAI.com to learn how to apply for a grant and review the submission guidelines, as well as find the grant application form and an informative blog featuring project recaps for inspiration. 

Monterey, Calif. – As reported by roadracingworld.com/, the County of Monterey Department of Public Works, Facilities, and Parks and Friends of Laguna Seca (FLS) recently announced a comprehensive settlement that ends the Laguna Seca Raceway lawsuit. In 2023, the County entered into a long-term agreement with local non-profit Friends of Laguna Seca (FLS) for the operation of the Laguna Seca Recreation Area, which includes WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. But in December 2023, the Highway 68 Coalition sued the County of Monterey and FLS claiming the County was wrong to approve the new Concession Agreement because, among other things, a state-mandated environmental study to consider the impact of noise produced by increasing activity at the racetrack had not been carried out.

The Coalition asked the court to vacate the new Concession Agreement and order the County of Monterey and FLS to “cease and desist” from allowing activity at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca that produce noise levels “in excess of the level of use and noise that existed at the time…when the applicable zoning was established” in 1985.

A hearing on the case was scheduled to be held June 20, 2024, but both parties to the litigation have agreed to a settlement that will end the lawsuit and allow operations to continue at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. 

AMA News 

Pickerington, Ohio — The American Motorcyclist Association is saddened to hear about the passing of former AMA President Ed Youngblood on March 10, 2024, and offers condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. Youngblood was 80 years old. Born on Sept. 28, 1943, in Muskogee, Okla., Youngblood bought his first bike — a 165cc Harley-Davidson — at the age of 14. After graduating from college with a master’s degree, he went to work with AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famers Chuck and Sharon Clayton as an editor of Cycle News East.

In 1970, Youngblood joined the AMA staff as managing editor of AMA News, which later was replaced by American Motorcyclist. In 1978, he was put in charge of the AMA’s government relations department.

In 1981, Youngblood was appointed AMA executive director. He led the organization until 1999. During his tenure, Youngblood focused on improving member communication, growing the AMA’s government relations efforts, and building stronger ties to the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme. For 25 years Youngblood was a delegate to the FIM, and he eventually became the deputy president, which was the second-highest rank in the organization. 

Youngblood also helped establish the AMA Motorycle Hall of Fame. He was instrumental in forming the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation in the early 1980s to raise funds for the Hall of Fame Museum. The American Motorcycle Heritage Museum was opened in 1990 within the AMA’s old headquarters in Westerville, Ohio.

During Youngblood’s tenure the AMA’s headquarters was relocated to Pickerington, Ohio — which remains the AMA’s home today. The American Motorcycle Heritage Museum followed the AMA to Pickerington, assuming a new name: The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum. 

Youngblood resigned from the AMA to focus on his interests in history and writing in 1999 and was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame later that year. 

* * * * *

AMA News & Notes is a monthly publication compiled and edited by the American Motorcyclist Association. Designed to inform motorcyclists of rights-related issues and events in the United States and around the world, AMA News & Notes welcomes your input. Suggestions and editorial contributions can be sent to AMA Director of Communications Matthew Miles at mmiles@ama-cycle.org.

Sign up and stay informed: AMA News & Notes keeps motorcyclists up to date on hot topics, news affecting the motorcycling community and opportunities to communicate with elected officials. Click here to check the “Sign me up for News & Notes” box.

AMA Action Alerts notify motorcyclists when and how to make a difference on important issues. Click here to see the most recent AMA Action Alerts, or to sign up and receive them.

Readers also may sign up for other AMA e-newsletters, including Hall of Fame Insider, which focuses on the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame. To subscribe, click here.

Protect your right to ride! Volunteering is easy, and it’s rewarding. To learn how you can help, email us at grassroots@ama-cycle.org.