National and Regional News

Washington D.C. — Congress and state legislatures nationwide are increasingly concerned by efforts to limit the sale of gas-powered vehicles. In 2022, California adopted a measure to require zero tailpipe emissions on new cars by 2035. Following the California model, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island and Washington aim to prohibit the sale of gas-powered vehicles in the future.

In December, Representative Walberg (R-MI-05) and Representative Clyde (R-GA-09) led the House to pass the Choice in Automobile Retail Sales Act of 2023. This legislation would prohibit federal emission standards requiring two-thirds of new vehicles to be electric by 2032. At the state level, the Ohio State Legislature passed, and Governor DeWine signed legislation to protect consumer choice. House Bill 201, signed in December, allows Ohioans to choose the type of automobile and other motorized equipment that suits their needs and ensures a wide range of vehicle options.

Navigating the electric vehicle, hybrid, and the alternative fuel future continues to be an important issue for motorcyclists. The AMA believes riders deserve the freedom to ride a machine that best fits their needs. We support efforts in Washington, D.C., and at the state level to protect consumer vehicle choice.

Support the Choice in Automobile Retail Sales Act of 2023 and send a message to your United States Senators today!  

Sacramento, Calif. — The California Air Resources Board has delayed a public hearing to consider approving for adoption the proposed amendments to the On-Road Motorcycle emission standards and test procedures. A subsequent notice will follow in the future with more information, including the revised date, time and location of the rescheduled hearing.  

The public comment period for this regulatory action, which began on Dec. 1, 2023, and ended on Jan. 16, 2024, will not be extended. The revised notice and all related regulatory documents are available on CARB’s Rulemaking webpage. 

Twentynine Palms, Calif. — The Johnson Valley Shared Use Area will be temporarily closed to the public beginning Feb. 15, through Feb. 27, while the Marine Corps conducts critical military training in the area.

The adjacent Johnson Valley OHV Recreation Area is unaffected by the Johnson Valley Shared Use Area closures and remains open to the public for recreation and OHV use. Closure periods include the time required to ensure the Shared Use Area is clear of recreation activity prior to military training and to confirm the land is safe for public access before reopening.

Training is conducted within Combat Center boundaries year-round, including ranges acquired through the land expansion bordering the Shared Use Area. The Marine Corps reminds the public to be safe and respect base boundaries when recreating near the installation. Individuals have a personal and legal responsibility to avoid trespassing.

Questions or inquiries may be directed to the Resource Management Group by emailing the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center at SMBPLMSJOHNSONVALLEY@usmc.mil. 

State News 

Carson City, Nev. – Nevada State Parks is currently accepting grant applications for motorized trail projects in anticipation of the 2024 Federal Highway Administration funding of the Recreational Trails Program. RTP funding may be awarded to counties, municipalities, state and federal agencies, non-profit organizations and tribal governments. 

Applications must fall within one of the following categories:

• Motorized single use project: A project primarily intended to benefit only one mode of motorized recreational use, such as snowmobile trail grooming. A project may be classified in this category if it also benefits a non-motorized use (it is not necessary to exclude non-motorized use), but the primary intent must be for the benefit of motorized use.

• Motorized diverse use project: A project primarily intended to benefit more than one mode of motorized recreational use, such as: motorcycle and ATV use; or ATV and snowmobile. A project may be classified in this category if it also benefits a non-motorized use (it is not necessary to exclude non-motorized use), but the primary intent must be for the benefit of motorized use. 

RTP motorized funding will be limited to approximately $300,000.00 for this grant cycle. Fund allocations will be determined by the RTP Advisory Committee and State Parks Administration following evaluation of the proposed projects. 

 Visit parks.nv.gov/about/grant-programs/recreational-trails-program to review RTP guidelines. Applications must be submitted through the grant portal, at nvparks.webgrantscloud.com/ and are due by March 8. For questions related to the RTP motorized application or to request additional information, contact Elyse Jolly, park & recreation program manager, at (775) 684-2775 or emjolly@parks.nv.gov. 

Murphy, Idaho — The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is seeking input on the Silver City Travel Management Plan Environmental Assessment, which is available for public comment until Feb. 12. This plan will establish a comprehensive system of motorized travel routes through western Owyhee County in southwest Idaho, ensuring access to BLM-managed public lands, while addressing conflicts between users and natural resources.

The plan covers approximately 425,000 acres of BLM-managed lands and analyzes 1,103 miles of routes inventoried by the BLM, with contributions from motorized user groups, Tribes, state and federal agencies, and stakeholder groups. The range of action alternatives being considered would designate between 1,000 to 1,072 miles of motorized routes for public use.

The process began with building a baseline dataset of existing routes in 2010.

This dataset included input from the public, including motorized user groups, and local and state government agencies. In 2017, several proposed route systems (called alternatives) were made available for public review. Each alternative had a different emphasis, one emphasized motorized access, one emphasized resource protection, and one tried to balance motorized access and resource protection.
These Travel Management Plans were paused as the administration shifted the BLM’s focus to other priorities. What has changed since the Silver City TMP was last proposed back in 2018? 

• Increased width designations for ATV/UTV to 65 inches or less, which was based on current UTV manufacture specifications. Most machines meet this width. 

• Analysis was updated to reflect the most current biological and visitor use data. 

• It was clarified where e-bikes are authorized. 

• The Owyhee Land Exchange was completed, resulting in a reduction of route miles on BLM-managed lands within the planning area. 

All comments must be submitted through e-planning by clicking the “Participate Now” button on the project website. Comments received through other means cannot be guaranteed for consideration.  

Rancho Cordova, Calif. — California State Parks has prepared a Draft Road and Trail Management Plan (RTMP) with Appendices for Prairie City State Vehicular Recreation Area that is available for public review and feedback. You may submit comments using a feedback form available in both English and Spanish. Comments may also be sent by email to trails@parks.ca.gov until Feb. 8. Please include PCSVRA RTMP in the subject line of the email.
The RTMP proposes new trails in areas that have previously been closed to the public, designated different trails for different use types to reduce potential conflicts and improve safety, new facilities, reroutes of existing trails, new trail alignments, new camping facilities at selected staging areas, and other changes to improve the experience and protect natural and cultural resources at the park. 

A public workshop was recently held at the Environmental Training Center located within the Prairie City SVRA. A video of the workshop presentation can be viewed at: youtu.be/HJd5uQfkgOY.  

Sacramento, Calif. — Cameras at intersections across California already flag drivers who run red lights. Now, due to the passage of Assembly Bill 645, six cities will begin to implement a pilot program that will use similar technology to identify and fine speeding drivers.

The cities of Los Angeles, San Jose, Oakland, Glendale, Long Beach and San Francisco have been authorized to launch the speed camera program, that will last five years or until Jan. 1, 2032 (whichever date is sooner). After a 60-day introductory period of issuing warnings, fines will be assessed. Fees will start at $50 for drivers who go at least 11 mph over the speed limit — though amounts can be reduced depending on income. 

Cameras will capture license plates, not faces of drivers, but critics of the law remain concerned about over surveillance, privacy and data security related issues.

Also, California has ended its statewide ban on cruising, when drivers show off classic, often customized lowrider vehicles on city streets. The new law reflects similar recent decisions in numerous cities, including San Jose, Sacramento and Modesto.

The law will also reverse a ban on modifying vehicles to a certain low height. But law enforcement groups, the cities of Beverly Hills and Pico Rivera and the California Contract Cities Association argue that cruising is a threat to public safety. 

International News 

Brussels, Belgium — The European Union has extended the suspension of tariffs on several American products, including motorcycles. In response to a decision by the United States in 2018 to impose additional duties on certain imports of aluminum and steel products the European Union implemented tariffs on U.S. exports, which included motorcycles, making them much more expensive for European consumers. 

FEMA has repeatedly explained to the European Commission, that these sanctions or import taxes will not just hurt Americans and American industry, it will also hurt European motorcycle businesses, their workers and families. Visit femamotorcycling.eu/import-taxes-on-us-motorcycles-yet/ for the complete story. 

Leicester, U.K. — A new partnership has been launched between road user organizations and the road repairs industry to help tackle the scourge of potholes, as shocking new figures from the AA show pothole damage to vehicles has hit a five-year high. The Pothole Partnership has been formed by the AA, the National Motorcyclists Council, British Cycling, IAM RoadSmart, the British Motorcyclists Federation and manufacturer JCB. The Partnership has been formed to press the case for more effective and permanent road repairs.

New research — released on National Pothole Day — shows that the AA dealt with 631,852 pothole related incidents in 2023, the highest for five years. Last year pothole damage to vehicles cost a staggering £474,000,000, according to new AA figures.

Now the newly formed Pothole Partnership has unveiled a new five-point plan to help tackle the issue. The coalition represents the interests of drivers, motorcyclists, cyclists, pedestrians and road repairers. The Partnership’s Pothole pledge is being sent to central and local governments. 

Industry News

Cruise, the self-driving subsidiary of General Motors, said recently that federal prosecutors and securities regulators have opened investigations into the Oct. 2 incident that left a pedestrian stuck under and then dragged by one of its robotaxis. The probes by the Department of Justice and the Securities and Exchange Commission, which were revealed as part of an internal report, are just the latest examples of numerous ongoing investigations by numerous government agencies, including the California DMV, the California Public Utilities Commission and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Problems at Cruise began almost immediately after the company was permitted to operate its robotaxi service commercially throughout San Francisco. But it was the October incident, and the decisions and communication immediately following, that sent the company into free fall. 

On that day, a pedestrian crossing a street in San Francisco was initially hit by a human-driven car and landed in the path of a Cruise robotaxi and run over. It wouldn’t be until days later that the media and some regulators learned that the stopped robotaxi then tried to pull over, dragging the pedestrian 20 feet. It was that lack of disclosure — along with the robotaxi’s decision to execute a dangerous maneuver — that worsened Cruise’s already tentative relationship with regulators.

The California DMV, which regulates the testing and deployment of autonomous vehicles in the state, accused Cruise of withholding video footage from its investigation and suspending its operating permits.

AMA News 

Pickerington, Ohio — The AMA is pleased to announce that tickets to the 2024 Permco AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days — which is set to run July 26-28 at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio — are now available for purchase to AMA members.

The 2024 edition of Permco AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days will carry special significance, with the AMA ringing in its centennial celebration during the event alongside countless activities for vintage motorcycle enthusiasts. With amateur vintage racing in multiple disciplines, North America’s largest motorcycle swap meet, demo rides, vendor displays and stunt shows, among numerous other vintage motorcycling happenings, the event will have something for riders of all ages. 

AMA members can purchase discounted tickets and secure tent camping spots through the AMA at VintageMotorcycleDays.com. Tent camping is for non-reserved, non-self-contained units only and spaces are first-come, first-serve. RV passes are required for an RV or self-contained unit and are on sale, alongside non-AMA member tickets, at www.midohio.com.

Swap meet booth registration is also now available to previous swap meet vendors.

Race registration and sign-up information for additional activities, including the AMA Hall of Fame bike show, Ashland Dinner Ride and AMA Life Member Breakfast, will be available soon.

Proceeds from Permco AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days are donated to the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that financially supports the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame and its mission to preserve the history of motorcycling.

There are still several exciting announcements regarding 2024 Permco AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days coming in the next few months, so stay engaged with vintagemotorcycledays.com and follow the VMD social media channels on Instagram and Facebook for up-to-date information on the event. 

Also — The AMA is gearing up for a year-long, historic celebration as it proudly commemorates its 100th anniversary in 2024. For a century the AMA has been at the forefront of promoting and protecting the interests of motorcyclists, creating a vibrant community of enthusiasts dedicated to the joy of riding.

Since its inception in 1924, the AMA has played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of motorcycling in the United States. With a rich history rooted in passion, advocacy and the freedom of the open road, the AMA has become a driving force for riders across the nation. 

As one of the largest motorcycling organizations in the world, the AMA has consistently championed the rights of motorcyclists from all walks of life, evolving to embrace a diverse and growing community of riders.

To mark this momentous occasion, the AMA has planned special events and initiatives throughout the year, including: 

• Centennial Celebrations: Join the AMA as it commemorates its 100-year anniversary at its Spring Bike Night (May 18), at AMA Hall of Fame Days (Oct. 10-13), and at its biggest event — AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days (July 25-28) — which will be the organization’s ultimate anniversary celebration, complete with an all-points ride from across the U.S. to the event. The AMA will also have anniversary displays at various AMA-sanctioned events throughout the year, including Daytona Bike Week, select AMA Supercross events, the Buckeye Motorcycle & Music Rally, and more. 

• Historical Exhibits: Explore a fascinating journey through the history of motorcycling and the AMA at the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame with special curated exhibits showcasing iconic motorcycles, memorable AMA moments, and the individuals who have shaped the association. 

• Commemorative Merchandise: Exclusive 100-year anniversary merchandise, including limited-edition apparel and accessories, are now available for enthusiasts who want to own a piece of AMA history at https://AMAGear.com. 

• Advocacy Initiatives: The AMA will continue its commitment to advocating for the rights of motorcyclists, addressing key issues affecting the community, promoting a positive image of motorcycling, and encouraging government recognition — at the local, state and federal levels — of the organization’s centennial. 

As the American Motorcyclist Association enters its second century, it remains dedicated to its mission — promoting the motorcycle lifestyle and protecting the future of motorcycling — ensuring that the legacy of the organization and the freedom of the open road is preserved for generations to come.

In celebration of its 100th Anniversary, the organization released a video commemorating a century of the AMA.

* * * * *

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.