National and Regional News

Pickerington, Ohio — In the wake of the most recent tragedy involving a fatal collision between a Tesla vehicle in autopilot mode and a motorcyclist in Washington state, the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) once again urges the Department of Transportation (DOT) to strengthen Automated Driving System (ADS) regulations. The incident, which resulted in the death of the rider, underscores the urgent need for specific regulations that require that both recognition and reaction to motorcycles be fully integrated into crash avoidance and autonomous vehicle (AV) technologies to ensure safety for motorcyclists and drivers. 

In February of 2022, the AMA — along with the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) and the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) — sat down to share industry priorities with United States DOT Secretary Pete Buttigieg and department staff. One of the key discussion points during that meeting was the need to ensure that these new automated vehicle and crash avoidance technologies are required to recognize and react appropriately to motorcycles.

Previously, the AMA had discussed concerns about autonomous vehicles with former DOT Secretary Elaine Chao, as well. But while the AMA has had an audience with DOT officials — and despite NHTSA’s investigation into Tesla’s Autopilot system and California putting the brakes on AV technology at the state level — no concrete action has been taken at the federal level.

In fact, the most recent testing of these systems by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) indicates only one of the first 10 small SUVs evaluated using their new testing criteria earned a good rating. Four of the tested vehicles either completely failed to provide sufficient warning or gave it too late to avoid a collision.

The AMA reaffirms its commitment to advocating for the safety of motorcyclists on the road and calls upon federal agencies, automakers, technology companies and software developers to ensure that AV technology is thoroughly vetted and capable of protecting all road users, including motorcyclists.

State News 

Boise, Idaho — Due to a large volume of public comments regarding Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) use and demand for access, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Boise District is canceling the Grand View Travel Management Plan Environmental Assessment to reassess information and validate route inventory. 

 The BLM will build on current information and data received from interested public and partner organizations and reinitiate the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process in the future, moving forward with a clear process while actively engaging affected communities. 

 The Grand View Travel Management Plan will designate a sustainable network of routes that provides for a variety of public recreation opportunities, promotes safety for visitors utilizing the routes, and addresses authorized and resource management access needs while providing for enhanced resource protections. 

 Travel management planning in Owyhee County is required by the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 and involves a comprehensive approach that considers various aspects of road and trail system planning and management including natural resource management; road and trail design and maintenance; and recreational and nonrecreational uses of roads and trails. 

Denver, Colo. — Colorado has become the fifth state to legalize lane filtering after Gov. Jared Polis (D) signed SB24-079 on April 4, allowing motorcycles to filter between stopped cars in traffic and at stoplights. The bill passed through both the Colorado House and Senate behind strong bipartisan support. Colorado now joins California, Utah, Montana and Arizona as states with lane-filtering legislation signed into law.

The bill — sponsored by Sens. Nick Hinrichsen (D-Pueblo) and Jim Smallwood (R-Douglas), as well as Reps. Javier Mabrey (D-Denver, Jefferson) and Ron Weinberg (R-Larimer) — will go into effect on Aug. 7, 2024. It will allow all motorcycles to pass stopped motor vehicles in the same lane. Motorcycles will be required to travel 15 miles per hour or less when filtering and will only be allowed to do so if the road has lanes wide enough to pass safely. Conditions must also allow for “prudent operation of the motorcycle while overtaking or passing.” 

For the next three years, the Colorado Department of Transportation (DOT) will collect safety data on lane filtering and issue a report to the Colorado General Assembly regarding the newly passed law. The AMA continues to support efforts regarding lane-filtering legislation, as its success in several other states indicates its long-term viability in protecting motorcyclists on the open road. 

Pismo, Calif. — The dates for the next California Off-Highway Vehicle Commission meeting and field tour have been announced. Plans are being finalized for the tour and meeting, which will be held on May 15-16 at this popular central coast facility. One of several off-highway vehicle (OHV) areas administered by the California Department of Parks and Recreation, the SVRA offers visitors a unique dune environment for motorized recreational activities and others, including swimming, surfing, surf fishing, camping and hiking. Visit ohv.parks.ca.gov/ for additional details and remote participation options, which should be announced approximately 10 days before the tour.

Industry News 

Minneapolis — Polaris Inc. recently announced it is donating more than $130,000 to off-road vehicles (ORV), all-terrain vehicles (ATV) and snowmobile riding clubs, and organizations across the United States and Canada as a part of its TRAILS GRANTS program. The TRAILS GRANTS program offers support to organizations and programs that promote safe and responsible riding, facilitate trail preservation, and help protect the environment and natural resources that are a part of the off-road trail systems. 

 These 14 organizations were named Spring 2024 TRAILS GRANTS recipients and received awards of up to $10,000 each. 

• Adirondack Snowdrifters Snowmobile Club Inc. (Owls Head, N.Y.): Help repair two bridges which will enable snowmobilers ride safely to communities, parking areas, restaurants, and lodging. 

• Advocates for Multi-Use of Public Lands (Jackson, Wyo.): Help establish a trail grooming protocol that will decrease potential damage to vehicles and increase rider safety. 

• Club VTT du Témiscamingue (Lorrainville, Quebec, Canada): Help support the replacement of a bridge along the trail to provide safe travel. 

• International Association of Snowmobile Administrators (Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada): Help support snowmobile rider safety programs. 

• Kingfield Quad Runners ATV Club (Kingfield, Maine): Help repair trails damaged by recent severe storms to support and maintain a safe riding experience. 

• Ma & Pa Kettle Days Inc. (Kettle River, Minn.): Help support establishing a watering station for riders to clean invasive species off their vehicles before/after riding to protect the natural environment. 

• Nevada Outdoor School (Winnemucca, Nev.): Help support the expansion of the organization’s Youth Helmet Program which focuses on educating both parents and children on how to safely operate off-road vehicles. 

• Rudolph River Rovers (Rudolph, Wis.): Help preserve and maintain the trail which connects riders to multiple communities. 

• St. Lawrence County Snowmobile Association Inc (Canton, New York): Help support gravel and delivery services needed to finish a crucial part of the 126-mile trail.  

• U.S. Dept. of Agriculture (Duchesne, Utah): Help provide trail maintenance and updated signage along the Badlands OHV Trail that will enhance rider safety, with support from the government. 

• Valley Outdoors Club (Bishop, Calif.): Help educate local riders about safe and responsible riding through with their rider safety programs. 

• Venture Unknown Foundation (Pendleton, S.C.) Help support the annual Sweep up the Southeast event, which focuses on trail clean-up and restoration. 

• Warfighter Madesm (Temecula, Calif.) Help support the organization’s STEM program, B.O.L.T. (Building Off-Road Leaders of Tomorrow), which teaches children how to maintain, repair and safely drive off-road vehicles. 

• Wilderness Wheelers (Bigfork, Minn.) Help support the development of a new 60-mile wilderness trail in the Chippewa National Forest that will provide safe passage for riders while preserving the natural environment. 

Since the start of the TRAILS GRANTS program in 2006, Polaris has supported more than 405 ATV, off-road and snowmobiling organizations across the U.S. and Canada with more than $3.5 million in donations. Awarded twice annually, TRAILS GRANTS support the efforts of nonprofit organizations and local riding clubs who use the grant for trail development, maintenance projects, safety and responsible riding education initiatives and other projects.  

 For more information, including how to apply for a fall 2024 TRAILS GRANT, visit polaris.com/en-us/trails-application/. 

Santa Cruz, Calif. — Zero Motorcycle has announced the launch of the Tesla Tap Mini, a compact, versatile adapter designed to unlock access to an additional 40,000 Tesla Destination Chargers, UMCs, and Wall Connectors in North America. This accessory is not compatible with the Tesla Supercharger network but opens the door to thousands of additional charging points, significantly enhancing the charging infrastructure available to Zero riders and underscoring the company’s commitment to leading the electric mobility revolution. 

Key features of the Tesla Tap Mini include: 

• Universal Compatibility: Seamlessly works with all Level 2 Destination Tesla chargers (excluding Superchargers), offering Zero owners unparalleled access to a broad charging network. 

• Safe & Secure: Equipped with circuitry to maintain full functionality and adhere to safety protocols. 

• Wide Range Charging: Capable of charging from any stationary or portable EVSE ranging from 110V to 250V with a NACS charging pistol, providing flexibility for riders on the go. 

• US-Built EV Friendly: Designed to be compatible with any US electric vehicle and charges at up to 60 AMPS @ 250VAC (15 kW), making it a versatile addition to any electric vehicle enthusiast’s toolkit. 

• Peace of Mind: Features two padlock slots for securing the adapter to your Tesla connector and your Zero Motorcycle, ensuring your charging setup is both safe and secure. 

The Tesla Tap Mini is available for purchase at authorized Zero Motorcycles dealerships. This launch is part of Zero Motorcycles’ broader strategy to continuously improve and expand the electric motorcycle riding experience through innovative technology and rider-focused solutions. 

AMA News 

Pickerington, Ohio — The AMA’s Hall of Fame Bike Night is set for Saturday, May 18, from 5-9 p.m. Come one, come all to enjoy a wonderful night with the motorcycling community at the AMA HQ as we celebrate the AMA’s 100th anniversary. Here are a few reasons you should stop by:  

• Free admission to the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame. 

• Pitbike track open ride exhibition — $5 registration fee. 

• Free gift when you join or renew your membership. 

• AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Adventure Bike Challenge — For a $5 donation, you can test your big bike off-road skills from 5-8 p.m. This short, unguided AMA-sanctioned ride includes tight trails with trees, mud, sand, rocks, log crossings, uphills and downhills. 

• Food trucks, including Holy Taco, Coffee Coven and Cappy’s Pizza. 

• Local clubs and organizations will have booths and displays. 

• AMA Road Captain Workshop 3-5 p.m. 

We hope to see you there! 

Also — State Farm® is the official insurance partner of 2024 Permco AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days presented by Yamaha, which runs July 26-28 at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio. Founded by George J. Mecherle in 1922 as an automobile insurance company, State Farm is one of the largest, most reliable, insurance provider in the United States. 

Serving as a celebration of the American Motorcyclist Association’s 100th anniversary, the 2024 Permco AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days will be the largest to date. With North America’s largest motorcycle swap meet, amateur racing in multiple disciplines, stunt shows, vendor displays and much more on the docket, this year’s edition of the beloved event will be a vintage motorcyclist’s paradise. 

To keep track of VMD-related announcements and purchase tickets, visit vintagemotorcycledays.com/. Sign up for the AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days newsletter and stay engaged with the VMD Facebook and Instagram pages for up-to-date information regarding the event. For more information on State Farm motorcycle insurance, visit Motorcycle Insurance – State Farm®. 

Also — Fortifying its mission to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling, the American Motorcyclist Association has added Grassroots Manager Bob Davis and Legislative Affairs Coordinator Jeremy Robinson to its Government Relations Department.

Davis — a native of Baltimore, Ohio, and graduate of Kent State University — brings prior AMA experience to his newfound role, previously serving as the Sanction Activity Coordinator and Program & Volunteer Specialist within the AMA’s Racing and Marketing & Communications Departments. In addition to his work with the AMA, Davis is also a motorcycle safety instructor. After learning to ride in 2014, Davis immediately fell in love with the sport which drove his desire to immerse himself into the motorcycle community. As he shifts into the Government Relations Department, Davis emphasized his desire to grow within the role and further aid in the AMA’s overall legislative mission. 

Robinson boasts extensive riding and legislative backgrounds, which he will leverage as the AMA’s Legislative Affairs Coordinator. A native of Brockport, N.Y., Robinson got his start in motorcycling at a young age. Hailing from a family of motorcyclists, Robinson has been around dirt bikes his entire life. Robinson’s family also owned a motorcycle dealership in his hometown, called Robinson Cycle Sales. 

Within his professional career, Robinson has worked in a variety of roles in the legislative field. After graduating from American University with a bachelor’s degree in international relations, Robinson interned with the Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance and worked full-time at Leadership Connect, cultivating connections and relationships with policymakers in Washington, D.C. 

Combining his lifelong love of motorcycles and his legislative background, Robinson looks forward to working closely with the AMA membership base and preserving their rights as motorcyclists. 

Also — The American Motorcyclist Association has officially opened pre-registration for the 2024 Mission Foods AMA Flat Track Grand Championship, which will run June 30-July 6 at the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds in Du Quoin, Ill. With a wide range of flat track racing in multiple classes available during the weeklong event, those interested in competing can pre-register at msreg.com/2024amaftgc.

Pre-registration comes with multiple benefits, including discounted rate for racers. Racers who register early will pay $80 per class — $25 less, per class, than the price of general registration. 

Along with the reduced price, pre-registered racers will receive expedited check-in speeds and — for those who pre-register before June 3 — will get their name on a commemorative 2024 AMA Flat Track Grand Championship T-Shirt. Wristbands for gate entry can be purchased for $25 per day or $75 for the entire week, while pit bike passes are $20. Pit vehicles may only be operated by persons 21 years or older, holding a valid state operator’s license. All passes can be purchased online in advance of the event.

Racers will compete for AMA National No. 1 plates in four disciplines of flat track racing: Short Track, TT, Mile and Half-Mile.

The Nicky Hayden AMA Flat Track Horizon Award — presented annually to the amateur racer that is most primed for success at the professional level — will be awarded at the conclusion of the event. The AMA Bill Werner Fast Brain Award, AMA Vet/Senior Racer of the Year and AMA Youth Racer of the Year will also be announced during the event.
For more information on the 2024 Mission Foods AMA Flat Track Grand Championship, visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com/events-4/ama-flat-track-grand-championship/. 

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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.

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