Secretary ~ Eric Eads

As you know, May is Motorcycle Awareness Month! We know to look for motorcycles. Now we need to get the rest of the world to get on board and “Watch for Motorcycles.”

   My Congressman, Tim Walberg, probably the biggest supporter of the MRF and ABATE in Washington D C, was the sponsor of a H-Res 367 which the House Motorcycle Caucasus expresses support designating May as Motorcycle Awareness Month. Thank you Congressman Walberg, for all you do to protect Biker Rights.

   Arizona has accomplished what Michigan needs to accomplish. Arizona SB 1107 is now at the governors waiting to be signed into law. It prevents the $1.00 registration  fee on motorcycle plates earmarked for safety and awareness, from gong in the states general fund. Instead it will be used where it was originally intended.

   We have that problem in Michigan. The State of Michigan rakes in around 300K a year from fees added to your license plates and license endorsement, which are suppose to be used for Awareness and Safety. Ask your local Representative how that money is being used in Michigan. They will probably roll their eyes and say they are late for a meeting. Its our money and we have the right to know how its being spent. If its not being used as it was intended, we have the right and the obligation to change that. If you look on the SOS website, you wont find much explaining how this is suppose to work. Apparently its a secret.

   I was reading the latest MRF magazine. It stated that in 1975 there were 5 million registered motorcycles registered in the United States. In the 50 year period  since then, the number of registrations has nearly doubled. Nearly 50% of those registered motorcycles are ridden by riders over 50. Under 40 riders account for 31% of riders. What does all this mean? The number of riders who belong to a motorcycle rights organization has not kept pace with the increase in registrations. I dont know if its apathy, or riders more willing to let the government dictate how, when, and where they can ride. Maybe they are not aware of the issues we face. Lack of correct fuel, right to repair, autonomous vehicles, the attempt to gradually eliminate the internal combustion engine, insurance issues, I can go on and on. I dont have the answer but maybe someone else does. Anyway, now you know too.

   The Freedom Rally will be held at the White House across from the Capitol on June 11th. Parking will be free. Details will be in the Michigan Rider. Sorry for the last minute information but we were not sure if our Reps would be in session at that time, hence the last minute update.

   Get discounted Field Meet tickets till May 31st from Eric or your RC. The prices are in the Rider and the website. 

   This months Sustaining Members are Classic Motor Sports, for the second year in a row, and Soldiers for Jesus MC Detroit Chapter. Life Members are Ruth and Terry Teed, and Shelby Roby. Regional Field Meet donations are from Region 15, Region14, Region 12, and Ed and Susan Karoutunian.

Ride defensively.

Eric