Secretary ~ Eric Eads

 Happy New Year!

Two more months and it will be the Spring Equinox. That means riding season is coming!

First off, I would like to congratulate all the Region Members of the Year. The following Regions voted the following members as their Members of the year. They are as follows,
Region 3, Ann Marie Dunson, Region 4, Bob Proctor, Region 5, Jim St John and Larry Peters, Region 6, Randi and Doug Kraenzlien, Region 7, Bob Betson, Region 8, Jennifer Starring, Region 10, Amy Penny, Region 12, Joy Lynn Gerow, Region 13, Robyn Norris, Region 14, Amy Bachorek, Region 15, Claire Shuford, Region 18, Dreama Wright, and Region 19 Hess Bates. The ABATE Member of the Year will be listed next month when the votes are in.

Michigan is tops in the nation in a couple of areas. Effective January 1st, 2023, our gas tax went up 5%. That puts us with the 6th highest gas taxes in the country. We also were voted as having some of the worst roads in the country in case we forgot. Depending on which survey you believe we are either number 2, or number 4 with the highest insurance rates in the country.

The state is currently looking into a road tax based on mileage driven. Not sure how that will work as there are currently not a lot of details. Maybe it will be a surprise.

There have been several high-profile autonomous vehicle accidents with fatalities, including 2 motorcyclists killed. The federal government has said nothing about what safeguards will be put in place if any. I personally have expressed my concern to my US senator about this issue several months ago, but I am still waiting a reply.

The MRF Is concerned about NHTSA potentially looking at conducting or funding some sort of motorcycle profiling program thru federal funding to the states. Not a lot of details currently but something to be aware of.

Mike Poage donated to Awareness for his 2023 patch already. I have lost track of how many years he has donated $100.00 or more every year but I think it’s around 12 or 13 years.

 

Till next month, ride defensively.

Metal membership cards.
Life Memberships cards are gold, and regular membership cards are white.
$5.00 each
Contact Sally: 734 972-7134

or Eric: 269 435-2058 to place your order.