Peters intros motorcycle bill

WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Sen. Gary Peters, D-Michigan, announced he introduced bipartisan legislation to enhance the Motorcyclist Advisory Council within the U.S. Department of Transportation and extend it for an additional six years.

“There’s no better way to see all that Michigan has to offer than by riding a motorcycle,” Peters, co-chair of the bipartisan Senate Motorcycle Caucus, said in a release. “As a motorcycle owner and rider, I’m proud to reintroduce this bipartisan legislation that will give riders a seat at the table on decisions impacting them and help lead to safer roads for both riders and drivers.”

The Motorcyclist Advisory Council Act of 2021, which Peters introduced with U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson, R-WI, would ensure the Department of Transportation hears and considers input from motorcyclists and key motorcycle stakeholders, according to a news release from Peters’ office.

“Motorcycling has a rich history in the state of Wisconsin and it’s crucial that riders are involved in conversations at every level of government,” Johnson said in the release. “Riders want to keep their freedoms, and having a seat at the table with a strong, united voice will positively impact the safety, legal rights, and the future of motorcycling across the nation.”

The new council would advise the Department of Transportation on a range of road safety issues impacting motorcyclists such as road construction and maintenance as well as new transportation technologies. Companion bipartisan legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Rep. Mike Gallagher, WI-08.

“Sen. Peters understands that bikers deserve a seat at the table in Washington, DC. ABATE of Michigan thanks him for introducing a bill that ensures motorcyclists have a voice in our nation’s capital,” said Vince Consiglio, president of the American Bikers Aiming Toward Education, ABATE, of Michigan, in the release.