Peters Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Enhance Federal Motorcyclist Advisory Council

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) announced he introduced bipartisan legislation to enhance the Motorcyclist Advisory Council (MAC) within the U.S. Department of Transportation and extend it for an additional six years. The Motorcyclist Advisory Council Act of 2021, which Peters introduced with U.S. Senator Ron Johnson (R-WI), would ensure the Department of Transportation hears and considers input from motorcyclists and key motorcycle stakeholders. 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 Representative Mike Gallagher (WI-08).

 “There’s no better way to see all that Michigan has to offer than by riding a motorcycle,” said Senator Peters, co-chair of the bipartisan Senate Motorcycle Caucus. “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.”

“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,” said Senator Johnson. “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.”

 “Senator 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.

“The American Motorcyclist Association thanks Senator Peters and Senator Johnson for introducing this legislation to reauthorize the Motorcyclist Advisory Council. Not only does this bill continue the important work of the MAC, it incorporates important lessons from the most recent iteration of the MAC that creates a more effective council,” said Michael Sayre, Director of Government Relations for the American Motorcyclist Association. “This bill includes more voices from the motorcycling community and allows for three rounds of recommendations from the MAC to US DOT. This will allow the MAC to build on previous work and craft recommendations that will have a greater impact on motorcyclist safety.”

“As a motorcyclist himself Senator Peters understands the unique demands of riding a motorcycle,” said Kirk Willard, President of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation. “This bill allows motorcyclists a forum to share their experiences on the road with federal policy makers. The nearly 10 million bikers around the nation are fortunate to have a fellow rider, like Senator Peters, in Congress looking out for their interests.”

 Peters helped found and currently co-chairs the bipartisan Senate Motorcycle Caucus.

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