Bipartisan legislation recently introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives would reauthorize the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Motorcyclist Advisory Council (MAC) for six years.
MAC advises the department on road safety issues impacting motorcyclists.
MAC is comprised of one roadway safety data expert on crash testing and analysis, one state or local traffic safety engineer who is a motorcyclist, five highway engineering experts from state or local governments, and one representative each from a national safety organization, a national motorcyclist foundation, a national motorcyclist association, a national motorcycle manufacturing association, and a national association of state transportation officials.
“Motorcycles have become increasingly popular across the country, but this surge has also brought with it more risks,” Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI), who introduced the bill, said. “Motorcycles require specific – and in some cases different – requirements of roads, and we need an open dialogue between the motorcycle community, infrastructure experts, and the federal government to discuss these challenges. Few states know motorcycles better than Wisconsin, and this bill ensures we can find ways to allow more growth in this industry and make Wisconsin roads more safe.”
Reps. Troy Balderson (R-OH), Julia Brownley (D-CA), Jared Huffman (D-CA), Gwen Moore (D-WI), Chris Pappas (D-NH), and Don Young (R-AL) co-introduced the bill.
It has the support of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation, Harley-Davidson, and ABATE of Wisconsin.