WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) along with Senator Gary Peters (D-Mich.) introduced bipartisan legislation on Wednesday to enhance and extend the Motorcyclist Advisory Council (MAC) within the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for six years. The Motorcyclist Advisory Council Act of 2021 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).
Senator Johnson said:
“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. 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 said:
“There’s no better way to see all that Michigan has to offer than by riding a motorcycle. 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.”
Michael Sayre, Director of Government Relations for the American Motorcyclist Association said:
“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. 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.”
