MRF members and their motorcycles on Capitol Hill.
Part 2 of this article, continued from yesterday.
Next to visit the Bikers Inside the Beltway group was Representative Brad Ellsworth (D-IN/8th). Jeff Hennie, MRF Vice President for Government Affairs, pressed Ellsworth on his position on the upcoming renewal for the Highway Bill as well as the motorcycling industry's push to repeal parts of Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (2008). Along with hundreds if not thousands of motorcycle dealers and parts shops across the nation, the MRF opposes the portions of that act that imply there's so much lead in a 50cc mini-bike that it represents an undue hazard to the health of the nation's children. Ellsworth reminded the group that he co-sponsored a bill that would allow exemptions to that act for small businesses - including motorcycle dealers - and off-highway vehicles like kids' dirt bikes and ATVs.
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Representative Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ/8th) was the last to speak to the group, which by 1 p.m. dwindled to about 25 riders. Giffords and Burgess co-chair the Congressional Motorcycle Caucus, and Giffords is an outspoken proponent of motorcycle safety and awareness. She started riding motorcycles at age 15 and even raced competitively for a few years. She currently owns a 1972 BMW R75/5.
"Riding is who we are," Giffords said. She continued, "Safety and awareness are very important, as is education for both drivers and motorcyclists." She also said, "I'm a big believer that if you ride, you should ride safely," which she went on to say includes proper attire and training or education.
Giffords closed by reminding all the attendees to ride safe and remember that every motorcyclist has the potential to be an ambassador to car drivers across the nation.
The next major event planned by the MRF is the "Best of the West" Conference, taking place from 12-14 June in Phoenix, AZ. Their 25th anniversary "Meeting of the Minds" national conference takes place in September in Minneapolis, MN.
Watch this space in the future for interviews with Jeff Hennie of the MRF as well as Representative Giffords.
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