Rocco W Libertine statedirector@massmotorcycle.org
Recording Secretary
Bruce Arsenault secretary@massmotorcycle.org
Treasurer
Elaine Griffin treasurer@massmotorcycle.org
Merchandise Manager
Laurie Horn products@massmotorcycle.org
Vice Chairman OPEN
Business Manager
OPEN
Safety & Education Manager
OPEN
Director of Off-Road Riding
OPEN
Director of Public Relations
OPEN
Membership Manager
Bruce Arsenault membershipmanager@massmotorcycle.org
Website Administrator
OPEN
Newsletter Editor
Deb Stoodley Dbethgray@gmail.com
The main purpose of the association is to work toward continued freedom of the road by insuring that motorcyclist’s point of view is presented to our legislators and to promote motorcycle safety, rider education and public awareness. We are trying to alleviate the very real possibility of “Big Brother Government”. We encourage all our members to be informed registered voters. We write letters to our elected officials and stay aware of what is going on with motorcycle legislation, and other transportation issues. We welcome interested parties to any of our activities or to join our organization.
All articles and photo’s within the contents of this newsletter and our website are the property of …
Massachusetts Motorcycle Association
You may not use them without the express written consent of the newsletter editor, webmaster or the association board.
Massachusetts Motorcycle Association encourages all members to submit letters, articles or cartoons they feel may be of interest to fellow members. Massachusetts Motorcycle Association supports the rights of ALL motorcyclists. Massachusetts Motorcycle Association does not endorse any products or services other than its own.
The thoughts and opinions expressed in
the individual contributors alone and do not necessarily
and
DEB STOODLEY Editor
Celebrating 50 Years of the MMA: A Journey Through History
This year marks an exciting milestone for the Massachusetts Motorcycle Association: our 50th anniversary! As we celebrate five decades of dedication, growth, and riding community impact, we are thrilled to announce a special historical section that commemorates our journey.
Over the years, the MMA has transformed into a cornerstone of excellence in Riders’ Safety and Education Legislation and this anniversary gives us the perfect opportunity to reflect on our roots, recognize key milestones, and honor the individuals and events that shaped our legacy. The historical section debuts today. It will be an engaging journey through the decades, filled with stories, photographs, and flyers from past events. It will be fun to see how many of our members you can recognize in the old photos.
• Discover how the MMA began, the visionaries behind its creation, and the challenges they overcame to establish this institution.
• Relive the key events, achievements, and turning points that defined our history and propelled us forward.
• Celebrate the ways we have contributed to and partnered with our community over the years.
Gain insights from past leaders and learn how their vision continues to inspire our future direction.
This retrospective is not only a tribute to our history but also a source of inspiration for our future. By understanding where we’ve been, we can chart a course for the next 50 years with purpose and passion.
We invite all members, supporters, and friends of the MMA to join us in celebrating this monumental occasion. Keep an eye out for our special historical section, and be sure to share your own memories and stories with us as we honor this golden anniversary together.
Here’s to celebrating the past, embracing the present, and building the future of the MMA!
The MMA is actively seeking everyone’s help in designing a new logo to celebrate our big “Five-Ohhh!” Here is the one from our 25th anniversary. If you are feeling creative and want to share ideas with us, we encourage you to send them in!
How many of you still have something with this logo? Maybe you have something even older? We would love to see what you’ve collected. Send us photos of you wearing your best and most memorable MMA gear.
Stay tuned for updated merchandise featuring the 50 year logo.
MMA 2025-2026 Legislative Agenda Filing Status
As of January 17th, 2025 ALL of the MMA’s legislative Agenda items will have been filed in time to meet the filing deadline for the current session of the 194th General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as it is formally known. The next steps for each of these bills is for them to be assigned a “Docket” number then a “Bill” number then on to assignment to a committee. That is when our work continues. The good news is that four of the bills have one or more “Sponsors”. These sponsors have been known to the MMA for many years and are supportive of at least some of our issues. Please note that three of these proposed “Acts” were filed “By Request”. The by request tag indicates that the filing representative does not necessarily support the issue but is recognizing the long standing “Right of Free Petition” written into Article XIX of the Massachusetts Constitution. Article XIX.
The people have a right, in an orderly and peaceable manner, to assemble to consult upon the common good; give instructions to their representatives, and to request of the legislative body, by the way of addresses, petitions, or remonstrances, redress of the wrongs done them, and of the grievances they suffer.
An Act relative to a motorcycle safety fund.
[SIMILAR MATTER NOT FILED IN PREVIOUS SESSION; 2023-2024.]
[SIMILAR MATTER FILED IN PREVIOUS SESSION SEE SENATE, NO. 2331 OF 2021-2022.]
Requires two dollars of every motorcycle registration fee be utilized to rebate $150 to persons under the age of 21 who successfully complete a motorcycle basic rider course.
What it does: This act promotes and advances motorcycle safety aiming specifically towards young adult riders by relieving some of the cost of the Rider Education Program and thereby encouraging their participation in safety and skills-based training.
Why this is important: Un-trained motorcycle operators are the most susceptible to crashes and injury as opposed to those who participate in and successfully complete an approved program.
Status: This bill has been filed by Senator Bruce Tarr and Representative Todd Smola
An Act relative to motorcycle parking.
[SIMILAR MATTER FILED IN PREVIOUS SESSION SEE SENATE, NO. 2260 OF 2023-2024.]
[SIMILAR MATTER FILED IN PREVIOUS SESSION SEE SENATE, NO. 2354 OF 2021-2022.]
Requires reasonable space and accommodations for motorcycle parking
What it does: This act provides accommodation for motorcycle parking in any publicly accessible parking facility. Why this is important: As an efficient means of transportation restricting motorcycle access to otherwise available parking is contrary to the goal of reduction in traffic congestion.
Status: This bill has been filed by Senator Joan Lovely
An Act relative to updating Massachusetts driver education.
[SIMILAR MATTER FILED IN PREVIOUS SESSION SEE SENATE, NO. 2299 OF 2023-2024.]
[SIMILAR MATTER FILED IN PREVIOUS SESSION SEE HOUSE, NO. 3485 OF 2021-2022.]
Updates New Driver Education module to provide motorcycle awareness based on the Massachusetts Motorcycle Rider Education Program
What it does: This act revises the requirements for Driver Education curriculum to be focused on motorist awareness as it pertains specifically to Massachusetts and not from a national level.
Why this is important: This act improves driver awareness of motorcycles in Massachusetts by focusing the instruction as set by the Massachusetts Motorcycle Rider Education Program.
Status: This bill has been filed by Senator Bruce Tarr and Representative Todd Smola
An Act regarding right of way violations (CeCelia's Law).
[SIMILAR MATTER FILED IN PREVIOUS SESSION SEE HOUSE, NO. 3477 OF 2023-2024.]
[SIMILAR MATTER FILED IN PREVIOUS SESSION SEE HOUSE, NO. 3632 OF 2021-2022.]
Increases penalties for right of way violations resulting in
serious bodily injury
What it does: This act substantially increases the fines and penalties for roadway Right of Way Violations when the result is serious bodily injury or death.
Why this is important: Vehicles turning left into the path of an oncoming motorcycle are the most common cause of motorcycle crashes and serious injury through no fault of the motorcyclist. The increased penalties should serve as a reasonable deterrent to motorists. Perhaps they will then “look” to see a motorcycle before turning.
Status: This bill has been filed by Senator Bruce Tarr and Representative George Xiarhos
An Act relative to certain motorcycle travel.
[SIMILAR MATTER FILED IN PREVIOUS SESSION SEE SENATE, NO. 2238 OF 2023-2024.]
[SIMILAR MATTER FILED IN PREVIOUS SESSION SEE HOUSE, NO. 3513 OF 2021-2022.]
Lane Sharing in Specific Situations
What it does: This act would permit motorcycles to “Share” a lane with other vehicles on a multi-lane road traveling less than (25) miles per hour, restricted to very specific circumstances.
Why this is important: Lane sharing or filtering reduces traffic congestion and contributes to motorcyclist safety by allowing them to move out of the way when in a lane that has stalled avoiding the potential of being “Rear Ended” by other larger less agile vehicles.
Status: This bill has been filed by Representative Michelle Badger, “By Request”
An Act relative to special regulations for vehicle specific checkpoints.
[SIMILAR MATTER NOT FILED IN PREVIOUS SESSION; 2023-2024.]
[SIMILAR MATTER FILED IN PREVIOUS SESSION SEE HOUSE, NO. 3447 OF 2021-2022.]
No motorcycle Specific checkpoints
What it does: This act prohibits motor vehicle checkpoints which target a particular type of motor vehicle, decoration or adornment of the vehicle or rider.
Why this is important: This act avoids the potential for profiling of any particular group or person.
Status: This bill has been filed by Representative Michelle Badger, “By Request”
An Act relative to standards for protective headgear for operators or passengers on motorcycles.
[SIMILAR MATTER FILED IN PREVIOUS SESSION SEE SENATE, NO. 2237 OF 2023-2024.]
[SIMILAR MATTER FILED IN PREVIOUS SESSION SEE SENATE, NO. 2328 OF 2021-2022.]
Repeals Mandatory Helmet Law requirement
What it Does: This act returns the full freedom of choice to adult motorcyclists to choose what type and style of protective headgear they believe is most appropriate for them. It may include the choice to utilize none at all.
Why this is important: This act respects the rights of individuals to determine what is best for them and allows them to choose the risk level that they believe is most appropriate.
Status: This bill has been filed by Representative Michelle Badger, “By Request”
Coming In 2025
In September, at the 2024 Motorcycle Riders Foundation’s (MRF) 40th Annual Meeting of the Minds Conference, held in St. Louis, Missouri, a legislative strategy session was hosted by the MRF’s Legislative Committee. The purpose of the session was to establish and prioritize the MRF’s 2025 Federal Legislative Agenda.
Legislative issues fall into one of three priority categories: high, medium and monitor. This list remains fluid and can be adapted depending on the issue and political environment.
Below is a brief description of just the top 11 issues on the MRF’s 2025 agenda listed as “High Priority.” The January 2025 issue of the American Bikers Journal will have more detail on each of these high-priority issues as well as the full list of an additional 13 priorities that fall in the “Medium” or “Monitor” classification.
As a reminder, all MRF members receive a subscription to the American Bikers Journal with their membership.
If you're not a member of the MRF, click the "Join the MRF" button at the end of this email, to support promoting freedom and safety for street motorcyclists in Washington D.C.
The 2025 Motorcycle Riders Foundation Legislative Priorities List: HIGH PRIORITY OBJECTIVES:
Autonomous Vehicles: Advocate and monitor any legislation or regulations related to motorcycles concerning connected and autonomous vehicles.
Crash Avoidance: Continue to promote the theme of crash avoidance versus safer crashing, urging the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to focus on crash prevention and support rider education by providing funding and other resources.
Data Recording: Pursue legislative language that any collected or available vehicle data is the property of the consumer and the consumer has the choice of whether to opt-in to having their data communicated to interested parties.
Definition of a Motorcycle: Educate policymakers and advocate for change to the current definition that better reflects the current two and three-wheel motorcycle landscape.
Emission Regulations: Engage the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) & Congress on any activity related to motorcycle emission regulations.
Helmet Laws: Oppose any mandatory federal helmet, apparel or conspicuity requirements.
Internal Combustion Engines: Work to ensure the survival of internal combustion engines. Profiling: Sustain lobbying efforts for the passage of resolutions or legislation that promote awareness and prohibition of motorcyclist profiling.
Renewable Fuels: Advocate for targeted changes to the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).
Right to Repair/Modify: Protect and advocate for “Right to Repair” provisions that allow consumers to repair and modify their motorcycles.
Vulnerable Roadway User Terminology: Monitor and ensure that motorcycles and motorcyclists are a specific and unique category or classification.
Remember, a full list of all 24 items on the legislative agenda, with further detail, will be part of your January issue of the American Bikers Journal. Thank you for supporting the MRF!
It’s time to get to work!
119th Congress Is Here!
Last week, the 119th Congress took the oath of office to begin a new two-year term. While we often focus on who lives in the White House, it is also critical to understand what a new Congress means and how it impacts the issues we care about as bikers.
First and foremost, a new Congress means new lawmakers. As we have outlined in recent posts, nearly 100 new people will assume roles as freshmen in either the U.S. House of Representatives or the U.S. Senate. Seniority plays a key part in who holds power within the U.S. Capitol. The longer lawmakers stay around, the more power they tend to wield. But the crazy part is that seniority comes quickly!
During the last Congress, the average tenure in the House was 8.5 years. In the Senate, that number was 11.2 years. What does that mean? In a few years, today’s freshmen lawmakers will soon hold key positions in Congress. For example, the current Speaker of the House, Representative Mike Johnson of Louisiana, was sworn into office in 2017. He’s now second in line to the Presidency. That’s why it is critical to get to know your Representative or Senator now, as you never know where they may end up!
The second thing to know about the beginning of a new Congress is that everything has started over. Any unfinished business or bills not passed are dead at noon on January 3rd. While the issues we advocate for remain, the bills associated with them and the bill numbers have expired. Over the next few weeks and months, new bills will be reintroduced with new bill numbers assigned. So, purge all those old bill numbers and bill titles, a fresh set of bills is coming soon!
A new Congress offers opportunities for fresh voices and perspectives to tackle the challenges we face. Let’s embrace this chance to work with new people in D.C. and remind those who have been in Congress for a long time who the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) is and what we care about. Remember, no one looks out for the street rider like the MRF does.
Ride Safe and Ride Free
Oregon ICE (Internal Combustion Engine)
January 15, 2025
The changing landscape in Washington, D.C., will have a trickle-down impact on policies and regulations state governments implement. One area where we will likely see friction between the federal government and state governments will center on electric vehicles and the survival of the internal combustion engine.
A flash point in this area will be how and if states decide to link their policies to those enacted by the state of California. A recent story out of Oregon caught our attention and should serve as a warning about what may be coming down the road.
Daimler Truck North America (DTNA) announced it is pausing sales of internal combustion engines in Oregon. In their press release, DTNA cited uncertainty around Oregon’s Advanced Clean Truck rule. What’s troubling about the move is that DTNA is doing so because they believe Oregon is implementing parts of the new rule differently than how California has proceeded. This is important because federal law allows states like Oregon to copy California’s emissions rules. Yet, in this case, Oregon appears to be making its own emissions policies.
All those committed to preserving the internal combustion engine should understand how state and federal laws are evolving. If states like Oregon can create mandates, we could see an expanding battleground. A patchwork of laws and rules would create problems and confusion for manufacturers and consumers.
The fight to allow consumers options regarding their engine choice is heating up. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation is engaged in this fight in D.C. and you must remain active back home.
Unintended Consequence: Invisibility
January 17, 2025
An important study was released last week by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) regarding high-visibility clothing. According to the IIHS, “clothing that makes pedestrians stand out to human drivers may make them invisible to automated crash prevention systems.” You read that right, test dummies wearing clothing with features like reflective strips were INVISIBLE to technology designed to prevent crashes.
While the tests were conducted using pedestrian test dummies, it’s not hard to extrapolate what these findings might mean to motorcyclists. Some bikers choose to wear high-visibility clothing in an attempt to make their presence on the road more pronounced. This study is extremely concerning and brings into question some basic assumptions about conspicuity.
Tests like these demonstrate how many factors and unknowns are involved in the deployment of technology aimed at aiding drivers. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation has long professed the importance of fully testing any new technology before it is deployed on our roadways. This announcement from the IIHS is a good reminder that you should never assume others on the road can see you.
California Receives 2023 Waiver
December 19, 2024 - Washington DC
Wednesday morning, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) granted California a requested waiver to implement new emissions standards on some vehicles. With this decision, California has the authority to activate its plan and phase out the sale of gas-powered cars and light-duty trucks in the state by 2035. This waiver had been awaiting approval since May 2023 but was signed off on just a month before President Biden leaves office. A Trump spokesperson said earlier this week that the president-elect has “a mandate to implement the promises he made on the campaign trail, including stopping attacks on gas-powered cars.” The incoming Trump Administration will have the power to revoke this new waiver. However, the process of doing so can be lengthy and ultimately could be overturned in future years by a different presidential administration.
Thankfully for motorcyclists, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) withdrew a similar plan that would require half of new motorcycles sold in the state to be electric in the next ten years. That motorcycle proposal would also have required a waiver. However, because of the timing of the California motorcycle plan, any waiver would have been considered by a Trump lead EPA.
A former CARB board member said of the decision to withdraw the motorcycle rules, “With the EPA waiver virtually guaranteed to be denied, pushing forward would have risked wasting political capital and alienating key stakeholders.” The changing political landscape in Washington, D.C., is impacting a variety of issues that we as bikers care about. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation remains engaged and fighting for the policies that affect you as a motorcyclist. Ride Safe and Ride Free.
Rider-to-Rider Financing
Private Party Financing
The Harley-Davidson Rider-to-Rider Financing Program* is available at participating Harley-Davidson® dealers to qualified individuals who are buying a used motorcycle from a private party. Harley-Davidson® dealers are independently owned and operated and may choose not to participate in the Rider-to-Rider Financing Program.
Financing Benefits for the Buyer
Have you decided to buy a used Harley-Davidson® motorcycle and need to obtain financing to complete the sale? Harley-Davidson Financial Services (HDFS) can help.
• Competitive financing rates and terms available
• All buyers considered
• Ability to include additional Harley-Davidson® branded products and services (Harley-Davidson® Extended Service Plan, Parts & Accessories, Harley-Davidson® MotorClothes® Accessories) only available at your Harley-Davidson® dealership to the amount financed Opportunity to have the bike inspected and receive a maintenance check prior to purchase.
Questions? Call 866-411-3770.
The Riders Fund assists disabled individuals who desire to ride a motorcycle. Whether you were a former rider that dreams of riding again, or someone who thought it would never be possible to ride, you can and we can help! The Fund’s sole purpose is to assist disabled riders with purchasing adaptive motorcycles to allow them to enjoy the freedom of the open road. The riding community is one of the strongest groups in America when it comes to supporting their own, so please show your support by helping to give others the opportunity to ride.
The MobilityWorks Foundation
Email: support@themobilityworksfoundation.org
These are both covers of past Newsletters. Every active member received the Update in the mail each month. It was a written publication and was multiple pages long.
These articles were printed in the past newsletter called “The Update.” Kevin and Elaine Griffin were the editors for several years around Y2K.
The to was written by Sarge in Jan of '02
MsG's Spot was written in Feb '02
Kevin's was a District 2 report from Jan of '99 when he ended as District 2 Rep and took over from Doug Hadley as the district 2 manager.
Note the similar message from then to now!!!!
The photo below was printed in Jan of '99 and is of District 2 members at their Christmas party. Back in those days, each district held a holiday party.
The next photo is self explanatory as it was a cover of the Update.
The last photo is from the Update in Feb of 2004 and these folks are Cape Cod area MMA members. Some are still members today!!!
1)… To initiate , endorse and sponsor educational programs such as rider safety, public awareness, legislative and affirmative action and, individual freedoms and rights.
2)… To create and promote a positive public image of motorcyclists and motorcycle groups and to dispel and disprove media hype, unfounded propaganda and the “Hollywood” image.
3)… To encourage goodwill and mutual understanding among motorcyclists, law enforcement personnel and the general public.
4)… To serve as an information source on matters pertaining to current laws, pending legislation, personal rights, political inclinations of elected officials and their constituents, and voter awareness.
5)… To act as a central responsive agency to devise and coordinate recreational, legislative, educational, and charitable activities
W. Springfield...Robbyn Kibler 413 304-0974 Robbyn09@gmail.com
W. Yarmouth...Lionel Souza 508 280-7977 Lionelsprinters@yahoo.com
Motorcycle safety and awareness season is upon us. The MMA has a fresh supply of the MMA “Look!” signs. They are available for members and the general public who are willing to display them throughout the riding season. You can obtain a sign through your Area Rep. A list of our current Reps and their contact info is posted in the newsletter each month. We are asking for a $5 donation to offset the cost of printing and shipping.