House Adopts Highway Bill Amendments Beneficial to Motorcyclists

The U.S. House of Representatives adopted amendments to the federal Highway Bill last week that includes good news for on- and off-highway motorcyclists, the American Motorcyclist Association announced. The Surface Transportation Reauthorization and Reform Act of 2015 approved last week by a vote of 363 to 64 provides $325 billion over six years.

The Surface Transportation Reauthorization and Reform Act of 2015 approved last week by a vote of 363 to 64 provides $325 billion over six years.

“We sifted through more than 100 amendments to this bill, identified those favorable to AMA members and threw our support behind them,” said Wayne Allard, AMA vice president for government relations. “At the same time, we staunchly opposed proposed amendments, such as those that would have eliminated the Recreational Trails Program.”

Amendments and other provisions passed by the House and supported by the AMA include:

Continued funding for the Recreational Trails Program which provides funding to states for maintaining, improving and expanding off-highway recreational opportunities;
A prohibition against using federal funds for motorcycle-only checkpoints;
Reestablishing a Motorcycle Advisory Council to coordinate with and counsel the U.S. Department of Transportation administrator on infrastructure concerns of particular interest to motorcyclists.
Authorization for a study to be performed by the National Academies of Science on ways to prevent crashes; and
Funding of highway safety grants that include programs to reduce distracted driving, including language that make it easier for states to successfully qualify for and receive the money.

“We also are pleased that the House decided not to expand the number of states eligible to impose new tolls on our highways under the Interstate System Reconstruction & Rehabilitation Pilot Program,” Allard said.

The AMA also supported a provision that would have banned the U.S. DOT from lobbying local, state or federal governments about policy issues. The House Rules Committee removed that amendment from consideration. However, the AMA hopes to get the language restored as the bill moves forward.

The Highway Bill now goes to conference committee, where differences between the Senate and House versions will be worked out.

The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame recently named Marilyn Stemp and Steve Piehl to its board of directors.

Stemp is a pioneering figure in the motorcycle industry, founding IronWorks Magazine with her late husband, Dennis, and becoming the first female editor of a nationally circulated, mainstream motorcycle magazine. She also revived their trade magazine, Iron Trader News; edits the monthly Kiwi Indian News; contributes to several powersports media outlets; and is the founding editor of Sturgis Rider Daily. Stemp is a noted editor and writer of several motorcycle-focused books. Her consistent support for charitable efforts in the industry include the annual Biker Belles Celebration, Las Vegas BikeFest and as campaign chair for the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum’s development plan in 2014. She co-founded the Flying Piston charity events taking place in Daytona and Sturgis each year and is a National Ambassador for All Kids Bike. Stemp was inducted into both the Las Vegas Motorcycle Hall of Fame and the Sturgis Museum's Hall of Fame in 2018, and in 2022 she was recognized as one of the Top 100 Women in Powersports by DealerNews.