House Adopts Highway Bill Amendments Beneficial to Motorcyclists

House Adopts Highway Bill Amendments Beneficial to Motorcyclists

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The U.S. House of Representatives adopted amendments to the federal Highway Bill on Thursday 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 today 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
• 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.

About the American Motorcyclist Association
Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders’ interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. The AMA also provides money-saving discounts on products and services for its members. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, visit www.americanmotorcyclist.com.
Not a member? Join the AMA today: www.americanmotorcyclist.com/membership/join