Monday morning, after nearly two years of delay, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) announced the initial steps to establish the Motorcyclist Advisory Council (MAC). In November of 2021, Congress passed, and President Biden signed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Included in the law was reformation of the MAC.
The MAC will coordinate with and advise the Secretary of Transportation, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Administrator, and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Administrator on transportation issues of concern to motorcyclists, including motorcycle and motorcyclist safety; barrier and road design, construction, and maintenance practices; and the architecture and implementation of intelligent transportation system technologies.
As stated in the announcement, “The MAC seeks to have a fairly balanced membership with expertise in motorcycle and motorcyclist safety, highway engineering, and safety analysis.” Of the 13 seats open on the MAC, “One shall be a representative of a national motorcyclist foundation.” The Motorcycle Riders Foundation looks forward to putting qualified candidates forward to fill not only this designated seat but other seats on the board as well.
Nominations are due by December 15, 2023. If you would like to read more about the MAC, its mission, and its membership click here to read the full announcement from the Federal Register.
The MRF would like to thank all lawmakers in Washington D.C. who fought for the creation and establishment of the MAC. Special thanks to the 13 Members of the House of Representatives who sent this letter to USDOT in May.
The MRF will share more news on the MAC, its membership, future hearings, and findings in the coming months.
As always Ride Safe and Ride Free!