As the riding season winds down and Congress adjourns for the holidays, it’s natural for momentum on many fronts to slow. For the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF), this “slow season” in legislative activity can feel calm, but it is far from a time to relax. Next year promises to be a consequential legislative year. The freedom and safety of motorcyclists nationwide depend on staying alert and engaged.
Our 2026 federal legislative agenda is both ambitious and essential. At its core are issues that affect every rider’s rights and daily experiences on the road: advocating for motorcycle-inclusive standards for autonomous vehicles, pushing for crash avoidance strategies, protecting the right to repair and modify our bikes, and ensuring motorcycles are properly recognized in laws and infrastructure policy. The agenda also includes defending internal combustion engines, opposing federal helmet mandates, engaging on emissions regulations and guarding against unfair profiling or discriminatory language in federal programs.
Although these issues are not currently dominating headlines, the legislative landscape is shifting beneath the surface. Bills can be introduced at any time that would impact how motorcycles are defined in federal law, how data from connected vehicles is used, or how the next Highway Bill addresses riders’ interests. Many of these topics are still in the early stages of discussion, and key committees won’t begin serious action until Congress returns. This period of preparation, from refining policy language to briefing congressional offices, is crucial to our effectiveness.
This slower time also offers a valuable opportunity for the entire motorcycling community to reflect on what’s at stake and how each rider can help. Stay informed about the MRF’s calls to action, reach out to elected representatives, and build stronger relationships with state motorcyclists’ rights organizations.
As 2026 approaches, so too does the need for urgency. Legislative opportunities and threats often arise quickly and without warning. The MRF needs a prepared, vigilant membership ready to respond. A quiet season should never be mistaken for an inactive one; it is the calm before the next storm. Let’s use this time wisely to build momentum, fortify our advocacy, and ensure that when Congress returns, the rights and safety of American motorcyclists are front and center.
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