Advocacy
The AMA is at the forefront in defending your riding freedoms.
The AMA Government Relations Department—with a staff in Washington, D.C., and a Western States Representative in California—monitors federal and state bills, rules and regulations to ensure lawmakers and agencies consider motorcyclists’ concerns before taking action.
“We are on constant watch for issues that affect riders,” said Wayne Allard, AMA vice president of government relations. “Whether it is pending federal legislation, a regulatory issue or a matter before a state legislature, our government relations team acts quickly to rally motorcyclists.”
Among the federal issues being addressed by the AMA Government Relations staff:
• The ethanol industry’s push for higher-ethanol fuel blends,
• Attempts to reduce responsible access to public lands or funding for trails,
• Limits on modifications to competition-only motorcycles,
• The effects of trade tariffs on riders wishing to buy motorcycles,
• The concern that autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles may not detect motorcycles or react appropriately when they do, and
• The shortcomings of U.S. roads as they affect motorcyclists.
Mike Sayre, AMA government relations manager for on-highway issues, serves as chair of the federal Motorcyclist Advisory Council, which provides input to the U.S. Secretary of Transportation on infrastructure issues.
And the AMA also helps riders, clubs and organizers at the state and local level.
Ways The Government Relations Department Helps Riders
• AMA Action Center: The online portal to advocacy news, threats and tools to get involved.
• AMA Action Alerts are notices that alert you to opportunities to take-action on the local, state or federal level.
• AMA Position Statements are written by the member-elected board of directors and guide the AMA’s advocacy work.
• Government relations staff members provide written or in-person comments and testimony to elected officials and government agencies on issues that affect motorcyclists.
• State Laws Database: Maintained by the AMA Government Relations Department, this resource details motorcycling-related laws in individual states.
• AMPAC—the American Motorcyclist Political Action Committee—is the AMA’s PAC, funded by AMA members, that financially supports the campaigns of lawmakers who support motorcyclists.