Green Bay Reporter

Representative Mike Gallagher (R-WI) led several of his colleagues in urging Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg to re-establish the Motorcyclist Advisory Committee (MAC). The committee was supposed to be re-established within 90 days of the Motorcyclist Advisory Council Reauthorization Act of 2021 becoming law, yet over a year has passed since its enactment and no such action has been taken. 

The letter, which was also signed by Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Brad Finstad (R-MN), André Carson (D-IN), Ralph Norman (R-SC), Pete Stauber (R-MN), Derrick Van Orden R-MN), Bryan Steil (R-WI), Susie Lee (D-NV), Scott Fitzgerald (R-WI), Joe Wilson (R-SC), Glenn Grothman (R-WI), and Tom Tiffany (R-WI), outlines why this committee's reestablishment is important for the safety of everyone using our roads and urges Secretary Buttigieg to take action. 

In part, the members wrote, "Unfortunately, despite the requirement that the MAC be established within 90 days of enactment it appears no such action has been taken. While we understand the many priorities you manage at the Department of Transportation, this critical Council must be instated to ensure the safety of motorcyclists."

See the letter HERE or read full text below.

Dear Secretary Buttigieg:

As active representatives of the motorcycle riders in our district, we are proud of the Motorcyclist Advisory Council Reauthorization Act in 2021 which reestablishes the Motorcyclist Advisory Committee (MAC). This bill became law in Section 2411 of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (P.L. 117-58). However, more than a year after this bill became law the MAC has still not been reestablished. We write to you to reestablish this committee.

Most recently reestablished under the 2015 FAST ACT, the MAC provides a critical forum for policy makers, roadway engineers, and motorcyclists to discuss ways roadway and barrier design, construction and maintenance practices, and intelligent transportation systems can better meet the safety needs of the nearly 9 million motorcyclists in this country.

Unfortunately, despite the requirement that the MAC be established within 90 days of enactment it appears no such action has been taken. While we understand the many priorities you manage at the Department of Transportation, this critical Council must be instated to ensure the safety of motorcyclists. The COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on motorcyclist safety was severe with motorcyclist fatalities rising 11% in 2020, another 9% in 2021, and NHTSA’s early estimates show further increases in 2022. The need to address motorcyclist safety is dire and we hope to see action by your office on the MAC soon.

One important part of the reestablished MAC, as outlined in the text of the law, is the expansion of membership seats. The inclusion of manufacturers, motorcyclist rights organizations and safety professionals will no doubt provide for a more expansive knowledge base and information sharing on the council. As prescribed in the law, the MAC will be required to submit biennial reports to your office.

Motorcycles play a key part of our transportation network. Ensuring that our roads and infrastructure can meet the unique challenges motorcyclists face is imperative. For over a century motorcycling has been an iconic part of the fabric of America. A larger and diverse MAC will play a part protecting motorcyclists while ensuring our roads are safe for all users. We look forward to the formation of the MAC and its forthcoming biennial reports.

Thank you for your attention, we look forward to your response.

Sincerely,

Issues: Transportation and Infrastructure

Original source can be found here.