ABATE of Utah, Salt Lake Chapter

09/04/2026

House Passes
Highway Bill Extension

As expected, the U.S. House of Representatives has passed legislation extending the current federal highway program, moving the deadline from September 30 to December 11, 2026. The extension, included in a continuing resolution to fund the federal government, provides Congress with additional time to negotiate and advance a long-term surface transportation reauthorization. Transportation programs will continue operating through December 11th under the measure.

For the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF), the extension means several important motorcycle priorities remain in play as Congress works toward a broader highway bill. The MRF will continue advocating for provisions addressing motorcycle profiling, the Motorcyclist Advisory Council, Right to Repair, and ensuring that advanced driver-assistance and automated vehicle technologies properly recognize and account for motorcycles.

“While extending the highway bill avoids an immediate deadline, the job is not finished,” said MRF President Kirk “Hardtail” Willard. “The next several months will be critical for ensuring that the final legislation protects the interests of America’s motorcyclists.”

The House action follows Senate passage of the continuing resolution last month. With the December 11th deadline now established, lawmakers have additional time to work toward a comprehensive, multi-year surface transportation bill. The MRF will remain engaged with members of Congress and transportation policymakers throughout the reauthorization process and will continue fighting to ensure that the nation’s motorcyclists have a seat at the table.

09/02/2026

We Are The Motorcycle Riders Foundation:

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) provides leadership at the federal level for states’ motorcyclists’ rights organizations as well as motorcycle clubs and individual riders. The MRF is chiefly concerned with issues at the national and international levels that impact the freedom and safety of American street motorcyclists. The MRF is committed to being a national advocate for the advancement of motorcycling and its associated lifestyle and works in conjunction with its partners to help educate elected officials and policymakers in Washington and beyond.

New Study Highlights Dangers Of Distracted Driving

A new study from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) underscores a problem motorcyclists know all too well, distracted driving remains a serious threat on America’s roads, and riders often pay the price.

The IIHS study found that cellphone use before crashes is significantly underreported in police reports. Using data from nearly 17,000 crashes, researchers found drivers were using their cellphones within 30 seconds of impact in 7% of single-vehicle crashes and 8% of two-vehicle crashes. Police reports recorded cellphone use in less than 1% of those crashes.

The problem goes well beyond texting or making a phone call. Drivers were frequently tapping, swiping and otherwise manipulating their phones before crashes. IIHS also notes that looking away from the road for just two seconds doubles the risk of a crash or near-crash event. For motorcyclists, distracted driving can have devastating consequences. A driver who looks down at a phone, changes an app or simply fails to pay attention may never see a motorcycle until it is too late.

“Distracted driving isn't just a problem for the person behind the wheel. it is a threat to everyone sharing the road, especially motorcyclists,” said the Motorcycle Riders Foundation President Kirk “Hardtail” Willard. “This study reinforces what riders have been saying for years: drivers need to put the phone down, keep their eyes on the road and focus on driving.”

09/01/2026

08/15/2026

Big shout out to Turn & Learn for hosting a skills course today