U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy has appointed Andria Yu, Vice President of Communications for the Motorcycle Industry Council and Motorcycle Safety Foundation, to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Motorcyclist Advisory Council.

“Your work representing a national motorcycle manufacturing association will greatly benefit MAC and the Department’s efforts to improve safety outcomes and infrastructure performance,” Duffy wrote in Yu’s appointment letter. “Your experience and leadership will add valuable insights and perspectives that will help further MAC’s mission of reducing injuries and fatalities on our Nation’s highways.”

Yu will represent motorcycle rider education and training on the 13-member council, which provides recommendations to the Secretary of Transportation, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and the Federal Highway Administration on transportation issues affecting motorcyclists. The council’s work includes motorcycle safety, roadway design and maintenance, and the implementation of intelligent transportation system technologies.

A longtime on- and off-road motorcyclist and certified MSF RiderCoach, Yu has led rider training events and media rides that have helped introduce new riders to motorcycling.

“It’s a privilege to serve on the Motorcyclist Advisory Council and represent the motorcycle industry in important conversations about rider safety and transportation policy,” Yu said. “As transportation continues to evolve, it’s essential that riders and the industry have a voice in discussions about infrastructure, roadway design, emerging technologies, and policies that affect motorcyclists. I look forward to working alongside the other council members to provide recommendations to the U.S. Department of Transportation that support safer roads for motorcyclists and all roadway users.”

The MAC was reconstituted in 2024 after several years of inactivity, following efforts by the MIC, MSF, and others to restore the federal advisory body. The council provides a forum for representatives from rider education, manufacturing, government, and transportation safety to help inform federal transportation policy affecting motorcyclists.

Award-Winning OHV Projects Highlight Recreational Trails Program’s Impact

Several motorized recreation projects were recognized during the Coalition for Recreational Trails’ 2026 Tom Petri Recreational Trails Program Annual Achievement Awards, showcasing how the federal Recreational Trails Program continues to improve trail access, rider safety, and stewardship as Congress prepares to consider the program’s future.

The recognition comes as the powersports industry continues pushing for full funding of RTP, which returns federal fuel taxes paid by off-highway vehicle users to the states for trail projects. While OHV users contribute an estimated $281 million annually in recreational fuel taxes, RTP currently receives about $84 million in annual funding.

Two of this year’s award recipients also received support from the Right Rider Access Fund, the grant program backed by the Motorcycle Industry Council, Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association, and Specialty Vehicle Institute of America that invests in trail maintenance, rider safety, and responsible off-highway recreation projects. The Northwest Motorcycle Association’s Heavy Maintenance Crew Statewide project in Washington received the Maintenance and Rehabilitation Award, while Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship’s Mount Hough Phase Two project in California earned the Community Linkage Award.

Another award-winning project demonstrated how RTP investments can directly improve rider safety. Pennsylvania’s Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area received the Multiple-Use Management and Corridor Sharing Award after installing a large box culvert beneath State Route 125, eliminating the need for hundreds of ATVs, side-by-sides, motorcycles, and full-size off-road vehicles to cross the busy highway each day while traveling between trail systems.

“Access to these trails would not be possible without the invaluable support of the Recreational Trails Program,” said Representative Rick Larsen of Washington, Ranking Member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, in remarks prepared for the awards ceremony. “From its start 35 years ago, RTP has helped unite all of those who enjoy being outdoors through state trail advisory committees and required levels of support for non-motorized, motorized, and combined-use trails and facilities.”

The awards ceremony also reinforced one of the powersports industry’s key priorities during this year’s Powersports Capitol Hill Fly-In. During more than 114 meetings with congressional offices, MIC, ROHVA, and SVIA members urged lawmakers to fully fund RTP as Congress prepares to reauthorize federal surface transportation programs.

“Hosting the CRT awards on Capitol Hill brings attention to the outstanding work being performed with RTP funds directly to decisionmakers,” said Duane Taylor, Director of Safe and Responsible Use Programs for MIC, SVIA, and ROHVA. “We urge Congress to take notice and increase funding for this vital program.”

Motorcycle Industry Council Submits Comments in Section 301 Tariff Investigations

The Motorcycle Industry Council, Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association, and Specialty Vehicle Institute of America have submitted comments in two ongoing Section 301 investigations that could affect motorcycles, ATVs, ROVs, parts, riding gear, and global supply chains. One proceeding addresses Vietnam’s intellectual property protections, while the other examines alleged forced labor practices across 60 countries.

In the filings, the associations urge the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative to address the concerns raised in each investigation without imposing broad tariff actions that could increase costs for U.S. manufacturers, dealers, workers, and consumers. The comments encourage targeted relief for powersports vehicles, parts, and rider safety equipment, while highlighting the industry’s experience under existing tariffs and the importance of maintaining access to affordable protective gear.