AMA APPLAUDS NEW RULES FOR FEDERAL MOTORCYCLIST-SAFETY GRANTS PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) applauds federal traffic-safety officials’ new rules for motorcyclist-safety grants, and urges motorcyclists to ask their states to apply for the grants. The final rule was issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The rule took effect on July 19 and implements the Motorcyclist Safety grant program authorized under section 2010 of the “Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A legacy for users” (SAFETEA-LU) for fiscal years 2006 through 2009. A state’s eligibility for the grants is based on six criteria: existence of a motorcycle-rider training course; a statewide program to increase motorists’ awareness of motorcyclists; a reduction in motorcyclist fatalities and crashes; a program to reduce impaired riding; a reduction in fatalities and crashes involving impaired motorcyclists; and the use of fees collected from motorcyclists for motorcycle programs. To receive an initial grant, a state must demonstrate compliance with at least one of the six grant criteria. To receive a grant in subsequent fiscal years, a state must demonstrate compliance with at least two of the six grant criteria. Under the last of the criteria, a state must have a process under which all fees collected by the state from motorcyclists for the purposes of funding motorcycle training and safety programs are to be used for motorcycle training and safety programs. “We’re pleased with how easy it is for states to qualify for motorcyclist safety grants, and we believe that every state should be able to take full advantage of the program,” said Edward Moreland, The AMA’s Vice President for Government Relations. “This new rule will allow states to get more for a wider variety of safety programs than was possible in the past,” Moreland said, “which is good for all of us.” The grant amounts available are a minimum $100,000 and are to be used for motorcyclist safety training and motorcyclist awareness programs. The states don’t need to match the funds. This new grant program was a primary focus of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation.