Last week, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced a new national strategy for developing and deploying automated vehicles (AVs), outlining the Trump Administration’s approach to safety, regulation, and innovation in this rapidly evolving technology. In a statement, Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the strategy “Outlines specific actions that DOT will take over the next few years, while laying the groundwork for the longer-term future.”
The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) will continue to closely monitor the Administration’s AV policies and remain committed to ensuring motorcycles are part of the conversation.
Motorcycles present unique challenges for automated driving systems. Their smaller size, maneuverability, and riding characteristics require AVs to accurately read, react to and respond to motorcycles in real-world traffic conditions. As the DOT moves forward with this strategy, the MRF will continue advocating for motorcycle safety to be incorporated into AV testing, research, standards and regulations.
“Motorcycles cannot be an afterthought as automated vehicle technology develops,” said MRF President Kirk “Hardtail” Willard. “We will continue to make sure the interests and safety of motorcyclists are represented as the federal government establishes the rules of the road for this emerging technology.”
