ABATE of Louisiana - St. Tammany Parish

07/11/2026

This week, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Administrator Jonathan Morrison sent a strong message to developers of driverless automated driving systems, warning that autonomous vehicles must be able to safely recognize and respond to emergency vehicles and first responders. The letter cites multiple incidents in which automated vehicles failed to react appropriately to flashing lights, traffic cones, emergency scenes, and first responders, calling the problem "unacceptable" and putting the industry on notice to address these safety concerns immediately.

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) welcomes this proactive step. It demonstrates that NHTSA is willing to hold automated vehicle developers accountable before these technologies become more widespread on America's roads.

At the same time, the MRF continues to press for similar protections for motorcyclists. Just as automated driving systems must be able to safely interact with emergency vehicles, they must also reliably detect, recognize, and respond to motorcycles. Riders have long expressed concerns that automated vehicle technology may not consistently identify motorcycles in real-world traffic, creating unnecessary risks.

The MRF will continue working with Congress, NHTSA, and industry stakeholders to ensure that as automated driving technology advances, the safety of motorcyclists remains a top priority. Innovation should make our roads safer for everyone—including those who choose to ride.

Read the NHTSA Letter:
https://motorcycleridersfoundation.wildapricot.org/resources/Pictures/PDF%20Files/2026_July_ADS-developers-letter.pdf

07/10/2026

We now have two Confederation of Clubs and Independent Riders locations.

One in Alexandria at the Family of Grace Church at 4200 South MacArthur Dr. Held every other month, on odd months on the last Sunday of that month.

And one at the Church in Lamar Dixon Expo Center at 9039 S St.Landry Ave Gonzalez, La.70737.
Held every two months on the first Sunday of that month.

You can go to either one it doesn't make a difference or go to both.

This is just to make it easier and more convenient for clubs and independences around the state to attend.

Getting involved in Motorcycle Rights Organizations isn’t just about today, it’s about protecting your freedom to ride Tomorrow.

Your Freedom Isn’t Automatic, freedom to ride what you want where you want with who you want and wear what you want and to customize your bike, where you can travel, can all be affected by laws and regulations.

Groups like the Louisiana Confederation of Clubs & Independents, Louisiana ABATE, National Coalition of Motorcyclists, Motorcycle Riders Foundation, National Council of Clubs and National Council of Informed Riders to monitor legislation and fight for rider's interests.

If we don’t step up, decisions about motorcycling will be made without our voice.

Laws are always Changing
from helmet laws to emissions regulations and insurance requirements, legislation can shift quickly.

Motorcycle rights organizations:

Track proposed laws.

Educate riders on what’s happening.

Speak directly to lawmakers.

Protect against unfair or unnecessary restrictions.

Protecting the Future of Riding
Motorcycles is more than transportation it’s culture, community, and freedom.

If we don’t participate,
Riding communities shrink, events and rallies lose support.

The voice of motorcyclists weakens.

Being active ensures that 10, 20, 30 years from now riding is still strong.

Unity Is Power
When riders stand divided, lawmakers see small groups.
When riders stand united, they see voter's. (Strength in numbers).

Your involvement helps make sure rules are fair and reasonable.

Ride Safe, Respects
C.O.C.& I. COMMANDER
SWAMP

07/05/2026

AAA first publicly warned drivers about E15 gasoline in late 2012.
AAA warns drivers that E15 (15% ethanol) can cause corrosive damage to fuel lines, engine wear, and void warranties on vehicles not explicitly designed for it.

They urge motorists to check their owner's manual before fueling, warning that over 90% of vehicles on the road may not be manufacturer approved for E15.AAA's Specific Concerns Regarding E15Vehicle Compatibility:

The EPA has approved E15 for 2001 and newer vehicles, flex-fuel vehicles, and some light-duty trucks.

However, AAA notes that many major automakers explicitly state that E15 does not comply with their fuel requirements and may void warranty coverage.

Engine Damage: AAA’s automotive experts warn that the higher concentration of ethanol in E15 can act corrosively on certain metals, plastics, and rubber components, potentially resulting in accelerated engine wear and system failure over time.

Consumer Confusion: AAA conducted national surveys showing that the vast majority of consumers were unfamiliar with E15. They are highly concerned that this confusion will lead to "misfueling" using E15 in incompatible vehicles, boats, or lawn equipment.

Call for Suspension: Because of the lack of public education and potential for costly out-of-pocket repairs, AAA has historically urged regulators to suspend the sale of E15 until motorists are better protected and clear pump labeling is mandated.

What You Should Do Before filling up with E15 (often labeled at the pump as Unleaded 88), double-check if your specific vehicle model is cleared for higher ethanol blends.To ensure you aren't putting your engine at risk.

Consult your Vehicle Owner's Manual for the manufacturer's specific fuel guidelines.Check your gas cap; many compatible vehicles will explicitly list E15 or E85 on the inside of the door or cap.Be aware that E15 should never be used in small engines (e.g., lawnmowers, chainsaws, motorcycles, or boats) as it will severely damage them.

07/03/2026

This week, President Donald Trump issued a Presidential Memorandum aimed at expanding Americans’ freedom to repair their own vehicles.

The memorandum directs the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to clarify what actions individuals may take when repairing emissions systems under the Clean Air Act, while also encouraging faster and more affordable certification pathways for aftermarket parts.

For motorcyclists, this could be an important step forward. For decades, riders have faced growing barriers to repairing and modifying their own machines, whether due to emissions regulations, restricted access to parts, or manufacturers' control over diagnostics and repair information. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) has long supported policies that protect a rider’s right to work on their own motorcycle.

However, there remains uncertainty over whether this memorandum will explicitly apply to motorcycles. The language released by the White House focuses broadly on “vehicles,” but it is not yet clear if the EPA’s forthcoming guidance will include motorcycles in the same way it may cover passenger cars and trucks. That distinction matters. Motorcycles are often treated differently under federal law and emissions regulations, and riders need clarity.

The MRF has been actively engaged on the broader right-to-repair issue in Congress, supporting the Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair Act (REPAIR Act), H.R. 1566 and S. 1379, as well as recent provisions advanced through the House Energy and Commerce Committee in the Motor Vehicle Modernization Act.

The MRF will continue to review the Administration’s guidance as it develops and will advocate to ensure motorcycles are not left behind. For the MRF, the principle remains simple, if you own it, you should be able to fix it.

06/29/2026

06/18/2026

Beginning in 2027, federal safety mandates require all new U.S. vehicles to include AI-powered in-cabin cameras and sensors designed to passively monitor the driver.

These systems evaluate your real time behavior to combat drunk, distracted, and fatigued driving.

The driver monitoring systems can perform the following actions:Track Eye and Head Movements: Using infrared cameras, the system actively monitors pupil size, blink rates, and head position to assess your alertness and attention levels.

Detect Impairment: The systems look for behaviors consistently associated with intoxication or extreme drowsiness. Passive sensors are also being developed to monitor cabin air quality for signs of Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) without requiring you to blow into a traditional breathalyzer. Restrict or Disable the Vehicle: If the AI determines that you are impaired or unfit to drive, the system can limit the vehicle’s maximum speed, prevent the engine from starting, or automatically bring the car to a stop to remove an inattentive driver from control.

Because these monitoring requirements are written into federal law, the systems are designed to be continuously active, with many lawmakers and safety advocates pushing to remove any opt out buttons.