U.S. Representatives Tom Petri (R-WI) and Mike Michaud (D-ME) released a “Dear Colleague” letter asking members of the House of Representatives to sign a letter to the leadership of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in support of the Recreational Trails Program (RTP). The RTP is a Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)-administered program. It was first created in the 1991 transportation bill (ISTEA) and operated through state trail programs with the active involvement of diverse trail interests through mandated state trail advisory councils. The program is self-funded through taxes from fuel used in off-highway recreational vehicles.

Petri and Michaud have placed an April 14th deadline to collect signatures. Therefore, time is of the essence and the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) is encouraging all AMA members, motorized recreation enthusiasts and rights activists to contact their Representative and ask them to sign on to the letter.

Since the deadline is this Thursday, April 14th, the fastest way to reach your Member of Congress is to call them. You can find contact information for your Representatives on AmericanMotorcyclist.com, click on “Rights,” then “Issues & Legislation,” and enter your zip code in the “Find your Officials” box. Additionally, a prewritten e-mail is available for you to send to your U.S. Representatives by following the “Take Action” option and entering your information.

All AMA members and anyone else who enjoys recreating on public trail systems are urged to contact their Representatives and ask them to sign on to the Petri/Michaud letter addressed to the leadership of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in support of the RTP.