Executive Order 45 (2007)

Continuing the Governor’s Motorcycle Advisory Council

Importance of the Initiative

The motorcycling community significantly benefits tourism, business, and charitable fundraising throughout the Commonwealth each year.  There are over 250,000 licensed motorcyclists in Virginia.  There are an estimated nine million motorcyclists nationwide, many of whom travel to Virginia to enjoy the Commonwealth’s recreation facilities, landscape, and historic attractions.  Responsible riding by motorcyclists and awareness of motorcyclists by the general driving public are important transportation safety issues.  More than 9,000 Virginians enroll in motorcycle safety training classes every year.

The Governor’s Motorcycle Advisory Council was created to explore ways to promote motorcycle related tourism, business development, and safety in the Commonwealth.  The Council maintains a website (www.motorcycleva.com), and distributes safety information and promotes motorcycle tourism in Virginia.  The Council has distributed 130,000 “Watch for Motorcycles Virginia” awareness bumper stickers.

The Council

The Council membership shall be appointed by the Governor and serve at his pleasure.  The Council will include one Member of the House of Delegates and one Member of the Senate of Virginia.  The Council will include a representative from each of the following state agencies: Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, Virginia Economic Development Partnership, Department of Motor Vehicles, Department of State Police, Department of Transportation, and the Virginia Tourism Corporation. 

The Council shall include one member from among Virginia’s Sheriffs, one from among its Police Chiefs, and one member representing the Virginia Board of Transportation Safety.  The Secretaries of Commerce and Trade, Public Safety, and Transportation shall serve as ex officio members.  There shall be eighteen additional members appointed by the Governor and reflecting, but not exclusive to, the hospitality and tourism industry, motorcycle related businesses, motorcycle safety training organizations, and motorcycling advocates. The Governor shall designate a chairman from among the members of the Council.

The Council’s responsibilities shall include:

1. Promoting motorcycle related safety in the Commonwealth, including rider responsibility and community awareness of motorcycles;
2. Promoting motorcycle related tourism and hospitality throughout Virginia to the benefit of the Virginia tourism and hospitality industry, Virginia motorcyclists, and motorcyclists from other states and nations visiting the Commonwealth;
3. Promoting motorcycle related business entrepreneurship, including two-wheeled aspects of the Virginia Motorsports Initiative;
4. Serve as liaison between the motorcycling community and state agencies whose polices and activities may affect motorcycling;
5. Function as a venue for shared imagination and discussion regarding the future role of motorcycling as an economic, environmental and cultural element in Virginia’s transportation strategy.

The Council shall make a report of its activities by December 1, 2007.  The Council shall meet at the call of the chairman.

Council Staffing and Funding

Necessary staff support for the Council’s work shall be furnished by the Department of Motor Vehicles.  An estimated 100 hours of staff time annually will be required to support the Council and no additional state funds shall be necessary for its support.  Financial support for its efforts may be developed through grants and donations.

Council members shall serve without compensation.

This Executive Order shall be effective immediately and shall remain in full force and effect until December 31, 2007, unless sooner amended or rescinded by further executive order or directive.

Given under my hand and under the Seal of the Commonwealth of Virginia, this 12th day of January, 2007.

/s/ Timothy M. Kaine, Governor

Attest:

/s/ Secretary of the Commonwealth