The KMA/KBA was formed in 1982 under the name of the Kentucky Biker Association and later reincorporated under the name of the Kentucky Motorcycle Association/KBA, Inc., for the express purposes of:
- Monitoring legislation at the Federal, State and local levels.
- Fostering brotherhood and mutual benefits for its members
- Acting as a liaison between motorcyclists and governmental authorities, insurance companies and other organizations.
- Reporting the facts about issues concerning motorcyclists and countering any biased news reporting concerning motorcyclists.
- Promoting motorcycle safety and awareness for both the motorcycling and non-motorcycling public.
- Discouraging motorcycle theft.
- Presenting and reporting a positive public image of motorcycling in Kentucky and the nation.
1-800-68-CYCLE
There are KMA chapters and districts located throughout Kentucky. Each of these chapters and districts are represented on the Board of Directors (BOD). The BOD also includes the KMA state officers. The BOD meets every other moth throughout Kentucky to discuss the operation of the organization. In addition, each chapter and district holds a monthly meeting in their area of the state.
The KMA seeks to promote the positive aspects of motorcycling and strives to protect the rights of motorcyclists by being involved in the local, state and national political process. Safer motorcycling, reducing accidents and fatalities can best be accomplished through education and training of both the motorcyclist and the general public, not through additional legislation.
Some of KMA/KBA/s more significant accomplishments are:
- Lobbied for legislation in 1992 that established the Kentucky Motorcycle Rider Education Program
- In 2002 this program became free for those under 18 years of age
- Enacted legislation to modify the existing mandatory helmet law to allow adults age 21 and older freedom of choice as to the wearing of a helmet
- Established May as "Motorcycle Awareness Month". This is an annual effort that raises public awareness of motorcycles
- Removed motorcycles from emissions testing
- Created the Motorcycle Highway Safety Commission
- Founded the ATV/Off Road Task Force
- Helped create motorcycle military license plates
- Fought and stopped insurance legislation that was discriminatory to motorcyclists
- Established the Kentucky Motorcycle Safety & Education Advisory commission (an oversight board to the Rider Education Program)
To Continue these efforts we need your support and participation. Show your commitment to protecting and preserving your rights as a motorcyclist in Kentucky. Participate in the meetings, rides and the political activities as outlined in our newsletter.
The KMA is fun, educational and a great way to meet people and make new friends with similar interests. With your help, we can continue to promote the positive image of motorcyclists. If you want more information about the KMA, please attend one of our meetings, meet other members and ask questions.
We are pleased that you have decided your rights are worth protecting, that the positive aspects of motorcycling are worth promoting, that education is important and that the cost of a KMA membership is a small price to pay to preserve and promote these principals. members are the most important asset that the KMA has, so please become a member; we look forward to seeing you at our events.
Other KMA/KBA Activities
While the KMA/KBA is primarily a legislative watchdog, we do participate in events to help those less fortunate throughout the state. One of the largest programs we are involved with is the Toys for Tots campaign. Every year around Christmas, motorcyclists turn out in the thousands, good weather or bad, to help this worthwhile effort.
Our organization is strongly committed to the ideal of FREEDOM. For this reason we have a deep commitment to our veterans. The KMA/KBA is a proud sponsor of the National Coalition of Vietnam Veterans here in Kentucky and the POW/MIA cause. Several runs in Kentucky bring to light this effort, with the most recognized being Rolling Thunder every Memorial Day Weekend.
Kentucky Motorcycle Rider Education Program
The KMA/KBA supports rider education programs as a way to promote motorcycle safety throughout the country. Kentucky has such a program. The Kentucky Motorcycle Program (KMP) is a separate entity that promotes safety by working to establish rider training courses throughout the state, by increasing awareness of a motorcyclist's knowledge of the effects of alcohol and drugs, by developing driver improvement efforts, by enhancing the public's awareness of motorcycles, and by promoting motorcycle-training classes throughout the Commonwealth.
The KMP's training courses follow nationally established guidelines and are accredited by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF). Training courses include the basic course, the advanced course for licenses motorcyclists, and the Instion Preparation Workshop. The KMP instructors are nationally certified by the MSF and attend a yearly update to maintain their approval to teach in Kentucky. Motorcyclist user fees from motorcycle licenses, permits and registrations fund the KMP.
Class information can be obtained by calling 1-800-396-3234.
KMA/KBA Meeting Times & Places
Meetings for the KMA/KBA are held on a monthly basis throughout the state. For current dates, times and locations, please contact the state office at:
1-800-68-CYCLE or visit the Calendar page.
Freedom Fighters' Forum
An annual legislative seminar on current issues facing motorcyclists with distinguished guest speakers from around the country.
