Powersports Industry Applauds Bill to Fully Fund Recreational Trails Program

IRVINE, CA – April 10, 2025 – (Motor Sports NewsWire) – The Motorcycle Industry Council, Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association, and Specialty Vehicle Institute of America commend the bipartisan group of lawmakers who reintroduced legislation to fully fund the Recreational Trails Program. Sponsored by Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota and cosponsored by Senators James E. Risch of Idaho, Peter Welch of Vermont, Ted Budd of North Carolina, Thom Tillis of North Carolina, John Curtis of Utah, and Jeff Merkley of Oregon, S. 811 would ensure that RTP funding reflects the amount of fuel taxes that off-highway vehicle enthusiasts pay at the pump.

“The Recreational Trails Program is one of the most impactful federal initiatives supporting off-highway recreation,” said Christy LaCurelle, President and CEO of the MIC, ROHVA, and SVIA, “and ensuring full funding will directly benefit riders and outdoor enthusiasts across the country.”

In a press release, Senators Risch and Klobuchar noted that S. 811 “will ensure that federal funds collected for this program are maximized to support more trail projects in the future. The bill signals strong support for bringing the Recreational Trail Program funding in line with the revenue collected from the federal gas tax already paid by off-road recreational vehicle users without impacting funding for other federal transportation programs.”

The RTP is a federal program that provides funding to states for the development and maintenance of recreational trails. It follows the “user-pay, user-benefit” model of the Highway Trust Fund, using revenue from federal fuel taxes collected on non-highway recreation to support trails for motorized and non-motorized use. Though OHV users contribute an estimated $281 million annually in fuel taxes, the program is currently funded at approximately $84 million per year. The new legislation seeks to close that gap and better align RTP funding with user contributions.

“The user-pay, user-benefit model means motorcyclists and OHV riders will see their contributions better utilized to maintain and expand trail access,” LaCurelle said. “We thank Senators Klobuchar, Risch, Welch, Budd, Tillis, Curtis, and Merkley for introducing this important legislation.”

The MIC, ROHVA, and SVIA have been strong supporters of fair distribution of RTP funds and have long championed efforts to secure full RTP funding, working closely with policymakers and outdoor recreation advocates to advance this initiative.

By law, RTP grants are distributed as follows: 30 percent must be used for motorized recreation, 30 percent for non-motorized recreation, and 40 percent for mixed-use trails that may or may not include motorized recreation. Since its creation in 1991, the RTP has funded thousands of projects, including trail maintenance, new trail construction, trailhead development, accessibility improvements, and outdoor education initiatives. The program supports a wide range of recreational activities, from OHV riding and driving to hiking, bicycling, equestrian use, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling.

LaCurelle added that the RTP’s benefits extend beyond trail users. “We look forward to continuing to work alongside advocates from all recreational sectors to support this vital program. Access to trails enhances outdoor recreation opportunities, improves physical and mental well-being, and strengthens local economies by driving tourism and community engagement.”

For more information about the RTP, including a searchable database of projects funded between 1991 and 2021, visit recreationaltrailsinfo.org.

MOTORCYCLE INDUSTRY COUNCIL

The Motorcycle Industry Council, under its marquee market expansion brand, Ride With Us, is working to introduce everyone to the incomparable thrill of riding a motorcycle. The MIC is a not-for-profit trade association representing motorcycle manufacturers, distributors, aftermarket companies, dealers, retailers, and a variety of related organizations providing vital support to the powersports industry. The MIC advocates for fair policy and regulatory environments, works to deliver valuable data to the industry, and strives to bring the joy of riding to everyone, everywhere.

Established in 1914, the MIC is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., with a government relations office in metropolitan Washington, D.C. Keep up with the industry association on X @followMIC, online at MIC.org, and through the weekly MIC RideReport.

RECREATIONAL OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE ASSOCIATION

The Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association is the not-for-profit national industry association promoting safe and responsible use of ROVs (also called side-by-sides or UTVs). Accredited by the American National Standards Institute, ROHVA develops standards for the equipment, configuration, and performance requirements of ROVs.

Based in Irvine, Calif., ROHVA is sponsored by American Honda Motor Co., Inc.; Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.; Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.; Polaris Inc.; Textron Specialized Vehicles; and Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. For safety information or to enroll in the ROV Basic DriverCoursenearest you, visit ROHVA.org or call (866) 267-2751.

SPECIALTY VEHICLE INSTITUTE OF AMERICA

The Specialty Vehicle Institute of America is the not-for-profit national industry association promoting safe and responsible use of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) through rider training, public awareness campaigns, and state legislation. The SVIA also works to preserve access to off-road riding areas and expand riding opportunities. Accredited by the American National Standards Institute, the SVIA develops standards for equipment, configuration, and performance requirements of ATVs. Based in Irvine, Calif., the SVIA is sponsored by American Honda Motor Co., Inc.; Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.; CFMOTO Powersports, Inc.; Champion Motorsports Group, LLC; Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.; Polaris Inc.; Suzuki Motor USA, LLC; Textron Specialized Vehicles; and Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. Visit SVIA.org. For safety information or to enroll in the ATV RiderCourse nearest you, visit ATVSafety.orgor call (800) 887-2887.

Source: Motorcycle Industry Council

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