1903: The Launch of a Trailblazing Motorcyclists Advocacy Organization

September 7, 1903

The Federation of American Motorcyclists (FAM) was formed in New York City. More specifically, a total of 93 motorcyclists meeting at the clubhouse of the Kings County Wheelmen in Brooklyn agreed to band together as an advocacy group. New York resident R.G. Betts was elected to serve as FAM’s first president. 

This new organization, as outlined in its constitution, sought “to encourage the use of motorcycles and to promote the general interests of motorcycling; to ascertain, defend and protect the rights of motorcyclists; to facilitate touring; to assist in the good roads movement; and to advise and assist in the regulation of motorcycle racing and other competition in which motorcycles engage.” Due to poor funding and the lack of any real authority, FAM was dissolved in 1919. Nonetheless, this organization has earned a place in U.S. transportation history as the first national entity focused on promoting and protecting the rights of motorcyclists.

Image Credit: Cycle and Automobile Trade Journal (1 September 1903)

Additional information on the Federation of American Motorcyclists (FAM) is available at https://americanmotorcyclist.com/history-of-the-ama/