William "Sputnik" Strain

A Legacy of Leadership: The Life and Achievements of a Texas Motorcycle Rights Advocate

Born on August 12, 1939, in Sapulpa, Oklahoma, and proud of his Cherokee heritage, one man has spent a lifetime fighting for motorcyclists' rights and individual liberties. His passion for motorcycling and dedication to protecting riders’ freedoms have led to decades of advocacy, leadership, and legislative victories. His journey, which began in Texas, has not only reshaped motorcycle laws in the state but also positioned him as a national figure in the motorcycle rights movement.

The turning point in his advocacy journey came in 1992 when he attended his first National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM) Convention in New Jersey. That year’s keynote speaker, U.S. Senator Dave Durenberger, delivered a powerful message that would resonate for years to come. “Bikers are the last hope of America to remain a free country,” Senator Durenberger said. “You are the only ones who care enough about your individual liberty to stand up and fight for it. I’m here to tell you tonight that you better get off your ass and you better start fighting, because you are losing it every day.”

Inspired by these words, he returned to Texas determined to make a difference. On July 4, 1992, he founded the Texas Motorcycle Rights Association (TMRA), an organization that would soon become a major force in advocating for bikers' rights. With a simple two-page Constitution and Bylaws, the TMRA taught riders to engage in the political process, with the goal of placing bikers in positions of political power. Their efforts paid off—quickly becoming the largest caucus within the Democratic Party in Texas.

Over the years, the TMRA achieved numerous legislative victories that transformed the landscape for motorcyclists in Texas. These achievements included:

• Helmet Choice: Riders in Texas gained the freedom to choose whether or not to wear a helmet.

• Handicap License Plates for Motorcycles: Advocating for equal treatment of motorcyclists, the TMRA succeeded in securing handicap license plates for motorcycles.

• Concealed Carry Rights: The association played a key role in reinstating motorcyclists' rights to carry a concealed weapon.

• Motorcycle Safety Course Legislation: The TMRA secured legislation that allowed the motorcycle safety course to count as a road test for licensing, as well as be accepted for traffic ticket dismissal.

• Legislative Day: Every legislative session, on the fourth Monday of January, over 5,000 riders convene at the Texas State Capitol to meet with lawmakers and discuss important motorcycling issues.

• Rider Training Fund and Budget: The establishment of a dedicated Rider Training Fund, along with a $1.2 million annual budget for the state's motorcycle training program, was a major victory for rider safety.

• Comprehensive Highway Safety Bill (2009): In 2009, the TMRA passed one of the most comprehensive highway safety bills in the United States, cementing their influence in Texas legislative circles.

His leadership has not been limited to the state level. In addition to his role in Texas, he is a member of the NCOM Board of Directors and serves as Chairman of the NCOM Legislative Task Force, where he continues to work on behalf of riders nationwide. His expertise in the political process has led to frequent invitations to speak to college government classes, where he shares his knowledge on how politics truly work. His impact is also recognized in academia, with his contributions featured in the textbook Practicing Politics in Texas, where he has seven pages dedicated to his insights.

His dedication to motorcyclists’ rights extends beyond the political arena. He has logged over 1.6 million miles on his motorcycles, traveling across 44 states to deliver speeches and promote biker causes. When necessary, he also travels by air and car to ensure he can continue his advocacy wherever he is needed. His commitment has been acknowledged by several prestigious organizations. He has been inducted into the LAWMAKERS M/C, a club founded by U.S. Senator Ben "Night Horse" Campbell, and he is also a member of the U.S. Defenders Program.

Throughout his career, he has received numerous awards, including:

• The Lady Liberty Award from the Libertarian Party

• The Ron Roloff Lifetime Achievement Award, NCOM's highest honor

Despite these accolades, he remains humble. He always credits his achievements to the "Legislative Warriors" who stood beside him and made these accomplishments possible. His greatest pride comes from seeing bikers take on leadership roles in government at every level across Texas, from city councils and school boards to state representatives and senators.

Today, after more than three decades of activism, he continues to be a towering figure in the motorcycle rights community. Out of the 181 legislators in the Texas State Capitol, only 17 have served longer than he has. His unwavering commitment to liberty and justice for motorcyclists remains a testament to the power of grassroots advocacy and the enduring spirit of the biker community.

His legacy is one of freedom, perseverance, and unwavering dedication to ensuring that motorcyclists are not just heard, but respected and empowered across the country. His journey stands as an inspiration to all those who believe in the power of individual rights and the importance of standing up for what matters most.