Betsy Lister

Betsy Lister: A Trailblazer in Motorcycling and Advocacy

Betsy Lister’s journey in motorcycling is one of passion, resilience, and relentless advocacy. Raised on the picturesque North Shore of Massachusetts, in towns like Marblehead and Beverly, her early experience with bicycles ignited a lifelong love for two wheels. While neither of her parents were riders, Betsy credits her adventurous spirit to her father, a man who inspired her to seek thrills and embrace the open road.

A Life Transformed by Two Wheels

At just 21, Betsy embarked on her motorcycling journey alongside her then-husband, Richard, when they acquired their first motorcycle in 1969. Shortly after, Richard had an accident that ended his riding days, but for Betsy, the allure of the bike only intensified. She quickly adapted, using her motorcycle to commute to work daily, art portfolio in tow, and soon found herself enamored with the freedom and excitement that came with riding.

Championing Motorcyclists’ Rights

Betsy’s professional life as an insurance agent has always paralleled her passion for motorcycling. Her love for the sport led her to become an active advocate for motorcyclists’ rights on local, state, and national levels. A long-time member of several organizations, including the Motorcycle Riders Foundation, the American Motorcyclists Association, and the Massachusetts Motorcyclist Association, Betsy doesn’t just hold memberships—she takes action.

As the Safety and Education Awareness Director for the MMA, Betsy dedicated her weekends to teaching motorcycle safety courses, significantly impacting the community. For over a decade, she served as an AMA field representative, organizing charity runs and fundraising events for various non-profits. Her advocacy extended into the legislative realm as well; she’s testified on behalf of motorcyclists' issues and collaborated closely with the Registry of Motor Vehicles and the insurance industry to implement beneficial changes for riders.

Bikerbits: A Lifeline for Riders

In 1996, Betsy identified a gap in the resources available to motorcyclists: a central hub for information on legislative issues, news articles, and events. Determined to fill this void, she launched “bikerbits,” a daily e-newsletter that quickly became a vital resource for bikers across the country. Every morning, often starting at 4 a.m., Betsy dedicates three to five hours to curate information from various sources and distribute it to over 12,000 subscribers in the U.S. and beyond.

Her relentless effort to keep motorcyclists informed and connected demonstrates her unwavering commitment to the community. Over the years, Betsy has gathered email addresses from riders at rallies nationwide, creating a network that unites and empowers bikers.

A Life on the Road

With over 110,000 miles logged on her motorcycle, Betsy embodies the spirit of adventure. From her impressive 2,500-mile journey from Medford, Massachusetts to Sturgis to solo excursions of over 4,000 miles from Boston to Marco Island, Florida, she has traversed countless roads, each trip enriching her passion for motorcycling.

Betsy also shares her experiences and insights through writing, contributing a monthly column for New England’s Motorcyclists Post and co-authoring the biker anthology “Rubber Side Down.” In recognition of her literary contributions, she has been honored as the Motorcycle Poet Laureate for New Hampshire and Massachusetts in multiple years by Roadpoet eMagazine.

Giving Back to the Community

Betsy’s commitment to service extends beyond motorcycling; she is the founder and editor of a weekly eZine dedicated to Veterans and POW/MIA issues, reflecting her deep respect for those who have served. As the only female associate member of the Marine Corps League’s Honorable Few riding battalion, she continues to honor and support veterans through her passion for riding.

A Lasting Impact

Betsy Lister’s legacy in the motorcycling community is one of inspiration, advocacy, and adventure. Her dedication to motorcyclists’ rights, commitment to education, and passion for riding make her a remarkable figure in the motorcycle world. As she continues to ride, write, and advocate, Betsy inspires countless others to embrace the freedom of the open road and the camaraderie of the motorcycle community