It is with extreme regret that the 9/11 Memorial Coalition must announce that the 2020, 9/11 Memorial Motorcycle Ride is officially CANCELLED.

Governor Wolf, and PennDOT, placed a new requirement on the Coalition, to be issued the permit for the Ride, that is simply “unobtainable.”

We have exhausted every possible way to meet these new requirements, that were NEVER PREVIOUSLY REQUIRED for the prior 19 rides that have taken place. And we were given less than 60 days to meet these new requirements.

We pass through 19 individual municipalities on the 42-mile ride that is entirely on State Roadways. Governor Wolf and Penn Dot, at the last minute, informed the Coalition that every municipality was required to provide a letter to them that stated that the municipality would indemnify the Commonwealth and PennDOT against a lawsuit in the case of a COVID infection by a ride participant. Neither Gov. Wolf, nor PennDOT could provide us with the wording of this letter. Many municipalities provided a letter to us but, without all 19, the ride permit would not be issued. They also required a “COVID Mitigation Plan” but could not provide any guidance or examples of such a plan.

We thank Senator Yaw, Representatives Everett and Wheeland, and the Lycoming County Commissioners for their efforts to intervene on the behalf of the Coalition.

We work year-round to put on this moving memorial to those who made the ultimate sacrifice that fateful, sunny, Tuesday. Until late yesterday, we were hopeful that these new hurdles could be overcome. Sadly, it is impossible. And, without legislative changes, the future of the Ride is in jeopardy as this requirement will still be in place for 2021 and beyond.

Understand that this cancellation was caused by Governor Wolf and PennDOT. Your questions and comments should be directed to them.

We apologize. Please understand that this decision was forced upon us. We are disappointed, disheartened, and quite frankly, just plain disgusted about this.