Betsy "GYPSY" Lister

Betsy “GYPSY” Lister: A Trailblazer in Motorcycling and Advocacy

Betsy “GYPSY” 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, with 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 numerous organizations, Betsy has been part of:

• the Motorcycle Riders Foundation

• the American Motorcyclists Association

• the Massachusetts Motorcyclist Association

• BOLT (Bikers of Lesser Tolerance)

• Sons of Liberty Riders

• H.O.G. (Harley Owners Group), where she held several officers’ positions

As the Safety and Education Awareness Director for the MMA, Betsy spent countless weekends involved in motorcycle safety efforts. Although not a certified rider coach, she contributed significantly by donating her time to produce a motorcycle safety video for her local PBS station. Because she insured several drivers’ education companies, she also regularly volunteered to speak with students about motorcycle safety, as well as motorcycle and auto insurance awareness.

For over a decade, she served as an AMA field representative, organizing charity rides and fundraising events for numerous non-profits. Her advocacy extended into the legislative realm as well testifying on behalf of motorcyclists’ issues and collaborating with the Registry of Motor Vehicles and the insurance industry to implement positive changes for riders.

BIKERBITS: A Lifeline for Riders

In 1996, Betsy identified a major gap in the flow of information available to motorcyclists. Determined to fill that void, she launched BIKERBITS, a daily eZine dedicated to legislation, news, events, and issues affecting riders.

Every morning, often beginning at 4 a.m., Betsy dedicates three to five hours to gathering, curating, and distributing information to over 12,000 readers nationwide and internationally. Over the years, she’s collected thousands of email addresses at rallies across the country, building a powerful and connected community of riders.

BIKERBITS still exists today, now joined by Betsy’s POW/MIA Veterans newsletter, both continuing to thrive on Facebook.

A Life on the Road

With over 110,000 miles logged on her motorcycle, Betsy embodies the spirit of adventure. From a 2,500-mile ride from Medford, Massachusetts, to Sturgis, to solo treks spanning over 4,000 miles from Boston to Marco Island, Florida, her journeys speak to her courage and love for the open road.

Betsy also shares her stories through writing. She has authored a monthly column for New England’s Motorcyclists Post and co-authored the biker anthology Rubber Side Down. Her literary contributions earned her the title of Motorcycle Poet Laureate for New Hampshire and Massachusetts multiple times from Roadpoet eMagazine.

Giving Back to the Community

Beyond her advocacy in motorcycling, Betsy dedicates herself to honoring Veterans. She is the founder and editor of a weekly eZine focused on 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 champion the causes closest to her heart.

A Lasting Impact

Betsy “GYPSY” Lister’s legacy is one of inspiration, advocacy, and boundless passion. Her dedication to motorcyclists’ rights, her commitment to safety and education, and her love for the riding community have left a profound impact on riders nationwide. As she continues to ride, write, and serve, Betsy inspires countless others to embrace the freedom of the open road and the unity found within the motorcycle community.