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Survey: Half of motorcyclists say they have been profiled by law enforcement
PICKERINGTON, OH – December 12, 2018 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – The American Motorcyclist Association expresses its deep appreciation to the U.S. Senate, which adopted a resolution Tuesday promoting awareness of motorcyclist profiling and encouraging collaboration and communication with the motorcycling community and law enforcement officials to prevent instances of profiling.
Senate Res. 154 also urges state law enforcement officials to condemn motorcyclist profiling in their policies and training materials.
Senate resolutions do not have the force of law.
“In 2015, Congress wisely acted to ban federal highway funding for motorcycle-only checkpoints, recognizing that federal funds are better spent on promoting highway safety for all vehicles and drivers,” said AMA Vice President of Government Relations Wayne Allard. “Now, the Senate has taken a big step further to help end the discriminatory and ineffective practice of profiling motorcyclists.”
The bipartisan resolution, sponsored by Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), was cosponsored by Sens. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Michael D. Crapo (R-Idaho), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Angus King (I-Maine), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) and Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska).
As adopted, the resolution recognizes the significant increase in motorcycle registrations during the past 20 years, and points out that half of motorcyclists surveyed believe they have been profiled by law enforcement at least once. The resolution also acknowledges that motorcyclist profiling occurs across the nation.
Profiling means the illegal use of the fact that a person rides a motorcycle or wears motorcycle-related apparel as a factor when law enforcement officers decide to stop and question, take enforcement action, arrest or search a person or vehicle with or without a legal basis.
In January 2017, the AMA Board of Directors adopted a formal position statement on motorcyclist profiling, see www.americanmotorcyclist.com/About-The-AMA/motorcyclist-profiling.
The AMA continues to recommend law enforcement and highway officials focus their efforts on encouraging highway safety in ways that make America’s roads safer for everyone.
About the American Motorcyclist Association
Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders’ interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. The AMA also provides money-saving discounts on products and services for its members. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling. For more information, visit www.americanmotorcyclist.com.
Not a member? Join the AMA today.
Source: American Motorcyclist Association
we need profiling in my town every day and night. We can not sleep at night because AMA and EPA will not stand up for our laws. EPA says altering exhaust is against Gov. regulations. And would be a $10,000 fine if done. Any change or modification must be tested and approved. Most V-twins in my town have exhausts with straight pipes with no mufflers or removing baffling. To create loud noise. It is so loud that the sound can be heard for miles. No one can sleep here. We pray for snow and a peaceful life. And at stop lights on red they keep reving the loud M/C to get every body to look at them. This is so inmature. Where is AMA & EPA?
Good day Jim,
I’m sorry to hear of your dilemma concerning loud exhausts. While it is true there is a certain portion of the motorcycle community who act in the manner you describe, most do not. To lay blame on the majority for the sins of a few is wrong. The AMA is very involved in changing the current thinking of motorcyclists but with all public opinion, it takes time.
I do notice that you fail to mention any car exhausts (peashooters or tin can, etc) in your comments. These vehicles, I find to have a more offensive sound that a V-Twin motor any day of the week. They also have modified exhaust which as you noted are illegal and should be ticketed and subjected to equal enforcement of the laws.
Of course, I am sure you are aware that unless an exhaust system component has been certified by the EPA and stamped as such it is not legal. In my experience only components from a dealer are stamped regardless if it the meet sound level requirements. Places like Midas auto zone, Napa etc all sell not non compliant exhaust parts. I hope you are following the laws and not installed such things in any of your vehicles.
In closing, please enjoy the holiday season.