As the new lobbyist for the Arizona Confederation of Motorcycle Clubs, one of the items is profiling. We are always told not to profile anybody on their race, religion, sexual orientation. I think that should also apply to members of motorcycle community. This hit me hard one day as I played with my four year old granddaughter. If people can be profiled because they ride motorcycles, what other rights can be infringed on. When I started researching this I was sent the latest National Motorcycle Profiling report 2015-2018. As I read the report I was surprised by the statistics, I believed that profiling was limited mostly to Club members. Talking with motorcyclists that were not members of Clubs, I found out how wrong I was. This is getting to be a real problem.
With the growing number of motorcycle riders, due to the fact they’re economically smart transportation, plus being more environmentally friendly. The stereotype from last century doesn’t necessarily apply. The demographics have changed significantly. 39% of profiled riders had no club affiliation. Most of the people profiled were riding alone. 19% were women and that number is growing, 38% were Veterans. 36% of motorcyclists feel they have been profiled. We could get into the numbers with conceal carry and employment. If you want to get more into the numbers go online and read it. Unfortunately a lot of people still believe in those stereotypes. Many forms of entertainment have succeeded on those stereotypes, i.e. TV and numerous movies over the years. As the number of people riding increases this makes profiling more costly and time consuming. When it gets to the point of “if you’re going to get profiled to when you’re going to get profiled.” We really don’t want it to get to that point the trend is headed that way. Free is a verb like live and love. It has to be protected, nurtured and exercised. Without the first what good are the last two. Profiling doesn’t just hurt the motorcycle community. The money and resources it diverts from other parts of the whole community are probably staggering. The enjoyment from riding is catching on. The more people find what a stress reliever it is the more it’s going to grow. The freedom and feeling you get while you’re riding the temperature changes, the wind pushing you. The sense of trust that develops with the people you ride with. The satisfaction of a successful ride, bonding with the people you rode with. The trust that is developed between riders, even if they are only a passenger. As people look for ways to get more out of life. More are finding what “Bikers” have known for decades. Being on two wheels is exhilarating. Being out in the elements, seeing that hawk you never would have noticed riding in your cage. These things make you feel more alive. When you hang with your friends it is more fulfilling. These are things you will never find inside your climate control with cup-holders.
I’ve gotten a little off track but looking at the numbers on Profiling and the way riding is expected to grow. I think it’s time to let go of the old profile of what a “Biker” is and let people enjoy riding. It doesn’t matter what you ride, just that you ride. Be safe and may you never get profiled. Ride On!