Posted on 10/08/2015 5:06:19 AM PDT by Elderberry
The National Motorcycle Profiling Survey that began October 1st is beginning to show some strong early trends confirming that motorcycle profiling is a prevalent and widespread problem. The survey is intended to provide a clearer picture of motorcycle profiling from a national perspective through a thorough and comprehensive series of specific and detailed questions. Although there have only been approximately 1,400 surveyed in the first couple of days, some trends are so strong that they are worth talking about now.
84.52% of motorcyclists report riding a motorcycle places them under a higher level of scrutiny from law enforcement and business owners. Motorcyclists feel that they are separated from their fellow Americans. Importantly, this is not just a club issue. 41.48% of those surveyed were independent riders being stopped due to their VFW, Legion Rider, and ABATE patches.
53.79% of those surveyed have witnessed police presence or investigations at planned and publicized motorcycle gatherings. This is particularly disconcerting considering these scenarios involve law enforcement stereotyping of the entire community, not a specific club for specific reasons. In nearly 45% of these cases police were actively gathering intelligence and taking photos of everyone coming and going. These events are social, charitable, and political in nature. This type of harassment represents beeline discrimination based on stereotyping and is constitutionally impermissible.
80% of those surveyed believe that there is a police cover-up or intentional deception relating to the facts surrounding the Waco incident. This clearly demonstrates the level of distrust between the motorcycle community and law enforcement. Profiling directly isolates an entire class of Americans from the mainstream cutting them off from their fellow Americans.
85% surveyed also believe that the civil liberties of the 177 arrested are compromised. Only 1.5% believe the mass arrests are justified. Clearly, the lack of specific probable cause and oppressive bail results in the majority of people understanding that the Waco PD was clearly not justified.
The National Motorcycle Profiling Survey, created by the North Florida COC and sponsored by the MPP, provides valuable insight into the issue of motorcycle profiling in America. As we move towards an effort to pass a national motorcycle profiling law participation in the survey will provide a valuable piece of evidence in the overall pattern justifying relief. If you havent taken the survey yet, it can be found here. And please encourage as many as you can to participate in this most important effort. There is no democracy without participation.
I don’t know, getting told to lay down on the ground facing away from a cop with my hands on my head while being searched is part of the adventure of riding my bike.
When I was a kid in the early 80s my mom made it clear when you saw guys coming by on motorcycles, that we were to get back up to the house.
Motorcycle gangs apparently were a very major problem in that part of town and you didnt take chances on if the guy was a real gang member or just some innocent rider.
I think some of this is the “bad-ass” phony attitude some of these dentists and accountants that own Harleys think of themselves. I’ve been riding my entire life and I have never for a second thought I was singled out in any way. In fact, I’ve always felt a little privilege from cops that respect riders. I have never been pulled over, never harassed, and never intimidated by anyone.
Would you know enough to tell the doctor/dentist/lawyer/tradesman bikers from criminals?
Gee whiz, they all wear black leather (protective clothing) and any of them might be sporting a club patch (something like "Tooth Grinders MC").
Or maybe you'd just rather herd all bikers into some holding cell and sort it out later?
Wonder all you want, but don't assume.
I have yet to be stopped without good cause and have gotten only one ticket, other than a warning, and that was from a rookie in training with his senior officer present. I have been let off with warnings when the law called for arrest (100+ MPH).
"Yes, sir" and "No, sir" go a long way, regardless of who you are and what you are riding/driving.
“Well, you shouldn’t be anyway unless you’re actually on a mission. “
Maybe he like wearing it. Funny how the biker culture seems to have more clothing dress codes than a sorority. Wear this, not that, what state are you in? Have you asked permission from this club to do that, is it before easter...etc etc.
Totally gay.
53.79% of those surveyed have witnessed police presence or investigations at planned and publicized motorcycle gatherings.
Then 46.21% are not paying attention.
But wait, there are also police present at every music fest, hot rod show, state fair, and July 4th parade. Whats the point? Police ALWAYS show where there are large crowds of people.
So you have two general questions, then go into the Waco fiasco and somehow determing that police are profiling motorcycle riders.
I ride nearly every day. Im in a Riding Club. I see cops all the time and get a friendly wave from some and most take a good look at my bike.
My Rider Club goes to lunch, for long rides, meetings, bike shows and have never felt profiled.
Ditto. Riding since ‘64. Harley’s & old Triumph’s......
I rode a Harley without a helmet for years and was never stopped once.
Everybody knows you meet the nicest people on a Honda!
FReeper Motorcycle Hooligans |
|
Visit the FMH Swag Store & support FR! | |
Send FReepmail if you want on/off FMH list | |
The List of Ping Lists |
‘71 Trophy 500 T100C 500cc, ‘72 Bonneville T120V 650cc, ‘73 Trident T150V 750cc (just sold).
Would love a ‘98 or newer (EFI) T100..........almost got one 4 months ago, sold out from under me by dealer after committing it to me.....
(img src=C:\Users\Diane\Desktop\lone-wolf-no-club-patch-277x300.jpg>
ooopsss.. let me try that again
How do you want us to dress? Full leathers is exactly what is recommended by the MSF (motorcycle safety foundation).
If I recall correctly it was one of the questions on my state test for a motorcycle license.
Maybe he does, but he's not supposed to.
Funny how the biker culture seems to have more clothing dress codes than a sorority. Wear this, not that, what state are you in? Have you asked permission from this club to do that, is it before easter...etc etc.
PGR is not "biker culture" it's more military culture. You're not really PGR unless you're on an honor mission.
Totally gay.
Many PGR members are combat veterans. I suggest you make that comment to their face.
I spend most of my 2-wheel time on a 250cc scooter. I couldn't look like a “tough guy” if I tried!
The self-righteousness and condescension of many FReepers regarding motorcyclists is thoroughly unjustified and disgusting.
I’ve been riding a 2009 Triumph Boneville SE for the past 5 years. It’s the most trouble free bike I’ve ever had and I’ve been riding for 38 years, highly recommended...
Three piece business suits.
It’s more important that you not “threaten” anyone with your attire than it is for you to survive an incident.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.