U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg (R-Mich.) is an AMA Charter Life Member and co-chair of the Congressional Motorcycle Caucus. He and co-chair Michael C. Burgess (R-Texas) introduced H. Res. 255, a resolution intended to highlight the practice of motorcyclist profiling by law enforcement and promote collaboration between the motorcycle and law enforcement communities.

“I have been passionate about motorcycles since a very young age,” Walberg said. “As a fifth grader, I sent away for a motorcycle catalog advertised in an issue of Popular Mechanics, and my interest has grown ever since.”

In 1971, when he was a sophomore in college, Walberg bought his first motorcycle, a 1964 Honda Dream. “My late mother was not a fan of motorcycles at the time,” he said. “But a few decades later, when she was 85, I eventually got her to ride on the back of my Harley.”

Walberg still owns the Honda, but it is not in running condition.

American Motorcyclist asked a few questions.

AM: What are you currently riding?

TW: I currently have a 2002 Harley Road King and 1983 Honda Silver Wing Interstate. It surprises most people that I do the annual servicing and maintenance myself in our barn. Right now I’m doing some electrical work to set up a GPS system.

My wife, Sue, and I are blessed to live in the beautiful Irish Hills, which is a scenic part of Michigan to ride. Over the years, we have gone riding in the Rocky Mountains, Smoky Mountains, and many other destinations throughout the country and Canada. Sue and I are looking forward to an epic motorcycle trip this summer.

AM: How long have you been a member of the caucus?

TW: Since I came back to Congress in 2011. I am proud to now serve as co-chair of the caucus along with Rep. Burgess. It is a bipartisan caucus, with representatives from around the country who have a unique understanding and commitment to the issues that face riders everywhere.

AM: What prompted you and Rep. Burgess to introduce H. Res. 255?

TW: I have heard from many in the riding community who felt that they had been profiled by law enforcement at least once, oftentimes solely because of their motorcycle-related apparel. We should all be concerned about profiling of riders based on their attire and absent any wrongdoing.

As a result, we introduced H. Res. 255 to draw attention to this issue and promote greater collaboration between the motorcycle and law enforcement communities. By having an open dialogue, I hope we can help prevent instances of motorcycle profiling and ensure our roads and highways are safe for all to enjoy.

AM: What other motorcycle-related legislation is before Congress or do you expect will arise soon?

TW: In addition to our legislative efforts, I am keeping a close eye on the federal definition of a motorcycle, which falls under the jurisdiction of agency rulemaking. I sent a letter to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, expressing concern with the agency’s definition in light of the emergence of a relatively new vehicle class that has characteristics of both motorcycles and automobiles.

This new class, commonly referred to as autocycles, typically has more characteristics of an automobile. In some cases, autocycle models have three wheels, a steering wheel, gas and brake pedals, car seats, an enclosed cockpit and other car-like features.

Because the current federal definition of a motorcycle is broad, many models in this emerging class of vehicles fit the definition of a motorcycle. This has the potential to create ambiguity in motorcycle safety statistics and alter licensing, registration and insurance rates. In our letter to NHTSA, we requested a response from the agency outlining the steps it is taking to address this issue.

AM: What else would you like to convey to your fellow AMA members?

TW: Motorcycles represent more than just a mode of transportation to those who ride them. They often signify a sense of freedom, identity and camaraderie. This has been true for me in the nearly 50 years I have been riding.

A few years ago, it was an honor to receive AMA’s “Hero Award” for my work in Congress to advance policies that support riders. As a life member of AMA, it was a particularly meaningful recognition.

I look forward to continuing to work with you and be a champion for the motorcycle community.