Biker Gangs Have Deep Roots

Article Tools Print This Page | Comments(56) | Suggest a Story

By Don Kelley, Probation and Parole Supervisor, Montana Department of Corrections

Published: 11/08/2010

Gang issue reaches into corrections - Part III
This Part III of a five part series of articles about street gangs and motorcycle clubs, issues for both correctional officers and probation and parole officers. It is intended to provide insight into the history, function and hierarchy of some of the most violent of worlds.

As we move into the second decade of new millennium, the role that the “big four” bike clubs plays has changed dramatically. What started out as a drunken party sponsored by the American Motorcycle Association in Hollister California in 1947 has grown into a multi-national cartel of associated clubs.

Whether it’s the Hells Angels, Bandidos, Outlaws or Pagans, all of the clubs answer to a “world president.”

The face of the recreational biker has changed dramatically. We have gone from a bunch of drunken, World War II veterans to doctors and lawyers on Harley Davidson’s.

The media coverage of biker incidents also has changed. The media no longer looks at all bikers as the “young hoodlums” described in the San Francisco Chronicle after an event in Hollister, Calif., that marked the birth of what we now refer to as outlaw motorcycle clubs.

A July 1947 hill climb at Hollister, sanctioned by the American Motorcycle Association, turned into a riot. The association later said 99 percent of the bikers at the event were law-abiding citizens and not connected to the 1percent faction that caused the problems.

Media now gives us the picture that bikers “take out their own trash,” preferring to give the perspective that bikers are less dangerous now and have reached some dimension of respectability in the community. In an effort to attain a respectable image, motorcycle clubs actively recruit professional people.

Let’s start at the roots of what is now the “biker culture.”

Motorcycle gangs got started after World War II, when they were thought to be nothing more than youthful rebellion. Thanks to high-profile Hollywood movies and other public events, they gathered an exaggerated reputation.

The Wild Ones in 1954 and Easy Rider in 1969 glamorized biker activity and the biker lifestyle. The Hell's Angels gained broader exposure when they were hired to handle security for a Rolling Stones concert at the Altamont Speedway in California in 1969. Sometime during the show, the Angels reportedly turned on the audience and killed a fan.

During the 1970s, nearly 900 outlaw biker clubs existed, some of them with a large number of chapters that operated inside the United States. By the '80s, the FBI recognized motorcycle clubs as a national threat, ranked just behind La Cosa Nostra (Sicilian mafia).

While concentrated law enforcement actions are disruptive, the gangs have responded by recruiting attorneys who specialize in organized crime cases. Some bikers even found that going to jail has its benefits. They learned new and possibly more profitable techniques from other prisoners.

The most common question I receive when I am asked about bikers is what the 1% patch means on the vests outlaw bikers wear. Simply put, it is the signature of an outlaw biker. The outlaw biker feels that society has never given him the respect or breaks he deserves or allowed him to be a member, so now he does not want to be a part of it and rejects all of its rules, instead living by the “biker code.”

It has its roots in that 1947 hill climb incident where 1 percent was cited as the troublemakers. Here’s how outlaw bikers explain the “1 percenters.”

A 1%er is the one of a hundred of us who have given up on society
And the politicians one way law.
This is why we look repulsive.
We are saying we don’t want to be like you or look like you.
So stay out of our face.
Look at your brother standing next to you and ask yourself if you would give him half of what you have in your pocket.
Or half of what you have to eat.
If a citizen hits your brother will you be on him without asking him why?
There is no why.
Your brother isn’t always right but he is always your brother!
It’s one in all in.
If you don’t think this way then walk away.
Because you are a citizen and don’t belong with us.
We are outlaws and members will follow the Outlaws way or get out.
All members are your brothers and your family.
Will you steal your brother’s possessions, money, woman, class or his humor.
If you do your brother will do you.

All outlaw motorcycle clubs have bylaws or a constitution that sets an acceptable standard of conduct and administrative procedures for the club. The bylaws cover matters such as membership requirement, penalties for misconduct, and acceptable behavior during runs or meetings. While bylaws differ from club to club, the following are examples of common ones.

All members must be male and at least 18 years of age.
All prospective new members must be sponsored by a current member.
All prospective new members must complete a probation period.
All members pay monthly dues and all new members will pay initiation fees to the national headquarters.
No member shall transfer from one chapter to another without the permission of both presidents and will pay a transfer fee to the national treasurer.
When a member is in another jurisdiction, he will abide by their by-laws and president.
Any member caught using the needle will lose his colors and everything that goes with them.
Members may only ride Harley Davidson or Indian motorcycles.

Other Articles in this Series

Part I - Street Gangs Got Start in L.A.

Part II - Gangs Lure Members in Getting Foothold br>
Part IV - Three Bike Gangs Dominate Montana .

Part V - Hells Angels not big force in Montana

Comments:

digitinc on 05/05/2020:
Awesome and interesting article. I like to Wasserdurchlaufstange write a little comment to support you. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed reading your blog posts. Thank you for sharing.
ergfwoei12 on 04/27/2020:
Hey check out the bike reviews of all major bike brands
ergfwoei12 on 04/27/2020:
Hey if you are a bike then you must visit this Bikers Diaries blog. they have the biggest collection of bike related articles
kayleig on 04/17/2020:
I am looking for some great blog sites to serve my ideas. I have searched the search engines on the web and found out your blog site Yes I want to outline your incredible magazine website beyond your ability to post. surviv io
digitinc on 03/27/2020:
Great tips and very easy to understand. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed reading your blog posts. I really like this post. It is one of the best posts that I have read in a long time. Thanks a lot for this good post. https://oceanparadisegame.com/
digitinc on 03/21/2020:
This is very informative and you are obviously very knowledgeable in this area. You will find a lot of 릴게임 approaches after visiting your post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed reading your blog posts. Thanks for sharing.
digitinc on 03/10/2020:
This article is very appealing to thinking people Custom Vinyl Covers like me. I will make sure to bookmark your blog. Thank you for sharing.
digitinc on 02/18/2020:
토토사이트 This post is very informative on this topic. I feel strongly that love and read more on this topic. I just tripped upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed reading your blog stations. Thanks for sharing.
ilmujudi on 02/02/2020:
I like This site! Awesome blog. I enjoyed reading your articles Kartu Poker
digitinc on 01/25/2020:
I am appreciative of your assistance and look 오션파라다이스 forward to your continuing to work on our account. I really appreciate the kind of topics you post here. Thank you for the post.
digitinc on 01/09/2020:
Thank you for your courage in me, and dog breeds for your support for this project. I'm certain that you're going to be entertained with the results.
faizan on 12/17/2019:
Amazing, this is great as you want to learn more, I invite to This is my page. Warm-Ups
faizan on 12/16/2019:
I invite you to the page where see how much we have in common. 안전놀이터
faizan on 12/13/2019:
I invite you to the page where see how much we have in common. painting
faizan on 12/09/2019:
You should mainly superior together with well-performing material, which means that see it: nba중계
digitinc on 12/09/2019:
This was a really very informative site for me. it was locksmith leeds very helpful for me. Keep sharing such ideas in the future as well. Thanks for the blog loaded with so much information.
faizan on 12/08/2019:
This is very interesting content! I have thoroughly enjoyed reading your points and have come to the conclusion that you are right about many of them. You are great. 바카라사이트
digitinc on 11/04/2019:
Great post. I just added your blog to production vehicles rental my bookmark sites. I seeing a blog that understands the value of providing a quality resource for free. Thank you for posting such a great article.
digitinc on 10/30/2019:
Great Article. It’s really Digitale Transformation informative and innovative keep us posted with new updates. You actually understand how to bring a concern to light making it essential. Thank you very much.
digitinc on 10/24/2019:
Very Information post you have given us. I recently found much useful information in your roof racks melbourne website especially this blog page. Thank you for sharing great information to us.
digitinc on 10/18/2019:
I have read your blog it is submit poem very helpful for me. I am usually to blogging and I really appreciate your website content continuously. Thanks for sharing.
digitinc on 10/11/2019:
That is awesome sharing information and helpful post. I seeing a jardin de fiestas en cancun blog that understands the value of providing a quality resource for free. Thank you for posting such a great article.
faizan on 10/06/2019:
I encourage you to read this text it is fun described ... 블랙잭주소
digitinc on 10/05/2019:
I am often to blogging and I also really appreciate your content regularly. I think You put a great Discount Fireworks Dillon SC deal of exertion to make this article. I like your work. Bookmarked this website page, will come back for more articles.
faizan on 10/04/2019:
Just saying thanks will not just be sufficient, for the fantasti c lucidity in your writing. I will instantly grab your rss feed to stay informed of any updates. outsourcing companies europe
digitinc on 09/29/2019:
Great post, you have pointed out some Hair Removal Vancouver fantastic points. I'd really like to help appreciate it with the efforts you get with writing this post. Thank you very much and will look for more postings from you.
faizan on 09/29/2019:
So lot to occur over your amazing blog. Your blog procures me a fantastic transaction of enjoyable.. Salubrious lot beside the scene. Situs Judi Slot Online
digitinc on 09/23/2019:
Nice information, valuable and excellent design, as share DXLIVE　割引クーポン good stuff with good ideas and concepts. This will absolutely be going to help me with my project. Thank you very much.
digitinc on 09/19/2019:
Such an exceptionally fan for gym important article. Extremely intriguing to peruse this article. You actually agree how to bring a concern to light making it essential. Thank you for sharing this information.
digitinc on 09/16/2019:
This is probably one of those blogs. Given such a great amount plus size black long sleeve top of information in it. Thank you for sharing this information. I also wrote an article on a similar subject that will find it at writing what you think.
digitinc on 09/15/2019:
I have read your post this is a very cosmetic B2B informative website. I appreciate you and thanks for sharing information. Keep posting on a daily basis.
faizan on 09/14/2019:
I feel really happy to have seen your webpage and look forward to so many more entertaining times reading here. Thanks once more for all the details. refrigerator repair
digitinc on 09/07/2019:
Awesome & interesting and useful information you share. There is a sure way to create individual essays. It helps sell my house fast me very much to solve some problems. I really like and recognize your website post. It really makes me happy and I am satisfied.
digitinc on 08/28/2019:
This is very informative and well written. I am essentially content with your phenomenal work. I always prefer to read white label music aggregator and glad I found this thing in your post. Thank you for posting such a great article.
faizan on 08/25/2019:
I should say only that its awesome! The blog is informational and always produce amazing things. Bitcoin Price
faizan on 08/22/2019:
Interestingly you write, I will address you'll find exciting and interesting things on similar topics. 카지노사이트
digitinc on 08/01/2019:
This is really nice and informative. I am freizeit braunschweig very happy to read this substance. I found your website perfect for my needs. I truly like what you have acquired here, really like what you’re saying and the way in which you say it. Thanks for sharing.
digitinc on 07/27/2019:
This is really nice and informative. I loved the Peachtree City Sodium hypochlorite article, keep updating interesting articles. I think this is an instructive post and it is very useful and educated. I like the helpful info you provide in your articles.
digitinc on 07/22/2019:
This is a great inspiring article. Commercial auto NJ I am pretty much pleased with your good work. I appreciate your courtesy and very educational content and written well for a change.
digitinc on 07/17/2019:
Thank you so much for administering such amazing content. Peachtree City roofing contactor I am really impressed with the amount of information existing in your content. I think this is an informative post and it is very beneficial and knowledgeable. Thank you for your discuss.
digitinc on 07/11/2019:
Its a great pleasure reading your post. speech therapy for toddlers I just pushed upon your blog and required to say that I have really experienced reading your blog posts. Anyway, I'll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you post again soon. Thanks for sharing this quality information with us.
digitinc on 07/02/2019:
I am especially useful following your well-written articles. It provides the equivalent as you record a sequence of expertise and expertise on your blog. I have bookmarked it and I am considering ahead of making new articles. Keep up the good work. cctv installation perth
digitinc on 06/13/2019:
The words you have got released is amazingly invaluable. As i stumbled on your web log and even browse just a few blog post. As i treasure your task. Thanks for your time for one's blog post. ayurveda specialist in kerala
digitinc on 05/30/2019:
This content you have got discussed might be really beneficial. Especially distinctive to see easy points this particular. You want to be sure you along with many thanks for all those outcomes a person had produced to make this method spectacular web page. Web Design in Fort Wort Texas
faizan on 05/21/2019:
Beaver says I also have such interest, you can read my profile here: voyance par telephone immediate
faizan on 05/17/2019:
It is somewhat fantastic, and yet check out the advice at this treat. Education SEO
faizan on 05/17/2019:
This is very appealing, however , it is very important that will mouse click on the connection: Salesforce Lightning Certification Training
faizan on 05/17/2019:
Cool you inscribe, the info is really salubrious further fascinating, I'll give you a connect to my scene. kid entrepreneurs
faizan on 05/17/2019:
Welcome to the party of my life here you will learn everything about me. free english classes houston
Gar on 08/19/2011:
@ Joker 1%er well said Amigo....... True Respect Gar 1%er PFFP
Gar on 08/19/2011:
I have seen some bullshit in my day but the whole "world president" thing takes it.... Fuck your an idiot .......
Joker 1%er on 05/01/2011:
1st of all this is complete bullshit, street gangs are just that,but mc,s are motorcycleclubs, no where on my patch does it say gang, so get your shit in order before you spout off on something you know nothing about, I am a 1%er w/ a small but serious club,as far as this comment your right " A 1%er is the one of a hundred of us who have given up on society And the politicians one way law. This is why we look repulsive. We are saying we don’t want to be like you or look like you. So stay out of our face. Look at your brother standing next to you and ask yourself if you would give him half of what you have in your pocket. Or half of what you have to eat. If a citizen hits your brother will you be on him without asking him why? There is no why. Your brother isn’t always right but he is always your brother! It’s one in all in. If you don’t think this way then walk away. Because you are a citizen and don’t belong with us. We are outlaws and members will follow the Outlaws way or get out. All members are your brothers and your family. Will you steal your brother’s possessions, money, woman, class or his humor. If you do your brother will do you." we have something that everybody wants, thats true brotherhood,I guess thats why all you cop wannabe bikers dress up like us on the weekends and play biker, but when the shit hits the fan you call the cops, "If you play you pay" "play now pay later"Eather way you,ll never be what we are, a true brotherhood of 1%er,s no matter the patch we all stand together we all have 1 common enemy, thats you guys working for the govt, tryin to take away our freedoms, leave us alone and we leave you alone, we dont dial 911,,,,joker 1%er MFFM
braveheart on 01/11/2011:
POcheck & CpkBrown You should get a room Or a chat room for all this Four play ,,Or are you both just playing threw? Or lost your balls in the rough? With no respect BRAVEHEART
POcheck on 11/13/2010:
Don, Great article!
CplBrown on 11/08/2010:
Demoman, I am an instructor and would love to have your input for training purposes. Please email me at browng@laramiecounty.com I can't find your email address. Thanks.
Demoman on 11/08/2010:
I know this will go on deff ears, but im going to post it anyway. This article is so far off its pathetic. too many important things are left out, and too many things should be added. just the term "gang" and the governments definition of what a gang is, is at best lame. By your own standards, the police departments in themself, should be listed as gangs. there are more law breaking cops per capata then motorcycle CLUBS put together. I feel you should give equil time on here to have a real 1%er give his counterpoint as to what we are all about. almost everything you have here is over 30 years old......its time to get with the changes. You say and i quote: " Here’s how outlaw bikers explain the “1 percenters.” " i would like to know where this came from, because its not even close to what ive seen, heard, and know to be true. If you really want to know and share the truth (which i know you dont) shoot me an email. its my real email in the sign up sheet.

Login to let us know what you think

MARKETPLACE search vendors | advanced search