Collateral Damage - Bylaws that Divide

Here in Grande Prairie Alberta, where I live, we have a rough time as a motorcycle community.

We have one particular police officer who seems to just hate everyone on a bike. He's got an aggressive and disturbing way of approaching situations that seems to get people's blood boiling.
His superiors however, don't view him that way.

We live in a city with a bylaw wherein "gang clothing" is not allowed on city property.
Add to that the liquor laws that mirror each other in most provinces regarding no "gang" clothing and you pretty much have a place where it is tough on riders to host anything without special attention and focus being put on us.

This has been a historical situation in Grande Prairie going back as far as at least 1985, the first time I lived here. We have yet to have, that I am aware of, a period where the motorcycle community, the police and city could see eye to eye on much of anything.

See my blog post from 2009: 
(http://beltdrivebetty.blogspot.ca/2009/12/thanks-to-hells-angels-of-saskatoon.html)

All City facilities have signs posted by their entrances that say no criminal gang clothing or criminal gang colours is permitted inside.    Direct quote from the City of Grande Prairie web site.

Now whether we like it, agree with it or understand it, or not, the fact is that the RCMP view 1% clubs as gangs. (We in the motorcycle community call them Motorcycle Clubs.)

The RCMP view their colours and their "support gear" as "gang clothing".
The RCMP hold the strings to permits, licenses etc. because without their blessing, its pretty hard to get a license.

The fine for allowing "gang clothing" in a licensed premises is steep and repeat offenders can loose their liquor license.  The logic behind the liquor law is that rival gang members won't be able to easily identify each other and that this law should reduce the risk to citizens regarding drunken brawls and fights that can get out of hand.

The R.C.M.P. do not provide business owners with a list or a series of images of what is deemed to be "gang colours".

Now for those who don't understand how this is divisive please understand this; "support gear" is not illegal to sell, wear or own, however, the RCMP view it as gang clothing and therefore, it is covered under the bylaw.

Superintendent Ferguson here in Grande Prairie, expressed in a phone meeting with him and myself on behalf of ANAVETS for the June Poker Run and Parade that "support gear" is not allowed to be sold or worn on city property.

It's not illegal, to wear three piece patches with a diamond on public property either (like roadways and sidewalks). However, they, the City of Grande Prairie and the RCMP made it illegal to wear on city property through the use of the petty trespass act and their "Gang Clothing" Policy. Same applies to "support gear".

So event coordinators here end up having to act as fashion police.

Back in April, a Grande Prairie Motorcycle Charity Group had a swap meet.
It was held at Revolution Place which is a city owned event venue.
All over the building it states no "Gang Clothing" Allowed. (See photo above)

(The city courted the April event and the Motorcycle & Tattoo Fest in June, offering greatly reduced rental pricing etc.)

If a person of authority for the establishment (Revolution Place city staff in this case) calls the police regarding what they view as an infraction of the bylaw or the vendors contract, then the police have an obligation to attend.

That weekend, all of the clubs, one percent or otherwise, who showed up to run booths etc did not wear their colours/cuts.

BUT...

The city staff that run Revolution Place, called the police because support gear for a 1% club was being sold. Sadly, the officer who responded is one who has problems with riders and that sentiment is wholeheartedly reciprocated by the riding community.

There were some very nasty things that transpired and children witnessed these things. One gentleman had this cop attempt to confiscate merchandise that he purchased and another was told to take off his red & white Santa Claus tee shirt because it was red & white!

It was such a divisive and offensive scene that people unanimously and autonomously decided they did not want to be a part of the drama and decided they wouldn't support events at Revolution Place.  

According to Superintendent Ferguson, there is only one banned club present in Grande Prairie and they are not welcome on city property and that was verified by at least one person affiliated with the club.

Pen Cam - London Drugs ($50)

The Wild West Motorcycle & Tattoo Fest and the Afghanistan Monument Project Poker Run was slated for the June 24-26th weekend. I know I had begun the process for licences etc on April 11th according to the date stamps on my first emails.

The situation that transpired here in April was really distasteful. I expressed my opinion on what I witnessed, to the RCMP. (People really need to start wearing body cameras when dealing with this particular individual.)

This RCMP officer should have conducted himself far differently than he did, he should have been less aggressive and less disturbing. He escalated things instead of calming them, from what I witnessed. (I assert again - People really need to start wearing body cameras when dealing with this particular individual.)

After what transpired at Revolution Place on the April 23rd weekend, I know Peter, the show host of WWM&T Fest in June, looked into other venues, but could not find one that offered what was needed on that weekend. He already had bands and vendors booked.

The question for Peter eventually became one of whether to cancel and loose the deposit monies or take a chance that things would smooth out.

The ANAVETS Branch #389 had decided to work with Peter long before the April event that caused such a stir. The ANAVETS hosted the 50/50 draws for him, and ANAVETS turned over $10 for every poker card hand sold allowing the attendees to take part in the run and the show. In return Peter helped them with the sound equipment and a few tables and chairs for the poker run.

Because we were all concerned about how this community was going to react - and please understand  that I am not siding with Revolution Place - I would NEVER host an event there, I think their staff are rude and condescending. I am not siding with the cops. I am however stating that I feel the host of the April event should have known that support gear is considered by the RCMP as a sign of gang support/affiliation and that someone would end up calling the cops.  It was a risky chance to take that ended up costing a lot more than most would realize.

The April event host told me that their organization  was told one thing by the venue staff and then something very different transpired.  Bureaucrats are bureaucrats. You can't take their word for anything - you need to get everything they say in writing. It's call Cover YOUR ASS.

The blow back over what transpired ended up hurting the Wild West Motorcycle & Tattoo Fest promoter and all of the vendors.  It hurt the Afghanistan Monument Project Poker Run & ANAVETS but to a much lesser degree than the vendors and show host, as our costs were covered by our sponsors.

Peter advertised his event steady on the radio, we pushed on Facebook and through posters and visits to the cruise nights at the A & W and by attending the Alliance Church car show and talking to everyone there that we could.

We had hoped that riders would still support these two events in spite of the venue and what had taken place previously.

Well, that didn't turn out to be the case.

Through a number of text and private messages I learned that many riding clubs and individuals had decided to "boycott" Revolution Place. Perhaps that's not the right term, but it's about as appropriate a one as I can think of because the results were the same as if a boycott had been called for.

Now the interesting thing is that these decisions were made randomly, individually, no meeting, no joint decision.  Does that tell you anything about how strongly people felt about what they witnessed and experienced?

In effect, these people all decided the same thing, over the same incident without conferring with each other. Screw the drama at Revolution Place, we don't need it, won't take it.

All of the vendors, some who travelled 7 and 8 hours to get here - well they took a beating...it was harsh.  There were 31 people at the dance, so that didn't even cover the hotel rooms for the band.

ANAVETS had taken extreme measures to prevent another disaster.
We talked to the RCMP Superintendent, and I even went to Revolution Place and educated the women that work there on what patches might or might not show up. We did everything we could to pave the way for a more pleasant experience.

Sadly the women who run Revolution Place are very difficult to communicate with, at least that was my experience with them. I found them to be very rude and very condescending and if I'd have had it my way we would have held everything at ANAVETS but we had committed to helping Peter and so we did our best...

We had all sorts of challenges in dealing with city bureaucrats for our parade permits, the License Centre and the AGLC in getting the licenses for the poker run and 50/50's as mis communications abounded. At the end of the day we got the permits - and it ended up OK, but it was a hell of a road to get there.

I have lodged a complaint with the Community Growth director Koji Miyaji of the City regarding our experiences with Revolution Place's staff.

I also have a question for the City of Grande Prairie and that is about their divisive and I feel discriminatory bylaw:
"Why are you bothering to court motorcycle events at your venue given the bylaw and the issues of what is legal and illegal in the eyes of the city staff and RCMP?"

The decisions made by many have been divisive and hurtful to motorcyclists in this community.

The city should not be courting motorcycle events.

The event host of the first show in April should not have had their event on city property if they wanted to allow the sale of support gear. Even though they were promised it was ok by a city staffer, since nothing was in writing, they should have erred on the side of caution and really questions the promise.

The police officer in question should have approached things in a much different manner

The Motorcycle & Tattoo host should have postponed his show until he could locate a friendlier venue.

ANAVETS should have hosted their run from the ANAVETS Club House.

It's sad that when you look at what went right, what went wrong, hindsight is after all 20/20 vision.

Here in Grande Prairie, it seems like you can't win for loosing.

The sad fact of the matter is that the city of Grande Prairie does not offer one a whole ton of options when it comes to venues to host motorcycle events at.

• Evergreen Park is expensive and out of town.  That proves to be a barrier to attendance.
• The D Coy Armouries is small and has other limitations like no kitchen.
• The other major hockey arenas etc are all very expensive and as they are usually used for sporting events tend to be very booked up and they are also owned by the city.
• Hotels that have ballrooms in this town also tend to be expensive and again pose unique restrictions with regards to parking, liquor and fire regulations.
• If you take the show to a smaller town like Wembley where things are a little less expensive and restrictive, people complain it's too far out of their way.
• And don't ask for a liquor license or have the function in a licensed establishment either - the liquor law says "gang clothing" is not allowed. 

And you will have to be the fashion police.

I look forward to a day when all motorcyclists are treated like Canadian Citizens and allowed to exercise their rights and freedoms under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Fundamental Freedoms:
2. Everyone has the following fundamental freedoms:

(a) freedom of conscience and religion;

(b) freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression, including freedom of the press and other media of communication;

(c) freedom of peaceful assembly; and

(d) freedom of association.

Equality Rights:

Marginal note:Equality before and under law and equal protection and benefit of law

15. (1) Every individual is equal before and under the law and has the right to the equal protection and equal benefit of the law without discrimination and, in particular, without discrimination based on race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, age or mental or physical disability.

If you are blessed enough to be riding today, please remember to ride like everyone is blind and cannot see you.


Belt Drive Betty,
Editor & Rider

Big Changes to the IOMC in Edmonton

I was recently contacted by the former International Nomad of the Snow City Crew of the IOMC in Edmonton to let me know about some rather large changes that have taken place.

Cheezy had this to say...

Very recently the following members have stepped away (out in good-OIG) from the club:

1. Cheezy - Intl. Nomad, Canada
2. Uke - Chapter Prez.
3. Hula - VP
4. D-Ball - Biz. Manager
5. Kanga - full patch
6.Mahigan - full patch
7. Klink - Intl. Nomad - USA resident

You probably recognize some names from this list as being long term members (relatively speaking) and certainly original founding members for the Edmonton chapter.

So why did we all leave? 

Was the problem other clubs? 

Was the problem that the 1%ers finally said enough?.......NO.

Like most things in life, as you grow and develop any organization/club a few seem to influence others into a direction that the originals don't agree with. 

This has happened with our group.

New leadership at the international club level has effected so many at the chapter level, to the point that many of us "chapter originals" that you got to know and respect, could no longer wear the IOMC patch on our backs.

The club and our chapter have changed big time. 

Let me say this.....although the club never "asked permission" there were many of us who respected the hierarchy of the club world and gave respect to those in the 1% clubs. 

It was simple really......we stayed out of their club business and minded our own business. Period. 

We NEVER EVER looked for trouble or hid behind a badge. 

The Edmonton chapter, when we were a part of it, never had an LE member.

These principles will still be followed and respected by all of us who have moved on.

It took us three years to build our chapter up, and during that time we made life long friends with our core group. I'm not sure what we will be called going forward, if anything. 

But I can assure you that I personally, will NEVER wear a three price patch again. 

I wish those remaining in the IOMC Edmonton chapter all the luck in the world because with the changes that have taken place, I think they're going to need it. 

So where do we go from here? 

For the most part, the men who have left are very close and remain a very tight brotherhood. 

I don't see that changing anytime soon. 

I hope you realize that the men you've come to know are the same honourable men we have always been. 

We remain proud motorcycle enthusiasts and have nothing to prove to anyone. 

We continue to ride and enjoy each other's company as we do so. 

Our wives and girlfriends have also become very close to each other and continue on in their friendships.

And for we Edmonton chapter originals, that's more than enough.

Cheesy, former International Nomad for the IOMC 

(Now a happy carefree rider)

So there you have it folks. 

The IOMC in Edmonton has changed in a direction that many did not agree with and so those members that I got to know and respect are now just normal riding citizens.

What will the change in the direction of the IOMC mean to the Edmonton riding and 1% communities? No one knows for sure at the moment.  

The only thing we can do now is to watch, wait and pray that the American style of hatred doesn't generate some kind of turf war here.

On a personal level, I am happy that these men who have become valued friends are no longer with the IOMC - I am glad my instincts about the quality of their character was bang on and that they have moved on to different pursuits. I always feared for their safety any time the rode in the US with that patch on their back.  Now I can breath a sigh of relief that they no longer have that target on their back.

If you are blessed enough to be riding today, please remember to ride like everyone around you is blind and cannot see you.

Belt Drive Betty,

Editor & Rider

Another Remembrance Day - Another Controversy

It seems that every year, some motorcycle organization is singled out by the RCMP, OPP or other municipal police services and/or the Liquor Boards in the various provinces, as undesirable and undeserving of the right to march in and attend Remembrance Day services/parades or attend Legions in their riding regalia.

The Veterans MC on Vancouver Island has been locked in a battle with the local Legion, Branch 171 in Ladysmith BC.

Click this link to read the Nanaimo Daily article...

This is a battle undoubtably caused by the RCMP.  Read further and you'll understand why I say that.

Because this club, the Veterans MC, wears a 3 piece patch, they are being discriminated against.
And yet....Every member of the club HAS SERVED THIS COUNTRY by donning a Canadian Forces Uniform, and is an honest to GOD veteran.

We saw it in Cumberland at the Motorcycle RoundUp, the club was singled out by the Liquor Board & the RCMP as one of 7 clubs who were not supposed to wear their colours into licensed establishments.

In Ontario, we have heard of members of various RC's and MC's being asked to leave the Orangeville Legion because of their patches - some like C.A.V. wearing simple one piece patch, because the Legion didn't know who was who or what was what, regarding patches.

We saw it in Medicine Hat with the Falcon's MC and their poker run a few years back.

Because the police forces concern is that this MC is going to be absorbed by or is somehow already working with 1% clubs, they are being told they can't participate in Remembrance Day services.

The "request" however, never comes directly from the RCMP - OH NO....

The RCMP bring pressure to bear on those who control the establishment or function, in this case the RCL branch president.

You see the police feel that because most MC's follow COC protocol and go to the dominant club with their mission statement and their proposed patch to ensure the dominant club approves their patch and to show that their club as not interfering with any of the 1% clubs, that somehow that approval process means they are now in bed with or tied to the 1% club.

Clubs that have police officers as part of their membership are not allowed to attend COC meetings nor do they meet COC "guidelines" and therefore seldom go to the dominant to "ask for permission" to fly their colours.

It is considered a sign of respect, to let the dominant club know who you are and what your intentions are, if you intend to sport a 3 piece patch.  The dominant club either believes you or they don't. They either deem that your patch does not conflict or misrepresent who you say you are or it does in their eyes.

If you are "allowed" to wear your cut/colours that does NOT mean you are a 1% club, it means you are an MC that does not grate against the Confederation of Clubs and their protocols.

If you don't go to the dominant club to introduce your club, then in the eyes of the COC clubs, that means you allow police officers among your ranks and you are not a real MC in their eyes.
This aspect of the COC protocols creates a lot of discord/disagreement in the motorcycle community.

Of course the club that allows police officers in it, generally have a police officer who is a member who can smooth out the path so to speak, regarding the law and their ideas on special attention.

In the case of the Veterans MC, unlike many Veterans Clubs, they hold true to the core principle that you are not a veteran unless you have worn a MILITARY UNIFORM.
Unless you have worn the Canadian Forces Uniform and have been prepared for battle via basic training etc. you are not a veteran. Remember WWI, WWII, Korea, Afghanistan etc., were wars fought by soldiers not police officers. No one is discounting the fact that the RCMP serve their country, but they are not veterans who have been prepared to go to war and that is the mindset of the members of the Veterans MC.

Being an RCMP officer does NOT MAKE YOU A VETERAN in their eyes and so they do not allow police officers in their membership and therefore, they are fair game for special attention in the eyes of the police.

They (The RCMP) deem that to be the case with the Veterans MC because two their members have gone over to a 1% club. And yet, the rationale is not totally valid.  2 members left their club to go join a 1% club.  These veterans who went to a different kind of three piece patch club decided the "rigours" of being part of the Veterans MC no longer served them. They wanted to be a part of something different.  You don't see the entire membership moving over, being absorbed, patched over.  Two members....however.....

Here's where things get really muddy....

They left their club in good standing and while they will probably never be able to wear the Veterans MC colours again, they are still brothers at arms - they served in the Canadian Forces with the guys who make up the Veterans MC. So the Veterans MC gets invited to parties, events or the homes of these men who are now 1% MC members.

That's where the RCMP feel they are justified in connecting the dots if you will.  Although they no longer ride together as a club, the Veterans MC and the 2 members who moved to a 1% club are still friends, they were friends and comrades before they were MC members, but it's that very friendship the police look upon as suspicious.

At least that is how it was explained to me by a gang task force officer last year at the Vancouver Motorcycle Show.

The thing that truly makes this a sad situation is that the Veterans MC have donated substantial monies to the Ladysmith Branch of the Legion and now they feel abused and betrayed.

I called the RCL Branch 171 and asked to speak to their president, Gary Phillips, but as of this moment in time, he has not contacted me so that I could understand and pass on the specifics of this situation to you.

I do however already know in my gut how this played out.

I have heard it enough times...I have EXPERIENCED IT MYSELF, back when I used to host motorcycle shows.

Police officer tells the event coordinator, in this case, the Legion president that if they allow the Veterans MC in the Legion or to be a part of the ceremonies, they, the RCMP will pull out.
They also mention liquor licenses and how they can be affected by non compliance. They tell the Legion they are protected by the petty trespass act, and they, the RCMP will come and ask the "offensive" people to leave when they get the call.

The Legion becomes scared by the perceived intimidation, they cave in and do not defend the very veterans they are sworn to serve, they go against the Charter of Freedoms and Rights, they deny these people the right to be involved in a public ceremony on public land, they deny them access to a private club meant to serve military veterans and members and the veterans become hurt, indignant and angry.

Public opinion goes badly against the Legion because the citizens of the region do not understand the bullying tactics used on the Legion, the Legion decides that the RCMP are wrong minded in their "requests", the RCMP have no legal leg to stand on and so, the Legion reverses it's decision AFTER the damage is done.

OR, the Legion out of fear, stands firm because they would be embarrassed if the RCMP did not attend the service.

That's what has transpired, time and time again all across this country. Some Legions stand firm with the RCMP, usually out of fear of reprisal OR they stick to the Charter of Freedoms & Rights and protect the rights & freedoms of those they have vowed to serve.

Sadly too often, ill feelings become entrenched and their is a lot of anger on all sides of the equation.

In this case, the RCL Branch 171 in Ladysmith BC, has apparently, although not publicly, overturned their initial decision and have decided to allow the Veterans MC to attend.

Their decision is too late though, as the Veterans MC has decided to go to another Legion, the one in Chemainus and have vowed to not support the Ladysmith Branch.

In my personal humble opinion, there needs to be a full push to have motorcyclists recognized as a visible minority, because we are. We are very distinguishable from other motorists, other persons and we are a true minority, our community is only 700K+ strong. (Washington State was successful in having motorcyclists recognized as a visible minority).

My rights as a citizen, taxpayer and rider have been trodden on several times by the RCMP with regards to hosting events and banning patches. I lost almost a 1/4 million dollars standing my ground against them. They damned near broke me financially by blocking entrances to my show in Olds and it took me years to recover.

The RCMP will cripple you, financially and every other way they can so that they can get their way.
They do not care that what they are doing is not only immoral but bordering illegal.  It is profiling and at the very least it is subversive. They are in a battle with the 1% Clubs and sadly think that everyone who wears a patch, 3 piece or not is a 1%er unless there happens to be a police officer as a member, then the treatment tends to be different. Not always, but most times.

And so we find ourselves in this position time after time after time.

There are no rights and freedoms in this country as it pertains to motorcyclists, but somewhere there must be lawyers who will challenge the charter and people willing to force the point. Money and desire being the two strengths that are needed to get something like this done.

That's how I see this situation, what say you?

I'd dearly love your feedback on this topic.


To express your feelings to the RCL on how this situation has unfolded please contact:
Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 171
Gary Philips - President
621 First Ave, Ladysmith, BC
Phone:(250) 245-2273

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Belt Drive Betty 

Editor & Rider

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Love em or hate em, I HAVE HUGE RESPECT for some 1%ers today! Updated

In spite of being at logger heads with some of the 1% clubs over the Iron Order MC and their right to exist, and the fact that the Canadian Members conduct themselves differently - apparently, from some of their US counterparts....

Ttoday, I can unequivocally state that I am proud of and filled with respect for some 1% members today.

There are two 1% Motorcycle Clubs who have members that have joined the fight against the Islamic State; one MC as fighters and the other as humanitarians.

Members of the Median Empire MC from Cologne Germany as humanitarians have gone to Syria to provide aid and members of No Surrender MC in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Breda in Holland have gone to Turkey to take up arms against ISIS according to two different news reports linked in the respective clubs named above.
As a female, the spread of radical Islam and the invocation of Sharia Law in many places and the brutality exhibited by ISIS, is nothing short of terrifying.

When I think that my rights as a female infidel to exist, much less speak my mind would not only be gone, but that I would be annihilated; I would be dead because of who I am and the fact that I reject radical Islam (followers of Abū al-Qāsim Muḥammad ibn ʿAbd Allāh ibn ʿAbd al-Muṭṭalib ibn Hāshim AKA Muhammad).

Our governments in Canada, the US and Great Britain need to stop the spread of Sharia Law in our own countries. They need to take a stand for our rights and freedoms instead of selling our identities as countries, nations down the tubes.

They need to stand up for the rights of women of ALL religions, all political backgrounds and all nationalities, but sadly, Sharia Law is gaining toe holds in the legal and political systems of these countries.

To see men who are reviled because they wear the cut of a 1% club step up and be prepared to defend the rights of infidels around the world, even mine...makes my heart swell with hope, gratitude and respect.

I do not care what truly motivated the men of these 1% motorcycle clubs to take action and join the Kurds.  It could be ego, it could be the adrenaline rush, it could be their former military service (assuming there is any), it could be heritage and familial connections - it could be simply that they also want to stop the brutality of IS.

These men are intelligent enough to know the personal risk they take and yet, they took it.

I want to thank these men for helping the Kurds, for having the stones to risk it all.

Their motivations mean nothing - their actions mean everything.

At least that's how I see it from a female's point of view.

My grandmother, Barbara Avis McColeman used to say; "There is a little bit of bad in the best of us and a little bit of good in the worst of us."  It is an understanding that I have done my best to live by.

No matter what ill or good in life they may have perpetrated as individuals or as members of an MC, their actions as men in this situation, make them heroes to me.

I pray for a day when we can all learn to share this world, our countries, cities and towns with civility and respect. When oil, politics and religion don't divide us in harsh and tyrannical ways.

Until then, I am happy to support those who lay it on the line to support and defend the rights and freedoms of those who can't support and defend themselves.

To the men of the No Surrender MC - thank you for joining the military units of the Kurds.
Thank you for laying it on the line. You deserve the same respect our troops do.

Thank you to the Median Empire MC and their humanitarian efforts in the refugee camp called Camp Arabat. The Median Empire MC has been helping Kurdish refugees in a Syrian camp with much needed food and medical supplies.  I will send $5 from every patch I sell to help buy medical supplies.

That's how I see it - what say you?

Belt Drive Betty,
Editor & Rider

Here we go again: Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of BC - Report

Forces Special Enforcement Unit of BC

It is no wonder the general public can be so scared and confused by the motorcycle community.

When even the police cannot identify who is who in the motorcycle world how in the HE Double Hockey Sticks is anyone else supposed to understand us?

In their report on GANGS, the Combined Forces Special Enforces Unit actually claims that three piece patch is and indication that one is in an outlaw 1% GANG.

Seriously, that's what they state:

The official “uniform” of all Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs (OMGs) is their “Colours,” which always remain the property of the club. The Hells Angels colours consist of a three-piece patch, which signifies to law enforcement that the club is an outlaw one-percenter motorcycle gang. The term “one-percenter” is an historical term that was used to distinguish the outlaw motorcycle gangs from the majority of law-abiding motorcycle enthusiasts following violent riots in Hollister, California in 1947.  Numerous OMGs have since adopted the term. If you look closely, you will see the 1% designation on an OMG jacket or vest.

Either the police services are blatantly attempting to make people believe that all three piece patches are criminal or gang related OR they are  VERY mis informed and uneducated about the patch hierarchy of the motorcycle community.

I took such offence that I wrote their Communications and Media Person, here is my letter:

Dear Sgt. Lindsey Houghton,

I read with great dismay your report on OMG's. (http://www.cfseu.bc.ca/en/as-bad-as-they-look)

I often wondered why so many NON 1%, outlaw clubs are targeted for special attention where none is warranted, now I know.

There is one sentence that is so false and so wrong in your report: "The Hells Angels colours consist of a three-piece patch, which signifies to law enforcement that the club is an outlaw one-percenter motorcycle gang. "

As a motorcycle journalist, I have written a number of articles on the motorcycle community and our patches and cuts to educate new riders as to who is who and how to identify them.  

Perhaps it is time the BEU and others educate themselves as to the nature of the various cuts in our community.

Just because someone who wants to introduce an outlaw club into a territory goes and speaks with the dominant club in the region to get permission to wear their cut does not make them affiliated with the dominant (usually but not always a 1% club).  

Getting permission means that the new Outlaw MC is not cutting into the territory or business of the 1% club. It means not getting their asses beat every time a 1%er sees a 3 piece outlaw cut they don't recognize.  When the dominant club has approved a cut to be worn by a new Outlaw Club, the rest of the members of the dominant now know to leave the Outlaw MC alone, that they are not a threat to their territory or business.

The three piece patch is about earning it not buying it. 

Not all Outlaw MC's are 1% but ALL 1% Clubs are Outlaw Clubs.

I urge you to educate yourselves and properly inform the civilian who does not ride, the truth of our community. 

You are doing a great disservice to the entire motorcycle community by making statements that are patently false and misrepresent our community.

I have included links to two of the many articles I have written on patches and cuts in an effort to help educate your officers as to the truth about our patches and cuts:

http://beltdrivebetty.blogspot.in/2014/07/a-little-education-on-mc-world.html

http://beltdrivebetty.blogspot.ca/2014/07/why-outlaw-mcs-and-1-clubs-appear-to.html

If the statement in your article were true, then there would be a ton of Law Enforcement Outlaw Motorcycle Clubs that would be considered 1% Motorcycle Gangs.

Sincerely,

Renee "Belt Drive Betty" Charbonneau

Belt Drive Betty Media

Editor- The Busted Knuckle Chronicles

To read the entire report visit: http://www.cfseu.bc.ca/en/about-cfseu-bc

I'd love your thoughts and comments on this topic!

There is a ton of news over at www.beltdrivebetty.com where our work is keeping you informed.
Today is also Canadian Motorcycle News Day - that's right, this week's edition of the Busted Knuckle Chronicles is online!

Did you get a photo of someone not geared up for safety on their motorcycle?
If you did, get it entered into our Capture the Gear Fail Contest - we have great prizes from Kimpex and Draggin Jeans so check it out!

Have a great day everyone and if you are blessed enough to be riding today, please remember to ride like everyone around you is blind and cannot see you and please, consider wearing good gear!

Today we honour and remember all who lost their lives on 9/11.
Please take a moment to remember them.

"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." - Edmund Burke
Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider