Only two minor traffic tickets issued as 500 Hells Angels roll through town

Police say it was a relatively quiet weekend on city streets, even with hundreds of Hells Angels motorcycle gang members in town to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Calgary chapter.

Just two members of the motorcycle club were ticketed for minor traffic infractions, police said.

“It went as we had expected. It was fairly quiet. Just a couple summonses written,” said Supt. Cliff O’Brien.

Calgary police warned the public last Thursday that around 500 bikers would be rolling into town to gather for a weekend of partying, in part to mark 20 years since the patch-over ceremony when the Hells Angels took over from the Alberta Grim Reapers.

At least two police vans were parked outside of the Calgary Hells Angels clubhouse on 84th Street S.E. on Friday night where a large tent was erected for the celebration.

Witnesses reported that it appeared some Hells Angels members came and went quietly from the clubhouse property, using shuttle buses or cars rather than motorcycles.

O’Brien said last week’s warning to the public was intended to alert Calgarians so they wouldn’t be surprised when the bikers rolled into town wearing their colours.

The Hells Angels isn’t the only biker gang currently operating in Alberta. There have been at least four international biker groups that have moved into the province in recent years: The Mongols, the Rebels, the Vagos and the Warlocks.

Authorities say there’s plenty of disputes between those four groups. Police documented 20 instances of conflict between Angels and Warlocks over just two months last year.

The Vagos opened a new chapter in Alberta in 2015. The Mongols, who have a presence throughout the province, also opened a new chapter in 2015.