Bikers’ meeting attracts police
Charlottetown bar hosts gathering of bike clubs
Police forces from P.E.I. and other Maritime regions kept a close eye on a gathering of bikers in Charlottetown Saturday afternoon.
A group of about 100 bikers, ranging from members of outlaw motorcycle clubs to independent riders from across the Maritimes and other parts of Canada, took part in an Atlantic Confederation of Clubs (ACC) meeting at Hot Shots lounge to discuss discrimination against bikers.
While members were entering the bar, a large number of police remained in the parking lot taking photographs.
The Guardian approached several members and asked if they were willing to discuss the issue of biker discrimination.
Although those individuals declined, one biker later told police and media they were allowed to join the meeting.
“It’s an open house, everyone is welcome,” said the biker.
However, once officers and reporters entered the building, a large group of members exited and said the building was full.
“We don’t want to be over capacitated,” said one biker. “We don’t want to break the law.”
RCMP Cpl. Andy Cook, the provincial outlaw motorcycle gang (OMG) co-ordinator, said the ACC meets about three to four times annually and their last visit to P.E.I. was in Summerside last year.
“We’re here for the intelligence portion of things,” said Cooke, who noted that Charlottetown, Summerside and Kensington police were also at the event. “We’re all here to work as one unit to ensure public safety as well.”
Brad McConnell, Charlottetown police deputy chief for administration, said the police presence was not meant to “intimidate” any ACC members, but to perform “due diligence” by gathering intelligence and keeping the peace.
“We recognize it’s prudent to monitor these gatherings of people involved in outlaw motorcycle gangs and offer peace of mind to the residents living and travelling through this area at the same time,” said McConnell.
Cook noted that only a portion of the group was comprised of outlaw motorcycle gang members.
“There are veteran clubs, there’s a whole host of different clubs that make up the membership of this group,” said Cook.
“There are legitimate clubs and outlaws right up to independent persons who don’t ride with any motorcycle clubs.”
On the ACC’s website, the group states the history of motorcyclist rights organizations and their common goals of fighting government intrusion and harassment.
The major focus is on battling discrimination against bikers through the judicial system, with votes often held at meetings to see if members want to bring incidents to court.
“In many areas, businesses refuse to allow colours to be worn in their establishments, likewise, as anyone who wears colours can tell you, the law enforcement authorities treat patch holders more severely in many cases,” states the ACC. “The confederations consider such acts to be discriminatory and want it known that they will use every legal means possible to stop such practices.”
That stance would be in opposition to a statement made by the province earlier this week when Premier Wade MacLauchlan said government will be developing new laws to target outlaw motorcycle gangs.
The first step would involve the province taking a legal route to possibly ban club colours in bars, make construction of fortified buildings illegal and regulate the sale of body armour. A second step would promise no public or financial support to members of motorcycle gangs involved in criminal activities.
Cook previously told The Guardian the difference between innocuous riding clubs and the “one per cent” clubs is that the “one per centers” don’t feel the need to abide by the law.
P.E.I. has seen an increase of clubs who consider themselves “one per centers” during the past several years.
Last December, a Hells Angels club affiliated with the Woodbridge, Ont. chapter of the gang opened in Charlottetown, which marks the first Hells Angels presence in P.E.I.
The competing Bacchus club, which was promoted to a full one per cent status last weekend, has been in P.E.I. since 2012 and now has two “full patch” chapters in Alliston and Alberton.
“Not all these people commit criminal acts, but their membership supports criminal acts by reinforcing the ‘power of the patch,’” said Cook. “If you truly just want to ride your bikes, then report members of those clubs that are involved in committing crimes.”
McConnell said the increased presence of motorcycle gangs have been of concern to police.
“That’s why you see an increased police presence,” he said, adding that officers will continue to focus on the clubs. “Expect a similar response from police during future gatherings.”