Motorcycle clubs can and have been useful things. You find like-minded individuals, fast friends, and folks you can count on when the goings get tough. But there are a lot of biker clubs that are basically used to be as lawless as one can be, and often find themselves running up against each other or the regular public.
Like, say, the Hells Angels, which we've reported on extensively here at RideApart, as that particular group loves to tell you they're just a fraternity of motorcyclists, then go off and run hits, allegedly, for the Iranian government. And they aren't alone, as 1% motorcycle clubs are all around the country, and indeed the world.
More recently, it's being reported that two rival motorcycle clubs going into a gun fight at a bar in Washington, Pennsylvania, and the occurrence has since cancelled a local motorcycle show that was set to happen.
This is why we can't have nice things, people.
The incident took place at the Forty Bar & Grille in Washington, Pennsylvania, on the night of August 16th. According to a lengthy Facebook post by the establishment, it "was the target of a brutal and unprovoked attack carried out by a motorcycle club. This violent act terrorized our business, traumatized our staff, and endangered the lives of our patrons. Several of our bartenders and guests were forced to hide in the basement, fearing for their safety, while chaos erupted above."
They added, "We want to make it absolutely clear: our bar had no affiliation, engagement, or prior dealings with this motorcycle club. We were victims of their intimidation and violence. Our only priority in that moment was protecting the people inside our establishment."
But because of the violence that erupted at the bar, the city has now been forced to cancel the Rally on Main motorcycle show that was set to occur last weekend and, hopefully, return it next year.
In a press release sent out by the City of Washington, the city stated that after Mayor Burgess and Police Chief Devenney consulted with outside police departments, agencies, and the city's solicitor, they had made the decision to cancel the event, stating, they'd "determined that it was in the best interest and safety of the community to cancel the event at this time."
Again, I'm all for motorcycle clubs and their members to find like-minded friends who ride. I think we could probably use a little more of that neighborly love these days, as there's a sincere lack of empathy among the community given how isolating social media is. But this ain't it, folks. Don't be stupid.
