ABOUT

My name is Sana Chaudhry and I am a student at Florida State University. I was born in Panama City, Florida and lived there for 7 years and then moved to Orlando, Florida. While living in Panama City and while visiting during summers and school breaks, I would always see a group of motorcyclists riding through town. As I got older, I would see how motorcyclists were portrayed in movies and t.v. shows as gangs and involved in illegal activity such as gun and drug trades. Watching that perspective of them sparked my curiosity as to whether all motorcycle clubs were like that. The history of motorcycle clubs started in New York in the 1900's whent the American Motorcyclist Association was founded. This organization was formed to protect the rights of motorcyclists and promote their lifestyle. This organization promotes good motorcycle clubs and a good law abiding motorcycle culture. Many other clubs that began after WWII were usually what is considered an "Outlaw Club". Outlaw motorcycle clubs go against AMA rules and "celebrate freedom, nonconformity to mainstream culture and loyalty to the biker group." (Wiki) The difference in motorcycle clubs and motorcycle gangs can be seen in their purpose and actions. For example, BACA has its own logo and member loyalty, however they help abused children and do not act agressivly so they are not considered outlaw because they abide AMA rules. At first I wanted to explore one motorcycle club community and see how they worked but now I would like to do that and also see what makes them different from the stereotypical outlaw club. I am using the Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA) as proof that some are not. BACA is a motorcycle club that helps abused children feel protected and powerful by making them part of a close nit club. The members of BACA serve as a primary contact person for the abused children whenever they feel unsafe in their everyday life and in court. BACA acts as a supposrt system for these children that they can always count on.