A Popular Subculture

The Motorcycle Riders Subculture

Answer fast: What comes to your mind when you picture the image of the iconic Harley Davidson motorcycles? Many people would possibly answer they are quickly reminded of the ones riding on top of those bikes, tattooed outlaws with a background in drug dealing. Others, perhaps the minority, if ever have driven a motorcycle will instantly remind themselves of the sense of liberty and adventure that is known to move this country. In the midst of stereotypes and controversies, the motorcycle riders’ subculture symbolizes the search for freedom, adventure and audacity that defines the American spirit.
Throughout its history, motorcycles were constantly associated to a sense of freedom. In riding, the motorcyclist experiences the freedom and control of a sole journey, the same spirit of freedom that moved immigrants in the search for a land to start a new life. The motorcycle embodies this search for independence, a looking-backward toward the American West, and a looking-forward toward a time when all people can unite under the camaraderie of being a motorcycle rider.
Also throughout time, many were the motorcycle manufactures that made their mark into this subculture; Indian was the oldest motorcycle brand in the United States until it ceased production in the 1950s. It was also the biggest motorcycle manufacturer in the world until the First World War, when the Harley-Davidson gained strength in that arena. Built to be a racer, in 1918, almost half of all Harley-Davidson motorcycles produced were sold for use by the U.S. military in World War I. At War's end, it is estimated that the Army used some 20,000 motorcycles in their efforts, most of which were Harley-Davidsons. Today, frequently referred to the image of the iconic Harley Davidson, motorcycle riders seem to have elected this, their favorite bike.
And just as many types and brand of bikes, there are many representatives of the motorcycle subculture, including the Mods, short for modernists, represented by riders of motor scooters, extreme sports riders, represented by drag racers, stunt and trick enthusiasts. Also groups by model speak about such subculture; those who prefer a particular brand of motorcycle. They typically go out on weekends or on special events and hold exhibits of their bikes.
However, motorcycle riders not always hold positive images. In good part leaded by the media, negative stereotypes have been carved out along the years. The typical tattooed and unfriendly faced individuals are the typical image of motorcycle riders the media helped us to formulate. Often associated with gang-related, law-breaking activities groups, or the so called one percenters, such as the Hells Angels, a well know motorcycle club known and feared by its criminal activities, including drug dealing cases, motorcycle riders are victims of unfair stereotypes. The typical Hells Angels candidates must be must be male, white, have a valid driver's license, have a working motorcycle and cannot be a child molester or have applied to become a police officer or prison guard; not all motorcycle riders fit into that profile. By that, one can infer motorcycle riders are often stigmatized through a negative generalization. As Mark Probest defended in his article, “Thou Shalt be Judged”, our society is fed of preconceived notions of a specific subcultures, mainly fueled by media branded inputs.
Nonetheless, not only by declared outlaws is formed this subculture. The creation of a broad range of Motorcycle clubs have largely contributed to popularize this what is more than a group of bike riders, but owners of a very specific lifestyle. The spirit of audacity inherent to motorcycle riders comes alive in social motorcyclist associations, bikers raise money for charities through organized events and rides, some other motorcycle organizations exist only for the direct benefit of others. Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA) is one example. BACA assigns members to individual children to help them through difficult situations, or even stay with the child if the child is alone or frightened. Among those events, motorcycle clubs throughout the entire country promote the Annual Blood Drive, and some, advertise more spirituous event names, such as the “Save our Boobs Party” sponsored by Livermore Henchmen Motorcycle Club, in benefit of the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer.
In addition to the growth of motorcycles riders’ involvement in social initiatives, another big event in the motorcycling industry is the increase and impact of the female riding population. Latest figures from the Motorcycle Industry Council indicate that since 2003 the number of women riding a motorcycle has increased 24 percent. The majority of women who adhere to this lifestyle are in their forties, meaning their kids, if any, are probably independent now, so those female riders found a way to celebrate their symbolic new found freedom. Occasions to celebrate the rising of adepts are also becoming more relevant, and perhaps its better example is the International Female Ride Day, where women riders of every modality, either cruiser, scooter, off-road, touring or competition, are evoked to participate. Such event represents the existing link among women through the shared activity of motorcycling. One day to celebrate and highlight the many numbers of women who share a passion for the sport.
From motorcycle clubs, cruising by focused print and online magazines such as American Motorcyclist Magazine, cycleworld.com, motorcycleworld.com and utimatemotorcycling.com and including an infinity of products dedicated to men and women, this subculture has solidified itself in our society, and the number of individuals looking for free-spiritedness, love, and passion for life is on the rise.