Biker Patches

The 99% biker patch is the response to the 1% outlaw biker patch. The bikers who wear this patch want to show everyone they are law abiding citizens. This patch is often worn by law enforcement motorcycle groups.

To understand the origins of this patch, you must know something of the origin of the 1% biker patch.

The Hollister Riot

Both patches emerged from the so-called Hollister Riot. A motorcycle rally was held from July 4 to July 6, 1947 in the town of Hollister, California. Tshe event was sponsored by the American Motorcyclists Association (AMA). Over 4,000 people attended. According to newspaper accounts, the town was overrun by various motorcycle gangs.

The press reported that biker gangs caused mayhem all over the town. They raced across the streets and engaged in acts of violence. 60 people were reported injured.

Newspapers and magazines across the country carried the story. Life magazine ran a story about the Hollister Riot, complete with a photo of a drunken biker with several beers around his bike.

Reportedly, the AMA issued a statement that only 1% of motorcycle riders and clubs disregard the law and 99% are law abiding citizens.
That is the origin of the 99% biker patch. But while the origin can be pinpointed, the facts about the Hollister Riot are still being disputed.

Disputed Facts about the Hollister Riot

Today there are historians who claim the Hollister Riot as reported in the press was greatly exaggerated. Some people who went to the rally say the press sensationalized the accounts. Indeed, the AMA denies ever making the “1%” statement.

Nevertheless, the image of the outlaw biker stuck in the public mind. This was help by the 1953 biker film “The Wild One”, starring Marlon Brando. The film was based on the events that took place in Hollister, California.

The success of the film inspired other producers to make similar movies, thus the image of the stereotypical biker was born.

Anyone wearing a patch with the 99% design simply has to follow the law in their city /state. With outlaw bikers, however, the rules and etiquette regarding patches are a bit more complicated.

Outlaw Biker Patch Etiquette

Even outlaw clubs have their own etiquette and rules concerning patches. The rules will vary per club, but there are some general rules they follow. Members of 1% clubs rarely wear their colors out of their territory, but they never wear them when in the territory of another biker club.

Some clubs do not allow members to wear their colors when driving. Bikers who are fired from the club must give up their colors. The colors must also be given back to the club if the biker decides to leave the club. Clubs have their own rules on how the colors may be worn.

The 99% biker patch is not as widely known as the 1% patch, nor is it worn as often. But anyone studying the history of motorcycle patches would be well served to know something of its history.