Biker Patches

The number 13 biker patch is worn by many outlaw bikers and outlaw motorcycle clubs. Researchers do not agree on the meaning of this symbol. Below are listed some of the interpretations of this patch.

The Letter M

Many researchers believe that the number 13 stands for the letter M. M is the 13th letter of the alphabet. However, there is no agreement as to what the M means. Some people believe that M stands for motorcycle.

However there are others who say this is not the case. They argue that a biker does not need to wear such a patch; everyone can see they are riding a motorcycle, so it is not necessary to wear a patch that indicates this.

According to a documentary by the History Channel, the M stands for methamphetamine, at least for the Sons of Silence motorcycle club. Other researchers state the M stands for marijuana.

What these two meanings show is the relationship between outlaw motorcycle gangs and drugs. Police and other authorities claim that many outlaw biker gangs are engaged in criminal activity.

Aside from selling drugs, these gangs are also believed to engage in acts of violence. Like the Italian Mafia, these groups have their own laws, regulations and territories. Many outlaw motorcycle clubs of course deny this accusation.

Judge and Jury

Another popular interpretation of the number 13 biker patch is the biker is their own judge and jury. The 13 stands for the 12 jurors and the judge, for a total of 13. This interpretation is tied to the heart and roots of the outlaw biker culture.

The outlaw biker club (or the outlaw independent / Lone Wolf biker) have their own laws. They have their own societies, regulations and ways of living. Outlaw bikers belonging to clubs live according to the rules of the club, not society.

Many of these clubs tell their member to disregard the conventions of modern society. In other words, the biker is the only one who can judge their actions (or perhaps the club).

Obviously this means outlaw bikers have little or no respect for the rules of society. Their disdain is made apparent by wearing this patch. The swastika patch means the same thing.

This does not automatically mean the biker will go out of their way to violate the laws of society. But they will not care about the judgment that society passes on their business.

Different Meanings

The patch can also represent a sense of foreboding or something ominous. The number 13 has been associated with bad luck and dread. A biker may wear this to identify themselves with this fact. Other clubs may implement their own unique meanings to this patch. These meanings would be known only by the outlaw club members.

The number 13 biker patch is one of the most widely used patches in the world of outlaw clubs. It can have numerous meanings. Exactly how this patch came to be is not clear, but the meanings given above are believed to still be in use by many clubs.