A recent Hells Angels ride saw roughly 120 motorcyclists travelling Calgary’s streets together, police say. And police say that brought public safety concerns. It happened on May 23, and with riding season getting underway, police in the city are expecting more events like it. “They’re pretty out there compared to years past. They’re growing in numbers,” said Acting Staff Sgt. Jim Dalidowicz. “The biggest growth has been their support clubs—they have clubs throughout the province that support the chapters that we have here. “They also have a chapter in Lethbridge now.” Expansion of the Satan’s Choice motorcycle club is believed to be a reason for the Hells Angels’ own growth, Dalidowicz says. Police say they’ll have “an increased presence throughout the city” during rides. On the May 23 ride, police say they observed and addressed “open carrying of knives, a 3D-printed licence plate, about 20 red-light violations and a multi-motorcycle crash.” Police say 10 summonses have been issued. Dalidowicz says there will “absolutely” be more summonses to come. Enforcement might not happen in real time, police say, but that doesn’t mean it won’t come around. “During these events, officers focus enforcement on the most serious public safety risks,” police said in a social media post on Wednesday. “Officers will record information during a ride and issue Traffic Safety Act summonses in the days following the event.” Police are looking to the public for help as well. Anyone who witnesses “suspicious or concerning behaviour” related to motorcycle clubs is asked to call police at 403-266-1234. Those wishing to remain anonymous can also call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. Dalidowicz says there’s more to the Hells Angels than just the relatively minor offences sparking the summonses. He notes money laundering, violence, extortion and, more recently, the movement of counterfeit tobacco products. “They’re a criminal organization,” said Dalidowicz.
