- November 23, 2024
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Ormond Beach bikers are fighting for local businesses to lift their “no-colors” policy.
BY EMILY BLACKWOOD | STAFF WRITER
Bobby Colella was born and raised a biker, he says, and that's why he feels compelled to take back bikers' rights of freedom of expression, which he believes have been destroyed by the media and the opinions of public officials.
After all, he says, not all biker gangs are bad.
Members of his gang, Bikers for Christ, have been denied entry to bars, fairgrounds and even public streets because of the unifying patches on their jackets. A few Ormond Beach bars have “no colors” signs posted on their buildings.
“We have the right to peacefully assemble,” Colella said. “We have a right to express ourselves. But we can’t just ride to any restaurant and expect to be allowed in. I did two tours over in Iraq. I’ve fought for other countries to have the very basic rights that I’m being denied at home. It shouldn’t be like that.“
He credits the beginning of bikers’ distorted images to historical events dating back to 1947. Since then, he said bikers have made a real effort to change their reputations that were ruined by a small number of bad gangs.
“The motorcycle club has really made some major adjustments to ensure their survival,’ Colella said. “We’re doing everything we can on our side to improve the image and reputation of bike clubs. But it does us no good if bar owners and city officials don’t change their mindset.”
Mayor Ed Kelley said he hasn’t seen bikers cause many issues in the past 30 years and doesn’t have a problem with them wearing their colors.
“We’re trying to get along and respect each other,” Kelley said. “But it’s up to the businesses. They do that to maintain a certain level of control and to prevent any outburst or confrontations. But to my knowledge, their hasn’t been much of a problem.”
City Manager Joyce Shanahan said the no-colors policy is something bikers need to take up with the local businesses that enforce it, not the city officials.
“This is not a city policy,” Shanahan said. “They are trying to drag the city into a fight that we’re not part of. The city doesn’t allow bar owners to drag us into that issue because they know it’s not our issue. But I understand why they are saying ("no colors"), because I think there is a prepotency for something to occur between rival members of different organizations."
Andy Osterkamp, chief of police, said there is no city policy that would allow officers to enforce bars to have or not have a no-colors rule.
“It is personal preference or choice on their part,” Osterkamp said. “(Bikers) are not a real problem at all, but it’s strictly up to the bars.”
Houligan's Operating Owner Chad Rivard said his restaurant gladly welcomes bikers regardless of what they are wearing.
“We’re open to anybody,” Rivard said. “It doesn’t matter. ... We’ve been around in the business for so long that you are always going to have those groups that might damage the name. But (bikers) know they can come in to get a quick meal and get back out on the road.“
The Iron Horse Saloon is one of the local bars that has a no-colors policy. Co-owner Sally Stevens said they don't discriminate against any particular patch-wearing club, but they have the policy to maintain their friendly atmosphere.
"I've been owner since 1981," Stevens said, "and that's been the policy all along. It includes anyone that has a club type of affiliation whether it's a fireman or policeman. The people are all welcome, it's just the method of having a more compatible atmosphere."
Stevens said though they have a no color policy, her bar never turns people away.
"Usually people will turn (their jackets) around," Stevens said. "People are always welcome. It's just a policy of our business. I don't feel that it infringes on anybody's rights. Everybody is welcome."
Colella is hoping to bring his fight to the state this Saturday, where a group of bikers will be rallying to gain support and momentum for equal access to all establishments. They also want to get the term “no colors” legally defined.
The rally will be held noon March 1, at Riverfront Park in Daytona Beach.
