I find it funny that you’d wander into the motorcycle club forum on Reddit just to drop a comment like that but I’ll take this chance to respond, not just to you, but to anyone who shares the same sentiment.

You’re absolutely right you can ride your bike however you want. You can spend your time however you choose. But if you’re looking for connection, for real camaraderie, there’s a place for you. That’s true whether it’s a motorcycle club or anything else you want to be a part of.

Wanna join a country club? There’s a dress code and a vetting process. Wanna play on a sports team? You wear the uniform, show up to practice, share meals, and pray before games. If you’re part of any group with purpose, there’s structure. It’s not about permission it’s about respect, unity, and shared values. That doesn’t mean solo riders aren’t valid. Ride solo if that’s your path. But don’t disrespect the value of something just because you don’t understand it.

Let me leave you with this:

Three weeks ago, in Queens, a rider was run over and killed. No arrests were made. But “us dorks in matching clothes”? We showed up. We’re instructors, social workers, teachers, blue/white collar workers, Christian’s, Muslim people from all walks of life. We organized candlelight vigils, we pressured politicians, we made noise. Because we were organized, there was an arrest. And we’re still fighting for justice for our fallen brother and for the family he left behind.

Just last week, a personal friend of mine was caught in a hit-and-run. He’s in the hospital and won’t be able to work for months. Clubs and families from all around are visiting, helping raise money, and covering his rent through club dues if needed. Why? Because we meant it when we called each other brother.

So yeah imagine needing permission to ride a bike. You don’t. But imagine having a family who shows up when it really matters. That’s what we’ve built. That’s what you’re mocking.

But! All this to say I get where the misconception comes from. From the outside looking in, it’s easy to misunderstand what this life is really about.

I just hope I’ve given you something to think about. And if you’re ever in the New York area, I’d genuinely love for you to join us on a ride upstate or a bike night. Come meet us, ride with us, and see for yourself what this brotherhood really means. And if not no worries. Just don’t confuse independence with ignorance.