ABSTRACT
The social clubs and the gang represent extremes on a continuum. However, some motorcycle clubs that do not fit neatly into the club or gang extreme categories can be placed along a heuristic Motorcycle Club Criminal Organization Continuum. The media attention to the troublesome minority of motorcycle riders in the early development of outlaw bikers created a magnified image of these motorcyclists in the minds of the public. The sensational media coverage of outlaw biker groups increased as they expanded, nationally and internationally, leading to often-draconian responses by state actors. Historically, the pattern of sensationalized media coverage, political rhetoric, and legislative response to real and perceived biker violence continues today. Motorcycle clubs composed of family-oriented motorcycle riders developed early in the history of motorcycle riding, as soon as motorcycles became affordable recreational transportation. Exploitative biker movies followed the aroused public interest, adding to the threat posed by ''bikers''.
