The Blue Knights® is a non-profit fraternal organization consisting of active and retired law enforcement men & women who enjoy riding motorcycles. In the Spring of 1974, several law enforcement officers* from the Bangor, Maine (USA) area met and and formed a small, local motorcycle club. The rest, as they say, is history.
Soon, Blue Knight chapters were being formed in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and beyond. With the addition of Canada, and later Australia, the Blue Knights became an international organization.
*Our Founding Fathers are: Joel Rudom, Bill Robinson, Doug Miner, Ed Gallant, Mike Hall, Chuck Gesner, Wayne Labree, Chuck Shuman
As of 1 June 2009, we have 599 chapters and almost 20,000 members in 29 countries.
ByLaws
According to the By-Laws, our purposes and goals are to:
- Provide for the mutual assistance, enjoyment, entertainment, education, physical, mental and social benefit of its members and the general public.
- To promote and advance the sport of motorcycling and the safety of motorcycling.
- To serve the interests of motorcycle owners and users.
- To promote by example and any other acceptable means, safe use, operation and enjoyment of motorcycles.
- To develop a fraternal spirit between law enforcement personnel and the general public.
Benefits of Knighthood
It is difficult stating what makes the Blue Knights® so special. Perhaps the following will help explain the kinds of feelings that flow when a bunch of motorcycle-riding police officers get together.
Knighthood is:
- Enjoying the company of different people who share not only the common bond of a career in law enforcement, but also a love of motorcycles.
- Being able to visit your friends in any of our member countries and be treated like family.
- Receiving get-well cards from people you've never met. (There are no strangers in the Blue Knights, only friends you haven't met.)
- Riding with the Ladies of the Knights and Little Knights who give that added family touch.
- Going to handicapped children's camps, giving the kids rides and seeing the smiles on their faces.
- Various fund-raising activities for those less fortunate.
Being a Blue Knight is all this and much, much more.
Working with Charities
Many Blue Knights work long and hard to raise money for various charities. Especially near to our hearts is helping children. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Make-a-Wish Foundation, Toys for Tots, D.A.R.E., and Concerns of Police Survivors are some examples of our favorites.
As of February 2010 Blue Knights have donated to numerous charities and have contributing time and monetary and gift donations in the amount exceeding $13,037,303 (USD).
We're the good guys!
The Blue Knights is a family fraternity. Spouses and children often accompany our members to the various rides and functions. When travelling, local members can provide assistance, directions and sometimes a place to stay. We are truly a family.
Among the Blue Knight members,
"There are no strangers, only friends you haven't met."