List of motorcycle biker patches
Patches and pins worn on bikers are there for various reasons. They can show rank, affiliation, events participated in, or be strictly for decoration.
Below is a list and explanation of patches, badges, and pins found on bikers apparel. The meanings vary depending on social circles, clubs, and countries:
1%: This patch is associated with any bikers who consider themselves part of the "outlaw" biker community. It is in reference to the American Motorcycle Association stating that 99% of motorcyclist are law abiding citizens.
13: This can be found on a patch alone or in conjunction with other symbols. There are three different definitions to what it means, the most common being associated with drugs and narcotics. The letter M, being the 13th letter of the alphabet, often is said to stand for [...] or motorcycle. GeneRally, it is assumed someone wearing a 13 patch is either a user of [...] or other drugs, or is involved with the sale of them rather than 13/M simply standing for Motorcycle. An episode of the History Channel's Gangland states that the M stands for "[...]" for the Sons of Silence motorcycle club. The third definition of a 13 patch is that the wearer is his own judge & jury - this is due to 13 standing for 12 jurors and the additional number being the judge. There are more definitions of what a "13" patch stands for, most of which are specific to a particular club and usually known only to members of that club.
99%: This patch is associated with any bikers who consider themselves part of a non-outlaw biker community. It is often worn by law enforcement motorcycle clubs
Ace Of Spades: This can mean several things, but the general meaning is that the wearer will defend themselves to the last breath should the need arise, even if it results in someone else's death. This is particularly the case if the AOS patch contains a skull or the words "Bringer Of Death".
Charity Run Pins: Charity pins are pins awarded for attending and riding in a charity run. In the run donations are made, and support for the cause is shown through riding in a large group with other supports. Charity pins usually state the year, particular charity, and often the club that hosts the run.
Flags: These usually meaning one of two things. The first meaning could indicate where the person is from, or where they draw lineage or family from. The second meaning, particularly in the case with Harley Davidson riders, the flag indicates the country the brand of their motorcycle comes from.
I.T.C.O.B.: "I Took Care Of Business"
MC/MCC: MC or MCC stands for Motorcycle Club, often worn on the back of a vest in addition to top and bottom rockers and club logo.
Memorial Patches: These patches usually start off with "In Memory Of...", followed by a name and either the date the named person has died or the years in which they were alive. Sometimes the patch will also contain a message in their honor, such as "We will never forget you". These patches are worn to memorialize friends or club mates who have died for Any Number of reasons.
President: This indicates the wearer is the president for either the club he/she is involved with, or president for the charter of the club he/she is involved with.
Rally Badges/Pins: Rally badges or pins are awarded for attendance to a bike rally. The rally itself May Be for charitable causes, but the difference between a rally and run is that the rally is often set over one or two NiGHTS, with live entertainment and other activities. Bikers often pitch tents and rough it over the duration of the rally.
Road Names: Often worn on a bikers vest is a patch strip with a name On It. This is the road name, or name they go by while riding. These names can simply be a nickname given by friends, or a designation given to the biker by someone higher in rank in the club they are in.
S.F.F.S.: This abbreviation is used by the Sons of Silence to denote "Sons Forever, Forever Sons."
SC: SC stands for Social Club, often worn on the back of a vest in addition to top and bottom rockers and club logo.
Secretary: This indicates the wearer is the secretary for either the club he/she is involved with, or Secretary for the charter of the club he/she is involved with.
Sergeant At Arms: This indicates the wearer is the sergeant at arms for either the club he/she is involved with, or sergeant at arms for the charter of the club he/she is involved with.
Skull & Crossbones: This indicates the wearer has physically fought and possibly caused a death, in defending themselves, friends, or club mates.
Vice President: This indicates the wearer is the vice president for either the club he/she is involved with, or vice president for the charter of the club he/she is involved with. '''
Wings: A number of clubs use patches containing wings, to indicate achievements the person has reached within the club. The meanings of the different colored wings varies depending on the club. Some clubs use other forms of patches to indicate achievements.