Innocent bikers have pulled out of a charity ride for Lockyer Valley flood victims in Australia, fearful of unwanted police attention under the Newman Government’s ‘bikie crackdown’.
Three years ago, Newcastle Harley Davidson owner Jim Abra and his mates outstretched a helping hand to the Lockyer Valley communities devastated by the 2011 floods.
Mr Abra and around 70 riders were due to arrive in Ipswich over the weekend for the annual ride, which has raised $10,000 for the Salvation Army flood appeal.
Last year, the Newman Government introduced laws forbidding three or more members of criminal gangs to congregate after a spate of bikie gang violence.
Now the majority of the Ipswich-based bikers from Ulysses clubs have pulled out of this year’s run, fearing police will target them in a case of mistaken identity.
But a spokesperson for Police Minister Jack Dempsey said the bikers have no reason to fear police.
Mr Abra said despite Warwick police giving the ride the all-clear, it wasn’t enough for worried bikers to hit the road.
