Canada - Motorcycle rallies no cause for public concern: RCMP

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http://www.metronews.ca/vancouver/local/article/917645--motorcycle-rallies-no-cause-for-public-concern-rcmp
Motorcycle rallies no cause for public concern: RCMP

 Sturgis North and Kelowna Hells Angels celebrations set for this weekend. Police emphasize that their involvement is to ensure everyone’s safety.
Email more BY DAVID PROCTOR FOR METRO Published: July 14, 2011 6:53 p.m. Last modified: July 14, 2011 6:55 p.m.
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The RCMP Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit will be out in force to keep the peace during a pair of celebrations by motorcycle enthusiasts this weekend, but is assuring both participants and the public that it is merely a precautionary measure.
“These are all people that are motorcycle enthusiasts that enjoy the sport of motorcycle riding, but part and parcel of that is that, like any other event in the province, we expect individuals from outlaw motorcycle groups,” explained CFSEU spokesperson Sgt. Shinder Kirk.
“Our focus is to ensure that everyone has a good time and does so safely, but also to respond if need be.”
The two events are the Sturgis North Motorcycle Rally and Music Festival, which will take place in Salmon Arm, and a Kelowna Hells Angels anniversary celebration.
Kirk emphasized that police have experience dealing with similar Hells Angels events in the past, and have been able to respond adequately to any reports of violence, adding that there’s no cause for undue public concern.
“What we’re saying is that, especially for the [event] up in Salmon Arm, you may expect a tremendous amount of motorcycle traffic, so just be cautious while you’re travelling to and from that community,” Kirk explained.
“If you’re going to be spending any time at the event, certainly do so, and do so responsibly.”