Local Motorcycle Club spruces up Cool Valley
Shannon Howard | Apr 10, 2010 | Comments 9
It took two years to find the right stretch of roadway, but as of today, United Bros. M.C. is officially doing its part in Missouri’s Adopt-A-Highway program. The local motorcycle club, founded in 1977, wanted to honor the memory of Jessie Primer, one of its original members, so club president Alvin Robinson was determined not to give up until he and his fellow bikers had a half-mile to call their own.
Working closely with Brandon Anderson and Carolyn Smith of MoDOT, Robinson finally secured a section of S. Florissant Road in Cool Valley. And this morning, for the first time, he and more than 30 volunteers – including Primer’s wife, Linda, and St. Louis City alderman Freeman Bosley – took to the streets and filled dozens of trash bags with litter.
“A lot of people assume that bikers are all about causing trouble, but our club doesn’t believe in that kind of riff-raff,” says Robinson, who is also a Cool Valley alderman. “We only accept quality brothers with respect in their heart. And over the years, we’ve done a lot of charity projects, usually helping out the underdog.”
Toy drives, rides for cancer, cookouts where anyone who is hungry is welcome, regardless of their ability to pay – that’s the type of community service United Bros. likes to do. Members also make it a rule to stop and help any time they see a motorcycle broken down on the side of the road.
“To me, a biker is anyone who rides. Whether you’re on a Harley or a Suzuki, it doesn’t matter,” Robinson says. “In our club, we welcome bikes of all kinds. We’ve also welcomed members of all kinds – black, white and otherwise.”
But can just anyone join the United Bros. M.C.? No, says sergeant-at-arms Fred Harris. “We’re very selective.”
“We’ll only take brothers who are respectful of other people and their property,” Robinson explains. “We’re a club that works with the public and wants to make a difference in our community, and our goal is pretty simple: We want to show that you can meet some of the best, nicest people on a motorcycle. Because, you know, you really can.”
United Bros. M.C. will be maintaining the half-mile stretch of S. Florissant Road between Our Lady of Guadalupe Church and Cool Valley McDonald’s. If you see them out working, be sure to wave!
Are you getting ready for the big day? NOCO is a proud sponsor of the 3rd annual Live Well Ferguson 5K
I love it…thanks for sharing this great story!
We tilled Daruby’s daycare garden today (behind Schnucks in Cool Valley), and saw everyone out picking up trash!! I’m so happy you reported this!!! My kids were laughing as I waved to everyone and clapped!!!
Thank you for your spotlight of United Bros. M.C. doing positive things in the Community. Also, let it be known that there are many other M.C. clubs in the City and County that share the same passion and ideas for giving back to the Communities. Thank you again!
I’ve known Al Robinson for many years. It comes as no surprise to me that the United Bros. M.C. are out there giving back to the community!
I’m a big fan of this site and I read it regularly. Keep up the excellent work!
My kids asked what all the yellow bags were when we went by early evening yesterday. I told them someone had picked up trash and the bags are waiting to be picked up. Now I can tell them who did all that great work! Thanks!
I am new to nocostl and I’m deeply pleased that you placed it on your heart to stop and interview us as we were cleaning the streets. Believe it or not, my club members, along with the volunteers had fun. This is what it’s all about. This article is awesome.
Making a positive difference is what its all about…I support you guys in spirite and heart…please keep up the good work
Thanks to the good folks of United Bros. M.C. for allowing me to write about them! It was truly my pleasure to meet such great people and to be able to tell their very positive and inspiring story!