Biker cops attempted to pull over dozens of Hells Angels on Vancouver Island Saturday afternoon.

Sgt. Lindsey Houghton, of the Combined Forces Special Enforcement, said CFSEU, along with RCMP officers on Vancouver Island, monitored an annual HA ride from Nanaimo to Victoria.

"The bikers, many of whom were observed allegedly ignoring red lights at intersections, speeding, and unsafely passing other vehicles on the road after leaving Nanaimo, were stopped on Highway 1 southbound near the North Cowichan Municipal Hall shortly after 2 p.m.," Houghton said.

"Ultimately, the bikers, who numbered in excess of 150, blocked the highway and refused to pull into the area that police had cordoned off to allow for highway traffic to continue to flow, disobeying the directions of the police officers."

He said police documented the refusals and will be following up with enforcement action.

"Seeing a large group of bikers rolling down the highway and through towns can be intimidating for the public and that is their intention - to intimidate," Houghton said.

"Today was yet another example of groups like the Hells Angels thinking they are above the law. CFSEU-BC and its policing partners will continue to monitor events like today's and ensure the public's safety by seizing every available and appropriate enforcement opportunity against those involved in organized crime."

kbolan@vancouversun.com

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