For a lot of people, the word "biker" brings up images of unruly outlaws roaring into a community on their "hogs" to cause chaos, scofflaws who scorn a town's culture, unkempt creatures of crime.bacaworld.org/western-connecticut/ to learn more about this international, niche organization.

It is few and far between, though, of bikers who fit any of those descriptions. Rather, respect for others of differing values is a common theme, and in the case of BACA, a 501(c)(3) organization, it is a coalition of like-minded people supporting a worthy cause.

Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA) has had a chapter here in Western Connecticut since 2015. The group of bike-loving people is committed to supporting children of families in which abuse has taken place and ensuring that children are in a safe environment. Working with state and local officials, trained BACA members work to help troubled children achieve a sense of security through involvement with members and other groups able to best assist them.

Though some BACA members and their motorcycles may be perceived as fearsome, the organization eschews physical force in protecting endangered children - according to its website, members "stand ready to be that obstacle," yet intervene without force should a child need protection from abuse.

Riders organize after a reported incident to meet with a child that has been identified as insecure. They develop a relationship of trust with the child, and BACA members who have passed background checks serve as contacts for that child going forward. The child is encouraged to call upon his/her biker mentor whenever they feel in need of support or feel threatened. While parents are always involved in any interaction, BACA makes clear to children to whom they have responded that they have become part of an extended BACA family as well - a family dedicated to putting children first. Since 2015, more than a dozen abused children have become part of the BACA family, according to BACA-Western CT President, (who, like all members, remains anonymous) "Irish."

Empowering the child to see his/her own strength is the primary goal of the support system.

Far from being the frightening presence that adult stereotypes have promoted, these bikers can be considered powerful promoters of harmony.

It is unfortunate that the local opportunity to find out more about BACA, previously scheduled for July 21 at VFW Post 308, had to be canceled this year. Meeting with and understanding the culture of BACA and its mission would no doubt have been productive for all who attended. One hundred percent of proceeds from these annual events benefit the children under the care of BACA.

Children respond to abuse in various ways, and they respond to assistance very differently as well. Supporting this group is one way of supporting children in need. Visit

And keep your eyes open for the next BACA open house; what you learn could change a life.