Moving Violations

Out of the Archives
Written By The History Project

Boston’s oldest Motorcycle Club for Queer Women

by Fiona Charlson

Members of Moving Violations Holding Banner. Ca. 1990. Coll. 154. Organization files 205-266. Folder ‘Moving Violations / Dykes on Bikes.’ Queer History Boston.

When someone mentions queer women and motorcycles, or even pride parades, many think of the revving engines of the queer women who lead the parades each year. Commonly used as a phrase to refer to queer women on motorcycles, ‘Dykes on Bikes’ (DOB) is actually an international club and non-profit for... well... dykes on bikes. While DOB does not have a chapter in Boston, the city has their own version: The Moving Violations Motorcycle Club. Their rumbling signifies unapologetic authenticity, freedom, and fellowship among queer women.

 

“DOES ANYONE WANT TO RIDE IN PRIDE??”

In June of 1985, an ad appeared in Bay Windows, a queer Boston magazine, asking: “DOES ANYONE WANT TO RIDE IN PRIDE??” [1]. It was a shot in the dark, but eight women showed up on their bikes and rode together in the parade. As the day progressed, the women formed friendships and made plans to ride together, thus founding Moving Violations Motorcycle Club [2]. Jackie Adams of West Roxbury became the club's first president and often held meetings at her small apartment [3]. The club quickly grew in size and today there are over 80 members [4].

In an early version of their website, Moving Violations described how discovering a community of queer women and motorcycles was life-changing and gave purpose and joy to many: 

Women on their own bikes were few and far between, and the experience of meeting and riding with one another brought strength, friendship and knowledge. From this experience evolved our basic philosophy: to enjoy safe, noncompetitive riding with other women motorcyclists [5].

"Take it Slow and Keep it Tight." Moving Violations Motto. Internet Archive Wayback, April 17, 2003.

The Moving Violations Motorcycle Club (MVMC) motto, “Take it slow, keep it tight,” while comedic at first, refers to the “tight formation a skilled group of riders can achieve” [6]. MVMC prides themselves on their skill, trust in one another, and dedication to helping others. Their club mission centers these sentiments in three core areas: promoting education and safety, helping charitable organizations, and sharing motorcycle riding with more women [7]. Along with their motto, president Diana Gazzolo once famously said “We ride until our tanks are dry and our bladders can't take another mile” [8].

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Woody Woodward (1944-2009) in 1991 Boston Pride Parade. Photographer unknown. Boston Pride Collection. Queer History Boston.

Woody Woodward

Arguably the most well recognized and legendary member of Moving Violations is the late Woody (Donna) Woodward (1944-2009) [9]. Known for her Rainbow Mohawk, Woody dedicated her life to helping others as both an adventurer and philanthropist [10].

Before Moving Violations, Woody traveled across Australia, China, Vietnam, and throughout Southeast Asia, each time buying a used motorcycle for her adventures [11]. Over time, she acquired numerous titles and talents, including carpenter, painter, wallpaper hanger, chimney sweep, mechanic, archaeologist, tour guide, and limo driver [12].

"Woody Woodward" in 2007 Boston Pride Parade. Fallen Members, Courtesy of Moving Violations Motorcycle Club.

When she wasn’t adding to her arsenal of impressive skills, Woody worked relentlessly on raising funds for cancer research, and HIV and AIDs awareness [13]. In 2008, Mayor Thomas M. Menino declared June 7 as Woody Woodward Day in Boston in recognition of Woody’s “passion for life on two wheels” and invaluable impact on the community [14].

Sadly though, Woody would succumb to the very thing she fought against. On June 13, 2009, Woody peacefully passed away in her sleep from ovarian cancer, just a few hours before the Boston Pride Parade was set to begin [15]. Woody’s legacy as a fearless and proud queer woman shined through in everything she did. She helped pave the way for queer women to embrace their love of motorcycles, find camaraderie, and help those in need.

"Ruth McFadden." Ca. 80s. Fallen Members. Courtesy of Moving Violations.

Ruth McFadden

Another unforgettable member of the MVMC was Ruth McFadden. Before Ruth joined Moving Violations, she experienced prejudice and bi/homophobia from straight and queer communities. Michele Rubin, on the MVMC’s webpage, described Ruth’s struggle and what she endured: 

[Ruth] was in a relationship with a woman and they were good friends with another gay couple. One of those men (Kevin McFadden) was an icon in the Boston gay community at the time. Ruth and he fell in love with one another, and as a result, he was shunned from the gay community, so much so that they were threatened and someone even set their house on fire! [16]

While we do not know how she may have identified today, Ruth McFadden personifies ‘Bisexual Icon’ for how she stayed true to herself and heart. In her 1991 article 'The Bisexual Revolution', published in OutWeek magazine, Carrie Wofford discussed Ruth’s case and the implications it had for the queer community, describing how the activists “shocked the Boston gay and lesbian community when they got married on Gay Pride Day in 1988” [17]. As two of the most visible ‘gay’ people in Boston, many community members felt Ruth and Kevin betrayed them by ‘turning straight.’ However, as Harold Chester stated in his response to Wofford's article, “we must realize that to objectify ‘bisexuals’ as ‘the other’ is to follow in the footsteps of our oppressors” [18].

"Ruth McFadden." Ca. 80s. Fallen Members. Courtesy of Moving Violations.

Ruth and Kevin fled to western Massachusetts and lived together until Kevin passed from AIDS. Sadly, Ruth also contracted HIV and after Kevin's passing, she moved back to Boston and joined Moving Violations [19]. On December 26, 1995, Ruth McFadden passed away from AIDS. Her life is celebrated by MVMC on the Ruth/Dotty Memorial Run [20].

Violator Vignettes 

E.J. Graff. “The Moving Violations Motorcycle Club.” Baywindows Vol. 4. No. 32. Coll. 175. Moving Violations Motorcycle Club Collection. Queer History Boston.
1. Ellen Shub, Front page.
2. Susan E. Dorfman. Moving Violations Members Peg, Liz, Drips, and Jennifer (left to right).
3. Susan E. Dorfman. Portrait of Jackie Adams, MVMC's first president; Portrait of unknown with motorcycle, possibly Liz.

Members of the Moving Violations Motorcycle Club often lovingly called themselves ‘Violators’ [21]. One year after their founding, Moving Violations made the front page of Bay Windows Vol. 4. No. 32. Titled Leaders of the Pack: The Moving Violations Motorcycle Club. The article by E.J. Graff featured statements from members, documented their foundational years, and included pictures that captured the essence of early queer women’s riding culture. One member, known as ‘Roadrat’, explained how ‘dyke bikers’ are often seen as “Wicked Intimidating.” Another member, Jennifer, shared how she loves the feeling of power she gets from riding; “I think that’s why I have such a big bike…becuase I love to intimidate boys. But not girls. I like it when the girls are impressed. They ask, ‘is that your boyfriend’s bike?’ and I say, No, it’s mine’” [22].

"Martha," Herstory. Courtesy of Moving Violations Motorcycle Club.

Martha, a founder of the club, admitted that she didn’t even own a motorcycle at the time, rather she was a BOB (babe on back) [23]. Eventually, members convinced her to get a bike and her first ride was “a life changing event” [24]. Martha boasts in one interview: “I’ve spent half my life with Moving Violations—how lucky am I!!” [25].

Loocie, another beloved member, recalled early runs the club would go on. She shared how pranks were often pulled on one another:

"Loocie," Herstory. Courtesy of Moving Violations Motorcycle Club.

There were…a few misbehaved campers among us who got punished the next morning by having their tent stakes pulled out as the nylon material slowly engulfed them. The infraction? Keeping us up all night with pleasures of the flesh…The other jokester in the club was none other than Peg Preble. She and Jennifer Buchwald had fun handcuffing peoples bikes together, removing their spark plugs and putting fake “oil spill” under one’s bike…Then there were the squirt guns that would give you a face wash at a red light [26].

The Moving Violations Motorcycle Club has always aimed to share joy, safety, and belonging with the queer women of greater Boston. Whether that's through rides together, beach days, camping, pranks, or something else, when you become a member of MVMC, you become part of the family

"Bikers for Babies" Patch, Mother's milk Bank Northeast. Moving Violations.

Raising Awareness, Raising Money

Every year since their founding, the MVMC chooses one local charity to raise money for and engages in numerous other fundraisers around the country [27]. Over the years, MVMC has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars and has won many awards for their hard work. Some of their most successful charitable work is through ‘Bikers for Babies.’ 

Since 2018, MVMC has organized the ‘Bikers for Babies’ run in collaboration with the Mother’s Milk Bank Northeast [28]. As one of the largest accredited non-profit milk banks, distributing to over 100 hospitals around the country [29], The Mothers’ Milk Bank Northeast’s mission is to “support family and community health by providing equitable access to safe, lifesaving, pasteurized donor human milk” [30].  Moving Violations has played a key role in helping the Milk Bank achieve their mission through the transportation of milk to babies in need. 

Daryll Drew, the Moving Violations and Mothers’ Milk Bank Liaison, told GBH in an interview after their first Bikers for Babies run that she was deeply moved after realizing that she could help save hundreds of babies’ lives while doing something she loved [31]. Barbara Scofidio, in her article Bikers for Babies Ride to Support Donor Milk for Fragile Newborns, illuminated how Moving Violations has become a vital part of the “‘invisible village’ of devoted individuals and donor mothers quietly serving medically fragile NICU babies” [32]. Through their work, MVMC is part of the ‘cycle of care’ that ensures “no baby goes without the nutrition they need to reach their first birthday” [33].

"Empty the Tank for the Milk Bank," Mother's Milk Bank Northeast and Moving Violations.

In 2020, Moving Violations was called upon for an emergency run to rescue over 1,000 ounces of donated breast milk after a power outage from Tropical Storm Isaias hit Connecticut and put it at risk of thawing and going bad [34]. MVMC quickly organized and transported the goods from Glastonbury, CT to Newton, MA, successfully salvaging the precious milk. According to Dr. Ben Alvarz, obstetrician and CEO of ProHealth, one ounce of milk can provide up to ‘three feedings’ for babies in need, meaning 1,000 ounces can nourish thousands of infants [35].

In 2026, the Moving Violations chose Mothers’ Milk Bank Northeast as the beneficiary for their 40th Annual MVMC Benefit Run [36]. The run coincided with the milk bank’s 20th anniversary and raised money for the Compassion Fund, which helps new families with financial barriers [37]. On May 16, 2026, just three days before World Human Milk Donation Day, MVMC revved their engines and raised $11,267, surpassing their goal of $10,000 [38].

In 1985, eight queer women with motorcycles came together to ride in the Boston Pride Parade. Little did they know their numbers would grow from eight to eighty, becoming one of the largest motorcycle clubs for queer women. MVMC’s dedication to safety, charity, and spreading the joy of motorcycles has made them invaluable members of the Greater Boston community. 

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Notes

  1. “Herstory.” Moving Violations Motorcycle Club. Accessed 6/24/2026.

  2. Ibid.

  3. Ibid. 

  4. “Club” home page. Moving Violations Motorcycle Club. Accessed 6/24/2026.

  5. Archived Home Page. Moving Violations Motorcycle Club. Internet Archive, Wayback Machine. April 17, 2003, Accessed 6/30/2026

  6. “Club” home page. Moving Violations Motorcycle Club.

  7. Ibid.

  8. Archived Home Page. Moving Violations Motorcycle Club. Schlesinger Library, Archive-It. Apr 27, 2010, Accessed 6/30/2026. 

  9. “Herstory.” Moving Violations Motorcycle Club.

  10. Ibid. 

  11. Ibid. 

  12. Ibid. 

  13. Ibid. 

  14. Ibid. 

  15. “Donna 'Woody' Woodward Obituary.” George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home. First Published by Boston Herald on Jun. 21, 2009.

  16. Michele Rubin, “Ruth McFadden.” Fallen Members, Moving Violations Motorcycle Club. Accessed 6/24/2026. 

  17. Carrie Wofford, “The Bisexual Revolution.” OutWeek magazine, Vol. 3 No. 84, February 6, 1991. P. 32.

  18. “Label Wars,” Article response to “The Bisexual Revolution.” by Carrie Wofford. OutWeek Magazine, Vol. 3 No. 86, February 20, 1991. P. 7.

  19. Rubin, “Ruth McFadden.” Fallen Members.

  20. Ibid.

  21. “Herstory.” Moving Violations Motorcycle Club.

  22. E.J. Graff. The Moving Violations Motorcycle Club. Front page, Baywindows Vol. 4. No. 32. Coll. 175. Moving Violations Motorcycle Club Collection. Queer History Boston. 

  23. “Herstory.” Moving Violations Motorcycle Club.

  24. Ibid. 

  25. Ibid. 

  26. “Herstory Archived Page.” Moving Violations Motorcycle Club. Schlesinger Library, Archive-It. April, 06, 2011. Accessed 6/30/2026.

  27. “Club” home page. Moving Violations Motorcycle Club.

  28. “Benefit Run” Moving Violations Motorcycle Club. Accessed 6/24/2026.

  29. Barbara Scofidio, “Bikings for Babies Ride to Support Donor Milk for Fragile Newborns.” The Groton Herald. Accessed 6/30/2026.

  30. “Benefit Run” Moving Violations Motorcycle Club.

  31. Stephanie Leydon, and Gabrielle Emanuel. “Bikers Hit the Road to Help Babies Thrive.” GBH. September 13, 2018. 

  32. Scofidio, “Bikings for Babies Ride to Support Donor Milk for Fragile Newborns.”

  33. “Moving Violations M.C. Supporting the Compassion Fund.” Given Gain. Accessed 6/30/2026. 

  34. “Cheer Champion of the week: ‘Bikings for Babies’’ of the Moving Violations Motorcycle Club!” Center for Health Equality, Education, and Research. December 7, 2020. 

  35. Kerrie Mitchell Burk, “Bikers for Babies: the Volunteers You Need to Know About.” Mother’s Milk Bank Northeast. April 16, 2026.

  36. Scofidio, “Bikings for Babies Ride to Support Donor Milk for Fragile Newborns.”

  37. “Moving Violations M.C. Supporting the Compassion Fund.” Given Gain. Accessed 6/30/2026.

  38. “Moving Violations M.C. Supporting the Compassion Fund.” Given Gain. 

 

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