A group of local motorcyclists is rejecting the notion that bikers are careless and violent.

The push to squash the bad rap comes after a string of recent incidents and arrests involving motorcyclists. A video that recently went viral caught a group of motorcyclists smashing the window of an SUV on the West Side Highway.

Since that incident, police have received numerous 911 calls about large groups of bikers speeding, especially on the Long Island Expressway. Several bikers have been arrested.

Jim Barr, president of the motorcycle group Long Island Abate, held a news conference today to dispel the bad reputation. "The motorcycle community as a whole is predominantly honest, patriotic and hard-working," he said.

Barr says the bikers in his group have raised $50,000 this year alone for people in need.

Dee Snider also attended the news conference. The Twisted Sister frontman and native Long Islander organizes "Bikers for Babies" charity events each year.

Long Island Abate will hold a charity event on Sunday. They will ride to Saint Mary's Episcopal Church in Hampton Bays as part of their 25th annual toy and food run.

For more on Dee Snider at biker awareness news conference, watch the clip to the left or click News 12 Extra on Optimum TV channel 612.