Poll, police harrassment depend on your bike?

Waspswatter · #1 (**permalink**) 07-12-2009, 01:43 AM

Do you think a police officer is more likely to give a hard time to a rider with a "mountainbike with an engine slapped together" compared to a "nicely painted, custom made parts, classic retro cruiser"?

marioaz · #2 (**permalink**) 07-12-2009, 05:07 AM

Neither. But I think that custom bikes that look like motorcycles might get a second look.

TerrontheSnake · #3 (**permalink**) 07-12-2009, 05:12 AM

I gaurantee that my chopper gets way more eyeballs than a mountain bike style bike

Waspswatter · #4 (**permalink**) 07-12-2009, 02:58 PM

Interesting. maybe I should have worded the poll differently.

Cabinfever1977 · #5 (**permalink**) 07-12-2009, 10:28 PM

the cops probally wouldnt even notice a old bike or a mountain bike. but get a bright painted up cruiser that looks like a motorcycle and they'll be all over you.

i have a cruiser but its all black and i hid the tank on the rear rack so the bike looks almost like a regular bike.

Junster · #6 (**permalink**) 07-13-2009, 01:28 AM

I think the main things to avoid encounters of the police kind are;

1. wear a helmet
2. wear eye protection
3. follow the road rules, stop at lights etc.

I have been "looked over" many times by the law. I do those 3 things. I frequently ride in 35mph traffic and the most I've gotten from a cop is a wave.

Waspswatter · #7 (**permalink**) 07-13-2009, 02:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Junster

I think the main things to avoid encounters of the police kind are;

1. wear a helmet
2. wear eye protection
3. follow the road rules, stop at lights etc.

I have been "looked over" many times by the law. I do those 3 things. I frequently ride in 35mph traffic and the most I've gotten from a cop is a wave.

That's all good advice there, whether the cops are watching or not.

retromike3 · #8 (**permalink**) 07-13-2009, 05:49 AM

Like the penguins in Madagascar "just smile and wave Boys, just smile and wave." I have not had problems with the police. I also ware a Bike helmet and try to obey the law. Nerdy yes, but not a lot of trouble.

Norco John · #9 (**permalink**) 07-13-2009, 09:44 AM

Our town constable likes my MB. First time he saw it he said "Hey, now *THAT'S* a motor-bicycle!"

I don't make pest out of myself with it like the kids on their pocket bikes (we're about 5 years behind on our fads around here) and don't terrorize little old ladies out for a walk so he doesn't bother me.

BTW, pictures are posted over in the picture forum, so you can check it out.

HoughMade · #10 (**permalink**) 07-13-2009, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cabinfever1977

the cops probally wouldnt even notice a old bike or a mountain bike. but get a bright painted up cruiser that looks like a motorcycle and they'll be all over you....

Really? I have never been stopped and I think mine looks as motorcycle like as any....but where I am, I come close to being legal a hair too much HP, a bit too much speed.