We do have one problem with hand signals; often when we need them both hands are busy on the handlebars. An alternative that I sometimes use is to nod my head sideways at about the tempo of a car's turn signals. The motorists seem to understand. Though it might not satisfy a strict interpretation of the law.
About twenty years ago I had the opportunity to get to know the police dept of a neighboring town. Small city, actually. I got to know some officers better than others, but I was familiar with all of them. And I noticed something that I might have deduced on my own, had I given it any thought.
These guys were true 'knights in shining armor' where the safety and comfort of, say, your mother or mine were concerned. Great, great guys.
But if they perceived one as 'the enemy', e.g., prostitutes, drug dealers, gang members, wild and hairy outlaws, etc., there was no mercy. Not that they'd necessarily attack. But they'd watch very, very closely and pounce at the first mis-step.
Their perception of who was okay and who was not was based entirely on first impressions. And that makes sense. They're busy people just like the rest of us. Unless the person in question is already known to them, then they had no choice but to go with their 'gut instinct' about the person.
We can choose our 'look' and the way we act in public. But, right or wrong, others will judge our character largely on that look and the way we carry ourselves. Some of these folks have influence.
Of course, some of us can't choose. Since I reached the age where my hair became a very flat, indeterminate color --other than the gray-- and thinned out tragically on top, I've not been able to keep a wild, hairy outlaw look. I just don't carry it well at all.
So I look pretty straight-and-narrow. There's no real choice.
But the police don't give me a second thought, either.
About twenty years ago I had the opportunity to get to know the police dept of a neighboring town. Small city, actually. I got to know some officers better than others, but I was familiar with all of them. And I noticed something that I might have deduced on my own, had I given it any thought.
These guys were true 'knights in shining armor' where the safety and comfort of, say, your mother or mine were concerned. Great, great guys.
But if they perceived one as 'the enemy', e.g., prostitutes, drug dealers, gang members, wild and hairy outlaws, etc., there was no mercy. Not that they'd necessarily attack. But they'd watch very, very closely and pounce at the first mis-step.
Their perception of who was okay and who was not was based entirely on first impressions. And that makes sense. They're busy people just like the rest of us. Unless the person in question is already known to them, then they had no choice but to go with their 'gut instinct' about the person.
We can choose our 'look' and the way we act in public. But, right or wrong, others will judge our character largely on that look and the way we carry ourselves. Some of these folks have influence.
Of course, some of us can't choose. Since I reached the age where my hair became a very flat, indeterminate color --other than the gray-- and thinned out tragically on top, I've not been able to keep a wild, hairy outlaw look. I just don't carry it well at all.
So I look pretty straight-and-narrow. There's no real choice.
But the police don't give me a second thought, either.
