How Not to Draw Attention to Yourself.

Don't stand out for the wrong reasons

When talking about the pros and cons of riding in Europe I often hear how riders have a 'fear' of local police, usually after hearing stories of riding having motorcycles seized, getting hit with hefty fines and more.

Well here is the Tango Pasty guide on 'How Not to Draw Attention to Yourself'

I cannot talk about the experiences of other riders but I can talk with some authority about my own meetings with the police abroad and can advise you how best to avoid 'rubbing police up the wrong way' should you happen to meet some.

So here is the brief history of my brushes with the law since I started touring Europe - and also that of Moto Ventura Tours.

Firstly, pre-Moto Ventura I rode mostly Spain, Portugal and France and only had dealings once with the local feds. First time was when crossing the Pyrennes heading south when the whole group was pulled in for a 'check'. 2 Gendarmes with a Mercedes Vito van.

What followed was a fun good humoured chat and an early wave off once the first couple of us had produced all their documents. It soon became apparent we were no trouble and were actually enjoying the chance to stretch our legs.

Whilst touring with Moto Ventura however, we have had a few more meetings. The majority of the time, with the Gendarmerie, but also we have notched up smiles, handshakes and photo-ops with the Swiss police, Italian police, German police, numerous border police in Bosnia and Croatia

German and Swiss Police Joint Safety Campaign

So here is the quick guide to dealing with the feds.

1. Take off you helmet. If you have a flip-front these are generally ok but if you are wearing a full face helmet - remove it. Seeing a persons face is basic human commication and builds trust. It is that simple.

2. Smile and be friendly. Use the good manners your parents taught you. You have two paths to choose, Don't be arrogant, arsy, a 'know-it-all', or inappropriate. Remember the police deal with all sorts of people during their shifts from Saints to Sinners. They have extensive experience of dealing with the bottom feeding pond life of the planet - Proper wrong-un's - Being friendly and 'easy to deal with' is a genuine positive that will benefit everyone.

3. Have your documents in order and easy to reach. Saves time and shows you have thought things through and therefore likely to be totally legal.

4. Get off the bike and take advantage of the leg stretch. This will show your human side and breaks the ice. Genuinely, staying on the bike and itching to go suggests impatience, and that you are not keen to chat.

5. Smile and be friendly. (yes, I have written it again) That includes if you are getting 'advice' which you already know! As a police rider I know how to ride safely, I know my limits (most of the time) so if you feel you are being patronised, deal with it! They don't know my riding history - It shows them respect.

   

   
   

6. Explain where you have been and where you are going. This will earn you respect and credit You may get some info re road closures, and on some occasions you may even be guided towards some of the best places to hang-out and eat if you chat about where you are heading. It also shows you are a professional rider, a conscienous rider, not a cowboy or an idiot.

7. Take the freebies! (That includes free advice). I have a nice collection of Bike Safety refletive bands, key rings etc... Just take them and be grateful - It's better that a fine!

8. If you are getting a fine - Take it on the chin! Don't argue, you've been caught. Fines don't decrease, but can easily increase.

9. Be memorable for the right reasons - We were stopped heading up towards 'Lac de Roseland' and the police were genuinely amused at the fact we had Scots, Irish and English all in one single group - They found this out because we all stopped and had a good chat. The words from the Gendarme were something like, 'We thought you all hated each other - Like the French and the English do?' This tells us that the Gendarme were comfortable to make jokes with us. That's a big win!

10. Leave nicely, not like you are trying for a quarter mile world record! They have radios, and can very quickly call their mates up the road.

The short version of the above is 'Be polite, agreeable and smile' - I've been on the both sides. The rider side and the rozzer side - as William of Wykeham said, "Manners Maketh Man (and woman)"