South West Bikers | Motorcycle Forum

Hey, thought I'd post this here to see other biker's views.

As you are probably aware, it'll soon be compulsory to wear a face mask in shops. However, Morrisons and Tesco have asked me to remove my helmet on several occasions. I've emailed in complaints, as I view this as discrimination due to the large number of people who have face masks and couldn't be easily identified on CCTV. I feel that they single out bikers, as other groups are allowed to wear facial coverings for health or religious reasons.

A helmet with a closed visor offers about as much protection as these face masks. It'd block a lot of droplets if someone sneezed near you, similar to those plastic walls they have at checkouts now.

I'm thinking of starting an online petition about this, as I've gotten nowhere complaining to supermarkets. Just wondered how many bikers would sign it and how you all feel about being asked to remove your helmet in the middle of a global pandemic? I'd love to hear some views on this.

I'd have to agree cant see how its any different to wearing a mask with a face visor if I'm honest just about the same amount of face on show

I generally do 'pay at pump' so don't get asked.
If I was to walk in at a place it's likely because I want to buy something else while I'm there, use the toilet or have a drink, so the helmet would be off anyway.
I have previously walked in to pay whilst wearing my lid but that was a long time ago, most likely before PAP was widely available.

For the record I have no issue with them requesting that crash helmets are removed upon entering a store, or before enabling the pump if I have selected 'pay at the cashier' option. TBH I think you have missed the point of why they ask. It's not really for identification, it's because it can appear threatening to the general public to see a person wearing what is roughly akin to riot gear walk into a shop.. it's also the chosen attire of scooter thieves that burst into city cafes to steal mobile phones & laptops from their customers.

So... no.. I wouldn't sign that petition as I see the wearing of crash helmets to be anti-social when in a shop/store.
The full front flip up ones are not so bad.

I’d agree with Jugs on this one for the reasons he so well explained.

Analogy:-
A black man rapes a schoolgirl. So all black men are rapists?
A thug wears a helmet to avoid being identified. So all people wearing helmets are thugs?

I have been asked to remove my helmet before my response was I have my card /wallet in my hand ! I want to pay
I then asked if they would ask someone to remove their burka? I didn’t get a response
I can see both sides of the story as always there are a few that ruin it for the rest

Always a dividing subject this one, should call it Brexit

I never take my helmet off when paying for petrol. Never been asked to remove it either. Maybe because I'm so ugly the helmet on is better for everyone.

Must have taken it off once otherwise how they know you ugly

I just pay at pump.

Menzies wears his lid when he goes shopping in tescos to protect himself. He also wears his license around his neck for i.d

billinom8s wrote: ↑Jul 14th, '20, 20:59 I just pay at pump.

Menzies wears his lid when he goes shopping in tescos to protect himself. He also wears his license around his neck for i.d

Yes but the flower pot wears it in a car because he hasn't got a bike.

Jug_Inspector wrote: ↑Jul 14th, '20, 11:14 TBH I think you have missed the point of why they ask. It's not really for identification, it's because it can appear threatening to the general public to see a person wearing what is roughly akin to riot gear walk into a shop..

Yes, I see your point! Riot police usually wear Alpine Stars full leathers? And I always carry my riot shield and baton when riding my motorcycle...

billinom8s wrote: ↑Jul 14th, '20, 20:59 I just pay at pump.

Menzies wears his lid when he goes shopping in tescos to protect himself. He also wears his license around his neck for i.d

That's not a bad idea, might try it. Or remove my helmet so the shops CCTV gets a good lock, then put it back on.

As for paying at the pump, I was more talking about wearing it around the store. If I go to a supermarket, it's a pain to have to carry my helmet, I need a trolley when I might just be popping in to get a couple of items.

Some stores don't say anything. In the Co Op in Teignmouth the guy even joked "that's a good way to protect yourself!".

I don’t get the ‘discrimination’ thing

Someone wears a head covering for religious reasons, so that’s worn all the time.
Someone wears a face mask because it’s being made law for COVID-19

When you enter the shop with a bike helmet on, your no longer riding your bike, just take it off, don’t see the issue.
I always have.
You sometimes see that sign asking for bike helmets to be removed before entering, it’s their shop and their rules, I just comply. Don’t give it a seconds thought

I'm with Mr T on this. What's so hard about taking your lid off for a short while while you shop etc? I find it's nice to get some fresh air around me lugholes for a while