PNW Riders

Pony Trekker · 10-31-2009, 10:29 AM

Motorcyclists must remove open-face crash helmets to avoid ‘intimidating’ petrol station staff, a supermarket chain has said.

And riders must be ‘earthed’ before filling up to prevent risk of explosion, according to the bizarre policy statement from Somerfield.

The supermarket said: ‘We have to consider the feelings and views of our workforce who currently find being approached by someone in a helmet intimidating…

‘We also ask riders to dismount their bike prior to fuel being authorised. The reason for this is that when the rider gets off the bike it will cause any static in the clothing to earth, thereby reducing the incidence of flash while refuelling takes place.’

The policies were set out in an email to a customer who was ordered to remove his open-face helmet halfway through filling up.

Dan Moorcroft, 33, complained after the fuel cut off mid-flow while he filled up at the Somerfield Texaco station in Leamore, Walsall.

He said: “This is the first time I have ever been asked to remove my open-face helmet.”

A Somerfield spokesman said staff found riders in helmets intimidating “because they can’t see their face”. Asked about the policy on open-face helmets she said: “I don’t know what an open-face helmet looks like. I’m not a biker.”

The store said in a statement: ‘It is our policy to ask all customers at Somerfield petrol forecourts to remove helmets and other headgear.

'This is to help staff verify the age of the customer but also to help police with enquiries should they need to review CCTV footage if a stolen bike is driven into the petrol station, a bike is stolen from the forecourt or a customer drives off without paying for their fuel.’

Asked why a rider wouldn’t be earthed simply by putting his feet down, the spokesman said: “I have given you all the information I have on this.” He said the policy was “under review”.

We also asked how many fires had started in this way and were told: “I do not have access to any records which would allow me to tell you.

“Somerfield policy is not designed to discriminate in any way against motorcyclists but to ensure the safety of all our customers and staff members,” the spokesman added.

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/Ne...?&R=EPI-119586

blueline15 · 10-31-2009, 10:36 AM

thats why i just always use my debit card to get fuel on my bike. the i dont even have to hassel with it.

they must not have debit card readers at the pumps there?

Runout · 10-31-2009, 10:48 AM

sucks to be them

Shrek X · 10-31-2009, 10:51 AM

This isnt in the UK, try going into a bank with your full face on, or into some 7-11s on MLK in Portland.

Runout · 10-31-2009, 10:53 AM

Originally Posted by Shrek X

This isnt in the UK, try going into a bank with your full face on, or into some 7-11s on MLK in Portland.

Places that are held up regularly are a little differenent...dont'cha ya think?

Shrek X · 10-31-2009, 11:01 AM

Originally Posted by Runout

Places that are held up regularly are a little differenent...dont'cha ya think?

think thats what the article is referencing. 7-11 type gas stations.

I think in the UK they are actually competent enough to pump their own gas so they dont have someone waiting at the pump like in OR

coastiepete · 10-31-2009, 11:36 AM

I can see the concern. I always de-helmet when i go into a retail place.

holypiston · 10-31-2009, 11:39 AM

Originally Posted by Shrek X

This isnt in the UK, try going into a bank with your full face on, or into some 7-11s on MLK in Portland.

Next time you go into a bank, make sure there's some pantyhose under that helmet, that way when you take it off, there'll be no mistaking your a crook.

However, I think that is backwards, because most banks ARE crooks.

So why don't they take off the mask?

why i'm so much happier at a Credit Union.

In one day a CU changed my mind.

4k a bank.

Robusto · 10-31-2009, 01:30 PM

British Pussies.

Flaerion · 10-31-2009, 02:04 PM

Originally Posted by Shrek X

This isnt in the UK, try going into a bank with your full face on, or into some 7-11s on MLK in Portland.

My bank bitched at me for walking in with my helmet on, only to bitch again about my gloves...

Originally Posted by Robusto

British Pussies.

Shrek X · 10-31-2009, 02:17 PM

Originally Posted by Flaerion

My bank bitched at me for walking in with my helmet on, only to bitch again about my gloves...

your gloves?

JohnnyM · 10-31-2009, 02:58 PM

I go into the bank all the time with my helmet on...mini marts too. I do flip the visor up, though, and I always wave and say "Hi" when I walk in...which seems to put them at ease for the most part.

KevinD · 10-31-2009, 04:16 PM

Originally Posted by Shrek X

I think in the UK they are actually competent enough to pump their own gas so they dont have someone waiting at the pump like in OR

The UK, and 48 of the states...

KevinD

lagwagonlead · 10-31-2009, 04:33 PM

Is everyone on this site really too lazy to remove your helmet before entering a gas station or bank? I even feel like they should make me remove my helmet going onto base everyday for work, I COULD be a terrorist who stole my ID and has a bomb strapped to my bike. Is it worth the 30 seconds you saved to make that guy behind the counter that nervous?

Runout · 10-31-2009, 04:57 PM

Originally Posted by JohnnyM

I go into the bank all the time with my helmet on...mini marts too. I do flip the visor up, though, and I always wave and say "Hi" when I walk in...which seems to put them at ease for the most part.

I gotta say...when I'm somewhere public and a dude is walking around with his helmet on it looks a little silly.

And it makes me a little nervous to do the same since I can't see or hear what's around me. I feel a little vulnerable.

JohnnyM · 10-31-2009, 09:54 PM

Originally Posted by Runout

I gotta say...when I'm somewhere public and a dude is walking around with his helmet on it looks a little silly.

And it makes me a little nervous to do the same since I can't see or hear what's around me. I feel a little vulnerable.

Meh, walking into the bank to drop off a check at the counter or from the pump into a minimart to drop a $10 on the counter isn't worth it. No different than if I use the drive thru at the bank or use credit at the pump...just sometimes its faster.

It isn't like I do it all the time, just if I'm in a hurry or running a few quick errands...

rpappi · 10-31-2009, 11:04 PM

Originally Posted by lagwagonlead

Is everyone on this site really too lazy to remove your helmet before entering a gas station or bank? I even feel like they should make me remove my helmet going onto base everyday for work, I COULD be a terrorist who stole my ID and has a bomb strapped to my bike. Is it worth the 30 seconds you saved to make that guy behind the counter that nervous?

i dont think i should when i go on base. waste of time.

varment · 11-03-2009, 02:39 PM

what you all call being too lazy to pump our own gas, I call keeping several thousand Oregonians employed.....

How much of the unemployment rate would be erased if gas stations started employing pump jocky's??

recr8ton · 11-03-2009, 03:07 PM

Originally Posted by Shrek X

This isnt in the UK, try going into a bank with your full face on, or into some 7-11s on MLK in Portland.

Shit! My bank never recognizes me UNLESS I have my helmet/gear on

...but then...it's a credit union and they know their customers well...and I rarely take the helmet off going into retail establishments if I'm just runnin in quick...no wait...I've shopped in it a few times.

quik99 · 11-03-2009, 03:26 PM

Originally Posted by varment

what you all call being too lazy to pump our own gas, I call keeping several thousand Oregonians employed.....

How much of the unemployment rate would be erased if gas stations started employing pump jocky's??

umm its not free money they get to pay those people..You are paying for it higher gas prices or higher priced snacks/food inside or something..not like we can just wipe out the bad economy by just making up random trivial jobs for shit work.... moneys gotta come from somelace = )

varment · 11-03-2009, 03:30 PM

Originally Posted by quik99

umm its not free money they get to pay those people..You are paying for it higher gas prices or higher priced snacks/food inside or something..not like we can just wipe out the bad economy by just making up random trivial jobs for shit work.... moneys gotta come from somelace = )

Hmmm, last time I checked gas prices here are not that much higher in Oregon if any and we don't even have a sales tax.... So we are able to do it somehow.... meaning it can be done....

rowlex · 11-03-2009, 05:58 PM

becu doesn't like it if you dont take the lid off.

JohnnyM · 11-03-2009, 08:09 PM

Originally Posted by recr8ton

Shit! My bank never recognizes me UNLESS I have my helmet/gear on

...but then...it's a credit union and they know their customers well...and I rarely take the helmet off going into retail establishments if I'm just runnin in quick...no wait...I've shopped in it a few times.

LOL!

...and they PREFER to see I'm wearing the proper gear to ride "their" bike!


10-31-2009, 10:29 AM	#1
Pony Trekker Pit Crew Joined: Jul 2009 From: Winston, OR I Ride: Nighthawk S 700, Royal Enfield Bullet 500	UK gas station: 'We’re intimidated by motorcyclists in helmets' Motorcyclists must remove open-face crash helmets to avoid ‘intimidating’ petrol station staff, a supermarket chain has said. And riders must be ‘earthed’ before filling up to prevent risk of explosion, according to the bizarre policy statement from Somerfield. The supermarket said: ‘We have to consider the feelings and views of our workforce who currently find being approached by someone in a helmet intimidating… ‘We also ask riders to dismount their bike prior to fuel being authorised. The reason for this is that when the rider gets off the bike it will cause any static in the clothing to earth, thereby reducing the incidence of flash while refuelling takes place.’ The policies were set out in an email to a customer who was ordered to remove his open-face helmet halfway through filling up. Dan Moorcroft, 33, complained after the fuel cut off mid-flow while he filled up at the Somerfield Texaco station in Leamore, Walsall. He said: “This is the first time I have ever been asked to remove my open-face helmet.” A Somerfield spokesman said staff found riders in helmets intimidating “because they can’t see their face”. Asked about the policy on open-face helmets she said: “I don’t know what an open-face helmet looks like. I’m not a biker.” The store said in a statement: ‘It is our policy to ask all customers at Somerfield petrol forecourts to remove helmets and other headgear. 'This is to help staff verify the age of the customer but also to help police with enquiries should they need to review CCTV footage if a stolen bike is driven into the petrol station, a bike is stolen from the forecourt or a customer drives off without paying for their fuel.’ Asked why a rider wouldn’t be earthed simply by putting his feet down, the spokesman said: “I have given you all the information I have on this.” He said the policy was “under review”. We also asked how many fires had started in this way and were told: “I do not have access to any records which would allow me to tell you. “Somerfield policy is not designed to discriminate in any way against motorcyclists but to ensure the safety of all our customers and staff members,” the spokesman added. http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/Ne...?&R=EPI-119586 __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


10-31-2009, 10:36 AM	#2
blueline15 Streetfighter Joined: Aug 2008 From: Kennewick, WA I Ride: 06 SV650S	thats why i just always use my debit card to get fuel on my bike. the i dont even have to hassel with it. they must not have debit card readers at the pumps there? __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


10-31-2009, 10:48 AM	#3
Runout MotoGP Contender Joined: Sep 2006 From: protesting at the mall I Ride: faster than I should, but slower than you.	sucks to be them __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


10-31-2009, 10:51 AM	#4
Shrek X Mr. 500,000 Joined: Dec 2006 From: Portland I Ride: VTX	This isnt in the UK, try going into a bank with your full face on, or into some 7-11s on MLK in Portland. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


10-31-2009, 11:36 AM	#7
coastiepete Superbiker Joined: Apr 2007 From: Port Angeles WA I Ride: 2007 ZX-10R SE, 2005 450 EXC, 1980 GS750 Cafe Project	I can see the concern. I always de-helmet when i go into a retail place. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter

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10-31-2009, 01:30 PM	#9
Robusto Retired Joined: Aug 2006 From: Spokane, WA I Ride: Cuz' it makes me smile!	British Pussies. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


10-31-2009, 02:58 PM	#12
JohnnyM MotoGP Champion Joined: Jul 2006 From: Pullman, WA I Ride: '73 CB350F, '86 VFR750F, '00 Aprilia RS250, '04 Aprilia RSV1000 R Factory, '04 Aprilia RSV1000 R Factory, '07 Vstar 1100 Classic	I go into the bank all the time with my helmet on...mini marts too. I do flip the visor up, though, and I always wave and say "Hi" when I walk in...which seems to put them at ease for the most part. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


10-31-2009, 04:33 PM	#14
lagwagonlead WMRRA Qualifier Joined: May 2007 From: Oak Harbor, WA I Ride: 01 CBR600F4i/05 CBR600RR	Is everyone on this site really too lazy to remove your helmet before entering a gas station or bank? I even feel like they should make me remove my helmet going onto base everyday for work, I COULD be a terrorist who stole my ID and has a bomb strapped to my bike. Is it worth the 30 seconds you saved to make that guy behind the counter that nervous? __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


11-03-2009, 02:39 PM	#18
varment Zone Head Joined: Apr 2009 From: Roseburg, Oregon I Ride: 2008 Ninja 650R	what you all call being too lazy to pump our own gas, I call keeping several thousand Oregonians employed..... How much of the unemployment rate would be erased if gas stations started employing pump jocky's?? __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


11-03-2009, 05:58 PM	#22
rowlex MotoGP Contender Joined: Apr 2006 From: everett I Ride: 01 929RR	becu doesn't like it if you dont take the lid off. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter

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