No helmets on forecourts

**nzcruzer** · 29th January 2009, 18:37

Today for the first time in 30 plus years of riding a bike I was asked very directly from a Service Station that I have been using for the last 20 years to remove my helmet via the pa system, before they would unlock the pump.....
I know that wearing a leather jacket, black fullface helmet and riding a motor bike profiles you as a robber and or petrol drive off offender.

The fact that I had turned off my bike, put it on the stand, removed my keys so that I could remove my fuel cap and placed them on the pump, along with removing my gloves (so I could leave my prints) and standing with pump in hand and helmet on, wondering why the attendant inside the shop manning the till with the other attendant standing shotgun was not unlocking the pump. Only to hear through the pa system" remove your helmet". My immediate thought was "what's the point I'm wearing a Balaclava", so with the till attendant waving me goodbye I put my gloves back on wiped off my prints and proceeded to the next petrol station filled up and paid the huge amount off $15.55 and all with my helmet on .

(forgot to mention the station was open to other customers at the time and not operating an after hours pay first lock down to prevent fuel drive offs)

I rang around ten other local SHELL service stations (don't know why we still call them service stations as that's the last thing you get from them) to find out that only two others had the same policy due to petrol drive off's, they need to able to identify you first before you can purchase fuel.

Don't get me wrong I have no problem with being asked to remove my helmet when inside paying, but while filling my bike, come on that's going a bit far. Hate to think what would have happened if I was two up and my partner was in the queue to pay with helmet off and me with helmet on wanting to fill the tank. "We are happy to take your money but we can't give you any fuel cause your partner still has his helmet on"

Maybe a sign on the pumps or the other attendant coming out and explaining the new policy would have gone down better, but to just to lock the pump and wave goodbye show's me that when you pay peanuts you get monkeys.

Imagine how much money BP Martinborough or Caltex Rimutaka would lose on a sunny Sunday if they followed in the steps of Shell Trentham.

NZCRUZER

**twotyred** · 29th January 2009, 18:39

and of course you got back on your bike and rode off,right???

**Starky307** · 29th January 2009, 18:43

That's why in use the Pack n Save pumps as I don't need to get undressed to get gas. I always take my helmet off when at a normal station as it does make them jumpy when I still have my helmet on.

**AllanB** · 29th January 2009, 18:43

Their call at the end of the day I guess.

I just hope they insist on Muslim women removing their head-gear when they want petrol too.

**Oakie** · 29th January 2009, 18:43

I've never had a problem that way, even wearing my helmet into the shop itself ... although I always make sure they can see I have my wallet in my hand and not a weapon as I walk through the door.

I have struck a couple who want pre-payment. No trouble. I just move onto the next service station.

**Richi** · 29th January 2009, 18:46

by the looks of what he said he went to another petty station. sound like a bunch of idiots i doubt there would be many motorcyclists doing drive - offs... whats the point for $15

**Molly** · 29th January 2009, 18:46

Boycott the tossers. I'd like to ask for actual figures on bike ride-offs. I bet they're miniscule and just kids on POS scooters.

**imdying** · 29th January 2009, 18:47

Same advice as last time... they treat you like a crim, you act like one... take all the pumps off the holders and put them on the ground before you leave. AllanB's point is exactly why it's a crock.

**Richi** · 29th January 2009, 18:48

Originally Posted by imdying

Same advice as last time... they treat you like a crim, you act like one... take all the pumps off the holders and put them on the ground before you leave. AllanB's point is exactly why it's a crock.

Haha i thought it would be funny to just drop the one u r holding.. but all of them would be awesome.

**jtzzr** · 29th January 2009, 18:49

Never had a problem at a servo . I wear a flipface and when I go inside to pay and they see my ugly mug they actually ask me to lower the chin piece. lol

I suppose it`s at their descretion.

Banks are fun too.

**CB ARGH** · 29th January 2009, 18:49

Well that sucks. I always get dirty looks when I walk in with the helmet still on. I just try get the card out of the jacket before I walk into the store so I don't get some fat ass tackling me to the ground.

**yod** · 29th January 2009, 18:50

Originally Posted by nzcruzer

Don't get me wrong I have no problem with being asked to remove my helmet when inside paying,

so you have a problem taking your helmet off before filling up but not after??

i don't see the difference...

**tommygun** · 29th January 2009, 18:52

Here is the issue.....

"Imagine how much money BP Martinborough or Caltex Rimutaka would lose on a sunny Sunday if they followed in the steps of Shell Trentham."

Way to close to the prison.........

**banditrider** · 29th January 2009, 19:06

I've never been asked to take my helmet off although earplugs may mean that I haven't hear the request. Have been told to get off the bike while filling but ignore that one. And I definitely have ridden off when they insist on pre-pay...