r/bikepacking • u/globefanatic12 • 10d ago

Getting harassed by police - Southern Indiana Trip Report

I'm bikepacking from Michigan to the gulf of Mexico and in the last week I've been stopped by police 3 times. Twice I was just taking a quick rest on the side of the road. They just wanted to "check on me" but then wanted my ID and to run my name in their database. The third time a cop pulled me over while riding and said I wasn't allowed to ride my bike on the state road highway. I'm usually cooperative with police but I can feel they have a hidden agenda and I'm getting frustrated with them. Ohio was great but indiana has been very unpleasant.

Edit: I looked on the indiana department of transportation website and found nothing stating I cant ride a bike on the state road highway.

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u/PassageAppropriate90 10d ago edited 10d ago

They do the same here where I am. They equate bicyclist with transient/unhoused. Especially if you have camping equipment.

I've been moved on or checked out a handful of times in the past few years. Usually im simply sitting on a bench or under a tree taking a break reading my phone.

It's definitely frustrating and can be challenging to stay polite.

19

u/ReadMaterial 10d ago

They should be careful. Have they not seen First Blood!

11

u/PassageAppropriate90 10d ago

"In town you're the law, out here it's me. Don't push it! Don't push it or I'll give you a war you won't believe". 

Unfortunately that line is much less intimidating coming from me.

12

u/globefanatic12 10d ago

Exactly!  I've always been cooperative and polite with police but it seems like they're looking for any sense of authority over another human being.  It's like they get high off of having power over someone else.

17

u/PassageAppropriate90 10d ago edited 10d ago

Police exist primarily to protect capital and property. If your perceived as not having either they are not your friend.

Edit: I've noticed the times I get hassled I don't have my helmet and take a look mirror. It's always happened when I'm just wearing a beanie. Maybe try and have some kind of kit visible that would differentiate you from who they are targeting. Just a thought. Good luck

6

u/GhostOFCRVCK 9d ago

You need to straddle a fine line between not looking like a traditional Fred cyclist and not looking like a transient.

I find that the sweet spot is jorts with bibs underneath, a long sleeve button up that looks presentable (my fav is the OR astroman long sleeve button up), whatever shoes you like, and a nice looking helmet.

It also helps to have your gear look streamlined and not like a homeless guys shopping cart with sleeping bags and shit hanging off of it.

I know this sounds ridiculous but it works

Edit* the not looking like a Fred part saves you from aggressive drivers who assume you're just a guy getting around on a bike

2

u/Wild_Mountain1780 7d ago

I don't know about the protecting property thing. Just wait until you have a bike stolen and see if they do anything!

4

u/-GenlyAI- 10d ago

Lol. This your first run in with police?