lil brown bat

Doesn't that strike you as disrespectful?

crocodilefundy

where i live there are signs up on lots of stores saying no hoods or face masks. its not like they are directly attacking any religious minorities, rather there are numerous armed robberies and they must feel that this rule would help thwart them.

mackerel

Did the driver look like this?

Ken Wind

I've had a bank teller ask me to take my balaclava off before. I was a little annoyed because I've been in there many times before with and without it, and they should recognize me. It's not an unreasonable request though.

Nightshade

More than likely true in our terror filled world today.

Only a moron would think for one second that an operator of any public transport would risk not being able to assess possible threats on their vehicle before they allow anyone to board. THEY have the sole responsiblity to protect all their passengers.

So get over it and quit yer whining.

If that bus driver let someone on his bus with a covered face I'd be getting myself off that bus...pronto!

monk

It may or may not be a law, but why in the world would you want to wear the balaclava over our face unless you're on your bike? Are you studying to be a Ninja?

EKO

For all of you who assumed I picked a fight with him, I didn't. I simply (and politely) asked, "Which law?"

For those of you who assumed that I make a stink about bringing a bike on a bus, I don't. I follow their rules (bikes go in the back door) and don't complain. Yes, I would much prefer bike racks. In fact I asked the dispatcher last night why they don't, and he explained that the maintenance guys complain about them.

For those of you who assumed I didn't comply, I did.

For those who asked why I didn't automatically pull it down:
1. It was <10° this morning.
2. It's not the first thing to cross my mind when wrestling my bike on the bus. I guess I was unaware of this federal requirement.
3. For clarity, it's the kind that covers the entire head and face, and is under my helmet.

My question is simply: Is this guy legit or is he blowing smoke up my a**? My impression was that he's just some guy on his power trip, however miniscule, and was just giving me a hard time. I've been known to be wrong before, however.

BarracksSi

You could've pulled it off and politely said, "I'm sorry, say that again? My cold weather mask tends to muffle sounds sometimes..."

To which a bus driver would probably say, "Oh, never mind.."

EKO

You are paranoid. Yes, all part of my diabolical plan! Wrestle my bike on to the bus, in full bike gear (rain pants, cycling shoes, helmet, cycling jacket), with loaded panniers, pay the fare, sit down, so I can commit the most heinous terror attack man has ever known! Or I could just wear a hoodie, balaclava, sunglasses.

My question is: Is this guy citing a federal law or is he full of it? Not is he right for asking me to remove it. Sheesh!

huhenio

Get a vest

Stuff it with your belongings

DiabloScott

Bus driver probably thought you were a child molester:

https://www.thedenverchannel.com/ente...79/detail.html

lil brown bat

I doubt there's a "federal law", but so what? It could well be a transit policy...or it could just be a cranky bus driver. They've also got this thing called the "behind the white line", which really sucks a whole lot if the bus is cram-packed and the driver's being a stickler (or a power-tripper, whatever you want to call it) and you just want to get home. If that happens, that's just part of the day's suck. I don't personally care too much about the source of the day's suck, but ymmv.

KitN

What is the problem with pulling the mask up or off?

apricissimus 

see the following:

xxgrzesx

I do not think there is a federal law regulating how you dress. I am sure that there are laws that actually protect you if that was for religious purposes. Especially if it was a bus owned by public entity they cannot deprive you something that is required of you by your religion. Banks on the other hand are private entity and they might have some rules which may not put an undue burden on you and have to serve some purpose ie. visible face in case of bank robbery, etc. There are some standards that regulation must pass, but I had it in law school long time ago and do not remember. I think you should contact the bus company and complain about it, or if you want to sue contact an attorney first.

tarwheel 

You should have thrown a shoe at him!

Seriously, what's the big deal? Would you walk into a bank wearing a balaclava? That's a good way to shot.

Big_e

and I'm mighty proud of you for doing so and stating that from the start. It wasn't that big a deal and really was a valid request. It doesn't really have to be a law to support a request like that. Most businesses have signs that state, "No shirt, no shoes, no service." and there is no law to support that. The bus company is a business after all and the bus driver (just like a store manager) reserves the right to not provide you a service and ask you to get off the bus, it's his/her terms. If that happens, as I said before, just take your .75 cents elsewehere.
Ernest

lil brown bat

Wow, I wish my bus fare was only .75 cents. Or 75 cents, even, but .75 cents would be a real bargain.

Fantasminha

I would like to know what's so unusual about the bike on the bus. We (in Dallas) have rules about it--if the bus doesn't have a rack, you can't bring your bike on during rush hour. You have to use the back door and stay out of the way. But as most of the busses are empty most of the time, I never had any problem. I have been on busses more than once where I was the only passenger at 6:30pm. Just curious how it is in other parts...

Big_e

Or or at least that's what it was 5 years ago.

Sheik_Yerbouti

What do Ninjas do when they take the bus?

chrism32205

I read this thread title.. and I admit... i LOL'd.

BA Commuter

Consider yourself lucky, in my neck of the woods according to our financially strapped transit authority - If space permits, a customer may load their bike into the rack. Bikes are not allowed inside a SEPTA bus at any time!

I agree, take the thing off in the bus. Makes you look like a bank robber!

I-Like-To-Bike

Gawd, helmet AND balaclava when not riding a bike in the outdoors deep freeze is a nutty way to dress.

If there isn't a law against wearing a balaclava on a bus or inside a public place, there should be, based on the culprit's downright foolishness and embarrassing lack of self esteem.

lil brown bat

Well, around here, buses actually get used. During rush hour you'd be lucky to get a seat. There certainly isn't room for someone to bring a bicycle on board.