Riding a motorcycle to work is a sign of irresponsibility?????

[Alien]

I was informed yesterday via email that a person in my position (mid-level manager, nothing to write home about) should not be seen riding a motorcycle to work.  When I inquired as to why, the response was "It shows a sense of disregard for safety and a general lack of responsibility as well as being unprofessional." 

I asked how it could be that my mode of transportation to and from work could possibly concern upper management as it has no bearing on what I do for a living.  I don't use the bike FOR work, just to get there.  Also, I am careful to ride slowly and quietly when approaching or leaving work.

The answer was: "When you are seen riding into the parking lot, wearing a leather jacket and a helmet, it can color other people's perception of you."

Ok, I get that...hell, I LIKE that.

Finally, I decided to cut to the chase.  "Are you formally stating that as a condition of my employment, I will not be allowed to ride my motorcycle to work or are you only suggesting that I not wear potentially life saving protective clothing while doing so?  Would you please point me to the section of the revised 2015 Employee Handbook that contains these policies?"  Your clarification on this issue is greatly appreciated.  I am also including my our corporate HR representative in this email chain so that he may be made aware of this pressing issue and update the employee handbook accordingly."

Our corporate HR guy is a die hard H-D guy and doesn't own anything with four wheels.  His response should be entertaining.

Ride Safe,

Alien

[SpidyJ]

Oh man...this is a great story.  Please let us know how it proceeds and ends.

I would have been fired long ago....but, I'm only a lowly R&D Engineer.

Oh yeah......wait ........our Prez is a bike nut.  I guess that's why I'm still here.

 

[Valkorado]

Can't wait for HR-HR's (Harley riding Human Resources) reply.  Good job!  

[Jess from VA]

I can tell you that as a senior USAF capt at 15AF HQ (pretty low on the totem pole), I got a lot of negative waves riding my dresser Harley to work.  Some didn't like my (perfectly trimmed) mustache either.  Nothing was ever said, officially, but it was there.  They weren't too keen on my vette stingray with Hookers and sidepipes either.  My use of cigarettes and cigars was also viewed as poor judgment (and the fact I outran everyone in the office except our most jr enlisted man in our periodic PT testing was irrelevant).

I was philosophical about it............. have a perfect work record, never take a sick day, wear a perfect uniform and spit shine every day, always tell the truth, and.....F 'em.

However,  a man with a planned future and career in the corporate world has this philosophy at his own risk.  My senior Col boss loved my work, but not me.

[solo1]

When I was employed as a environmental test engineer I asked for and got a special place in the parking lot for motorcycles only. I even was able to have 4x4" aluminum plates made and stored outside for kickstand use on the asphalt.  It seems like policy varies due to company policy (or arseholes for bosses).

[Chrisj CMA]

Remembering choices I made a senior NCO in the the Air Force I would not conform to some voluntary requirements.  I understood and accepted the fact that the choices I made stiffled my promotability.  To me it was worth it, you have to decide for yourself.

[Alien]

Oh, I'll keep right on riding to work.  I don't bend to idiocy and I'm considered to be pretty good at what I do, so I have no fear of reprisals.

[dreamaker]

Company I worked for is worldwide company and I worked at the World Headquarters, and I kind of understand what you are saying.  One of our divisions VP’s had a HD and use to ride in full leathers every morning, before anyone even came in.  He would take off his leathers out in the parking lot (we had a parking area out back just for bikes) go in to his saddlebag pull out hit suit coat and he was ready for work. Upper management got wind of it, and short while later, he quite riding his bike to work, odd think was, after that he tended to avoid conversation with us, just kind of hi and goodbye short answers. Word in the vine was, it was suggested he should not fraternize with us, do to his level in the company.  I understood about the plateau levels of company management, and when you get to a certain level you just can’t do what you want and maintain you position on the company. Because at those levels it is not about money, it is about image you project, and how you reflect on the company.  So you got to make a choice!!

[Robert]

That is corporate America for you conform or else, but its ok to be or do the myriad of other things or just be a jerk as long as you look like everyone else. I like your response, I too will be interested to see the reply. I also don't see how they can tell you what to drive if they don't provide a company car for you. Because where will it stop, you cant drive pickups, or cars with dents, or bad paint jobs or a car older than a couple of years. You did not state what person and corp level or dept that wrote the letter to you either. Your problem is only one reason I like my own business. My customers see my bike all the time and we have  some good conversations about it. I have never known it to be a detriment and in fact when people see the bike on the road they either tell me or wave to me. It actually adds to my business because it keeps me in their mind. I also ride to church and family events or Dr appointments just about every place. I have had more conversations and waves at church than anyone who rolled up in a car. I had one little boy in a walker come up and start to talk to me and wanted to see the bike. I started it and let him look at it and I was able to pray with him. Hope it goes well for you I don't think they have a leg to stand on but don't expect real promotions either if someone is spiteful.

Its a shame that in this day and age were bulling, racism, stereotyping is not allowed and we are taught by the left not to be prejudice to anyone but roll up on a motorcycle and all that goes out the window.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Oh, I'll keep right on riding to work.  I don't bend to idiocy and I'm considered to be pretty good at what I do, so I have no fear of reprisals.

Maybe one day we can get the SoCal chapter to all roll in and have lunch with you. 

[old2soon]

Paraphrasing shamelessly a H/D ad-screw em-let's ride!  As a Nam Vet AND a M/C rider I'm considered  a terrorist threat!  I know yer still earning a living at your chosen line of employment and you seem to be asking the right questions of your employer. IF they are THAT concerned about the IMAGE you project maybe they should start an employee bus service??  Nah-screw it-RIDE TO WORK!  Too cursed much P C bull crap in this world these days. Soooooo cursed happy I'm retired.  Had one company I drove for TRIED repeatedly to tell me tennis shoes DID NOT project the "image" THEY were lookin for! They wanted me in hard soled shoes. My question to those arseholes wuz-have you EVER been under the wheel for 10 hours a day? Blank looks and company rhetoric!  Finally quit em. RIDE SAFE.

[Fudd]

I ride to work almost everyday. So does our project manager and one of our quality control techs-- We all ride VALKYRIES !!

[Pete]

To be a maverick in the corporate world requires some thought and commitment.

Just be aware that it may affect you upgrade path in the corporate world. (in some companies)
To offset that you need to be really good at your job. (and that is always a plus any way)

It is a shame that such things occur, but it is a fact of life in some organizations.

Best of luck and best wishes

[RainMaker]

The only issue I ever ran into was that I could not wear riding boots to work and keep them on all day - only dress shoes allowed.  That's when I bought a kickshifter, when they were being manufactured and reasonably priced.  That allowed me not to scuff up the top of the dress shoes. So, in a way, I'm grateful for that policy.  I've long since left that place.  The owner also rode a Harley, so they weren't hard core against bikes - just the way you dressed.  And I had an assigned spot right in front of the exec offices so they saw me take off my chaps everyday.

Waiting to hear how HR handles your issue.

[Atl-Jerry]

What Pete Said!!!  I heard a Nashville big shot say recently "You don't have to kiss anyone's ass here to succeed, but occasionally it doesn't hurt to make 'em think you bending a little". 
 

[cookiedough]

Shoot, where I work they be lucky we show up at all.   

It will never happen where I work, but if it did,  I would become rich and sue the piss out of that company for is illegal to say such a thing. 

Doesn't matter how you get to work, it matters YOU SHOW UP for work whether on bicycle, scooter, cycle, or walking should NOT matter.

[RP#62]

Sounds like they are creating a hostile work environment base solely on your choice to use an energy efficient mode of transportation. 

-RP

[Jess from VA]

Sounds like they are creating a hostile work environment base solely on your choice to use an energy efficient mode of transportation.
-RP

Now I like the sound of that.   

There's nothing like the smell of a solid civil action in the morning.   

[The emperor has no clothes]

Sounds like they are creating a hostile work environment base solely on your choice to use an energy efficient mode of transportation.
-RP

Now I like the sound of that.   

There's nothing like the smell of a solid civil action in the morning.   

Who are you ? Robert Duvall with a law degree .   

[Mr Whiskey]

I will not be allowed to ride my motorcycle to ...

Ha ha! Yeah I wish 'em luck with THAT!

[baldo]

I interviewed with Delta Airline back in the 80's. I was offered a position, but hadn't decided to take it yet or not. It meant moving to Atlanta, which I wasn't crazy about. When they presented me with the employment packet, they pointed out different locations where they 'liked' their new hires to live. Another question was whether I rode a motorcycle or not. They were very clear that they were not fans of two wheeled transportation. I didn't take the job.

[Willow]

Riding a motorcycle to work is a sign of irresponsibility?????

Apparently it is and I'm proud of my irresponsibility.    It's good to be good enough at what one does that one is not subjected to some stupid assessments.  Some.  I did say some.   

[Jess from VA]

Sounds like they are creating a hostile work environment base solely on your choice to use an energy efficient mode of transportation.
-RP

Now I like the sound of that.  

There's nothing like the smell of a solid civil action in the morning.  

Who are you ? Robert Duvall with a law degree .  

Nope, just Boo Radley shuffling through life, and hiding behind the door.   

[scooperhsd]

I rode as a Navy LT in my tropical Whites on my PC800 in DC traffic (including on the National Mall - you know - where the Washington Monument is ?) I've ridden to work at every civilian job since, and my present place even has motorcycle parking right with the handicapped parking. The only comments I get are "who rides that red / cream monster ?" to which I reply proudly - "I DO".  I've had comments from coworkers about "why do you wear your helmet to the office" and I reply - "It's easier than carrying it".

[Pappy!]

Am thinking you may want to keep a copy of that memo in both written and electronic form.

[Tailgate Tommy]

I'm a Sr. Quality Assurance and Regulatory Affairs Engineer (I coordinate the FDA regulations and quality system requirements that we have to follow) at a worldwide fortune 11, $170 Billion a year, electronic health records software (for hospitals and Dr. offices) & prescription drug distribution company. The company provides MC dedicated parking at all of the US locations that I've been at. I see guys in the elevator all the time in the elevators with leathers and helmets. My (female) manager rides a HD. We talk about our bikes all the time  My point is that if riding was an issue our high paid cooperate lawyers would be all over it.

[Black Pearl's Captain]

Obviously your managers have never heard of a multimillionaire named Malcolm Forbes. perhaps you need a Malcolm Forbes poster behind your office chair.

[Gavin_Sons]

Maybe his wife told him he couldn't have a bike so he is taking it out on you.

[BF]

Go ahead and buy yourself a Toyota Prius and stick an I love Obama and a Hillary in 16 sticker on it and drive that to work instead.  They'll love you then.  Oh wait....

Just stick an I love Obama sticker and a Hillary in 16 sticker on your Valkyrie (if you don't have those already  ) and then they'll love you and you'll fit in. 

[BF]

Obviously your managers have never heard of a multimillionaire named Malcolm Forbes. perhaps you need a Malcolm Forbes poster behind your office chair.

With all of his money, he couldn't afford one without a dent in the front fender. 

[The emperor has no clothes]

Go ahead and buy yourself a Toyota Prius and stick an I love Obama and a Hillary in 16 sticker on it and drive that to work instead.  They'll love you then.  Oh wait....

Just stick an I love Obama sticker and a Hillary in 16 sticker on your Valkyrie (if you don't have those already  ) and then they'll love you and you'll fit in. 

nice BF nice

[bagelboy]

Sounds like profiling to me. Because you ride a motorcycle you're perceived as being a dark, nasty individual, or a reckless, rebelliant individual? I would not even answer the questions given to me! I have been riding my bikes for years to work, regardless of weather. Others at my job do the same. At the end of the day, it takes the edge off by taking the long way home. This in turn makes me a happier, better person to work with! Of course, I own the company, so my employees can ride, drive, or walk to work for all I care. All I want is individuals who give great performance at work, and when we all leave at the end of the day, it's their right to do whatever they damn well please!

[Otus]

I work midnight shift running a printing press, nobody is concerned about my image. Two of us on the shift ride to work and we park inside.

[98valk]

maybe your bosses graduated from this class?

http://www.mrctv.org/blog/vanderbilt-womens-center-lecture-men-healthy-masculinities#.xdksmd:vpSr

[BF]

maybe your bosses graduated from this class?

http://www.mrctv.org/blog/vanderbilt-womens-center-lecture-men-healthy-masculinities#.xdksmd:vpSr

This kind of PC crap has got to stop before it's too late...if it isn't already.  



“progress toward gender equality calls all of us to be champions for change” while simultaneously claiming to “celebrate the unique differences among all persons and work to build community in diversity.”

“Healthy Masculinities Week” hopes to encourage men to �the gay and bisexual community, fraternities, and more.”





And then there's this summery from the comments section.....

"Does this mean I must stick a tampon up my ass and sit down to piss?"

That pretty much sums up this PC crap.  

[therapist]

While working as a psychotherapist at a Catholic, non-profit agency, I often rode the bike to work.
In fact, it was a tool of my job. I would be sure to ride in when I knew I had a first session with a difficult teen, or a court ordered guy. There was a sidewalk that ran in the back of the building and just outside my office window. I would park the Valk so that it was right outside my window, the client couldn't miss it. It was a wonderful ice breaker, and suddenly the client didn't see me as "just another talking suit"...it humanized me to them. I guess you could say, my Valkyrie was my co-therapist 

Not once, did management give me any flak about it...in fact, they got a kick out of having a
biker on staff.

[Willow]

Maybe his wife told him he couldn't have a bike so he is taking it out on you.

   I believe you may have hit the nerve right on the head.   

[Valkjerk]

I've seen the opposite, Therapist. Back in '81 I was doing my "ride about" wondering aimlessly around these U. States kinda like DDT does. I call his the "Big Roam".Lol I met some folks up in the middle of Montana way out in the middle of nowhere and they waved me off the Interstate for a much needed rest and refreshment at a roadside rest area. Their trailer was loaded down with ice and drinks of every imagination along with an excellent array of foods. I was so grateful for their hospitality, it almost brought me to tears. Naturally, they were curious about my Louisiana license plate and we talked. They told me they were both educators, him being a high school principal and her being a teacher. They told me that whenever they went out on the motorcycle, they would leave before daybreak and push the bike down the street so that when it was started, it wouldn't alert any neighbors. AND, IT WAS A FRIGGIN" GOLDWING. That's how paranoid they were because they knew through conversations with their peers that their jobs could be on the line. I hope life has changed for them. Good thread! Tkylli (Tom) you are fortunate to have it that good.

[Valker]

As a Teacher in the public school system, I have ridden a motorcycle down the hall and into my classroom.

[MP]

As a Teacher in the public school system, I have ridden a motorcycle down the hall and into my classroom.

You da Man!!!   

MP