Friday Funny: Cops Want Bikers to Wear Neon Chaps

1 minute read

August 8, 2008, 2:00 PM PDT

By Tim Halbur


"In 2006, the most recent data available, 521 Florida motorcyclists were killed on the road, up from 441 in 2005.

Officials are optimistic the campaign will reduce that number. But in a state where helmets are optional, they may have an uphill battle.

Florida Highway Patrol ad campaign

'I've got black chaps, black vest, black T-shirts, black shoes,' said 62-year-old Gary Dove, sipping on a cup of beer Wednesday night outside Quaker Steak and Lube on 49th Street N in Pinellas Park. 'I support the Florida Highway Patrol, but I certainly wouldn't wear vibrant green chaps.'

Neither would Larry Diehl, 52, of Seminole, among the dozens of motorcyclists parked outside Quaker Steak.

'In the spirit of riding a motorcycle, I think we should be able to go out like anybody else that drives a vehicle and wear what we want to wear,' he said, while walking around with his son, Charlie.

Wednesday, August 6, 2008 in The St. Petersburg Times

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

7 hours ago - Zachary Whalen

Passengers board an Amtrak train under a cloudy sky.

Amtrak, CN end decades-long dispute with eight-year agreement

The new operating agreement establishes an updated framework for the companies to work together, including processes to resolve disputes.

September 18, 2026 - Mass Transit

The Gross Reservoir, a large body of water surrounded by trees and mountains.

Judges permit Denver to divert 77,000 acre feet from the Colorado River for reservoir expansion

Overuse and climate change have caused the Colorado River’s water levels to plummet.

September 18, 2026 - Inside Climate News

People walk through Philadelphia International Airport. There is a convince store on the right.

Philadelphia to invest $2 billion into upgrading city airports as PHL places last in customer satisfaction

Modernizations to Philadelphia's airports will include baggage system upgrades and a new automated parking garage guidance system.

3 hours ago - WHYY

A downtown area in Los Angeles, with a Taco Bell visible. People wait to cross the street towards a tall apartment building.

The LA housing policies making developers turn away from the city

Despite LA’s housing shortage, developers say the city’s "mansion-tax" and pandemic-era policies make it an unappealing place to build housing.

4 hours ago - Los Angeles Times

People cross a wide street in San Francisco, with tall buildings in the background.

New density bill would require 7 California cities to establish regional transit hubs

The bill would also require major cities in California to permit high-rise residential buildings.

5 hours ago - Smart Cities Dive