TrekCommuter

Tonight I was on my way home and was getting close to my neighborhood. I was dressed in my work khakis and a blue polo shirt. Head and tail lights were on and I was wearing a helmet and backpack.

A guy on his front stoop asked me if I was a cop. I said "no", which is the truth. He said something about my backpack and didn't seem convinced that I wasn't a cop. I said "okay" and kept riding. He kept talking at me as I kept riding.

I had nothing on that would indicate I was law enforcement. This guy must have had way too much time on his hands. In retrospect, I should have said "No, but I'd be happy to call the cops for you".

Have you ever had a similar experience? It was a first for me.

mr geeker

Got accused of stealing a newspaper once when I stopped for a drink... but never of being a cop.

roashru

you shouldnt answer a question like that. quickly think of closest weapon.

fthomas

I took my touring bike to Memphis and decided to take a ride around the city. Not the most bicycle friendly place I have ever been.

I had panniers on the back, my helmet, sunglasses, front light and rear blinky. I hate to admit it, but I was wearing a bib and cycling jersey.

Stopping at a stop sign there was a group of six young black men.
One looked over at me and asked "Are you the Popo?"
I asked: What is the Popo?
Oh, come on man. You know what the Popo is.
No man, I'm sorry I don't know what the Popo is.
Oh yeah! You got to be the Popo
OK, what is the Popo?
You know - Police
What would make you think I was the Popo
Only the Popo would ride a bicycle through this neighborhood wearing a helmet and stuff.

Yeah, well I got to be going.

alan s 

No, but I always thought it would be funny if the police started chasing me. After a minute they would be dropped.

roashru

smart criminals learned a long time ago you cant beat the radio now this includes the helicopter. he he

ShortLegCyclist

My commuter is matte black, I use a reflective trunk bag and I wear a shiny chrome helmet and black and reflective silver shirt and pants, so yes, I've been asked if I'm a police officer more than once.

locolobo13 

It happened to me back in the 80s. The local cops wore a blue shirt as part of the uniform. I was also wearing a blue shirt, baggy green pants, longish uncombed hair, no uniform. Did not look like a cop.

Stranger asked me if I was a cop. Told him no. He kept looking at me suspiciously until I was out of sight.

Personally, I think this was an indication of his IQ. Was worried about what he was doing while I was in the store but he was gone when I came out.

Tundra_Man 

Never been accused of being a cop, but I have accidentally "pulled over" a couple cars with my headlight set on strobe mode.

2manybikes

I have a very bright headlight and tail light. At night on the unlit bike path, kids ask me If I'm a cop often. The cops do patrol that path once in a while.

TenSpeedV2

A buddy and myself often do night rides down near the college campus. On more than one occasion we have been asked if we were cops by passing students or people on their porches in the nearby neighborhoods. Both of us on fixed gear track bikes, more than likely a messenger bag, and nothing even remotely close to any type of uniform.

chefisaac

You can outrun a co[ but NEVER the radio!

fthomas

The OP's subject is causing confusion:

Rode ten miles over to see a friend of mine today. I pull into the parking lot wearing a white helmet with bright reflective tape, a reflective vest, black shorts, gray T shirt and hiking shoes.

Nice elderly lady says: Excuse me. Excuse me Officer.

Sorry mam I am not an Officer.

Are you sure you are not a policeman. They ride bikes now you know.

No mam, just a normal bicyclist that wears this bright stuff in heavy traffic so I don't get hit.

Oh my. I really thought you were a police officer.

jfowler85

Asking is not accusing, per se.