(DeRos @ Mar. 19 2007,10:09) it's funny because I think that kind of treatment has 1000x's more positive impact than being an ass and running you through the hoops and pain of tickets and impounding and insurance increases.
I was pulled over once, (or i should say I willing pulled over once) before.
I had to speed up 15 miles above the speed limit to pass someone so I didn't get run into a bunch of construction workers by the car tailing 5 feet behind me. I saw the cop after doing it and figured he saw everything and wouldn't do anything about it so I didn't run i just kept going.
I looked in my mirror and about a mile back I saw the K-mart special riding up on me.... I had AMPLE opportunity to disappear and forget the whole scenario but I didn't because I was almost home so I just pulled over and took it like a man thinking i didn't do anything too serious or life threatening and he'd just warn me, hell maybe even compliment me for avoiding a life threatening situation.... unfortunately he didn't see it that way, He had my bike towed from in front of my house and slapped me with a hefty $350 ticket for speeding in a construction zone...
I was floored, #1 I can't believe he ticketed me for saving my own butte and #2 for towing my bike from in front of my own house... after this I determined that if in the same position I'd just disappear, which is an awful decision for doing your best to be safe, but poor treatment results is poor reactions.
It's nice to read your story and see that there are good people out there doing their jobs, who understand the power we're responsible for on these bikes. If I had been treated like that I'd gladly pull over when I knew I had blown it , big or small.
Now even with the small stuff I have to really double check my reactions.