Moped riders protest in Helsinki, citing police distrust and seeking legal hobby events

Moped riders gathered in Helsinki's Kansalaistori square to protest what they describe as a lack of trust between their community and the police. While hoping for improved relations, some, like 17-year-old Luna Haukijärvi, expressed skepticism about it actually happening. "Police have been a bit bitter about this matter before, but let's hope," she said.

Haukijärvi, who joined the protest march from Tattarisuo, was separated from her friends when police stopped them for speeding. She described a growing distrust in the police over the two years she has been riding mopeds. "I don't know what will hit you if you do something even slightly wrong," she commented.

She also witnessed an incident in Tuusula on August 8 where police allegedly forced a modified moped ridden by a 15-year-old off the road. "It did stop him, how can police do that to a child. Even if the moped boy fled, no one should be treated like that," Haukijärvi stated.

The protest march, involving around 400 participants according to police estimates, proceeded from Tattarisuo to Kansalaistori, guided by police. Representatives from the Mopoilevat nuoret ry (Young Moped Riders Association) reported that the procession went smoothly, and police confirmed good cooperation. Many onlookers lined the streets, waving or making gestures.

Haukijärvi held a sign reading "forbidden hobby," reflecting the association's campaign to highlight the perceived restrictions on their activity. The group advocates for organized, legal moped events, or "mopomiitit," in the capital region, which would be coordinated with police. They also seek a dedicated "mopostra" – a closed track for legal stunts and tricks. Fifteen-year-old Alex Järvinen echoed concerns about police behavior, calling the Tuusula incident "an overreaction by the police."