Taipei Rider Questions Police Stop Over Holding Milk Bag While Cycling

A man riding an electric bicycle in Taipei was stopped by police after being observed holding a foil milk bag in his mouth, an act that sparked a dispute over the legitimacy of the police action.

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You're holding something in your mouth, riding a bike like this is very dangerous, and it's an electric-assist bike!

The rider, who had just finished a workout, claimed he was holding the empty bag to avoid littering. He was stopped by officers shortly after starting from a red light. The rider argued that police used the bag as an excuse to conduct an identity check, as they could not find any actual traffic violations.

Police from the Chang'an East Road Police Station responded that officers on patrol for drunk and drugged driving noticed the man holding the bag. They stated that such an action could impair concentration and vehicle control, posing a risk to the rider and other road users. The officers approached to ensure his safety and verify his identity.

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Why did the police use a violation as a reason to stop me?

During the interaction, police explained that while holding the bag did not constitute a traffic offense, it still presented a potential safety hazard. They issued a gentle warning, urging the rider to concentrate on cycling to maintain safety for everyone. The incident was captured on video by the rider and subsequently shared online, generating discussion.

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Although his behavior did not involve a traffic violation, holding an object in his mouth while riding could still affect concentration and response ability, raising concerns about driving safety. Therefore, a gentle reminder was given to focus on riding to ensure the safety of himself and other road users.