Thames Valley Police have hit back at criticism after pulling over a pair of motorcyclists who were wearing tracksuit bottoms. 

Two people riding mopeds without protective clothing were stopped by PC Price on Sunday (April 9), according to TVP's Roads Policing Team. 

The constable, whose first name was not given, spotted the duo who were travelling with a group and decided to stop and speak to them about their attire. 

There is no law around wearing protective motorcyclist clothing but the officer said he felt it was important to warn the pair. 

"The riders were sporting very fashionable tracksuit bottoms that would not only be useless in a crash but also stunk of cannabis along with the rest of their clothing," a spokesman for the unit shared on Facebook. 

"Both failed a drug wipe and were taken to custody where blood samples have been obtained. Both riders now face a ban if over the drug drive limit."

The decision to pull over the couple of motorcyclists was met with criticism from one member of the public who wrote: "Come on police, what a terrible excuse for a stop. You could find anything wrong. No wonder the younger generation don’t trust you." 

But Thames Valley Police hit back swiftly, pointing out the grave dangers associated with biking without wearing proper clothing.

Further details about where the incident occurred were not shared by the force, though the roads policing unit spans Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire. 

In a politely-worded reply, that garnered more than three times the number of likes than the poster's comment, a force spokesman wrote: "Thames Valley Police is currently running Operation Throttle where we aim to reduce the number of two-wheeled road users who are killed or seriously injured on our roads.

"We are pleased to say that the vast majority or people we speak to are very receptive of our advice and enjoy engagement from our motorcyclists.

"I'm sure you would agree our roads policing unit are best suited to casualty reduction and inforcing the fatal 4.

"In this instance we have stopped two young riders at the start of their adult lives hurting themselves or others whilst riding under the influence of drugs."

Others came to the police's defence, including a medic, who wrote: "I've worked on [in an] intensive therapy unit and seen those wearing jeans have their flesh taken off to the bone. [The] leg becomes infected and unsalvagable resulting in amputation. If rider doesn't care think of cost to NHS/Taxpayers."

Another added: "I'd rather they [the pair of moped drivers] were educated than [the police] having to go tell their parents that they no longer have a leg because they came off of their bike. The right pair of bike jeans can change their lives."

The force is currently running Operation Throttle - aimed at reducing the number of deaths on roads across their patch which spans Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire. 

There’s no law about wearing other protective clothing, according to the government's website, but specialised motorcycle gear is highly recommended. Helmets, on the other hand, are compulsory and must meet safety standards. 

  • Have you ever been pulled over by police? What happened? Let us know in the comments below.