Yes, you read that right: riding in Denmark in an insane manner will result in you losing your motorbike.

Denmark Going All Out on Insane riding

We've heard of ever-increasing surveillance of our everyday lives and the implications of that spying on our personal freedom but Denmark seems to be taking it to a new and worrying level.

Now, I don't know about you, but the word 'insane' is pretty strong and suggests some really out-there behaviour that normally would result in a spell in a padded cell. The Danes, however, have decided that certain forms of riding a motorcycle can be classed as insane and, as a result, your bike could be confiscated. For good.

OK, you're not going to get your collar felt for riding in accordance with the rules of the road but, if you can't resist the temptation to pop a wheelie or exceed the speed limit or ride in what the police might deem dangerous to other road users and, at worst, you can kiss your two-wheeled pride and joy goodbye. No paying a fine and apologising before heading for the police pound and getting your bike back. Oh no, any seized machines are sent off straight away and sold to the highest bidder.

It doesn't even matter if you are riding a rental bike and passing through Denmark: ride like a loon and your bike is toast and never mind the fact that it isn't yours.

In case you think that the Danes are all so law-abiding that the police will never need to resort to applying such rules, well think again. According to figures released by FEMA (Federation of European Motorcyclist's Associations) Dutch cops are confiscating three bikes a day! In the first six months after the March 2021 introduction of the law, a total of 510 bikes were seized by police.

I'd love to know what the definition of 'insane' is. To me, it sounds like you'd have to be doing something so completely bonkers that you deserve to lose your bike. But, frankly, I can't see three Dutch people riding so insanely every day. Which must mean that even the most minor of infringements will be punished. And that is scary!

So, the next time you are trying to impress a leggy blonde Dane with your riding skills, remember that she will be far more impressed if you actually get to your destination still riding the bike!

And, if you're thinking to yourself, 'hey, that's in Denmark. I don't live in Denmark. I'm OK!', do you really think that governments around the world don't keep a close eye on what other governments are up to and, if an initiative is working, consider adopting it for themselves?

Big Brother is definitely watching you and his eyesight is only getting sharper!