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Police cite costumed biker wearing giant panda head instead of helmet

By Ben Hooper
A man was cited by police in Minnesota for riding his motorcycle while his vision was partially obscured by a giant panda mask. Photo courtesy of Minnesota State Police
A man was cited by police in Minnesota for riding his motorcycle while his vision was partially obscured by a giant panda mask. Photo courtesy of Minnesota State Police

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Oct. 3 (UPI) -- Police in Minnesota said they ticketed a panda-suited man on a motorcycle who was wearing an oversized animal head instead of a helmet.

The Minnesota State Police posted a photo to Facebook showing the biker in full panda garb while riding a sport motorcycle on a highway.

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"So. Many. Questions," the Facebook post said.

The state police said a driver called 911 earlier in the summer to report someone in a panda suit riding a motorcycle on Highway 101. The caller said the biker's vision appeared to be obstructed and the person was performing dangerous stunts such as riding no-handed and weaving through traffic.

The biker exited the highway before troopers arrived, but dispatchers monitoring traffic cameras on Interstate 394 spotted the panda biker Aug. 31.

Troopers were able to catch up to the rider, who said the suit was intended to help his motorcycle videos "go viral."

"The driver was cited for reckless driving and the panda head was confiscated," the Facebook post said.

"Halloween's not for more than a month. And even if Halloween was today, this would not be OK - or legal, in case you were wondering. Riders: Make sure you can see and be seen. A panda head will not protect you in a crash like a DOT-approved helmet would."

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