Why ’Noddy’ bikes?

As motorcyclists we all know that when we see another motorcyclist we usually give some for of greeting.  Maybe a wave or as we overtake a leg out, but often in the UK we nod at one another. I am sure a lot of us know the story behind this, but for those that don’t, here is a brief insight into a possible reason we do it.

In the 1950’s, at the police force driving school in Hendon, innumerable police officers learned how to ride motorcycles. The two-week “noddy” course taught them various aspects of motorcycle riding, this included acknowledging senior officers whilst riding. Instead of saluting the riders would keep both hands on the handlebars and nod in recognition of the other officer’s seniority. This gave rise to the course being called the ‘noddy’ course and a potential reason for the biker nod.

MARTIN YOUNG (MHMb)