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'Masked Maniac' patrols US streets on his bike, educating irresponsible drivers

He says the mask intimidates people who think they’re above the law

Sabir Abdussabur calls himself the “Masked Maniac” and patrols the streets of New Haven, Connecticut on his bike, educating irresponsible drivers.

“When I got hit by a car back in 2014, I decided to take the law into my own hands and just patrol the streets for myself to help the streets become safer,” he told the New York Post.

He says the mask and outfit, “intimidates everybody who thinks they’re above the law.”

He also carries a boombox, fearing that he could otherwise be done for criminal intent as a result of wearing the mask.

So what, exactly, does he do when he’s out and about?

“I pull over cars for speeding, for double parking, all things that would endanger either pedestrians or a cyclist.”

It doesn’t always go well.

“I can’t give out tickets. I’ve been assaulted. People have tried to tase me.”

In short, he lets people know when they’re being inconsiderate and when he has problems with a particular motorist, he simply tells the police.

“I’ll sit down and talk to the police department when I run into them: ‘I’m having a problem with this car being parked in front of this fire hydrant on this corner and jamming up the traffic’.”

Abdussabur’s father is a former police officer and has tried to persuade his son to pursue the same career – but to no avail.

As well as riding around as the Masked Maniac, Abdussabur also works as a custodial operations manager and runs his own marketing company and he says he can earn more money outside law enforcement.

 “I don’t really see myself as a vigilante,” he says. “I just see myself as a citizen.”

He even has apprentices. Two other young men now work with him and his dream is to have a chapter of Masked Maniacs in every city.

Alex has written for more cricket publications than the rest of the road.cc team combined. Despite the apparent evidence of this picture, he doesn't especially like cake.

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14 comments

Avatar
Christopher TR1 | 5 years ago
2 likes

Well done that man!

A masked manic on a bike going around executing deserving motorists might be controversial (ok, probably would be controversial). But apparently he still believes he can educate these people - very naive, but I applaud his optimism.

Avatar
Beecho | 5 years ago
4 likes

I’ve got a bit of a squeaky bottom bracket this morning...

And please can we back off this unprovoked infighting. We all loves bikes remember.

Avatar
Yorkshire wallet replied to Beecho | 5 years ago
1 like

Beecho wrote:

I’ve got a bit of a squeaky bottom bracket this morning...

And please can we back off this unprovoked infighting. We all loves bikes remember.

Great deterrent for drafters though. Few can take the continous creaking and either pass or back off. 

Avatar
simonmb | 5 years ago
0 likes

.

Avatar
simonmb replied to simonmb | 5 years ago
5 likes

He'd probably do better as the Masked Mechanic. Following club rides, fixing mystery creaks and regreasing squeaky bottom brackets. 

Avatar
ConcordeCX replied to simonmb | 5 years ago
3 likes

simonmb wrote:

He'd probably do better as the Masked Mechanic. Following club rides, fixing mystery creaks and regreasing squeaky bottom brackets. 

https://youtu.be/Tq_xTeWiv6I

 

Avatar
ktache replied to ConcordeCX | 5 years ago
1 like

ConcordeCX wrote:

simonmb wrote:

He'd probably do better as the Masked Mechanic. Following club rides, fixing mystery creaks and regreasing squeaky bottom brackets. 

https://youtu.be/Tq_xTeWiv6I

 

*******************

**ALTER SADDLE!**

*******************

 

Nice.

Avatar
A440 | 5 years ago
1 like

He's liable to be shot doing this, or beaten up. A little too vigilante, I think.

And if anyone will make a stupid, inconsiderate, or wrongheaded comment, you can bet your life it will be the resident asshole, Behind the Bikesheds.

Avatar
brooksby replied to A440 | 5 years ago
5 likes

A440 wrote:

He's liable to be shot doing this, or beaten up. A little too vigilante, I think.

And if anyone will make a stupid, inconsiderate, or wrongheaded comment, you can bet your life it will be the resident asshole, Behind the Bikesheds.

I don't know about that, but their comment on this story seems eminently fair and reasonable actually. 

Avatar
brooksby | 5 years ago
0 likes

Is that the Michael MYers / William SHatner mask?

Avatar
Leviathan replied to brooksby | 5 years ago
0 likes

brooksby wrote:

Is that the Michael MYers / William SHatner mask?

It's a Koei paintball mask.

Avatar
brooksby replied to Leviathan | 5 years ago
0 likes

Leviathan wrote:

brooksby wrote:

Is that the Michael MYers / William SHatner mask?

It's a Koei paintball mask.

Oh, that’s disappointing (and way less scary!)

Avatar
BehindTheBikesheds | 5 years ago
6 likes

Good man, and to be arrested for wearing a mask is not surprising from a country that's so fucked up.

Avatar
velo-nh replied to BehindTheBikesheds | 5 years ago
3 likes

BehindTheBikesheds wrote:

Good man, and to be arrested for wearing a mask is not surprising from a country that's so fucked up.

And what utopia do you live in?  Must be one without other people.

 

This guy's intent may be good, but the mask makes him sound like a vigilante.  Hot-heads all around.

 

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