Hundreds of moped riders plan Helsinki protest over police tensions

Several hundred moped riders are expected to gather in central Helsinki on Saturday for a demonstration, Yle reports. The event is being organised by Mopoilevat nuoret, an association representing young moped riders.

The protest follows an incident in Tuusula in which police reportedly forced a young rider who had failed to stop into a ditch.

The organisers are calling for cooperation between young riders and police instead of confrontation. They propose agreeing on common rules with police and organising legal moped gatherings in the Helsinki metropolitan area.

Such gatherings could be planned with the authorities, as is done in Turku and Oulu, according to the association’s executive director Tomi Muttilainen. He said the cooperation model had reduced confrontation elsewhere and could help prevent dangerous situations and disturbances.

The procession will assemble at 3pm at the Tattarisuo traffic training area and reach Kansalaistori square in central Helsinki at 4pm, where the main demonstration will take place. Organisers also welcome adult motorcyclists and other adults who support their cause.

Senior Commissioner Jere Roimu of the Helsinki Police Department said the demonstration had been properly reported to police. It will lead to traffic arrangements, details of which will be announced later. Organisers and police are due to meet on Thursday to agree on the arrangements.

The organisers estimate that about 300 moped riders will attend. Mopoilevat nuoret was founded in 2009.