Interesting comments. Thanks. I just think part of being on a bike is the convenience of it all, which you start to lose when you have to faff about with taking lids off for a transaction that has usually only taken moments to complete.
As it happened, I was wearing glasses which are fiddly to take on an off with a helmet but it was the surprise at being asked for the first time ever. Petrol stations were one of the last bastions of places where cashiers seemed pleased to have me as a customer with my lid on.
If it's going to become common practice, obviously, I shall comply, but I'll also take my time and keep people waiting. Why should they get the benefit of me hurrying when it's actually an inconvenience for me. I'm usually carrying gloves, my purse, my tank bag, maybe a pint of milk or a mars bar I've picked up to buy, all of which would have to be deposited whilst I take my helmet off. Not the floor, so maybe the counter? Or I take it off before I put the petrol in and carry it with me, my tank bag, my purse, in which case I wouldn't have free hands to buy anything ... OK, I'm definitely pre-menstrual. Sorry Henners
[Edited on 4-10-2005 by Redruth]