Another Example of More B.S. for Cyclists

[jajones]

http://www.nuvo.net/news/article/monon-tickets-forgiven

[G.Cook]

and are you aware that the Lakeland Rail Trail going through Hamburg Township is "closed" after 8pm ? So look out for Hamburg cops that want to expand from the speed trap that is M-36 . Hamburg Township needs new revenue streams these days .

[johnnyg]

This is laughable, at best. Pathetic may be more accurate. It is sooooooooo difficult to tell the difference between commuting cyclists and perps on the trail. Gimme a break!! How about a simple directive: ride at non-posted hours and you do so at your own risk.

This whole controversy stinks of government overreach based on the principle that every system must be designed for the ignorant, the jerks and the criminals. How about a little personal responsibility and liberty??

[volklgirl]

How about a little personal responsibility and liberty??

You've answered your own question here if you think about our current litigious climate.

Not that I don't totally agree, of course. You ride, you risk, you accept responsibility. Period. Amen.

[xax]

Clearly, the blanket no-bikes-after-dark policy needs to be rethought when the trails in question are also used by commuting cyclists. That is the issue here. It sounds like the proper discussion is happening to come to an acceptable resolution.

[choppe]

If the park is closed after dark, you should take that into account when you plan your route.

[Scotty]

If the park is closed after dark, you should take that into account when you plan your route.

How about we should all wear jerseys that have the words "I apologize for riding my bike" printed on them?

[Geff]

This is just really different. What a concept...

[Di_bear]

If the park is closed after dark, you should take that into account when you plan your route.

OR this is a call to action and you should get involved if it affects you, and be supportive if it doesn't.

[Geff]

How about some better patrolling of the area and pathway. I know, I know...no money in the budget for this sort of thing.

[Scotty]

How about some better patrolling of the area and pathway.

Patrolling for what? Scafflaws? Hoods? Thugs? Punks? Hippies? Long hairs?

I hope you don't mean that the local police should waste more time "patrolling" a rail trail to insure that nobody rides their bike on it from dusk till dawn?

[Geff]

How about some better patrolling of the area and pathway.

Patrolling for what? Scafflaws? Hoods? Thugs? Punks? Hippies? Long hairs?

I hope you don't mean that the local police should waste more time "patrolling" a rail trail to insure that nobody rides their bike on it from dusk till dawn?

Not at all! Just making sure there is presence on the rail trail, sans tickets after dark, so commuters and users feel a bit safer. Just having some "presence" always makes a difference. Misuse of the term "patrolling" led to misunderstanding.

[scat silvurz]

I was just reading the Plymouth City ordinance regarding bikes, and much like the State Ordinance, the City requires bikes to have a front headlight, actually turned on and operational 1/2 hr before sunset, and a rear reflector.......and also be registered with the City.....

Any Plymouth cop could impound my bike when I ride downtown, since I have none of these things......which makes one think, "why don't I have these items on my bike?"

[cyclodan]

Any Plymouth cop could impound my bike when I ride downtown, since I have none of these things......which makes one think, "why don't I have these items on my bike?"

'Cos yer a scofflaw, hood, thug, punk, hippy long- hair ???

[HiptonRadcliffIII]

How about some better patrolling of the area and pathway.

Patrolling for what? Scafflaws? Hoods? Thugs? Punks? Hippies? Long hairs?

I hope you don't mean that the local police should waste more time "patrolling" a rail trail to insure that nobody rides their bike on it from dusk till dawn?

Not at all! Just making sure there is presence on the rail trail, sans tickets after dark, so commuters and users feel a bit safer. Just having some "presence" always makes a difference. Misuse of the term "patrolling" led to misunderstanding.

I don't know if you were making this point or not, but patrolling is mostly about making the community FEEL safer. You are not safer because an officer is patrolling an area, but the public's perception of the area becomes safer.
one of the many policing statistics that really make you scratch your head and wonder how to make anywhere "safe"