The problem is that too much of this kind of thing goes on. The average person can not afford the time to think through so many decisions for public servants, who are paid.
A $335. fine, where a warning would suffice, is enough to motivate a minimum wage worker to flee. Law enforcement is responsible for knowing this.
Another word for ranting and jaw flapping is venting, and that's usually fine. At the risk of being overly defensive, respect must be earned and maintained, even by government.
Good luck at the meeting! May your efforts be fruitful.
Susan Otcenas wrote:
st1\:* { BEHAVIOR: url(#default#ieooui) } @font-face { font-family: Garamond; } @page Section1 {size: 8.5in 11.0in; margin: 1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; } P.MsoNormal { FONT-SIZE: 12pt; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman" } LI.MsoNormal { FONT-SIZE: 12pt; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman" } DIV.MsoNormal { FONT-SIZE: 12pt; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman" } A:link { COLOR: blue; TEXT-DECORATION: underline } SPAN.MsoHyperlink { COLOR: blue; TEXT-DECORATION: underline } A:visited { COLOR: purple; TEXT-DECORATION: underline } SPAN.MsoHyperlinkFollowed { COLOR: purple; TEXT-DECORATION: underline } SPAN.EmailStyle17 { COLOR: windowtext; FONT-FAMILY: Arial; mso-style-type: personal-compose } DIV.Section1 { page: Section1 } Personally, I have no issues with cyclists being ticketed for running stop signs. As long as the LAW (let's not forget it is still a law) is
enforced without bias (this is key, of course), it's fine with me. We all choose to make the stop or not. If you don't like the law, work to change it. If you don't work to change it, you can flap your jaw all you want about how unfair it is, but that will do no good at all.
My issues with what's going on in North Plains are two-fold.
1) The assertion by the ticketing officer that ticketing cyclists at an intersection is the City's response to the terrible deaths that have occurred in the County in recent months. Preposterous & offensive. Ignorant too, if they actually believe it.
and
2) That the Chief of Police would respond to citizen concerns with such contempt and disrespect.
Sooooo, there's a North Plains City Council Meeting this coming Monday. http://www.northplains.org/committees/city_council/agendas/index.html I plan to be there to make the two points I've outlined above. I would encourage others with concerns to show up to voice your opinion. Going to meetings of this type is part of the way we fulfill our duty as a citizen. To have the greatest positive impact, you should come with a respect for the institution. Ranting in a public forum is not conducive to a good outcome. Thoughtful and respectful contributions will portray you and your fellow cyclists in a more positive light.
As Evan did, I too will invite the City Council members to join me on a bike ride around their beautiful and scenic part of our County. I doubt they'll take me up on it, but I'll make the offer anyway. Imagine if we could sway a few opinions and have the police dept and city council have a little more perspective on the reality of our roads...
Who would like to join me at the meeting? North Plains residents in particular should make their voices heard.
It may all be wishful thinking, but I prefer to think positively!
Susan
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Susan Otcenas
TEAM ESTROGEN, INC.
http://www.TeamEstrogen.com
1-877-310-4592
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Cycling Apparel and Accessories for Women
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