Nailing Those Red-Light Runners - On Bicycles .....

From the 'Opinion' section, 'Letters To The Editor'
The Fresno Bee, Tuesday, May 1, 2007:

This week's sign of the apocalypse -- I was riding my Giant Road bicycle down Willow out by Clovis North and Clovis Hills Community Church. The light right in front of the church was red and there were no cars coming, so I went through the red light on my bicycle.

A California Highway Patrol officer on a motorcycle was sitting at the light and immediately turned on his lights and sirens and pulled me over. I couldn't believe it, he asked for some ID (license) which I didn't have and then lectured me on how I am just like a car and I could be injured and should carry ID etc. ... blah, blah, blah.

He wrote me up and I wish you could see what he put on the ticket.

Violation: ran red light

Vehicle make and model: Giant Bicycle, Black, 2004

Approximate speed: 10 mph

I have to appear in court and take traffic school (do they even have a bike section?) to get it cleared off my record.

I want to be angry, but this was just too funny, so I had to share it with everyone.

This was my first ticket ever.

Joseph Gentry, Fresno

___________________________

I just had to write in response .....

I am completely amazed at the tone Mr. Gentry took in his note about getting a ticket for disobeying a traffic light and his surprise at getting the ticket for doing so.

What does he 'want to be angry' about? He broke the law and got what he deserved. His prize is a contribution to Fresno city's financial bankroll, a trip to a traffic school of his choice (which he will also have to pay for) and hours of lost time on his part he will never get back. And he thinks this 'was just too funny so I had to share it with everyone.' Yup. It's a laugh riot.

We try to get people - kids especially - to follow the rules of the road and adults flagrantly toss them aside. Ever hear of the term 'Lead By Example'?

Mr. Gentry of Fresno: Let's hope your 'first ticket ever' is your last.

Oh .... and grow up.

___________________________

Ruprecht ( STOP )