| Author | Message | ||
     Microchop |
So it started off as a normal ride to work, on my XB12Scg. Just before I turn onto the freeway, there is a “no right turn on red” corner that I have to wait for 99% of the time. Today was no different. I waited and as soon as the light was green I was off. I think I checked the intersection before proceeding, but I couldn’t tell you for sure at this point, I am keenly aware of the dangers of the “last car on the amber” coming through the intersection. Anyway, as soon as I make the turn I see one of the local PD (car, not motor,) parked in a driveway, and motioning me to come join him. I pulled into the driveway, a little in the street (just like his car, and protected by it) but he wanted me on the sidewalk, so I pushed it up there. Already, I could tell this traffic stop was going to be different, he was very relaxed, his guard clearly down. He didn’t care where my hands were, or what they were doing. He started “coaching” me before I had my helmet off. He asked if I knew why he pulled me over; I responded that it was because I came away from that light too fast. He said “The light was green, I’ll give you that! But you were out in that intersection WAY too quickly” and went on to talk about “riders that have gone down and the ones that will go down,” and about the dangers I eluded to earlier. This is with me standing on one side of the bike, him on the other, not the usual anatomy of a traffic stop. He said he wasn’t going to give me a ticket, and almost walked away when he said “let me see your license just so I know you can ride a motorcycle legally.” He verified my “M1” and told me to be safe and went back to looking for habitual red-light runners. So I put my helmet back on, started it up and went to work, I would guess the traffic stop cost me 2 minutes max. So I would like to thank all the officers out there who act in the spirit of the law, and put the safety of the citizen over the need to raise revenue. He probably could have ticketed me for something, but didn’t. Respectfully, I say thank you, and I’ll triple check the intersections before I head into them from here on out. | ||
| Mikej |
He gave you a head check. Some might complain about the stop, but it might save you down the road. | ||
| Rainman |
He's right. We had a doozy wreck the other day when a guy ran a long red and someone else jumped the delayed green. People don't pay attention anymore and don't care. The number of cell-phone drivers and wrecks has increased around here and, as an everyday rider, I've found myself getting more concerned about my gear just in case. I've slowly evolved into an ATGATTer just because it feels better. | ||
| Nevrenuf |
i got a bad habbit of jumping out on the green in my truck. i guess i need to learn how to take it easy. | ||
| Mm128 |
Here is the RULE that I give.. When the light hits green do a 3 count THEN proceed. Takes VERY little time but will MOST likely keep you VERY safe. -Matt (LEO SOUTH GA.) | ||
| Iamike |
When I worked in downtown Des Moines I was always amazed at the people who would jump green lights. It's like they didn't ever think that their counterparts were trying to beat the red. Of course every once in a while they would meet up. | ||
| Slaughter |
All our Moms were right - LOOK BOTH WAYS! It has saved my butt on a number of occasions on bikes and in cars. (Message edited by slaughter on October 23, 2007) | ||
| Cereal |
If you give a three count after it turns green, most city drivers will have been honking at you for 2.5 seconds. (Not that you should care) | ||
| Reepicheep |
See that car with the turn signal on? Do you know what that means? Yes. It means that car has it's turn signal on  | ||
| Ted |
ok, here's a related old tale. couple of guys motoring thru town and the driver goes thru a red light. passenger says " what the hell you ran the Red!! driver: its ok my brother does it all time! They come to another red light and proceed right thru Passenger is going nuts "you did it again ,you didnt stop!" Driver: its ok my brother does it all the time! Finally they get a Green and the guy does a panic stop Passenger; WTF! its a Green ..go! Driver: no way my brother might be coming...  | ||
| Brinnutz |
I got pulled over a few weeks ago for riding a wheelie on the Cyclone past a "hidden" cop. He pulled me over after a few minutes, right in front of the place where I tried to ride my bike with locked forks...IRONIC? I think not. He stepped out of the car, and said, "Dude, that was an awesome wheelie!" Then we chit chatted, he said be safe, and let me go, didn't even bother to check my license. Probably was the Veterans License Plate..=) Anywho...It was a good wheelie...probably 10 o'clock or so...=) | ||
| Bad_karma |
Jason Sound like an effective stop to me. The LEO made the roads safer exactly his goal. Job well done. Joe | ||
| Teeps |
Microchop, which on ramp or intersection was this? | ||
| Microchop |
The intersection was Crenshaw at 182nd street, en route to the 405 N/B on-ramp at 182nd street, it happened at about 07:20. | ||
| Teeps |
Ah yes, I know that corner. Fortunately I don't use that ramp very often; but I'll be sure to keep watch if/when I do. | ||
| Irideabuell |
I never pull out immediately on a green light if I'm first in line. I look both ways first and then proceed. If I'm second I let the vehicle in front of me set a nice, long pick before I move through the intersection. | ||
| Ryker77 |
Why not write a letter to the PD on how polite the officer was.. Too often we only bash on the bad cops and don't give credit for the good ones. |
