Frustration with cops... [in the UK]

[JemmaUK]

So, I am minding my own business riding home from some medical tests I had to have - including an ECG - and find out this police car has been following me.

I get lectured about it being illegal and take that quietly - I get told bikes cant do 30mph under pedal power - and take that quietly too. Since I have been told by a police officer from the same force that its legal.. and I know for a fact a bike can make 30mph because I have done it myself.

I then get told the bike is illegal... when TWICE I have been told by essex police officers that its perfectly ok to use on the road and does *not* need insurance or a licence since it is a pushbike, albeit one with an engine..

I didnt get any ticket or anything although this cop says he's gonna report me and I might get a summons.. I just wish the little a**holes would get their facts straight... either its legal or illegal. More to the point I dont know whether he was just baiting me or he was being serious..

It probably didnt help I guess that a spoke chewed itself which is why I stopped to see what had broken..

My mental state at the moment is bad enough as it is, without getting this dumped on me as well.. not to mention the sidekick was abusive.

[graucho]

I feel for you my MB sister. Is there anyway you can get something signed by a city official/cop/ saying its Ok, and carry it with you when riding. Or a pocket recorder in your pocket when talking to the cops that said it's OK to ride.

[Mountainman]

we are sorry to hear about the stop by the pooolice

the best part was -- at least this time -- no ticket

I hope that the dreaded stop does not happen here

but just in case -- got my paper work and ready to go to court -- if needed...

we wish to keep on -- riding those THINGS

[BSA]

Hey jemma
I can sympathise with ya and I think u should read this page:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Motorised-City...1%7C240%3A1318
I dunno if I'm the only one but when I read about it being legal to use these if your disabled I felt a "painful twinge" in my legs while cycling WINK WINK haha

BSA

[fastboy9]

I know, I wish one day we could just ride without having to worry about the police. I think your much more likely to get away with a rack mounted engine over a frame mounted engine. I just try to avoid the police as much as I can.

I read about the disabled bit as well! Brilliant, just pretend your asthmatic, and a small engine makes it adapted for an invalid.

Not much we can do though
But if you can get proof of a copper saying its legal then really it is like a get out of jail free card, and you should be ok, (photocopy me one! )

Fastboy

[BSA]

I know, I wish one day we could just ride without having to worry about the police. I think your much more likely to get away with a rack mounted engine over a frame mounted engine. I just try to avoid the police as much as I can.

I read about the disabled bit as well! Brilliant, just pretend your asthmatic, and a small engine makes it adapted for an invalid.

Not much we can do though
But if you can get proof of a copper saying its legal then really it is like a get out of jail free card, and you should be ok, (photocopy me one! )

Fastboy

Don't forget about your arthuritus, I've got that aswell funnily enough

BSA

[JemmaUK]

I have spinal injuries and knee problems...

The trouble is I have a little extra problem that makes me a perfect target for discrimination and more hassle.

I dont know whether I am going to get a summons but I cant see i have done anything wrong since I have been riding around the town for over two years without any hassle.. having been told that by a traffic cop that the machine is legal..

I am considering calling the local police station and making an official complaint. Good or bad idea?

Jemma xx

[BSA]

I have spinal injuries and knee problems...

The trouble is I have a little extra problem that makes me a perfect target for discrimination and more hassle.

I dont know whether I am going to get a summons but I cant see i have done anything wrong since I have been riding around the town for over two years without any hassle.. having been told that by a traffic cop that the machine is legal..

I am considering calling the local police station and making an official complaint. Good or bad idea?

Jemma xx

it's perfectly legal for you to use your bike. Print out section 5 paragraph 18 on this: http://www.opsi.gov.uk/ACTS/acts1994..._19940022_en_8
and show it to any police officers.

Wishing you the best of luck

BSA

[NunyaBidness]

I'm sure it's just like it is here in Memphis TN, there's not a police officer I've met and talked to on my motor bike that DOES know the laws concerning a motorized bicycle.
A cop was in the pawn shop that my motor bike buddy CrazyGringo's family owns and he was looking at our motor bikes, he said "yeah that's nice and you don't even have to have a license since it's less than 50cc's". There's two things in that statement he was wrong about. In Tennessee you DO have to have a valid drivers license to operate a motorized bicycle and the second thing, it IS more than 50cc's, granted not much seeing as it's a HT so called 80cc but still it is more than 50cc's.
ah the stories I could tell about cops and my motor bike.
I always try to remember to keep a smile on my face as I talk to the 'nice' officer. It seems when I have done that, all the cop wants to do really is get a closer look at the cool bike. Guess I've been lucky so far.

[JemmaUK]

Actually kerf, he's not the only one who has issues with the title of the thread. It's okay to vent, but do we want to create enmity with the police? The title of the thread shows a thinly disguised expletive, and do we really want that word hanging out there when kids log on?

The police in this situation have created the emnity themselves. I was prepared for a while to give them the benefit of the doubt. No more, and after what resulted from that situation, which was nothing of my doing, I will be nailing that complaint home in any way shame or form I can make stick.