Let's put our hands together for yet another hostile and power hungry Austin police officer.
(Photo by Allison)Jason Mistric, Badge 4856
We've gotten to the point now where if you do run a red light and a cop does see you and let's say he has nothing better to do, then he has the RIGHT to throw you in jail.
Never mind the ticket, your going to jail.
Does this make any sense to you?
Is Austin the New, New York?
Here's a documentary I saw months back that has a few "sign-sign" tales of what's occurring in our own city.
Still We Ride : Part One
Part Two
Three
Four
Though I think it's safe to say that maybe Mister Mistric is a bit on edge due to the fact that his first occupation as Vin Diesel's stunt double was a bust. It's been very apparent that the Austin Police Department has progressively been interested on what goes on at the last Friday of the month.
I wonder how much time and tax dollars they wasted on having helicopters spy on us as we peacefully (minus a few hot heads) ride. Speaking of which, the Austin Police Department spent $3,161,093 on fuel in 2007 and has already spent $2,874,468 this year. The logical thing would to produce this wasted money into something that would protect cyclist.
Such as Shared lane markings, colored bicycle lanes, advance stop lines, and bicycle may use full lane signs. How about putting some of that money into educational courses for drivers and cyclist?
For those of you unsure what I'm typing about it's about the incident that occurred this March Mass ride. Those who know me, it's clear on how much I love my bicycle & cycling. Also for those of you who do ride and would love to join me, let's ride!
What better time to enjoy the spring then on your beautiful bicycle?
Don't dare let their tactic to scare us from riding work
I've been meaning to post some links up to inform a few of you who ask me constantly how I'm aware of everything that goes on in the Austin Bike community.
Here are a few of my daily web search:
Austin on Two Wheels
ATXBS
Let's Take The One
Thy Neighbors' Bike
And here are a few I tend to Geek out on:
Yehuda Moon & the Kickstand Cyclery
Bike Snob NYC
And here's a little history lesson for those of you not familiar with mass.
History of Critical Mass in Austin, Texas from Simon Evans on Vimeo.
I've made it my new year's resolution to participate in every mass ride this year and so far I've yet to miss one. With this last one I'm glad I got to witness the abuse of a badge with my own eyes. I was infuriated for hours. The thought of the arbitrary abuse of power we had all witnessed with our own eyes... The feeling of helplessness overwhelmed me as i stood a mere feet away. My heart sunk and the only thing that happened was my voice shouting in confusion, "Why is he in handcuffs?!" "What did he do to be put in cuffs?!" The other joined in, in fear and concern. What were we to do?
I shudder to imagine what it feels like to be subjected to power of abuse & absurdity that infect the world.
A slap of a uniform is all it takes to allow such absurdness.
SPEAK UP!
Don't dare fear it, fight for what you know is right.
Know YOUR Rights.
I wonder how much time and tax dollars they wasted on having helicopters spy on us as we peacefully (minus a few hot heads) ride. Speaking of which, the Austin Police Department spent $3,161,093 on fuel in 2007 and has already spent $2,874,468 this year. The logical thing would to produce this wasted money into something that would protect cyclist.
Such as Shared lane markings, colored bicycle lanes, advance stop lines, and bicycle may use full lane signs. How about putting some of that money into educational courses for drivers and cyclist?
For those of you unsure what I'm typing about it's about the incident that occurred this March Mass ride. Those who know me, it's clear on how much I love my bicycle & cycling. Also for those of you who do ride and would love to join me, let's ride!
What better time to enjoy the spring then on your beautiful bicycle?
Don't dare let their tactic to scare us from riding work
I've been meaning to post some links up to inform a few of you who ask me constantly how I'm aware of everything that goes on in the Austin Bike community.
Here are a few of my daily web search:
Austin on Two Wheels
ATXBS
Let's Take The One
Thy Neighbors' Bike
And here are a few I tend to Geek out on:
Yehuda Moon & the Kickstand Cyclery
Bike Snob NYC
And here's a little history lesson for those of you not familiar with mass.
History of Critical Mass in Austin, Texas from Simon Evans on Vimeo.
I've made it my new year's resolution to participate in every mass ride this year and so far I've yet to miss one. With this last one I'm glad I got to witness the abuse of a badge with my own eyes. I was infuriated for hours. The thought of the arbitrary abuse of power we had all witnessed with our own eyes... The feeling of helplessness overwhelmed me as i stood a mere feet away. My heart sunk and the only thing that happened was my voice shouting in confusion, "Why is he in handcuffs?!" "What did he do to be put in cuffs?!" The other joined in, in fear and concern. What were we to do?I shudder to imagine what it feels like to be subjected to power of abuse & absurdity that infect the world.
A slap of a uniform is all it takes to allow such absurdness.
SPEAK UP!
Don't dare fear it, fight for what you know is right.
Know YOUR Rights.
What I find funny about the whole mess is under the same law he was arrested under, intentionally blocking the entrance/exit of an elevator is an arrestable offense. Unfortunately, intentionally or recklessly impeding the flow of traffic is also an arrestable offense, though it be under the officer's discretion. Was the officer's discretion correct? I don't think so, as many of our comrades think.
ReplyDeleteThis is definitely a sign to come, and while I missed the last two masses, I'm definitely going to be at the next one, just to see what happens. I hope this event didn't discourage any of the new comers on the mass, and if anything boosts our numbers.
Oh, I don't know why it sign's me as subpar, but this is Davin ;)
ReplyDeleteHey there,
ReplyDeleteI write the blog Thesaurus Trawlers. Don't ask how I got here :-)
In any case, it seems we're into many of the same things, including apparently blog contents, so you should get in touch somehow - let's go out for a beer!
vin diesel stunt double! hahaha
ReplyDeleteI'm completely aware that the cause was an arrestable offense & as you stated Davin the officer's discretion was a joke. No wonder the whole mass was off balance, there were no pirates to keep guard of our ship !
ReplyDelete