Description
I was traveling on Elm in the right-most lane. A police cruiser was traveling behind me. I was keeping pace with traffic, and we were pulling up to a red light at State Street. When the officer started honking I pulled over. He proceeded to berate me about blocking him from an emergency call. He didn't have his light on, and he waited at the light until it turned green. He told me he could wait for me, since I was moving at "five miles and hour."
I was respectful, but firm. I explained that I would have moved if he had his lights on, just like any other vehicular operator.
I deal with a great deal of driver harassment as I bike through New Haven. It's appalling to receive that kind of treatment from a NHPD officer.
7 Comments
ChiefTeardrop (Guest)
NoOnePitysYou (Guest)
E (Guest)
Pothole Police (Guest)
Pothole Police (Guest)
Dan (Guest)
The cop was in the wrong, and many other cyclists I've shared this story with have had strikingly similar experiences.
Comments like "get a car" don't faze me. I own a car. It's my decision and right to take a bike around town. I could care less that motorists are inconvienienced by the 20 mph speed I keep. I yield the lane when it's safe. In this instance I needed the lane.
I don't know David Streever personally, and I don't understand why you're invoking his name E. Maybe you think you're invalidating my complaint. You're an anonymous poster, at least in the two bike related threads I've seen you in. Yet here you are implying that posting anonymously is suspicious. It amazes you that Streever isn't the only one who sees problems with harassing cyclists.
Closed City of New Haven (Registered User)