Phoenix Police wanted to ticket me!

[kawasaki999]

I live in Florida, so I see a county sheriff directing traffic to a car show,so I shut of the motor and pedal up to him and ask is this leagal? He replys as long as its under 5 hp and 50cc or under it is leagal. He remarked as long as your not riding reckless we leave the bikes alone, we do go after the kids with the go-peds. I think he is wrong about the 5 hp,more like under 2hp sounds right to me but I wont say anything, I have a Tanaka 47r thats 2.8 hp and a gp 460 thats 4.2, I usually keep them under 25 mph. I bet if a ask another officer I will get another answer so I wont push my luck!

 

[graucho]

Somtimes I wonder if it would be best if we just called the police chief in our areas and had them stop over and showed them the bike. Showed them the MB defenition, and asked them once and for all. Can I ride this under 20mph in town? If he/she says yes, he can relay it to the force. If he/she says no, your scr ew ##. If/when I get pulled over, I might go to the top.

 

[Large Filipino]

When I first built by bike,I took the bike trail that led to the police station. I locked it up and went in asking if that thing outside is legal. A cop came out and told be basically the same thing. 50cc no registration bla bla bla it's legal. Then he and some other cops watched me ride away on the bike trail.

 

[capturedbyrobots]

This whole issue just reminds me to keep the
DMV printout of the laws in my wallet for my goped riding, and Motored bicycles.

Though, I've never been pulled over before here in SF.

 

[Zev0]

Ok, gals and guys, below is the response I received via email from the Phoenix Police Dept.

Stewart,

Unfortunately, the legislature has presented law enforcement with 2 laws
that contradict each other. Yes the NEW law says you're OK. Problems
exist when officers are not made aware of changes in law and especially
when laws contradict each other. As for the 15 MPH in the curb lane,
that's Ok as long as you are not impeding traffic and then it's a
problem. It is a gray area as to whether or not an assisted bike is
considered a bike or just another motor vehicle. Either way, all
traffic laws must be followed.

Officer Terry Sills
Traffic Complaint Coordinator
602-534-SPEED (7733)

So, it looks like I was in the right and the officer was not aware of the new laws.

I will also print the email and carry it with me along with the new law. I'm prepared for the next time.

 

[azbill]

excellent
do you still want a copy of mine ?

 

[Large Filipino]

Ok, gals and guys, below is the response I received via email from the Phoenix Police Dept.

Stewart,

....As for the 15 MPH in the curb lane,
that's Ok as long as you are not impeding traffic and then it's a
problem. It is a gray area as to whether or not an assisted bike is
considered a bike or just another motor vehicle. Either way, all
traffic laws must be followed.

So if a soccer mom is riding the curb cause she's on the phone then would that mean that you are impeding traffic? Gray area? Traffic laws followed? How about the motorist that runs you over making a right turn when the light turns green and the walk signal is on?
A cop could still look at that letter and give his own opinion. That letter doesn't make the cop at fault in any way. The only good is the words "You're Okay."
But at least maybe now they'll leave you alone.
This may be debatable,but maybe ride over to the police station to guage the cop's opinion there and show them the e-mail and maybe they'll give you something more tangible. Something that would really tell the officer stopping you that you're okay. And then even get a T-shirt that says "I'm Okay." HEY! We should get that on the MBc T-shirts!

 

[Zev0]

excellent
do you still want a copy of mine ?

You bet I do. I want my ammo box full.

 

[graucho]

Good news Zevo! Just make sure you hand it to the officer slowly next time. I know you'll probably want to throw it in his face. Hee,Hee

 

[Torques]

For now, it's really simple. You need to print a copy of the email you received from Terry Sills along with the copy of the statute of 28-2516 and CARRY them at all times when you are riding your motorized bicycle. If you get stopped again, just show them both pieces of paper and you should be ok for now, Zevo, check your pm to call me.....to be continued....