[*BCM*] MPLS biker tased, detained, framed, taken to trial--all based on clea

[T B]

While I think that the usual cyclist ed courses (repair, safe riding, etc.) 
are important, I'm realizing a glaring omission: how to have positive 
interactions with people.

This comes to mind because, reading through the account, I notice that 
Stephan describes his response as "calm but firm".  I feel that response is 
appropriate in some circumstances and not others.  I've noticed that olice 
officers tend to be used to being in control of the situation and, when 
encountering firmness, react negatively.  Knowing how to effectively stand 
up for our rights is an important skill that takes teaching and practice, 
and it would be great if that could be taught alongside repair and safe 
riding courses.


>From: "Robin Kimball" <ifmanis5 at hotmail.com>
>Reply-To: Boston Critical Mass <list at bostoncriticalmass.org>
>To: list at bostoncriticalmass.org
>Subject: [*BCM*] MPLS biker tased, detained, framed,taken to trial--all 
>based on clear lies
>Date: Tue, 19 Jun 2007 13:00:01 -0500
>
>Pulled this from boingboing to share with the list, if you've not seen it
>already:
>
>http://greencycles.blogspot.com/
>
>*snip*
>"I was leaving MSP airport by bicycle after a flight from California. I was
>legally operating my bicycle completely in accord with MN statutes and MAC
>airport ordinances. I was following all posted signs. There were NO signs 
>at
>that time prohibiting bicycles. I was rudely accosted by an officer in a
>passing squad car, came to a stop, and was immediately threatened with mace
>and taser if I didn't get off the bike and up on the curb. I did not
>understand the reason for this outrage.  I calmly yet firmly protested the
>threats, and said that I was happy to abide by all laws that applied, but
>asked what I had done wrong and why the process was so immediately
>belligerent. Officer Wingate said 'You can't ride here'.  I asked where 
>that
>was posted. Officer Wingate made a vague gesture in the direction of the
>Lindbergh terminal and angrily said 'back there'. I asked for specifics of
>where it was and what the sign said, and tried to explain that I had been 
>to
>the airport many times and had never seen such a sign. Officer Wingate
>became more angry at this questioning of his authority, and burst out 'I'm
>*telling* you you can't ride here'. I never raised my voice, used profanity
>or made threatening gestures yet I was threatened again: 'I'm going to mace
>you, I'm going to tase you!'."
>*snip*
>
>It goes on from there.  Stephan is not steamed, but I am.  His jury
>selection begins July 16th.
>
>
>
>-Nora Rocket..
>
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