Ticketed bicycle riders, the Loudoun County "MS-8," re-visited
Were the “MS-8” blasting through intersections and ignoring stop signs, cars and safety ? No. Such conduct would certainly be dangerous. Two of the Multiple Sclerosis (“MS”) charity bikers noted that they had slowed to about 1 mph before proceeding through a stop sign in Lovettsville, only to find a sheriff’s deputy nearby, who flagged them down. Were they given a warning ? Were they given information about rider safety or classes they could participate in ? Were they repeat violators who the authorities had stopped previously ?
“NO” to all of the above. They were stopped and given tickets for a moving violation. These citations carry not only a fine and costs, but points that will go on their driving record with the Division of Motor Vehicles (and may hurt their insurance rates and ability to get coverage as well). Following up on my July 1st post, I made a point to contact those riders whose information I had been given to see what I could do to help.
After speaking with several of the “MS-8” Defendants while in Connecticut for my and my bride’s birthday week vacation, the decision was made to come back early and try to help these bicycle riders and appear in Court on July 7th. In addition, I offered my services as pro bono defense counsel, meaning that I would appear in Court for them on that day free of charge because I felt so strongly about the situation and believed that it could have been handled differently. I do not believe that the cyclists I have spoken with are criminals, nor do I think that the Loudoun County Authorities meant to set up a “sting operation” for charity and recreational cyclists. There are ways to promote safe riding, educate riders and enforce the law. I hope to explore those next week. Stay tuned !
wow… still shocked that tickets were handed out to participants during a charity ride!
(it would be a different story if there was heavy auto traffic approaching or if the bikers had not cautiously slowed at all, but given the situation it seems like they executed proper precautions).
wow… still shocked that tickets were handed out to participants during a charity ride!
(it would be a different story if there was heavy auto traffic approaching or if the bikers had not cautiously slowed at all, but given the situation it seems like they executed proper precautions).
Thank you for offering to assist the riders who were ticketed. I also contacted the Loudoun County Sheriff’s office to discuss how/why the tickets were being issued. Based on my discussions, an increase in “traffic complaints” and “safety” were the common themes mentioned by the Sheriff’s public relations official.
I also learned the Sheriff’s office has brought in a significant amount of additional revenue for citations/tickets for FY 2009. However, according to public relations, the increased revenue was also based on factors other than a goal of making more money for the Sheriff’s office.
Finally, I spoke with Mr. Stevens Miller from the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors who recommended I contact a State Legislature in order to recommend the Idaho Law for our area. Unfortunately, Loudoun County would not be able to implement this law on its own.
Thank you for offering to assist the riders who were ticketed. I also contacted the Loudoun County Sheriff’s office to discuss how/why the tickets were being issued. Based on my discussions, an increase in “traffic complaints” and “safety” were the common themes mentioned by the Sheriff’s public relations official.
I also learned the Sheriff’s office has brought in a significant amount of additional revenue for citations/tickets for FY 2009. However, according to public relations, the increased revenue was also based on factors other than a goal of making more money for the Sheriff’s office.
Finally, I spoke with Mr. Stevens Miller from the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors who recommended I contact a State Legislature in order to recommend the Idaho Law for our area. Unfortunately, Loudoun County would not be able to implement this law on its own.
Dear Jeff,
We had our “day in court” today. We are looking into the adoption of the “Idaho Stop Law” here in Virginia. And, it would be interesting to see the comparison of the numbers in terms of increased Loudoun County revenue and numbers of cyclists ticketed. We will try to keep up on these issues. Let us know of any developments you may become aware of and thank you for your efforts. dkwl
Dear Jeff,
We had our “day in court” today. We are looking into the adoption of the “Idaho Stop Law” here in Virginia. And, it would be interesting to see the comparison of the numbers in terms of increased Loudoun County revenue and numbers of cyclists ticketed. We will try to keep up on these issues. Let us know of any developments you may become aware of and thank you for your efforts. dkwl
I live in the Loudoun County close to the EXXON gas station (in the community oppsite to the gas station) and I bike to work (Verizon). Its about a mile and a half, but there are no side walks and the traffic is heavy during the peak hours. It would be great if we can get walkways through out the pkwy. I Have to bike cos I cannot afford a car 🙂
I live in the Loudoun County close to the EXXON gas station (in the community oppsite to the gas station) and I bike to work (Verizon). Its about a mile and a half, but there are no side walks and the traffic is heavy during the peak hours. It would be great if we can get walkways through out the pkwy. I Have to bike cos I cannot afford a car 🙂