Advocacy & Safety - DC Mayor Fenty's workouts getting bad press

Not sure whether to post this in Road, Tri, A&S, or P&R.. ;)

I was perusing a local news organization's site (WTOP.com) earlier today, and one of the articles was about our triathlete mayor using police escorts on training rides, sometimes on roads closed to cyclists, and sometimes using government vehicles for transporting his bike to races. The police escorts also stopped traffic at intersections as if it was a motorcade and not a simple training ride like everyone else.

http://wtop.com/?nid=428&sid=1807568


WASHINGTON - D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty's passion for athletics is well known in the area.

But many people are unaware of how the mayor's rigid training schedule is impacting public safety and traffic in the area.

The mayor trains with his competitive cycling team, D.C. Velo, on the streets of D.C. and in the Maryland suburbs several days a week, usually in the middle of the day.

Over the past several months, WTOP videotaped the mayor and his team on multiple dates as the team - escorted by D.C. Police motorcycle officers - rode on parkways where bikes aren't permitted, ran red lights and stop signs and created traffic backups wherever they went.

Documents obtained by the police union through a Freedom of Information Act request show officers from the Special Events Branch are routinely detailed for the "mayor's bike ride," racking up hundreds of man hours - many of which officers spend waiting for the mayor.

On multiple occasions, WTOP witnessed uniformed officers waiting for one to two hours for the mayor's cycling team to arrive for their training rides.

The article is two pages long and includes video.

OP,

Are you saying you don't have an escort? I thought everyone did.

Oh, wait, your probably not one of the elite. Too bad...:D

What a blatant waste of taxpayer money. We're in the hand basket and on our way...:notamused:

Yeah, I'm just jealous. :mad: ;)

well remember dc's track record with mayors. Bending a few rules and putting cyclists in the limelight is very preferable to getting busted on drug and prostitution charges.

I have no problem with the mayor riding a bike, and I don't even mind him crossing a few red lights (collective A&S gasp), but using the police is a huge waste. Isn't there crime to fight in DC?

Seen the news video? It's priceless. They point out that they're riding on streets where bikes aren't allowed, have motorcycle escorts, blow red lights, ride in groups not single file and generally snarl traffic behind them. Fenty's remark was a mumbled "...try to do better." With that lack of eloquence and contrition, expect local news to hold onto this one for a while.

Eh, so what!

I saw two instances (Rock Creek park was one) where the mayor and his group take the lane (which is quite narrow)... so what. It's about darn time motorists learned they don't own the road. So traffic bunched up... BFD, it does that twice a day everywhere I know of... and not due to cyclists.

What is the deal with the 50MPH "parkway" where cyclists aren't permitted? Heck, half the roads I ride are 50MPH or higher speeds... I couldn't go anywhere if I couldn't ride 50MPH roads.

And that last bit where the motorist got impatient, honked and then crossed a double yellow... hey, give that jerk a ticket. That's what a police escort is for... sigh.

When they were riding in a bunched pack, I saw that even riding single file would not have helped, and would have encouraged unsafe passing.

As far as the red lights... OK, bad move.

But the road use in general... motorists (and reporters) better just "get over it."

In fact compare the video of the mayor and his group with this LCI created training video.

http://www.youtube.com/user/CyclistLorax

Note how this LCI controls the lane and traffic bunches up, and has to move over to pass. Gee just like "hizhonor."

Perhaps the Mayor should show this video to the reporter and public.

The Mayor does need to learn to stop for red lights though.

Disgusting use of taxpayer funds for personal entertainment. But then that seems to be status quo for politicians.

Sure, he could be doing even worse with this stolen money but why would anyone condone any kind of misuse??

Disgusting use of taxpayer funds for personal entertainment. But then that seems to be status quo for politicians.

Sure, he could be doing even worse with this stolen money but why would anyone condone any kind of misuse??

So what were W's workouts with Secret Service escort? Were they also a waste of taxpayer funds?

So what were W's workouts with Secret Service escort? Were they also a waste of taxpayer funds?

Obviously. A law doesn't make it RIGHT. Why couldn't he exercise indoors? Or in an already controlled environment?

Politicans do not always consider (or more accurately, care about) what they cost the taxpayers. If you take a public office, you SHOULD understand the limitations and RESPONSIBILITY of what you are doing.

Again, DISGUSTING WASTE of taxpayer funds.

I suspect the mayor of DC is under some 'freedom act' requirement to have a security detail.

are you guys trying to say the mayor shouldn't bicycle in his city?

he should just man up and try to outrun them :D but riding in traffic with a police escort sounds very seductive.

Obviously. A law doesn't make it RIGHT. Why couldn't he exercise indoors? Or in an already controlled environment?

Politicans do not always consider (or more accurately, care about) what they cost the taxpayers. If you take a public office, you SHOULD understand the limitations and RESPONSIBILITY of what you are doing.

Again, DISGUSTING WASTE of taxpayer funds.

Right... do you work out indoors... or do you ride a bike on public streets?

I think the Mayor is telling the public that cyclists belong on the roads. I think it is a good message... with the exception of the red light running.

Anytime a Mayor goes out there are police; at a dinner, civic event, just about everything. This is standard practice as far as I am aware, it seems more like a flimsy anti-cycling junk.

Obviously. A law doesn't make it RIGHT. Why couldn't he exercise indoors? Or in an already controlled environment?

Politicans do not always consider (or more accurately, care about) what they cost the taxpayers. If you take a public office, you SHOULD understand the limitations and RESPONSIBILITY of what you are doing.

Again, DISGUSTING WASTE of taxpayer funds.

DISGUSTING?????????

http://www.g2mil.com/SSGN%20Scandal.htm

Now that would be DISGUSTING.

Legally being able to do something does not mean it is the responsible thing to do.

That is my issue.

Politicians are supposed to 'serve', not go out of their way to demonstrate how 'special' they are.

Mayor Fenty's 'funtime' is just another spotlight on the extremely poor choices of politicians that exercise their political clout. It's a 'do because they can' mentality. How is it in the public's benefit?

Obviously, I'm not against the mayor riding. Maybe an event could have been set up off-site for EVERYONE. Maybe the mayor could have done a low-key ride elsewhere. Maybe the mayor could have just rode WITHOUT the escort. Would there have been risk? Absolutely. Tough cookies. Nobody forced anyone to run for public office. Fame, fortunate, and power have trade-offs.

Anyone that would argue that this debacle is a judicious use of funds is seriously off their rocker.

I guess I'm just crazy believing that a Politician should only have the public's best interest in mind. Their own interest should always be secondary. That would be the key issue with current Politics as a whole. I guess just because poor political decisions are the norm, we just keep on accepting it though right?

Personally, I'd love to have a police escort for my safety.

I couldn't count the number of times motor vehicles have refused to yield my right of way endangering me while they cut me off. I doubt if they would have done that had a cop been at my side.

Love the section of video where the car was honking his horn when riding behind the riders (presumably for slowing the car down below the excessive speed he most probably normally drives at) and then crosses a double yellow line on a curve to pass them.

The mayor rides a bike on the streets. He has protection when vulnerable in public. This looks like a bunch of sour grapes to me.

Legally being able to do something does not mean it is the responsible thing to do.

That is my issue.

Politicians are supposed to 'serve', not go out of their way to demonstrate how 'special' they are.
...
I guess I'm just crazy believing that a Politician should only have the public's best interest in mind. Their own interest should always be secondary. That would be the key issue with current Politics as a whole. I guess just because poor political decisions are the norm, we just keep on accepting it though right?

Right. I'll add that the whole concept of Public Office is that these aren't businessmen who bought up all the property and own the city, or were appointed by a higher-up, or were born into a leadership position like lords and barons.

Instead, the idea of electing someone to manage day-to-day civic activities and make decisions on our behalf rests on the trust that they're "one of us", that they understand who we are, our concerns, and our motivation. It's entirely believable that your coworker, neighbor, or even yourself can end up in that same position.

Mayor Fenty is getting the nickname "King Adrian Fenty" because of his behavior. This bit with the bikes is just one of a growing list of things that are pissing off much of the public.

On a side note, I'd think that if he rode with just one or two people, or even by himself, he'd hardly be at any more risk than any other cyclist, and certainly wouldn't become a named target. He'd blend in with all the other cyclists in the city. I've joked that the President could stealthily transport himself down Pennsylvania Avenue in a Toyota Camry with tinted windows rather than drawing attention with a motorcade.

... I'd think that if he rode with just one or two people, or even by himself, he'd hardly be at any more risk than any other cyclist, and certainly wouldn't become a named target...

What? Cyclists aren't targets in a motorists eyes?

Aren't big city mayors usually accompanied by security personnel while in public or at least while in the vicinity of threatening behavior?

I am wondering if the larger group that he rides with are just other cyclists tagging along... no doubt well connected cyclists. But heck if you had the opportunity to ride with the mayor and know there was a police escort, wouldn't you adjust your training time?

As far as the delays to traffic... I have no sympathy to motorists what so ever... they do it to themselves twice a day every day. BFD... so you have to wait for the mayor. Get over it. Better yet, to any complaining motorists I say "get on a bike and reduce your individual load on traffic."

Good grief. The guy is the mayor of the capitol city of the United States, and you think he can just wander about town without a security detail? That without such detail, he'll just "blend in," and nobody will even notice? I'm no fear-monger, but even during times when we aren't at war, such activities would be foolish on the part of such a symbolic public official.

As far as red light running, that's no different than the procedure normally followed when he's in a motorized cavalcade.

Sweet Jesus on a crutch. I would cry tears of joy for my mayor to become a cyclist, and all you guys can do is ***** about it?

Somebody ought to measure the average IQ at A&S. On second thought, never mind.

What? Cyclists aren't targets in motorists eyes?

Aren't big city mayors usually accompanied by security personnel while in public or at least while in the vicinity of threatening behavior?

If he hadn't had the security detail, and you saw him riding by, would you even be able to tell who he is?

It's not like his kit says, "I'm Mayor Fenty" in big letters or anything. Have another bike cop or two ride with him and he'll be fine.

Maybe Vancouver's worse than DC, but don't believe the static about DC being sooooo unfriendly towards cyclists. We're everywhere, even if we don't have congested bike lanes like Copenhagen or Amsterdam.

So what were W's workouts with Secret Service escort? Were they also a waste of taxpayer funds?

Yes, Secret Service protective details were with W and Clinton when they ran the streets of DC (and when Clinton would stop to get his Mickey D fix while "jogging"), and are are now with Obama. However, using that as an example is comparing apples to oranges. Although the Service is a law enforcement agency, one of it's primary functions (and it's grown more complex), for which it receives federal appropriations, is to protect the President and his/her immediate family. (And, yes, as taxpayers, we're on the hook for ex-presidents for the rest of their lives.)

To equate the mayor of DC to POTUS is a bit absurd. In a time when budget cuts are affecting ordinary citizens, there will be less and less public tolerance for misuse of authority and funds by politicians. Perhaps its time someone told the mayor to quit the team. Maybe the voters will decide to oust him. I don't think they elected him to office to pay for his training. During the day, he should be working for the city. After all, that's why he gets his paycheck.

Good grief. The guy is the mayor of the capitol city of the United States, and you think he can just wander about town without a security detail? That without such detail, he'll just "blend in," and nobody will even notice? I'm no fear-monger, but even during times when we aren't at war, such activities would be foolish on the part of such a symbolic public official.

As far as red light running, that's no different than the procedure normally followed when he's in a motorized cavalcade.

Sweet Jesus on a crutch. I would cry tears of joy for my mayor to become a cyclist, and all you guys can do is ***** about it?

Somebody ought to measure the average IQ at A&S. On second thought, never mind.

Now now, don't lump all of A&S into the same tiny bucket. I too happen to think this is a sweet deal. I'd love for my mayor to get out and see the roads that close up. (heck he might even direct some of them to be repaved)

As far as the red light running... well, frankly that is a poor example. I think the mayor should stop at the reds and show how it's supposed to be done.

Silly to argue against the security detail, imo. They'd be following him no matter what he did. The expense is fixed. He's got to be able to go about his personal business at all times and shouldn't compromise at all.

What, he should live like he's imprisoned? It's stupid to say such things.

Trust me, it's not a sweet deal. Three doors down from my house lived the "acting deputy US attorney general." He had security around him 24/7 (when he was in town, which was not that often) and anywhere he went security went, too. HS football games, basketball games, trick or treating--everything. His kids were friends with mine and we knew them well.

It made it awkward just to say hi to the guy.

These persons are sacrificing a lot of their lifestyle as it is. Let them do as they please.

well remember dc's track record with mayors. Bending a few rules and putting cyclists in the limelight is very preferable to getting busted on drug and prostitution charges.

B!tch set me up!

<<They point out that they're riding on streets where bikes aren't allowed, have motorcycle escorts, blow red lights, ride in groups not single file and generally snarl traffic behind them.>>

Sounds like a critical mazzholefest. At taxpayer expense. He is wasting time and energy he could be using to snort coke.

roughstuff

If he hadn't had the security detail, and you saw him riding by, would you even be able to tell who he is?

It's not like his kit says, "I'm Mayor Fenty" in big letters or anything. Have another bike cop or two ride with him and he'll be fine.

Maybe Vancouver's worse than DC, but don't believe the static about DC being sooooo unfriendly towards cyclists. We're everywhere, even if we don't have congested bike lanes like Copenhagen or Amsterdam.

We're pretty bike friendly in Vancouver however, in collisions between motorists and cyclists, when the motorist was found at fault, the most common reason was the driver refused to yield the cyclists right of way.

I have cars cut me off all the time. With some experience and skill a cyclists can anticipate and avoid collisions with motorists who do not yield our right of way, but it's still not an unlikely scenario that even an experienced cyclist can run into some trouble through no fault of his/her own.

Funny thing is (and I have little empirical evidence of this but I'd be very surprised if it was not true) when cops are visibly close at hand, motorists are more likely to obey the law and respect cyclists rights on the road.

I'd love to have a cop next to me when I'm riding.

... Sweet Jesus on a crutch. I would cry tears of joy for my mayor to become a cyclist, and all you guys can do is ***** about it?

Vancouvers mayor is not only a cyclist, he's a cycling commuter and advocate too.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3041/3041122976_21201e8598.jpg

I posted a thread on him when he was voted in

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=487426

Funny thing is (and I have little empirical evidence of this but I'd be very surprised if it was not true) when cops are visibly close at hand, motorists are more likely to obey the law and respect cyclists rights on the road.Over the last few years, motorist have started passing closer and closer at night. Guess they got use to seeing red binkies. So a few months ago, I bought a nice new BLUE LED blinkie. The difference is amazing, almost no motorist even dare to pass in the same lane, let alone get closer than 3 feet. I week later, I ordered 5 more blue blinkies just to have spares on hand.

Over the last few years, motorist have started passing closer and closer at night. Guess they got use to seeing red binkies. So a few months ago, I bought a nice new BLUE LED blinkie. The difference is amazing, almost no motorist even dare to pass in the same lane, let alone get closer than 3 feet. I week later, I ordered 5 more blue blinkies just to have spares on hand.

They think you're a cop. Just don't end up in a situation where someone hopes you're a cop, or accuses you of impersonating a cop.

Over the last few years, motorist have started passing closer and closer at night. Guess they got use to seeing red binkies. So a few months ago, I bought a nice new BLUE LED blinkie. The difference is amazing, almost no motorist even dare to pass in the same lane, let alone get closer than 3 feet. I week later, I ordered 5 more blue blinkies just to have spares on hand.

Now there's a great idea.

I'd love to get a blue led blinkie.

Do you have a link where I can get one?

Maybe I could even squeeze a column out of this. The difference in how motorists pass me with red and blue blinkies in the rear vs. just a red blinkie.

They think you're a cop. Just don't end up in a situation where someone hopes you're a cop, or accuses you of impersonating a cop."Impersonating a cop" laws are limited enough that you pretty much have to say "Stop Police", "Do you want me to arrest you?", Police, pull over" flash a badge or something along those lines. It has been made very clear in the courts that you can wear a shirt or jacket that has "Police" or "FBI" printed on it (freedom of speech) as long as you do not say the words or flash a badge.

Some guy around Alabama or Georgia got arrested and convicted of "Impersonating a cop" for using a blue flashing light when his car broke down. He appealed to Federal court and got the conviction overturned, with the court stating that as long as the blue light was being used for safety, then the guy had a legitimate right to use it.

If anyone knows the case # for that appeal, please post it. It would be a good one to have handy.

Mine is made by Wave Bicycle Equipment bought on Amazon.com from a private seller, but I do not see it there now. Two other possibilities are:

http://www.amazon.com/5-LED-BICYCLE-TAIL-LIGHT-FLASHER-STRAP/dp/B0013JPSM2/ref=sr_1_44?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1257897624&sr=1-44

http://www.amazon.com/Bike-Runners-Safety-Light-Pack/dp/B002OEKLVS/ref=sr_1_47?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1257897624&sr=1-47

"Impersonating a cop" laws are limited enough that you pretty much have to say "Stop Police", "Do you want me to arrest you?", Police, pull over" flash a badge or something along those lines. It has been made very clear in the courts that you can wear a shirt or jacket that has "Police" or "FBI" printed on it (freedom of speech) as long as you do not say the words or flash a badge.

Some guy around Alabama or Georgia got arrested and convicted of "Impersonating a cop" for using a blue flashing light when his car broke down. He appealed to Federal court and got the conviction overturned, with the court stating that as long as the blue light was being used for safety, then the guy had a legitimate right to use it.

If anyone knows the case # for that appeal, please post it. It would be a good one to have handy.

It depends really on where you are and the time of year. In many northern places a blue flashing light in winter indicates a snow plow.

It depends really on where you are and the time of year. In many northern places a blue flashing light in winter indicates a snow plow.Yea, I expect the laws are different in Canada. Most US states use amber (yellow) for maintenance vehicles; but one does use green for it's plows and has a law prohibiting green flashing lights.

Blue makes the most sense in snow and fog as it penetrates the conditions better.


My guess is that motorist would also give wide berth to what they think is a snow plow.

Mine is made by Wave Bicycle Equipment bought on Amazon.com from a private seller, but I do not see it there now. Two other possibilities are:

http://www.amazon.com/5-LED-BICYCLE-TAIL-LIGHT-FLASHER-STRAP/dp/B0013JPSM2/ref=sr_1_44?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1257897624&sr=1-44

http://www.amazon.com/Bike-Runners-Safety-Light-Pack/dp/B002OEKLVS/ref=sr_1_47?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1257897624&sr=1-47

I found this one (http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.16893~r.66783231) too.

Yea, I expect the laws are different in Canada. Most US states use amber (yellow) for maintenance vehicles; but one does use green for it's plows and has a law prohibiting green flashing lights.

Blue makes the most sense in snow and fog as it penetrates the conditions better.


My guess is that motorist would also give wide berth to what they think is a snow plow.

Since when does Hawaii have snow plows? :D

I found this one (http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.16893~r.66783231) too.I have used that light before in an amber color. Had to pay $7 US for it. Bike shops sold the red version for about $4. So that is a good price. (Now does that FREE shipping include Hawaii?)

Since when does Hawaii have snow plows? :D

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mauna_Kea

Winter makes for good astronomy conditions.

Mauna kea means "white mountain" in the Hawaiian language, a reference to its summit being regularly covered by snow in winter.

Since when does Hawaii have snow plows? :D

since they have mountains like Haleakalā.

I once read a story where an ordered snow plow was not delivered because the suppliers thought the order was a joke, but it wasn't.

At the top of Haleakalā, there is the occasional snow fall that can prevent workers at "Science City", an astrophysical complex operated by the U.S. Department of Defense, University of Hawaii, Smithsonian Institution, Air Force, Federal Aviation Agency, and others from arriving at work.

(Now does that FREE shipping include Hawaii?)

I hope it includes Canada.

since they have mountains like Haleakalā.

I once read a story where an ordered snow plow was not delivered because the suppliers thought the order was a joke, but it wasn't.

At the top of Haleakalā, there is the occasional snow fall that can prevent workers at "Science City", an astrophysical complex operated by the U.S. Department of Defense, University of Hawaii, Smithsonian Institution, Air Force, Federal Aviation Agency, and others from arriving at work.

So is that slow plow... not plow"s" :D

Yeah Haleakalā is pretty cool... in more ways than one.

So is that slow plow... not plow"s" :D

Yeah Haleakalā is pretty cool... in more ways than one.My last work at Mauna Kea, they mostly just used a road grader to clear the snow. It is a dirt road at the top and the road grader is needed to keep the road decent even in the summer.

It seems many support Fenty's outing just because it was CYCLING related.

I am against it no matter what UNNECESSARY personal activity he was performing on the taxpayer dime. And let's be honest, nearly any PERSONAL activity he is performing is unnecessary. I really don't care if he was riding, jogging, or having a birthday party out there. Every case would be a less-than-judicious use of public funds. Obviously there are far worse cases, but that still doesn't JUSTIFY any misuse at all.

I also don't buy into the 'poor, poor politician giving up so much' argument. Again, no one FORCED anybody to run for public office. The motivation to do so SHOULD be a call to serve. Sadly, that seems to be the EXCEPTION nowadays. PERSONAL motivation appears to be the standard.

Obviously the state of current Politics is filled with corruption. Our standards have become very low indeed. Consensus here seems to be that we lower them further. Scary.

The use of government vehicles for a personal activity is echoed in this followup article:
http://wtop.com/?nid=25&sid=1808422

Where I work, you aren't even supposed to go to a fast food drive-thru in a government vehicle.


WASHINGTON - D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty's use of government resources to facilitate his recreational activities isn't limited to a police escort while he trains with his bike team.

The mayor has used a federal Homeland Security vehicle to transport himself and his bike to at least 14 races in the past two years.

The District's Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency has two large SUVs, which are detailed to the city from the U.S. Government Services Administration. According to records obtained by WTOP through the Freedom of Information Act, the mayor's Executive Protection Unit has signed out one or both of the SUVs 25 times between September of 2008 and June of 2009.

Fourteen of those dates coincide with race events Fenty participated in.

Fenty Spokesperson Mafara Hobson said in a statement the SUVs are meant for emergency use.

And another one, asking him to repay the city for bike-related expenses:

http://www.wtop.com/?nid=25&sid=1809917

It seems like WTOP has it out for Fenty and his bikes.

This latest article is faulting him for flying around the country with his bikes at an additional average cost of $100/flight. On the radio they mentioned the Democratic National Convention... which, if I remember right, was touting bicycles as a primary means of transportation around Denver.

Having his security detail put the bike airline cost on their reimbursement forms is the ONLY thing, cycling related, that I see the mayor has done wrong. He should pay back those cost while highlighting how airlines are ripping off cyclist. The rest of the gripes are BS and very sour.

And another one, asking him to repay the city for bike-related expenses:

http://www.wtop.com/?nid=25&sid=1809917

It seems like WTOP has it out for Fenty and his bikes.

This latest article is faulting him for flying around the country with his bikes at an additional average cost of $100/flight. On the radio they mentioned the Democratic National Convention... which, if I remember right, was touting bicycles as a primary means of transportation around Denver.


Having his security detail put the bike airline cost on their reimbursement forms is the ONLY thing, cycling related, that I see the mayor has done wrong. He should pay back those cost while highlighting how airlines are ripping off cyclist. The rest of the gripes are BS and very sour.

Of course the cost of renting a car IS covered no doubt by the city when the mayor travels. If he was golfing in those cities to which he traveled, would his club fees and tee fees be covered?

It seems many support Fenty's outing just because it was CYCLING related.

I am against it no matter what UNNECESSARY personal activity he was performing on the taxpayer dime. snip.

The mayor doesn't get paid to bicycle--he's taking personal time to do that. The city has decided he needs a security detail around the clock. Of course that requires that the taxpayer pays for security for all his personal activities, necessary or unnecessay, which most are.

It's very extreme to say that any politician who has a security detail not do any personal activities.