Lightingguy, there is nothing wrong with ranting once in awhile. Everyone needs to vent, unless you're vulcan.

I have heard that this "attitude" that the NYPD has towards cyclists started around 9/11, but I wonder. In the 80's, I worked with a young engineer who was a Columbia U. Graduate. One evening (second shift) we were talking about cops in general. This guy said that compared to the NYPD, Boston police were like cultured gentlemen. Yes, he was serious. He told a story of how his then-girlfriend's car had been broken into, and the NY cops treated the incident as though it was her fault for parking where she did. Basically, he felt that the NY cops came across as thugs with badges and guns.

I want to believe that most cops are decent men and women, doing a difficult job. But sometimes, it's hard.

So, let me see if I understand this: In NYC, you are required to be running lights, even in broad daylight?