Originally Posted by
Ridefreemc
Here we go again, "a major storm in a teacup" this time (last time I was accused of going "full smart ass"), but I said I was irked and now most of us are having fun discussing around it, with some giving similar experiences. I did not blow it out of proportion, and even admitted in the beginning post that my ego was involved. Anyway, I like forums and the ability to discuss stuff, sometimes in detail. However, it is quite interesting to read some posts that suppose so much happened and really go off the rails with comments (I don't believe that yours did Rowan, but the earlier one I noted did).
Besides, even if another parent called, the result would have been the same. Law enforcement may observe more if they get called (things get pointed out to them, which is good community involvement), but if someone is acting lawfully that person should not have to explain themselves - whether another parent called in, the school administration called in, or the principal called in. They don't own the property that I'm lawfully on, they just work there, so I should have the right to go about my business without being questioned by a Sheriff's Deputy. Had I been doing something like committing a crime or trespassing, then that changes things.
Most criminals loiter waiting for their opportunity before committing a crime or trespassing. It obviously annoys you enough that you are stretching circumstances to justify your angst, and in particular stir up the members here to think this is an attack on the rights of those who use bicycles... or at least know their law so well, that they call into doubt the constitutional integrity of the interaction.
Hell, I could have come here and made a big deal out of a cop car stopping in the middle of the night at a remote country location on a recent randonnee and asking what we were doing. Rather, I felt more secure knowing that law enforcement was taking an interest in what was happening and that they were doing their job in patrolling the area.
By the way, the fact that your are using the BD and giving kids a lift on the back is unusual activity in some (many?) parents' eyes. Do you know the other parents in the parking lot? Do they know you? For all you know, they think that someone hanging around a school parking lot offering kids rides on something that is admittedly very unusual in their world, is a means to molestation.
I still maintain that police react to reports from the public and in this case he likely was responding to parents... and it might be a good idea to get to know them a little better to allay their fears... if that is the case.