Ever get pulled over on your bicycle?
#1
Thread Starter
Gruppetto Bob




Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 11,576
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From: Seattle-ish
Bikes: Orbea Orca, Bianchi Infinito & Campione de Mundo
Ever get pulled over on your bicycle?
A few years back, my wife, who loves to blast down hills at insane speeds, got pulled over after being radared by a motorcycle cop. There was a golf tournament going on a few blocks away with lots of police providing security and traffic management, when she got popped for doing 42 in a 35. She pulled over next to two other cops while the first one started writing her up. The other two started laughing at the first cop so loudly, he turned red, ripped up the ticket and gave her a warning. She could hear them still laughing as she rode away.
I was also radared going downhill during RAMROD by park police for doing 39 in a 35. I saw them when doing 45 and managed to slow down by the time they clocked me. They took my info, let me off with a warning, and told the next one will cost.
I was also radared going downhill during RAMROD by park police for doing 39 in a 35. I saw them when doing 45 and managed to slow down by the time they clocked me. They took my info, let me off with a warning, and told the next one will cost.
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#2
Batüwü Creakcreak
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,802
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From: The illadelph
I'm no cippolini, but I got pulled over once for riding my bike on the highway in CT.
I wasn't trying to get extra good training in ala cipo, but my car broke down after a race and that was the only way I knew how to get home.
He wasn't pleased with my reasoning... Oh to be 18 again.
I wasn't trying to get extra good training in ala cipo, but my car broke down after a race and that was the only way I knew how to get home.
He wasn't pleased with my reasoning... Oh to be 18 again.
#3
When I was a teenager I was pulled over, handcuffed, pulled off my bike and arrested for allegedly riding on a city street that was closed to vehicles and for allegedly cursing at the cop. Thing was, the street was temporarily open to vehicles for a special event in town, and I didn’t curse at the cop but rather my friend who stopped short in front of me.
Dad was a noted criminal defense attorney in the city. We fought the ticket in court. Case dismissed.
Dad was a noted criminal defense attorney in the city. We fought the ticket in court. Case dismissed.
#4
Senior Member

Joined: Oct 2017
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From: Ashton, MD USA
Bikes: Trek Domane SL6 Disc, Jamis Renegade
Several times as a kid, riding on the highway to Jones Beach and coming back from Montauk on Long Island - bikes not allowed on either.
As an adult, once in DC I was stopped for not fully stopping at a stop sign! I didn't run it but I didn't put my feet down, either. When he asked for ID I truthfully replied that I didn't carry my wallet and there wasn't much he could do but give me a stern warning.
Another time, I was driving somewhere with the bike on the back of my car and it has hanging in front of a license plate. There was a long line of cars in the right turn lane, including a police car, and I was going to go straight but an opening appeared so I moved (annoyingly, but perfectly legally) into the right lane. A few blocks after the turn, lights and siren behind me - the police officer pulled me over and I prepared my defense for the turn. Instead he told me my bike was blocking visibility of my license plate and he was going to write me a ticket. Luckily, the local bike advocacy group had recently put out an article on that - Maryland has no such law. I pointed that out and he said "Well, I could also get you for that illegal turn" - aha, that's what it was really about! But, just another warning.
Final one wasn't a pullover: in my younger days I would really fly downhill and I was doing so on a nice smooth shoulder next to a major road. A police car pulled up next to me, honked and he flashed five fingers, then two fingers, then thumbs up! I guess he clocked me at 52 mph which had to be an exaggeration but I still claim that speed today!
As an adult, once in DC I was stopped for not fully stopping at a stop sign! I didn't run it but I didn't put my feet down, either. When he asked for ID I truthfully replied that I didn't carry my wallet and there wasn't much he could do but give me a stern warning.
Another time, I was driving somewhere with the bike on the back of my car and it has hanging in front of a license plate. There was a long line of cars in the right turn lane, including a police car, and I was going to go straight but an opening appeared so I moved (annoyingly, but perfectly legally) into the right lane. A few blocks after the turn, lights and siren behind me - the police officer pulled me over and I prepared my defense for the turn. Instead he told me my bike was blocking visibility of my license plate and he was going to write me a ticket. Luckily, the local bike advocacy group had recently put out an article on that - Maryland has no such law. I pointed that out and he said "Well, I could also get you for that illegal turn" - aha, that's what it was really about! But, just another warning.
Final one wasn't a pullover: in my younger days I would really fly downhill and I was doing so on a nice smooth shoulder next to a major road. A police car pulled up next to me, honked and he flashed five fingers, then two fingers, then thumbs up! I guess he clocked me at 52 mph which had to be an exaggeration but I still claim that speed today!
#5
Zip tie Karen
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 7,005
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From: Fair Oaks Ranch, TX
Bikes: '13 Motobecane Fantom29 HT, '16 Motobecane Turino Pro Disc, '18 Velobuild VB-R-022, '21 Tsunami SNM-100
I was pulled over and ticketed for failing to observe/obey a traffic signal. I had jumped a green by ~1 second to cross a busy highway. The motorcycle policeman would not discuss it with me. Hefty ticket. Thanks, Sgt Nugent...
#6
When I was a teenager I was pulled over, handcuffed, pulled off my bike and arrested for allegedly riding on a city street that was closed to vehicles and for allegedly cursing at the cop. Thing was, the street was temporarily open to vehicles for a special event in town, and I didn’t curse at the cop but rather my friend who stopped short in front of me.
Dad was a noted criminal defense attorney in the city. We fought the ticket in court. Case dismissed.
Dad was a noted criminal defense attorney in the city. We fought the ticket in court. Case dismissed.
Only once for me. I was making a left turn and there were a bunch of cars coming on my right, so I made a mad dash to make my turn before they got there. Turn was successful, but a block later i hear a police siren whelp. Cop says, "The reason I stopped you, was because when you made that left turn, you went directly into the #2 lane instead of the #1 lane." If that was the case, he should have been pulling over about 50% of the cars making that same turn the same way. Damned small town cops. I hated them then and still do.
I will never know the real reason he pulled me over, but it's a moot point since i just got a warning. I was "holding" a Penthouse magazine in my backpack at the time, but fortunately I wasn't searched.
#8
Senior Member

Joined: Jul 2017
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From: Western WI (USA)
Bikes: TNTL (Too numerous to list)
I have yet to be "pulled over" while riding a bike :-). I have, on occasion, committed infractions (moving violations) that would clearly have resulted in a "ticket" if witnessed by a law enforcement officer. Lucky so far I guess! If I ever do get stopped, I won't be using my Driver's License for identification. I may get the ticket and may have to pay a fine but I'm of the opinion that since I'm not operating a motor vehicle, it won't go against my DL and result in increased insurance rates. Don't know if it's "fact or fiction" but that's my plan
.
#9
Senior Member

Joined: Dec 2010
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From: northern Deep South
Bikes: Fuji Touring, Novara Randonee
I got pulled over once for riding on a military base with a "camera" on my helmet. I showed him how the headlight worked, dazzling the MP, who let me go after reminding me about the camera policy.
#10
Senior Member

Joined: May 2017
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From: Hacienda Hgts
Bikes: 2026 Motobecane Mulekick 520 Steel 1999 Schwinn Peloton Ultegra 10, Kestrel RT-1000 Ultegra, Trek Marlin 6 Deore 29'er
Once recently by Whittier Police. Turns out another cyclist had called to make a complaint about a driver harassing them. LEO just wanted to check if I was harassed and was looking for vehicle and driver info.
#12
Senior Member


Joined: Jul 2007
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From: South shore, L.I., NY
Bikes: Trek Emonda SL7, Cannondale Topstone, Miyata City Liner, Specialized Chisel, Specialized Epic Evo
Rolling a read light in a group. I was the front man and was polite and just responded with "Yes, Sir", "You are completely correct officer", etc..... This was a rich neighborhood on the north shore of Long Island, where the residents hate the Sat & Sun morning cycling clubs riding "their" streets, thus the cops had a hard on for cyclists and would await at certain intersections. We were wrong, but got a warning. I think the cop didn't want to write 10 ticket, too much work.
#13
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Joined: May 2016
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Bikes: Trek 1100, Raleigh R-500, Cannondale R800, Roadmaster gravel/beater mountain bike
Only once for me. I was making a left turn and there were a bunch of cars coming on my right, so I made a mad dash to make my turn before they got there. Turn was successful, but a block later i hear a police siren whelp. Cop says, "The reason I stopped you, was because when you made that left turn, you went directly into the #2 lane instead of the #1 lane." If that was the case, he should have been pulling over about 50% of the cars making that same turn the same way. Damned small town cops. I hated them then and still do.
#14
Full Member

Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 288
Likes: 174
- Authority asserts that you are doing Wrong Thing.
- Authority learns that you were in fact not doing Wrong Thing.
- Authority lectures you about the wrongness of Wrong Thing you did not do, warning you not to do Wrong Thing in the future, or it will go hard with you.
#16
Member
Joined: Jan 2020
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From: Milwaukee
Bikes: Surly Disc Trucker, Canondale Synapse, Canondale Touring 1, Salsa Mukluk, Masi Uno, Trek 850
I was told to get on the sidewalk by police directing traffic around the Wisconsin State Fair on two separate occasions. I wasn't ticketed or even identified. It's illegal to bicycle on sidewalks in this state and that part of 84th St is technically part of the Oak Leaf Trail, but I ended up walking my bike on the sidewalk to avoid both arguing with the cops and breaking the law.
#17
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2013
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From: 'burque, holmes
Bikes: Ridley X-Fire (now an ex-bicycle), Trek X-Cal, Giant Defy 3
Pullled over growing up in London for not having lights after dark. Was late back from school or something.
Mind you, not like those old 2 D-Cell battery lights cast any ACTUAL light!
Mind you, not like those old 2 D-Cell battery lights cast any ACTUAL light!
#18
On Your Left
Joined: Nov 2011
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From: Long Island, New York, USA
Bikes: Trek Emonda SLR, Sram eTap, Zipp 303
#20
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#21
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2011
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From: Layton, UT
Bikes: 2011 Bent TW Elegance 2014 Carbon Strada Velomobile
I got pulled over once. Cited for 'running a red light' because I stood up on the pedals just before the light actually changed. I don't think my front wheel was actually anywhere close to being over the line and I wasn't near being in the intersection, either.
Cops suck. I fought the ticket and got it dismissed.
Cops suck. I fought the ticket and got it dismissed.
#22
Several times. Ticket for running 4 way stop. Once touring on Hwy 1 in California around Watsonville, it turns into a freeway for 5 miles. I decided to 'go for it.' Car was honking at me and I ignored it... kept honking and I finally turned around and it was a CA Hwy Patrol. Told me to get off and go west to the ocean.... really good camping there. Was really nice to me.
I finally asked a retired cop how do you keep from getting pulled over.. said "if you run a stop sign or something and see the cop sitting off to the side waiting on cars to run the stop, hold up 4 fingers." It's a 10-4 sign, meaning everything is good. The cop will think you are another cop, and cops don't want to pull over other cops. It's worked 4 times for me.... although the last time it was a sheriff and he started up and followed me for a couple miles and gave me a dirty look.
I finally asked a retired cop how do you keep from getting pulled over.. said "if you run a stop sign or something and see the cop sitting off to the side waiting on cars to run the stop, hold up 4 fingers." It's a 10-4 sign, meaning everything is good. The cop will think you are another cop, and cops don't want to pull over other cops. It's worked 4 times for me.... although the last time it was a sheriff and he started up and followed me for a couple miles and gave me a dirty look.
#23
Senior Member


Joined: May 2016
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Bikes: Trek 1100, Raleigh R-500, Cannondale R800, Roadmaster gravel/beater mountain bike
I finally asked a retired cop how do you keep from getting pulled over.. said "if you run a stop sign or something and see the cop sitting off to the side waiting on cars to run the stop, hold up 4 fingers." It's a 10-4 sign, meaning everything is good. The cop will think you are another cop, and cops don't want to pull over other cops. It's worked 4 times for me.... although the last time it was a sheriff and he started up and followed me for a couple miles and gave me a dirty look.
#24
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2005
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From: Las Vegas, NV
Bikes: '04 LeMond Buenos Aires, '82 Bianchi Nuova Racing, De Rosa SLX, Bridgestone MB-1, Guerciotti TSX, Torpado Aelle, LeMond Tourmalet 853, Bridgestone Radac
I've been stopped a couple times in Las Vegas but not because of my own activity. One time the police asked if I'd seen anyone of a description they gave me, the other time they asked if I'd heard any gunshots or screaming.
I was once riding through a 15mph school zone and a motorcycle cop yelled out "18".
I was once riding through a 15mph school zone and a motorcycle cop yelled out "18".
#25
Senior Member


Joined: Aug 2007
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From: Columbus, Ohio
Bikes: Lynskey R230, Trek 5200, 1975 Raleigh Pro, 1973 Falcon ,Trek T50 Tandem and a 1968 Paramount in progress.
3 times, that I remember:
1-group ride and we turned very slowly, but not a full stop through a stop sign in a small town. A few miles later, we were pulled over by the mayor himself! Since that town had only mayor's court, he couldn't file the charge and also be the judge, so he radioed his deputy and told him to file the charges. He refused, the mayor was pissed and we eventually rode away with a stern warning.
2-Trek Travel Going to the Sun Road in Montana. The side after the downhill was supposed to be closed to bikes after a certain time, but the Trek leaders assured us that they never enforce it. Well, they did that day and we were forced to wait it out on the banks of a mountain lake, feet in water. Not so bad. Guides apologized and picked up the bar tab that night. We got a good deal.
3-Riding solo on a county road that crossed over the interstate. No other way to go on. State Highway Patrol, sirens blaring comes flying up and pulls me over. I was about to explain, when he goes into this long story about how he is thinking about buying a road bike and wanted advice on kind of pedals, tires, frames, pumps. Eventually I had to excuse myself as I was already late for a big family dinner.
So 3 good outcomes, but I would love to get a speeding ticket. I'd frame it and brag forever.
1-group ride and we turned very slowly, but not a full stop through a stop sign in a small town. A few miles later, we were pulled over by the mayor himself! Since that town had only mayor's court, he couldn't file the charge and also be the judge, so he radioed his deputy and told him to file the charges. He refused, the mayor was pissed and we eventually rode away with a stern warning.
2-Trek Travel Going to the Sun Road in Montana. The side after the downhill was supposed to be closed to bikes after a certain time, but the Trek leaders assured us that they never enforce it. Well, they did that day and we were forced to wait it out on the banks of a mountain lake, feet in water. Not so bad. Guides apologized and picked up the bar tab that night. We got a good deal.
3-Riding solo on a county road that crossed over the interstate. No other way to go on. State Highway Patrol, sirens blaring comes flying up and pulls me over. I was about to explain, when he goes into this long story about how he is thinking about buying a road bike and wanted advice on kind of pedals, tires, frames, pumps. Eventually I had to excuse myself as I was already late for a big family dinner.
So 3 good outcomes, but I would love to get a speeding ticket. I'd frame it and brag forever.



