Bicyclists: Beware of the car with license plate 5XZR137

[lexica510]

Public service announcement: If you ride a bike in Oakland, watch out for a silver sedan with license plate number 5XZR137 - the one right in the center of this photo:

Comments

[mcfnord]

my friend on Mandala Parkway got a ticket for running a stop sign last week. Nobody was around at the time. His bike is unpainted, which might have seemed suspicious, because bike stealers strip the paint. He couldn't get the cop to understand he makes bikes. Tickets there are outrageously expensive!

[lexica510]

That is such BS. We really need to pass the Idaho stop law in California.

The other day some guy walking a bike along the sidewalk asked Pirate and me if we wanted to buy it for $25. "We don't buy stolen bikes," said Pirate. "It's not stolen!" said the guy. "Sure, whatever," said Pirate, as we walked away.

[merle_]

there's a good chance the authorities will refuse to prosecute

Yes. I was almost hit in a crosswalk by a van that ran a light that had been red for five seconds, so I called the police. Even with a licence plate number, a description of the van, and offers of a photo, they told me "if the police didn't see it we can't do anything".

I do acknowledge that the Oakland police department is understaffed, but they could at least put forth the appearance of caring. Justice before I die is preferable.

[xtingu]

I'm hella impressed you nabbed that photo while you were rolling. Nice work!

I can't figure out why some motorists have such a big bug up their arse about cyclists. I don't get it.

I'm very, very glad you're OK.