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March 24, 2008

Biking across Roanoke's MLK bridge is worse than running a red light

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Roanoke builds its MLK bridge in such a way that bikes and skateboards tear it up. Maybe the city had no choice given the historic funds it sought (though that, of course, was itself a choice).

To protect the bridge, the city declares wheels are not allowed.

Denying those people a safe way across the tracks, part of the city's greenway system, was bad enough. The punishments, however, are outrageous.

First-offenders will be banned from the bridge. Without any trial or anything, a police officer, it seems, can deny a citizen access to public property. So much for due process. There's nothing like turning the police into judge, jury and executioner too.

Second offenses will be Class I misdemeanors, which can carry hefty fines and jail time. Couldn't this have just been treated as a traffic infraction?

Future job interview:
Interviewer: Do you have a criminal record?
Candidate: Yes. I was convicted of a misdemeanor last month.
I: Thank you for coming in. We'll let you know.
C: But it was just for riding my bike across the MLK bridge.
I: Don't let the door hit you on the way out.

A bit of hyperbole? Sure. But then again, should skateboarding or biking across a bridge that should be open to everyone to begin with land on a permanent criminal record? No way.

(Photo Evelio Conteras | The Roanoke Times)

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