COIR, July 2010--Keeping You Informed
As summer gets into full swing so are the local politics concerning motorcycles in several cities. It is up to every motorcyclist to know the actual laws…and be willing to fight for their right to ride their motorcycle.
The continuing battle in Golden, Colorado is in full swing. Several concerned people attended recent Golden city council meeting, including the owners of the Buffalo Rose, to express their concerns about the treatment of motorcyclists riding in, out or through Golden. The perception is the city, through its police force, is targeting motorcyclists for various alleged infractions. Predictably, it was the general consensus of the council that the city does not discriminate against or profile motorcyclists. The police chief stated that it is not police policy to tell motorcyclists they are not welcome in Golden when issuing tickets. He added that since April 15, 2010, there have been over 60 tickets issued for modified mufflers, and several warnings to automobiles based on the same law.
The police chief also made comments in reference to the letter sent into Southwest Scooter News (June 2010 issue) from Littleton resident Ted Hand detailing his ordeal with Golden police; being stopped not once but twice in one day, by the same officer. That officer allegedly told Hand motorcyclists were not welcome in Golden. According to the chief, Hand’s complaint was being looked into by internal affairs. Whether the outcome of this investigation will be made available to the public is anyone’s guess at this time. During a meeting recess, the Mayor stated that if a motorcyclists do not call attention to themselves–such as rapping it up on Washington Street–they probably would not get a ticket. This is to be debated. Another rumored trend is that the police prefer to pull over single bikes as opposed to groups of bikes.
Another Colorado city that seems to have it out for motorcyclist is Woodland Park, a few miles west of Colorado Springs. It appears some police officers there are ignorant of some traffic laws, perhaps do not understand the true meaning of those laws, or are maybe making up their own laws. They recently gave a warning ticket to two motorcyclists riding two- abreast. Colorado law clearly states: no more than two motorcycles may occupy a single lane by riding two abreast. Not, as the officer warned the motorcyclists, only police and parade participants are permitted to ride two abreast.
These incidents are very troubling and could escalate to other cities attempting similar tactics. It is up to individual motorcyclists to stand up for their rights. If an officer sites a law that is not right, or makes comments that can be taken as discrimination or profiling, then file a complaint and let that city officials know, as was done in Woodland Park. The Woodland Park officer in question is now on probation, and reportedly is attending classes on the law, along with having been instructed to write a lengthy apology letter to the motorcyclists involved. The police chief also sent an apology letter to the motorcyclist on the city’s behalf. This episode is an excellent example of informed COIR members doing a great job of looking out for themselves and other motorcyclists.
Any motorcyclist ticketed for an infraction that is questionable, is not just, or is clearly wrong, let the COIR know as soon as possible so the situation can be looked into and possible actions taken. Any motorcyclist ticketed in Golden—there are at least 60 of you according to police-- please contact us with information to follow up on. You can reach US Defenders - Colorado State COIR Commander, Tiger, by e-amil at: dac-dsc@comcast.net. Use that same email for information about COIR—th Coalition Of Independent Riders.
