A strange incident

[cyclingfool]

Air Zound.

[vern]

It's been said, but now way this guy was undercover. He wouldn't have turned on his lights and he wouldn't have made such a scene. More likely is that he was simply waiting for someone, and blew up at you to make you go away. A cellphone photo of his license plate and him, if you could get one, would have served to file a complaint. This really needed to be reported.

[Brendan von Buckingham]

Brendan: like I said in the post, the lane to my left was full of moving cars, stretching back a few blocks. I would have moved over if I could.

I still can't believe you couldn't have just changed lanes. Changing lanes is fundamental ability and that part of 11th is not a complicated, steep, or fast block. I think it's more likely you're exaggerating a disability after-the-fact as an excuse for tapping what turned out to be a hornet nest.

[G_bikeDC]

Ok, you go ahead with the version of the story you want.

[GB]

On a weekday morning I was headed south on 11th Street NW, in the bike lane, toward downtown. Right around 11th and M a beige car was parked in the bike lane. Engine off, no hazard lights. Normally I would just go around and keep my exasperation to myself, but since there was so much traffic that day I was essentially trapped behind this car. Cars whizzing by my left and parked cars on the right. Since I was just stuck sitting there I tapped on the car's trunk to let the driver know they were blocking the lane. About one nanosecond after that, a police light went on in the rear window (ugh) and a large, angry man stormed out of the car and started berating me mercilessly for a minute before informing me that, yes, he was a police officer doing some sort of undercover task. I was called every name in the book, heard every four-letter word you can imagine, and was told I might be thrown in jail for damaging government property. I of course apologized profusely with no argument. (I don't mess with the law) After another minute of taking my verbal beatdown, I sheepishly pedaled on to work, a little shaken up and quite embarrassed actually. I mean, the whole block was watching and I'm sure the guy blew his cover in the process.

Later, when I was able to calm down, I thought about what had happened and about a few things: What should I have done there? / How was I supposed to know who was in that car? / The officer handled that in the most inflammatory way possible / Are they allowed to park in the bike lanes? / I'm damaging government property?

This sounds unfortunately similar to my most recent interaction with law enforcement; http://bikearlingtonforum.com/showth...8205#post78205 - different car same inflammatory handling of the situation.

1) You didn't blow his cover he did. Unless he's the worst cop ever my guess his is undercover mission was scouting the local talent.
2) I've tap cars parked in the bike lane (even if I can go around), so I don't think that's unreasonable. You don't have to know who's in the car, but make sure you don't actually damage it.
3) Next time ask for his card asap. In these types of interactions the cop has almost 100% of the power (physical and legal). Getting the card gives you some power back (because you'll be able to file a complaint and he knows it) which should help to check his rampant abuse.

[brendan]

Unless you're friend, family or law enforcement, I feel strongly that you shouldn't touch other people's cars.

a) it really freaks people out, and they will act irrational. partly because it induces a flight or fight reaction to a breach of a place considered "safe".
b) it's not a perfect analogy, but how would you react to someone tapping on your bike when you're stopped at an intersection waiting for a light? Would that seem threatening?

In general, I prefer to report them rather than engage. It's just not worth the physical risk.

B

PS - to me it's clear that while he was in an unmarked car, he wasn't involved in an under cover investigation, per se. it was blowhard bluffing on his part, most due to him reacting to factors a and b above.

[VikingMariner]

Concur. Never touch someone's vehicle no matter what the circumstance. Cyclists have a reputation now and it ain't good, speaking as a cyclist for over 40 years. All of us need to show restraint and civility at all times to drivers, other cyclists, and pedestrians.

Also next time just note the license plate, date and time, and politely excuse yourself from the scene. Then call the non-emergency police number, ask to speak to the Watch Commander, and report the officer. The officer sounds like he has PTSD. You are lucky not to be hurt, sir.