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Bicycle ticket could cost Santa Ana student $400
November 4th, 2009, 5:00 am · 151 Comments · posted by Teri Sforza, Register staff writer
The new semester had just begun. Oswald Muniz Sanchez was riding his bike to biology class at Santa Ana College, earphones in both ears, listening to the dulcet tones of National Public Radio.
Sanchez saw no cars at the intersection of Washington and Freeman streets, so he buzzed through the stop sign, as cyclists so often do. That’s when he saw the Santa Ana policeman, half-way up the side street.
Moments later, sirens blaring and lights flashing, Sanchez was pulled over. Santa Ana police Officer Berg told him to sit on the curb. How are you going to hear someone honking at you with earphones on? the officer asked. I heard you, Sanchez said. What music were you listening to? the officer asked. It was just the news, Sanchez said. If you were in your car, would you have stopped? Yes, Sanchez said. Are you going to give me a warning? No, the offficer said. I’m going to cite you for running a stop sign.
The ticket was yellow, just like you’d get while driving a car. “Schwinn,” it says in the spot for “Year of Vehicle” and “Make.” And Sanchez was cited for violating two parts of the California Vehicle Code:
- Section 22450(a): Failure to stop at stop sign;
- and Section 27400: Wearing head set or earplugs.
Infraction, the ticket said. So when the courtesy notice landed in his mailbox from the Orange County Superior Court, Sanchez nearly choked: “Bail amount: $397.”
For riding his bike?! 
This offended the 26-year-old’s sense of fair play. (Sanchez had, after all, once registered to vote as a Libertarian.)
Now, Sanchez is not quite a traffic choir boy. He’s had several violations over the past decade - including a DUI in 2002 and a property damage hit-and-run in 2004, for which he paid restitution and did community service. But he was much younger then. His most recent traffic faux pas was for pulling a U-turn across a double-yellow line: “I was on my way from school to work and wanted to get some food,” he said somewhat sheepishly. “That wound up being a $200 Jamba Juice.”
That a bicycle infraction could cost more than a moving-violation-in-a-car ticket seems, well, odd. We’re waiting to hear from the Orange County Superior Court on how it arrives at fines for such ticket; the court’s 2009 Bail Schedule doesn’t shed much light on how the figure could get close to $400.
Bulletin, kids: Bicycles riders on public streets have the same rights and responsibilities as automobile drivers and are subject to the same rules and regulations as any other vehicle on the road, the good California Department of Motor Vehicles reminds us. Each year in California, more than 100 people are killed, and hundreds of thousands more are injured in bicycle collisions.
“I suppose going through a stop sign on a bike is something that a lot of people do, and they’re not aware of the violation,” said SAPD Commander Doug McGeachy.“But stop signs apply to cyclists as well as motorists. Same thing with the earphones. You can have one, but you can’t have two.
“We do on occasion have serious and fatal traffic collisions involving bicycles. Officers have a lot of discretion in what they choose to enforce and not enforce - if they see something that’s particularly unsafe, they’re more likely to enforce. I don’t know if this is common, but it’s a violation.”
Sanchez was to appear in court today, but got an extension until Dec. 21 so he can research his situation and figure out how to proceed.
He’s a returning student at Santa Ana College, studying environmental science. He pays his way by working as a teaching assistant when those spots are available, and by installing office furniture. “I ride my bike to school whenever I don’t have a big load of books,” Sanchez said. “I’m trying to be environmentally friendly.”
We’ll keep you posted. In the meantime, bicyclists, stop for those stop signs - and don’t cross any double yellow lines.
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That a bicycle infraction could cost more than a moving-violation-in-a-car ticket seems, well, odd. We’re waiting to hear from the Orange County Superior Court on how it arrives at fines for such ticket; the court’s 2009 Bail Schedule doesn’t shed much light on how the figure could get close to $400
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I was on auto pilot one day and ran a red light in SJC. The camera nailed me. Pretty embarrassing to see yourself on video. Guilty! The fine was $486.00 and traffic school fees. They did send a letter saying I would receive a $32.00 refund for attending an in county court appointed traffic school, but that hasn’t happened.
Same streets, same laws headphones are just as distracting as being drunk or on a cell phone. I’ve got lots of more unjust bike ticket stories than this. The kid can tell it to the judge and maybe check for a cop next time he rolls a stop sign.
I received a similar ticket in Irvine for $366. The reason I proceeded thru a red light was the light never would have changed for me because a cyclist does not set off the trigger. That is great to point out that cyclist have the same responsibility as a car, but do cyclists get the same respect on the road as a fellow driver? Hardly. Are the lights timed for a cyclist? Absolutely not. As someone who trains on the bicycle 10+ hours a week it really makes me mad that a cop would give a ticket for listening to headphones. I realize this is the law but a cop has discretion of course and I’ve seen so many drivers with their phone to their ear or radio blasting and cops do nothing about it. So why target a cyclist who is maybe 200lbs riding down the street getting exercise and doing no harm to anyone else versus a 2000lb automobile that has the capacity to kill, makes no sense to me. This kid will have little luck defending himself against this ticket, I’ve tried myself. This county needs money and the kid was guilty. In some states cyclists are allowed to yield to stop signs and not stop, seems to make sense to me.
Typical cyclist, picking and choosing the traffic laws you want to obey.
Do you like to pretend your Lance Armstrong when you are wearing your little spandex outfit?
As a follow up I did stop at the light and had my foot down for an extended amount of time but with no cars behind me and no cross traffic I decided to roll through. Why should I be forced to walk over to push a pedestrian button?
Vampire - yes a 400 or 500 motorcycle will trigger the light so you don’t need to worry about sitting at the light for long periods of time. No where did I say that I don’t believe traffic rules apply to me, but there are times when logic and reasoning do not come into play with cops writing cyclists tickets. Me hitting a pedestrian on my bike and you hitting a pestrian on your hog are going to do a lot different things. Aren’t cops just trying to protect the people?
Franklin, do you pretend you’re Phelps when you swim in the pool or Kobe when you shoot hoops with your kids? Don’t hate people because they are athletic and in good shape. I’m sure you’d look like a bag of rocks in spandex.
Motorcycles don’t always trigger lights either–even two of them. My boyfriend and I (on separate bikes) have had to ride through red lights, usually late at night, because the darn things just won’t change. It’s either (safely) run the light or wait 20 minutes for a car to pull up behind us. I feel ya, BikeRacer.
firsty, my “hog” doesn’t trigger a traffic light, usually i have to either get off and push the buton or i can sit and wait for someone to accompany me at the light. and secondly, as i said earlier its not you hitting someone, its someone going to jail or having to live with the fact that they ran some retard over that jumped out in front of them. and sometimes traffic lights don’t change for a car is it ok for them to roll on through?
LT - fyi the signals work via metal detection, it’s not like the sensors you step on to open the automatic doors at the supermarket. granted sometimes it may not work no matter what you do (this has even happened to me in a car a few times), but make sure you stop with your bike engine / frame right over the sensor which may help.
Well said BikeRacer… biker are always bullied by people like FreeWheelingFranklin but they don’t realize that they do exactly the same thing…
You’re supposed to make a right at a stuck light. Then turn around, and proceed either right or forward, depending on whether you wanted to go forward or left when you were stuck at the light.
One question: Why stop?
Put a magnet on the bottom of your bike. They sell them for motorcycles. Helps trigger the light. Several sites sell them on the net. Cheap.
Sounds like a you need to spend some time on a bicycle. Try commuting by bicycle for a week. See if you change your story. Earn the right to make comments.
What do you call 500 cops and 500 bicyclists at the bottom of the ocean?
A good start
well, unfortunately in this state the law says you are to make a full and complete stop, at a stop sign, and that means putting your foot sown, and as far as your argument that a person on a bike is only 200 pounds and not 2000 pounds, its irrelevant, if that stupid kid, ran a stop sign and someone hit him it would have been oh this poor kid he was just minding his own buisness, he never did anything wrong boo hoo. He broke the law. i don’t agree with cops mind you i think they have too much power to be honest with you, but they dont have any say over the cost of a violation. let me ask you a question, i ride a motorcycle, thats only 400 maybe 500 pounds, can I cruise through a stop sign? Do you think its a safe idea for me to drive around with both headphones? nope its not thats why there are laws against it. its not just for others saftey, it for yours too. Be safe out there people use your heads.
you don’t have to put your foot down, don’t believe this guy. there are tons of people out there I see who would rather stand with their foot on the pedals at a red light for literally minutes without ever touching the ground. would they be “guilty” of rolling the stop/ heck no
You DO have to put down your foot. It is part of the vehicle code. It may seem absurd but you most definately get a ticket, even if you are doing a track stand. I am not sure what kind of a-hole cop would give you a ticket, but they are still technically in the right…
I got a $600 ticket for right turn on red w/o stopping in Irvine last year! on my bike!
Get off your bike and hit the button for a pedestrian light change.
???
If I’m subject to the same rules as a car, then I should be subject to the same benefits (I pay taxes, too). The technology is there to make signals work for bicyclists. Far too many signals just don’t work for us. If I’m making a left at an unresponsive signal (southbound Jeffrey at Irvine, for example), am I just supposed to sit there forever? Am I supposed to meander across three lanes of traffic on foot to get to the pedestrian crossing button? I’M NOT AT PEDESTRIAN!!! Would you get out of your car and walk over to the pedestrian crossing button if the signal didn’t work for you? I didn’t think so.
Actually, yes. I have done this on a couple of occasions.
One time was when leaving a Morro Bay campground and another was while waiting for a signal to change out in Valencia.
“Would you get out of your car and walk over to the pedestrian crossing button if the signal didn’t work for you?”
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Naw I’d, signal correctly, bust a right, go down the street and U-turn at the next appropriate and “legal” area. Rather than just flagrantly breaking a law because I was inconvenienced by a traffic signal…
You’re correct Jeff, your NOT A PEDESTRIAN. So you gotta follow the rules of the road as the operator of a vehicle, plain and simple.
Some intersections do not have buttons to push for a pedestrian light change. It is hard to walk in shoes made for cycling. Give it try.
I have only seen such intersections in Los Angeles and New York- where no matter what the intersections signals account for foot traffic every time. The ONLY time there is not an allowance for pedestrian crossing at a signaled intersection it is well marked with a ‘no pedestrian’ crossing sign and no crosswalk.
Thanks for the advice though. Recognizing how crazy it is to even be in a CAR on the roads these days, I would never get on a BIKE and ride with these crazies.
Do not stop for the police! What is so hard about this?
“Uh Sergent, were going to need to call the $20,000-each-flight helicopter in here. Yep, yep, it’s what we feared: a fleeing cyclist. Oh that little girl’s head we found, yeah I’m bored with that, let’s get this guy and his little bike too!”
Seriously, people, really? If this is what it’s come to, if this is how sheepish people are, then I guess there’s nothing left to do but tell you all to:
Send Danny your money! Any amount will do! Just make sure you send all of your money! I live at 4801 E Linwood Blvd Kansas City, MO 64128-2226. Address the envelope to: “Diamond Danny Prichard”.
Thats why they have a button st the crosswalk. If you press it, the light will change for the cyclist.
But remember, bicyclists have the same rights and obligations as a car driver. In the event of a malfunctioning traffic signal, the car is to proceed through the intersection when safe. There is no expectation to get out of the vehicle, go press the button, then get back in as that could be dangerous.
By the way, it’s Idaho… cyclists in Idaho may treat stop signs as “yield” and traffic signals may be treated as “stop signs”. I’ve read that it works well and they have no more incidents / cycling accidents there than the average.
Anyone traffic controls and listening to headphones should get a ticket. I pass many cyclist during the my training rides, too many of these cyclist are clueless about their surroundings. I yell at them to let them know I am coming or passing and they can’t hear a thing. They are a hazard to themselves and others.
Put your wheel parallel to the groove of the detector loop. Most of the time, that will set it off.
Incidentally, as a pedestrian, I was once hit by an idiot cyclist (who was riding the wrong way down the street), and it doesn’t feel good.
Dude - try hitting the crosswalk button …
Dude - try hitting the cross walk button when you’re making a left turn. You have to go all the way over to the right hit the button, then cross however many lanes to get back to the left turn lane, while traffic is coming, before the light changes. It doesn’t work too well for turns, which is when the light switching is usually a problem.
the earphone thing I can understand - yet I see people driving almost daily with their iPod headphones on and yet to see one pulled over. why not!?
I also agree with you on the stopsign/light thing. I have no way to activate a signal just by rolling up on a bike.
1.) Irvine’s signals have worked for bicyclists for years.
This one could have been the defective exception, but if you “put your tires on the wires” the lights in Irvine will almost always work for a bike. If not, try tilting the bike down toward the pavement.
Failing that, CVC will permit you to run a light at a defective signal, after a full stop. Inform the city engineer of where the problem is and bring a copy of the memo to court.
2.) BUT blatant red light running makes all bicyclists look like babies. Yeah! for the cops who cite the light runners.
3.) AND if you’re gonna’ roll Stop signs, show a little class, OK?
At least slow down– if you slow down and look around like you give a damn, most cops will let it slide. No guarantees, but most.
And, please, Yield to other road users when the have the legal right of way.
Motorists hate us ’cause the think we’re all just juvenile Lance Wannabees. Give respect to get it, k?
First, the Vehicle Code sections Sanchez was cited for do not differentiate between motor vehicles and bicycles.
Second, the fine quoted probably included the myriad of extra “fees” added to the base file (or bail). These fees really add up fast. The $25 ticket for use of a cell phone actually can cost about $100 after fees are added.
[Your sneaky, underhanded, cowardly legislature at work.]
By the way, when working in the traffic unit in a medium sized police department a few years ago we studied bicycle accident data and fount that in over 90% of the accidents involving bicycle vs. auto, the “primary collision factor” was a violation committed by the bike rider.
This was sold to the public as no big deal -Twenty bucks for first time cell phone infraction. Plus the 115 bucks they never told us about. Cowardly legislature, indeed. Do not ever believe anything they say .
It used to be FINE + 150% County Fee + processing fee (about $36) = total bail
So, my guess is about $150 in fines for the 2 infractions = about $400 final
Gator: I understand that you work for PD but what about the 10% where the cyclist is hit in the bike lane in HB, or the kid hit by the driver under the influence on HB or the young man who was tossed off the front hood and he drove off. There is a lot more. Enforcement is not just tickets.If you have a badge means you have some moral responsibility rather than a ticket book
Sometimes I get the impression that ticket quotas matter and not safety enforcement or is that selective enforcement. Don’t forget your officers on motor cycles where you get whacked by inattentive drivers. I get tired of drivers making left hand turns and you are left out in the street while the driver sees you at the last second. I stop but unfortunately some of the OC preferred drivers, city council members, off duty cops, do not.
I’ve had a similar citation when I was in college.
The sad part is that this will go on his driving record as a moving violation, even though you are not required to have a driver’s license to ride a bicycle. Having points on your driving record will make your auto insurance go up.
I had to go to traffic school for my moving violation (on a bicycle) to prevent my auto insurance from going up. I chose the comedy class. Guess who was the subject of a good portion of the comedy?
a
As city and county revenues (sales tax, property tax, etc..) continue to plummet you are going to see alot more of this. A year ago I was watching a traffic cop surveilling a stop sign near my home waiting for drivers to run it. In the process, I witnessed several bicyclists run the stop sign and the cop did nothing. Yet if a motorist ran the sign (the tires were still rolling even if the driver slowed down to a near stop) the cop would go after him. Today the cop would probably go after the bicyclist too IF HE THOUGHT HE COULD GET SOME MONEY OUT OF HIM. If the bicylist looks like an illegal alien the cop would probably let him go since he knows the chances of him paying th fine would be slim ‘n nil. But all you bicyclists (who look affluent) and drivers better obey the rules of the road to the T. Because if you do the slightest think wrong you’ll get ticketed. It has little to do with safety. It’s all about the MONEY - as usual.
The stuff that spews from your mouth is pure ignorance and rarely supported by facts!
Yeah, like you have time to watch a traffic cop working, ocobserver. That would take too much precious time away from making stupid posts here.
Um, he can’t even hear a car coming up behind him, or an emergency siren. You’re not allowed to drive with headphones, why would you be allowed to ride a bike with them?
Ignorance of the law is no excuse.
I see drivers driving all the time with 2 headphones on, and am still waiting for all of them to be ticketed.
this guy broke the law and deserved a ticket. but as for the drivers - haven’t seen it yet.
While I’m sure the money is a factor, I often see bicyclists riding through stop signs and red lights or riding against traffic. On several occasions these folks have nearly caused an accident; people pulling out of a driveway on a divided road rarely check for traffic going the wrong way. Even if no one gets hurt, the time and money wasted in such incidents is an unecessary expense that is easily avoided by obeying traffic laws.
I have absolutely no sympathy for this guy or anyone else that thinks they’re special and entitiled to an exemption. If you run a stop sign, be prepared to pay the penalty. Not getting caught doesn’t make you right, it just means you’re lucky.
Yah, your right…Most drivers don’t look to the right when pulling out of a parking lot or driveway. Just plow right across the sidewalk…..Oh officer, I didn’t see the man in the wheelchair, I didn’t mean to kill him…
You got that right. They don’t look right because they are always in a hurry. A cop could accomplish his quota just by sitting at those intersections and issuing tickets. I ought to know my wife got hit by a car while in a crosswalk!
I have been a cyclist for a long time and it has always bothered me that fellow cyclist don’t follow the rules of the road or traffic laws. How or why this story made to news is beyond me other then to let cyclist know that you need to follow the rules, it is no different then when your in your car. This is a good indicator that cities are hurting for money when they do start ticketing bike riders.
Amen Bob! I’m the odd man out when I’m on a group ride and stop at the stop signs or red lights. Also, those wearing headphones are just asking for trouble.
The man in this story he’s only walking away with a $400 ticket.
I agree 100% - as a frequent cyclist, I can’t stand it when I see other cyclists running signs, riding at night without lights, and even riding against traffic. As well as being dangerous, it gives all of us a bad reputation, and drivers get so used to cyclists running signs that you have to wait forever for them to take their right of way at 4 way stops.
22 years ago, when I was 16, I ran a stop sign on a bicycle. The fine was $100. I never ran a stop sign again. He ran the stop sign, plus he had two infractions (wearing headphones as well), not one. The bike is considered a vehicle and is subject to the same fees as a car. He should get no break. If you can’t do the time, don’t do the crime.
Don’t you folk remember hearing on the news that cops are gonna be issuing more tickets statewide?
MORE TIX=MORE $$$$
This bicylist should be thanking the cop. Not yielding to a stop sign could result in a dangerous accident–either a car will run into him or a car will swerve to avoid him. Also, he’s a moron for riding around on public streets with earphones/headphones covering both ears. Heck, if I were riding a bicycle, I wouldn’t be listening to anything at all, other than the noise from the cars around me. It’s just not worth the risk of getting ran over.
hunterr83 - you said “Not yielding to a stop sign could result in a dangerous accident–either a car will run into him or a car will swerve to avoid him.”
If you read the article, you would have noticed that the intersection was clear, so no car would have run into him and no cars would have swerved to avoid him.
Your reply completely ignores the fact that a pedestrian could have stepped off the curb and been struck by the cyclist. The stop sign is there for a reason. Obey the rules.
Hey, an alien could have dropped down from space just at that moment, too, but stopping at a stop sign wouldn’t have saved him!
So, if I am on the 73 toll road and no other cars are around, is it then ok for me to go as fast as I want to?
Concur!!!
I agree with hunter, I’ve had bikes come off of curbs right in front of my car or swerve out of the bike lane. You can cause an accident even if you are riding a bike and you are likely to get the the worst of it.
I was almost killed riding my bike!!! If I would have stopped at the stop sign I wouldnt have been hit!! So please be thankful your getting a ticket and your family is not getting a phone call from the police!!!!! GOD BLESS
The police are now just a revenue source to fund bloated socialist government pensions. They have zero interest in investigating crimes, because harassing the public allows them to retire at 50 with 90% pay. Why do communities build walls or hire private security? Because the police are our enemies; they are not here for protection.
BTW-I am a 100% law abiding citizen and not some derelict that hates the cops for breaking up my fun. I do however recognize that speed limits are set too low, so those speeding get hit with big bucks tickets to fund the privileged government class of workers extravagant pay and benefits.
Actually, the fine amounts arent that bad. The problem is the STATE fees that are added. In Orange County the highest fine is somewhere around $300. After added state mandated fees, it ends up just under $900. The state went as far as taking away the judges ability to reduce fines on some violations, including running a red light (900 bucks with fees), no seat belt (Click it or Ticket) or exceeding the state maximum speed limit. The courts in Orange County now have an interest free payment plan option, as most people can’t pay it all at once.
The cop was trying to do his job people! Calm down. He was just trying to meet his quota, like any sales person trying to bring in some revenue.
I would be fine with paying the listed fine and say, i didn’t ask for the services the “fees” provided. Go to court Sanchez and fight it because these fees are ridiculous. And in this economy, who has the money to pay for this?
I’m a bike commuter and ride 800+ miles a month. Safety is #1 for me. I never use earphones or cellphones while riding, I stop at all signals and signs. I’ll go through red signals ONLY when they don’t change for me through a complete cycle… and only when it’s safe to proceed. No accidents in 24,000 mi of riding. Quite a few close calls from inattentive drivers… on cell phones. Police need to enforce the texting / cell phone laws! It’s getting worse out there with distracted drivers.
ps. I think distracted bike riders should get tickets, too. Riders using iPods and cell phones are a nuisance on the roads and river trails!
Bicycles are subject to the same rules of the road as any other vehicle on the road. Amazing how many bicyclists aren’t aware of that fact. It has always been that way. If the police see you breaking the law, you will be cited. This has nothing to do with making quotas or discrimination. That ticket was probably the best thing to happen to him to learn that bicycles are subject to the same laws as cars. Have to wonder how he passed his drivers test.
I don’t really think they should be enforcing the driving Laws that strict. Driving a motored vehicle at high speeds is NOT the same as using your legs to pedal you around town at low MPHs. I understand how some violations might be more serious than others which is understandable but when there is no cars around and you get a ticket for riding through a stop sign on your bike, then that cop is taking their job too seriously and needs to stop being like most cops and go catch real criminals. I think this Sanchez guys is awesome for riding a bike everywhere and not polluting the world with cars and motor vehicles. I got my bike on 2wheelbikes and they have awesome prices on beach cruisers, mountain bikes and tandems. Check it out and stick it to the cops who have nothing better to do than give tickets to people to make themselves forget they were picked on as a child.
Check it out and stick it to the cops who have nothing better to do than give tickets to people to make themselves forget they were picked on as a child.
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hilarious! I guess 3/4 of the population can be lawless.
Did you read his driving record ? ” He’s had several violations over the past decade - including a DUI in 2002 and a property damage hit-and-run in 2004″ I don’t think he is riding to prevent pollution, I’d be suprised if he had a drivers license…and if so, I doubt he could afford the insurance with a record like his. Clearly, he has no concern for ANY law, vehicle or cycle.
See, I don’t have a problem with a cop ticketing a bicyclist who runs a stop sign. What I have a problem with is the SELECTIVE ENFORCEMENT! I suspect that if a cop tickets bicyclists that he does a quick analysis of whether the violator has the money to fork over for the fine. If so, the blue lights go on. If not, he gets a pass. I have seen bicylists, mainly illegal alien types, violate the laws all the time in front of cops and never get cited. That includes running stop signs, stop lights, riding without helmets and riding in the dark with no lights or flashers!!! None get stopped!!! And I see them ALL THE TIME! Public fines should be public information. If you examine the records, I would bet a dime to a donut that FINE REVENUE has gone up significantly during the economic crisis simply because the cities need money!!! IT’S GOT LITTLE OR NOTHING TO DO WITH SAFETY!!! I complained to a cop once that kids were skateboarding on the street (against the city ordinance) and causing a disturbance with their skateboard clanging when they jump off curbs and strike the ground. The cop told me that he would refuse to enforce that law. He told me that he has that discretion. I’m not kidding you. True story. I went straight to the city and asked them what the heck is going on here?? Finally it came to a head and the kids were chased off the streets. Sometimes I wonder who these people serve???
Ocobserver- I was only able to get through the first couple of sentences in this rant… one point I feel you may be missing hence your ’screaming’ about selective enforcement? Just like I can’t watch my 2 girls 24/7? I hope they make the right choices and do the right thing based on what I have taught them? THAT is what is expected of both vehicle and bicycle riders because- I know this is hard to handle- police enforcement can’t be on every corner every single second catching all the ‘bad guys’. Get real, please…
Selective enforcement is true! They don’t ticket the illegals because it is too much hassle for them. They don’t want to be accused of racial prejudice
Law Inforcement Officers used to be Public Servents. With Mottos like”To Serve and Protect” ect. Now they are simply Meter Maids with Guns and Attitudes. Municipalities depend on them for the income they provide. Its not about the laws, or safety, or protecting the peace. Its about MONEY to feed the monster. So that they all can get a big fat early retirements. The cost of the fines are outrageous. DMV Fees are through the roof. The service is atrocious. And when was the last time you interacted with a calm, polite Police Officer. They all seem to act like ex MPs just back from fighting a war and hyped up on amphetimines. A Warning, Ha. Its not going to happen. Its just not in the budget.
You bet the cost of the fines are outrageous. They are going to squeeze you for more and more too. I recall watching the Board of Supervisor tack on a big percentage increase on tickets in OC FOR THE HOSPITAL EMERGECNY ROOMS! You know what that’s all about, right??? FREE HEALTHCARE FOR ILLEGAL FOREIGNERS and you’re paying for it through your traffic tickets!! HAH!!
The fines have gone up EXPONENTIALLY since year 2000. But if you examine the economic data on the wage scale in America and Orange County IT HAS REMAINED FLAT!!!! So tickets go up 300% and your wage stays the same!!!!
You are people understanding this yet??? They are bound and determined to knock you down into the underclass!! HAH!
Don’t listen to a thing they tell you ——– just watch what they do!!!!
I ride to work daily (in good weather) and it’s all about momentum, getting it and keeping it. I run lights and stop signs all the time, never a ticket, never a close call. O.K. maybe I have been lucky, but it a skill too. To stop everywhere would add maybe 10-15 minutes to my commute and I probably couldn’t do that. Those of us that ride on crowded streets know what the risks are, the likely situations for problems, and how to avoid those problems. We are healthier and use less gas than the rest of you who choose not (or cannot) ride. We would never just come off a curb in front of a driver. My bikes wheels are worth more to me than that. However, little is offered in our way other than an 8″ line and a marker of a cyclist. We get some morons that actually try to hurt us (i.e. L.A. Doctor), and we even have to look out for that. I like the Idaho idea, and its worth looking into. Stopping on your bike at a stop sign when you can clearly see in all four directions that no one is near feels a lot like talking to yourself. Next time you see a cyclist, maybe you can thank him for saving 3-4 gallons of gas that day, its not only about liking to ride, its a responsible thing to do. We are not asking you to get out your cars, maybe there could be some understanding on the effort it takes to do our part.
I appreciate what you have to say but I actually had a guy run into my car years ago after he ran a red light and wasn’t able to anticipate my move (I was turning right into a driveway and because of his running the lighht wasn’t prepared to have him to the right of me). He kept going and I had to swallow the $400+ it cost to fix my car where his helmet left a HUGE dent in my rear end.
I had turned right on a green, he flew through a red and on a downhill was going too fast to make a decision that would have a) made it so he didn’t run into my car, b) see what was happening before it happened and c) given me the chance to even SEE what he was doing so I didn’t get ‘in his way.’
Running red lights and stop signs, no matter how much it may slow your commute, is irresponsible and may cause more problems than not.
By the time I realized what happend, stopped my car and got out, he was up and on his bike and out of there. I have no idea if he was ok- all I know is he was negligent and because he was on a bike I was left holding the tab for the damage. Pi**ed me off…
My 15-year old nephew got a ticket last year for no helmet while riding a bicycle. He failed to pay the ticket on time, then the ticket amount went up to $440.
well what are they going to do, suspend his license?
don’t pay it, see what happens…
That is ridiculous bs!!
If you break the law you break the law, there’s nothing that says unless you are riding a bike. If Sanchez has to pay a 400.00 fine he’ll think twice about blowing red lights and wearing earphones.
He deserves the ticket for the mere fact he was listening to NPR!
yeah I liked how the writer worked that into the article. probably the worst offense of all
This answers why hating the police has gone from those that belong in jail to the general public. The traffic patrol, really they are no longer the police, is not only nit picking but the fines are absolutely criminal extortion. It is cheaper to have a guy with a gun steal my wallet than be stopped by the police. Seriously, the police are bigger thieves than thieves.
“give me you wallet, you didn’t come to a COMPLETE stop. I saw you creeping, now give me your dough”
Daily Biker’s excuse for running stop signs and red lights is that his commute would take longer if he obeyed the law. If all the drivers followed his selfish, LOUSY EXAMPLE, we’d have chaos and mayhem! I, too, cycle to/from work nearly every day. I have more than 20K miles on my bike and have earned the California Triple Crown of Cycling (3 or more 200 mile/day rides in a calendar year) . The “Daily Biker” type cyclists I see all too frequently give all cyclists a bad name and give many drivers an excuse to ignore or mistreat us more than they already do. Whether you a cyclist or a motorist, please obey the law and be respectful of everyone else.
La Ruta de los Conquistadores. I couldn’t ride 200 miles on the road even once, too boring. Good luck and I hope you stay safe too!
When I worked closer to home I used to ride my bike. And I followed all the laws. If I hadn’t I would not complain if I got a ticket. I do not feel sorry for him. I am glad the cop gave him a ticket. His other tickets go to show he thinks the laws do not apply to him.
As an avid recreational cyclist, this guy deserves the citation. The police did their job. Too often bike riders blow by stop signs and traffic lights with fatal consequences. The worst, however, are the jerks with earphones and IPods who pedal along not being able to hear approaching traffic.
Oh, poor baby… you broke the law and now you think that it is unfair. I think he should get an extra fine for being a cry-baby. This wasn’t a matter of the cop didn’t see me stop, it was a matter of he thought he was better than the rest of us that follow the laws.
If the cops would actually start enforcing traffic laws maybe the state could solve budget problems. I think I saw a million dollars worth of cell phone tickets on my drive in this morning. Jay Walkers, Cell Phone talkers (including the ones that think that having it on speaker and holding in front of you counts as “hands free”) Stop Sign Runners, Speeders, People that cross the solid white line on freeway exits, Shoulder Passers or Lone Driver/Car-Pool Laners all need to get the fines increased. $400 isn’t enough.
Quit bitching!
“People that cross the solid white line on freeway exits”
you had me up until ‘cross the solid white line on freeway exits’.
I agree about punishing the rest, but in this case uhh… what?
are you talking about people jumping the “V” by crossing 3 lanes to exit at the last minute, or that solid white line that dictates you can’t change into/out of the “exit” lane until a certain point?
I know if you jump the V merging into freeway traffic from the onramp, the fine is very high because it is very dangerous (the drivers in the freeway lanes aren’t expecting you to burst in on them at that point). I don’t know about the other V that leads to the offramp…I’ve jumped that many times. Should I stop?
Curb tax..any way to make money under the guise of motor safety.
What about all the ‘boons I see jaywalking on 1st Street, jumping in front of cars. Oh, I know, that can’t pay the fines, so we don’t bother to cite them, because we’d be racist
There ya go, Steve. Move to the front of the class. Even with GED’s they’re smart enough to know that you can’t squeeze blood from a turnip. And why risk a race-based complaint??? Better to go after the big fish with the loot!! That way you keep the chief and the city manager happy. And since they are the ones who hand out awards, bonuses and promotions you serve them, not the citizens. That’s how the game is played. It’s a big club, Steve. And you ain’t in it, buddy!
why ticket people with no license or deport people sucking the system dry when we can target legal citizens on bikes for small infractions?? yeah!
While issuing this ticket how many illegal immigrants and gang bangers drove by and laughted at what this country thinks is important. Generate as much income for your organization, overhead is not an option. Now pay your bills or go to jail. Pathetic…….
The bail amount is not necessarily the fine. It is only the fine if you choose to pay it and not contest the citation. The officer calculates it and that may be an error by the officer that the guy can cite if he contests the ticket.
I have zero sympathy for bicycle riders who are careless and do not pay attention to the rules of the road. They take all sorts of risks, and all of them that result in a problem for the operator of a car results in only the car’s insurance / owner getting screwed for it. I have recently seen idiots weaving up the road oncoming at me while following a police car. I am sad that a quiet stop sign in a neighborhood is what they are watching and not the clowns like I am speaking of.
I always pay extra attention to bicycles, and motorcycles which have lower visiblity. At least bicycles are not going 60 miles an hour splitting lanes. the least they could do is make some effort stay in their proper lanes and out of the way if they don’t.
Nothing but excuses.
yep thats all this kid has, one after another. Try assimilating and understanding the laws of the land.
so what’s the fine for riding on the sidewalk? Same as driving a car on the sidewalk? What’s next a ticket for diplay of acceleration on a bike?
Who cares, the kid didn’t die or hurt anyone. Not sure if it’s worth the $30 an hour the cop is making to give red light bike tickets.
More like $65/hour with benefits divided by the 1,750 hours he/she will actually work.
he could have caused an accident, guess you would be okay with that too. just shameful.
$30 an hour??? Man, where do you live. Try $80 an hour. And if you throw in benefits and pensions, try $230 an hour. More than a medical doctor!! And instead of targeting the real crooks they go after bicyclists riding to college! hah! And the selective enforcment that goes on is amazing. Either enforce the law or don’t. But don’t do it willy nilly. Don’t just stop some guy who looks like he can pay the fine. hah!
community college
LOL….Even the bicycle cops ride the sidewalk. They want to live too.
This article is clearly written with the intent that we should be outraged at this poor bicyclist getting a $400 ticket. I say he got what he deserved. Too many idiots ride bikes with no regard for cars … wearing headphones on a bike is insane. Kudos to the cop for enforcing the law.
I agree about motorcycles not being able to trigger a light. I’ve tried every witch way to trigger the light for the last two years by my girlfriends house with no luck. I would have to drive about a mile out of my way and make a u turn to avoid just taking the light…
I’ve actually asked friend cops and their response was if after two lights it hasn’t change proceed with caution.
BTW I’ve also had cops wave me across to make a left when the light wouldn’t change.
“I’ve actually asked friend cops and their response was if after two lights it hasn’t change proceed with caution. ”
that’s what I always do (whether in car, or on bike). glad to see the cops agree. a faulty light is not your fault and pretty easy to prove in court, though a hassle to show up and contest.
I admire Santa Ana police Officer Berg! About 99% of the officers I’ve worked with are too lazy to enforce traffic law violations committed by bicyclists. Especially Anaheim officers who look the other way in all instances I’ve seen bicyclists commit violations right in front of the officer.
I got cited for running a stop light about 7 years ago in Westminster. When I got the bail amount in the mail, I went to court to talk to a judge. I plead guilty, but he lowered it to $10.00 (I don’t remember if it went on my driving record). It doesn’t hurt to explain why you ran it, and ask for a reduction.
Not sure if anyone knows, but we talk about having the same right for bicycles and motor vehicles. But I don’t think bicycles have to pay fees such as registration or is it illegal to ride without insurance (that I know of). If these statements are incorrect please let me know since I have not heard of this.
what you’re saying is correct, but you forgot to include the following:
pass a driver’s test.
Good luck reasoning with a philistine, just refer them to the California Vehicle Code:
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/vc/vc.htm
HEARING ABILITY
Earplugs prohibited, 27400
Headsets prohibited, 27400
Wearing of Headsets or Earplugs
27400. A person operating a motor vehicle or bicycle may not wear a headset covering, or earplugs in, both ears. This prohibition does not apply to any of the following:
(d) A person wearing personal hearing protectors in the form of earplugs or molds that are specifically designed to attenuate injurious noise levels. The plugs or molds shall be designed in a manner so as to not inhibit the wearer’s ability to hear a siren or horn from an emergency vehicle or a horn from another motor vehicle.
Amended Sec. 45, Ch. 594, Stats. 2003. Effective January 1, 2004.
So ride with one headphone in, and don’t run reds, but feel free to take a full lane if there any garbage in the gutter/bike lane! Follow the rules!
Very good to see the Police enforcing violations. So many times I see people on bicycles that fail to realize they are required to follow the same rules everyone else has to while in a vehicle.
GREAT JOB OFFICERS, NICE TO KNOW I’M NOT THE ONLY ONE THAT UNDERSTANDS, YOU ARE ON WHEELS YOU STOP AT STOP SIGNS. I bet the kid will sure, where is the ACLU
*SUE*
Perhaps lesson learned?
As for the bicyclist getting sited for running the stop sign and the headphones, non issue. You did the wrong thing, the wrong cop was there. Take your hit, complain if you want but that’s how things happen.
As for your fine, I suggest you appear in front of the Judge (Commissioner) and ask for a reduction in your bail. The fine amount you receive in the mail is essentially spit out at random by a computer and has no bearing on income level, license status or if the cop missed the fresh donuts that morning. It barely even considers your past record if that. So yea, see the judge and get the bail reduced, maybe he’ll get a kick out of the situation and just toss it out altogether.
Serves this guy right for thinking the rules of the road don’t apply to him just because he’s on a bike. Maybe we should all ignore crosswalk signals too. Who cares about staying in our lanes either. And while we’re at it let’s all stop using our turn signals. Oh wait! most of you already have. Someone should have checked his IQ, not his driving record. Future up and coming Darwin award winner!
By the way, just for showing up in court the fine will be reduced if he pleads guilty, no contest or traffic school.
You can’t ride your bike on the side walk; if you ride on the street, you’re holding up traffic and a slightly distracted driver can kill you in an instant. when I’m on my bike on the street and cars pass me, they feel like inches from me and anyone of those cars could clip and kill me at anytime. So it’s really not safe for a bike on the road, unless the street has a designated bike lane. I don’t see justifications for a $400 fine. A ticket can basically ruin a poor student. Bogus fines for bogus government wastes. Screw the environment, I’ll just hop in my SUV and forget about the bike.
you got caught, pay up and forget it, think of all the times that you got away without a ticket
To prove my point here’s another article from today
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/anaheim-hit-thompson-2636399-bicyclist-broken
Well as long as we’re moaning about bicycle rights, here’s one for you. The City of Tustin has turned all of their two lane roads into three lane roads – thus eliminating any possibility of any bicyclists using anything but sidewalks to get around in this city. Now those lanes come so close to the sidewalks, people are even afraid to walk on them. I’m not a bike guy, or even an environmentalist, but I don’t know what idiot Tustin city council members approved this. It’s not like there was a severe traffic problem in this city and now they resolved it by adding extra lanes throughout the city. They obviously had some money to blow, so that was what they decided to do with the money. Making those 3rd lanes dedicated bicycle lanes would have been a step in the right direction on every level. It would have been forward thinking. They had the chance to do something innovative – like making the entire city bike friendly so people could drive less. But the cowards looked the other way. The city of Tustin should be ashamed of themselves.
I live in Tustin, ride a bike, have driven through every part of the city at one time or another and don’t really know what you’re talking about. I haven’t seen any streets go from 2 lanes to 3 or remember any construction crews at all. and all the existing bike lanes seem to still be there.
The $400 fine is the same fine a motorist would get for blowing a stop sign. The fine follows the infraction not the mode of transportation. Go to court and $400 fine gets reduced to $250-$300. If he’s smart he’ll never end up paying that much. He’ll be ok…he can make payments.
The one thing that bothers me about the bicyclist is the headphones part. Even though he was listening to NPR, if the volume is high or you get commercials with musical jingles playing at a higher volume than the NPR show, you can be distracted, fly through a stop sign, get hit by a car and the SUE SUE SUE. That is the part that bothers me.
My name says it all. When you drive you always have the radio turned off? Please explain how that is different than this biker listening to the radio.
Headphones block ambient noise, a car radio does not. Headphones are illegal to where in both ears when operating a car or a bike (or any vehicle upon the roadway).
Just take jail time. Usually a couple of hours, or less than one day. They don’t want to spend too much time, paperwork or money for bike violations.
Jail time is not an option, it would have to be community service and it sure as hell will not be a couple of hours, try about 50.
bpsqwerty: westbound Irvine Blvd from Redhill Road to Elizabeth Street (near Old Irvine Blvd Y-split) had bike lane eliminated to make room for 3rd lane quite some time ago. Now same thing has happened to stretch from Redhill to Browning Ave. I never saw any posting or public notices that this was going to happen. I agree with Johnny California. Cyclists are put at danger so that motorists don’t back up quite so far at traffic lights during rush hour.
It doesn’t matter how the ticket will cost him. He’s 26 years old and hasn’t learned a thing from his previous violations. My guess is he’ll continue to break traffic law.
my guess is his wonderful driving history, and maybe his attitude got him citations instead of warnings.
Why do these arrogant bicylists think they are above the law? Running stop signs is a way of life for them. I’d say this punk got off easy when you toss in the second offense of earphones and his criminal past history.
Officer Berg, can you come WORK where I live? I rarely see an officer, let alone one that works.
Glad to see the cops enforcing stop sign violations. Keep up the good work.
Here’s a hint I learned long ago at traffic school:
If you ride your bicycl regularly, go to the DMV and get a California State identification card.
if you show your driver’s license when cited for a bicycle infraction, it will go ON YOUR DRIVING RECORD!
if you show a California ID, it won’t.
And of course you’re not required to have a driver’s license to ride a bicycle, you’re only required to have ID.
Receiving a ticket while riding a bike never goes on your driving record, don’t know where you came up with the idea of getting an ID card to avoid it affecting your record. Just because you use all caps doesn’t make your comment accurate. It really is sad how people assume they are right and speak as fact.
Wonder what the paper’s story would be if this cyclist were struck by a automobile - due to his inattention and blatant disregard for his safety. No one should be outraged at this story: No serious, intelligent, law-abiding cyclist wears anything that blocks hearing in both ears, nor blows stop signs while cycling. ANYONE who violates those CA vehicle code sections should be ticketed and fined, also per the CA vehicle code. There is no excuse for such blatant disregard for not only the cyclist’s safety, but for the motoring and pedestrian public.
This.
A cyclist wearing a hard helmet and going fast - with his momentum, as it were - can inflict considerable injuries to pedestrians as well as themselves. The traffic rules only work to keep road users safe if every user knows how to follow them; in this case, chaos is not beauty.
“as cyclists so often do”
Sorry that is not the case cyclists do stop at intersections…. at least those that do not want to get hit by a car or a ticket for running the sign.
A bike must obey the same rules of the road as cars….
oh…. and that bike line is NOT a passing lane for cars when the light is red…. only when the light is green can a car enter that line to make a right hand turn and only when another vehicle (bike) is not in the lane.
Special thanks to the cops that cite drivers for driving and.or passing on the right of vehicles in the bike lane.
Explain to me this.
I see many more cars on the road than bikes, yet I see a much higher % of bikes run stop signs that cars.
Looks like the watchmutt is dragging the bottom to find issues to enrage the public. Do another article bashing public employees and I’m sure you’ll get plenty of watchmutt lap dogs yelping at the top of their lungs.
Why is this story on the front again? Bikes must stop at STOP signsm just like cars. It doesn’t matter how many cyclists don’t stop, you are legally REQUIRED to stop. He didn’t stop. Pay up.
the district attorney would have likely throw this out of court if the defendant past criminal record wasnt so extensive. tony might still do it but this guy needs to bull the hispanic card a little more
The LAW is the LAW. Get over it.
actually, the law can be challenged in a court of LAW, repelled, or modified. laws are, at the time of passage, meant to be the best attempt at dealing with whatever is at hand, but it is by NO MEANS set in stone or perfect. we don’t live in a police state yet as you might infer. Therefore, I won’t get over it. The fact is the law is based on motorized vehicles, not 20 lb bicycles, and if you ever spent every day commuting on a bike, you would quickly realize how unrealistic the laws are if a bike was to behave EXACTLY like a car. But that would, of course, mean you gave a damn about the environment, your health, and that of others. So continue with your black and white world fully committed to your pat and insular lifestyle because you’re the only one that’s that naive and ignorant.
Rather than “…Santa Ana Student…” the OCR should caption it,”Repeat Offender gets another ticket!” Take the student out of the caption since it indicates some sympathy for “students”. Bicyclists (I ride myself) do blow through stop signs, cut across intersections and weave in and out of lanes irritating drives. Then, if the drive honks his horn, the bicyclist often displays that rude one finger gesture, especially if the bicyclist is in a large group of rides and is pretty much anonymous. It is a wonder that more bicyclists aren’t killed or injured.
It is called the Vehicle Code, not the Cars and Trucks code. A bike is a vehicle. If you are going to drive on the streets, obey the laws. The bicyclist describes two moving violations: Ran a stop sign, and headphones covering both ears. Both could have gotten him killed. I nearly ran over a bicyclist who thought red lights were optional for bikes when, with a green light and after waiting for a pedestrian to clear the crosswalk I was about to make a right turn. The bike ran the red across a four lane road in the fog because it is just to hard to start riding from a stop. Good think for him I took that one more look to the left before proceeding or he wold have been stopped permanently. KUDOS to SAPD for enforcing the vehicle code on reckless bicyclists.
Most traffic fines these days are outrageous!!! I am sure it explains many of the warrants issued!!! My husband was riding his Schwinn beach cruiser home from Main St,. HB DURING the US Open and received a similar ticket. As her approached the stop sign (not in the busy downtown area but on his way home on Orange/Atlanta) the car the was stopped at the stop sign proceeded. My husband proceeded next to the car. No, he did not stop beforehand but this does seem like a very safe time to cross. Failure to stop at stop sign, $212!!! Honestly, during the US OPEN with a town full of drunk teenagers, this is what HB Police have to do? Ticket 45 year old residents on bikes?? Not to mention $212 and points on your drivers license from what I understand!
Terrific article — thank you. I see these wannabe suicides out there every day — riding through intersections on the wrong side of the street oblivious to the traffic trying to avoid them. They don’t have a clue what the rules are. And then we have to put up with the endless flower shrines to their stupidity.
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/d11/vc21460.htm
Double Lines
21460. (a) When double parallel solid lines are in place, no person driving a vehicle shall drive to the left thereof, except as permitted in this section.
(b) When the double parallel lines, one of which is broken, are in place, no person driving a vehicle shall drive to the left thereof, except as follows:
(1) That the driver on that side of the roadway in which the broken line is in place may cross over the double line or drive to the left thereof when overtaking or passing other vehicles.
(2) As provided in Section 21460.5.
(c) Either of the markings as specified in subdivision (a) or (b) does not prohibit a driver from crossing the marking when (1) turning to the left at any intersection or into or out of a driveway or private road, or (2) making a U-turn under the rules governing that turn, and either of the markings shall be disregarded when authorized signs have been erected designating offcenter traffic lanes as permitted under Section 21657.
(d) Raised pavement markers may be used to simulate painted lines described in this section when the markers are placed in accordance with standards established by the Department of Transportation.
Amended Ch. 462, Stats. 1984. Effective January 1, 1985.
I just copied the important area of section 21460(a) in the list of violations
from the section prior to the section following.
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/lov/lovd11.htm
I 21457(b) Flashing Yellow, proceed only with caution.
I 21460(a) Double solid lines, driving to left of, except driveway, intersection, or U-turn.
I 21460(b) Solid-broken lines, driving to left when solid line placed on right.
I 21460.5(c) Two-way left turn lane, driving in, or turning from through lane.
I 21461(a) Traffic control sign, failure to obey regulatory provisions.
m
Could this situation have been handled differently, possibly? I work with Officer Berg and he is a great guy, but once he puts on his Santa Ana Motor Uniform he’s different, completely different and somewhat Nepoleonistic even. Could this situation have been handled differently…. Sure!
There is the LETTER OF THE LAW and the SPIRIT OF THE LAW. In this case Officer Berg chose the Letter of the Law. Granted, Officer Berg and traffic experts could cite traffic collision statistics but then if the Titanic would not have hit an iceBERG it would not have sunk. Each situation is different. Commander Doug McGeachy is absolutely correct that officers have a lot of discretion in what they chose to enforce and not to enforce.
According to Sanchez there were no cars. Did Sanchez endanger anyone else, did cars have to swerve uncontrollably to avoid from hitting him or did he almost hit a pedestrian. I would look at the totality of the situation before passing judgment. Officer Berg….. Remember the guy is on a bicycle going to school let’s show a bit more compassion.