Irvine Police Should Help, Not Harass, in Solving Bike Problem

You have used my name and picture in a recent article (“Irvine Police Put Bicyclists in Their Place” May 5). The day the picture was taken I rode in compliance with the California Vehicle Code.

Proceeding on Main from Jamboree, there is no bike lane until after Union where we had to go around an Irvine (police) cruiser and The Times photographer’s car parked in the bike lane with no indicator lights flashing on either vehicle. Then the Irvine police stopped us in the bike lane to give us their lecture. I did not hear the lecture as the officer chose to talk only to those at the front of the group and not loudly enough for those in the rear to hear.

The irony of it all: Irvine police lecturing us on obstructing traffic and what are they doing? Obstructing traffic!

They came through the parking lot where riders assembled at the beginning of that ride. Why did they not give their lecture there where everyone could hear and there would be no obstruction of traffic with the attendant hazards? Or did the Irvine police think causing such a scene was such good publicity that it was worth the risk?

There are definite problems with some of the group rides, that one included. We can solve them with Irvine Police Department help but not with confrontational tactics such as was exhibited by them. I am one of the more vocal complainers about riding smart, safely and, most importantly, in a considerate manner.

But mostly, I and others like me have been talking into open space because the Irvine Police Department, in the past, has not ticketed anyone for much of anything and now they want to pass out tickets in a wholesale fashion for even the most nit-picking offenses. It is about time enforcement was used, but why the sudden intensity, and what about when this enforcement fad is over?

Most county cyclists have to pass through Irvine for most of the longer riding loops available, which means the cyclists have to get along with Irvine. Unfortunately, Irvine is becoming more congested every day, taking with it the open spaces and unbusy roads we used to enjoy. I invite any of Irvine’s authorities to speak at the two cycling clubs I belong to. We can resolve these problems if Irvine is willing.

DEAN H. HICKS, Costa Mesa