Police Should Ticket Real Traffic Hazards

* The article about the Woodland Hills motorcyclist who was ticketed for having his dog accompanying him on a ride raises a few disturbing questions (“Biker Howls Over Pooch’s Ticket,” Dec. 6).

Many streets in Los Angeles and quite a few in the Valley are well-known for open drug dealing. For a few years I have seen the same people approaching cars and making quick exchanges, seemingly with no fear of the law. I can’t believe that anything this obvious can be allowed to continue.

Also, I’ve seen traffic accidents that were caused by aggressive panhandlers who made sudden moves into heavy traffic shaking their cups. Once again, the same person can usually be seen at the same location sometimes for years, being both a nuisance and a danger. LAPD vehicles pass by and ignore him.

In this particular case, the cycle rider is somewhat of an activist and knows the vehicle code as it applies to him. The officer didn’t, but decided to ticket the rider anyway.

There are lots and lots of really bad situations on the streets that should stir a police officer’s zeal more than the biker and his dog. The ticket has put the rider on the defensive. He now has to go to court. This is harassment.

It would be nice for the LAPD to find something really useful for this officer to do rather than cruise Woodland Hills justifying his time and salary by bringing back tickets for trivia at the end of his shift. There is a need for officers who are sincerely committed to real police work.

RAY CUMINGS

Encino