New Haven Independent

Posted by: Bruce | November 10, 2008 10:49 AM

This irritates me on several levels. First, there is no excuse for treating someone the way police (allegedly) treated this man. Secondly, it really irritates me that visiting scholars should get any sort of special treatment from the police. A personal visit from the assistant police chief? Third, a lot of people are not aware that bicycling on the sidewalk is illegal. This is no way to educate the public. How about posting signs, or informing incoming Yalies freshmen, as the majority of these conflicts seem to occur around the campus?

Posted by: DingDong | November 10, 2008 10:58 AM

Is it just me, or does it seem like the sidewalk biking crackdown is morphing into just another way for police to harass black people? The whole thing is stupid and should be shelved until the cops can get it right.

Posted by: JP | November 10, 2008 11:09 AM

If I was driving my car down the sidewalk I'd expect this reaction. Once again the biking community wants it both ways you are either automobile or you are not. You want cars to share the road but you won't get off the sidewalk so boohoo now cops are enforcing the laws. The truth is Bikes should just start riding in the middle of the street take up the whole lane its your right and you would be safer (although you'd get yelled at more) everyone would get used to it and we could move on.

Posted by: Edward_H | November 10, 2008 11:17 AM

Bruce

I could not agree with you more.

Posted by: David Streever | November 10, 2008 11:18 AM

Thanks for standing up for yourself, Mr. Oyewole, you do us all a good turn. It is always dissapointing when people in positions of authority allow complacency and laziness to drive their actions, and make biased decisions that endanger others well-being.

I'm glad we have someone like Chief Brown to step in & do the right thing, but I do think this incident merits some very serious internal investigation & re-training for the officers involved. If the account is true, their behavior was really out of line with what the NHPD stands for, what they've asserted they are working toward, & the goals of the citizens of New Haven.

It's not appropriate to bully someone who committed such a minor infraction. It's not appropriate to harass & threaten someone when all you have to do is give them a 75 dollar ticket. Would Mr. Oyewole be treated this way if he was driving a car? If he were caucasian?

The officers involved need to honestly ask themselves those questions. This is the problem with a crusade by the police--it becomes larger than the officers, endangers the innocent, & does more damage to the end goal then the actual crime. What's the big deal with just politely issuing a ticket? Why do you need to become defensive, angry, & violent? Isn't it a citizens right to question the police & authority when they are confused on something? Why does his asking what crime he has committed lead to threats of violence?

I know it's a tough job, but I honestly think these officers acted far outside of the bounds of what is appropriate. From personal experience, I know that this type of encounter can all too easily turn violent. Imagine how it feels to know your rights & have some one using intimidation tactics & physical bullying, and they are backing that up with a gun & a license to legally discipline you.

I would like to see their names released so that other citizens who may have encountered similar behavior can speak up. This isn't about public humiliation, but potentially 3 police officers, in positions of power, who abuse their authority in violent ways.

This should go to the Civilian Review Board, the names should be public, & the NHPD should issue a public statement explaining what corrective steps will be taken.

Thank you for doing what I couldn't do, Mr. Oyewole, and getting this incident the attention it needs. Please take it to the next step, for the safety & well-being of all members of our community. I don't want yahoos like this running around and enforcing "law".

(Full disclosure: I was strangled and assaulted by a police officer who thought my riding a bicycle in the street was illegal. At the time, I was attempting to report an SUV that had deliberately tried to run me off the road for fun. The officer damaged 180 dollars of bicycle & clothes. He was never disciplined, and the police officer who was supposed to hear my complaint did not show up for any of our 3 scheduled meetings. I was advised by the police that I could be arrested for felony assault: I did touch the officers arm, by accident and in panic, when he leaned in and began screaming at me because I "did not have refflectors". I was using bicycle lights & had reflectors on the rear and wheels of my bike. The police I spoke to about the incident went out of their way to dissuade me from filing a report, and scared me into beliving I'd go to jail on a felony charge if I filed.)

Posted by: William Kurtz | November 10, 2008 11:20 AM

It sure seems that Mr. Oyewole was treated abominably for what's essentially (right or wrong; let's not get that one started again) a minor traffic infraction.

Like Bruce, I'm irritated that visiting scholars should get any sort of special treatment from the police--or more precisely, I'm irritated that all people who encounter the police can't expect to be treated with the dignity Mr. Oyewole expects and deserves.

Also, I might be interpreting this unfairly, but it seems that Mr. Oyewole is simultaneously railing against racism, but arguing for "classism" (if that's a word?) with his declaration that this wouldn't have happened in Nigeria where he would be recognized as a "member of society."

Posted by: citizen | November 10, 2008 11:30 AM

Take care of the people who are killing one another find them this is a disgrace chasing people on thier bikes. I am sick of the new traffic detail and the bike issues. Get a grip Mr/ Lewis

Posted by: Cheri | November 10, 2008 11:31 AM

CITY: Please post signs every few blocks or so, letting bikers know that it's illegal to bike on sidewalks, because many don't know/believe it.

Also, please stop with the ridiculous $75.00 fine for such a minor offense, and instead, issue such a fine for those who are truly biking recklessly.

Just yesterday, on my way for a bike ride to Bethany, I HAD to hop on the sidewalk on Whalley Avenue around the intersection of Davis to avoid a long puddle of wet leaves in the street, as well as broken glass (all that crap ends up in the invisible "bike lane" I'm supposed to be biking in). If I got pulled over and ticketed $75.00 for that, I would have been totally pissed, and I would have shown up in court to explain why you cannot enforce this law on every situation where a cyclist is on the sidewalk. AND, to be clear, there were zero pedestrians walking on the sidewalk, so I was not mowing anyone down, or even getting in anyone's way.

OFFICERS: Use some common sense when enforcing this inappropriate fine, please.

Posted by: Fedupwithliberals | November 10, 2008 11:51 AM

So if he were driving a car on the wrong side of the road, we'd be flagellating ourselves and apologizing too?

Posted by: Alphonse Credenza | November 10, 2008 12:08 PM

This also irritates me. A bikist who rode on the sidewalk MUST be ticketed. Where are the radical anti-sidewalkists to support this position?

Posted by: NHPD SOP | November 10, 2008 12:09 PM

This story doesn't surprise me at all. I was shoved by New Haven police officer while in a local nightclub. I put my hands in the air and said nothing. Later I decided that to approach him and ask for his name and Badge #. The officer said "I 'm glad you came up to because I realize what I did was wrong", then he handed me his card. He also stated that if I wanted to make a complaint he would understand but he was very sorry.

Posted by: James | November 10, 2008 12:11 PM

News flash for any of you that think this only happened to this gentleman because he is black. It's not. In my experience the police MO is to act in a disrespectful and aggressive manner. I've had a cop screaming at me using the most foul language for coming too close to him in an intersection. I sure as hell wouldn't put up with that from anybody else, but the cops know they can get away with it.

I'm as white as they come, but my experiences with police unless I am approaching them for aid is that they default to a bully mentality and threaten arrest at the first sign of their authority being questioned. This is especially troublesome when they are either misinterpreting, misapplying, or simply do not know the law. I've been threatened with arrest for taking pictures of public city infrastructure in a public place (I like bridges). No matter that I'm not breaking any laws. I comply because I know full well that it doesn't matter if I am right or wrong. I'm going to end up in the back of a squad car with a goose egg on my head for "resisting" if I should happen to explain to the officer that I am within my rights and breaking no law.

And no, I'm not anti-cop. I want them out there doing their jobs and to have the tools they need to do it. It's a stressful job and they're cops, not the welcoming committee. But I am anti-ignorant asshole; a trait that these officers displayed in spades.

Posted by: Doug | November 10, 2008 12:16 PM

Great story. You did everything you could to give the police side as well, but they have to clam up and usually do so when they've made a mistake.

I've heard that police are trained in intimidation tactics to help them control every situation. Based on these types of incidents, I think it's time to revamp their training.

Posted by: che15 | November 10, 2008 12:25 PM

Can the independent check if it was YALE CAMPUS POLICE that did this. Te New Haven Police are understaffed and I find it hard to believe 3 "hefty" NHPD officers chased this guy down. Yale Police has made there uniforms and cruisers look almost identical to city police. maybe the independent could look into how often the yale policeis mistaken for the real police and how often the nhpd is blamed for the actions of campus police looking for thrills and stick time in the elm city

Posted by: abp | November 10, 2008 12:26 PM

wow, lucky for him, he was associated with Yale. the NHPD is out of control, and I am sorry that Dapo Oyewole had to experience this on his visit to New Haven, but I applaud him in drawing attention to this incidence. I am glad that the Chief "restored [his] faith" in the police, but I have even less faith now. I respect the way that Oyewole conducted himself, he is very noble and diplomatic. The NHPD just makes me sick.

Posted by: anon | November 10, 2008 12:47 PM

One solution would be to do what Cambridge does, which is to clearly stencil the sidewalks in busy commercial districts with anti-bike symbols, implement great bicycle infrastructure and create far slower vehicular speeds in the city center.

Actually, the city should immediately re-post all downtown speed limits at 15 or 20 mph, paint narrower lanes, and start giving out thousands of tickets to speeding drivers: in addition to increasing the downtown's quality of life and saving local residents from being seriously injured and killed here every single month (yet ANOTHER pedestrian was hit just yesterday at York & Elm), that's actually the only thing that will get cyclists off the sidewalk.

If the experience of every other city on the planet serves as a guide, the real estate values in Downtown New Haven would double or triple almost overnight if the city did these things.

Generally speaking, the people in charge of setting our policies are young and middle-aged men, and don't realize that until we eliminate speeding and create a safer street network for all -- including families, kids, disabled and others -- many people will continue to be too afraid/discouraged to ride a bike on the street or even walk down the sidewalk in our city.

Posted by: wes on wooster | November 10, 2008 12:53 PM

I agree that the police have an overly-aggressive attitude toward the community and that our rights are infringed upon daily. The Street Smarts campaign from Destefano and the Safe Streets initiative was not meant to target cyclists riding on the sidewalks, rather the dangerous conditions that persist that cyclists must face in order to lawfully pedal (in streets with poor edge conditions and high speed motorists). The targets should be these poor road conditions (maintenance and traffic engineering) and speeding motorists. "Share the Road" signs should be placed on every street that does not have a striped bike lane and every effort to improve bike facilities should be made in an effort to make the streets and sidewalks safer without harassing the general public.

The enforcement of laws should be proportionate and fair.

Posted by: KD | November 10, 2008 1:07 PM

It would help with the public's education if police officers on bikes would quit riding on the sidewalk.

Not to mention parking illlegally, speaking on cellphones while driving, running red lights. All of this fuels New Haven's "it's fine if you can get away with it" mentality.

Posted by: robn | November 10, 2008 1:16 PM

I've been curious about this enforcement since it was announced, because I haven't seen any ticketing. However, driving on the treacherous stretch of Whitney between Grove and Trumbull, behind a police cruiser, I did see a teenager ride in the wrong direction, well into a lane, without being stopped. This kind of extreme stupidity is the kind of infraction that should be ticketed.

Posted by: anon | November 10, 2008 1:17 PM

I agree, Wes. Visibility at intersections - which is best done using bumpouts and restriping - is another area that needs work.

Posted by: LTMIKE | November 10, 2008 2:37 PM

As we make progress it seems we just go backwards. First off, Mr. Oyewole, your comment that this would not occur because of you being recognized as a member of society is really an elitist attitude. Shame on the police department for going out of their way for this individual and not the everyday taxpayers and citizens that might encounter problems. I am positive all are not reached out to in this manner. Second, can there be times when police offers are wrong and possibly a tad out of line... absolutely. BUT please tell me why if a white cop is involved with a minority it is ALWAYS classified as racism? Just because a white cop is involved with a minority does not mean it is racism. Events occur that involve opposite race, and race relations would be much better if everytime happens to a minority racism is not called out. As a white male it is very tiresome, especially one who does not view race as an issue. Finally, as people are stating this $75 is stupid it is not. Things are put in place to avoid pedestrian injuries. If you, a family member, or loved one are injured as a result of a bicyclist striking you on the sidewalk you would be up in arms COMPLAINING about the police and lack of enforcement of policies and laws! If the 'minority' community is upset and feel they are being targeted, then STOP going on the sidewalks with bikes and pass it around in community settings... the city is in the red and does not have to pay for signs being posted!

Posted by: Anon | November 10, 2008 2:53 PM

I can guess his name -- the same downtown cop that uses that line on everyone, that if you don't this or that, you will be in the back of my car in handcuffs.

it is not because you are black - he does it to everyone.

And he doesn't shove because he is scared for his safety, he does it because he has a lot of pent up rage.

He also always threatens bigger charges if you question the initial charge, such as interfering.

But what if it is not the same cop, what if it is one of several who behave this way? I think it is incredibly stupid not to run his name, jus because this man has reconciled with him. Whose interests does that serve? The man's, in his new relationship with NHPD, not the public's interest. That you should have to forge a personal relationship with police in this city so as to eliminate the posibility of being abused is one of the persistant, signature corrupt elements of the NHPD.

What's amazing about this story is how blind the PD is to its utter corruption in openly ascribing to a double standard of pandering to people of influence -- the PD obviously here wants that message to come across -- they even posed for photos. 'Oh, sorry we abused you -- we didn't know you were somebody'

Also incomprehensible is how this fellow can say in the same breath he is a human rights activist and wants police to recognize him as of a class deserving of respect because he is somebody. NO one should be treated that way, not just those with some claim to status.

Posted by: Bill | November 10, 2008 3:18 PM

This is typical of New Haven police tactics. Why does it take 3 officers to be giving out a ticket to a cyclist. This reflects the mayor's and police chief's poor judgment about how to properly police New Haven. They are wasting resources better used to reduce traffic fatalities and gun related crimes.

Posted by: WOW | November 10, 2008 3:53 PM

WOW, hey ding-dong, you really are a ding-dong great name. People wake up, some one from Yale who is a brat does'nt want a ticket so he cries. So if I got this right, the NHPD should leave all black people alone ?............Hmmmmmm, what would happen to a person in another country. That's right the cops are the big mean bad guys, and all of the public are angles, XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

Posted by: Alphonse Credenza | November 10, 2008 4:37 PM

I see none of the radical anti-sidewalkists have come out of the woodwork to insist upon ticketing. For shame, you inconsistent advocates of the enforcement of biking laws!

And listen to all the whining about rights being violated.

Right out of Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

"I agree that the police have an overly-aggressive attitude toward the community and that our rights are infringed upon daily. "

Come and see the violence inherent in the system. Help! Help! I'm being repressed!

What rights would those be? The right to ride a bike on the sidewalk?

You people have no idea what police repression is. Go elsewhere and experience it for yourself. (I hope you don't have to.)

Posted by: William Kurtz | November 10, 2008 4:50 PM

Lt Mike,

Leaving aside the question of the role (if any) that racism played in this particular incident, it's precisely because you are a white male that you can afford to not "view race as an issue." We might have moved past slavery and Jim Crow, but sadly, race remains an issue even in the absence of overt institutionalized discrimination.

Posted by: Walt | November 10, 2008 5:42 PM

Oyewole is a pompous ass.

If he obeyed the law he probably (not guaranteed)would have been OK.

If you must get on sidewalks, get off your bikes, and walk them for the safety of pedestrians,

This goes for whites, blacks,mixtures, genii, dumb jerks, gays ,lesbians, straights, hermaphrodytes, smart, dumb, male, female, Americans, Nigerians, Eskimos.. and everyone else except little kids.

Wont guarantee that a cop will not give you a hard time about something,, but certainly should help a bit,

Work for clarification of the laws. Stop mewling about getting caought for violating the existing law.

Posted by: Dapo Oyewole | November 10, 2008 6:17 PM

I thank you for all your responses and interest in this story and for NHI for sharing it. First I must say that the one thing I do not want is for this to become a divisive matter at such an important time in this great country's history and future. When incidents like this happen, we have a choice to react in a manner that will either stoke more anger and conflict or to find ways to address the issues in a manner that can facilitate more understanding and bring more substantive corrective measures on the long term. My focus remains to foster ways to resolve social conflicts through dialogue and in this case, hopefully ensure that the no one else is subjected to the kind of experience I had in any part of the world. Pushing for punitive measures against this policeman may not correct his behaviour and it will seem more like revenge . I do not want revenge, my objective is correction not punishment. In my view, if punishment was the most effective tool of behaviour change, repeat offender statistics would not be so high and prisons across the world would not be filling up at such a fast rate. Sometimes kindness, support programs or merely giving people another chance can spur them to change more from within, not just superficially.

The key thrust of my initial article detailing my ordeal (which attracted the interview) was that what happened to me should not happen to anyone at all - irrespective of race, creed, socio-economic background or social position. The point I made was that my race, position or vocation should have nothing to do with how I am treated by law enforcement officers or in how I respond to them either. My article was about respect for human rights and police professionalism. Race only raised its ugly head when I noted that while I was being accosted, I saw people from a different racial group from mine riding their bikes past on the same sidewalk without the police sprinting after them, while I had just been chased for half a block by three of them ( while they left their cars abandoned at the road intersection). Comparing these two pictures, something did not seem right and to any analytical eye, it would have been difficult to eliminate race as a factor in what had transpired.

Allow me also correct a few points merely for the benefit of more informed debate 1) I said I would be recognised as a member of civil society in my country, not in terms of being important but as opposed to being treated like a well known felon making a robbery escape on his bike. Not to say that a felon's rights should not be respected either but that the level of aggression I encountered seemed very much like that reserved for a known/dangerous criminal posing a threat to the police officers at the point of engagement 2) I agreed to the interview when I realised that my experience was not so unique and its seemed people from all races needed to talk more and hear more about what was going on. When many other people from different racial and economic backgrounds contacted me to narrate bitter stories of similar experiences but mentioned that they had neither spoken about it openly nor taken in up formally, I felt that if people started talking about it more openly in some fora, then maybe constructive solutions will begin to emerge, understanding broadened and perhaps it will also offer catharsis to those who have felt this kind of humiliation but internalised it.

If my 'visibility' or 'audibility' , by virtue of my role here at Yale , would help to highlight this issue and bring attention to the experiences of many other people, then it would have been irresponsible of me not to speak out. This is why I wrote my article and why it caught the attention of those in charge as well as the press. It would have been hypocritical of me to be talking about security, democracy and human rights in Africa here at Yale, if I could not talk about issues I and others were confronted with in New Haven. Our world is getting smaller and whether we live in Lagos or New Haven, increasingly we need to stand up for one another. Our shared humanity is more relevant than our differences.

I am very impressed by all the different views , the constructive ideas that are emerging as well as critical points being made. I thank you all also for enriching my perscpectives and understanding of these matters and also for the warmth, respect and friendliness of New Haveners. I return to my country shortly and it's the extraordinary kindness of strangers I have witnessed here at New Haven that I will remember.

Posted by: wes on wooster | November 10, 2008 6:58 PM

Walt_

How ignorant it is to assume you know someone after reading an article.

We should not accept this kind of treatment. We all have rights.

Posted by: Nestor Makhno | November 10, 2008 7:00 PM

Oyewole would be better off riding a bike in Nigeria where I doubt bicycle advocacy and aggressive policing are so closely knit. Plus I understand the roads in Nigeria are poor and congested so you end up carrying your bike quite a bit, which makes the country the perfect place to train for cyclocross. And lastly there is a major Raleigh factory in Nigeria; I imagine you can score a decent bike much cheaper there than here in New Haven.

Posted by: True New Havener | November 10, 2008 7:10 PM

"In my country, this wouldn't happen to me," Oyewole said. He explained that officers in Nigeria would have recognized him as a "member of society," someone of importance. The incident with the NHPD showed him that "No matter what I achieve, some people out there will see only one thing -- race."
-----

These words seem to have bothered some commenters. I read them differently and found them powerful for that reason. I took them to mean that Oyewole was saying that he had been lulled into a false sense of security because of his class and position in society in Nigeria. But that he was wrong, that there are people who use their positions of power to humiliate others. Nothing inherently protects us from that.

Think of this in a more American context. A Yale professor goes to the University of Nigeria as a visiting professor. There he is pushed around by local police because he fits some description in their minds of what a bad guy looks like and mistakenly rides his bike in the street.

Asked for his reaction by the local paper, he says "You know, I have never experienced anything like this before. I suppose that's because of the position of prestige I occupy back in the United States. But you know what, it does not feel good and it should not happen to anyone either here in Nigeria or back in the US."

That's not really classism. That's the ability to recognize that your own view of the world is limited to some degree by your life experiences which is related to where you were born and what class you were born into. So I read his quote as a new level of self awareness.

And as to those of you bad-mouthing him from an agree with the cops in all cases perspective. He seems like a very decent guy. He pretty clearly wanted to change the officers' behaviors going forward, and not bring the hammer of publicity down on one police officer, or a small group that pretty clearly completely blew it.

Let's just be very happy that this did not turn out worse. It seems like a cool headed visitor from the other side of the globe and not our local police is to be thanked for the final positive result.

Is this a byproduct of a new get-tough attitude? Hopefully we are not headed back to a day when New Haven cops take rights and decency for granted.

Posted by: James | November 10, 2008 7:24 PM

Walt, the issue here is not Oyewole or the law itself. The issue is the behavior of the police and whether or not this is an isolated incident or indicative of how our cops operate.

Posted by: Lifer | November 10, 2008 8:03 PM

I can't imagine why anyone (local or visitor) would think it was appropriate to ride a bike on the sidewalk in downtown New Haven - there are so many pedestrians, it seems obvious that bikes shouldn't be there.

Posted by: localteacher | November 10, 2008 10:19 PM

Why does this law/fine exist? Has anyone ever been hurt by a bicyclist on a sidewalk in New Haven?

Posted by: mike the plumber | November 10, 2008 10:19 PM

Mr. kurtz maybe I and most of the country, are so fed up with hearing racism everytime there is any kind of incident involving a black person! What i can not afford is my new haven property taxes that continue to rise because more police are needed on the streets and sidewalks!! Maybe this educated man "world fellow" should have looked into the local laws of new haven.

Posted by: David Streever | November 11, 2008 1:22 AM

Localteacher:
there is a rich history of cyclists intimidating pedestrians on sidewalks. This problem existed about 65 years ago & led to crackdowns then, something largely responsible for slowing the acceptance and enjoyment of cycling in New Haven.

Ask any parent or elderly person about bikes on sidewalks. Or, look at the statistics that show your chance of being in an accident increases almost 24 times.

---

What a lot of bigoted nonsense. "He's crying about racism", you say. Yes, I do think when a man is assaulted by police officers for biking on a sidewalk, he has every right to question & be upset. I do know this could happen to anyone, regardless of race, & personally view it as a problem within the culture of policing. I can't pretend to know or understand the racial issues, but have first-hand experience with police brutality. It's a sad culture of violence & it's sad that so many police have to bear the burden of being viewed as violent even when they aren't as angry & rough as the subject of this story.

---

Regardless of all else, Mr. Oyewole, please do share the name: not to shame, not to humiliate, but so that citizens can do what we must do: police our community, protect our members, & defend our rights. This individual sounds like a violent & angry person, & I'd like assurance that they have had treatment & training to help them cope with their problems.

Posted by: Josh Smith | November 11, 2008 2:24 AM

I very much hope that this was an isolated incident with just that one officer or small group of officers. It's scary and disgusting to think that just because you're a cyclist (of any race), you could be treated like this -- shoved around, threatened with arrest, etc.

This is one of the reasons I'm glad I don't ride my bike on sidewalks or run red lights or stop signs. I've only ever had one interaction with the police while riding. I was riding in the left lane instead of the right for two or three blocks down Park Street, looking for George Street so I could ride legally (OFF the sidewalk) to get to the Green for Critical Mass. I live in Westville, and I never used to go downtown all that much, and I didn't know the area well at the time.

Well, in my search to find George Street, I found a police SUV pulling up next to me. I found out that apparently you can't ride in the left lane for three blocks, because that was the distance at which I attracted enough attention for a cop to pull up alongside me. I asked the officer when I was supposed to move over to make a left turn, but he wouldn't (or couldn't) give me an answer. When do I move over?? One block before? Maybe half a block? It's definitely not three blocks, since I already got chewed out for that. Anyway, I still don't know, and I wish he would have called someone and asked, or taken my info and followed up about it. NHPD, a few of you know that as a cyclist, a motorist and a resident here, I support you and appreciate very much what you do for this town. I'd just like to ask that you please make sure officers are trained to give accurate statements about bike laws so that if a cyclist asks one of you how they can avoid being stopped the next time, they can find out the truth, instead of wondering if they were discriminated against just because they were on a bicycle.

Posted by: anon | November 11, 2008 2:33 AM

Localteacher, approximately 400-500 pedestrians and several dozen cyclists are killed by motor vehicles every single year just within the NY/NJ/CT area. Tens of thousands more are gravely injured. To put things in perspective, fatal cyclist-pedestrian, cyclist-cyclist, pedestrian-cyclist or pedestrian-pedestrian collisions in the region happen about once every ten years.

Interestingly, the traffic fatality rates for American pedestrians and cyclists are 7x and 4x those of the Netherlands, respectively.

If we want to see a stronger economy, lower crime rates, higher education and IQ levels, less dependence on imported oil and longer and healthier lives for all, we could start by building public spaces that allow people to respect one another, not "accidentally" kill one another.

Posted by: pul-lease dept | November 11, 2008 2:56 AM

where are the cameras on chapel now?

Posted by: LTMIKE | November 11, 2008 8:38 AM

Mr Kurtz, it would be remiss on my part not to realize there is still a small TRACE of racism in this country. But last week I think showed where this country stands and how far we are. And just as I feel, and would hope you agree, there is a small trace of anti-white hatred on the part of some African Americans. Anytime a white is 'violated' by an African American that is burried and RARELY an issue. No matter what, racism seems to be thrown out there EVERY instance possible by African Americans. And it looses it's impact, you become numb to it, because it is always used when it is not always the case. If there is an issue to deal with, the police department in this instance, wouldn't it be more productive that an ISSUE be investigated regardless of the race of the parties involved? If the police are at fault, they should be disciplined. If a law needs changing investigate it! It serves the city residents and visitors much more effectively. My point is let's investigate issues, say brutality / intimidation of the police with a 'suspect' in this case. If there is a racial issue let's bring that up when needed. Just remember, using it fruitlessly lessens the impact and hurts the times it should really be focused on, and I am sure there are those times.

Posted by: Walt | November 11, 2008 9:48 AM

WES

How ignorant it is to call someone ignorant after a post with which you disagree.

How elitist it is to complain about being fined for a law violation without your exalted status being considered.. Enforcement should not occur against self-proclaimed big shots, only against the lowly slobs,

How racist it is to claim racism when you, a black, are fined for the same obvious law violation for which whites are also fined daily.(See previous gripes from white bicyclists who claim the right to ignore the law.)

Sounds like phony BS to me,

Posted by: Mr. Stephen Peter Ross | November 11, 2008 10:01 AM

"Oyewole said that during his one-hour exchange with the police, he repeatedly saw Caucasian cyclists pedal by on the sidewalk while the police did nothing."

Mike the Plumber: this isn't a disingenuous "cry" of racism, it is racism. Given the candor and good intentions behind Mr. Oyewole's addendum, I have no reason to doubt him.

And as much as I recognize that police have difficult jobs, stress is no defense for intimidation tactics.

Posted by: David Streever | November 11, 2008 10:42 AM

I agree completely, Steve.

Was this man's complaint ever processed? That is what keeps me coming back to this article. Was he informed that we have a Civilian Review Board, composed of citizens, who investigate these matters?

Doesn't sound like it, & that's wrong. Anyone who is threatened with violence & intimidation during what should be a routine procedure should be informed fully of their rights in making complaints & having them heard.

We need public oversight in these matters, & it's very dissapointing to see people sit back and condemn Mr. Oyewole for being a good citizen--especially considering he is only a visitor here. These are serious charges, & if you want to encourage an atmosphere of fear, of blaming the victim, of allowing unprecedented power to be wielded by people who should have a great responsibility, then I have to question your desire to be part of our society. You leave no choice but to question your motives when you obfuscate the issue here (alleging it's about bikes, or accusing Mr. Oyewole of "playing the race card". You played the race card: you tried to dismiss him because of his observation that caucasians weren't being chased. If it's true, it's fair, & I have no reason to doubt him, but every reason to doubt anonymous commentators who judge from the safety of their anonymous identities.)

Society isn't founded on fear but on understanding & compassion & mutual agreement. If we allow bullying & physical intimidation to rule the lives of our visitors, what does that say about us as a society? What does it say about us that when someone courageously braves the fear of retaliation, of intimidation, of bullying, that we turn on him & decry him?

Let the man speak, and let an investigation judge the incident. I think if the Assistant Chief paid a personal visit to apologize, it's clear that the police believe their officer acted out of line, & I'd like to see what disciplinary measures have been taken. If none have been taken because there is no formal complaint, then I'd like to see one made, so that the police may investigate & we can be made aware of how our community is operating.

Neither this nor Mr. Oyewole's requests & actions can be considered strange or out of bounds. A member of our society acted outside of the bounds of their authority, abused an individual, & may be allowed to act with impunity. This needs to be addressed & dealt with by our community now.

Posted by: Anon | November 11, 2008 10:48 AM

Mr. Oyewole, Your reply was truly uplifting to read and assuaged some of my own bitterness at similar treatment. I disagree with your vision as to how to proceed only in a couple of ways.

For one who knows something about NHPD, specifically how historically it has evaded reform in the wake of scandals, and knows something about New Haven's brand of politics, two elements are needed that you don't appear to be wholly an advocate for - accountability and transparency.

I think that would mean disclosing the names of the officers involved. It is not for revenge or punishment, it is for documentation and acknowledgement. What you may not be aware of but many of us are is that the police department is not going to stop. There probably are others who have been treated in this manner by this officer and unfortunately, almost surely will be in the future. It so hard to address it without gathering documentation of multiple incidents.

I am sorry to tell you that the NHPD is a recalcitrant entity and for the most part, what they have done in your case is made a mental note not to harass you going forward because you are somebody to them now and it will get them in trouble.

For all its reform programs over decades, the department never has reformed its central paradigmatic flaws. They reappear the next day, like spontaneous generation. They persist as if they are the life, breath, blood, root, the very essence of policing.

If leadership at NHPD had someone with your clarity, compassion and vision, it could break with its disease, but, and I have to laugh, the police union would not stop until they removed precisely someone like that as their leader, and they probably would succeed. Such is New Haven politics.

For those of us fighting to document, it is another incident that has dissappeared behind the wall of inaccessibility and secrecy. NHPD and City Hall is virtuoso at this and have succeeded yet again to preserve the practice of violative policing. They lose little battles like yours, but have been winning the war.

I find both the crimials and the form of policing here in New Haven traumatizing. Both of their cultures have damaged me nearly beyond repair. I want nothing to do with either camp, both are offensive and much of it unreformable here in New Haven. I can't wait to leave because of it. I have never been so abused by either criminals or police officers anywhere else I have ever ever lived as here in New Haven.

Thank you though overall for your wonderful post. It was superior to the story above it. It was a bright moment for me.

Posted by: Walt | November 11, 2008 10:57 AM

Yeah, overstated. I know cops can be overbearing and confronting, sometimes as required, sometimes being very unfair aand obnoxious.

As most of the posters here are pro-bikes, but anti-pedestrian or driver, and anti bike-law enfo0rcement, I move toward the other side,

I do think $75 for a first infraction is high, but bicyclists' and guys like Oyewole invite confrontation.

Would the cops have left Oyewole un - held in order to chase down another black cyclist ignoring the law while not bothering white cyclists doing the same?

I doubt it, but only if they would , would the racism claims be just.

How many other tickets were given out by the same group that day? How many were to blacks?

Brown is black but does not seem upset. Is he just kissing up to a Yale guest who claims racism, or did the cops really go overboard. Do we have special treatment for the elite. or fairness for all?

Remains to be seen.

Posted by: Cheri | November 11, 2008 11:04 AM

It makes perfect sense to ban cyclists on most downtown sidewalks, due to the fact that there is a realistic threat/risk for pedestrians.
But I cannot agree that bikers should get ticketed/fined in certain areas of town, like areas of Whalley Avenue, where the sidewalks are very wide, and where there are only scattered areas of pedestrian foot traffic.
There's no reason to arbitrarily prohibit someone from biking on certain sidewalks where there's just no foot trafic. So, again, if cyclists and cops would use some common sense with this law I don't think there would be any major issues. Mr. Oyewole was not using common sense by biking on a very pedestrian-heavy sidewalk, but he certainly shouldn't have been treated so abusively.

Posted by: David Streever | November 11, 2008 11:39 AM

Walt,
for the record, most of the cyclists posting here are pro-enforcement to the best of my knowledge. ( and have taken a lot of trash for that sentiment )

I personally believe that the fines are a bit high--and some of the laws are outdated--the ordinance which prohibits sidewalk riding dates to 1928 and reads as follows:

"No person shall drive, wheel or draw any coach, cart, handcart, wheelbarrow, bicycle, or other vehicle of burden or pleasure, whether of the same description or not, except children's hand carriages drawn by hand, or permit any horse under his care to go or stand upon any sidewalk or footpath in the streets or public squares of said city, except going in or out of driveways."

Come on. Clearly this stuff needs a re-write. I'm certainly not proposing that anyone lift a ban on sidewalk riding, but I do think that considering all of these laws were drawn up before the prevalance of the automobile, the least we can do considering the enormous change to our society in the last 80 years is re-evaluate some of these ancient laws.

Interestingly, it appears that in 1928, the law was changed from the previous law, which dated to 1896. It's interesting that in 32 years we managed to change the law, on the eve of the great depression, & yet we've let the current status quo stand for almost 80 years now, despite world-wide changes in transportation, energy use, and commuting.

Posted by: Alphonse Credenza | November 11, 2008 12:37 PM

"It makes perfect sense to ban cyclists on most downtown sidewalks, due to the fact that there is a realistic threat/risk for pedestrians."

Thank you.

It also makes perfect sense to ban cyclists on most ** streets,** due to the fact that there is a realistic threat/risk to bicyclists.

Posted by: William Kurtz | November 11, 2008 1:59 PM

True New Havener--good point. I read the original story quickly and was struck by how that remark (about being a "member of society" in Nigeria) seemed at odds with the rest of what Mr.Oyewole was trying to say. I admit that your interpretation didn't immediately occur to me, and I appreciated both your comment and Mr. Oyewole's clarification.

Alphonse, by your logic, it's automobiles that should be banned from city streets. Follow me closely here: bikes should be banned from sidewalks because they present a risk to pedestrians. Therefore, if we extend the analogy, we end up here: Cars should be banned from city streets because they present a risk to cyclists and pedestrians. In other words, the safety of the more vulnerable user is paramount.

State offices are closed today, but what do you say we meet at the DMV tomorrow morning to turn in our driving licenses? I'll bring you a donut.

Posted by: LastStraw | November 11, 2008 9:54 PM

...so much for that League of American Bicyclists rating the city was hoping for.

Posted by: Nestor Makhno | November 11, 2008 9:55 PM

This is off-topic, but a NY Times article says there is no public bike sharing program in the US in part because of American's oppressive love of helmets, which is nothing more than a concession that the streets are dangerous and will never get any better. This spirit, dominant in New Haven, is comparable to surrender in Iraq, though even more offensive. I wait to here from the ECC lackeys.

Posted by: che15 | November 11, 2008 9:57 PM

MUST I SPELL IT OUT FOR ALL OF YOU AGAIN!!!!!!
YALE POLICE, YALE POLICE, YALE POLICE!!!!!
NOT THE NHPD
LOOK AT THE UNIFORMS AND BADGES
THIS GUY WAS NOT ARRESTED BECAUSE YALE POLICE NEED THE APPROVAL OF A SUPERVISOR TO ARREST ANYONE AFFILIATED WITH THE SCHOOL.
GO FIGURE THE YALE POLICE CAN LOCK UP A KID FROM THE NEIGHBORHOOD FOR WHAT EVER BUT THEY NEED A SUPERVISOR TO APPROVE THE ARREST OF UNIVERSITY STUDENTS AND AFFILIATES. CHIEF LEWIS CHANGE THE LOOK OF THE NHPD AND YOU WILL SEE WHO IS TO BLAME

Posted by: Alex | November 11, 2008 10:19 PM

Is this community policing???? What happened to that? Since most people don't know biking on the sidewalk is illegal a warning should be issued for the first offense not a ridiculously high $75.00 ticket. Wonder how this would have turned out if he was a resident of the Dixwell community and spoke up. he would be in jail on some trumped up charge.

I once saw a New Haven officer downtown observe a pedestrian get knocked to the ground by a bicyclist. He just laughed and walked away and the pedestrian was, in fact, injured. So no wonder that bicyclists think it is OK to ride on the sidewalk.

Once again the NHPD is doing small-time high profile stuff instead of getting the gun dealers who put guns in our kid's hands. Brave of them to get the bikers and not the illegal gun dealers.

Posted by: juli | November 11, 2008 10:21 PM

i'll second that, mr. kurtz.
alphonse, how do you take your coffee?

and thank you, thomas for the article.

regardless of the ordinance, it's future, and our modes of travel in this city, no one should be treated with disrespect while asking for clarification on what they are doing wrong.

Posted by: Josh Smith | November 11, 2008 11:12 PM

This is a bit off-topic, but I think cars actually should be banned from city streets. Granted, it wouldn't happen overnight. I know that American society (never mind the infrastructure) isn't ready for it to happen, but it could be applied little by little over time. Like it or not, it's going to have to happen at some point after oil becomes extremely expensive (at a point where it's impractical and not worth it to dig up more oil, not just when it's a minor annoyance at the gas pump for motorists). Making cities car-free would make the noise, stress, pollution, and intimidation of pedestrians and cyclists disappear. It would also get more people out in the street to interact with one another. Obesity rates would also plummet. The benefits are countless.

I'm convinced that the way to save our cities (without going into too much detail -- you can go to www.carfree.com to read about some of the details) is to rearrange them into small circular districts (about five minutes' walking distance to the outer boundary of each district), put a subway or trolley stop in the middle of each one, arrange a variety of businesses under all the housing (almost all mixed-use development with stores on ground level) then phase in freight deliveries by subway underground (this could work if done right, using a separate track from the passenger service and using standardized freight containers), and phase out cars, trucks, and buses from city streets.

When streets are designed for people instead of endless sprawl, and every district has everything within walking distance or a short ride on a rail system, life will be a lot more pleasant. It may sound idealistic now, and more like science fiction than reality, but it's going to happen sooner than you think. The first car-free cities are being planned as we speak. I'd rather someone else drove me to work every day on clean, comfortable rail transport. Successful cities of the future will need to develop robust, convenient and efficient transit systems and ban cars outright. In my mind, this would improve quality of life a hundred-fold.

Posted by: anon | November 12, 2008 9:10 AM

Josh, what will really get that to happen is the fact that people can't afford cars. They waste too much energy and too many resources. Already, over 40% of New Haven residents walk, bike, take transit or carpool to work.

Perhaps even more importantly, they can't afford roads. All of our highways and roads are crumbling, because the money to maintain them simply does not exist. This situation will become progressively worse every year from here on out.

Currently, we have a two-tier system, where the rich and middle class drive on state-subsidized roads, using federally-subsidized gasoline, to get to their state-subsidized parking garages -- while the poor and working class, meanwhile, are forced to make do with substandard, almost useless transit systems and unsafe streets. The poor, elderly, minorities, children and immigrants are the ones getting killed out there.

Hopefully, a lawsuit can correct the above and we'll see a more fair system -- not one where the poor continue to subsidize the "majority" (just so they can get to their state-funded parking garages 2 minutes faster)... and get run over in the street in the process.

Unfortunately, it takes people to speak up for these kinds of changes and although plenty of people are perfectly willing to support candidates for high office, that doesn't always translate to changes at the local level.

Posted by: David Streever | November 12, 2008 10:13 AM

Anon,
Can you post a stat on the over 40% commute not via car? I'd really like to be able to use that figure & want to cite the source when I do.

Thanks

Posted by: William Kurtz (aka ECC Lackey) | November 12, 2008 10:57 AM

As a point of fact, Nestor, I can think of three people off the top of my head--all good friends--who evaded a serious head injury and in at least one case, likely death by wearing bicycle helmets. And a dangerous street played a role in only one of those. The fact of the matter is that wearing a bicycle helmet greatly (but not completely) reduces the likelihood of a serious head injury during a crash.

Having said that, I wasn't aware that there was an 'oppressive love of helmets' in America. I see lots of people riding without them. Elm City Cycling asks riders to wear helmets at sponsored events (like CWOS and Arts & Ideas rides) largely because the partner organizations need to shield themselves from liability and one of the ways to do that is to require people to take every reasonable precaution to avoid injury.

Posted by: anon | November 12, 2008 12:46 PM

David, refer to this article:

"According to the 2000 census, more New Haven residents -- nearly 14 percent -- walk to work than in any other New England city. And an additional 31 percent bike, car-pool or take public transportation."

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/05/nyregion/connecticut/05streetsct.html

You can also refer to the 2006 American Community Survey (ACS) at the U.S. Census website. The commute to work figures (rounded) are, for workers 16 years of age and over residing in the city of New Haven:
Car/Truck/Van-alone: 58%
Car/Truck/Van-carpool: 15%
Public Transit: 10%
Walk: 12%
Other: 3%
Home: 2%
Note that these figures change slightly as statistics are released from year to year, but are not by more than a couple of percentage points. It's also important to note that these figures include people who live in New Haven and work elsewhere: the rates of commuting for people who live AND work in New Haven would obviously be different.

Posted by: David Streever | November 12, 2008 3:03 PM

thanks anon!

Posted by: David Streever | November 12, 2008 3:10 PM

I have confirmation from Yale that this incident DID NOT include Yale Police.

Regardless of which force was involved, it's a racist, classist, brutal attack on a visitor to our local community, and a member of the international society we all belong to.

Our police force must issue a statement on this incident so we may all be kept informed. We need to know if Mr Oyewole has reported the incident accurately, it appears so considering an assistant chief visited him to apologize, and what corrective & disciplinary measures have been taken at the NHPD.

This is not the first time an Officer has abused a private citizen. Let's see what we can do to ensure that this type of incident can be prevented or at least discouraged in the future.

No matter the race of identity of the police officer who treated Mr Oyewole this way, it's clear that he or she made a judgement based on Mr Oyewole's race. To argue over if it is or isn't racist is a moot point now. We need to focus on what we can do to ensure that our police force works for us, not against us.

Posted by: David Streever | November 12, 2008 3:17 PM

JP you would expect to be threatened and shoved and assaulted by a police officer if you broke a very minor city ordinance?

And your "Crime" was asking which law you broke, and admitting you didn't know about it?

Get real. This is a 75 dollar local ordinance, it's on few books, it's dated to 1929, and no visitor is going to know it exists. Why can't the individual ask?

There are signs for no right on red. There are signs with speed limits. There are even signs for warning people to not park in fire lanes for crying out loud. There are no signs informing cyclists to stay off the sidewalk.

How can we expect international visitors to be aware of 80 year old municipal ordinances that were not enforced until exactly one month ago?

Don't turn this into a pointless debate about something else. Reality is one thing. Ad hominem attacks are logical fallacies and carry no weight in a debate.

Posted by: Nancy | November 12, 2008 6:49 PM

I think all visiting scholars should wear a giant red 'S' on thier chests-that way we will all know that they are not mere New Havenites but more important people.

Posted by: che15 | November 12, 2008 8:52 PM

I have to say this story sounds a little ridiculous. The days of the NHPD ripping people off bicycles and pshing them multiple times is pretty hard to believe considering the frivolous lawsuits that people throw around nowadays. being familiar with the officers who work in the chapel and park area i find it inconceivable that it was city cops. Do cops hit people from time to time? most certainly, as much as one may wish to forget cops often confront violent, intoxicated, and/or unruly individuals. I belive this man's story was embelished quite a bit. Oh and Streever you and your bashing of the NHPD is getting tired not to mention your constant sucking up to all that is yale.

Posted by: Walt | November 13, 2008 5:47 AM

Most of you have deemed the cops guilty, I and a few others have deemed Oyewole a pompous BS'er.

Better that we see the results of the investigation.

The apology means very little.

Didn't Police brass also apologize to Kimber and the other miscreant Ministers?

You may be right. So may I.

Posted by: anon | November 13, 2008 7:13 AM

""In my country, this wouldn't happen to me," Oyewole said. He explained that officers in Nigeria would have recognized him as a "member of society," someone of importance. The incident with the NHPD showed him that "No matter what I achieve, some people out there will see only one thing -- race.""

It seems to me that Oyewole agrees that he deserves to have special treatment b/c of his stature - he clearly favors classicism while reviling racism in the same breath.

Posted by: robn | November 13, 2008 9:25 AM

Heres a wicked-cool solution to emissions and auto congestion in the greater New Haven area. If families with two cars owned one of these, it could be used for commuting and have a much smaller environmental footprint.

Word on the street is they'll me manufacturing a car of this concept up in New Paltz pretty soon.

http://blog.wired.com/cars/2008/11/passing-gaswill.html

Posted by: David Streever | November 13, 2008 10:56 AM

CHE15
I can only assume you are joking or have no idea who I am: I was recently accused of "playing bridge" with the NHPD & do work closely with officers on different matters.

I've routinely supported the NHPD even in the midst of their ticketing blitz which led to routine calls, e-mails, & people stopping me in the streets & at social events to complain to me.

If you honestly think I "routinely bash" the NHPD you have no idea who I am, have never seen a thing I've said until today, & don't have any clue what is happening.

I believe firmly in rewarding the good & calling out the bad so that we may have oversight, fix issues, & have a level of transparency & accountability in our lives.

That's my goal, and my calling out the police when their Assistant Chief apologizes in person to a man who claims to have been abused & they have not publicly acknowledged that they are investigating the issue is not in any way a contradiction of who I am, what I've done, or what my goals are.

Anon:
You can take it out of context, yes. So can Walt. I think if you re-read it, you understand that man is explaining his biases & situation. I think it was an honest thing of him to say and appreciate the level of honesty he's showing.

Posted by: anon | November 13, 2008 11:06 AM

I don't think that's clear at all from this article, anon.

Posted by: David Streever | November 13, 2008 12:46 PM

Walt:

I don't deem them guilty.

I say it's highly suspicious that the Asst. Chief apologized in person & there has been no admittance of the incident nor has there been any public statement that the police are doing an investigation.

Whenever a supervisor views something which compels he or she to revoke a summons and issue a personal apology, I belive it should trigger an automatic investigation. That's the policy I disagree with here, & what I'd like to see happen as a result of this.

That's the type of proactive, transparent, open policy we need for our police force, which is primarily composed of good, honest people as far as I've seen.

Don't let one or two bad apples spoil the bushel: deal with problems openly & we don't have to worry, as a community. Hide problems & we do.

It feels like this is being hidden. That concerns me.

Posted by: ecscorchers | November 13, 2008 1:32 PM

Boo hoo. People don't know they're not supposed to be on the sidewalks. Everybody wants the city to install signs.
More bikes means less car taxes means less money to install signs. So grab a can of spraypaint, hit the following link, and do it yourself!
http://www.spraypaintstencils.com/roadsignstencils/nobicycles-stencil.gif

Posted by: anon | November 13, 2008 1:58 PM

That would be nice to do if it weren't illegal and likely to land you in jail, Ecscorchers.

Posted by: Nestor Makhno | November 13, 2008 5:06 PM

While I prefer the insult to the compliment, if anyone reading this had anything to do with getting the bike racks installed on State Street, thank you.

Posted by: David Streever | November 13, 2008 5:19 PM

You are welcome, Nestor.

Scorchers: Don't think anyone has forgotten your crying about being ticketed. I think you'd be grateful that you didn't also suffer the alleged abuse this man did.

Posted by: RZA | November 13, 2008 5:42 PM

ditto! Before they were installed I couldn't decide which one of the 7,000 street signs to lock to! Great spending!

Posted by: David Streever | November 13, 2008 6:22 PM

The money was raised by Ben Berkowitz & private citizens. You can read the press release on the left sidebar of the NHI today. "44 free parking spaces on State St"

Posted by: David Streever | November 13, 2008 6:24 PM

and rza
I feel compelled to warn people who care about their bikes
if you lock to a street sign you can join my 6 neighbors who had their bikes stolen last week

The signs are easily pulled straight out of the ground
alternatively,
a thief with a wrench can simply take the ONE bolt off that holds the majority of it to the short post. Then they can just take your bike.

I highly recommend not using signs. Stick to parking meters, bike racks, and other immovable metal.

I did hear a rumor that the racks are not secure yet, and are shaky: please confirm before you leave your bike that it is safe. I am sure the City will tighten them down if this is true, but be careful.

Posted by: Ben | November 13, 2008 6:38 PM

The Upper State Street Association donated the racks and the city did the install.

RZA, you can lock to anyone of the 7000 street signs if you don't mind the sign being on the ground and your bike gone when you return.

Posted by: Josh Smith | November 13, 2008 7:26 PM

It was great spending, RZA. People shouldn't have to lock up to street signs, as the signs are easily broken or bent, and the bikes are easily pulled off the top. All it takes are a couple of strong criminals, enough bashing or the right tools, and a little willpower. Support spending for bike stands so this doesn't start happening.

Posted by: Chinua Achebe | November 13, 2008 7:49 PM

Streever do you always have to resort to attacks against the scorchers? Your negative depiction of them through repeated comments on this board and the ecc board is a great example of prejudice. Practice what you preach or just shut up.

Posted by: laststraw | November 13, 2008 8:03 PM

Amen, RZA!

Posted by: Insider | November 14, 2008 12:55 AM

David

Sounds to me that your mind was made up, when you blogged that the treatment of this indivual was racist, and brutal. You haven't spoken to any of the officers involved, and for that matter you don't even know what race they are. You are going by what this person's account was, without even giving the cops the chance to defend themselves.

None of you cop bashers have any idea how hard the cop involved works for this city, and you should be ashamed. By the way nice photo op Chief Brown, did you bother to shake Pauls hand, he just happens to be one of the best cops you have in the Dwight/ Edgewood neighborhood.

Posted by: rza | November 14, 2008 2:24 AM

so the 6 bikes that were stolen were locked to signs? According to Josh, this hasn't started happening yet. Crumpets!!! Now the thievs know!!! Also, even if the money came from selling girl scout cookies it's still pretty silly in the whole state of the economy.

Posted by: Lars | November 14, 2008 8:52 AM

Josh I think we should save the money and buy cool leather jackets to show how diy punk we are like you.

Posted by: BikeNewHaven | November 14, 2008 9:39 AM

I believe this article needs to be corrected. Mr. Oyewole revealed to me in a comment left on my blog, that the summons was never "withdrawn" as the article states. He claims that the officer who initially took it, eventually gave it back. Can we have a follow up? This detail seems to be a major point of contention in the debate. Perhaps another interview would clear that up, or a simple correction statement by NHI.

--Bill

Posted by: BikeNewHaven | November 14, 2008 10:20 AM

Sorry I left something out:
EDIT: "that the summons for RIDING ON THE SIDEWALK was never withdrawn." (The summons for interference was).
He also did not claim that the officer gave any summons back. (I need to slow down when I write).

My Apologies,
Bill

Posted by: Josh Smith | November 14, 2008 10:37 AM

Hey Dave, I guess with the "David Streever ruined everything" shirts, we're gonna need some "I bashed Josh Smith on the Independent today" shirts. :)

Posted by: David Streever | November 14, 2008 10:55 AM

Josh, that would be a good shirt :)

There is a point when the comments become primarily nonsense, & it's more than safe to move on.

Bill,
The police department contacted me yesterday to say the same. Mr. Oyewole has not yet contacted me back to confirm or deny any information.

Insider,
I stated that the "Alleged" treatment IS brutal and may be racist.

Regardless of the race of the officers.

Racism is when you make an unfair assumption about someone on the basis of race & then proceed to treat them differently than you treat anyone else. I'd say that the average white cyclist is not treated the way that Mr. Oyewole alleges above. Therefore, regardless of the race of the officer, I'm going to claim that it may be racist treatment.

Insider,
it's a shame that it takes your INSIDER connections to know the truth about this incident.

As a member of our community & highly involved participant in civics I have yet seen any information from the police for the general public, and this is what I'm speaking about. We need transparency.

As I've said over and over, I'm not calling out these individual officers. I'm asking the police department to issue a statement, to confirm or deny, if there is or is not an investigation, & if they are looking into these matters.

How simple is that?

How simple is it for a PR person to say,
"This incident did not happen as described. Mr. Oyewole did not file a complaint, & the Assistant Chief went to his home for xxxx reason."

Why hasn't that happened?

Posted by: Ben | November 14, 2008 3:00 PM

RZA,
If you would like to have a vote in what the Upper State Street Association spends its money on, you may purchase a vote for a resident membership fee of $100.00/Year.
Http://www.upperstatestreet.org

Posted by: Insider | November 14, 2008 3:16 PM

David

I could not tell you why the department refuses to comment on incidents like these, but the officer would love to tell his side, but can't becuase it is department policy, and he would be suspended, as i would if they found out.

It's a obvious it dosen't stop shamless acts of photo ops by the higher up's like Chief Brown, and that's to bad, becuase Chief Ortiz and Pastore were cut from the same stone and you know how that turned out. Integrity is what this incident is about not racism, and it is what Mr. Oyewole lacks. I hope you read this sir, becuase you know what happened that day, and there is a traffic camera that would prove that your weren't shoved, you were led back to the car where you recieved the infraction.

Posted by: Walt | November 15, 2008 1:43 PM

David Streever

Just read your Nov 13 note. I would agree. but suspect motive in Police apology.

Posted by: anon | November 17, 2008 10:02 AM

Insider - as an insider then, you can confirm whether what the officer allegedly told him is boilerplate script. I mean, that escalating coercive talk is so scripted that no one can figure out what officer was involved -- so many of them use that precise language, that precise series of confrontational phrases. Tell me with a straight face I am wrong.

Posted by: anon | November 17, 2008 10:08 AM

I've seen the mayor riding his bike on the sidewalk, and come to think of it, its the only time I've seen him in commuter mode when he wasn't scowling and staring at the ground - like he usually does when he is walking.

All I can say is killjoy.

I am into upholding laws, but I think Hassett made a mess with this bike crackdown.

I was nearly run over by ATVs and dirt bikes all summer.

Pedestrians are dead from hit and runs with cars all over town.

Enforcement, yes, high profile crackdown that highlights bullying methods? PR disaster.