Tuesday, August 1, 2006
Fixed-gear bikes illegal in PortlandAn Oregon judge has ruled that fixed-gear bicycles -- which use the rider's leg-power to brake them -- are illegal, and must be outfitted with traditional lever/caliper brakes. The cyclist who was ticketed for the offense fought it in traffic court, and was represented by a pretty sharp attorney, judging from the partial transcript here. It seems obvious that "fixies" should be lawful, since they can satisfy the statutory requirement that bikes be "equipped with a brake that enables the operator to make the braked wheels skid on dry, level, clean pavement. strong enough to skid tire." Nevertheless, the judge ruled against the cyclist -- I hope she appeals.
Now it was time for Officer Barnum to ask questions. He asked Holland,Link (Thanks, Fipi Lele!)"What would you do if your chain broke?"
Holland:
"I would use my feet."
Officer Barnum:
"What if your leg muscles had a spasm?"
Holland:
"I'm not sure...these are emergency situations."
Ginsberg interjected with a question for Holland:
"Did any of these situations happen on the day you were stopped?"
Holland:
"No."
Update: Aaron sez, "Emusic doesn't charge a subscription anymore. It's just a straight $0.25/download now."
posted by Cory Doctorow at 07:15:51 AM permalink | Other blogs' comments
