It was for riding on the sidewalk. The location has no bike lane, is a one way, and had the #14 bus occupying it at the time that I went onto the sidewalk. The sidewalk was empty, and is very wide.
The police van -with 5 cops inside of it- cut in front of me on Madison St. Window was open "stop. You rode on the sidewalk"
I stopped, then I repeated what he said.
Do you have ID?
Yes. (handed it to him)
Then I said, "I highly respect you and your job, but can I ask, have you guys ever given a ticket to a car that blocks a bike lane?"
They looked at each other and shook their heads 'no'.
One said "thats a good question." Another said, "Sorry, they told us to go after guys on bikes and (something else but since it wasnt related to me i forgot.)"
Me: Really. Really? Really guys? Is it really that much of a slow night for you?
Passenger cop: Yeah, actually it is a slow night.
Cop #4 exits the side door of the van and hands me my license back and the pink slip.
Whats this?
Its a summons for riding on the sidewalk.
There is no bike lane and there was a bus there!
You can tell that to the judge when you get there.
Great. Thanks. One more question, "will you give me another summons for going back onto the sidewalk right now?"
Nah, go ahead. We wont stop you.