Comments on CycleDog: Aren't you happy to get here safely?

It's sometimes a little fun to fantasize about wha...

2008-07-04T01:43:00.000-05:00

It's sometimes a little fun to fantasize about what we'd do when packing heat, but when somebody actually dies, the fun quickly evaporates.

Fritz, I saw that earlier today. (I'm on vacation...

2008-07-03T12:50:00.000-05:00

Fritz, I saw that earlier today. (I'm on vacation so I have time to putz with the computer!) Even if the shooting turns out to be justified, the tragedy spreads through families like ripples on a pond.

One cautionary note - don't jump to conclusions based on what you see in the news.

Apropos to this discussion: cyclist fatality shoot...

2008-07-03T11:09:00.000-05:00

Apropos to this discussion: cyclist fatality shoots teen who attacked him in Detroit.

Getting a concealed carry license here is straight...

2008-07-01T18:36:00.000-05:00

Getting a concealed carry license here is straightforward. You take a day-long class, demonstrate proficiency with your chosen firearm, and pay the state a fee. I qualified with a .22 semi-auto pistol. That allowed me to carry any pistol, derringer, or revolver.

PA was different. My license there had a description of the one and only handgun I could carry, and included its serial number.

I didn't follow through with the OK CCW license. Sure, I took the class, but between one thing and another, I couldn't justify the state's fee. I think it was $125 back then, and at the time, my kids were small and money was tight.

But you have to realize that in Broken Elbow, normal laws don't apply. For that matter, the laws of physics and logic seldom apply either. That's only natural since Broken Elbow is in the middle of Rod Serling County.

Of course, most employers (and certainly Ed's empl...

2008-07-01T17:08:00.000-05:00

Of course, most employers (and certainly Ed's employer) have very tight restrictions on bringing firearms to the workplace, so carry -- whether concealed or not -- is moot for a discussion on a bike commute.

I just looked up the law in OK -- open carry is only allowed inside of a motor vehicle, or outside of a motor vehicle if you're on your way to go hunting, recreational shooting or a gun show. Commuting to work with a gun on your back is not legal in Oklahoma.

I'd think openly carrying a long gun at the very l...

2008-07-01T16:51:00.000-05:00

I'd think openly carrying a long gun at the very least is legal in Oklahoma, at least outside of urban areas. I've seen it done in Texas -- folks in public with a rifle slung over their shoulders.

What's the law in Broken Elbow?

We had a similar perceived threat from a local rad...

2008-07-01T09:04:00.000-05:00

We had a similar perceived threat from a local radio person. Our bike club is sending a letter to the FFA in addition to getting our state bicycle coalition to send out a letter. A similar thing happened in Ohio and the FFA fined the radio station and the money went to cycling education.

Honestly, Dan, I didn't think to make a complaint....

2008-06-28T17:18:00.000-05:00

Honestly, Dan, I didn't think to make a complaint. In similar circumstances, our local PD will put an extra patrol or two in the area if citizens complain - when they have the manpower to do so, of course. I think Tulsa PD will do the same. But if you're out in the county - in the sheriff's jurisdiction - only God will pay attention. TCSO is one tiny step removed from mall security guards, and it may not be a positive step.

Gotta keep that in mind for the next time, 'cause there will be a next time.

Really CycleDog? I sense Ed W, Bujiatang and lemmi...

2008-06-28T14:39:00.000-05:00

Really CycleDog?

I sense Ed W, Bujiatang and lemmiwinks generally agree "weapons are poor idea for resolving bike safety issues". A fascinating editorial "Guns for Safety? Dream On Scalia" to chew on ... http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/06/27/AR2008062702864.html

That's good advice, Dan. I hadn't thought of it.

2008-06-28T13:03:00.000-05:00

That's good advice, Dan. I hadn't thought of it.

An information report with local law enforcement i...

2008-06-28T13:00:00.000-05:00

An information report with local law enforcement is a big step. As more cyclists report mischief by "Rink-oids" then it's on paper.

Yep, police can not write tickets unless it happens in front of the them but reports document if public officials took reasonable precautions.

Look at the Colorado "Aggressive Driver" approach: http://bicyclecolo.org/page.cfm?pageId=731 Some states allow the DUI phone number for aggressive drivers.

I had a CCW when I lived in PA. Having a 38 snubb...

2008-06-27T20:36:00.000-05:00

I had a CCW when I lived in PA. Having a 38 snubbie tucked away in a pocket doesn't make you brave or foolhardy. The opposite is true, in fact. I didn't want to get involved in any confrontation.

But...there are times I've thought about getting one of those realistic Uzis and slinging it over my back when I go out for a ride. I just think about it. The local PD would be on me like stink, and so far at least, I've had a good relationship with them.

IMO, there is no excuse for running a red light, t...

2008-06-27T01:33:00.000-05:00

IMO, there is no excuse for running a red light, the amber gives you plenty of warning! And as you observed, it's for the most trivial of reasons that red light runners see fit to endanger other road users lives.

Bujiatang, isn't carry concealed weapon why everyone is so polite in Texas though? I think your idea is not without merit ;-)

In my darker moments I want to get a conceal and c...

2008-06-27T00:43:00.000-05:00

In my darker moments I want to get a conceal and carry license. Nothing quite like a Glock 20 poking out of your pants to make a driver back the hell off? or they'll feel threatened and react unpredictably.

Which is worse I think. So I don't.