I was recently issued a ticket at the Alpine Police station by one of the Palisades Parkway patrolmen for 'disregarding a lawful order' - but really because this guy is an out-of-control jerk with a power complex and absolutely no human empathy.
I don't want to go deeply into my whole story - let me just shortly say that I have cancer and am currently in continuing treatment for it, and have a number of occasionally inconvenient side effects from the physical realities of my disease.
I was at a physical low this past weekend, but still rode up to Nyack. riding up the hill to the police station pushed me to the edge of my capabilities - and when I got to the top not only was I completely tapped physically and emotionally, but I had to get to the bathroom, quickly. I stashed my bike at the flag pole for quick access - an officer sitting in his vehicle watched and waited until I got all the way to the door, then rolled down his window an inch and told me to go back and move my bike - rolling up his window immediately so he could not hear my explanation of dire necessity.
when I came out, he proceeded to write me up a ticket, uncaring as to my situation.
I freely admit that I was an idiot, and reacted to his general belligerance with attitude of my own - thus exacerbating the situation - but mostly I was freaked out from my own physical state and his nastiness/power-tripping.
Now I, a woman with a life-threatening cancer, have to appear in court at the alpine police station next march - if I am still capable - all for leaning my bike against a flag pole and running to the bathroom.
I have friends who are incensed on my behalf, and are going to write letters to the local new jersey paper and the police chief at alpine.
Another cyclist I know had a run-in with this same officer the day before (for a more legitimate infraction - riding up the forbidden-to-cyclists hill) who also found him to be an out-of-control power-tripper.
I would like to know if anyone else has had any kind of similar experience with any police officers from that station.
thanks.