Harassed by the Private Fuzz

[pardes]

I'm mad enough to bite nails in half.

I stopped by PerformanceBike today to get a new double set of flashing tail
lights added to the bike now that the days are getting shorter.

I pedalled out and across the street to the Christiana Hospital where I was
going to catch the DART 33 bus. (It originates at the Christiana Hospital on
Sundays).

I was almost to the front entrance of the hospital on the circular drive when
the Christiana Hospital Security car stopped me and informed me that bicycles
are banned from Christiana Hospital Grounds since it's private property. He
added that "what if you are in an accident?" I could make NO sense of this
since it seemed to also apply to motorists and not just bicyclists.

I'm 63 riding legally with all the right safety equipment and then some and not
an adolescent kid with no helmet riding on the wrong side of the road and
causing problems where a security officer would be right to intervene and
suggest they obey the laws.

I tried to suck it up and just assume that he was being efficious and not just
rude but when he said, "Now turn your bike around and go back the way you came
and go all the way around the hospital on the highway." That's when I realized
it was a POWER TRIP.

Since a bike is now my ONLY form of transportation does this mean that I can't
ever:

1. ride my bike to a doctor's appt at the hospital
2. ride my bike to visit a patient
3. ride my bike to catch the DART 33 bus that stops there

This is RIDICULOUS!

Does anyone one the law on "private" property and bicycles? Can they actually
BAN bicycles?

Other than writing to the hospital administration for clarification (and cc'ing
Deldot and the News Journal) how should I proceed with this?

[witeowl]

Were you trying to ride on a pedestrians-only road/sidewalk/whatever, or would cars be able to drive where you were?

If it's the former, I hate to say that I'm not quite as upset. (Although I did ride a bike across campus when I attended uni.) If it's the latter, I'd be absolutely pissed, and would see it as potentially unlawful discrimination. I'd throw every resource I had at them. :mad:

[pardes]

No, no. I was completely legal riding on the road going in the right direction at at leisurely 8 miles per hour. Yes, I'm ready to fry their bacon over this.

[ny biker]

Okay. (a) Do they also ban pedestrians, since what if they were in an accident? For that matter, what if someone drove to the hospital and then slipped and fell getting out of their car? and (2) If I'm going to be in an accident, I might as well do it in front of a hospital, that way the doctors will be right there to help me.

Anyway, now that I've got the sarcasm out of the way, were there any signs stating that bicycles are prohibited? Where I work, there are signs prohibiting skateboards and stuff like that in the parking garage. If bikes are not allowed at the hospital, it should be clearly marked.

Also, is there any cycling advocacy group that you be able to advise you? Either a regional group or statewide? If not, maybe someone at the League of American Bicyclists would have information that could help.

Good luck.

[pardes]

I just posted to the local bike advocacy group. No, there are no signs banning bikes.

[Tri Girl]

Oh I'd be furious and jump all over that one. Private property or not, if that's their policy it needs to be stated very clearly with signs everywhere. And does the bus company know about this policy? If not, get them involved too since it hinders their passengers from catching their bus. Maybe they move the bus stop just off hospital property.
Grrrr... that makes me angry right along with you.
Power trip indeed... report him (especially with the assumingly condescending tone when he told you to "now turn that bike around and go back the way you came." OMG :eek:

[Jones]

I would ask to speak to the security supervisor or hospital administrator. I think security guards sometimes try to do too good a job.

[jobob]

[ Off topic ]

Hey there Pardes, welcome back !!!

[ / back to topic :D ]

[redrhodie]

Well, if you really want to change the policy, why not stage a protest?

edit: Peaceful, of course!

[pardes]

[ Off topic ]

Hey there Pardes, welcome back !!!

[ / back to topic :D ]

Howdy Howdy! It's good to be back! Haven't missed a day of bike commuting in 14 months!

[pardes]

Well, if you really want to change the policy, why not stage a protest?

edit: Peaceful, of course!

Now f I an just get the rest of the "seniors" in Delaware on a bike for a staged "Gray going green PROTEST RIDE at the hospital.....

[kermit]

Mister security guard was being an a**hole. Talking to his supervisor will only get you the same reaction. His boss will back him because he doesn't want an "issue". I would write a scathing letter to the head of the hospital including the security administrator. He is the guy who hired the man you dealt with or has hired the private company giving his hospital bad press. Unfortunately if it is a private hospital, bicycles can be banned and their insurance company might enforce this. Stupid...yes! It should be posted to be enforced.

[Biciclista]

Welcome back! I would have called the police. That's ridiculous!

[maillotpois]

[ Off topic ]

Hey there Pardes, welcome back !!!

[ / back to topic :D ]

Right!!! Welcome back (to us at least!)!

And I'd be pretty lit about that also. :mad: Idiots.

[Mr. Bloom]

[ Off topic ]

Hey there Pardes, welcome back !!!

[ / back to topic :D ]

She's Back! She's Back!

...and, yes, I believe they can do this, but I also believe that just the least amount of PR buzz can/will cause this to change.

I would encourage you to:
- register your complaint in writing to the hospital CEO using some buzz words that the local advocacy group can provide you.
- go ahead and make this an issue with the local media...it might be a VERY interesting story to a reporter with an attitude.

And finally, don't wait so long before you check back in!:D

[Tuckervill]

Hi, Pardes! Congratulations on all that commuting. You're an inspiration!

I suggest you comb the hospital's website for all the "healthy lifestyle" advice they give, and the free programs they provide for the community that might relate to cycling. You know how all the hospitals have banned smoking and crow about it? I'm sure they're crowing about some exercise program or another. Maybe they're even bragging about "going green". You might find many opportunities to poke them a little, and get the hospital to at least make a public decision about bikes on their roadway.

Welcome back!
Karen

[snapdragen]

Welcome back!

I'd be pizzed off too. I work on a hospital campus, they encourage bike riding. We even have a shiny new rack outside my office. Certified full time bike commuters have the option of using special bike lockers.


I've also had to deal with overly puffed up hospital security guards. Thankfully the really arrogant ones have been let go, only the good guys remain. I'd raise polite hell with the hospital admins.

[Blueberry]

Welcome back!!

Is DART the public transit where you are?? Start there. I expect there might be some leverage there. It's truly ridiculous.:mad::mad: But good for you for all the commuting!!

[pardes]

Hi, Pardes! Congratulations on all that commuting. You're an inspiration!

I suggest you comb the hospital's website for all the "healthy lifestyle" advice they give, and the free programs they provide for the community that might relate to cycling. You know how all the hospitals have banned smoking and crow about it? I'm sure they're crowing about some exercise program or another. Maybe they're even bragging about "going green". You might find many opportunities to poke them a little, and get the hospital to at least make a public decision about bikes on their roadway.

Welcome back!
Karen

I feel an epistle coming on and you all KNOW how I love to write.

Lordy have I been combing the websites.....

It seems that in 2006 these particular security guards won the national "best dressed officer" contest.....

From Christiana Care mission statement:

Caring for Our Neighbors
Building a healthy community.
Christiana Care exists to take care of our neighbors in our community.

I guess that includes intimidating and harassing seniors on bicycles.

Ironically, it was this very hospital that inspired me to take bicycling seriously as a way to reclaim my failing heath 14 months ago. They have a "heart walk" around the perimeter of the hospital and it's a pleasant walk around ponds and geese and away from traffic.

But alas, with severe arthritis I couldn't walk it. But magically there was a bicycle store across the road and the rest is history.

So that is one reason this all upset me so much. I LOVE the hospital grounds and have spent a lot of time on the MUP "heart walk" gaining biking strength which led to ditching the car and being very healthy these days.

I will be sure to add this to the letter of complaint as well about the fact that I frequently stop at the outside memorial wall for newborn babies that died. On the other side of the pond from the memorial wall is the new Helen Graham Cancer Center and I've often stopped to say a Rosary for the babies and those fighting their way through cancer.

You may remember a post I put here with photos about the memorial wall.

Can you imagine the CEO of the hospital reading about a gray-haired lady on a bike saying Rosaries for patients and THEN being harassed by their security guard. Now that's a media nightmare.

I love it. And I'll pile it on VERY thick. SHAME on them!

[channlluv]

That security guard stands no chance with a letter like that. He probably ought to dust off his resume. Write on! And welcome back, too!

Roxy

[jobob]

Certified full time bike commuters Certified ? :cool:

[snapdragen]

Certified ? :cool:

Yeah. They have to prove they commute a certain percentage of the time by bike. :rolleyes: You must remember, my employer is the one that banned open toed shoes without stockings.......at least we got that one repealed.


Go get 'em Pardes!

[Tri Girl]

You're a writing machine. When you finish that letter, would you so kindly post it so we can all read the magical words that flow from your fingertips? I love to read your writings, and this would be no exception. Type away, my wonderfully wordy friend! :)

"Can you imagine the CEO of the hospital reading about a gray-haired lady on a bike saying Rosaries for patients and THEN being harassed by their security guard. Now that's a media nightmare.:
AWESOME!

Good to see you again!

[smilingcat]

I pedalled out and across the street to the Christiana Hospital where I was
going to catch the DART 33 bus. (It originates at the Christiana Hospital on
Sundays).

I was almost to the front entrance of the hospital on the circular drive when
the Christiana Hospital Security car stopped me and informed me that bicycles
are banned from Christiana Hospital Grounds since it's private property. He
added that "what if you are in an accident?" I could make NO sense of this
since it seemed to also apply to motorists and not just bicyclists.


So let me understand something clearly here... The security guard stopped you on a private property and you could not access a public transportation which originated from the private property??

Well this should be quite interesting reading a headline from a local paper, "A 60+ year old woman was denied acccess to public transportation by a security guard at such and such hospital". What a great PR that will be for the hospital.

I think a peaceful demonstration at the hospital is in order. ;)

Even though it may have occured on a private property, the fact is that the public transportation system is using the said property as a public stop. This would indicate a de facto public access and not withstanding the rights of the private property...

If you don't get a nice apology from the hospital administration, I think a call to a lawyer may prove quite interesting.

yes be mad!! GET EVEN!!!

[crazycanuck]

*waves* PARDES!! Yooooo Yooooo!!! :D :cool: :)

I hope the private sec fuzz dude gets a slap accross the head!

[Selkie]

Sounds like a cop wannabe asserting his perceived "authority." I have nothing against private security guards and there are a lot of good folks in that line of work. However, I've seen this sort of attitude before on the part of a handful of them.

Sorry you happened across this person.

Welcome back. I've missed you!

[Mr. Bloom]

Pardes:
Robert J. Laskowski, President and Chief Executive Officer 302-733-1580.

I dialed the number a minute ago and it is the President's Office.

Call it. Be prepared to limit your complaint to 2 minutes on the phone with someone in the office and stick to the facts, but I bet it will get a response.

He's also the United Way Chairman for Delaware...imagine the PR implications...

And Pardes, for the record, my response would have been "Sir, I am riding my bike to that bus stop to legally catch that bus. Now, if you want to stop me from doing that, then I suggest you call the police and tell them to come here and arrest me. Now, do you want to take responsibility for having a 63 year old woman arrested for trying to catch a bus?"

[witeowl]

Ironically, it was this very hospital that inspired me to take bicycling seriously as a way to reclaim my failing heath 14 months ago. They have a "heart walk" around the perimeter of the hospital and it's a pleasant walk around ponds and geese and away from traffic.

Yeah, I was just thinking that you should push this point. When you write a letter to your newspaper and/or contact the local news station, make sure that you point out that this hospital, which should be promoting healthful lifestyles, is not bike-friendly.

I can hear the soundbite now. Cue music and anchorperson:
"Is your hospital trying to drum up business by preventing local citizens from living healthy lives?"

:)

[Becky]

This would be the hospital with the giant signs at each driveway, proclaiming that their campus is smoke-free as a means of promoting better health :D

On one hand, it is private property, and they can do what they please. On the other hand, it contains a public bus stop, and said buses have bike racks on them....ergo.... I have appointments and meetings at that hospital, and it irritates me that they would deny me the right to ride my bike there should I ever choose to. Though it may explain why I've never found a bike rack there.

I do have to wonder if in fact it's a hospital policy, or if the guard was mistaken. I think I'd ask to see it in writing ;) Like the others have said, a bit of well-placed publicity should clear up this nonsense.

[tulip]

The security guard was probably just doing his job the best way he knew how. He's likely a low-paid employee of a private contractor that has a blanket how-to manual for all of their clients. He saw a bike and figured he'd get to show off his skills to his employer, perhaps for a raise...

Hopefully this will spark some much-needed education of the security contractor and the employees. I'd hate to see the guy lose his job. Next time, perhaps he'll give you a nice wave.

[bmccasland]

Welcome back Pardes! You go girl! We await the news of your biking to catch the bus.

[OakLeaf]

WB Pardes! Great to see you.

Smack 'em upside the head. :D

[shootingstar]

Welcome back pardes. I'm sure you'll handle this problem in style. :rolleyes:

[pardes]

The security guard was probably just doing his job the best way he knew how. He's likely a low-paid employee of a private contractor that has a blanket how-to manual for all of their clients. He saw a bike and figured he'd get to show off his skills to his employer, perhaps for a raise...

Hopefully this will spark some much-needed education of the security contractor and the employees. I'd hate to see the guy lose his job. Next time, perhaps he'll give you a nice wave.

Actually that is not the case. These are "Constables" trained and accredited by the Delaware State Police Troop 6. They are well-trained (apparently in everything but manners) with the same rights and privileges of State Troopers.

[spokewench]

I would start with polite but disappointed calls and letters to the hospital administration. Then, I would do more, i.e. the peaceful bike in or something of that nature.

[spazzdog]

Or a very eloquent letter to the editor of the local newspaper, mentioning of course the oddity of barring cyclists, especially those trying to access public transportation... in these times of high gas prices, global warming, etc.

Nothing like a little bad publicity ;)

spazz

[pardes]

Update.

I called the President and CEO's office to get his email address. His secretary gave me his address and confirmed that Christiana Hospital does in fact have a "bicycles banned" policy. She hastily added, "but he SHOULDN'T have been rude!"

Good Grief, I was SURE the ban was a misunderstanding but apparently not.

So, I proceed forward with tons of more research.

[shootingstar]

Would be interesting to know if there are any hospital employees that bike to work... :D. Does the ban extend to them?? :p

[7rider]

It seems illogical that a hospital would ban bicycles, but you never know what some insurance company comes up with in it's tables (hmmmm...yeah, cyclists have accidents and get sent to emergency rooms....but so do motorists!). And since it's private property, they can do what they choose.
Still...a sign so stating their policy would be nice. Then, you can hold up a picture of that for public scoffing that a HOSPITAL would ban bicycles.
Also, I'd take issue with the fact that PUBLIC transportation is servicing PRIVATE property....a private property that bans a legal and legitimate form of transportation. I don't imagine that the local mall or shopping plaza would have a similar ban and still have PUBLIC transportation drop folks off at their front door.

[Mr. Bloom]

She hastily added, "but he SHOULDN'T have been rude!"

...but he was "well dressed"!:rolleyes::rolleyes:

I'm shocked, but I'm giving them the benefit of the doubt that they have a compelling need (in the presence of emergency vehicles) to keep kids on skateboards and bikes off the grounds...but to broadly apply that to commuters is a bit odd.

I would encourage you to directly involve the transit authority in this since they allow a bus stop that the hospital directly benefits from for employees and patient visits.

[Deborajen]

Was this anywhere near the emergency entrance for the hospital? It makes sense to minimize traffic there for ambulances, etc., but otherwise I don't see why in the world they'd want to ban bikes.

Any chance your doctor at that hospital is cyclist? Or maybe any of the others in the group (if it is a group)? You could always try mentioning this to your doctor. Sometimes the doctors have some pull - many of them serve on hospital committees, etc. They can put some pressure on a narrow-minded CEO.

[Biciclista]

(shaking my head):confused::confused::confused:

[Trek420]

Was this anywhere near the emergency entrance for the hospital? It makes sense to minimize traffic there for ambulances, etc., but otherwise I don't see why in the world they'd want to ban bikes.


I was almost to the front entrance of the hospital on the circular drive when the Christiana Hospital Security car stopped me ....

If they have emergency access in front it may be that if you're not driving an ambulance then any vehicle or bike had better be carrying a passenger about to have a baby, or have the baggie of ice with the missing finger in it or ...

[Becky]

Update.

I called the President and CEO's office to get his email address. His secretary gave me his address and confirmed that Christiana Hospital does in fact have a "bicycles banned" policy. She hastily added, "but he SHOULDN'T have been rude!"

Good Grief, I was SURE the ban was a misunderstanding but apparently not.

So, I proceed forward with tons of more research.

Geez, that's disappointing news indeed! :(

I have an appointment at one of their satellite campuses today, and a meeting at the main campus next week, both of which are bike-able from my house. I may have to explore this issue further while I'm there. Pardes, please keep us all posted, and thanks for your hard work!

[pardes]

And so it begins.....

This is my first approach. See my blog http://cloistervoices.blogspot.com/

Next, I'll be making an appointment with the CEO and going there on my little illegal bike.

[redrhodie]

Nice blog entry, P. I have faith you'll eventually get the silly rules changed to ones that make more sense.

That baby memorial is just too sad.

[Tri Girl]

Incredibly well written!!! A pleasure to read, as always. I love the writing, the pictures... everything!! :)

[Tuckervill]

Fabulous. You make so much sense.

This whole bike ban is a perfect example of rules versus principles. Instead of taking the time to identify how the needs of all can be met while upholding the principles of health, safety and individual freedoms, they just make a simple rule. The rule punishes everyone, and fosters violation of the principles!

Go for it, Pardes!

Karen

[Mr. Bloom]

Pardes: I've said it before...I'll say it again - YOU'RE a GEM!;)

You keep swinging that "velvet hammer"!

[SadieKate]

I'm confused. Your picture and blog indicates you are also upset that they have potentially banned bikes from a 1/4 mile wellness walking path on private hospital grounds. Yes? Am I mistaken?

[Serendipity]

Pardes - I've been wondering where you were/are!

Great blog & what a bizarre situation. Can hardly wait to hear 'the next chapter'!!! :D

[Tri Girl]

I'm confused. Your picture and blog indicates you are also upset that they have potentially banned bikes from a 1/4 mile wellness walking path on private hospital grounds. Yes? Am I mistaken?

She wasn't riding on the walking path, but she was on the roads of the private hospital grounds, which she had to take to get to the public bus stop.

[SadieKate]

I know that. I was referring the statements about the path sign in her blog.

[channlluv]

It was designated as a MUP, but they banned trespassers. I wonder how they determine who's a trespasser and who's just there to hang out at the park or use the exercise path.

Roxy

[Mr. Bloom]

There's several inconsistencies here...

[pardes]

The MUP is on the very edge of the grounds and looks more like a wide hot-pressed gravel sidewalk than a MUP that winds through a wooded area. It doesn't run through the hospital grounds just around it. but only on one partial side. I've never noticed anyone using it for exercise. It abruptly ends on one end as the access road into the hospital which doesn't have sidewalks and which does have a sign banning pedestrians on the sides of the access road. On the other end, it morphs into an official wide concrete sidewalk that runs in front of a banking company and down to Harmony Road.

The No Trespassing sign, I'm sure, doesn't apply to the MUP sidewalk itself, but to the hospital property next to it.

Oh wait, I HAVE seen a lot of people using the MUP. The conclave of Canada Geese. The geese need it like I do. Freeloaders that they are who don't migrate but camp like gypsies on the pond, and indeed they are getting a bit hippy in their waddle.

I wonder if geese are prone to arthritis too?

And do they make Depends for geese? They should you know since these geese poop all OVER the MUP.

Oh great. Now I'm going to go to work with a mental image of geese wearing Depends, sweatbands on their little foreheads, and pushing their little walkers around the MUP on their way to Aquacize classes in the pond.

I can loan them my iPod Aquacize tape of Tina Turner singing, "I Will Survive." Followed by Flashdance and The Age of Aquarius.

[bmccasland]

Oh great. Now I'm going to go to work with a mental image of geese wearing Depends, sweatbands on their little foreheads, and pushing their little walkers around the MUP on their way to Aquacize classes in the pond.

I can loan them my iPod Aquacize tape of Tina Turner singing, "I Will Survive." Followed by Flashdance and The Age of Aquarius.


ARRGGGHH! I almost spewed my coffee all over my computer moniter. Now I'm going to have that image stuck in my brain!

[jobob]

:cool: :D

[GreatPaws]

Christiana???? you're kidding!

You're at my old stomping grounds! I have a friend who works there. I will have to email him your story and see what he says.

But I really can't believe it. Now, it's been 7 years, but that hospital used to be the place to go for heath minded things!! I can't believe they'd have such attitudes!!!

Publicity is the way to go. Contact channel 12, and even Philly places. Wilmington hates to be seen as "behind" Philly. What kind of biking policy does Thomas Jefferson have (not that you'd want to bike there, but still)? They're also a non for profit. What if their supporters found out that they don't even support biking as a healthy lifestyle? tsk tsk.... A Woman trying to do the healthy thing and you can't even cut across to get to public transportation? That is a VERY VERY busy area so *not* cutting thru isn't really a realistic option... I wonder what DART would say if they knew they were having their access restricted by some silly policy.

Good luck! Keep us posted!

[pardes]

It remains to be seen what their official policy is about bicycles. Let's not jump to conclusions before we have to.

It's entirely possible that the only two people I've come iinto contact there (security guard and CEO's secretary) about this issue may NOT be quoting the party line but their personal opinions.

The CEO has staffed out responding to my email to another executive. (Sigh. I feel like the wallflower that didn't get asked to dance by the quarterback....) The VP of External Affairs has tried to reach me by phone and we are now playing phone tag. I should know something soon.

I am hoping for the best and plan to campaign mightily for their help (from a medical point of view) in setting up a comprehensive program for senior bikers (getting non-cyclists on bikes), TADA.... known as Elderberry Bike Rides. I've already got a bike store offering discounts and the local bike groups ready to help!

I'd like to see a great deal of involvement by them (the hospital) in such a project but I'd be happy with them just referring their outpatient program patients from senior care, cardiac rehab, women's care, arthritis programs, weight loss, etc programs to be informed that there is now a Boomer Bike Project that offers road training, help with buying and setting up a bike, how to shop by bike, and sponsoring slow, easy, navel-contemplating, photo-taking, coffe-drinking, people-watching, nature gawking kind of rides in this area. We have LOTS of bike rides in the area but they are all way too advanced for beginners and shy bikers.

Anyway, that's the plan. Well that and contemplating Depends and sweat bands on Canada Geese.

[Tri Girl]

I know that. I was referring the statements about the path sign in her blog.

ohhhhhh... sorry. :o

[Becky]

It remains to be seen what their official policy is about bicycles. Let's not jump to conclusions before we have to.

It's entirely possible that the only two people I've come iinto contact there (security guard and CEO's secretary) about this issue may NOT be quoting the party line but their personal opinions.

FWIW, I asked my doc (who is a director or something at the hospital) about this when I saw him earlier this week and he had never heard about this policy. He commented that information like this is usually shared through the company newsletter and website, and he'd never seen it either place.

*shrugs*

[Mr. Bloom]

The CEO has staffed out responding to my email to another executive. (Sigh. I feel like the wallflower that didn't get asked to dance by the quarterback....) The VP of External Affairs has tried to reach me by phone and we are now playing phone tag. I should know something soon.


Don't feel that way...this is typical and I suspect that this person will be equipped to be articulate on the issue...but my guess is that they won't be equipped for the velvet hammer we call "Pardes"

[malkin]

Go get'em Pardes!

Never seen Depends for fowl before, but we did have a goat in Pampers in church once.

[pardes]

I am very happy to report that this issue has been resolved to the relief of everyone.

Please see my new Elderberry Bike Rides (http://delawareelderberrybikerides.blogspot.com/?zx=eaa138930453edb) blog for the update.

[jobob]

(pssst ... Pardes, the blog is set to invitation only ....)

[pardes]

(pssst ... Pardes, the blog is set to invitation only ....)

oh BOTHER! lemme fix that. 30 seconds ago it was set to PardesTESTbog.....

[Mr. Bloom]

Pardes! YOU are my hero!

[Blueberry]

Hooray!! Now, if they'll just institute training of their law enforcement officers....

[jobob]

Most Excellent ! :cool:

[mudmucker]

Wow. Change. Made by one person. Who knows how many lives you will affect which basically was the result of one hospital constable who cashed in too many crabby chips that day. Pay it forward - good karma for you just has to reply.

[Tri Girl]

Yay Pardes!!!!! I knew you'd solve this with dignity and grace (like I'm sure you handle everything). Way to go!!!:D

[Crankin]

That is awesome, Pardes. I don't know if I could have been as nice as you were!

[pardes]

Yay Pardes!!!!! I knew you'd solve this with dignity and grace (like I'm sure you handle everything). Way to go!!!:D

I did NOT practice nearly as much "dignity and grace" in my recent dealings (unhappily NOT resolved) between Amazon and me.

There are some TE members here who are also on the Kindle Forum who can attest to that. My thread there was locked when I wrote that I couldn't get resolution of a broken Kindle since Amazon blamed me for the damage. I added that in frustration I threw the Kindle up against the wall and then could honestly say, "Yup, I damaged it."

I'm boycotting Amazon for any future purchases of any product. That stings a bit since I was an Amazon addict.

[crazycanuck]

Awesome! Pardes, you're one cool lady :cool:

[bmccasland]

Any chance you get to see a copy of the memo the Ex Office will send down to the Security office about allowing bicycles on the hospital grounds? :rolleyes::D

Somewhere the communication still has to happen that bicycles are NOT banned. Administration may be fine with it, but Security is out on the streets.


Glad to hear that you can catch your bus and have something hot for dinnner other than eggs!

[OakLeaf]

Pardes, you rock! :D Best of luck with the project!

[BikingNurse]

I love it! Thanks for the update!

[PamNY]

Pardes, what a wonderful story. Great to see you back.

Pam

[out_spokin']

Way to be an advocate! What a great outcome, and I love your style! :cool:

[spokewench]

Pardes - loved your blog - you are absolutely creative! congratulations.

[pardes]

Way to be an advocate! What a great outcome, and I love your style! :cool:

Thanks! Somehow in the middle of all of this I have been lassoed into being a board member of Bike Delaware, the local bike advocate group. Well, they did say they needed an odd member added for voting purposes, and I guess I'm pretty odd.

[radacrider]

Congratulations ... and on the advocate note, here is a story about Portland's Senior bike program:

http://www.portlandonline.com/transportation/index.cfm?a=155167&c=37401

These are adult trikes and provides a way for folks to enjoy cycling and feel they have control and are safe on them.:)

[wackyjacky1]

Well, they did say they needed an odd member added for voting purposes, and I guess I'm pretty odd.
LOL! :D

Keep up the good work, Pardes. You've become a hero of mine!

[aeiea]

What a wonderful story and conclusion! I am in awe.

There are times I have been stopped (well, usually on my skateboard) by security guards in odd areas, and felt upset and helpless. If it were to happen on my bike, I can now reference your story in terms of what to do next. Super empowering.

Power trips are annoying. I'm happy to say (knock on wood) that I've only seen it by private fuzz and not police officers. Once we brought a puppy to the Santa Monica Pier carnival area, and a policeman stopped us with a stern voice. We stopped in fear, and he next said "Now, come over here and let me pet this cute little puppy." After a few minutes of sweetness, he kindly told us animals weren't allowed in the carnival, but we could bring him to the rest of the pier.