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Cyclists/DC Mayor Fenty = abuse of power?

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Nov 10, 09 11:03

Post #1 of 28 (1928 views)

Cyclists/DC Mayor Fenty = abuse of power?	Can't Post

http://www.wtopnews.com/...=428&sid=1807568

Must be nice to be on his cycling team.
--
Matt Braynard
Braynard WebDev, Inc.
http://www.braynardwebdev.com
If You Can Imagine It, We Can Do It.

paul_tx

Nov 10, 09 11:07

Post #2 of 28 (1910 views)

Re: Cyclists/DC Mayor Fenty = abuse of power? [Learn] [In reply to]	Can't Post

He's also been accused of accepting outside assistance in a triathlon.
****************************

dgunthert

Nov 10, 09 11:18

Post #3 of 28 (1874 views)

Re: Cyclists/DC Mayor Fenty = abuse of power? [Learn] [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To:

http://www.wtopnews.com/...=428&sid=1807568

Must be nice to be on his cycling team.

Very few valid points in there. Most of the coverage seems to be the standard "bikes are slow and are taking up my precious roadway" type: traffic is backed up, bikes are taking up a whole lane, motorists are frustrated, etc. The reporter ignores the fact that nearly all of what he filmed the cyclists doing was perfectly legal. They do blow a red light after the ambulance goes through, but in the second example they had a left turn arrow that didn't turn yellow until almost the entire group was through.

As for the police escort, nowhere in the article do they claim the mayor has any control over the police escort. Not saying he doesn't, but the reporter simply lets the reader assume that the mayor could change it if he wanted.

SwBkRn44

Nov 10, 09 11:30

Post #4 of 28 (1837 views)

Re: Cyclists/DC Mayor Fenty = abuse of power? [Learn] [In reply to]	Can't Post

They shouldn't have included the video if they were trying to slam him. Other than the riding on Rock Creek Parkway I don't see much of anything that is outside the norm. Looks like mostly local roads, with a single police motorcycle following them.

They video tape them rolling through a stop sign down at Hain's Point, him and everything other cyclist down there, as well as every cop riding a motorcycle down there.

As I side, riding on Rock Creek Parkway shouldn't be allowed, but most of those roads looked like local roads (the one shot even had other cyclists heading in the other direction) and a single following police motorcycle.

A dumb piece of "journalism" trying to slam the Mayor.

roady

Nov 10, 09 11:31

Post #5 of 28 (1831 views)

Re: Cyclists/DC Mayor Fenty = abuse of power? [Learn] [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To:

Must be nice to be on his cycling team.

NCVC's rides have always been open to anyone. I bet they even let Coggan tag along...

I've always felt the Goon Ride needed a police escort.

Deus ex Machina

Nov 10, 09 11:45

Post #6 of 28 (1793 views)

Re: Cyclists/DC Mayor Fenty = abuse of power? [Learn] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I just wonder how many bullets to the head someone would receive if they tried to do the same stupid stunt in the "LA doctor rage case" on the mayor and his "crew".

I figure, if you got the means, use it. Too many idiotic drivers out there, and the more protection you get, the better.

Learn

Nov 10, 09 12:00

Post #7 of 28 (1748 views)

Re: Cyclists/DC Mayor Fenty = abuse of power? [dgunthert] [In reply to]	Can't Post

- Repeatedly blowing through stop signs that I personally have been stopped by cops for blowing through - illegal
- Riding two or more abreast on busy roads - illegal here

And the more serious stuff
- public funds paying to transport his bike to his races
- Using police escorts to make his rides easier, shutting down traffic
- police requesting Dept. of Homeland Security vehicles to transport his bike

He doesn't merit 'protection' on his bike rides. He's the mayor of an impotent city and primarily unrecognizable. US congressmen and Senators don't get a security detail and they are far bigger targets than he is.
--
Matt Braynard
Braynard WebDev, Inc.
http://www.braynardwebdev.com
If You Can Imagine It, We Can Do It.

Learn

Nov 10, 09 12:14

Post #8 of 28 (1719 views)

Re: Cyclists/DC Mayor Fenty = abuse of power? [roady] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I think he's on DC Velo, not NCVC.
--
Matt Braynard
Braynard WebDev, Inc.
http://www.braynardwebdev.com
If You Can Imagine It, We Can Do It.

jgeldner

Nov 10, 09 12:27

Post #9 of 28 (1680 views)

Re: Cyclists/DC Mayor Fenty = abuse of power? [Learn] [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To:

-
He doesn't merit 'protection' on his bike rides. He's the mayor of an impotent city and primarily unrecognizable. US congressmen and Senators don't get a security detail and they are far bigger targets than he is.

Isn't that up to the city? If the precedent has been set that the mayor gets a security detail, isn't it that detail's responsibility to ensure his safety regardless of what he's doing? No one knocked President Bush for Secret Service mountain biking with him, and no one gives President Obama a particularly hard time for playing basketball.

Nothing on that video or in that article represents a departure from what I regularly see other cyclists do (and do myself from time to time). Maybe the Clara Barton Pkwy thing is an issue, but it just seems like the press is out to get Fenty on being fit.

Remember this article? http://blog.washingtonpost.com/...e_cycling_mayor.html Back in 2007, the Post went after him for having a $4,000 bike. Big f-ing deal.

It seems to me that the alternatives to police escorts on the mayor's bike rides are:
1. no detail
2. confinement to a trainer (maybe the spinning classes on Computrainers at Cycle Life, but aren't those expensive too?)
3. No rides

Similar to Philadelphia, where Mayor Nutter is criticized for using the city's car (which he paid for out of his own pocket and gifted to the city) to drop his kids off at school.

I'm reminded of a scene in family guy...

Tricia Takanawa: Is Quahog in the grip of a serial arsonist? Police say no, but our producer says yes.

jgeldner

Nov 10, 09 12:29

Post #10 of 28 (1668 views)

Re: Cyclists/DC Mayor Fenty = abuse of power? [Learn] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Yup, DC Velo, but they're open to everyone too...

Deus ex Machina

Nov 10, 09 12:34

Post #11 of 28 (1646 views)

Re: Cyclists/DC Mayor Fenty = abuse of power? [jgeldner] [In reply to]	Can't Post

If I lived in DC, I'd be all over that ride. Why the hell not?

One of the towns around here has a mayor that rides, but he does not quite the same sort of thing. He has made the police understand that he organizes a ride around a certain loop and bullshit antics from drivers are not tolerated.

Of course, if you go on the ride, you have to follow common sense rules, ie. ride on the right and no pulling out in front of oncoming semi's, but that's about it.

jgeldner

Nov 10, 09 12:38

Post #12 of 28 (1625 views)

Re: Cyclists/DC Mayor Fenty = abuse of power? [Deus ex Machina] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I wish I could ride at lunchtime on weekdays, but when would I read ST?

I've ridden with once or twice...he's fast

burgerdp

Nov 10, 09 12:43

Post #13 of 28 (1609 views)

Re: Cyclists/DC Mayor Fenty = abuse of power? [SwBkRn44] [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To:

As I side, riding on Rock Creek Parkway shouldn't be allowed, but most of those roads looked like local roads (the one shot even had other cyclists heading in the other direction) and a single following police motorcycle.

Don't say that I use Rock Creek Parkway to commute home almost every day in the spring, summer and fall.

Let us run with perseverance the race set out for us.
Athletes In Action Triathlon
Team FCA Endurance

fitzie

Nov 10, 09 12:45

Post #14 of 28 (1596 views)

Re: Cyclists/DC Mayor Fenty = abuse of power? [Learn] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Cyclists frequently get ticketed for blowing through the stop signs at Hains Point.

As for the more serious stuff I think it was in 2007 when Mayor Fenty's helicopter came to pick him up after he finished Eagleman (you know how the Bay Bridge traffic can be after that race). If I was a DC taxpayer I would be concerned about things like that.

I will say that I was impressed as I watched Fenty power up Killer Miller this year at Savageman - without any outside assistance. The guy can ride and he's a pretty good runner too.

596

Nov 10, 09 13:31

Post #15 of 28 (1519 views)

Re: Cyclists/DC Mayor Fenty = abuse of power? [jgeldner] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I was once called out at a public board meeting for riding my bike more then I was working as Chief of Police at the time. I got pretty damn pissed off that someone would ever mention something like that at a public meeting. btw - the comment went no further then that : )

There will always be "something" for someone to bitch about.
Paul
http://casasedona.com
AAA 4-Diamond Bed and breakfast Inn
As seen on the "Travel Channel"
2008 "1,000 Places to See Before You Die"

Learn

Nov 10, 09 13:35

Post #16 of 28 (1510 views)

Re: Cyclists/DC Mayor Fenty = abuse of power? [jgeldner] [In reply to]	Can't Post

It's actually up to the Mayor - and the city council needs to put a stop to it. The city, in case you aren't aware, is broke as a joke. They just raised taxes on top earners and are cutting services.

Don't confuse the security needs of a US President with that of a mayor of a relatively small city and who is relieved of all major city responsibilities by federal agencies.

He doesn't need a detail. He's using the police not for security but to allow him to ride where otherwise it would be illegal or unsafe.
--
Matt Braynard
Braynard WebDev, Inc.
http://www.braynardwebdev.com
If You Can Imagine It, We Can Do It.

Learn

Nov 10, 09 13:36

Post #17 of 28 (1500 views)

Re: Cyclists/DC Mayor Fenty = abuse of power? [596] [In reply to]	Can't Post

cool story bro.

therefor, all bitching is prima fascia dismissed.
--
Matt Braynard
Braynard WebDev, Inc.
http://www.braynardwebdev.com
If You Can Imagine It, We Can Do It.

jgeldner

Nov 10, 09 13:53

Post #18 of 28 (1446 views)

Re: Cyclists/DC Mayor Fenty = abuse of power? [Learn] [In reply to]	Can't Post

The council took issue with Fenty driving himself (instead of being chauffeured).

Back in August, when he got into an accident (however questionable it was that he was driving a city-owned vehicle)...

"I think it's curious that he's driving himself," said D.C. Council member Phil Mendelson (D-At Large), chairman of the Committee on Public Safety and the Judiciary. "Why not have the security detail . . . when you have an accident like this past week?"

Mayors of many cities have security details (even Richmond, with a population less than half of DC's, has a protective unit for its mayor), and the Mayor of DC is higher profile than many of them.

Regardless, you're right that the city is broke, and I don't love the $4.99 charge on my electricity bill for streetlights, or the ~20% higher taxes than when I lived in Arlington. I'll also concede that Fenty seems an unlikely target, and it wouldn't kill him to reimburse the city (at least partially) for some of his non-official travel.

Still, I don't think this is as outlandish as the WTOP (and every other local media outlet for that matter) story has made it out to be. I'm also concerned that it could contribute to the general feeling of ill will toward cyclists on our streets. It's better than many other cities (I'm led to believe), but I've seen or had some encounters that could make someone stay on the trainer...

steveperx

Nov 10, 09 14:09

Post #19 of 28 (1411 views)

Re: Cyclists/DC Mayor Fenty = abuse of power? [Learn] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Geez!!! It's getting so people expect you not to abuse your office at all anymore... What's the world coming to? ;-P

-------------------------------------
Steve Perkins

mkr3j

Nov 26, 09 11:01

Post #20 of 28 (1144 views)

Re: Cyclists/DC Mayor Fenty = abuse of power? [Learn] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I thought this was such a non story

I met Adrian Fenty at Savageman ( I passed him going up Big Savage Mtn.) I thought he was pleasant and truly a nice guy.

This video looks like a standard ride.... traffic does not seem impaired

What would the cop be doing? Writing parking tickets.

Also-- this is a much much better mayor than many of DC's previous

Go Adrian!

And you you want to visit Charlottesville VA- bring your friends!

Mark

tkeru408

Nov 26, 09 16:51

Post #21 of 28 (1028 views)

Re: Cyclists/DC Mayor Fenty = abuse of power? [mkr3j] [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To:

I thought this was such a non story

I met Adrian Fenty at Savageman ( I passed him going up Big Savage Mtn.) I thought he was pleasant and truly a nice guy.

This video looks like a standard ride.... traffic does not seem impaired

What would the cop be doing? Writing parking tickets.

Also-- this is a much much better mayor than many of DC's previous

Go Adrian!

And you you want to visit Charlottesville VA- bring your friends!

Mark

Exactly! He could be out buying crack like some of his predecessors. Would that make them happy?

ElGordo

Nov 26, 09 17:52

Post #22 of 28 (980 views)

Re: Cyclists/DC Mayor Fenty = abuse of power? [tkeru408] [In reply to]	Can't Post

The current dynamic between Mayor Fenty and the current DC Council is probably best described as "mutual hatred." Fenty has stepped on a lot of toes, alienated much of the Council, and essentially tried to upset everyone's apple cart in DC. On the whole, I think that is probably a good thing. He has more enemies in DC government than any mayor I can recall, a lot more than Dixon or Williams who came to power as outsiders. Fenty is the first DC mayor born and raised in DC.

This matters here only in that lots of people in DC feed stories to the paper or TV news in any attempt they can to embarrass Fenty. Lots of times he trips over himself on stupid stuff, but compared to certain others his offenses amount to little more than jaywalking.

Our local media lap it all up because it is certainly easier than rooting out all of the very real and tough issues facing the city. This is like a little sugar buzz for reporters.

Learn

Nov 26, 09 22:29

Post #23 of 28 (896 views)

Re: Cyclists/DC Mayor Fenty = abuse of power? [mkr3j] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Tax money and resources to transport his bike to races?

Borrowing Dept. Home. Sec. SUVs to move his stuff around?

If the ride looked legal and square, why does it get a multiple police escort?

The city is going broke. A mayor who squanders resources sets an example for everyone else working for the city about austerity. He's failed in this regard.

Probably the only thing he's done was essentially hand all of his power over schools to Michelle Rhee, who would probably be a better mayor than him in general but has the wrong color skin to have a hope of winning.

Fenty otherwise a hypocrite (illegally sending his kids to a premium public school in Maryland) and hapless.
--
Matt Braynard
Braynard WebDev, Inc.
http://www.braynardwebdev.com
If You Can Imagine It, We Can Do It.

lisalisadc

Feb 16, 10 13:36

Post #24 of 28 (639 views)

Re: Cyclists/DC Mayor Fenty = abuse of power? [Learn] [In reply to]	Can't Post

The road that Fenty and his buds were biking on is the Clara Barton Parkway in Maryland, not Rock Creek Parkway in DC. It is illegal to bike on Clara Barton Parkway. Fenty is not entitled to a police escort for personal recreation. He is abusing the privilege associated with his civic position. Your opinions on his personality and athletic prowess are immaterial to whether or not he is abusing his power.

Fenty's cycling club is not what we would call a traditional cycling team. Yes, it is composed of some members of DC Velo. DC Velo is not open to anyone. You have to try out and pay dues. His two-hour lunchtime workouts start at a private club, Cyclelife. Membership to Cyclelife costs $200-$1400 per month. Even on a lucrative government salary, Fenty probably conned them into a complimentary membership. His demanding workout regime is a bit overkill unless you are in the Armed Forces.

As far as we know, Fenty does not smoke crack or beat his wife (although there have been allegations of the latter). However, he broke the law and is abusing his power. His flippant attitude puts other cyclists at risk. Cops routinely ticket cyclists (the non-Fenty crowd) for running stop signs in parks. Drivers are also extremely hostile to cyclists in DC. He can build more bike stations and lanes to help promote cycling. But, his elitist attitude and selfish behavior is unacceptable. It endangers everyone on a bike from a rich triathlete to a busboy pedaling to his second job.

Pedal to the people!
Lisa

DC Sports Travel Examiner: http://www.examiner.com/...orts-Travel-Examiner http://twitter.com/hubofthewheel

psycholist

Feb 16, 10 15:17

Post #25 of 28 (534 views)

Re: Cyclists/DC Mayor Fenty = abuse of power? [tkeru408] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Exactly! He could be out buying crack like some of his predecessors. Would that make them happy?

Such low standards.

To me, this is yet another case of cyclists being their own worst enemies.

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