The Herald-Sun
April 27, 2005
DURHAM — Riding along the American Tobacco Trail on my way home from work, I come up behind another bicyclist. I slow down to say hello, as I always do.
My fellow biker assertively tells me to slow down, to pull over and that he is a cop.
“Of course, Officer,” I say, unlocking my shoe from the pedal and squeezing the brakes a little harder. When we both stop conveniently at an intersection, I look more closely at the arresting officer: a young boy, no more than 9 years old.
“I read in the paper that the Durham police are putting more cops on bikes this year,” I say.
Reading either the skeptical look on my face or my willingness to play along, he shows off his radio, which validates his ability to protect and serve. It’s the hand-held mouthpiece to a CB radio with its coiled wire tied to the handlebars of his BMX bike.
“Seen any trouble on your ride today?” he asks me.
“No, not yet, but I could use some help crossing this intersection.” Riding his own bike nearby, the cop’s older brother — I mean superior officer — smiles at the two of us.
Like cops in the movies do, Officer BMX is eyeballing me — with a squint no less. Kids are fascinated by gadgets, and he’s taking in the utilitarian nature of my gear: shoes that lock into the pedals, a rubber band around my right ankle to keep my pants cuffs out of the greasy crank, a rack holding my sandals and blinking tail light, a brightly colored shoulder bag with reflective tape and most importantly, my helmet.
Officer BMX happily complies, escorting me through the intersection once he determines the coast is clear.
“Did you respond to any calls today, any trouble in the neighborhood?” I ask him.
“Yeah, a girl had a bike accident earlier. I had to help her fix her bike. It’s been quiet since then,” he replied.
On the other side of the road, I thank him for helping me across the street and for keeping this route safe for me and for other cyclists.
As I click into my pedals and begin to pull away, I think he might ride with me. Instead, he turns around and rides back through the intersection. I guess he can’t stray too far from home, I mean, outside his jurisdiction.