In the days after the police overreaction to the last Critical Mass, there seemed to be some disagreement on the process of registering a bicycle in Minneapolis. I wanted to share my recent experiences.
I bought my first new bike in years a week ago today. I asked the clerk at the store about registering it there, and he was certain that they did not, had never, and could not register bicycles. He suggested I call city hall. I called the city information line early this week. I was first transferred to someone in vehicle licenses, which seemed to make sense; that's what I was after. This was not the correct department, however, and I was transferred to business licenses. My instinct that this would be the wrong place as well turned out to be correct, and I was thrown to the police department. After bouncing around their telephone system for awhile, I was told to call Hennepin County. Turned out that was the right advice. I called them to find out about prices, payment options and hours of service. Turns out the only office within reasonable biking distance for anyone living in Mpls proper was only open till 4:30, half an hour after I get off work. The first day I attempted to get my license, I arrived with five minutes to spare and was asked for my bike's serial number. I did not know where on the bike to look, and therefore came back in too late. Yesterday I went more prepared and purchased my license. Now, I'm not one to criticize bureaucratic systems or the individuals who work within them. I would like to point out, however, that this expense of my time (on the order of three hours, altogether - and when I'm at work I'm being paid over $12/hr) and ten dollars out of my checking account was only necessary so that I can ride in the next Critical Mass without having to fear that officers of the Minneapolis Police Department will throw it in the back of a flatbed truck and maybe not give it back. I have no reason to believe that the registration will fulfill its ostensible purpose - to retrieve my bike if stolen (by someone other than the MPD). Let's repeal the ordinance that gives the cops the excuse to impound bikes and fine riders for a lack of registration. Till then, you can register your bike at the Hennepin County Government Center, 300 S 6th St, on the second floor. Bring proof of ownership and know your serial number! On a completely unrelated note: I forgot to mention in my last post the book that I'd love to see every Minneapolitan read... Nickel and Dimed, by Barbara Ehrenreich. We would then be in a far better position to discuss the true effects of our tight housing market and other factors on the poorest people living in our city. Robin Garwood Seward Elected Member, Minneapolis/5th District Green Party Steering Committee _______________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
