We understand how frustrating it is to be caught breaking the law, even on the smallest levels. When the officer is not even riding in a motorized vehicle, it must be even more embarrassing.
The University Police Department is here to keep us safe, and while some students may question the efforts of officer Michael Benson to catch seat belt violators while on his bicycle, we believe he is well within his rights.
Technically, bicycles are road vehicles and must respect the traffic laws and be respected by motorists. While his method may be less traditional for policemen in rural areas, he still has a duty to uphold the law, whether he is on foot, on two wheels, or four.
Those living by the theory ‘no visible cops, no worries’ should take Officer Benson’s effort as a warning. Just because there are no police cars around does not mean officers are not present. Regardless of their mode of transportation, they can and will catch you for breaking any traffic law.
The best way to fix any problem one may have with the way policemen conduct their methods is simple: don’t break the law. Wearing a seatbelt even at the lowest speeds, especially on a campus full of more students and, as a result, more cars, just makes life easier for everyone, including the policemen who are charged with making sure laws are followed no matter what kind of transportation they use.