Against the Law

Not long ago I was riding my bike with a group of friends we got pulled over by a police car. Apparently someone phoned 911 frantically stating that there were CYCLISTS in the ROAD and some of them were riding side by side!! Mon Dieu! The officer was like "I'm going to have to write this one up. You can't ride 2 abreast on the side of the road."
Luckily, one of my buddies had been in this situation before. His simple response to the officer was:

"Section 1, Subsection 23, State ruling 1139(b)."

The officer stopped, thought for a second, got in the car, talked to the dispatcher, then finally stepped out of the car and said, "Sorry about that guys, have a good ride".

Apparently the law stated that 2 cyclists can ride side by side on public roads. We were FREE! Sadly, the days of enjoying a scenic ride while conversing with a friend could be doomed. An ammendment has been filed this year in an effort to crack down on such iniquitous criminals.

Anyway, this all took place outside of Maine so I decided to look up some interesting Maine laws as well as a few others from around the US::

• Maine - A motorized bicycle or motorized scooter may not be operated in excess of 20 miles per hour. [2001, c. 667, Pt. C, §17 (rpr).]
  (Thank goodness my bike isn't motorized!)


• Maine - Shotguns are required to be taken to church in the event of a Native American attack.


• Maine - After January 14th you will be charged a fine for having your Christmas decorations still up.
  [ok I know for a FACT that this isn't inforced!]


• In South Berwick, Maine it is illegal to park infront of a Dunkin Donuts.


• Augusta, Maine - to stroll down the street playing the violin is against the law.


• Wells, Maine - advertisements may not be placed in cemetaries.


• All of United States - No person shall appear as a contestant in more than one game show per year.


• New York - A fine of $25 can be levied for flirting. This old law specifically prohibits men from turning around on any city street and looking "at a woman in that way." A second conviction for a crime of this magnitude calls for the violating male to be forced to wear a "pair of horse-blinders" wherever and whenever he goes outside for a stroll.


• NY - It is against the law to throw a ball at someone's head for fun.
  [I suppose its ok if you're not having fun.]


• NY - The penalty for jumping off a building is death.
  [Geez, thats a bit harsh don't you think?]


• NY - A person may not walk around on Sundays with an ice cream cone in his/her pocket.
  [... thank God I only do that on Tuesdays and Thursdays]


• NY - Slippers are not to be worn after 10:00 P.M.


• Carmel, NY - A man can't go outside while wearing a jacket and pants that do not match.
  [I've been to Carmel... I can't believe I'm still a free man.]

Follow the rules kids!