BIKEPGH MESSAGE BOARD ARCHIVE

« Back to Archive
6

Any Progress on Anti-Harassment Law in Pittsburgh?

I was harassed by a red car (not sure about the make) with license number JKM-8023 (not sure about the K - could be an X) on Boundary St on 05/18/2016 06:35. The passenger yelled at and startled me. Even though I did not crash, I'd imagine a beginner might. I've heard several cities in CA and MO have passed anti-harassement law. There was a thread about the law passed in LA: http://localhost/mb/topic/would-this-fly-in-pgh-new-la-law-for-cyclists/ I was wondering if there's any push in passing similar law in Pittsburgh? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HLMf6QNXFAQ&feature=youtu.be
ninjaturtle0304
2016-05-21 21:05:06
I am very impressed with your video. I would love you to educate me on how you do that to be honest. That car is an American make, but I can't remember what it is. I can find out, but I think someone will know that car. Pretty common. Shame it happened, but not surprised these days. Lots of racial tension to the point I am looking to move out. I am getting too old for all that. Again, your video is amazing and you have a lot of talent. I wish I could do that.
gg
2016-05-21 21:35:31
It is a Chevy Impala. Hope that helps
gg
2016-05-21 21:38:21
May want to email the zone PR person - their emails are online on the police website. I've found them to be helpful explain the situation. See if they would have someone look at the video and if they can mail the person a citation.
edronline
2016-05-21 21:39:42
@gg: Thank you. I think it's early 2000 model of Chevy Impala I don't think it's racially-motivated - I am Asian by the way. Also, I am not planning to report this to the police because the driver did appear to give me 4-feet of passing distance (he crossed the middle line), and although the passenger yelled at me, he did not threaten to do me harm. I was using Mobius Action Camera for filming, Photoshop for photo-editing, and iMovie for film-editing. If you have any specific questions about them, I'd be more than happy to answer them. But I've learned them through Googling for tutorials like many people.
ninjaturtle0304
2016-05-23 16:15:21
Can't find bike-specific info on anti-harassment, but these general anti-harassment tips might be useful: http://www.stopstreetharassment.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/SSH-KYR-Pennsylvania.pdf Quoting the article: "Harassment Title 18, Chapter 27, § 2709 As noted under the “Verbal Harassment” section, in Pennsylvania, the general harassment law prohibits following someone in or about a public place. Penalty: Harassment is a summary offense in the state of Pennsylvania, punishable by up to 90 days in prison. Using lewd, lascivious, threatening or obscene language is a third-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in prison. Reporting Crimes to the Police o Call 9-1-1 for help if: o The crime is in progress o You or someone else is physically hurt or have been threatened with physical violence o You can provide information about who may have committed a crime. o Call the local police office’s non-emergency number to submit a report afterward. For example, in the City of Harrisburg, the number is 717-558-6900; in Philadelphia, call 311. Be prepared to provide them with: o When it happened (date and time). o Where it happened (street location, store location, bus line or bus stop, etc). o Who is reporting (your name, contact information). o A description of what happened. o The name and contact information of witnesses, if you spoke to any. o It can be helpful to include the law the crime falls under, such as Disorderly Conduct, Title 18, Chap. 55 § 5503. o A description of the harasser/s. o Many police departments also have online reporting forms, for example, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police has an online reporting form. o Some police departments also allow you to anonymously send a tip about a non-emergency incident, for example if you see a group of people routinely harassing passersby at the same location. Visit your local police department website for information. Once you’ve reported a crime, if you’ve provided your contact information, within a few days, you will receive a call with a police report case number and may have to answer follow-up questions. Save a copy of the police report for your records." I also found some articles regarding harassment in Portland, which may or may not be applicable here: 1. http://bikeportland.org/2011/07/20/bike-law-101-harassment-and-how-to-deal-with-it-56563 2. http://www.stc-law.com/bicyclist-harassment.html
ninjaturtle0304
2016-06-10 12:45:38