Got a ticket for biking with my dog?

Question

I am surrounded by bike trails, I have been biking with my dog for over a year with no problems till this weekend. I got 'pulled over' by a cop on a bike and he told me I'm not allowed to bike with my dog on these trails. When I asked why he replied: Cause some people are afraid of dogs!!!!

I've never heard such a load of BS. So people on bike trails are afraid of dogs but people on sidewalks are not!

Is it the same in your community?

Answer 1

Check your city ordinances.  This might be a law in your community.  Sadly poor pet owners have caused restrictions like these to happen.  If this is a law in your community maybe you and other dog owners/bikers can work to get it changed.  Thank goodness I live in a fairly pet friendly community except the rental issue of NO PETS.

Answer 2

I am very surprised if the bike trail had no signs AND if you had the dog on a leash/lead (meaining in control).  I would do the research and see if there are any ordinance on the books.  You can start by looking up the exact violation you were summoned with.  If you did not have the dog on leash, the officer was then within his rights.

I bike all the time with 2 dogs at once and never been told it is an issue and I ride right past the police.  Of course, when biking, you have to be extra attentive because you do need to more predictive of what the dog(s) may do.  Therefore, if you see someone sort of hesitant coming at you.  Be polite and pull off.  Let them pass.  Just like when walking, the dog must be considered "in control" and you should have it no more than a few feet from your side.  Mine are trained to do the heel command for the bike, including sit when we come to a stop.

Answer 3

Have you ever seen what happens when a dog gets tripped up by a bike or a bike gets tripped up by a dog?  It's not a pretty sight.  If you love your dog....walk him/her.  If he/she loves to run, take them to a dog park where they can be let off leash to run and  play.  Throw them  a frisbee but please keep them off the bike trails.  A squirrel, rabbit or anything can distract them causing an accident.  Perhaps another biker with a dog would cause them to break free and a fight ensues.  People walking on sidewalks can always cross the street if they are that afraid of a dog but if they are on a bike trail, they must stay on the trail.  Be courteous to other trail riders and give your dog a break too.  I am sure that he/she does not want to run as far as you want to ride.

Answer 4

We have some trails both hiking and biking that are closed to dogs but also several where they are allowed on lead.

I would call the city or county and ask for the rules for the trails you have been using.  It might be you ran into a jerk with a badge and could get it tossed.

Answer 5

No, I wasn't biking. I was walking in the park with my dog and then a guard there told me no dogs allowed..What the h**l???!!! It's a park...And there are no signs...

One problem...How do you bike with a dog..? Just wondering...

Answer 6

wow that is something. you can take it to a lawyer and fight if there are other people who walk there dogs there. i am surround by bike trails to and there are people who walk there and ride with dogs cause they feel safer than just a simple side walk.

Answer 7

Not that I know of. They should make sure they have signs in that bike trail! That's really a load of BS!

Answer 8

no i can bike anywhere with my dog and you should be allowed to bike with your dog because it is just like taking your dog for a walk and if there are people who are scared of dogs they can either get in their vehicle or stay away

Answer 9

This is happening more and more.  It is a response to incidents that have happened due to irresponsible pet ownership.  I get so mad at pet owners who let their dogs roam or come to community areas and are not on leash - or even have their owners near!  It is happening because these same owners allow their dogs to potty in the community are and do not pick up the poppy.  Some of these dogs have had aggressive behaviors on others or just approached others without any amount of owner control.  

I dislike when dogs are just allowed to come up to others they don't know.  I don't know your dog, how do I know that it will be friendly?  Ask permission for your dog to come up to a stranger or keep it obediently under your control at your side!

I love dogs and am an advocate for responsible pet ownership.  I donate several weekends every spring to our favorite trails to pick up p**p of other irresponsible owners that allowed their dogs to potty and not clean up after them.  I don't want to make my dog run through that on our exercise runs/walks!  I also want to send a message to others that there are a lot of responsible owners that love to use the parks and trail systems.  We will only keep these privelages if we continue to show that there are a lot of responsible owners who respect and work to keep the privelage of being able to bring their dogs to these community places.

OK, I'll get off my soapbox now.

Thanks and promote responsible pet ownership.