Run in with da po po

[Xpress]

To clear the confusion:

The guy I am talking about who harasses the police daily does NOT own the property we ride on, and he complains about EVERYTHING people do on it, even if we're just hiking on the mountain (which is county property). The landowner is someone entirely different, but we don't know who he is or where he even lives.

And yeah, I'm totally going to sue the property owner if I break my arm doing something of my own damn fault

[Dirtcrasher]

Go to your registry of deeds, find out who owns it and make up a waiver, sign it and see if he;ll go along with it..... Present the waiver AFTER simply asking for permission.

[Frankencelery]

I agree with you that it's stupid to sue the landowner. However, you may not have any choice in the matter. If you were killed or gravely injured, someone might sue on your behalf. The basic rule these days is to sue whoever you can and see who you can get money out of. If I was the landowner, I would put No Trespassing signs all over the place to try to reduce my liability, but maybe turn a blind eye to the people riding on it, assuming I didn't mind.

We used to ride a lot at a local quarry that is no longer in use. It was a blast, but they fixed the fences and posted signs making it very clear that they didn't want anyone in there. I admit, we were feeling like "we got screwed by the man". This is of course, totally ridiculous. I'm 44 years old, and I know better. A property owner should have the rights to do whatever they want with their property, and if having it left alone is what they want, then it is their right. I still ride up there from time to time and look longingly at the old piles and wish they'd sell it to the county and turn it into an ATV park or something.

Xpress, I know this is not your situation, I'm just commenting on the general subject. Your neighbor is obviously just mad at the world and enjoys minding everyone else's business. My boss hunts on a property where the lady who lives adjacent to it calls the DNR officer every time she sees a hunter on the land, and they have to come out and check hunting licenses. Basically a complete waste of resources.

[Frankencelery]

DC, why the heck are they bothering you on your property? Are you in the city or country? How much property do you have?

[fabiodriven]

It's because he lives in Massachusetts.

[2Tim215]

I also like to do Metal Detecting and we have a "Release of Liability" which clearly states that we are FULLY responsible for any injuries that will be covered by our insurance. Some states or family members may not honor it but it gives the property owner some peace of mind. Hopefully family members will honor it as well in the event of a accidental death knowing that the owner blessed us with permission to ride and enjoy our hobby! Its worth a shot and a incentive for them to allow it. A lot of property owners know people are going to ride anyway as you can't catch everyone if you have a lot of acreage so the Release should be attractive. We personally respect any landowner that doesn't want us riding. Our neighbors ride and are reckless which makes it hard for us as they usually don't wear helmets and are loud.

[Xpress]

I think even if the property owner posted signs like "ENTER AT OWN RISK" then it would get everybody off mine and the rest of us offroaders backs, because he is giving permission to ride there, but only at our own risk.

Go to your registry of deeds, find out who owns it and make up a waiver, sign it and see if he;ll go along with it..... Present the waiver AFTER simply asking for permission.

Yeah, I guess I will have to. I know he is a resident up here, and there is a kid I know about who knows him- I see him on the occasion.

Or just buy the damn property off him. Rent a bobcat and go to town

[rdlsz24]

We used to ride a lot at a local quarry that is no longer in use. It was a blast, but they fixed the fences and posted signs making it very clear that they didn't want anyone in there. I admit, we were feeling like "we got screwed by the man". This is of course, totally ridiculous. I'm 44 years old, and I know better. A property owner should have the rights to do whatever they want with their property, and if having it left alone is what they want, then it is their right. I still ride up there from time to time and look longingly at the old piles and wish they'd sell it to the county and turn it into an ATV park or something.

Same thing happened at a quarry we used to ride at. It was my favorite place to ride. Yeah it sucked when they dropped the on us but I figured we were on borrowed time anyway

Rob

[Xpress]

Also is there some privacy law that prevents the officers from just coming onto my property and snooping around? It's all fenced off, aside form the gate which we leave open during the day when we're here...

[jeffatc250r]

It's because he lives in Massachusetts.

Yup, this state BLOWS
If i wasnt so attached to friends and family, id start fresh somewhere better, like new hampshire.
But im prob not going anywhere, so i just adapt.
I love my trikes, but a street legal 2wheeled critter allows me to enjoy the offroad scene much more.

[thestud25]

Also is there some privacy law that prevents the officers from just coming onto my property and snooping around? It's all fenced off, aside form the gate which we leave open during the day when we're here...

All the police need to come on to your property is probable cause. They can pretty much come up with any reason to come onto your property. You are protected against unlawful search, which I exercise to the fullest extent. Make them get a search warrant to enter your home. If your fenced yard is chainlink, and they can see trikes, bikes, etc that is their probable cause anytime someone complains. Regardless if it is you riding down there or not.

[Xpress]

This is why I hate people like that neighbor. His harassment leads to another persons long time misery. Guess it's time to enclose my trikes into a shed.

[oldnumbr7]

sounds like the complaining party is a grumpy old man! if he even complains about kids riding bikes and stuff. As far as him " the officer" being able to impound your trike i've personally never heard of them being able to do that when its on your property. I can see them being able to do it if you are on " a property without permission" or on Main roads or somewhere thats not off road. Technically he cant come back and give you a misdameanor if he " hears of you being there" thats considered profiling and harassment. Same goes with that he cannot give you a ticket, or charge unless he stops you on the property you didnt have permission to be on or on the road . Granted he was just doing his job after numerous complaints , but at the same time if the officer or police department know this guy keeps calling and calling and calling over nonsense type stuff why not go talk to the " complaining party" and tell them to relax and quit calling over nonsense stuff. Atleast he didnt stop you when you was on the road and give you a ticket and stuff and seemed like a decent cop. I would get permission if you can to ride there or try to find you somewhere else to ride. or see if anyone else who is on this site is in your area that may have a place you can ride or meet up to go ride.. well i put in my newbie 2 cents lol i would also check out the laws there just so you know just incase you come into this problem again

[Xpress]

I know the officers are just doing their job, and i'm not mad directly at them, what I'm pissed off about is this guy who keeps harassing everyone. It's impossible to talk to him too. He's been out filming us numerous times, threatening to put us on Terko Files and all of this crap. You can totally tell his brain is just messed up, and every time he has the same excuse about how "You are blowing the dust into the girls house who has asthma and she is going to have an asthma attack then sue you and you will go to jail because you can't pay for her medical bills and you might also break your arm or your leg or fall into a ravine and not be able to get yourself out."- literally, that's what he says each time. Mental insanity I tell you.

Might have to bring a possey of riders and confront this guy about his issues. We don't do anything to him- and he has told us that too, yet he feels the need to defend this asthmatic girl THAT DOESN'T EVEN LIVE THERE (moved out years ago).

[oldnumbr7]

hmm wonder if you could file harassment charges against him seeings how he is harassing you " riders" and calling the cops on you guys all the time the way i look at it thats harassment . but then again im not a law official or anything but still some how you guys should beable to ride hopefully you get it all straightened out soon i know how bad it sucks not being able to ride when you want