Pedal-powered Buick out of court and on the road again
A little while back we brought you a video featuring footage of artist Michel de Broin's "Shared Propulsion Car" as he and some friends rolled it out of a garage, climbed in and began pedaling (yes, I said pedaling) their way a short distance down the street. The ride was short because, before they were too tired to pedal the hollowed-out shell of the 1986 Buick Regal further, they were pulled over by Toronto's finest in a traditionally-powered squad car. Apparently the officers were under the impression that an unsafe vehicle was being operated and had decided to take decisive action. A tow truck was called and a court summons to face aforementioned charges issued to Trevor Baldwin, who was behind the wheel at the time of interdiction.
The court finally heard the case and, according to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) News website, "As the Crown prosecutor tried to make his case Thursday, the court erupted in laughter, and the charges were thrown out." After the hearing, Baldwin was asked about his plans and is quoted as saying, "I'm thinking it's a really nice day, so we might go for a drive." A nice way to celebrate his legal victory indeed. To check out the original footage of the incident, hit the jump.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
jagbah 7:49AM (4/08/2008)
I say Kewl, keep on pedalin'. Think taht should be legal, you have started a new trend,cut fuel costs.
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Amanda 8:56AM (4/08/2008)
well, it's one way to beat the high cost of fuel. Part of me understands the police feeling this was unsafe the other part of me wonders why they felt the need to carry it so far. The "pop your hood" part really cracked me up. What did he expect to find under there? Illegal hamsters running a wheel?
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BC 9:51AM (4/08/2008)
Cop's a dick.
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SheryltheGreat 12:02PM (4/08/2008)
How did they brake? Just curious. You know, in case I want to build one.
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Joe 12:47PM (4/08/2008)
I've converted an old large three-wheel ATC to pedal power so I can ride where my mountain bike wont go. A regular automobile is quite an accomplishment.
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Mac 6:08AM (4/11/2008)
I'm not too sure about the safety factor here, but it seems to be a great way to prevent anyone from maintaining a speed that is allowed on the roads that they are paying for with their taxes. Road construction, heavy trucks and other productive obstacles are one thing and usually necessary, but this is just obviously a public nuisance. And how WOULD they stop it if it got to rolling too fast down a hill toward the back of my car with my kid in the back seat, anyway? With a non-certified homemade braking system?
Sorry guys, if I was the cop in question, I would write him up every time I saw him just to keep "Mr. Lawsuit" off my back.
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