25 replies to this topic

[bluejeans]

Bicyclists Will Soon Have To Wait In Line To Cross Border

April 19, 2006 San Diego News 10

Beginning next month, expedited border-crossing privileges will no longer be available to bicyclists at the San Ysidro Port of Entry, officials announced Wednesday.

As of May 1, those pedaling their way into the United States from Baja California will have to wait in line with people crossing the international boundary on foot, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
The change stems from complaints that bicycles -- many rented from nearby vendors, sometimes without seats, chains or even pedals -- were unfairly getting people through the station more quickly than other travelers.

"Clearly, this privilege has been exploited to the point of abuse and has placed our managers in a difficult position," said James Hynes, director of the border port's passenger facilities.

The new policy "is the most equitable way to address the issue and will allow CBP officers to focus on their (primary) mission," he said.

[sdc]

It was only a matter of time....The next move is to have passports mandatory

[the.ronin]

Ironically, I get more hassles when I do show my passport as opposed to my DL ... I guess having it issued by the Netherlands Consulate raises eyebrows (got my old one stolen in a stoned, drunken stooper).

Last Sunday, there was absolutely no line in the ped crossing. I practically walked right up to the multiple lines inside. It was wierd.

[TJDave]

Only one thing to do now... Buy a motorcycle...

[sdc]

I'll get one of those pedal mopeds.....

[the.ronin]

Something like this?

[sdc]

Thats exactly what I'm looking for I found one on craigslist for 350....

[TJDave]

I like the cool oven mitts

[Scooby]

That's kind of nifty looking

[hickslayer11]

I just bought a bike to help me et across faster too.

what is gonna be the best way to cross now? just waking up early i guess. Quick question, how would a motercycle helP? don't you have to wait with all the cars if you have a motercycle?

[Ryu]

I went to the sobre ruedas near my house and they have several low motor bikes (cross between a regular motorcycle and a electric bike) looks interesteding, never got around to asking the price becuase the guy was busy.

[TJDave]

A motorcycle helps immensly... it's probably THE fastest way to cross, even faster than SENTRI. I cross every morning at about 6:15 and usually wait about 30 seconds. I leave my house at about 6:05 and get to work in La Jolla at 6:45...

There's no way I would go back to crossing in my truck, the bike has spoiled me.

[sdc]

IF anyone finds a good deal on a nice pedal moped let me know....

[hickslayer11]

I didn't realize this, is there a special lane for motercycles then? I have never seen it/ noticed it, in either otay or san ysidro.

[Chiquito]

No. There's no special lane. What most do is split lanes in the SENTRI lane and then cut over to the regular lane at the last possible place. They won't let you cross in the SENTRI. It's pretty well accepted practice, some drivers get pissed at the bike, most don't. The border guards don't care. I've given it thought lately not because of time, but the cost of gas.

[TJDave]

Not only do the border guards not care, they encourage it...

I try not to choose a lane that already has a motorcycle in it... I think one bike cutting at a time is about the limit.

Since I have had my bike, every single time I have crossed has been less than 30 seconds... I have my Passport ready, they usually look at it for a second, maybe ask if I have anything to declare, then I'm off... a lot of times they don't even take my passport... they look at the cover as I try to hand it to them and then just wave me through.

Don't even get me started on how much I'm saving on gas (at least $40 every two days)

Win-win for me... I agree it's not for everybody, as you have to accept the higher risk... but if you are comfortable on a bike, I suggest you do it.

[Chiquito]

Right now it's about $25 a trip to the office in San Diego. Good part is I only go in 1 or 2 days a week and telecommute for the rest. A motorcycle is tempting. A bit concerned about carrying my big laptop on it, would need a case that survive a fall. Biggest prevention for me getting one is my best friend from kindergarten to age 28 died on his in a freak accident that could not have been avoided. So no one in my family would give me a minute of peace if I got one.

[TJDave]

They make hard cases to carry things on your bike... I currently have two softbags, a magnetic tank bag for my everyday stuff like my scrubs and passport and DL... it actually holds quite a bit and it turns into a backpack. Then I have a tail bag that straps to the passenger seat... I take that only when I know I'll be buying something that won't fit in the tank bag.

I hear you loud and clear about the family giving you a hard time... in addition to everybody here at work... I just tell them that I am extra careful and I have been riding all my life (I started on dirtbikes when I was 5 or 6).

It's a personal choice... I even had a hard time deciding to go back to riding again... On one hand I was excited and knew that it made sense for the time and money savings... but on the other hand, it carries more risk and it has been at least 7-8 years since I had been riding regularly. After the first few miles, I felt like I had never been away... "it's just like riding a bike"

[Nocaute]

They should be thinking more about the envorinment, and the gas crisis, than "fairness". The bike lane was promoting a safe, clean, healthy mode of transportation. If the policy was being abused, they should have stipulated that the bike be in working condition. Frustrating. I'm going to get a motorcycle, too.

[Chiquito]

Back when I did ride regularly, 18 years ago (feeling old), I used a tank bag all the time too. Was very handy and on top of the tank did seem to avoid getting hit the couple times I did lose it (gravel on Mulholland near the Rock Store), wish I could say the same for the skin on my arm.

No amount of experience would have helped in my friends case. The equivilent of having a meteorite hit you as you sit on a park bench. Something you can't prepare for. But he would have survived and probably been more or less ok in a car rather than on a bike.