Cycle World Up Front
CYCLE WORLD UP FRONT
Free The Parks (A Crusade)
ALLAN GIRDLER
Careless, is what I was. Last summer was banned from a public park. I got nad and wrote about the incident. In he essay (the November, 1983 issue) I irged everybody to join the AMA and ABATE. Then I sat back, figuring I’d done all I could. Wrong.
What I hope to do now, with your help, is make up for that.
My inspiration comes from two main sources. First is Leon Heindel, about whom all I know is that he owns a Triumph Bonneville, and that he, too, was banned from a park.
He sent copies of his correspondence. As an introduction, Mr. Heindel was visiting the Bernheim Forest, a private preserve near Louisville, Kentucky. Here’s his letter to the head man:
“I was stopped today by a ranger who was doing his duty and told me that it was illegal/not permissible to ride a motorcycle within the boundaries of the Forest. I asked why and he said that I might go into the forest, or onto the grass. I said cars can do this too. He said that motorcyclists can cause trouble. I said if I cause trouble, then kick me out or call the police. But don’t car drivers and occupants cause trouble, too? Why me? Just because I have a motorcycle?
“The reason that I was excluded from ihe park was only because I was on a motorcycle. Only because of that. I was not drunk nor exhibiting boisterous behavior nor disturbing others nor driving on the grass nor was I making too much noise, etc., etc.
“It hurts me (truthfully) to think that this narrow-minded belief of motorcyclists automatically causing trouble is still prevalent today. That because of appearances and not what one has actually done, a person is treated differently. Belief systems are established, and motorcyclists are banned from parks or other areas because of all the trouble they make. This is unfair and the individual suffers.
“Two years ago, while stationed in West Germany (I’m in the Army), I was traveling in Bavaria and stopped in a town called Amberg to have a refreshment and walk through the town. I saw a place where I might have a soft drink
and while entering the door, I saw a small sign that stated ‘No Americans Allowed.’
“Substitute, ‘No Motorcycles Allowed.’
“I thought they must have meant dogs, or cats, but I am human, Aber, was kann ich sagen?...I sat myself at a table and the waitress asked me in English if I was an American. I answered in German, “Ja, sicher.” She
said that I was not allowed to be served and that I would have to leave. I answered in German and said that I was thirsty and I only want a soft drink and then I would leave. I can pay for my drink. I’m not looking for girls. I’m not looking for a fight, etc.,etc.
“She got the manager and we had the same conversation. He spoke German and I continued to speak German. The manager was adamant, ‘because I was an American, I must leave.’ Because I was a guest in this country, I said thank you for your understanding and left, saying, “Aufwiedersehen” (which is customary in that country when leaving an establishment.)
“That was in 1981.
“Now it is 1983 and I am kicked out of Bernheim Forest, only because of a rule that was incorporated into the park charter whep it was formed/opened up in the early 1950s.
“Why is it on the book?
“I could continue with this letter, but the pain is beginning to ease and I don’t feel that I have been wronged. My normal, customary ‘F— it’ is returning to my consciousness as I look out on the landscape, the sun setting on the beautiful reds and greens of the Creator’s work.
“Enough.
“As a contributor (and ‘Friend of Bernheim Forest’) to your private park,
I can only write that the vision that Mr. Bernheim saw is being re-enacted here, in the park, everyday.
“As a motorcyclist, I see the same vision of cancer that Mr. Bernheim saw sweep this world earlier in this century, as the world wars and hate and exclusiveness and feelings of superiority swept our globe.
“I only wish that this exclusionary policy on motorcyclists in Bernheim Forest is re-examined in the light of justice and truth and not because of some ill-defined notion or a wrongly
interpreted notion that a motorcyclist = a biker = a gang = trouble = ruts in the grass = beerstained clothes = foul breath = vile thoughts = a lower class of animals. Golly, I never knew I represented all that! And I don’t.
“What happened to Mr. Bernheim’s vision? Is his vision really being implemented by keeping out a motorcyclist and a lover of nature’s beauty. . .both on wheels and on foot? (I travel to Bernheim Forest to walk in the woods and commune with nature much as Henry David Thoreau and Ralph Waldo Emerson did 130 years ago. I share their fascination with nature and fortunately nature truly exists in the Bernheim Forest.)
“Unfortunately, Mr. Bernheim has met his Creator, but perhaps if he were still alive today, he would strike out the by-rule of ‘no motorcyclists,’ not because of equality (that notion creates conformity and lower standards, besides other cancers), but only because the ideal that he strived for, ‘the Brotherhood of man’ is one that has to be reaffirmed every day or it is lost. Why can’t a law-abiding citizen, who just happens to be on two wheels, powered by a reciprocating engine, enter the park?”
Mr. Heindel received a reply, from Charles K. McClure, executive director of the park. Mr. McClure wrote, in part:
“Since receiving your amazing letter of November 6, 1983, I have read it through several times in its entirety. From grasp of knowledge, philosophy, poetry, et.al. and the use of the word ‘captain’ in the text, I assume you to be an articulate officer who deserves the right to express his opinions and beliefs.
“The ‘motorcycle rule’ at Bernheim has been, and will be reviewed on a continuing basis; as are all rules. The Trustees believe that the rule has merit. One reason for the continuation of the ‘no motorcycle’ rule is the proliferation of mopeds, mini-bikes, trail bikes—and so on.
“The avid touring biker does suffer in this situation; however, the Trustees have tried to make accommodations for the bikers who wish to visit Bernheim by authorizing the Bernheim Rangers to give them rides from the main entrance to locations throughout the developed areas of the Forest.”
To which Mr. Heindel replied:
“I fully agree with you that my letter was amazing. I’ve reread it and perhaps I should have edited it a bit better, but the intent of the moment was to put my frustration down on paper when the emotion was still there.
“Nevertheless, the rules and regulations are explicit enough in the type of conduct allowed in the park, to the point where it is not necessary to target mo*orcyclists for special treatment and herefore exclusion. Even the concern hat you have about trail bikes, etc. are overed by the already existing rules md regulations.
“To immediately suspect that whoever is on a motorcycle will go through
flower beds and into the forests, is analagous to suspect that every poor
person will rob you or me when given the chance.
“Yes, individual bikers and individual poor people may do things the are not allowed, but to treat the whole based on the actions of a few, is unfair and really shabby treatment of those who are law-abiding and take personal pride in being a civic minded person in spite being on a motorcycle or being poor.
“You used the slang term ‘biker’ in your letter, when I felt you had meant write ‘motorcyclist.’ While not in the Webster’s dictionary, I personally believe that ‘biker’ gives the motorcycling public a bad name, not because of tattoos, beards, and shabby denim clothes, but because a few who are violent and like to use weapons on their fellow human beings. Which American doesn’t? But there are laws for that type of despicable behavior and not for a ‘biker’ who despite tattoos, and shabby denim clothes is a pacifist and vegetarian.
“Despite the tone of this letter, I still intend to remain a ‘friend of Bernheim Forest’ and will look forward, with anticipation, to the 1984 season.”
Mr. Heindel has stated our case flawlessly. And while he made a good impression, perhaps caused this one park board to think, we need to do more.
The second half comes from Rob Rasor director of Government Relations for the AMA. He reminded us that protecting our rights is one of the AMA’s jobs.
Now it’s our turn.
This crusade is open to all. The goal opening public facilites to all, specifically motorcycle riders. We must limit this to public, tax-supported facilities.
All nominations must be in writing. The spoken word is too easily misunderstood.
So. If you know of any public parks that ban motorcycles and motorcycle riders, send the name, location and governing body, i.e. park board, county supervisors or judges, etc., to:
Cycle World
1499 Monrovia Ave.
Newport Beach, Calif. 92663
Attn: Park Dept.
We’ll pass the reports along to the AMA. They will do the work and report back.
And I hope the next chapter is a list of parks where riders can go.
