Santa Clara County SIP Riding

Santa Clara County Order, under essential activities:

10iii. "To engage in outdoor activity, provided the individuals comply with Social Distancing Requirements as defined in this Section, such as, by way of example and without limitation, walking, hiking, or running."

Also, noting that the order doesn't have range in miles as other counties.

Is riding considered outdoor activity? What about travel to an Open Space Preserve for hiking?

For what it's worth I've split to a light right next to the sheriff, passed parked CHP on HWY9 and SJPD in a 15 zone without issues.

Two-wheeler is only vehicle I own.

Cheers
 

motomania2007

TC/MSF/CMSP/ Instructor
Have an essential need for your riding in mind - like going to assist an elderly relative with getting food or fixing their stove so they can cook...

I have not heard of anyone getting stopped just to see where they are going or fined for being out riding... But that could change at anytime.
 

Shaggy

Zoinks!!!!
Riding a motorcycle is a much higher risk activity than driving a car. Even if you’re complying with SIP regulations, ask yourself:

Is it worth getting hurt and ending up in a hospital, which takes resources away from COVID-19 patients and also exponentially increases your risk for exposure being in an ER overflowing with those same patients?
 

bojangle

FN # 40
Staff member
^^^Those are barf's recommendations.

If a two wheeler is the only ride you own, then you're kinda stuck with it, unless you feel it's important enough to change that.

Riding in and of itself would not be considered an outdoor activity. Riding would be transportation, just like driving a car. As long as it is for an essential purpose, that is legal. The recommendation is to stay put. Shelter at home. Get outdoor exercise around your house. But, if there is an open space area that is open to the public, (I know some are closed now), then you could travel there to do outdoor activity as long as social distancing practices are adhered to.

The bigger issues, IMO, are what Nick posted. Since riding is higher risk, now is not the time for a crash. Now is not the time to draw resources away and to potentially expose yourself by infected first responders or at a hospital. We'd all be best to avoid riding at all right now. Or, if that's not possible, limit riding as much as possible and be extra vigilant and careful.

No, the police can't legally pull you over to determine where you are traveling to, and for what purpose. However, enforcement of SIP is still possible if pulled over for something else.
 
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295566

Numbers McGee
Also something to keep in mind is the difference between running to Safeway to grab some produce and ripping up Mines Road.
 

budman

General Menace
Staff member
There was a traffic report on KCBS of a moto down yesterday.
That had my mind going... "Hope you are OK and don't have to be transported".

Shit still happens so precaution applies.
 

auditude

Wut, bodda you?
Also something to keep in mind is the difference between running to Safeway to grab some produce and ripping up Mines Road.

What if the Safeway is off alum rock in sj or in Patterson off the dirty 130???

I keed, I keed :teeth

I know it’s tough to SIP for many; the greater good is the bigger picture. I could not, in good conscience, go ripping and hooning around during these times while our agency has been instructed to “take a firm stance” on SIP enforcement in the areas we’ve been deployed/assigned to.

Not so much as scratching cites or affecting arrests, but instructing those out in public without essential needs or duties to SIP and disperse.

I’ve asked those whom I’ve contacted to simply disperse from the area and observe social distancing where applicable unless they’ve got essential needs.

If they don’t, I simply ask them to leave; I’m not affecting traffic stops at all for those “going about their business”.

Our directive and orders are very “fluid” at the moment and chief and brass have given us the latitude to exercise discretion and best judgment but expects us to act when and where necessary using whatever means available.

Maybe it’s just a nod and a wave, or its me making contact and making them aware of the SIP order, politely MAKING them move on.

To OP; if your only mode is two wheels, do what you must to function. LEOs are human too, this ain’t fun for anyone...

Happy riding!

‘Tude
 
For a second I thought the thread title was a typo and you meant SUP, standup paddleboarding, around Lexington / Stevens Creek Reservoir and the like. I saw that post on the guy in Malibu who got arrested for SUPing in the ocean the other day.
 

auditude

Wut, bodda you?
Thanks Auditude. As someone who is two wheels only I appreciate your perspective on the SIP and how you are enforcing it.

No need to thank me; bear in mind, that’s just our agency, our orders, and my personal take on how I’m handling my calls for service/situations.

I know neighboring agencies that have different orders than us and they may handle the same exact situation completely opposite.

Our allied agency assist policy is ever-changing and fluid at this time; literally day to day.

+1 admiration and thanks to auditude

Again, no need to.

I appreciate the acknowledgment; however, during these times, there are others whom are far more deserving.

My part is my part but it’s also my job; if each one of us could do OUR part, this would be much, much easier.

I’ll share my thoughts then get off my soap box:

Each person I’ve had to contact or respond to wanted something tangible before we arrived; someone to listen to their plight and/or someone to be human.

As much as I try, I cannot always extend this luxury but I do when and where feasible and when circumstances dictate such. It is considered a luxury because when LEO are called to respond, it is usually because it has gone beyond what people are willing to do civilly and humanely (i.e. too late).

Sometimes it resolves the issue, even if only temporarily, but can mitigate escalation to where violence or force comes in to play. Right now, I’m nobody’s friend if it gets to that point; not even my own.

I pray all my fellow riders and brethren in blue stay safe and healthy. Exercise some humanity and patience in this time of bedlam...

‘Tude
 

Kurosaki

Akai Suisei - 赤い彗星
I've had the same tank of gas in my bike since this started. As Mr. Jangles stated, if two wheels is all you got, then you're kinda stuck with that only option. I have a car but it's currently on the shelf.

When this started, the furthest I've rode my bike was about 1/2 mile away to the gas station to grab snacks and some beer (because the normal grocery stores are nuts.) And maybe take the 'long' way home of another 1/2 mile. Actually, scratch that. I drove to my mom's house once to borrow her SUV to do a big grocery and supply run for her. She's 70s year old.

Now, I do a run to the grocery story with my roommate in his car once a week to pick up food to cook for the week. Haven't been on the bike in about 3 weeks. And use delivery apps for bullshit snacks and booze.

I can wait for adventure time on the bike. Not the end of the world to not go out.
 
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budman

General Menace
Staff member
I pray all my fellow riders and brethren in blue stay safe and healthy. Exercise some humanity and patience in this time of bedlam...

‘Tude

:thumbup

Right with ya man.

I am riding to work tomorrow. Once a week. Might do two days since the weather is so awesome. I am working 7 days a week basically because I have more to do and I don't have the real good skill set for some of it. :rant

I still have the same gas too.. my 3 mile commute (going the long way) is not using much petrol.
 

horsepower

WaterRider/Landsurfer
No need to thank me; bear in mind, that’s just our agency, our orders, and my personal take on how I’m handling my calls for service/situations.

I know neighboring agencies that have different orders than us and they may handle the same exact situation completely opposite.

Our allied agency assist policy is ever-changing and fluid at this time; literally day to day.



Again, no need to.

I appreciate the acknowledgment; however, during these times, there are others whom are far more deserving.

My part is my part but it’s also my job; if each one of us could do OUR part, this would be much, much easier.

I’ll share my thoughts then get off my soap box:

Each person I’ve had to contact or respond to wanted something tangible before we arrived; someone to listen to their plight and/or someone to be human.

As much as I try, I cannot always extend this luxury but I do when and where feasible and when circumstances dictate such. It is considered a luxury because when LEO are called to respond, it is usually because it has gone beyond what people are willing to do civilly and humanely (i.e. too late).

Sometimes it resolves the issue, even if only temporarily, but can mitigate escalation to where violence or force comes in to play. Right now, I’m nobody’s friend if it gets to that point; not even my own.

I pray all my fellow riders and brethren in blue stay safe and healthy. Exercise some humanity and patience in this time of bedlam...

‘Tude
Well Dammit , now I admire and appreciate you even more. :gsxrgrl:teeth
And yes indeed, All the Blue deserves it and every BARF Blue is my hero ; You just articulate it darn well.
 

dravnx

Well-known member
Beyond being fortunate to have and be involved with Barf, I feel fortunate that Barf has this relationship with LEOs. I've learned a heap and appreciation for what you guys do and how you approach your job.
 

Maddevill

KNGKAW
:thumbup

Right with ya man.

I am riding to work tomorrow. Once a week. Might do two days since the weather is so awesome. I am working 7 days a week basically because I have more to do and I don't have the real good skill set for some of it. :rant

I still have the same gas too.. my 3 mile commute (going the long way) is not using much petrol.

Dennis, I love you man, but here's where I have a problem. I was called "selfish" on this forum for riding. Now, you state that you're going to ride to work, maybe 2 days because the "weather is so good". Now, what does that say about the argument about riding being higher risk and you don't want to have an accident and take care away from Covid patients or contract the virus? I mean, you could take your car, right? I'm not trying to bust anyone's balls but I see some real hypocrisy here.

Mad
 
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budman

General Menace
Staff member
Dennis, I love you man, but here's where I have a problem. I was called "selfish" on this forum for riding. Now, you state that you're going to ride to work, maybe 2 days because the "weather is so good". Now, what does that say about the argument about riding being higher risk and you don't want to have an accident and take care away from Covid patients or contract the virus? I mean, you could take your car, right? I'm not trying to bust anyone's balls but I see some real hypocrisy here.

Mad

Well then you see what you see. I am not going "joy" riding I am going to work.
I stated early that I would do that once a week to keep my bike cycling oil.

In our Covid 19 Protocals I said this
"2. Ride to work or to get essentials:
• If you are working riding to work it is certainly still viable.
• If it is your only means of travel then do it.
• Pay a bit more attention than maybe the empty roads would dictate. Also Caltrans is not as active as before and debris should be anticipated.
The Share the Lane and other messages on the Amber Alert signs are directed towards being smart about this situation."

If by me abiding by the first bullet point makes me a hippy crit in your eyes then so be it. I have said all along "You do you and I will do me".
 

bojangle

FN # 40
Staff member
Well then you see what you see. I am not going "joy" riding I am going to work.
I stated early that I would do that once a week to keep my bike cycling oil.

In our Covid 19 Protocals I said this
"2. Ride to work or to get essentials:
• If you are working riding to work it is certainly still viable.
• If it is your only means of travel then do it.
• Pay a bit more attention than maybe the empty roads would dictate. Also Caltrans is not as active as before and debris should be anticipated.
The Share the Lane and other messages on the Amber Alert signs are directed towards being smart about this situation."

If by me abiding by the first bullet point makes me a hippy crit in your eyes then so be it. I have said all along "You do you and I will do me".

No hypocrisy there. I've made two essential travel rides since SIP. One of them was today. It was really nice to get on the bike. I'm not doing any group rides or joy rides either, and I've been riding a lot less than normal.
 

Kurosaki

Akai Suisei - 赤い彗星
No hypocrisy there. I've made two essential travel rides since SIP. One of them was today. It was really nice to get on the bike. I'm not doing any group rides or joy rides either, and I've been riding a lot less than normal.

I raised an eyebrow seeing a post from an acquaintance of mine that had a group ride up Angeles Crest. (normal rider territory for those of us in SoCal).

Pictures at the top with all of them in arms, group hugging and stuff.

Wasn't exactly sure how to feel other than, REALLY!?

A percentage of the fluid running through my veins is motor oil, same as most of you. So I get it. But is it that hard to put that off for awhile?
 
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