How many cyclists in Philadelphia are breaking the city's knife laws?

spudone - If it's in a bag attached to your bike, is it "on your person"?

Kido - non issue, IMO.

Goosedog -

Wouldn't this also apply to motorists?  Multi-tool in the glovebox or trunk?

dontracy - 2013-01-10 12:50 PM

There's a law in Philadelphia that makes it illegal to have a knife on your person on the street or public property.

That means any knife or instrument similar to a knife, for example a swiss army knife or multi-tool.

The only persons who may have them are those in a trade, profession, or calling
and then only if they're actually engaged in that trade, profession, or calling at the moment.

So if you're a cyclist riding in Philadelphia and you're carrying a multi-tool with a knife blade in it,
you're breaking the law if you are cycling for recreation.

So for those who now ride in Philadelphia, or who might ever consider riding in Philadelphia,
will you follow the law?

The penalty if convicted is not less than $300 and at least ninety days in jail. 

dontracy - 2013-01-10 11:00 AM

Why?

crowny2 - How old is this law?  Just curious.

Goosedog - 

Well, I consider cycling a calling so I'm good.

crowny2 - 2013-01-10 11:07 AM

How old is this law?  Just curious.

tealeaf - Cyclists? What about shoppers? You go into Macy's downtown and buy a set of steak knives, and then exit the store. You're in violation of the law. Silly law.

tealeaf - 2013-01-10 11:10 AM Cyclists? What about shoppers? You go into Macy's downtown and buy a set of steak knives, and then exit the store. You're in violation of the law. Silly law.

Kido - 2013-01-10 1:10 PM

Fine, I'll play.

 

First, I have owned a dozen multi tools.  None of them even HAD a knife blade.  I did a quick seach, and only the mega versions with 25-30 items have one.  So I don't have one in the first place.  Non issue.

Second, if I DID.  Are cops pulling over random cyclists to check their saddle bag for multi tools that contain knives?  NO.  So not an issue.

Are cops even aware of the law - most likely not.  So another reason I don't think it's an issue.

If the cop IS aware of the law.  Most would be reasonable, like the 5-10 mph over the limit buffer and realize it's part of a multi tool kept on your bike for emergency.  They are not going to fine you.  And that's AFTER you have one, and AFTER they figure out that you have it in the first place...

IF, they wanted to stop you, search you for no reason, then fine you $300 bucks - if you took it to court, you think they would pursue it and waste court time?  Probably not.  Not an issue.

I could probably go on...

 

But why do you think this IS an isssue?

Kido - 

 

First, I have owned a dozen multi tools.  None of them even HAD a knife blade.  I did a quick seach, and only the mega versions with 25-30 items have one.  So I don't have one in the first place.  Non issue.

Second, if I DID.  Are cops pulling over random cyclists to check their saddle bag for multi tools that contain knives?  NO.  So not an issue.

Are cops even aware of the law - most likely not.  So another reason I don't think it's an issue.

If the cop IS aware of the law.  Most would be reasonable, like the 5-10 mph over the limit buffer and realize it's part of a multi tool kept on your bike for emergency.  They are not going to fine you.  And that's AFTER you have one, and AFTER they figure out that you have it in the first place...

IF, they wanted to stop you, search you for no reason, then fine you $300 bucks - if you took it to court, you think they would pursue it and waste court time?  Probably not.  Not an issue.

I could probably go on...

 

But why do you think this IS an isssue?

tealeaf - 2013-01-10 2:10 PM You go into Macy's downtown and buy a set of steak knives, and then exit the store.

Kido - 2013-01-10 12:10 PM

Fine, I'll play.

 

First, I have owned a dozen multi tools.  None of them even HAD a knife blade.  I did a quick seach, and only the mega versions with 25-30 items have one.  So I don't have one in the first place.  Non issue.

Second, if I DID.  Are cops pulling over random cyclists to check their saddle bag for multi tools that contain knives?  NO.  So not an issue.

Are cops even aware of the law - most likely not.  So another reason I don't think it's an issue.

If the cop IS aware of the law.  Most would be reasonable, like the 5-10 mph over the limit buffer and realize it's part of a multi tool kept on your bike for emergency.  They are not going to fine you.  And that's AFTER you have one, and AFTER they figure out that you have it in the first place...

IF, they wanted to stop you, search you for no reason, then fine you $300 bucks - if you took it to court, you think they would pursue it and waste court time?  Probably not.  Not an issue.

I could probably go on...

 

But why do you think this IS an isssue?

Goosedog - 2013-01-10 11:23 AM

This is more confusing than the law.  Who in their right mind, in the age of free delivery, would actually go to a store?

 

rayd - 2013-01-10 2:24 PM

for me the issue is that a law like this was ever passed in the first place.