Pedal-Powered Car Case Laughed Out of Court
The driver of an engine-less, pedal-powered 1986 Buick Regal who, last October, was stopped on the street by Toronto Police for “operating an unsafe vehicle” had the charges against him dropped and the case laughed out of court.
Artist Michael de Broin had designed the car as part of an exhibit, and had stripped the car of all “superfluous devices” including the engine, suspension, transmission and electrical system. The headlights were even replaced with candles. The vehicle was powered by the driver and three passengers all pedaling and had a top speed of 15 kilometers per hour (9 mph).
On Thursday, Trevor Baldwin, who was driving the car when he was stopped for “operating an unsafe vehicle” had his day in court, and the charges against him were dismissed.
As the Crown prosecutor tried to make his case Thursday, the court erupted in laughter, and the charges were thrown out.
Baldwin’s legal representative, Terry Fox, said the arresting officer never should have pulled the car over.
“Where’s the evidence it was illegal? There was no objective standard here. Just his opinion is what it was, and that’s not good enough. It’s speculation he based it on,” Fox said outside court.
Pedal-power is unlikely to replace biodiesel, ethanol, or other technologies, but it’s probably far better than coal-fueled trucks.
via: CBC News
cross-posted at Carectomy
A friend of mine IMd this post to me. LoL This is great. Poor dude..he’s helping he planet and gets sent to court. *-)