All you have to do is go 75 m.p.h. or slower

“I wonder how many people get mad at him. I hope no one.” Julia lamented as her and I biked down the towpath in Peninsula. We were discussing a semi-regular topic between the two of us; the Rocky River police office who monitors 90W for speeders.

We work together in the ‘burbs and take a similar route to work each day, much of which entails driving on 90W from Lakewood to Westlake. There is an officer who regularly monitors a stretch of the highway, just over the hill before the Hilliard exit in Rocky River. Many a morning you will spot him just as you hit the crest of the hill, on the left hand side, Oakleys on, speed gun positioned on the hood of the driver’s side, monitoring the flow of traffic. If you are one of the commuters unfortunate enough to see him jump up, seemingly look you in the eye and waive you to the side of the highway, you know you’ve been caught.

It happened to me in November of last year; I was driving along, listening to my favorite music du jour, not paying mind to much else. I hit the hill and then I saw him and boy did he see me, my heart sank as I realized I was going 77 in a 60. Multiple finger points in my direction, some jumping and arm waving and I knew there was no one else. As he approached my car, he gathered the requisite identification asked me a few copish questions and then offered one piece of sage advice: “All you have to do is go 75 m.p.h. or less. I know no one goes 60 but anything over 75 and I have to pull you over.”

Wait a second, what? An officer willing to part with such wisdom and insight? I was shocked to say the least. I still got a ticket but I fared well. 75 in a 60 is still a pretty fine clip, I can’t really complain. While I still got a ticket, not only did he offer me the advice, but he was extremely efficient. While $180 is an expensive lesson, the entire process took about 10 minutes max. I was only 5 minutes late to work and was able to impart my newfound knowledge.

A week later, Julia’s sister got a ticket from the same guy in the same spot. Julia got herself a ticket just this past week. Sometimes knowing isn’t enough and you still hit 77. It happens. But, there is also a resignation and a sense of acceptance. Julia wasn’t mad. She knew going 77 was taking a risk, he might be there, but sometimes he isn’t. I don’t want to be late. I am chancing it. But usually, it isn’t even a conscious decision.

As we biked and talked, we both understood that while tickets are the pits, he was just doing his job and cutting most of us a huge break. Julia summed it up, “I just think he’s nice. [He’s] totally keeping the community safe.”

I saw him trolling for speeders again this morning and couldn't help wondering if he recognizes us regular commuters that he's snagged. As he sees me traveling at 71 m.p.h. I am one of the fortunate ones, I am in the know. I may never know. Next time you are traveling 90W, especially during the morning commute, don’t worry if you are going over 60, you will not get a ticket until you hit over 75. However, if you happen to get caught, keep in mind this officer is a nice guy and sometimes we all have a job to do.