Enforce

So, let me tell you a little story...

 

Years ago I was out riding a raggedy bike I'd gotten at a garage sale, and was at the corner of Larch heading east on Shiawassee. I'd gotten there in what I thought was time to make it across the street, so I floored it. Well, halfway across the street, my chain nearly completely slipped off my bike just as the light was changing and I'm stuck in the middle of the intersection. Anyone who knows how quickly cars race down Larch will now how scary this was.

 

I don't remember how I made it across the street; how with all of the motion I had going that I didn't fall in the street, but I made it across completely shaken. Now, I'm just walking my bike along Shiawassee trying to compose myself and turn onto the little Pere Marquette side street to see if the chain broke or just slipped. Who do I see when I'm rounding the corner? A Lansing Parking Services enforcement officer. She saw that I was shaken up and asked if there was any way she could help and handed me some paper towels to clean up my hands from all the oil I got on them dealing with the chain.

 

Fortunately for me, the number of parking tickets I've gotten from the city I can count on one hand. But regardless, I've NEVER forgotten this city employees kindness, and now every time I see the enforcement carts, I instictively smile.

Done