I think someone tried to steal my bike

[Llanero]

Seriously. I was heading out to work this morning and my truck wouldn't start. No big deal, its an old truck and usually I can get it to start just by tinkering with it. Also, I have car I can use if the truck won't start. Unfortunately tho, there is no way that I can get the car out of the garage without moving the truck. I looked at the truck and realized that I could fix the problem but I needed a part that I didn't have on hand. Well I have a bicycle, so I decided to ride to a nearby store to get what I needed.

When I got to the store I parked my bike right near the front entrance and went in to get the part. When I came out some guy had his hand on my bike. When he noticed me looking right at him, he took his hand off the bike, turned around, and walked away.

Ok, now I don't know for sure that he was trying to steal my bike. He might have just absentmindedly put his hand there.

I am still waiting on my CHL so I was unarmed, and I wouldn't have drawn anyway since I was never in any danger, but it did get me to thinking. What is the law about carrying without a permit on a bike? Is it similar to automobiles, if the bike has a basket on it could you carry a weapon there legally?

[mctowalot]

IANAL, but it is the "motorists" protection act. Does the bike have a motor?

Regardless it seems like a weird spot for the guy to rest his hand, and bike thefts happen quickly. I think you were about to have to start walking!

[Llanero]

IANAL, but it is the "motorists" protection act. Does the bike have a motor?

I am the motor, and the motorist. Whoa heavy man.

But seriously, no it doesn't so I assume that it would be illegal to carry on a bike.

[CaptWoodrow10]

No. I don't believe you can carry without a license on your bike. I don't know of any laws dealing specifically with bicycles, but I feel pretty certain that you need your CHL to carry while peddling down the street. IANAL though.

Edited to add: You people are alot quicker on the draw than I am. I guess I need to brush up on my typing skills.

[denwego]

It's a real shame that the MPA only covered motor vehicles and not all vehicles. I have a number of friends who enjoy biking in Memorial Park here in Houston, and they often go after dark in the summer to avoid the heat of the day. You'd never be able to get me anywhere near there without a handgun, after seeing the weirdos inhabiting that place and wandering around amidst the joggers and bikers.

In the meantime, I recommend:

[Purplehood]

It's a real shame that the MPA only covered motor vehicles and not all vehicles. I have a number of friends who enjoy biking in Memorial Park here in Houston, and they often go after dark in the summer to avoid the heat of the day. You'd never be able to get me anywhere near there without a handgun, after seeing the weirdos inhabiting that place and wandering around amidst the joggers and bikers.

In the meantime, I recommend:

As far as I understand the laws, that is legal. Weird, but legal.

[father]

If they allow bicycles they should allow skateboards and heelys.

[RPB]

In the meantime, I recommend:

I wouldn't have the longarm/rifle concealed (in a holster), I'd carry more like this:

[Crossfire]

MPA does not cover you on a bike, a moped, a skateboard, roller skates, or a boat. Also not on a bus, a train, a trolley, a cab, or a streetcar, or any other mode of transportation you can think up that is not a private motor vehicle.

[mctowalot]

IANAL, but it is the "motorists" protection act. Does the bike have a motor?

I am the motor, and the motorist. Whoa heavy man.

Cu-cu kachoo.

In that case you might want to get a trike. You know, for the weight distribution.( because its so heavy...)

Crossfire, thanks for the info.

It reads a little like Green eggs & ham.

[threoh8]

MPA does not cover you on a bike, a moped, a skateboard, roller skates, or a boat. Also not on a bus, a train, a trolley, a cab, or a streetcar, or any other mode of transportation you can think up that is not a private motor vehicle.

Hmmmm ... Is there something in MPA that limits it to four wheels? A moped is a private motor vehicle. They require licenses and insurance in Texas, just like cars and motorcycles.

[Crossfire]

OK, maybe not a moped. Licenses and insurance? Really?

Ya live, ya learn.

[EHS]

I ride my bicycles quite a bit and I carry when I ride (lcr is great for this). I have been stoped by wierdos in the street ( 4 youths looking for trouble) and all kinds of hungry dogs. But to me the two legged animals bother me the most.

[threoh8]

OK, maybe not a moped. Licenses and insurance? Really?

Yep.