Ask the Amateur: 2

Hey, Amateur:

Dude, I'm a Ninja Biker. Like I have a black bike, black spray-painted reflectors, and use some wicked stuff that makes my bike go quiet when I ride at night. Even my next door neighbor [who is a complete nut case and lives right across the street from Vine Park Brewing Company at West Seventh and Canton-- that's the odd side, not the even side], well, he can't hear me at all. Cool, huh? I was wondering if I get caught (like that's even remotely possible) anything bad could happen to me.

Ninja Biker

Dear Ninja:

Ninja, by itself, is perfectly legal. You'd have to add something else to be criminal, or what lawyers commonly call "Ninja Plus." Like Ninja Plus Murder or Ninja Plus Disorderly Conduct. Unfortunately for you, we'd call your scenario Ninja Plus Misdemeanor Unlawful Operation of a Bicycle. Not only do you have to have working reflectors when you ride at night in Minnesota, you must also have a lamp that emits enough white light to be seen at least 500 feet away, as well as a red back reflector that reflects enough light to be seen from 100 to 600 feet away. If you want, Ninja, you can also comply with the law by using a rear light that emits a red flashing signal. Oh, and wear a helmet.