> So long as you’re not blocking pedestrian or other forms of traffic, and
> you’re on public property, you should (again, personal opinion here, not
> law) be permitted to practice (be that skateboard, unicycle, or atomic
> submarine).
I think there’s a law about atomic submarines on the sidewalk… 
In the case of the original author, the “pavement” he refers to is what we
in the US call sidewalk. It may be subject to standing laws about what
kind of traffic belongs, or does not belong on them.
But I agree with Jeff’s statement. The problem comes in the definition of
“blocking pedestrian traffic.” I don’t hear many of these cop stories that
take place in deserted areas. There is usually always pedestrian traffic
around. People learning unicycle tricks will occasionally have the
unicycle shoot out when they dismount, or otherwise potentially come into
contact with the innocent pedestrians. No amount of spastic riding will
keep some pedestrians from walking right past you.
It constantly amazes me when I’m trying to either practice or informally
perform, and people keep walking right into the area I’m obviously
occupying. The law does not require pedestrians to use their eyes or
brains while they walk. When I practice on my artistic bike, it mostly
consists of riding around and around in a circle. I’ve just done fifty
circles in the same spot, but just as I go to stand up on the seat and
handlebars, some fool walks directly into my path.
So the cop’s job is not to trust you, a stranger, in an area with
pedestrians.
> I do believe, however, that proper safety equipment is also of great
> importance. Besides protecting you from injury, it gives you a “look”
> that implies you know what you’re doing, and encourages others to be
> safe if they decide they want to be like you.
Good advice. It also leaves people with the image of unicyclists thinking
before riding. This puts us another level above the skateboarder, who you
always see trying tricks and never landing them, and who never wears any
padding except baggy clothes.
Stay on top, John Foss, the Uni-Cyclone jfoss@unicycling.com
www.unicycling.com
No matter what happens in life, somebody will find a way to take it too
seriously (like a cop)