Last Friday, a couple of friends and I decided to go ride our BMX bikes at the Ames Skate Park.

We had been riding for nearly an hour when a police car pulled up.

An officer stepped out and told us to come over to him.

He proceeded to tell us that the city of Ames says it’s illegal to ride bikes at the skate park and it’s a $50 fine.

After talking with him, we were let off with warnings.

This event really upset me. I feel it’s unfair to address the needs of skateboarders and rollerbladers but not offer skate-park use to BMXers.

I don’t understand what they want us to do. We’ll get in trouble if we grind ledges on campus or around town, yet we can’t use a facility made for it. Ames is a pretty bike-friendly town, except for BMXers.

I am currently calling on people interested in this issue to contact your City Council members and/or Nancy Carroll, the director of Ames Parks and Recreation.

Things can’t change unless we speak up about it.

Chris Niemand is a junior in art and design.