get THE MAN off my back!

This came in the weekly Penn State Faculty and Staff News:

3. POLICE TO BEGIN ANNUAL BICYCLE ROUNDUP AT UNIVERSITY PARK

Beginning the week of June 27 through July 1, and continuing during the week of July 5 through 8, Penn State University Police will be confiscating all unregistered bicycles or bicycles with expired registrations found on the University Park campus. This includes bicycles not displaying a current Centre Region registration sticker or those bearing a registration sticker with an expiration date of May 31, 2005, or before. Individuals can register their bike and obtain bicycle regulations at any parking kiosk from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday or at University Police, Eisenhower Parking Deck, south entrance, at any time. There is no fee for this registration. Individuals also may get a copy of the regulations and registration instructions at http://www.transportation.psu.edu/bike/bike.htm online. Also during this time, officers at University Park will be removing all bicycle parts, locks, cables and chains that are not attached to or securing a currently registered bicycle. Confiscated bicycles can be claimed at the University Police office between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. The claimant must produce some form of photo identification and be able to positively identify the confiscated bicycle. Unclaimed bicycles will be held for 90 days then relinquished to Surplus and Salvage for sale or disposal. Bicycle parts, locks, cables and chains will be destroyed immediately.

Now I understand the benefits of registering your bicycle in the event of theft, but I have never heard of a compulsory registeration program before. Why should I have to put there ugly sticker on my beautiful bicycle every year? Seems like just another piece of red tape designed with harassing students in mind (standing in lines, filling out forms, et cetera). Plus, I am sure it doesn't hurt that they get to sell all unclaimed bikes. Bastards! (But maybe I am just moody). I guess registering your bicycle does prevent at least one theft: from the Penn State Police!!!