Well I could not believe it until it was pointed out to me. The Idaho code specifically states that bicyclists do not need to stop at red lights and stop sighns. They obviously need to procede with caution. Your state may have similar laws. I think this is a suprise to many people. It was to me. Ignorance of these laws leads to some of the flak the bicyclists get. They really are not breaking the law but it is a peculiar law.
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I think that Idaho is the only state that is ahead of the game. Anybody else state code work this way? |
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Hello -
Since bicycles can't reach the same posted speed limits as cars and motorcycles, I think they do pose a risk, but mostly to themselves. They have the right, but is it really worth asserting in terms of one's life? Since their lives are at greater risk, I'll make allowances, but it doesn't make sense to me. At least a motorcycle can function normally in traffic. I had a friend go on a group cross-country bicycle trip from LA to DC. At least 3 people killed along the way, maybe one or two killed by trucks. What's the point? CarloSW2 |
I agree. Recreational touring is just plain dangerous. I've done it on a very limited basis and it scared the hell out of me. Many drivers just don't get it that they are literally driving within inches of your life.
That said, when it comes to rules of the road, at times one can either choose to be denied their right, or they choose to be dead right. It's a 'gun beats knife' sort of deal. Regardless, I've often thought about how hard I would have to bunny hop to get up and over cars turning into my way from side streets. When push comes to shove, I'd rather roll, tumble, or slide over than get lodged underneath, so people better be prepared to pay for some body work if they cut me off too close. ;) |
I've biked 43,000 miles and never been hit by a car. I'm smart, quick to react, defensive, confident and not afraid to get extremely close to cars (sometimes make contact if neccessary). I believe this comfort level and skill is a result of my years racing in the higher level categories in road cycling. You learn a lot about bike handling when you are bumping handlebars with other riders at 40mph.
Anyways, I don't think road cycling is dangerous. I often make it more dangerous to myself by having some fun opening it up on downhills, but that's it. When I hear about riders getting hit, it's usually the slower, older guys who either can't react well or aren't good bike handlers. I'm 22, been riding for 8 years.... |
I think the same thing can be said here for bikes and scooters in Japan. As a driver/rider, if you can’t reach the speed limit, you are a danger to yourself, and to everyone else on the road. Almost every other day there is a scooter or bike ridden by an old man or woman in the middle of the road, going 5 kmph, causing backups on residential roads. There are also the same old people, on scooters, going 15 under the speed limit, causing the same problems, on major roads. There are sidewalks on residential streets for a reason, and if the scooter will push 40, and the speed limit is 60, then you better be prepared to get killed because you are putting yourself and others in danger.
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Patience is a virtue.
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For those of you who "hate" cyclists who run stop lights or stop signs, do you feel the same way towards drivers who do the same thing? I haven't run across a state yet that does not give cyclists the same rights as any other vehicle on the road. Many states publish guides to riding safely including tips like riding a third of the way into the lane, how to signal for turns, etc. I usually carry a few of these pamphlets to hand to people who insist that cyclists don't belong on the road.
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Motorcycles have a substantial different physical print and load on the road, but their taxes, based on registration costs from my experience, are not reflected in as substantial difference in their registration costs. I would argue given the programs of registrations that have become the tradition of some socialized programs in government, bicyclists should contribute to "the public" trust. And it doesn't help when one comes over a hill on a two lane road with no shoulder where it's a 55MPH zone with two bicyclists riding side by side. I'd kick my kids for that in addition to the running through stop signs. Additionally, where's their proof of insurance? |
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