Originally Posted by jpeter1093

I do. I AM new to the forum so, with all due respect, is the consensus here that it's ok for all cyclists to sail through?

Originally Posted by CrankyOne

A bunch of cyclists from Twin Cities Bicycle Club blast through a 4-way stop at speed when a car already at the intersection has ROW. What will that driver now think of 'cyclists'? Will that driver feel like being charitable to other bicycle riders they encounter? Will they want to become one of these people themselves?

A young girl steps from a curb when she has ROW at a crosswalk and is nearly hit by a 'cyclist' blowing through the red light. Later on when she's driving, what will her attitude be towards 'cyclists'? Certainly all people who ride bicycles shouldn't be lumped together, but then again, there's reality.

If you don't say something to those 'cyclists', who will?

There's a vast difference in riding through a stop sign or light when there's nobody else in sight and doing so when it negatively impacts others.

Originally Posted by rebel1916

I am an LEO. If you think I am getting involved in a confrontation off duty that doesn't involve the immediate threat to someone's life or health you are crazy. Traffic violations are not criminal. The police regularly use discretion in the enforcement of AND COMPLIANCE WITH traffic laws. Maybe you should too.



PS I praise the good Lord every day that I am not empowered to enforce the VTL.

Originally Posted by JoeyBike

Me too. My standard answer is that "I run lights and stop signs out of courtesy to THEM". This always generates a puzzled look to which I add: "Do you really want ME (on my bike) stopped at a red light in front of YOU (in your car) when the light goes green? Really? You want to patiently follow me to the next red light? And the next? And the next? Or do you want to endanger me ASAP with a close pass after I obeyed the law?" They say "duh, duh, duh" to which I add: "And if I stop completely for every stop sign and you are behind me, then you have to stop TWICE! Once behind me, and again at the stop sign. Then twice again at the next stop sign, and the next one." Then finally I add: "So I thought I was being polite for running the danged lights and signs - do you REALLY want me to STOP for them? Next time I see YOU behind me, I will comply." "Duh, duh, duh....well....I never...really...thought...er...wait...er...."

If they STILL don't get it I tell them to park their car in direct sunlight at noon (in New Orleans where I live) with the windows open at the park or somewhere safe. Then go run an 8-minute mile, hop in the car and sit there for 40 seconds (the red-green cycle time of most traffic lights where I live), then repeat that 10 more times. Then they will have further enlightenment about why I don't stop for anything unless I absolutely have to.