Commuting - While riding through a speed trap

I was riding to work today, and on one of the slight upgrades I saw a cop pointing his radar gun at me, since there were no cars behind me at that time I knew he was timing me. Anyways as I was riding by him I yelled out, "hey man how fast am I going", he was cool enough to yell my speed back to me. I think they should put more speed traps along my commute so I can get official speeds along the way, then I do not have to buy a computer for my bike. Now if I could just get them to time my ride to work it would be like a time trail every day. Then I would not have to sign up at the bike club to get them to record my times, and the only time to beat would be my own.

ALmost daily I ride through one of those warning speed signs,that read out your car's speed..Of course, I mean on my bike...
When they register, the posted speed is usually very close to what is shown on my computers' speedometer... But often, it seems to not track my speed..
Whats up..I not have enough metal on me..?

I was riding to work today, and on one of the slight upgrades I saw a cop pointing his radar gun at me, since there were no cars behind me at that time I knew he was timing me. Anyways as I was riding by him I yelled out, "hey man how fast am I going", he was cool enough to yell my speed back to me. I think they should put more speed traps along my commute so I can get official speeds along the way, then I do not have to buy a computer for my bike. Now if I could just get them to time my ride to work it would be like a time trail every day. Then I would not have to sign up at the bike club to get them to record my times, and the only time to beat would be my own.

So dude were ya speeding then? I was timed this morning going 27 in a 25mph zone. The cop just glared. They like easy targets like cyclists (instead of head-choppers murders and gun-men). They also give tickets on the trails here and it goes on your driver's liscense and affects car insurance.

Now if I could just get them to time my ride to work it would be like a time trail every day. Then I would not have to sign up at the bike club to get them to record my times, and the only time to beat would be my own.

Give em a doughnut :D

I think they should put more speed traps along my commute so I can get official speeds along the way, then I do not have to buy a computer for my bike.

http://www.neebu.net/~khuon/albums/2003STP-1/PICT0041.jpg

Looks pretty windy in that picture.

I went through a speed trap on the weekend doing 70k in 60k zone thought I was gone but just got a grin from the cop. :)

http://www.neebu.net/~khuon/albums/2003STP-1/PICT0041.jpg

So kh, is that your prisoner number or are ya rac'n ;) Which race is this ?

Hey, around here they call that thing a "Cop-in-the-box"

Pretty cool. :)

So dude were ya speeding then?

No I was only going about 33 kmph, but I was going uphill sorta.

They also give tickets on the trails here and it goes on your driver's liscense and affects car insurance.

What!! That's a bit extreme isn't it? :eek:

So kh, is that your prisoner number or are ya rac'n ;) Which race is this ?

Actually, that's not me. That was the guy in front of me. I was snapping the photo. Not a race... this was last year's STP.

What are those "cops in a box" quote from MT CZ purposes.... Really speed traps.? .Seems they are used to remind motorists that this area's speed limit is maybe 20 mph less, than the average motorists speed,and very soon a speed trap will be near..
Have not noticed excessive ticketing where these 'cop in a box' units are present.?

What are those "cops in a box" quote from MT CZ purposes.... Really speed traps.? .Seems they are used to remind motorists that this area's speed limit is maybe 20 mph less, than the average motorists speed,and very soon a speed trap will be near..
Have not noticed excessive ticketing where these 'cop in a box' units are present.?

those boxes help cops determine average speeds...so, each speed is then recorded in a computer, and analyzed later to determine if more cops should hang out there to influence driving behavior..

randy

it goes on your driver's liscense and affects car insurance. That could probably be fought. You don't need a license to operate a human-powered vehicle (or is WA law different from other states?). Therefore, a law that applies to people with licences to drive motor vehicles differently from those who don't, which has nothing to do with driving a motor vehicle, could be fought as selective. Better yet, if you're ever stopped, simply don't produce your driver's license, since it's not required.

That could probably be fought. You don't need a license to operate a human-powered vehicle (or is WA law different from other states?). Therefore, a law that applies to people with licences to drive motor vehicles differently from those who don't, which has nothing to do with driving a motor vehicle, could be fought as selective. Better yet, if you're ever stopped, simply don't produce your driver's license, since it's not required.

I've been wondering about the license thing too. I got pulled over by a cop on the way home Friday for running a red light. (Hey, I yielded to the car in the intersection.) He pulled up along side of me, actually turned on his coppie lights, and asked me to pull over. He just gave me a warning, but he did ask for my license and ran it. He let me know that I am subject to all of the same laws that cars are. In hindsight, when he pulled up next to me, I probably should have said something like, "Excuse me, you're in my lane." And in hindsight, I'm glad I didn't.

I figure even without a license, they can still fine you.

Breaking laws on your bike is the exact same as breaking laws in your car. You get the same fines and loose the same demerit points. It's illegal not to give your liscence if you have it.

You ... loose the same demerit points.

Not here you don't, and it would be ludicrous if you did. You don't need a driving licence to ride a bike, it allows you to use a car which, despite what some people seem to think, is an entirely different animal to a bike.

If you live in a jurisdiction that tries to pull something like that, get your local advocacy group to fight it tooth and nail. If you for some reason think this is a good idea, then promote a separate license for cyclists, but as it stands there is no logical or moral reason why misdemeanors on a bike should count against a driving license.

I agree with Alister. Bike violations should not count against your drivers license..But, we do not make the law..
But what about the cyclist who repeatedly runs red lights. "Heah, I am not driving a car." The endangers others, maybe causes accidents to occur as a result of evasive actions. If not to yourself.
We do see snotty cyclists to do not think red lights apply to them. I have. I am sure they can't get away with it. Just because we need not have a license.
Seems everyone is required to have State identification,should you not have a license.
I would not want a cop to arrest me..What do they do with your bike? Just leave it.
ps- riding under the influence here in California is a violation...I have heard of such arrests being made up in Napa. What then?

But what about the cyclist who repeatedly runs red lights. "Heah, I am not driving a car." The endangers others, maybe causes accidents to occur as a result of evasive actions. If not to yourself.
We do see snotty cyclists to do not think red lights apply to them. I have. I am sure they can't get away with it. Just because we need not have a license.


They can still be fined. Not having a license doesn't mean we aren't subject to the law. I know I couldn't afford a traffic fine every week.

That could probably be fought. You don't need a license to operate a human-powered vehicle (or is WA law different from other states?). Therefore, a law that applies to people with licences to drive motor vehicles differently from those who don't, which has nothing to do with driving a motor vehicle, could be fought as selective. Better yet, if you're ever stopped, simply don't produce your driver's license, since it's not required.

In Virginia, the infraction goes against your Va. driver license if you have one, otherwise, you just pay the fine. Not carrying your license with you won't help. You're required to carry some form of legitimate photo ID. The police just run your name thru the computer to verify your identity, see if you have a license, check for wants & warrants, etc.

In Virginia, the infraction goes against your Va. driver license if you have one, otherwise, you just pay the fine. Not carrying your license with you won't help. You're required to carry some form of legitimate photo ID. The police just run your name thru the computer to verify your identity, see if you have a license, check for wants & warrants, etc.


Are you required to carry some form of legitmate photo ID only when operating a bike/motor vehicle? Or do you have to carry something all the time? Are kids requried to carry a photo ID?

Can they really run your name through the computer or are they running your ID/License number?

Does anyone know if you are required to carry a photo ID while riding a bike in California?

Are you required to carry some form of legitmate photo ID only when operating a bike/motor vehicle? Or do you have to carry something all the time? Are kids requried to carry a photo ID?

Can they really run your name through the computer or are they running your ID/License number?

Does anyone know if you are required to carry a photo ID while riding a bike in California?

My understanding is that if the cop is unable to verify your identity, and suspects that you might not be who you say you are, he can arrest you in lieu of issuing a citation. IANAL.

That being said, I think that it is a crock that they put it against your driver's license, which then affects your insurance. Would your insurance cover you in the event of an accident to get your bike fixed, or pay for your liabilities? I sincerely doubt it, so why should they up your rates for bicycle infractions?

I am pretty sure in Californa you are legally required to have some form of state id...Example...Kids in schools younger than 16 who can't drive...To go to school here, you must have a state id... Pretty sure it applies to adults...

That could probably be fought. You don't need a license to operate a human-powered vehicle (or is WA law different from other states?). Therefore, a law that applies to people with licences to drive motor vehicles differently from those who don't, which has nothing to do with driving a motor vehicle, could be fought as selective. Better yet, if you're ever stopped, simply don't produce your driver's license, since it's not required.

Interesting idea that it could actually be fought. If you don't have your license, your officer-friendly simply "looks it up for you" and the ticket goes in anyway. I got a warning for going through a yellow light. No ticket but I've been more careful to observe all traffic stuff now.

You're an easy target to cops and alot safer to "process" than an unidentified package or druggie with a knife.

I was riding to work today, and on one of the slight upgrades I saw a cop pointing his radar gun at me, since there were no cars behind me at that time I knew he was timing me. Anyways as I was riding by him I yelled out, "hey man how fast am I going", he was cool enough to yell my speed back to me. I think they should put more speed traps along my commute so I can get official speeds along the way, then I do not have to buy a computer for my bike. Now if I could just get them to time my ride to work it would be like a time trail every day. Then I would not have to sign up at the bike club to get them to record my times, and the only time to beat would be my own.

Hmm, could be a good way to see how well your cycle computer is adjusted :)

I wonder what standards police hold cyclists too. No, i never go through a red light..On a nice,sunny day, cruising along at 17 mph, I might not want to stop...On those few ocassions, I might hang a right, cruise 100 yards, turn around come back and make another right w/o stopping.. Or maybe , when no red lights are available for 1/4 mile or so, ride on the wrong side of the road, when traffic prohibits you from crossing for a redicilous period of time..
Technically, that is a violation, I think.. Think we are small fish compared to motorist going 70 in a 45...

In most states, while a rider is not required to have a license, or carry ID, he is required to present ID when asked. If he cannot/will not, the officer can detain him until ID is established.

I carry a state-issued photo ID in my seat bag. It is not tied to my DL, but I got it at the DL office. I have had a cop try to issue me a ticket be baffled by my ID and wind up giving me a gruff verbal in lieu of a written citation.

Hehe.....

I am pretty sure in Californa you are legally required to have some form of state id...Example...Kids in schools younger than 16 who can't drive...To go to school here, you must have a state id... Pretty sure it applies to adults...

I think you have to have a state ID here to go to college because you pay less fees if you are a resident versus being out of state.

My daughter just learned to drive, and did not have any state ID till she did.

Agreed. The whole insurance thing is kinda screwy - we demand that we be treated like cars and allowed to use the roads, so it makes sense to give tickets and encourage proper behavior, but why should citations go against a motor vehicle license that in turn raises insurance rates? Of couse the insurance company won't pay for a bike accident!

Perhaps the logical thing to do is a cycling license? But that would never be allowed to happen. Either that or start writing tickets to all the yahoos out there for riding without a helmet, on sidewalks, wrong way, running lights, etc etc.

HO insurance will cover your liability for running into someone on a bike, so it does seem odd that auto insurance rates go up due to a biking infraction. At the same time, if the state doesn't differentiate the infraction on the MVR, what is the insurance company supposed to do?

It seems to me that the simple answer is to have the state recognize biking as a separate activity, and not have it count against your driving license. I mean, take this to its extreme. The reason for most demerit systems is to allow the state to suspend the license of extreme offenders. If I get 8 tickets, all on my bike, my license is suspended and I can no longer drive, but I can still ride my bike, which is where all the infractions took place. I think I'll write a letter to my state representative today to make sure they know about the concern.

HO insurance will cover your liability for running into someone on a bike, so it does seem odd that auto insurance rates go up due to a biking infraction. At the same time, if the state doesn't differentiate the infraction on the MVR, what is the insurance company supposed to do?

It seems to me that the simple answer is to have the state recognize biking as a separate activity, and not have it count against your driving license. I mean, take this to its extreme. The reason for most demerit systems is to allow the state to suspend the license of extreme offenders. If I get 8 tickets, all on my bike, my license is suspended and I can no longer drive, but I can still ride my bike, which is where all the infractions took place. I think I'll write a letter to my state representative today to make sure they know about the concern.

A most excellent point!

Either that or start writing tickets to all the yahoos out there for riding without a helmet, on sidewalks, wrong way, running lights, etc etc.

A lot of illegal bike behavior is often a result of cars breaking the law, and bicyclists taking whatever options are available for safe transport. I yield to cars regardless of who has the right of way; it just makes sense. But I've been hit before while riding legally on roads. So, instead of getting in a line of cars at a stoplight, where I'm in the way, I cut up in between lanes, normally the curb and the far right lane. Last week I got stopped after running a light where the cars had an option of going straight or turning either direction. There were already about five cars at the light. If I get in behind the last car and own the lane, I disrupt traffic and pi$$ everyone off. So, while the opposing traffic had a left-turn signal, I scooted by the cars along the curn, yielded to the car making an oncoming turn in front of me, and sequenced myself through the intersection before the other cars got their green.

There are two dangerous places to be on a bike: where other drivers won't notice you and where you upset drivers to the point they endanger you. Walking a bike in a crosswalk is supposedly, one of the most legal ways to cross a road. It's also one of the most dangerous if drivers are looking left and turning right. Everytime I approach an intersection or cars, I evaluate how I think I can get through in a place where other cars will notice me.

I am not an angry biker. I don't have a problem with cars. I feel sorry for them having to drive in traffic while I get to get exercise, breathe, ride, and enjoy life. But no law and no cop will ever force me to endanger myself for the sake of obeying a signal. And the Supreme Court has upheld the notion that it is acceptable to break a prima facie law in order to maintain safety; if a jury of your peers agree that you acted in a way to keep yourself safe, you can break any traffic law out there.