Advocacy & Safety - Ambulance?

So I'm riding with the club the other day on a road that has two lanes in our direction. Our group is about 10 or so and two abreast. I'm at the back when an ambulance is about half a mile away. I call out ambulance passing pull over to the right. I stop and pull over but most everyone in the group keeps going taking the whole lane. I know the ambulance has a lane to itself but arent we suppose to stop?


Lights and sirens were on.

IMO, Yes. Absolutely.

Yes, you are - at least in any jurisdiction of which I am aware.

So I'm riding with the club the other day on a road that has two lanes in our direction. Our group is about 10 or so and two abreast. I'm at the back when an ambulance is about half a mile away. I call out ambulance passing pull over to the right. I stop and pull over but most everyone in the group keeps going taking the whole lane. I know the ambulance has a lane to itself but arent we suppose to stop?

Yep, we're all are suppose to pull over and stop for ALL emergency vehicles.

Did you ask them why they didn't stop?

Yep, we're all are suppose to pull over and stop for ALL emergency vehicles.

Did you ask them why they didn't stop?

There are so many drivers that don't pull over or slow down (never mind stop) for emergency vehicles - the bikers are probably just carrying over their bad behavior. It is pretty pathetic. I've worked closely with responders in the past, and it is a serious problem. Sometimes there is a cop trailing these vehicles, picking off motorists (and yes, even cyclists) who don't get the heck out of the way. So, don't think there are no consequences. Not to mention, you are putting yourself at increased risk - the responders have a lot to keep track of while riding code.

Yes. Surprisingly, as aggressive as drivers are here, everybody in L.A. moves out of the way for emergency vehicles. My friend visiting from another town actually made a comment about that once.. hah..

Yep, we're all are suppose to pull over and stop for ALL emergency vehicles.

Did you ask them why they didn't stop?

I'm ashamed to say no. I clearly said to the group "pull over to the right". I can only imagine what the ambulance drivers thought of us.

There are so many drivers that don't pull over or slow down (never mind stop) for emergency vehicles - the bikers are probably just carrying over their bad behavior. It is pretty pathetic. I've worked closely with responders in the past, and it is a serious problem. Sometimes there is a cop trailing these vehicles, picking off motorists (and yes, even cyclists) who don't get the heck out of the way. So, don't think there are no consequences. Not to mention, you are putting yourself at increased risk - the responders have a lot to keep track of while riding code.

I've often thought that they should have cattle catchers on the front of their vehicles to push non-compliant vehicles out of their way.

If there's an emergency vehicle on your road, absolutely, you're required to pull as far off the road as you can get and stop, regardless of what kind of vehicle you're driving. Illegal not to.

I've often thought that they should have cattle catchers on the front of their vehicles to push non-compliant vehicles out of their way.

:lol: While your idea is MUCH more entertaining, what they really need is video cameras recording every dang license plate # that doesn't pull over. That will clear the road like (well, don't want to inject religion) ... you get the idea. Heck, most police cars already have the cameras. The fines would more than pay off the equipment. It wouldn't surprise me if the police already (on occasion) use their video to fine the most egregious violators.

I'm ashamed to say no. I clearly said to the group "pull over to the right". I can only imagine what the ambulance drivers thought of us.

I've often wondered what ambulance drivers/fire fighters think when the person on the bicycle is the only one who pulls over.

I am assuming the lights/siren was on?

UD

If there's an emergency vehicle on your road, absolutely, you're required to pull as far off the road as you can get and stop, regardless of what kind of vehicle you're driving. Illegal not to.

Here's a good question. You're traveling on "B" Street, one block over on "C" Street there is an ambulance/fire truck/cop car with it's siren's blaring. You can hear it, but not see it. Are you still obligated to pull over?

Here's a good question. You're traveling on "B" Street, one block over on "C" Street there is an ambulance/fire truck/cop car with it's siren's blaring. You can hear it, but not see it. Are you still obligated to pull over?

I would say if the siren level is *increasing* and sufficiently loud, you should start to pull over. The most dangerous spot, by far, is an intersection.

I am assuming the lights/siren was on?

UD

Yes

:lol: While your idea is MUCH more entertaining, what they really need is video cameras recording every dang license plate # that doesn't pull over. That will clear the road like (well, don't want to inject religion) ... you get the idea. Heck, most police cars already have the cameras. The fines would more than pay off the equipment. It wouldn't surprise me if the police already (on occasion) use their video to fine the most egregious violators.

Give firefighters/ambulance drivers laptops to record those license plate numbers with and have an e-ticket filed on their behalf.

Give firefighters/ambulance drivers laptops to record those license plate numbers with and have an e-ticket filed on their behalf.

IMO, the responders have way too much to pay attention to already ... but it could all be done after-the-fact by a secondary agency - much like red-light-running cameras. A little software and a little human inspection = ticket. You would obviously allow emergency responders to log a violation (from memory) so the video technician would diligently find/fine the violator. You could even allow them to push a button on the steering wheel at the instant they see one of these morons - there is your time stamp for future inspection.

Another option, A BIG LED SIGN on the front of vehicle saying "GET the F OUT of the WAY!!!" Maybe combined with your cattle catcher. :lol:

Slightly off topic- Those emergency vehicles eventually get to where they are going. This is a reminder that stupid motorist behavior increases at those locations. Cyclist beware.

IMO, the responders have way too much to pay attention to already ... but it could all be done after-the-fact by a secondary agency - much like red-light-running cameras. A little software and a little human inspection = ticket. You would obviously allow emergency responders to log a violation (from memory) so the video technician would diligently find/fine the violator. You could even allow them to push a button on the steering wheel at the instant they see one of these morons - there is your time stamp for future inspection.

Another option, A BIG LED SIGN on the front of vehicle saying "GET the F OUT of the WAY!!!" Maybe combined with your cattle catcher. :lol:

Given that there are usually two people in the firetruck/rescue vehicle. The "passenger" could work the laptop.

They could also have a video camera mounted somewhere in the emergency vehicle that sends it feed to a laptop. That laptop/camera setup could photograph the car/license plate in a database then issue the ticket.

I remember a show on the Discovery channel called "Beyond 2000" on one show they talked about how emergency vehicles could transmit a signal that would activate an LED on the dash to alert drivers that they were in the area. I don't know whatever happened to that system. But it sounds like a good thing. They could/should also be able to do that with GPS receivers and/or radar detectors.

Slightly off topic- Those emergency vehicles eventually get to where they are going. This is a reminder that stupid motorist behavior increases at those locations. Cyclist beware.

True, but in the case of emergency response vehicles, seconds count and can and often does mean the difference between life or death.

Even though I was an volunteer medic for a busy service, I do not know for a fact that bikes are legally obligated to stop in every state but failure to do so is at least stupid.

It was a rare emergency run when at least one car or truck driver failed to yield right-of-way, but I do not remember any issues with cyclists.

There were a few times when we did get and transmit license numbers, but were rather tightly focused on main issues of patient care and transport.

The most ridiculous thing I ever saw was here in my hometown... EMS was coming, lights and sirens going...people were stopping for them...IN THEIR OWN LANES! The ambulance had to slalom around them!!

Those of you with EMT/ride-along experience, correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't the 2nd EMT in the ambulance have to keep an eye out for cross traffic, help the driver? Kinda puts the kibosh on the laptop thing. Maybe put some high-school-age geek in there for minimum wage to just do that on calls; pull a 4-hour shift, go home and play WOW.

I never pull over. I'm 3ft wide. How much room am I really taking? He has more than enough skills to negotiate around me whenever he catches up.

The most ridiculous thing I ever saw was here in my hometown... EMS was coming, lights and sirens going...people were stopping for them...IN THEIR OWN LANES! The ambulance had to slalom around them!!

That often happens in urban areas, especially near intersections where right lane room is short. If everyone moves right there's usually a smooth ride down the center line. In any event, emergency drivers still appreciate drivers coming to a stop and staying there unless the way is completely blocked.

I never pull over. I'm 3ft wide. How much room am I really taking? He has more than enough skills to negotiate around me whenever he catches up.

This is a troll, so don't reply unless you want to play the game.

Not a troll. When I'm driving, I usually pull over and let him/her pass. But once they pass, I go WOT and make sure I position myself 3 - 4ft behind the EMS. Once I get in his draft, I get to fly through traffic with him. It's like a freebie car pool lane just opened up.

This is a troll, so don't reply unless you want to play the game.

Maybe he'll put his "doored" pics back up:lol:

Yes. Surprisingly, as aggressive as drivers are here, everybody in L.A. moves out of the way for emergency vehicles. My friend visiting from another town actually made a comment about that once.. hah..

I think the reason is that you CONSTANTLY hear the sirens of police cars, fire engines, and ambulances here. We are so used to the routine because there is almost not a single day where you don't have to get of the way for an emergency vehicle.

I'm a troll and a sockpuppet.

wow, who woulda thunk it?

Here's a good question. You're traveling on "B" Street, one block over on "C" Street there is an ambulance/fire truck/cop car with it's siren's blaring. You can hear it, but not see it. Are you still obligated to pull over?

I had this one happen the other day. I was on my bike in a downtown area (all buildings are 6-10 stories tall) where sound echoes like crazy and you can't tell where it's coming from. A siren starts wailing and the cars in front of me immediately pulled over. There was no emergency vehicle in sight and it didn't sound very close so I just kept going. It turns out the emergency vehicle wasn't anywhere near us - the siren faded away and I never saw the vehicle.

Maybe being on a bicycle and being able to hear what was going on around me gave me a better sense of where the vehicle was.

I call out ambulance passing pull over to the right. I stop and pull over but most everyone in the group keeps going taking the whole lane. I know the ambulance has a lane to itself but arent we suppose to stop?

First of all, thanks for pulling over. It is very nerve-wracking when driving lights-and-sirens. When people pull over, it provides a welcome extra margin of safety.

Plus, you don't always know where an ambulance is headed. Sometimes people pull over onto the shoulder and keep driving. Sometimes -- not often, but it does happen -- those people make it difficult to make a needed right turn.

You did the right thing. The other riders took an unneeded risk.

Ignore. Sorry.

I agree that it is an important topic. Someday it might be any of us that the ambulance is coming for!

Speedo

Given that there are usually two people in the firetruck/rescue vehicle. The "passenger" could work the laptop.

They could also have a video camera mounted somewhere in the emergency vehicle that sends it feed to a laptop. That laptop/camera setup could photograph the car/license plate in a database then issue the ticket.

I remember a show on the Discovery channel called "Beyond 2000" on one show they talked about how emergency vehicles could transmit a signal that would activate an LED on the dash to alert drivers that they were in the area. I don't know whatever happened to that system. But it sounds like a good thing. They could/should also be able to do that with GPS receivers and/or radar detectors.

Digital_Cowboy, if you were the guy in the back of the ambulance and what do you want the guy not driving to do? Be in back with you and stop you from bleeding out or provide whatever you need to keep you alive or should he be up front entering car/license plate information in a database?

Yeah I pull over and stop for emergency vehicles.

There are some sketchy places I've run into issues. Narrow lane w/high curb and no turn outs.

Worst was crossing a one way one lane bridge (under construction) with a K-rail to my side and and no shoulders. Do I stop and hop the Krail or keep going as they lane was too narrow to share w/firetruck. I kept going for 200yrds more until there was a pullout and slowed the firetruck down. Probably no more than if I had stopped and lifted bike over krail, which would have also been more dangerous if they fire truck thought they could squeeze by.

Worst was crossing a one way one lane bridge (under construction) with a K-rail to my side and and no shoulders. Do I stop and hop the Krail or keep going as they lane was too narrow to share w/firetruck. I kept going for 200yrds more until there was a pullout and slowed the firetruck down. Probably no more than if I had stopped and lifted bike over krail, which would have also been more dangerous if they fire truck thought they could squeeze by.

That's a tough situation. You probably made a good call. FWIW, I think you made a good call.

When I'm driving, I prefer that people pull over safely. If you need time to slow down or move ahead to a safe location, that's perfectly fine. I will wait patiently. I purposely leave a big cushion of space ahead of me for just that very reason.

Construction zones are not fun either. Equipment and people are all over the place. Their configuration can change from day-to-day. There may not be room to pull over--as in your case. Sometimes there is one-way traffic for a few miles at a stretch. You have big bumps, uneven pavement, shifting lanes. Lots to worry about in a construction zone.

IMHO, given the situation on the bridge that you describe, it is the duty of the EMS driver to a) not enter the zone without a plan for getting through it safely, and to b) protect you and anyone else who might already be in the zone. Your safety is the EMS driver's responsibility.

I had this one happen the other day. I was on my bike in a downtown area (all buildings are 6-10 stories tall) where sound echoes like crazy and you can't tell where it's coming from. A siren starts wailing and the cars in front of me immediately pulled over. There was no emergency vehicle in sight and it didn't sound very close so I just kept going. It turns out the emergency vehicle wasn't anywhere near us - the siren faded away and I never saw the vehicle.

Maybe being on a bicycle and being able to hear what was going on around me gave me a better sense of where the vehicle was.

At least the motorists pulled over.

Several years ago when I was still living in Tampa I was down on Base and one the Base's emergency vehicles came down the street with it's sirens and lights going. And no one pulled over for it.

One would think that in an environment where the laws/penalties can be and often are more severe then their civilian counterparts that the drivers would pull over. But the only one who did was the person on the bicycle.

Much to my embarrassment and distress, a couple of times I have been backed up in traffic waiting to turn left and unable to get over the right when I heard a siren. In that case, it's best to sit tight rather than risk a belated trip across the traffic lanes to reach the curb or the shoulder, IMO, anyway. I hope I wouldn't get a ticket in that case.

Digital_Cowboy, if you were the guy in the back of the ambulance and what do you want the guy not driving to do? Be in back with you and stop you from bleeding out or provide whatever you need to keep you alive or should he be up front entering car/license plate information in a database?

Sorry, I was referring mainly to when they are first responding to the call.

Yes, if I was in the back of the ambulance I would want the "shotgun" to be concentrating on stabilizing me. Also see where I had mentioned about having a video camera/laptop combo.

Much to my embarrassment and distress, a couple of times I have been backed up in traffic waiting to turn left and unable to get over the right when I heard a siren. In that case, it's best to sit tight rather than risk a belated trip across the traffic lanes to reach the curb or the shoulder, IMO, anyway. I hope I wouldn't get a ticket in that case.

I think that in that situation that that is probably the best course of action.

I think that in that situation that that is probably the best course of action.

I was in similar situation once. Had merged across two lanes of 45mph busy traffic to get in LTOL. Was only driver in LTOL, traffic lights turned red 4-way. Fire truck came and to my concern they also wanted to turn left into the tiny side street. I edged to far left of LTOL. Firetruck very closed passed me at speed and turned.

In retrospect the better action would haven been for me to complete my left turn against the red light and pull over on the side street.

Strange. In Austin, even the local Critical Mass rides will rapidly get out of the road when an ambulance is heard. Sometimes the ambulance never even appears ... it's not clear were it went.

(It's one of those hypothetical situations that people like to beat up on CM about `what if there's an ambulance?' ... but ultimately, the ambulance is seriously slowed by rush hour no matter who's stuck in it -- but the CM cyclists are far better able to get out of the road than the cars can, so they slow the ambulance less than cars would.)

I rode in an ambulance last night, but not by choice. Apparently had a crash a few minutes earlier, but I don't remember a thing about it. I came to about halfway to the hospital.

thanks ambulance driver dude whoever you were!

I rode in an ambulance last night, but not by choice. Apparently had a crash a few minutes earlier, but I don't remember a thing about it. I came to about halfway to the hospital.

thanks ambulance driver dude whoever you were!

Best wishes for a smooth and complete recovery followed by many years of good riding.