Originally Posted by
khutch
No, I think the real question is, is this the 50+ forum or the 12- forum??? All these questions and suggestions about evading traffic rules sound like the conversation of a bunch of 12 year old boys! Are you seriously getting enough tickets on your bicycle that this is a real concern? If you live in an area where traffic enforcement against cyclists is that active isn't it simpler to just comply with whatever local cycling regulations are being that heavily enforced and avoid "imperial complications" altogether?
Ken
The laws the cops choose to enforce are in many ways out of date and inappropriate and here's a scenario.
I commute from Long Island, NY to Brooklyn, thus I'm in NYC when I ride. Some days I ride the 26lbs commuter/touring bike, which is equipped with reflectors and a light if I need one. It doesn't have a bell as the bell is friggin useless 'cause everybody thinks it's a cute sound and pays no attention to it, thus I sometimes wear a whistle, which is great as you can vary the intensity and gets folks attention, but is illegal.
Some day's, when I leave clothes and car at work, I'll ride one of my "go fast" bikes, which I do not keep equipped with reflectors as it's a racing bike.
Thus I'm in violation EVERY time I do a bike commute and I'm riding safely and using common sense (I always carry my license and other ID), but can still receive a ticket or two if I encounter a cop with a bug up their butt. Witness the guy on the single speed in the collision the Police Commisioner was involved in. Was the rider in any way in the wrong ?, possibly not, but the simple act of riding a bike who's equipment is "just" outside what a badly and outdated law states is required, instantly put that rider at risk of further and unwarranted legal action.
SB