Originally Posted by
mnemia
I agree, but I also think that there is a good reason why it's illegal for cyclists to run red lights. I don't advocate mindless obedience to the law. I advocate that cyclists stop at red lights because the law requiring that makes sense for a variety of reasons including safety, predictability, and public order. The right-of-way rules exist in order to promote safe and efficient use of the road by all users. When too many people break the rules, the system begins to break down. We cyclists hate it when motorists don't respect our right-of-way, so why should we tolerate other cyclists who don't have the same respect? The stakes are different, but the inconvenience, fear, and annoyance imposed on others is the same.
Agreed, I'm always amazed at how many pedestrians are surprised when someone yields the right of way to them when they are attempting to cross the street or parking lot. It also amazes me that people i.e. cyclists ride against the flow of traffic in bike lanes with arrows that clearly indicate which direction they are suppose to be traveling in. When they eventually get hit by a car I hope that they do not blame the motorist and in those cases I hope that motorist isn't charged with anything. As if the cyclist(s) had been riding on the correct side of the road they likely would not have been hit by the car.