Originally Posted by
AlmostTrick
It's quite telling when motorists violating the speed limit are quick to point out the illegal behavior of others* while being easily able to ignore their own. Safe streets means following all the rules, not just the ones you agree with.
*when dealing with cyclists especially, sometimes even behavior they erroneously perceive as being illegal!
There is a difference between a rule and the spirit of the rule.
In one extreme, people can follow the rule but still violate its spirit. For example, most stores have policies allowing people to return products within a certain time-frame, usually so the customer can return it if it doesn't meet their needs, they change their mind, etc. Some people, however, use their new products daily and then return them on the last day they can. They get away with it by following the rules, but everyone knows they are in violation of the spirit of the rules.
In another extreme, people can disregard the strict definition of the rule and STILL follow its spirit. For example, if a cyclist approaches an empty 4-way stop, slows down, and proceeds safely through it without stopping, he has violated the law, but has followed the spirit of a law designed to allow safe passing through such an intersection.