Originally Posted by celephaiz
First, we're not as far off each other as we're thinking (or so i gather). It seems, if i read you right that you're refering more to the original poster than other people's responses (or perhaps we are referring to completely different resposes) but for clarity, "you CAN" refered to receiving jaywalking tickets. For the people who think they can do anything they please, yeah they're morons.
My response was indeed to the OP, though it also applies to any of the fanboy followers of this sensationalist post (and the news article to a certain degree).
Originally Posted by celephaiz
yeah i mean you're refering to the article whereas i'm talking about laws in general.
My point was that yeah, all these laws exist. However, throughout history, there have been laws enacted that haven't made much sense; others are misguided.
I do agree. In my opinion, this is not a very good example.
Originally Posted by celephaiz
Slowing at a red light and then going through it when no traffic is present (and therefore not hindered or obstructed), while against the law doesn't really have much to do with playing nice and respecting others. Ultimately, the way i see it, is that the law is there because there is no way to write a law that would allow the behavior i'm describing without it being flagrantly abused. Thus, the policy is that it is generally allowed unless it is abused and you get a ticket.
The article does infact suggest that the certain illegal actions which where once not enforced were being abused, hence the local shop owners complaining. This is where I would suggest that cyclists stay of the sidewalk (the shop owners are complaining) and play nice with others (the shop owner as well as pedestrians, who are entitled to use the sidewalk)
Originally Posted by celephaiz
My problem with the policies in the article are that it appears that they are cracking down with no leeway. I don't approve of that. I think its sort of like parking laws. Its technically an illegal parking job if your car goes an inch past the "no parking" sign but people would definately complain if their car was towed or ticketed for that inch.
If the cyclist's behavior doesn't affect traffic, why does it matter? (try to refrain from an "its still against the law response")
This is where we disagree. Running a red light or stop sign has a very high potential to affect traffic, parking does not.
Additionally, people make mistakes. Yes, really, it's true. Someone making a bad judgment call when deciding to run through a stop sign or light can be easily avoided by just not doing it. If you don't heed this advice (I am still not saying you should or should not), it was your decision that put you in this situation, not the cab driver you didn't see or the ticket you are signing.
One thing that I believe you might be forgetting is that laws must be made for the common denominator of the people affected. Although some people
may infact have good enough judgement to decide when it is safe to blow through a stop or light, this would be a terrible assumption of motorists/cyclists in general.
My main gripe about this post, however, was the sensationalist title which is taken completely out of context from the article, titled "Bicyclists not free to ride as they please". The article is slightly less offensive.
Besides, how can we even still be here discussing this subject with so many more worrying matters happening in this world today;
like this
Carl.