Originally Posted by WithNail
.... But it does seem like an excessive punishment for a bicycle running a red light. I don't know about the laws in other states, but in Florida if a car is caught running a red light it is treated as a non-speeding moving violation. Such a violation is a $45 ticket or at least it used to be, I think now it's a $90. It seems to me like (although probably not this individual officers fault) the punishment is not fitting of the crime and a bicycle running a red light should have an equal if not lesser punishment than a car committing the same offence.
The relevant Oregon Revised Statute:
"Sub Chapter: BICYCLES
Statute: ORS 814.400
Title: Application of vehicle laws to bicycles
Text: (1) Every person riding a bicycle upon a public way is subject to the provisions applicable to and has the same rights and duties as the driver of any other vehicle concerning operating on highways, vehicle equipment and abandoned vehicles, except:
(a) Those provisions which by their very nature can have no application.
(b) When otherwise specifically provided under the vehicle code.
(2) Subject to the provisions of subsection (1) of this section:
(a) A bicycle is a vehicle for purposes of the vehicle code; and
(b) When the term "vehicle" is used the term shall be deemed to be applicable to bicycles.
(3) The provisions of the vehicle code relating to the operation of bicycles do not relieve a bicyclist or motorist from the duty to exercise due care."
The current fine for ignoring a red light is $237.00...... whether you are driving a Geo Metro, Hummer, bicycle or Freightliner makes no difference.
fine print:
"Nothing in this post should be construed as approval of or agreement with the dollar amount noted above. This post is for informational purposes only and is specifically NOT legal advice."
My own personal view is that if we want the same rights as motor vehicles, we have to acept the same responsibilities. Who knows, maybe in the future, we will have a more enlightened set of rules, such as Idaho has. I don't think that disobeying the current law is a positive move in that direction.
Dogbait