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Old 02-02-07, 01:47 PM
  #12  
noisebeam
Arizona Dessert
 
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Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: AZ
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Bikes: Cannondale SuperSix, Lemond Poprad. Retired: Jamis Sputnik, Centurion LeMans Fixed, Diamond Back ascent ex

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Many if not most of the stop signs in this area are for four way intersections. Solo I never run them - its hardly a hassle to stop. But I've ridden with groups (10-30 people) in the area and then they (the four way only) are always ran - not blown at full speed, but with reduced to allow lead rider(s) to assess situation. There is something about group dynamics with the lead rider seeing no other approaching vehicles that makes running them 'feel more appropriate' vs. getting the whole line to stop and go, in which either many more vehicles appear as each rider stops and goes, or only the lead rider is the one who technically stops and all the followers run the sign.

Also as wheel points out there are very few bike lanes in the area, some, but mostly narrow (Chandler, Ray) or wide (Pecos) shoulders. The roads that do have true bike lanes are more generally slower (25-35mph) and also the primary lane is usually very wide too. There is much confusion motorist and cyclist alike as to what is and isn't a bike lane in this area. See http://azbikelaw.org/articles/RayRoad.html for a good review and photos.

here is a link to a map of the area: http://www.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en...m=1&iwloc=addr

Al
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