Originally Posted by
adamtki
Here are some situations where exceptions should be made for cyclists.
- 4 ways stop signs should be 4 way yield signs for bicyclists
- Stop signs where the cross traffic speed limit is below 30 should be yield signs for bicyclists
- Cyclists should be allowed to split lanes in stopped traffic and pass no faster than 8 mph
- Cyclists should be allowed to proceed at a red light after coming to a stop if no cars in any other direction is visible
- Cyclists should be allowed to ride onto a sidewalk to avoid a light at the straight part of a T intersection
Note that rules like "stop at red lights" serves to make the behavior of the cyclist (in this discussion) more predicable to the traffic with the right of way.
Rules also have to be easy to follow and require simple judgement.
It should also reduce the ambiguity in understanding whether or not the rule has been violated.
"Always stop at red lights" is a simple rule: it's easy to follow and it's easy to monitor.
For example, "no cars in any other direction are visible" is ambiguous and subject to a large amount of interpretation.