Originally Posted by
cyclinfool
So what's with cyclist not following the VC.
Thats easy - a bicycle is not a car. IMHO - When it is being ridden on the main roads it should follow the VC, but what about on bike paths and side walks?
I may be wrong but I bet the OP will do a rolling non-stop at a stop sign so as not to unclip and dab or ride up on stopped cars on their right side on the shoulder when they are stopped at a light, this is clearly against the VC - but cyclists get away with it because we are "special". As cyclist we only choose to follow the VC when we want to - taking liberties when it pleases us and I doubt there is not one of us that won't take a few liberties. What car would be able to go around road construction by taking the side walk for example. So what this does is give a sense of empowerment to some who already feel either invincible or self righteous.
Me - I don't always follow the VC, but I only take risks appropriate for me.
This thread really belongs in S&A. It is broader than a 50+ issue.
You are correct. The most VC correct cyclist uses a California stop including me.
I have had 2 close calls with that recently. Such a rolling stop relies on hearing the car coming. That works with cars 100%. I had 2 situations where Cyclist were coming. Dark clothes against green bushes background. I did not see them. One time a car came very slowly, I could not hear it and hit it almost.
Therefore I think California stops are dangerous but most of us do it.
Biking against traffic seems to me more dangerous especially if another Cyclist is going with the traffic on the other side. Imagine the motorist going through the middle of that.
I will look at S&A sub forum. I was not aware of it.