Bike Cops Ticketing Cyclists
#151
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Ventura County, CA
Posts: 156
Bikes: 2012 Cervelo S5 Rival and 2012 Speed Concept 9.9 Di2
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Nope, I don't expect that anything I have to say will affect your decision. You seem to have your mind made up about what you feel is right.
Editted to add: I rarely am trying to convince anyone of anything. I quote people if I have a specific response or to use their post as a jumping off point to my own thoughts.
Editted to add: I rarely am trying to convince anyone of anything. I quote people if I have a specific response or to use their post as a jumping off point to my own thoughts.
In part yes. However, not everyone is going to reach the same rational conclusion. Two people could examine the same situation and come up with different conclusions about the most reasonable action. That's where laws come in, they define a single set of rules so we don't have everyone doing what they think is best. Predictability of others' actions is perhaps the single most important aid to safety.
In Pennsylvania, there are already many exceptions for bicycle, pedestrians, construction machinery, and farm machinery (I'm sure there's others I'm not thinking of). They're not perfect, but it's a start. Since I don't see a location in your profile, I can't determine if the same is for you.
I almost always do.
#152
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 111
Bikes: 1985 Peugeot PH501
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
The bike police here in Columbus regularly ride on the sidewalk (illegal for adults here), wrong way down one way streets, etc. Its no wonder so many regular people ride the same way when they see the police doing it. People run red lights/stop signs in front of them without worry. The only time I've heard of anyone being cited for anything is if they were involved in a crash.
#153
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Louisville, CO
Posts: 696
Bikes: Many
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Cough up the cash, recent story from my parts:
"A signalized intersection would cost about $2.7 million, city officials say. A roundabout likely would cost about $2 million more."
Article here
Idaho red-signal rule would be fine by me.
"A signalized intersection would cost about $2.7 million, city officials say. A roundabout likely would cost about $2 million more."
Article here
Idaho red-signal rule would be fine by me.
#154
Senior Member
From N to S:
Legion Bridge - no bike lane
Chain Bridge - bike lane
Key Bridge - bike lane
Roosevelt Bridge - bike lane
Memorial Bridge - bike lane
395 bridge - bike lane
Wilson Bridge - bike lane
Last edited by alan s; 04-25-12 at 01:03 PM. Reason: added list of bridges that have bike lanes
#155
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Ventura County, CA
Posts: 156
Bikes: 2012 Cervelo S5 Rival and 2012 Speed Concept 9.9 Di2
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Personally, I go from Tysons Corner to Rockville, so instead of being able to take a trail along the 495 bridge (there is none), I have to go south, cross over at the chain bridge, then go back north
Edit: and then bike about 7 miles on Rockville pike
Last edited by hiyer1; 04-25-12 at 01:12 PM.
#156
Guest
Posts: n/a
Mentioned: Post(s)
Tagged: Thread(s)
Quoted: Post(s)
Cough up the cash, recent story from my parts:
"A signalized intersection would cost about $2.7 million, city officials say. A roundabout likely would cost about $2 million more."
Article here
Idaho red-signal rule would be fine by me.
"A signalized intersection would cost about $2.7 million, city officials say. A roundabout likely would cost about $2 million more."
Article here
Idaho red-signal rule would be fine by me.
Probably the most comprehensive US study to date, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safetycompleted an in depth study of 24 intersections -- in a mix of urban, suburban and rural environments, which had been converted from stop control and signals to modern roundabouts. (Crash Reduction Following Installation of Roundabouts in the United States, Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Arlington, VA: Status Report, May, 2000.) This study reported reductions of 39 percent for all crash severities combined, 76 percent of all injury crashes and an approximate 90 percent in fatal and incapacity injury crashes.
Also you're leaving out future maintenance costs, benefits to fuel savings and noise reduction, and no electrical cost.
So safer and cheaper over the long run.
#157
Senior Member
Yeah, the issue is most of these bridges are in a pretty close vicinity, not much help for someone going from Virginia to Maryland. I guess what I meant was there aren't any bike lanes that cross the river outside DC, you usually have to go pretty close to DC to eventually cross
Personally, I go from Tysons Corner to Rockville, so instead of being able to take a trail along the 495 bridge (there is none), I have to go south, cross over at the chain bridge, then go back north
Edit: and then bike about 7 miles on Rockville pike
Personally, I go from Tysons Corner to Rockville, so instead of being able to take a trail along the 495 bridge (there is none), I have to go south, cross over at the chain bridge, then go back north
Edit: and then bike about 7 miles on Rockville pike
Have you tried MacArthur to Seven Locks to Falls/Wooton Parkway to get to Rockville? Probably not as busy as Rockville Pike.
Last edited by alan s; 04-25-12 at 01:44 PM.
#158
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Louisville, CO
Posts: 696
Bikes: Many
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Raise you:
https://www.azdot.gov/CCpartnerships/roundabouts/faq.asp
Also you're leaving out future maintenance costs, benefits to fuel savings and noise reduction, and no electrical cost.
So safer and cheaper over the long run.
https://www.azdot.gov/CCpartnerships/roundabouts/faq.asp
Also you're leaving out future maintenance costs, benefits to fuel savings and noise reduction, and no electrical cost.
So safer and cheaper over the long run.
[TABLE="width: 99%"]
[TR]
[TD="align: right"]
[TD="width: 95%"] 10 percent reduction in bicycle crashes
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="align: right"]
[TD="width: 95%"] 30-50 percent increase in traffic capacity thereby enhancing traffic flow
[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
However, in practical terms, I've noticed a couple things at the few roundabouts that I traverse:
1. Doesn't "feel" safer on a bike - cars tend to not yield to cyclists in lane and can get awfully close when merging.
2. Cars speed through the roundabout, causing merging drivers to stop, erasing the traffic flow advantage
Now, that said, more roundabouts would "teach" more people how to use them better, increasing the advantages. But, there lies the problem, at $2M "additional" a pop, we're talking some serious coin. Yes, I know, that 2M was from one sample retrofit, but obviously retrofitting many intersections can get expensive. One answer: how about purchasing a bunch of stop signs instead?
#159
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Tampa/St. Pete, Florida
Posts: 9,352
Bikes: Specialized Hardrock Mountain (Stolen); Giant Seek 2 (Stolen); Diamondback Ascent mid 1980 - 1997
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 62 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
I actually agree that roundabouts are the best solution, in theory. For your reasons above and from the link you sent with these points:
[TABLE="width: 99%"]
[TR]
[TD="align: right"]
[/TD]
[TD="width: 95%"] 10 percent reduction in bicycle crashes [/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="align: right"]
[/TD]
[TD="width: 95%"] 30-50 percent increase in traffic capacity thereby enhancing traffic flow [/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
However, in practical terms, I've noticed a couple things at the few roundabouts that I traverse:
1. Doesn't "feel" safer on a bike - cars tend to not yield to cyclists in lane and can get awfully close when merging.
2. Cars speed through the roundabout, causing merging drivers to stop, erasing the traffic flow advantage
Now, that said, more roundabouts would "teach" more people how to use them better, increasing the advantages. But, there lies the problem, at $2M "additional" a pop, we're talking some serious coin. Yes, I know, that 2M was from one sample retrofit, but obviously retrofitting many intersections can get expensive. One answer: how about purchasing a bunch of stop signs instead?
[TABLE="width: 99%"]
[TR]
[TD="align: right"]
[TD="width: 95%"] 10 percent reduction in bicycle crashes [/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="align: right"]
[TD="width: 95%"] 30-50 percent increase in traffic capacity thereby enhancing traffic flow [/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
However, in practical terms, I've noticed a couple things at the few roundabouts that I traverse:
1. Doesn't "feel" safer on a bike - cars tend to not yield to cyclists in lane and can get awfully close when merging.
2. Cars speed through the roundabout, causing merging drivers to stop, erasing the traffic flow advantage
Now, that said, more roundabouts would "teach" more people how to use them better, increasing the advantages. But, there lies the problem, at $2M "additional" a pop, we're talking some serious coin. Yes, I know, that 2M was from one sample retrofit, but obviously retrofitting many intersections can get expensive. One answer: how about purchasing a bunch of stop signs instead?
I have a couple that I ride through on a regular basis. At the most, most of them have small plants or nothing in the center. One has a LARGE cement planter in the center and another has a gazebo like structure in the center of it.
Doesn't putting something that is large and obscures the sight lines defeat the purpose of installing a roundabout? I mean if they're about improving safety than why put large statues in the center, or gazebo like structures or other things in the center that obscures the sight lines?
#160
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Louisville, CO
Posts: 696
Bikes: Many
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 7 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I think my city (and likely others) have rule where a portion of public projects must have a percentage of the funds spent on artwork.
So, a bridge might have artwork design on the separator wall, for instance.
I'm wondering if this is the bureaucratic solution to the requirement - the artist didn't consult with the traffic engineer on the design, perhaps.
#161
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Tampa/St. Pete, Florida
Posts: 9,352
Bikes: Specialized Hardrock Mountain (Stolen); Giant Seek 2 (Stolen); Diamondback Ascent mid 1980 - 1997
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 62 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
I've noticed the same .. it's difficult for cyclists and cars alike to see. Not very bright.
I think my city (and likely others) have rule where a portion of public projects must have a percentage of the funds spent on artwork.
So, a bridge might have artwork design on the separator wall, for instance.
I'm wondering if this is the bureaucratic solution to the requirement - the artist didn't consult with the traffic engineer on the design, perhaps.
I think my city (and likely others) have rule where a portion of public projects must have a percentage of the funds spent on artwork.
So, a bridge might have artwork design on the separator wall, for instance.
I'm wondering if this is the bureaucratic solution to the requirement - the artist didn't consult with the traffic engineer on the design, perhaps.
Maybe there needs to be language requiring both the artist and the traffic engineer to work together. And there should be a limit as to how tall something in the center of a roundabout can be.
#162
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Louisville, KY
Posts: 13,447
Mentioned: 33 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4236 Post(s)
Liked 2,949 Times
in
1,808 Posts
Properly designed roundabouts have 2 lanes in and out for each road so the right lane turns into the right lane of the road to the right without much need to slow or stop. The left (inner lane) acts as a yield and moves to the center of the roundabout when traffic is clear and turns out of the roundabout into a left lane further around the circle. Assuming the inner green area is of a large enough radius, why do you need to see across? If you're in the right lane, it shouldn't matter (though training drivers in the inner lane of the roundabout that they can only turn out into left lanes and not right lanes can be a challenge), and if you're in the left lane as long as the sight lines aren't obstructed enough that you can see say 90degrees around the circle you should have enough room to know when traffic is clear to pull into the inner lane. What's going on on the opposite side of the roundabout shouldn't affect you in the slightest.
__________________
Bikes: 1996 Eddy Merckx Titanium EX, 1989/90 Colnago Super(issimo?) Piu(?),1990 Concorde Aquila(hit by car while riding), others in build queue "when I get the time"
Bikes: 1996 Eddy Merckx Titanium EX, 1989/90 Colnago Super(issimo?) Piu(?),
#163
Guest
Posts: n/a
Mentioned: Post(s)
Tagged: Thread(s)
Quoted: Post(s)
Exactly. There is no need to see once you are in the roundabout as traffic yields to you. and I doubt you can take a roundabout with much speed unless you have a very expensive car or the center section is too small and is not requiring enough if a direction change so the cars treat it as a straight road.
The reason for the plants blocking view of merging traffic is that if you make things FEEL more difficult to cross people tend to slow down.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-tj-sD7Zpc
The reason for the plants blocking view of merging traffic is that if you make things FEEL more difficult to cross people tend to slow down.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-tj-sD7Zpc
#164
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Oklahoma City, OK
Posts: 219
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Exactly. There is no need to see once you are in the roundabout as traffic yields to you. and I doubt you can take a roundabout with much speed unless you have a very expensive car or the center section is too small and is not requiring enough if a direction change so the cars treat it as a straight road.
#165
MTWThFMuter
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: SFOBayArea, CA
Posts: 457
Bikes: schwinn, raleigh, 'dale, litespeed, bianchi, surly, novara, brompton
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
On my way to work one morning, I came upon a traffic light intersection with the red light on (southbound, McCarthy Blvd & Ranch Drive, Milpitas, CA). I made a right turn, then a U-turn, and finally, a right turn, just to avoid stopping. I did not see the motorcycle cop and he witnessed the whole thing. I got stopped, let me know what my violation was, then, send me on my way with just a warning. Man, I thought I was going to get cited.
#166
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 271
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Has anyone heard of an Idaho stop? you can slow down at a red and proceed if its clear
https://bikeportland.org/2009/01/14/i...-law-faq-13387
https://bikeportland.org/2009/01/14/i...-law-faq-13387
#167
Newbie
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Idaho Falls, Idaho
Posts: 4
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Here in Idaho the laws give bicyclists a lot of freedom. If traveling on the road we are required to follow the same rules as motor vehicles exept, we are required to signal unless the cyclist feels unsafe taking their hands off the handlebars and we are only required to slow down at lights and stop signs to make sure the way is clear. Also, it is legal to ride on the sidewalks and while doing so, cyclists are entitled to the same rights of way as pedestrians.
#168
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Tampa/St. Pete, Florida
Posts: 9,352
Bikes: Specialized Hardrock Mountain (Stolen); Giant Seek 2 (Stolen); Diamondback Ascent mid 1980 - 1997
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 62 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
Properly designed roundabouts have 2 lanes in and out for each road so the right lane turns into the right lane of the road to the right without much need to slow or stop. The left (inner lane) acts as a yield and moves to the center of the roundabout when traffic is clear and turns out of the roundabout into a left lane further around the circle. Assuming the inner green area is of a large enough radius, why do you need to see across? If you're in the right lane, it shouldn't matter (though training drivers in the inner lane of the roundabout that they can only turn out into left lanes and not right lanes can be a challenge), and if you're in the left lane as long as the sight lines aren't obstructed enough that you can see say 90degrees around the circle you should have enough room to know when traffic is clear to pull into the inner lane. What's going on on the opposite side of the roundabout shouldn't affect you in the slightest.
#169
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 112
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
How about cops ticketing idiots in the bikelane?
Was out heading for some shopping today, and had some moron (probably mentally defective) stand in the middle of the bike lane and scream out "I dare you to hit me, get off the damn road you don't belong on the road" and as I took the car lane to pass him, he decided to run in front of me anyways, ended up just passing him by going into the lane for traffic going the other way. As he seemed in the mood for a confrontation so I'd have rather not stopped. :S
Jim
Was out heading for some shopping today, and had some moron (probably mentally defective) stand in the middle of the bike lane and scream out "I dare you to hit me, get off the damn road you don't belong on the road" and as I took the car lane to pass him, he decided to run in front of me anyways, ended up just passing him by going into the lane for traffic going the other way. As he seemed in the mood for a confrontation so I'd have rather not stopped. :S
Jim
#170
Senior Member
A couple of bike cops were actually hiding in the bushes on my commute home last night, jumping out to pull a cyclist over for "running" a red light (a tiny side street). Not sure if they actually ticketed or just gave him a warning. They even had tiny sirens on their bikes.
Lame.
Keep your eyes open if you commute via the Orange Line MUP near Van Nuys Blvd. in the SFV.
Have you ever been pulled over on your bike?
Lame.
Keep your eyes open if you commute via the Orange Line MUP near Van Nuys Blvd. in the SFV.
Have you ever been pulled over on your bike?
That was the last time I road my bike to school that year. We weren't a family that could afford what was then considered a luxury-- it was originally given to me by a neighbor for whom it didn't fit.
#171
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Portland, Maine USA
Posts: 779
Bikes: Trek 850 Antelope
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
To get back to where the OP had started,
1. In my case, I always stop at red traffic lights and stop signs.
2. I've never been stopped and/or ticketed by the police.
1. In my case, I always stop at red traffic lights and stop signs.
2. I've never been stopped and/or ticketed by the police.
#172
Cycle Year Round
Here in Idaho the laws give bicyclists a lot of freedom. If traveling on the road we are required to follow the same rules as motor vehicles exept, we are required to signal unless the cyclist feels unsafe taking their hands off the handlebars and we are only required to slow down at lights and stop signs to make sure the way is clear. Also, it is legal to ride on the sidewalks and while doing so, cyclists are entitled to the same rights of way as pedestrians.
__________________
Land of the Free, Because of the Brave.
Land of the Free, Because of the Brave.
#173
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: So of Seattle
Posts: 63
Bikes: Trek 800
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
In Holland the button to activate signal is placed so a Bicyclist can reach it from the curb. There are separate roundabouts for bikes in many intersections. Holland has a long tradition of bike paths, one going between Amsterdam and Paris was built by Napoleon. Might be some good ideas to emulate.
#174
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Tampa/St. Pete, Florida
Posts: 9,352
Bikes: Specialized Hardrock Mountain (Stolen); Giant Seek 2 (Stolen); Diamondback Ascent mid 1980 - 1997
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 62 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
How about cops ticketing idiots in the bikelane?
Was out heading for some shopping today, and had some moron (probably mentally defective) stand in the middle of the bike lane and scream out "I dare you to hit me, get off the damn road you don't belong on the road" and as I took the car lane to pass him, he decided to run in front of me anyways, ended up just passing him by going into the lane for traffic going the other way. As he seemed in the mood for a confrontation so I'd have rather not stopped. :S
Jim
Was out heading for some shopping today, and had some moron (probably mentally defective) stand in the middle of the bike lane and scream out "I dare you to hit me, get off the damn road you don't belong on the road" and as I took the car lane to pass him, he decided to run in front of me anyways, ended up just passing him by going into the lane for traffic going the other way. As he seemed in the mood for a confrontation so I'd have rather not stopped. :S
Jim
#175
Mrs. Hop-along
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Seville, FL
Posts: 338
Bikes: Ladies Schwinn Super Sport and Gateway
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Yes! I agree, roundabouts are awesome.
I hope his parents burn in hell. Fixt!
Very cool.
Haha! This is also awesome.
Last edited by redeyedtreefr0g; 05-04-12 at 09:05 PM. Reason: added bit describing picture