Stop for red?
#52
Banned
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 8,543
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From: England / CPH
Bikes: 2010 Cube Acid / 2013 Mango FGSS
#53
Godbotherer
Joined: Jan 2011
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From: Hermitage, TN
Bikes: 1986 Cannondale SR300 (full SRAM Apex) 1996 Cannondale R800 (Full SRAM Rival), 1997 Cannondale R200 (Shimano Tiagra), 2012 Cannondale CAAD 10-5, 1992 Bridgestone RB-1 (SRAM Force)
Stop lights Yes. Absolutely.
Stop signs. . . eh. . . I will if there's cars around otherwise. . . I slow down as much as I can without falling over.
Stop signs. . . eh. . . I will if there's cars around otherwise. . . I slow down as much as I can without falling over.
#54
curmudgineer
Joined: Dec 2009
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Likes: 113
From: Chicago SW burbs
Bikes: 2 many 2 fit here
#59
Senior Member


Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 6,915
Likes: 1,259
I stop at red lights, all of them. If its a triggered light, i usually ride over to cross walk and hit the button or else i'll be there forever. At stop signs, i track stand, but look.
I get annoyed as hell when i see people plow through red lights on the route i ride, 3 lane high way isn't the safest road to blow through lights on when the speeds can be as high as 65+
I get annoyed as hell when i see people plow through red lights on the route i ride, 3 lane high way isn't the safest road to blow through lights on when the speeds can be as high as 65+
H
#60
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2009
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From: England, currently dividing my time between university in Guildford and home just outside Reading
Bikes: Too many to list here!
Where I live in southern England, most cyclists (myself included) obey red lights, although not all of them do. I can't really say anything about stop signs, there aren't very many of them around here, and I can't recall ever having seen a cyclist go past one.
#61
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 68
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Funny thing is when I do stop cars will always give me a wave for right of way even if they should have right of way and then when they come by me they give me lots of space. I call it 'bike karma' and it works nearly every time. Do the right thing and you'll be paid back in full and more!
#62
"Per Ardua ad Surly"
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,416
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From: Kitchener, Ontario
Bikes: Bianchi Specialissima, Mongoose Hilltopper ATB, Surly Cross-Check, Norco City Glide
#63
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 587
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Funny thing is when I do stop cars will always give me a wave for right of way even if they should have right of way and then when they come by me they give me lots of space. I call it 'bike karma' and it works nearly every time. Do the right thing and you'll be paid back in full and more!
When I am stopped and waiting for a traffic signal I invariably look behind me to see if the car behind me is trying to make a right turn. If he/she is and seems to be holding off out of fear of causing me injury, I always move out of their way and motion for them to go ahead and make the right.
I don't know if karma is real or not - but it doesn't hurt to be nice where I can be.
#65
Stop light, always. Stop sign...a rolling stop if there are no cars. If there's a car going my same direction I do a full stop, just like the car does. Don't like to make cyclists look bad.
#66
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 267
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From: South Florida!
Bikes: Mercier Mini Velo, Rivendell Quickbeam, 80's Hampton Beach Cruiser
I try to obey. I look three and four times.
However, if I am at a stop light and via mirror see or "hear" a car speeding towards me approaching the stop light--- I get the hell out of the way.
Two years ago, I was quite proud of my mastery of road riding. Then one day my fragile bubble burst. As I waited in the far right lane (for the light to turn green)--- a police officer approached in a marked squad car, blew his "horn", turned on the sirens and did the microphone/intercom thingamajig at me. That intercom thing was LOUD. He yelled, "GET OUT OF THE WAY! NOW!"
He was very aggressive and kept blowing his horn/siren. I was quite embarrassed. He scared the crap out of me. The looks on the faces of the drivers was one of horror. I felt like crying. It was very intimidating. Did I say I was embarrased? He was literally right on my back wheel.
I refuse to bicker with drivers. Its whatever. I get out of the way quickly.
However, if I am at a stop light and via mirror see or "hear" a car speeding towards me approaching the stop light--- I get the hell out of the way.
Two years ago, I was quite proud of my mastery of road riding. Then one day my fragile bubble burst. As I waited in the far right lane (for the light to turn green)--- a police officer approached in a marked squad car, blew his "horn", turned on the sirens and did the microphone/intercom thingamajig at me. That intercom thing was LOUD. He yelled, "GET OUT OF THE WAY! NOW!"
He was very aggressive and kept blowing his horn/siren. I was quite embarrassed. He scared the crap out of me. The looks on the faces of the drivers was one of horror. I felt like crying. It was very intimidating. Did I say I was embarrased? He was literally right on my back wheel.
I refuse to bicker with drivers. Its whatever. I get out of the way quickly.
#68
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 267
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From: South Florida!
Bikes: Mercier Mini Velo, Rivendell Quickbeam, 80's Hampton Beach Cruiser
In Florida, law enforcement car tints are kinda dark.
I remember the noise. I couldn't understand why he was so close and SOOO loud. I thought perhaps I was blocking a fire engine, or ambulance but it was only him: honking and yelling on the intercom.
Some people in a Lexus SUV were in the middle lane and the lady passenger's face I will never forget--she looked completely horrified and scared. He scared the beejeebies out of me. I have also been followed. Another very unsettling feeling.
I have come to realize: some people's greatest pleasure is provoking fear in others.
I remember the noise. I couldn't understand why he was so close and SOOO loud. I thought perhaps I was blocking a fire engine, or ambulance but it was only him: honking and yelling on the intercom.
Some people in a Lexus SUV were in the middle lane and the lady passenger's face I will never forget--she looked completely horrified and scared. He scared the beejeebies out of me. I have also been followed. Another very unsettling feeling.
I have come to realize: some people's greatest pleasure is provoking fear in others.
#69
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 298
Likes: 0
From: Arlington, VA
Bikes: Giant Escape III
I stop at red lights, all of them. If its a triggered light, i usually ride over to cross walk and hit the button or else i'll be there forever. At stop signs, i track stand, but look.
I get annoyed as hell when i see people plow through red lights on the route i ride, 3 lane high way isn't the safest road to blow through lights on when the speeds can be as high as 65+
I get annoyed as hell when i see people plow through red lights on the route i ride, 3 lane high way isn't the safest road to blow through lights on when the speeds can be as high as 65+
#70
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 577
Likes: 3
From: Canada's Capital
Bikes: Sekine RM40 1980, Miyata 1000LT 1990, Raleigh Mixte Sprite 1980, Raleigh Grand Prix 1979
If I don't see any cars, I slow down at stop signs to the point where I could stop quite shortly if need be, then scan all directions and will roll through if there's no other traffic.
Basically treating it like a yield.
Naturally, if there are other vehicles at or approaching the intersection, I stop and wait my turn to go through - not only is this the law, it's just safer that way.
+1 on the comment that drivers will sometimes wave you through because you're acting sensible and predictable.
I always stop at red lights.
I narrowly avoided getting completely taken out by a car about 13 years ago by not doing so, and I decided to not push my luck and never make that same mistake again.
Basically treating it like a yield.
Naturally, if there are other vehicles at or approaching the intersection, I stop and wait my turn to go through - not only is this the law, it's just safer that way.
+1 on the comment that drivers will sometimes wave you through because you're acting sensible and predictable.
I always stop at red lights.
I narrowly avoided getting completely taken out by a car about 13 years ago by not doing so, and I decided to not push my luck and never make that same mistake again.
#71
"Fred"--is that bad?
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 512
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From: 214 Represent!
Bikes: Felt f85 (11); Trek 7.3 FX (07); Schwinn Super Sport (86); Specialized Rockhopper (87)
If I don't see any cars, I slow down at stop signs to the point where I could stop quite shortly if need be, then scan all directions and will roll through if there's no other traffic.
Basically treating it like a yield.
Naturally, if there are other vehicles at or approaching the intersection, I stop and wait my turn to go through - not only is this the law, it's just safer that way.
+1 on the comment that drivers will sometimes wave you through because you're acting sensible and predictable.
I always stop at red lights.
I narrowly avoided getting completely taken out by a car about 13 years ago by not doing so, and I decided to not push my luck and never make that same mistake again.
Basically treating it like a yield.
Naturally, if there are other vehicles at or approaching the intersection, I stop and wait my turn to go through - not only is this the law, it's just safer that way.
+1 on the comment that drivers will sometimes wave you through because you're acting sensible and predictable.
I always stop at red lights.
I narrowly avoided getting completely taken out by a car about 13 years ago by not doing so, and I decided to not push my luck and never make that same mistake again.
This is my policy.
I am really bothered by bikes rolling through red lights. I am in complete agreeance that we need to treat ourselves like a vehicle if we want others to treat us like a vehicle. In Dallas a couple of months ago there was a hipster on a SS that blew through a red light. One of the news outlets had a couple of folks commenting on how dangerous it is to ride in Dallas. Really? Blowing through a red light and getting T-Boned is an example of how dangerous it is?
Kind of like teenagers who want to be treated like an adult when it comes to adult privileges but treated like a kid when it comes to adult responsibilities. Which is it, are we a vehicle or not?
#72
Senior Member


Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 6,915
Likes: 1,259
^^^^^
This is my policy.
I am really bothered by bikes rolling through red lights. I am in complete agreeance that we need to treat ourselves like a vehicle if we want others to treat us like a vehicle. In Dallas a couple of months ago there was a hipster on a SS that blew through a red light. One of the news outlets had a couple of folks commenting on how dangerous it is to ride in Dallas. Really? Blowing through a red light and getting T-Boned is an example of how dangerous it is?
Kind of like teenagers who want to be treated like an adult when it comes to adult privileges but treated like a kid when it comes to adult responsibilities. Which is it, are we a vehicle or not?
This is my policy.
I am really bothered by bikes rolling through red lights. I am in complete agreeance that we need to treat ourselves like a vehicle if we want others to treat us like a vehicle. In Dallas a couple of months ago there was a hipster on a SS that blew through a red light. One of the news outlets had a couple of folks commenting on how dangerous it is to ride in Dallas. Really? Blowing through a red light and getting T-Boned is an example of how dangerous it is?
Kind of like teenagers who want to be treated like an adult when it comes to adult privileges but treated like a kid when it comes to adult responsibilities. Which is it, are we a vehicle or not?
The vast majority of cyclists mainly drive for transportation and cycle for recreation. As drivers it irks you to see bicyclists getting away with something. As a cyclist you feel guilty when you even think about rolling through that intersection. I am not in the slightest risk of getting T-boned when I blow through a red light because I wouldn't be blowing the red if there was cross traffic to T-bone me. Its the disapproval of the stopped traffic going in the same direction that the goody-two-shoes are afraid of. I wonder why. As soon as they get the green and catch up and pass the cyclist that has them so hot and bothered s/he is forgotten. Utterly. On to the next thing.
Despite the immense horsepower advantage of a car over a bicycle, the realities of infrastructure limits most cars to an average of 17mph. I can average 15mph some days commuting like a bicycle. Other days its closer to 12mph. The difference is usually wind. Most cars are not affected one way or the other by wind. Driven like a car my average speed on a bicyle would be closer to 5mph to 8mph and I would be better off jogging my 7.5mi. commute. People who can get in cars with speed potentials of 100mph and accept a 17mph average as acceptable won't have too much sympathy if a cyclist gives up 2/3 of their potential top speed to behaving well on the road. But I'm not going to be shamed into it. Sorry.
H
#73
GATC

Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 8,838
Likes: 181
From: south Puget Sound
Every few months I think a light has missed me so I go through when I can. More frequently, but not too frequently, if I'm going along the top of a T I might roll through it.
Stop signs are definitely roll-throughs.
The last couple of days my daughter and I rode through a street closed for construction; on the sidewalk (not closed) during work hours, and just on the not-dug-up part of the street when they left it closed after work rather than put that metal plate back over the hole.
Stop signs are definitely roll-throughs.
The last couple of days my daughter and I rode through a street closed for construction; on the sidewalk (not closed) during work hours, and just on the not-dug-up part of the street when they left it closed after work rather than put that metal plate back over the hole.
#75
I try to obey. I look three and four times.
However, if I am at a stop light and via mirror see or "hear" a car speeding towards me approaching the stop light--- I get the hell out of the way.
Tywo years ago, I was quite proud of my mastery of road riding. Then one day my fragile bubble burst. As I waited in the far right lane (for the light to turn green)--- a police officer approached in a marked squad car, blew his "horn", turned on the sirens and did the microphone/intercom thingamajig at me. That intercom thing was LOUD. He yelled, "GET OUT OF THE WAY! NOW!"
He was very aggressive and kept blowing his horn/siren. I was quite embarrassed. He scared the crap out of me. The looks on the faces of the drivers was one of horror. I felt like crying. It was very intimidating. Did I say I was embarrased? He was literally right on my back wheel.
I refuse to bicker with drivers. Its whatever. I get out of the way quickly.
However, if I am at a stop light and via mirror see or "hear" a car speeding towards me approaching the stop light--- I get the hell out of the way.
Tywo years ago, I was quite proud of my mastery of road riding. Then one day my fragile bubble burst. As I waited in the far right lane (for the light to turn green)--- a police officer approached in a marked squad car, blew his "horn", turned on the sirens and did the microphone/intercom thingamajig at me. That intercom thing was LOUD. He yelled, "GET OUT OF THE WAY! NOW!"
He was very aggressive and kept blowing his horn/siren. I was quite embarrassed. He scared the crap out of me. The looks on the faces of the drivers was one of horror. I felt like crying. It was very intimidating. Did I say I was embarrased? He was literally right on my back wheel.
I refuse to bicker with drivers. Its whatever. I get out of the way quickly.
Last time I checked motorists were expected to give priority to emergency vehicles - fire trucks, ambulances and police cars with lights and sirens. Why should bicycles be an exception?
Last edited by Burton; 07-20-12 at 04:22 AM.




it's more like student housing than anything else
