Do you ever...
#26
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If I understand the OP's explanation, this isn't a case of "would you roll a stop sign".
The cyclist in question here put himself in danger and behaved as if it was someone else's job to keep him safe.
That's really different than your example of the right-turn lane in my opinion. I'll take the lane specifically so the slow moving vehicle behind me will see me and not pass me during the turn. All that vehicle has to do is follow traffic laws, and no one gets injured (and I'm not bothered at all by the 2-3 second delay I may have created for the driver). That's a big difference from a fast-moving cyclist assuming that the driver of a pickup was going to waive right-of-way at a 4-way stop.
#27
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My worst crash was at the bottom of a hill in San Francisco where the city had decided not to raise the level of the manhole cover to the height of the regraded surface. Only time I've ever actually flown over the handlebars.
Not a common situation, which is probably why I didn't know that black manhole cover on black tar street actually camouflages the grade difference when you're approaching downhill.
#28
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If I understand the OP's explanation, this isn't a case of "would you roll a stop sign".
The cyclist in question here put himself in danger and behaved as if it was someone else's job to keep him safe.
That's really different than your example of the right-turn lane in my opinion. I'll take the lane specifically so the slow moving vehicle behind me will see me and not pass me during the turn. All that vehicle has to do is follow traffic laws, and no one gets injured (and I'm not bothered at all by the 2-3 second delay I may have created for the driver). That's a big difference from a fast-moving cyclist assuming that the driver of a pickup was going to waive right-of-way at a 4-way stop.
The cyclist in question here put himself in danger and behaved as if it was someone else's job to keep him safe.
That's really different than your example of the right-turn lane in my opinion. I'll take the lane specifically so the slow moving vehicle behind me will see me and not pass me during the turn. All that vehicle has to do is follow traffic laws, and no one gets injured (and I'm not bothered at all by the 2-3 second delay I may have created for the driver). That's a big difference from a fast-moving cyclist assuming that the driver of a pickup was going to waive right-of-way at a 4-way stop.
I roll lots of stop signs, I never endanger myself doing so. For example, at a three way intersection, where there is literally no traffic lane crossing the breakdown lane I'm riding on, I will do this right in plain view of drivers. In that situation, I might as well be riding on the sidewalk as far as my relevance to the drivers' operations of their vehicles. I have decided I am marginally safer keeping my momentum and balance rather than having to stop and put down a foot for no good reason. Occasionally, a driver will let me know of their disagreement with my decision. I have decided not to care about that because frankly, I think it just shows they haven't really calculated the value of my making sure I'm going to remain out of their way. I'm not an ambassador, I'm traffic trying to get through the day in one piece.
I mention the right hand turn lane issue precisely because that's an area where I constantly get honked at, yelled at and even threatened because I'm actually following the law and the safest practice. It demonstrates the futility of trying to enact your riding as if it were some sort of morality play to show drivers cyclists aren't bad.
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I'm going to have to say with a confident, "it depends." If I can see the intersecting road for like a quarter mile in either direction and ensure that the way will be clear when I get to the intersection, then I'd probably shoot the moon. However, most of the times that's not guaranteed, so if I don't have 100% assurance there won't be any cross traffic (including pedestrians), then I'll choose safety over convenience every time.
#30
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The reason why I asked this question, is because about a week or so ago I saw a cyclist barrelling down a hill toward a 4 way stop. I was 50 yards or so behind him, and had full view of the situation. He obviously could see vehicles coming toward him, and could see to the right of the intersection, as the view wasn't obstructed. But to the left, the view was obstructed by many trees. There were no vehicles around until he got within about 30 yards from the intersection. All of a sudden, a black pick-up truck pulled up to the stop sign. The cyclist put out his left palm toward the truck, as if to direct the driver to "stay put" so he could fly right on by. Well, the driver either did not see him do that, or didn't adhere to the instructions because he pulled out right in front of the bike. Luckily, the cyclist got it stopped with only inches to spare. I didn't think he would, and just knew it was gonna be bad. The cyclist then let the truck driver know exactly what he thought about him not giving way.
#31
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I don't change safety protocol for a segment, hill, or otherwise. I do the same things one way or another.
Let me explain.
-all-stop situations: If it's an all-way stop, cars get more confused with the friendly wave they give you than if you had just gone. If I'm on the bike and I get to an all-way stop, it's head-on-a-swivel and motor on through. The times I've almost been hit by a car is when I arrive first but don't blow it. I would stop, then one of two things happens. One, the car tries to be nice and wave you on despite them arriving first. Then everyone is confused, and someone else tries to go. Two, you arrive first but don't blow it. The car tries to beat you, because you're a bike and they're a ******.
-tee junctions: I judge it by the visibility. If people have even a chance at not seeing me, or me them, I stop. Period. I'll roll one if it's pan flat, zero plants or signs, and you can see for miles. Otherwise, all stop.
Even if your riding protocol is flawed, you must at least be consistent. If you're inconsistent about your decision making, that's where the problems will crop up. If you consistently do something, you at least know what to expect and look for. If you act inconsistently, you don't know what to expect.
Let me explain.
-all-stop situations: If it's an all-way stop, cars get more confused with the friendly wave they give you than if you had just gone. If I'm on the bike and I get to an all-way stop, it's head-on-a-swivel and motor on through. The times I've almost been hit by a car is when I arrive first but don't blow it. I would stop, then one of two things happens. One, the car tries to be nice and wave you on despite them arriving first. Then everyone is confused, and someone else tries to go. Two, you arrive first but don't blow it. The car tries to beat you, because you're a bike and they're a ******.
-tee junctions: I judge it by the visibility. If people have even a chance at not seeing me, or me them, I stop. Period. I'll roll one if it's pan flat, zero plants or signs, and you can see for miles. Otherwise, all stop.
Even if your riding protocol is flawed, you must at least be consistent. If you're inconsistent about your decision making, that's where the problems will crop up. If you consistently do something, you at least know what to expect and look for. If you act inconsistently, you don't know what to expect.
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#32
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I mention the right hand turn lane issue precisely because that's an area where I constantly get honked at, yelled at and even threatened because I'm actually following the law and the safest practice. It demonstrates the futility of trying to enact your riding as if it were some sort of morality play to show drivers cyclists aren't bad.
#33
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I don't change safety protocol for a segment, hill, or otherwise. I do the same things one way or another.
Let me explain.
-all-stop situations: If it's an all-way stop, cars get more confused with the friendly wave they give you than if you had just gone. If I'm on the bike and I get to an all-way stop, it's head-on-a-swivel and motor on through. The times I've almost been hit by a car is when I arrive first but don't blow it. I would stop, then one of two things happens. One, the car tries to be nice and wave you on despite them arriving first. Then everyone is confused, and someone else tries to go. Two, you arrive first but don't blow it. The car tries to beat you, because you're a bike and they're a ******.
-tee junctions: I judge it by the visibility. If people have even a chance at not seeing me, or me them, I stop. Period. I'll roll one if it's pan flat, zero plants or signs, and you can see for miles. Otherwise, all stop.
Even if your riding protocol is flawed, you must at least be consistent. If you're inconsistent about your decision making, that's where the problems will crop up. If you consistently do something, you at least know what to expect and look for. If you act inconsistently, you don't know what to expect.
Let me explain.
-all-stop situations: If it's an all-way stop, cars get more confused with the friendly wave they give you than if you had just gone. If I'm on the bike and I get to an all-way stop, it's head-on-a-swivel and motor on through. The times I've almost been hit by a car is when I arrive first but don't blow it. I would stop, then one of two things happens. One, the car tries to be nice and wave you on despite them arriving first. Then everyone is confused, and someone else tries to go. Two, you arrive first but don't blow it. The car tries to beat you, because you're a bike and they're a ******.
-tee junctions: I judge it by the visibility. If people have even a chance at not seeing me, or me them, I stop. Period. I'll roll one if it's pan flat, zero plants or signs, and you can see for miles. Otherwise, all stop.
Even if your riding protocol is flawed, you must at least be consistent. If you're inconsistent about your decision making, that's where the problems will crop up. If you consistently do something, you at least know what to expect and look for. If you act inconsistently, you don't know what to expect.
#34
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I ride for enjoyment first and fitness second. I will make an Idaho stop at intersections that are stop sign only with no near traffic. Otherwise, I stop and wait for most stop lights unless my weight does not trigger the light and there is no other traffic.
In SoCal there are cyclist fatalities weekly. People here will run you down then flee. Happens all the time. I do not need to enhance the odds of being another fatality.
I have had other cyclists blow by me on busy intersections at red lights. Guess they have to move up on the Strava ladder.
In SoCal there are cyclist fatalities weekly. People here will run you down then flee. Happens all the time. I do not need to enhance the odds of being another fatality.
I have had other cyclists blow by me on busy intersections at red lights. Guess they have to move up on the Strava ladder.
#35
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Yeah. Hope I didn't sound critical of you for the right-hand turn issue. Sure -- it upsets a few drivers, but taking the lane is the safest course. To stay to the right invites the car to pass . . . plenty safe for the car but not the cyclist. I think we agree that's different than blowing a blind stop sign at high speed.
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#36
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I ride for enjoyment first and fitness second. I will make an Idaho stop at intersections that are stop sign only with no near traffic. Otherwise, I stop and wait for most stop lights unless my weight does not trigger the light and there is no other traffic.
In SoCal there are cyclist fatalities weekly. People here will run you down then flee. Happens all the time. I do not need to enhance the odds of being another fatality.
I have had other cyclists blow by me on busy intersections at red lights. Guess they have to move up on the Strava ladder.
In SoCal there are cyclist fatalities weekly. People here will run you down then flee. Happens all the time. I do not need to enhance the odds of being another fatality.
I have had other cyclists blow by me on busy intersections at red lights. Guess they have to move up on the Strava ladder.
#37
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I blow through 4 way stops all the time when I see no pedestrians or cars present. I trust my ability to assess the safety of the situation and in 13 years of commuting 5 days a week have never crashed or had an incident with another vehicle or pedestrian. Honestly, the only close calls I've had are with other cyclists doing the same thing as me.
I don't advocate my riding style as being safe or correct. Just answering honestly.
I don't advocate my riding style as being safe or correct. Just answering honestly.
#39
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All of a sudden, a black pick-up truck pulled up to the stop sign. The cyclist put out his left palm toward the truck, as if to direct the driver to "stay put" so he could fly right on by. Well, the driver either did not see him do that, or didn't adhere to the instructions because he pulled out right in front of the bike.
Giving instructions to a vehicle like that!? Ha good luck!! Just to blast through when you don't have right of way...
#40
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Bad idea. Always. If someone blasts through and smashes you flat, your life is over. So far, it's fair.
But the other person (if not a sociopath) suffers the mental anguish that comes from harming another person. You don't have the right to inflict that on someone.
And what of other bike riders in your area? Now you've contributed to painting them with the "reckless and rule defying" brush. Nice job.
But the other person (if not a sociopath) suffers the mental anguish that comes from harming another person. You don't have the right to inflict that on someone.
And what of other bike riders in your area? Now you've contributed to painting them with the "reckless and rule defying" brush. Nice job.
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#44
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I ride for enjoyment first and fitness second. I will make an Idaho stop at intersections that are stop sign only with no near traffic. Otherwise, I stop and wait for most stop lights unless my weight does not trigger the light and there is no other traffic.
In SoCal there are cyclist fatalities weekly. People here will run you down then flee. Happens all the time. I do not need to enhance the odds of being another fatality.
I have had other cyclists blow by me on busy intersections at red lights. Guess they have to move up on the Strava ladder.
In SoCal there are cyclist fatalities weekly. People here will run you down then flee. Happens all the time. I do not need to enhance the odds of being another fatality.
I have had other cyclists blow by me on busy intersections at red lights. Guess they have to move up on the Strava ladder.
#45
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#49
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#50
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+1 Also: I used to take risks as a bike and ski racer, but that seems like a potential killer, literally, and for what... why are you on the bike?