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Bikers & Road Rules

Discussion in 'Broadlands Community Issues' started by glencastle, May 16, 2014.

  1. glencastle

    glencastle The Paterfamilias

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    As I approached the 4-way stop at Claiborne and Ridgeway a couple nights ago, there were a group of bikers in front of me heading toward the intersection. It was about 6:30-7pm, so there was still a fair amount of traffic, with cars stopped at all 4 approaches. The bikers slowed (a bit) and breezed right through the intersection without stopping...almost had someone who had already stopped pull out in front of them.

    So my question is: Drivers get told to "share the road", but the bikers are allowed to ignore traffic signs and blow through intersections? And if they got hit, it would be the driver's fault....what gives?
     
    sri_n likes this.
  2. sri_n

    sri_n Member

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    I saw something similar as well the other day - a single biker was in the lane next to me, and as I slowed to stop for the red light - he looks left and right, decides there is no cross traffic, and blows right through. I would think that if you are a biker on the road - you should follow the same rules as the rest of the traffic on the road. if you are biking on the sidewalk, then you should follow the same rules as a pedestrian would. I bike occasionally, and I do apply this rule to myself. This works when you are either by yourself or maybe with one other person or at a stop light. At a stop sign - it does get a bit more confusing.. because I think groups end up considering their entire group as the "one vehicle per stop".

    However, most bikers I see on the road seem to adjust the rules to their convenience based on the situation they are in.
     
    blunoz likes this.
  3. LightningBuggs

    LightningBuggs Member

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    I've seen the exact same thing at the same intersection. In fact, as I sat at the intersection ready to take my turn, the lead biker in a pack breezed thru and held up her hand for me to stop and pointed at the group behind her. They all breezed thru at full speed as I sat and watched, laughing. Entitlement...sheesh.

    But, yes, bicyclists are "supposed" to be obeying by the same laws as motor vehicle drivers.
     
  4. Silly Yak

    Silly Yak Member

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    I cycle, on the roads, and they should at least slow to a point where stopping requires only a few feet. I will often come up to a stop sign, slow to a walk, and go if it is clear.
     
    blunoz likes this.
  5. Mr Rogers

    Mr Rogers Active Member

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    While cyclists should always be cautious (bicycles DONT HAVE FENDER-BENDERS!) don't think that we want to open up the can of worms of cyclists have the exact same rights and responsibilities as cars. If that were true, I could just chug-a-lug in the middle of the traffic lane at 15 mph, and no cars could go around if there is a solid yellow line. Not good for anyone.

    [sarc] And I (and every other car driver) always come to a complete stop for every stop sign![/sarc]
     
  6. jdhauer

    jdhauer Active Member

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    Going back to rights and responsibilities.....

    I leave the house before 5:30 every morning. It is dark out, so dark that I usually use my high beams just to see the inevitable joggers dressed all in black or the guy who wanted to cross Ashburn Farm Parkway in the middle of the road while wearing a dark gray business suit....

    Two mornings this week now, there have been cyclists coming down the Broadlands Boulevard hill from Belmont Ridge Road. They did not have lights on the front or the back of their bicycles.

    Please, if you are going to bike before dawn, you need a light on your bike!
     
    PDILLM, VoiceGuy07 and blunoz like this.

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