Speeding Thru a School Zone...on a bicycle!

[GordonH]

50-YEARS-in-Ktown unfortunately I'm seeing more often cyclist doing the Idaho stop at traffic lights (red light means Stop). Sooner or later one of these cyclists is going to end up in traction or worst (pine box).

While I don't condone this behaviour by my fellow cyclists I'll pose this question, what's the situation where they are doing this? Are they causing cars to have to brake prematurely? Is the intersection clear of traffic?

As a cyclist I've had my frustration level tested because I'm stuck at an intersection that doesn't have a camera or any method to recognize a bicycle waiting ... too many times of that at an intersection and I'd be tempted ... but just like when I jaywalk (god forbid I just admitted to breaking the law!) I make sure that my actions won't affect anyone else using the road ... it's the same reasoning that people use to speed because it "makes traffic flow smoother"

Ask someone why they're doing something and it starts the dialogue ... tell someone they're doing something wrong and it just shuts it down before it can get started ...

I don't have any issues doing Idaho stop at Stop signs, just not at traffic lights. To cyclists who do this at traffic lights, don't be looking for compensation if you are hit by someone who's light is green.

[ifwisheswerehorses]

I don't have any issues doing Idaho stop at Stop signs, just not at traffic lights. To cyclists who do this at traffic lights, don't be looking for compensation if you are hit by someone who's light is green.

I disagree. I've seen plenty of instances where cars were turning and the cyclists went through anyways. Sure they slow down but that only gives drivers the impression that they are stopping when in fact they are just going right through. Then everyone jumps on the bandwagon and criticizes drivers for not looking.

[spooker]

I don't have any issues doing Idaho stop at Stop signs, just not at traffic lights. To cyclists who do this at traffic lights, don't be looking for compensation if you are hit by someone who's light is green.

I disagree. I've seen plenty of instances where cars were turning and the cyclists went through anyways. Sure they slow down but that only gives drivers the impression that they are stopping when in fact they are just going right through. Then everyone jumps on the bandwagon and criticizes drivers for not looking.

It's interesting to look at the Wikipedia entry for the Idaho Stop and see that the "for" camp has real data to support them while the "no" camp is mainly coming from a "gut feel" and "moralistic" point.

When the cyclist is smart and aware (there are more of us fitting those qualifications than you might think) an Idaho Stop can pay off for everyone ... here is the real world take on it: http://www.bikelaw.com/2016/01/27/living-with-stop-as-yield-for-cyclists/

The key to surviving the road is awareness and communication ...

[mexi cali]

There's speeding and then there's speeing. IN school zones, don't. On residential streets, don't.

[Dizzy1]

In regards to stop signs - there's too many of them as is - many could be easily replaced as yield signs - but then drivers/cyclists have to pay a bit more attention - ah, never mind

[GordonH]

In regards to stop signs - there's too many of them as is - many could be easily replaced as yield signs - but then drivers/cyclists have to pay a bit more attention - ah, never mind

Could see large increase at both Emergency & ICBC claims, if that were to happen. lol