CS So 40 intersections over 16 months. At 480 days * 40 intersections, a single violation at each intersection each day would be 19,200 violations. So reality is a tiny fraction of that, and as noted in my post below, some % of these violations are actually safe and legal do to the leading pedestrian interval.
SO Good math, C. If my numbers are right, there were 40 violations by drivers of cars for each one by a person riding a bike. Strange lead on this story, then, don't you think?
CS Given that DC law allows cyclists to proceed through a vehicular red light if the pedestrian walk signal turns to walk (a "leading pedestrian interval") and these LPIs are everywhere in DC, some significant percentage of these "violations" are, in fact, completely safe and legal.
This is both a huge error in this "journalism" and a further roadblock to issuing red light camera violations to cyclists if this is, in fact, something that anyone thinks is worth the time, money and energy to implement given how little actual danger cyclists pose to anyone but themselves.
As someone who regularly has to slam on brakes to avoid hitting cyclists running red lights and stop signs, I don't see this as "perfectly safe." As a former competitive cyclist, I'm all in favor of riders being treated fairly and am well aware of the abuse they can take from drivers. But, pulled up in front of me when I'm stopped at a light, smacking my mirror when passing me when I'm stopped at a light and running red lights and stop lighters in traffic are not doing anybody any favors. We need to share the road.
Yeah, but what about the bicyclists whipping up quietly behind me ON THE SIDEWALKS? Why aren't they getting ticketed? Scary when you ambling along and might be wending around a bit...
It is illegal to block 48" ada wheelchair access on sidewalks because bicyclists impose safety issue on disabled who need sidewalk, we have priority, and u can walk your bike but not actively ride on sidewalks which impose danger, injury to wheelchair and the mobility impaired pedestrians.
Here is what DC says: What are the most important traffic laws I should know when bicycling in DC?
Bicyclists traveling on roadways have all the general rights and duties of vehicle drivers Helmet use is mandatory for cyclists under the age of 16. Helmet use is strongly recommended for all others. Cycling on sidewalks is permitted outside of the DC Central Business District. Cyclists must yield to pedestrians on sidewalks.
DC says: Bicyclists traveling on roadways have all the general rights and duties of vehicle drivers Helmet use is mandatory for cyclists under the age of 16. Helmet use is strongly recommended for all others. Cycling on sidewalks is permitted outside of the DC Central Business District. Cyclists must yield to pedestrians on sidewalks.
From the "Pocket Guide to DC Bike Laws" -> "Q: Is it legal to ride on the sidewalk? A: While not recommended safe cycling practice in most instances, DC code states that cyclists are allowed to ride on the sidewalk as long as they are outside the central business district (CBD). The CBD is bounded by 2nd Street NE and SE, D Street SE and SW, 14th Street SW and NW, Constitution Ave NW, 23rd Street NW, and Massachusetts Ave NW." Link: http://ddot.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/ddot/publication/attachments/DC-Bike-Law-Pocket-Guide-Oct2012.pdf
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteCS
ReplyDeleteSo 40 intersections over 16 months. At 480 days * 40 intersections, a single violation at each intersection each day would be 19,200 violations. So reality is a tiny fraction of that, and as noted in my post below, some % of these violations are actually safe and legal do to the leading pedestrian interval.
SO
Good math, C. If my numbers are right, there were 40 violations by drivers of cars for each one by a person riding a bike. Strange lead on this story, then, don't you think?
CS
Given that DC law allows cyclists to proceed through a vehicular red light if the pedestrian walk signal turns to walk (a "leading pedestrian interval") and these LPIs are everywhere in DC, some significant percentage of these "violations" are, in fact, completely safe and legal.
This is both a huge error in this "journalism" and a further roadblock to issuing red light camera violations to cyclists if this is, in fact, something that anyone thinks is worth the time, money and energy to implement given how little actual danger cyclists pose to anyone but themselves.
Some localities have figured out that this is perfectly safe when done within limits: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Idaho_stop
ReplyDeleteWould love to see the numbers if the cameras caught pedestrians crossing against the 'Do Not Walk' sign or outside of a crosswalk.
As someone who regularly has to slam on brakes to avoid hitting cyclists running red lights and stop signs, I don't see this as "perfectly safe." As a former competitive cyclist, I'm all in favor of riders being treated fairly and am well aware of the abuse they can take from drivers. But, pulled up in front of me when I'm stopped at a light, smacking my mirror when passing me when I'm stopped at a light and running red lights and stop lighters in traffic are not doing anybody any favors. We need to share the road.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteYeah, but what about the bicyclists whipping up quietly behind me ON THE SIDEWALKS? Why aren't they getting ticketed? Scary when you ambling along and might be wending around a bit...
ReplyDeleteIt's not illegal to ride a bike on a sidewalk outside of the CBD.
DeleteIt is illegal to block 48" ada wheelchair access on sidewalks because bicyclists impose safety issue on disabled who need sidewalk, we have priority, and u can walk your bike but not actively ride on sidewalks which impose danger, injury to wheelchair and the mobility impaired pedestrians.
ReplyDeleteHere is what DC says: What are the most important traffic laws I should know when bicycling in DC?
ReplyDeleteBicyclists traveling on roadways have all the general rights and duties of vehicle drivers
Helmet use is mandatory for cyclists under the age of 16. Helmet use is strongly recommended for all others.
Cycling on sidewalks is permitted outside of the DC Central Business District. Cyclists must yield to pedestrians on sidewalks.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteDC says:
ReplyDeleteBicyclists traveling on roadways have all the general rights and duties of vehicle drivers
Helmet use is mandatory for cyclists under the age of 16. Helmet use is strongly recommended for all others.
Cycling on sidewalks is permitted outside of the DC Central Business District. Cyclists must yield to pedestrians on sidewalks.
From the "Pocket Guide to DC Bike Laws" -> "Q: Is it legal to ride on the sidewalk? A: While not recommended safe cycling practice in most instances, DC code states that cyclists are allowed to ride on the sidewalk as long as they are outside the central business district (CBD). The CBD is bounded by 2nd Street NE and SE, D Street SE and SW, 14th Street SW and NW, Constitution Ave NW, 23rd Street NW, and Massachusetts Ave NW." Link: http://ddot.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/ddot/publication/attachments/DC-Bike-Law-Pocket-Guide-Oct2012.pdf
ReplyDelete