Why do cyclists cut to the front of the line at stop signs and red lights?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Why do cyclists cut to the front of the line at stop signs and red lights?

Why do dogs lick their balls?

I would too if I could

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:... But it is not illegal for a cyclist to cut to the head of the line at stop signs and red lights in DC - it is called spawning, and it is legal ....

This poster is correct; it is perfectly legal and proper for bicyclists to pass on the right when cars are stopped. Here is a helpful summary of bicycle laws published by the Washington DC Department of Transportation. http://ddot.dc.gov/DC/DDOT/Publication%20Files/On%20Your%20Street/Bicycles%20and%20Pedestrians/bike-ped_traffic_reg_summary.pdf Here are two key passages:

Where to Ride: Ride with the flow of traffic as closely as practical to the right-hand curb or edge of
roadway or left-hand curb on one-way streets. Full lane use allowed when traveling at
the normal speed of traffic, passing, preparing for a turn, avoiding hazards, traveling in
a lane 11 feet wide or less, avoiding a mandatory turn lane and when necessary for the
bicyclist's safety

Passing Cars: Allowed to pass on left or right, in the same lane or changing lanes, or pass off road

Note that the general requirement that bicyclists follow the same rules (and receive the same considerations) as cars is not absolute. That general requirement applies only when more specific rules for bicyclists do not supersede or conflict with the general requirements. These rules allowing bicycles to pass on the right, and to operate outside the normal car lanes, is one example of where the rules of the road explicitly give bicyclists more options than cars have. Bicyclists are not required to use the full lane at all times, but are allowed to use the full lane in various circumstances (e.g., traveling at the speed of traffic, traveling in narrow lanes, when necessary for safety, etc).

If you search on the internet, you also can find lots of articles and posts about why it makes good practical (and safe) sense for bicyclists to pass stopped lines of cars.

[Anonymous]

I bike and I do this b/c I am more visible to cars that way. I know lots of drivers get filled with rage whenever they see a bike, but I'd rather that happen then they run me over without even seeing me.

There are "bike boxes" like a PP described in Portland at some intersections in DC, specifically to encourage bikers to come up to the front at a red light. I know they are at 16th and U, and perhaps other places.

(And yes I drive and walk too so I know SOME bikers are irresponsible, in that they don't stop at lights, go way too fast on sidewalks, etc. It is likewise true that SOME drivers and SOME pedestrians are irresponsible.)

[Anonymous]

When in my beater I let them tail gate me and slam on the brakes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Freeman wrote:Wait, you've seen a cyclist stop at a stop sign or red light? I didn't think any of them ever did that unless absolutely forced to.

Yeah, I never see them stop. I've started honking to scare the crap out of them when the blow a light or stop sign.

As a cyclist, the rudest thing you can do is honk at someone who is riding. But, maybe you are trying to be rude. The law states that bikes have the right of way, and that they should take the lane, so they are seen.

Running red lights and stop signs does not count as having the right of way or taking a lane.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Running red lights and stop signs does not count as having the right of way or taking a lane.

Correct. You should criticize bicyclists when they run red lights or stop signs. You also should criticize any pedestrians who cross streets against the walk sign. You also should criticize any drivers who exceed the speed limit, any drivers who fail to give bicyclists at least 3 feet of clearance, any drivers who fail to yield to pedestrians when turning right, any drivers who use phones while driving, etc.

As long as you're even-handed in your criticism, I completely agree with you. Do you promise to criticize all these lawbreakers equally? Or are you reserving most of your criticism for bicyclists?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Running red lights and stop signs does not count as having the right of way or taking a lane.

Correct. You should criticize bicyclists when they run red lights or stop signs. You also should criticize any pedestrians who cross streets against the walk sign. You also should criticize any drivers who exceed the speed limit, any drivers who fail to give bicyclists at least 3 feet of clearance, any drivers who fail to yield to pedestrians when turning right, any drivers who use phones while driving, etc.

As long as you're even-handed in your criticism, I completely agree with you. Do you promise to criticize all these lawbreakers equally? Or are you reserving most of your criticism for bicyclists?

Oh get off your high horse. There's no moral obligation to criticize all people equally.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Oh get off your high horse. There's no moral obligation to criticize all people equally.

Good, because I save my harshest criticism for jerkoff motorists who make whiny complaints about seeing a bicycle not stop fully for some stop sign. Whoop-de-shit.

[Anonymous]

Welcome to the new DC where people want to live in apartments without cars, party until we puke, and don't give a shit about your Euro SUV and yoga pants.

Get used to it, because there will only be more cyclists on DC roads in the future.

As I like to tell whining motorists, "There's always Virginia."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:As I like to tell whining motorists, "There's always Virginia."

Hey, keep them crazy car drivers out of Arlington

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Running red lights and stop signs does not count as having the right of way or taking a lane.

Correct. You should criticize bicyclists when they run red lights or stop signs. You also should criticize any pedestrians who cross streets against the walk sign. You also should criticize any drivers who exceed the speed limit, any drivers who fail to give bicyclists at least 3 feet of clearance, any drivers who fail to yield to pedestrians when turning right, any drivers who use phones while driving, etc.

As long as you're even-handed in your criticism, I completely agree with you. Do you promise to criticize all these lawbreakers equally? Or are you reserving most of your criticism for bicyclists?

I criticize all equally. But this thread, as well as the post I responded to, was about cyclists.

[Anonymous]

I cycle a lot on DC neighborhood roads with 4-way stop signs every block. It's ridiculous how many cars zoom by me mid-block, and then swerve into me at the stop sign. I am not going slowly, same speed as the cars. I roll my eyes, and an thankful I'm not hit every time, but laws - if I were a car, there would be none of this behavior. Honestly, these drivers appear to be ignorant and prejudiced.

[Anonymous]

why are we still allowing motorists in the center of our citys

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Running red lights and stop signs does not count as having the right of way or taking a lane.

Correct. You should criticize bicyclists when they run red lights or stop signs. You also should criticize any pedestrians who cross streets against the walk sign. You also should criticize any drivers who exceed the speed limit, any drivers who fail to give bicyclists at least 3 feet of clearance, any drivers who fail to yield to pedestrians when turning right, any drivers who use phones while driving, etc.

As long as you're even-handed in your criticism, I completely agree with you. Do you promise to criticize all these lawbreakers equally? Or are you reserving most of your criticism for bicyclists?

I criticize all equally. But this thread, as well as the post I responded to, was about cyclists.

If you, as a driver, can't handle it, then maybe you need to stick to the metro or take the bus!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Welcome to the new DC where people want to live in apartments without cars, party until we puke, and don't give a shit about your Euro SUV and yoga pants.

Get used to it, because there will only be more cyclists on DC roads in the future.

As I like to tell whining motorists, "There's always Virginia."

Then bikers need to stop acting like pedestrians when it is convenient.

I have learned one valuable thing from this thread -- that bikers hate being honked at. Whenever I can, I walk, but I plan to do this at least once each time I am on the road henceforth.