What is the appropriate action when you unintentionally block a crosswalk?
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Anonymous
I was not citing law nor commenting on the OP's specific situation. The PP asked how one would ride across a certain crosswalk. My answer was to follow common bike etiquette as expressed by AAA. |
Anonymous
AAA did not mention etiquette. They suggested dismounting at a crosswalk because you MIGHT not have right of way other wise. AFAICT a person on a bike in a crosswalk in Virginia has the same right of way riding or dismounted. The standard approach, legal in Virginia and done by 99% of cyclists there, is to cross that location riding. It does not interfere with pedestrians any more than riding on the trails it connects to do. Note it is also legal to ride a bike on the sidewalk everywhere in Arlington. But this crosswalk connects trails, so the notion that someone is "an ass" for riding there is particularly absurd. Even more so that its being used to defend an actual illegal action, blocking a crosswalk. |
Anonymous
I wasn't the one that posted that the person was an ass. I was the person who posted about the bicycle etiquette I learned. I still dismount at crosswalks like that and sure as heck make sure the drivers see me. I may be right to zip across on a bike, but being right and dead does me no good. |
Anonymous
I have been through that crosswalk about a thousand times, mostly riding, several times as pedestrian without a bike and occasionally (because gridlocked traffic makes it impossible to bike through) dismounted. There is no safety advantage to dismounting - and because you get across faster, before more traffic comes along, there can be a safety advantage to riding. Note, AAA did not say that it was safer, just that in SOME PLACES, you might not have right of way if you do not dismount. |
Anonymous
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Let's please get back to the point of this
Cyclist hits the trunk of my car as he goes around (he had been riding on the sidewalk). He's a douche right? The cyclist is not a douche for riding on the sidewalk (unless this in the Central Business District of DC, or on King Street in Old Town Alexandria, where sidewalk riding IS illegal) Nor for riding in the crosswalk. The cyclist is, IMO, over the top in hitting the trunk in an instance where its too late for the driver to back out of the crosswalk. The driver's error is common, and sometimes quite dangerous, but we need to save our anger for worse things. |
Anonymous
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Quick Reference Guide to Bicycle Laws in Virginia: Rules While Riding
Cyclists are expected to use signals to let others know their intentions. Left turn: left arm should be extended horizontal position straight from and level with the shoulder Right turn: left arm should be extended upward or Right arm extended upward Slow down: left arm should be extended downward or Right arm extended upward If you are traveling less than 35 mph, the signal should be given continuously for a distance of 50 feet before slowing down, stopping, turning or partly turning. The signals must be made but do not have to be made continuously if both hands are needed to control the bike. § 46.2-849 When making a left turn at an intersection with traffic signs or signals, a cyclist may make the turn as a vehicle would, as a pedestrian would or by stopping and walking the bike through the crosswalks. § 46.2-847 If riding with other riders, you should not ride more than two by two. If you ride two by two, you should not impede traffic, and if being passed, you should move to single file. § 46.2-905 If you are riding your bike on a roadway you may not attach yourself to any other vehicle on the roadway. § 46.2-932 Where You May Ride Virginia law allows you to ride your bicycle on sidewalks. § 46.2-903 But A county, city or town may prohibit bikes from sidewalks or crosswalks, but they must post signs conspicuously in the general area where bikes are prohibited. § 46.2-904 If you ride your bike on a sidewalk, shared-use path, or across a roadway in the crosswalk, you must yield the right of way to any pedestrian, and you must given an audible signal before overtaking and passing a pedestrian. § 46.2-904 If you are riding your bike on a sidewalk, shared use path, or across a roadway in the crosswalk, you have the same rights and duties as a pedestrian. § 46.2-904 On a roadway you must ride as close as possible to the right curb or edge of the road, except: When you are passing another vehicle going in the same direction When you are preparing to make a left turn When you must avoid objects, pedestrians or other hazards When you need to avoid being in a right turn only lane When you are on a one way street you may ride as close to the left as possible |
Anonymous
Fine. Imagine it's a pedestrian, maybe someone pushing a stroller or a person in a wheelchair, who has to squeeze behind you because you're blocking the crosswalk, and slaps the trunk of your car as they walk past. They are 100 percent entitled to be in the crosswalk. |
Anonymous
+1 million. I stroller walk a lot with my baby and it amazes me how many middle aged drivers don't back up out of the crosswalk so a person can cross with a baby. Often we can't go around the car without being put at serious risk. I've even made waving motions trying to get the people to back up, and often they don't. |
Anonymous
I live and walk in Old Town with a stroller all the time (sometimes not occupied because I’m going to pick up my kid). I have been almost hit so many times by people sitting in the middle of the intersection coming towards me on Henry. Now, I make eye contact with every driver before I walk in front of them just to MAKE SURE they see me. I am afraid for my child. |
Anonymous
https://local.theonion.com/pedestrian-crossing-street-makes-sure-to-look-at-approa-1832430875 |
Anonymous
Are you actually quoting an organization that lobbies on behalf of drivers on how people should ride bikes? Do you also quote the coal industry for the best ways to stop climate change? SMH |
Anonymous
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You’re an asshole.
Well, actually an asshole douche. How could you not realize that when someone told you even? |