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

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I ride on my bike, in traffic, a fair amount and I don't understand why so many cyclists do this. If I approach a traffic light, I get in my place directly behind the car in front of me. If I were to go to the front of the line, then all the cars I passed in order to do so would then have to re-pass me once the light changes. It seems like that is the more dangerous approach for everyone involved - or am I missing something?

Because we're on bikes, not in cars. You don't have to like it, you just have to deal with it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
I once almost hit a cyclist (downtown - Dupont area). It was totally my fault - I just wasn't paying close enough attention. The guy absolutely chewed me out - went on a huge rant about how drivers in DC are terrible about cyclists. I held my tongue, but I often wish I had chewed him out right back.

So...you wish you would have chewed out the cyclist, though you readily admit it was totally YOUR fault you almost hit him.

You are part of the problem.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This bugs me too! They want cars to "share the road" but they don't follow traffic rules.

Again. It's legal. Read the thread.

[Anonymous]

If I pass a cyclist and think they are going to to this I move my car as far to the right as possible so they can't get by. They get so mad but there is nothing they can do.

[Anonymous]

I love this thread because it is my favorite thing to do to honk at cyclists, then bump them with my car, and watch them fall down and break their bones and bleed all over the street! Especially if they have kids with them on those stupid bike seats. It just cracks me up. So glad so many others share my guilty pleasure!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This bugs me too! They want cars to "share the road" but they don't follow traffic rules.

Again. It's legal. Read the thread.

Can you provide an actual link, or should we just believe you.

[Anonymous]

Link to summary of dc bike laws explaining that this is legal is on page 3 of this thread.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Link to summary of dc bike laws explaining that this is legal is on page 3 of this thread.

Interesting, so the law says that riding in the middle of the lane is what is actually illegal. I'm fine with that. I just don't think you should be able to pass me at a stoplight, and then go in front of me and slow me down, repeatedly. The law doesn't seem to think so either.

[Anonymous]

I prefer that cyclists go up to the red light. It makes them more visible and that way they can avoid breathing in exhaust fumes between cars, which is very unhealthy. It's like this in my home country - actually there is space made for them between the white line and the traffic light.

I don't understand the hate towards cyclists in general. I don't bike, but I fear for them on the road. They're going to lose the battle in a collision with a car. And they don't pollute the planet - better take care of them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Link to summary of dc bike laws explaining that this is legal is on page 3 of this thread.

Interesting, so the law says that riding in the middle of the lane is what is actually illegal. I'm fine with that. I just don't think you should be able to pass me at a stoplight, and then go in front of me and slow me down, repeatedly. The law doesn't seem to think so either.

Bikes are allowed to pass on left or right. And when cars are stopped. Motorists have to share the road and deal with it.

So, I don't follow you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Link to summary of dc bike laws explaining that this is legal is on page 3 of this thread.

Interesting, so the law says that riding in the middle of the lane is what is actually illegal. I'm fine with that. I just don't think you should be able to pass me at a stoplight, and then go in front of me and slow me down, repeatedly. The law doesn't seem to think so either.

Bikes are allowed to pass on left or right. And when cars are stopped. Motorists have to share the road and deal with it.

So, I don't follow you.

Yep, by it appears they are not allowed to ride in the middle of the lane, absent special circumstances. My experience is with bikers who ride in the middle of the lane so you can't pass them, and then pass you on the right if you ever get ahead. I knew this was illegal I just was confused about which part.

[Anonymous]

So what do we do at right turns on red, get in front of bikes or wait until they move? By then the light is green and my right turn on red is no more.

[Anonymous]

They do it to be seen. As they should. If drivers paid more attention they wouldn't feel the need to do that. Some cities such as Portland Oregon actually paint bright green boxes at the head of the lane at busier high crash intersections. Cyclists are to wait in the box while cars have to sit further back in the lane. It forces cars to see the bikes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So what do we do at right turns on red, get in front of bikes or wait until they move? By then the light is green and my right turn on red is no more.

You wait your turn

[Anonymous]

Usually getting to the front of the line is safest for bikes because they can be seen and avoid being hit by a car turning right. That is why we increasingly have "bike boxes" painted in intersections that give a place for the bike to be at the front of the line. This works best for all when there is a bike lane and the biker then moves over and cars can pass easily.

Where there is no bike lane and less traffic, then it is more polite for the bike to let the car go ahead. Especially if the bike is not stopping for stop sights and so keeps on catching up with the car, which is stopping, and then getting in front of the car again. That is bad form and drivers would be justifiably annoyed.