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While much discussion has focused on audible signals, I think this
really represents a small percentage of bike-"other" interactions. I
think that by far the biggest improvement in bicyclist/motorist
relations would be made by allowing bicyclists to treat stop signs as
yields, like Idaho. Robbie Webber wrote: I can't tell you how often I've been told, "I never see bicyclists stop at lights/stop signs!" This is a hugely common sentiment, just read the comments/letters that accompany any story about bicycles. Change the law to a more common sense approach, and you take away one of the most convenient excuses motorist have to dislike bicyclists. Those people still won't like us but at least they'll have to give a different reason like "I have to pay attention to my driving when they're around" or "They get in my way and slow me down". Another possible side benefit drivers might get is more bikers using side streets instead of arterials. I like to ride on the main routes because the stoplights are longer and fewer, whereas on the side streets I have to stop or feel guilty about not stopping every few blocks. But I would happliy get "out of the way" and breathe less exhaust were it not for the stop signs. Until then we're all just a bunch of scofflaws (except of course for gallant few who actually come to full stops all the time). I don't know if peer pressure will help - it sure doesn't seem to when I drive the speed limit. Maybe we should just adopt the slogan "Cars speed. Bikes roll stops. Call it even." Doug I have no problem following the basic rules laid out by both the article and the TA web site. However I do agree with Matt that people who don't bike - whether they drive or walk - will almost always notice the bad behavior, and conveniently ignore the good behavior if they want to see bicyclists as villains. |
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