I've been told that bikes have to play by the same rules as other vehicles on the road...and this point kinda hit home this morning. As I was commuting to work, a police car passed me in a residential neighborhood...we're not going too fast. He puts on his brakes and at first I think it's because he wants to talk to me (he just passed)...but since I was focusing on him, I didn't see the schoolbus coming from the other direction with the flashing yellow lights....I pick up speed so I can pass it before the lights become red flashing (with the po-po right beside me). I did...but it got me thinking...do bikes suppose to stop? Would this be a local law or something federal?
Jose,
You've answered your own question --- stop for the school bus. As far as I know, that's the law in all states.
thehitman, Esq.
Check your local laws... Here in Maryland , a bike has to follow the same rules as an auto, so..stop for the bus.
It is SOOO important to follow your local laws. It makes things safer and more than that,I feel, lets drivers know that cyclists are responsible...that we follow the same laws they do ,and are not the irresponsible,light running,sign ignoring traffic weaving, trouble making ya-hoos they THINK we are!
Now...if we could just get THEM to follow the rules!
Anton & hitman are right. This is a state law issue (not federal). As I read it, under the North Carolina motor vehicle code, bicycles are generally considered the same as other vehicles, and vehicles must stop for buses. See NC Stats. Sec 20-4.01(49) (defining bicycles on the road as "vehicles") and Sec. 20-217 (requiring vehicles in most instances to stop for buses that have a stop sign activated).
[SIZE=1]Standard Disclaimer: The foregoing post is not intended as legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship between the reader and author. Consult your lawyer if you have legal questions. [/SIZE]
Cool, thanks for the info...I must admit that I'm guilty of running red lights though. BUT I don't pass other cars in line. If I'm the only one there I pull up, check both directions, and go if clear. If other cars are going straight...I pull up behind them and wait.
[QUOTE=JoseM]Cool, thanks for the info...I must admit that I'm guilty of running red lights though. BUT I don't pass other cars in line. If I'm the only one there I pull up, check both directions, and go if clear. If other cars are going straight...I pull up behind them and wait.[/QUOTE]
You're not the only one Jose, don't worry. :p
BBB
Yeah... Don't worry about it. Just check for cops and cars before you do anything. I've been pulled over for running a red light before. The other direction had turned yellow and all traffic had stopped. I checked for cars, but I didn't focus in on the cop on a bike waiting across the intersection.... They gave me a warning.
I always pass all the cars waiting for the light to turn (I mean what biker in boston wouldn't?), but I don't generally run red lights.... (unless I have a "walk" signal or i'm on the long end of a "T" style stop or I'm turning right... and in all those cases I slow down a lot and look before I go)
Whether it's the law or not, it's definitely a good idea to stop for a school bus. The kids getting off have a tendency to dart out in every direction and you don't want to run into one of them - you'd hurt them and yourself. Besides it'll give the little ones a chance to check out the dude on the cool bike.........
Ant
[B]PROPER RIGHT TURN SIGNAL?[/B]
OK - here's one that may vary from State to State:
Is it OK to indicate a right turn by holding out your right hand horizontally?
That's what I do because it makes sense, and seems to be standard practice, irrespective of what the law requires.
I have a harder time justifying running red lights and stop signs, though!
thehitman, Esq.
Standard Disclaimer: The foregoing post is not intended as legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship between the reader and author. [B]Pay me some [COLOR=DarkGreen]$$$ [/COLOR] before you rely on my advise.[/B]
[QUOTE=thehitman]Standard Disclaimer: The foregoing post is not intended as legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship between the reader and author. [B]Pay me some [COLOR=DarkGreen]$$$ [/COLOR] before you rely on my advise.[/B][/QUOTE]
LOL, I must laugh at this. Man can I relate!!
BBB
Hitman,
I don't know what the law says, but either the right arm straight out or the left arm bent up seem fine to me. Personally, I use the left because I know that is what they teach drivers to look for in drivers ed classes here (or at least did when I was younger).
I wouldn't mind seeing poll on what people do at red lights/stop signs. I hate those red lights that won't change because there are no cars going in your direction and your bike doesn't weigh enough to set off the sensor loop--if you're trying to cross a busy road, you can stand there forever.
P.S. I dig your standard disclaimer. Mine only attempts to prevent liability, yours also drums up business!
PJT,
I don't know the last time I saw the "correct" right turn signal by a driver. For me, a cyclist using the "left hand bent" signal might be confusing, whereas using the right hand is not.
Here's a good commentary on Utah's law allowing the right hand signal:
[SIZE=1]Explanation of Bike Law changes in UCA 41-6-71
Allowing a right-handed right turn signal.
This change allows bicyclists to signal right turns in the "intuitive" way with the right hand. Currently, all signals must be given "from the left side of the vehicle." This makes perfect sense for car and truck drivers, except that nowadays car, trucks and motorcycles must have signal lights.
The left handed right turn signal is difficult to recognize when the cyclist is in a tuck or "racing" position because the left arm ends up being extended more forward than upward.
A right turn signal is used in two general situations: (1) when turning from the rightmost lane to a cross street or driveway, or (2) when changing lanes to the right on a multilane roadway.
In both of these situations, crossing, oncoming or following traffic which could be affected by the signaller's maneuver can see and intuitively understand the right handed right turn signal. Travelers directly on the left side of the cyclist will not readily see the signal but don't need to see it.
This change allows, but does not require, the right handed right turn signal. This optional way of signalling is not appropriate for motorcyclists because of the controls that are typically on the right handlebar grip.
The proposed change is consistent with the model Uniform Vehicle Code 11-606 provision:
11-606(2). Right turn - Hand and arm extended upward. Bicyclists may signal with right arm extended.[/SIZE]
[url]http://cc.usu.edu/~bob/bike/law/[/url]
As far as I know, in both Illinois and Wisconson, the right hand method is not strictly legal.
[SIZE=1]"Bicyclists in Wisconsin are required to use the same hand signals as motorists [346.35]. (Some bicyclists will signal a right turn with the right arm outstretched. This is a legal hand signal for bicyclists in many states, although this is not included in Wisconsin statutes.) "
[url]http://www.bfw.org/btww/commuting/bikeLaws.php[/url][/SIZE]
I'll be in Kettle Morraine territory over the week-end, so if you see a law-breaker cyclist flaunting the local rules of the road, I hope that isn't you giving me the the one finger salute! :eek:
thehitman
[QUOTE=PJT]Hitman,
I wouldn't mind seeing poll on what people do at red lights/stop signs. I hate those red lights that won't change because there are no cars going in your direction and your bike doesn't weigh enough to set off the sensor loop--if you're trying to cross a busy road, you can stand there forever.
[/QUOTE]
If there is a button for a crosswalk at the intersection, roll over to it and hit it. Down here we have magnetic sensors... You bike isnt big enough vertical, but unclip and lay the bike down and its enough. The crosswalk method is better/ less stupid looking.