[*BCM*] riding on a walk signal

[Basil Sharpe]

If I only thought of the current laws which basically favor motorist,
I'd be dead a long time ago.   I do ride defensively, try to obey laws
and at least slow down to almost a walking pace at lights if not stop.
But I will start off before cars to establish my place in traffic as Jon
does.  I will also go thru lights to do the same thing before a car has
the chance to run me into the curb or cut me off.   I ride most days
from Medford to Beverly, and I will break these laws that don't consider
cyclists at all so that I wont get hurt.  For the most part these laws
favor just cars AND OUR CAR CELL PHONE CULTURE.  For the most part most
drivers are impatient, driving too fast, breaking laws themselves,
coming too close on purpose, rude, and selfish.  Sorry but that's just
the way it is.   I'm going to ride my bike and break any law to stay
alive and enjoy my ride the best way I can until the laws start to favor
humanity instead of these impatient cell phone talking bastards behind
the wheel or these 200 horsepower oversized killing machines.   I think
I speak for most serious commuter cyclist in this area.

Cheers

B

 

________________________________

From: bostoncriticalmass-bounces at bostoncriticalmass.org
[mailto:bostoncriticalmass-bounces at bostoncriticalmass.org] On Behalf Of
Mars
Sent: Wednesday, September 19, 2007 9:57 AM
To: Boston Critical Mass
Subject: Re: [*BCM*] riding on a walk signal

 

Bikes are allowed to ride on sidewalks with the exception of certain
areas though, so perhaps if you're riding on the road, you're considered
a vehicle proper, but if you're riding on the sidewalk, you're
technically considered to be a pedestrian, and can therefore use the
crosswalk.

Abigail Lewis wrote: 

I did research about biking in Boston before I moved here and an
official police website said that bikes are indeed vehicles and have
to obey all traffic laws.
 
On 9/19/07, Mars <martian at mit.edu> <mailto:martian at mit.edu>  wrote:
  

	 Yes, if their engine is under or equal to 50cc, they are
allowed.
	 
	 Jon Ramos wrote:
	 
	 
	I think the cop is correct... however, I often begin to ride
during the walk
	signal, before the cars start to go, because it gives me a
chance to
	establish my place in traffic (so cars can see me better).
Might be
	illeagal, but I think is is safer.
	 
	Side question: Are mopeds / vespas allowed in the bike lane?  I
was almost
	hit by one the other day, when he entered the bike lane and I
was not
	anticipating it.
	 
	- Jon
	 
	 
	----- Original Message ----
	 From: Mike Costa <keckdj at yahoo.com> <mailto:keckdj at yahoo.com> 
	 To: Boston Critical Mass <list at bostoncriticalmass.org>
<mailto:list at bostoncriticalmass.org> 
	 Sent: Wednesday, September 19, 2007 7:27:24 AM
	 Subject: [*BCM*] riding on a walk signal
	 
	 
	Hi all,
	 
	 I'm not sure where to find out this information but
	 what is he technical law concerning riding your bike
	 across an intersection with a walk signal?  I ask
	 because I was pulled over by a cop and he nearly gave
	 me a ticket for "driving through a red light"  saying
	 that my bike is technically a vehicle.
	 
	 I was in the street, not the side walk, and I came to
	 a stop before I did it (so I didnt just speed through
	 the  intersection carelessly).
	 
	 I dont want to start a rant, just wondering the law
	 and where I can find out info like this.
	 
	 Thanks!
	 Mike
	 
	 
	 
	
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