May 8, 2008
Anarchic Rules of the Road: Cyclist Edition
Boston-area drivers don't like rules. Boston-area pedestrians don't like rules, and the city is trying to make hay of it by upping jaywalking fines. And now it is the cyclists' turn to feel the heat.
For the record, Bostonist is thoroughly pro-cyclist and supported the Bicyclist Bill of Rights, which former lieutenant governor Kerry Healey trashed as she was leaving office.
So, it is with much love that Bostonist asks, why do some bicyclists think they can plow through intersections without stopping? This Bostonist was at a crosswalk with a stop sign where a car stopped. This Bostonist proceeded to cross when a cyclist zoomed through, nearly leading to an accident. While getting hit by a bike is significantly different from getting hit by a car, a hit from a bike would certainly hurt like a bitch--both for the pedestrian and the cyclist.
Platinum Elite noticed a similar experience in another part of the city, only he was the one behind the wheel and obeying traffic laws:
One guy bolted through a red light, literally through a stream of pedestrians. Two people had to jump back to avoid being hit.At the very next light, another biker sped through a red light almost plowing into a poor little old lady crossing the street in her violet pants, sun hat, and cane.
Is there something we don't know about regarding bicycle rules? Granted, it's a drag to stop and start again, but no one really wants to get plowed.
The opinions stated in this post belong solely to this Bostonist. Image of a bike lying in wait from AntyDiluvian from photos tagged "Bostonist" on Flickr.
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seems to be a common theme! http://www.universalhub.com/node/14435
I was friends with a girl who was killed two days ago last year on a bike. It makes me really nervous the way some of these people ride their bikes and with the rise in gas prices that means more bikes will be on the road and less people who know the proper way to ride will be riding.
hey hey hey
why is it that pedestrians immediately get shit on?
isn't this America's Walking City, according to the tourist's office map?
isn't walking where you need to go a "green" method of transportation?
isn't it a state law in MA that cars fucking stop for pedestrians?
why is it that pedestrians immediately get shit on?
Because sometimes they deserve it.
If you want to see all three categories of those involved simultaneously behaving badly, go to the Uno Grill at Porter Square and either have a seat outside or upstairs by the window. Then, enjoy the show. You can watch cars making illegal left turns (and right turns) and blocking intersections, bikes blowing through red lights, and pedestrians crossing whenever they damn well please. While I've never seen an accident in the area when I walk, bike, or drive through, I'm sure plenty of people become annoyed with the lack of common sense and selfishness. Maybe some more penalties will make everyone coexist better.
Pedestrians are getting shit on in this post?
This Wednesday was so gorgeous (remember what sunshine feels like...!) I decided to walk to Harvard Square from Allston. Between Western Ave and JFK Street, I was nearly plowed into by no less than 17 bicyclists zooming on the sidewalk in both directions. Maybe 3 were wearing helmets!
I've lost far, far too many bike-riding friends to car accidents in my 8 years in Boston. Responsible cyclists need to signal, have lights (and use them), and wear helmets; I'm always impressed and grateful to hear a polite "On your left!" when I hear one zooming up behind me (especially on narrow construction pathways).
Motorists need to learn to stop at intersections—especially where there isn't a traffic signal, and to respect (not straddle!) crosswalks. Mass Ave at Porter Square is notorious.
FYI – There's a Swan Ride May 25 concluding at the otherside cafe to raise funds for the bike messengers' legal/medical bill fund.