Comments for Same Roads. Same Rules.

Comment on Bicycles Are Vehicles Too by Tom

Tom — Sat, 01 Dec 2012 17:33:09 +0000

Unfortunately all the laws that exist will never protect cyclists. Protection requires enforcement, and this requires the willingness by LEO’s to do their job. Enforcing violations against cyclists is surely of the lowest priority.
The truck driver that hit and ran after killing Alex Motsenigos STILL has not been charged. The death of a cylist carries little more attention than that of a dog or cat lying dead in the gutter, in fact probably less.
Bottom line for me, accept the risk of death or injury, do your best to bike.

Comment on Bicycles Are Vehicles Too by Tom

Tom — Sat, 01 Dec 2012 17:18:10 +0000

Nice

Comment on Bicycles Are Vehicles Too by Jamie F

Jamie F — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 16:39:04 +0000

I love this site and this article, and have a related question posed to me by an upset driver. He was mad that a cyclist was in the left lane (to take a left turn) and honked at him and was yelling and right behind him. Unfortunately the cyclist took a left on a red light, but I was upset that the driver was endangering my fellow cyclist, so I mentioned to him through his window that bicycles are vehicles on the road and, as such, allowed a full lane. He asked me, “Where, then, is your license plate?”

I initially shook my head at the ignorance, but it got me thinking: drivers of cars on the road must take written and practical tests before being allowed to engage the world of traffic. Frankly, the way I see a majority of cyclists in and around the city ride, I wish this was a requirement!

I commute by bike every day into (and out of) the city, and during rush hour on a nice day when I am stopped at a quiet intersection’s red light, I am consistently passed by several other cyclists and remain the only bike sitting at the light when it turns green. This is doubly frustrating as it then poses a risk for me when I catch up to them and want to pass, and leap-frog ensues at the next red light.

I often don’t blame drivers for getting upset at cyclists; I get upset too, quietly. Respect must be earned, and I simply don’t see it happening. Unfortunately, any nitwit can get on a bike and carom around the streets, endangering everyone while engendering disrespect. It seems that cyclists need just as much education and awareness as motorists.

Oh. I see that turned into a bit of a rant. Well, I have gratitude for this site and the education it is trying to promote; and I am likewise grateful for the updated laws and new bike lanes I see popping up. Ride safe.

Comment on Bicycles Are Vehicles Too by Victor Agius

Victor Agius — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 19:45:28 +0000

I am horrified and appalled at the the abuse of public highways by cyclists; grandparents who set the example of cycling on the sidewalks, cycling down one way streets in the wrong direction and riding a bicycle across a crosswalk and running stop signs and red lights to name a few. In Europe you would be arrested for those offenses. But these offenses continue unabated; meantime we expect our candidates for public office to be squeaky clean it just does not add up.

Comment on Bicycles Are Vehicles Too by DanD

DanD — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 20:19:07 +0000

It is not unreasonable for the cyclist to expect you to wait behind them for a short period while traffic clears to allow you to pass (which is what the law in chapter 89 section 2 mentioned above requires). Note that most roads do not have a minimum posted speed limit.

If the cyclist is truly holding up traffic to an excessive amount, it is not unreasonable to expect them to find some way to get out of the way, however this is courtesy, not law to the best of my knowledge.

Comment on Bicycles Are Vehicles Too by Jim G

Jim G — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 19:51:19 +0000

What is the speed limit min/max deal? I’ve been stuck behind bicycles doing 15-20 mph less than the posted speed limit. Is it not unreasonable to get stuck behind this? What is the policy here?

Comment on Light Up The Night by David G

David G — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 22:18:46 +0000

Lights should be required 1/2 hour before sunset rather than 1/2 hour after sunset. It is scary how many cyclist ride without lights, reflective clothing, or a helmet. How come helmets are not reflective?

Comment on Light Up The Night by Bicycling at Night? Use Lights and Reflectors! @ MassBike

Bicycling at Night? Use Lights and Reflectors! @ MassBike — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 19:33:01 +0000

[...] in the dark. So, without further ado, here is 2011’s edition of the “Light Up Your Ride” blog post [...]

Comment on Take A Break by Mark

Mark — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 12:52:13 +0000

The article correctly states “The fact is that bicycles are legally vehicles and you are required to follow all the rules of the road, including stopping at stop signs and red lights.” Why is this so difficult for so many bikers? I am a biker and go for 20 mile rides every other day. Bikers that don’t stop at red lights and stop signs are breaking the law and creating hazardous conditions. There are no exceptions. Let’s stop complaining about motor vehicles and “look at the person in the mirror.” Let’s ride legally and safely.

Comment on MassBike Launches Statewide Safety Education Program, Partners With Top State Agencies by Miguel

Miguel — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 23:40:01 +0000

So far the most visible effect of this campaign seems to be an increase in traffic tickets for cyclists. Does anyone know whether police departments were instructed to start ticketing bicycles?