A few weeks ago, I saw a cyclist run a three-way stop on my way home from work. I actually had the right of way and another car was at the intersection, too. The cyclist didn't even pause for a second as he blew through his stop sign. He then turned into the rec center. I was in a hurry myself, but I promised myself that if I saw him do it again, I was going to follow him into the rec center lot and say something.

Sure enough, he blew through the stop again this evening when I had the right of way. I pulled in after him and asked if I could speak with him as he got off his bike. I started off by telling him that I, too, was a cyclist and that I wasn't one of those drivers that think cyclists have no right to be on the road. But I proceeded to tell him that I'd seen home blow through the intersection twice with no regard for other traffic. I told him that first and foremost, I really didn't want him to get hurt, but I added that he, like everyone else, needed to follow the rules of the road. He actually thanked me and said he'd try to be more careful.

I don't fancy myself as a private cop, but I felt justified in saying something.