Cyclists getting ticketed in DC

[divingbiker]

DC police are cracking down on bicyclists. One of my coworkers got a $25 ticket this morning for running a red light. Our building's bike coordinator also sent out a note saying they were stepping up enforcement.

I don't necessarily think this is a bad thing, because there are some really aggressive folks on bikes around here who don't obey any traffic laws and tick off drivers.

Increased enforcement won't affect me much, since I always respect red lights anyway (although if no traffic is coming, I have been known to run the light after stopping). Stop signs are another story, though...most are four-way on my route, and if there are no cars, I do roll through. Might have to stop that practice.

[Kalidurga]

A young girl who was interning for us earlier this year got a similar ticket. She also said that a friend of hers got one for jay-walking. Now, if they'd only crack down on the cars that consistently run the red light at Connecticut and M.....

[Sheesh]

Chicago police are giving warnings first, but tickets will soon follow.

[7rider]

DB...do you have a link to anything - from WABA or on the Post - that publicizes an enforcement effort by DC police? I'd like to give a heads up to our local commuters, too.

As with you, KD, I'm still waiting for them to crack down on the motoring red-light and SS runners (or the countless cars I see taking a right turn on red, right under the big ol' sign that says "no turn on red").

[divingbiker]

DB...do you have a link to anything - from WABA or on the Post - that publicizes an enforcement effort by DC police? I'd like to give a heads up to our local commuters, too.

Sorry, no. I did see on WABA's website that they were meeting with DC police on August 15 to talk about a "sting" enforcement effort that was going on at 16th and U that seemed to follow too closely the death of the young woman a few weeks ago.

Maybe this enforcement effort is a result of that meeting...if so, I'm sure that's not the outcome WABA was hoping for.

[ny biker]

I thought I read an email saying the meeting with the police was postponed. But I might be remembering that wrong...

There's nothing on the Bikewashington listserv about this, at least not yet.

[mimitabby]

Nothing wrong with cyclists breaking the law getting ticketed IMHO.

why should we be above the law?
besides, it might save some lives!

[Thorn]

Nothing wrong with cyclists breaking the law getting ticketed IMHO.

Agreed as long as treatment is equal. Within the state, a cyclist got doored. While in the ER, the police stopped by to deliver her ticket for failing to yield 3 feet when passing a parked vehicle.

While I agree, she probably violated the 3-foot passing rule, the car driver that opened the door was not also ticketed for obstructing traffic--the ticket that is supposed to be issued to any car that opens a door into traffic.

Yep, ticket for violating traffic laws, but ticket equally. Oh, and disclaimer--I never run stop lights, but I will roll stop signs if there are no cars and I have full visibility when approaching the intersection. Should I be ticketed for those? Yes, by the letter of the law, but so should the cars that go through faster than I and, due to the nature of their vehicle don't have the same visibility.

[LainiePants]

Only $25 for running a red light? That doesn't sound like much..... Is it the same for a car running a red light? Just curious.

[divingbiker]

Nothing wrong with cyclists breaking the law getting ticketed IMHO.

why should we be above the law?
besides, it might save some lives!

I agree. That's why I said in my original post, I don't necessarily think it's a bad thing.

[TahoeDirtGirl]

The thing I would like to know is...does it go on your license? Does a ticket that you get on a bike effect (or affect? hmmm) your driving record and subsequently your insurance bill? Just curious.

Law enforcement is still done by humans, therefore there will always be that subjectivity. Some people will get tickets for the same thing another person won't.

A few days ago (I correlate it to the moon) I had a guy on a very nice Trek ride right through a red light. Not a just turn red, a 'solid red'. And wave at me like..."Hi thanks for letting me go on with my ride and almost getting wiped out by you". And the first thing that runs through my mind is ....thanks buddy for solidifying the "Freaking people on bikes!!!" thinking...

[Zen]

While at physical therapy yesterday, my PT told me that a friend of hers was training on the C & O (cycling) for the Iron Girl and got a ticket for speeding!

I wish I could have been there to see it

[ny biker]

While at physical therapy yesterday, my PT told me that a friend of hers was training on the C & O (cycling) for the Iron Girl and got a ticket for speeding!

I wish I could have been there to see it

I can just imagine the park policeman hiding behind a tree with a radar gun...

[jsdilks]

It's even more important at this time of year, when the sun is shifting in the sky and visibility it so impaired, that bikers pay attention to cars. And following the rules of the road is just one way to help keep everyone safe. A young lady who works with my husband, and who rides with us occasionally (our other daughter...) was hit by a car at Thomas circle yesterday on her way to work. Now, she's not known for paying super close attention, nor has she probably learned all there is to learn about anticipating others' actions, but she said that she did not even see the car. And the Driver said that she did not see the bike either. The rider was all right - thrown from her bike and ending up with bumps and bruises. Thank goodness she wears her helmet religiously. But the policeman who took her home told her that 75% of the accidents that are investigated at that location are bike/car accidents. And we had *just* had a conversation Tuesday that was as follows:"We need to find me another way to get to work. I'm going to get hit by a car..." and a day and a half later, she was hit by a car...(so I'm trying not to freak out too much - but there aren't good routes for her in the city without taking her out of her way, but I know we'll recommend them...it's up to her to decide if she's going to try them)

[smilingcat]

Here in California, if you get ticketed on your bike, it will show up on your driver license.

I've seen three men getting pulled over for blowing through a stop sign. Motorcycle police was waiting for his turn at the stop sign when the three men just blew in front of him. All three got a ticket. This was in Redondo Beach. Over in Palos Verdes, they even post signs by stop signs saying that they enforce all traffic laws to everyone "including cyclists"

I stop for my own safety. I have no desire to be shot into the corner pocket by some driver who blows through the stop sign. Stopping at cross street really doesn't affect my workout.

hmm... I have had motorcycle police tell me how fast I was going. Not enough to get a speeding ticket. The roads around here have limits of 35MPH or higher. So its bit hard to be over the limit.

be safe,