Cyclists getting ticketed in DC

[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,

[Possegal]

i was riding on tuesday and i went by a montgomery county cop sitting on the sidelines quietly hiding, i assume to monitor car's speed. he waved at me, i waved back. but i really wanted to yell at him - are you going to use the gun on me? how fast am i going?

last year during the livestrong ride, my sister and i were 'slowski-ing' along and there was one of those signs that monitors speed. at first, nothing was registering. and we broke up laughing. then, it flashed 11 mph, and at first, i looked behind us. then i realized there was no one but us, and we cheered - we're going 11 mph!!!

[sgtiger]

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.

I know that it can in Washington state. A husband of one of the women I occasionally used to ride with received a speeding ticket on one of the trails just north of Seattle. Two weeks after the ticket, they received a letter from their insurance company that informed them their premiums were raised due to his moving violation.

[Eden]

I know that it can in Washington state. A husband of one of the women I occasionally used to ride with received a speeding ticket on one of the trails just north of Seattle. Two weeks after the ticket, they received a letter from their insurance company that informed them their premiums were raised due to his moving violation.

He should have fought that one.... I think with the way the laws are written in Washington his ticket never should have counted for points.... (though I did hear of a guy who got 2 tickets in one day over on MI, both for speeding, maybe in a school zone, and his insurance premiums were raised too....) Since you don't need a driving license or driving insurance to ride a bike, I'd say it's a bit sketchy to check that box on the ticket. What would they do with someone who had no car and only an ID.... and remember you don't actually have to hand over ID to a cop ever (unless you are driving a car - you give up lots of rights when you drive) - you just cannot lie about your name.

[madscot13]

i was riding on tuesday and i went by a montgomery county cop sitting on the sidelines quietly hiding, i assume to monitor car's speed. he waved at me, i waved back. but i really wanted to yell at him - are you going to use the gun on me? how fast am i going?

a few weekends ago, a cop was sitting at an unlikely speed trap (isn't that the way it always is?). When we biked by, he gave us our speed! I am happy to say, I was going 30 miles below the speed limit.

[jsdilks]

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.

We suggested a different route for her to try - a little out of the way, but over on Calvert and down Rock Creek Parkway and on in through the monuments that way. She tried it the other day and said it was a lot less stressful. Now I need to work on her paying closer attention...I expect she will for awhile.

[tulip]

(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)

The thing with bicycle commuting is that the best routes are often not the most direct routes. When I lived in PG County and worked in Alexandria, the most direct route was straight down Rhode Island Avenue. But that definitely wasn't the best route. Alternatives to Thomas Circle are plentiful on side streets. DC's a great bicycle commuting city because there are so many options for cyclists. Plus, mixing up the routes keeps things interesting.