Thank Goodness for Helmets -revised

[Crankin]

I have a 4 way stop sign near my house and consequently, have to go through it on every ride, unless we have driven to the start. It is on a heavily traveled road, both by cars and cyclists. I always completely stop. Drivers here are notoriously bad about knowing how to deal with 4 way stops. In AZ, it always worked like clock work, where the first person who got to the sign went, and so on. Here, people wait and wait and wait, hesitate, go a little, stop a little, and then go. Even if they get to the intersection first, and no one else is there, they wait until another car pulls up and then still aren't sure if they should go. It is infuriating. I almost hit a cyclist at another 4 way stop, where I was going straight across in my car, and he was opposite me. He didn't signal and I assumed he was going straight across, too. Alas, he was turning left! It scared the cr@p out of me. I yelled at him to signal!
I guess I never assume what any driver will do, especially at these intersections. There was just an article in the Boston Globe yesterday about how cyclists are being ticketed in Cambridge. Most of them quoted said they always ran red lights and thought the rules were just for cars. It's amazing. When I am down there for class, I see cyclists doing things that make my eyeballs almost pop out. And in city traffic! On Thursday, as I was walking on the sidewalk, exiting the train station, a guy on a Bike Friday was riding on the sidewalk, so wobbly, like he was just learning to ride. No helmet, and narrowly missing pedestrians. Oy!

[Bike Goddess]

Let me make myself clear here- I ALWAYS slow down for a stop sign. I don't blow them off. I look all ways and then proceed. I had just done that at a 4 way stop sign 2 blocks before. I clearly think that what happened was that even though I was being cautious, I either didn't see the vehicle (it was navy blue and shaded by surrounding trees) OR I proceeded with caution and misread what she was going to do.

Do I unclip at every stop sign. No. Am I able to stop without unclipping, yes briefly.

In response to your comment MP about loosening my clips, they are as loose as I can have them for unclipping which I can do, and will do if I know I will be stopping. Some members of my club tease me because I often unclip long before I reach an intersection where I know for sure I'll be stopping.

I"ve ridden many a miles since I started riding in '03. I'm not new to 4 way stop signs.

[maillotpois]

In response to your comment MP about loosening my clips, they are as loose as I can have them for unclipping which I can do, and will do if I know I will be stopping. Some members of my club tease me because I often unclip long before I reach an intersection where I know for sure I'll be stopping.

Well, maybe there's a different pedal system or something that would be better? I think the unclipping long before is prudent if that's what you need to do. Tell me who's teasing you and I'll put a pump in their spokes! (Just kidding. But still!)

Sorry if I got a little cranky but I don't want people (especially people I know and care about) putting themselves into danger unnecessarily. Cycling can be dangerous enough.

[Bike Goddess]

MP-no big deal on teasing. They have to tease me for something and foot out isn't a bad one! RE type of pedals- I have Look ones.

I think I've hashed this over enough in my mind and can't think of anything else to say.

If people want to have a discussion on what they do at stop signs- clip in, clip out, put foot on ground EVERY time, then start a new thread.

To all of you who have responded thanks for the well wishes. I wrote this post it to let you all know what had happened. If this will make a difference in how you all look at stop signs whether or not they be 4 way or 2 way, then I think I will have made a contribution.

Meanwhile, enjoy the fall weather wherever you may be. It's pretty beautiful out here in Northern Cal. I'll be outside walking and enjoying it as well. I must admit when I see a cyclist come by my window I am a bit jealous that I can't be out there too.

[Biciclista]

Thanks for keeping in touch with us; there are those of us who check this thread to hear about your progress, not to argue!!

[Duck on Wheels]

Yep! Thank G_d (and G_dess) for helmets! Even when we're careful, even when we're familiar with the route, even when we're focused, even when we make eye contact (or think we've made eye contact) with every relevant driver ... both cyclists and drivers can still make an error of judgment, or miss seeing something critical like a pothole, or suffer a sudden technical failure. That's when the helmet can insure you can get back on your bike and that one little mistake isn't your last. Glad you're okay, BG! Glad you've worked out what went wrong. And glad you're able to take the teasing with a smile

[Bike Goddess]

I'll keep you all posted from time to time on how things are going. Looks like gym work is in my future- just in time for the winter season.

I look forward to getting out into more social situations. Never was one to stay still!