Quote Originally Posted by OakLeaf View Post
Well, you know, the "spandex" thing is just one more us-and-them. IME, cyclists in street clothes are no more likely to obey traffic laws. In fact, they're much more likely to violate them in extremely dangerous ways - riding on the wrong side of the street, riding without lights at night, turning left from the right lane, riding on the sidewalk. But they look more like car drivers than people in cycling gear, and granted a paceline blowing a stop sign is pretty noticeable, so the riders in street clothes get spared much of the road rage.

I'll always slow down for a crossing, but you know, if it's a busy road, it might be much safer not to come to a complete stop...
I totally agree with that. When I lived in Cleveland, it was in a very "studenty" area, so lots of bikes, and lots of people doing STUPID things on bikes. No lights, riding against traffic, on the sidewalk...
The Lycra's just a convenient "othering" device.

(Some of the roads are such that there's a good chance you won't get a clear spot to cross for 3-5 minutes, depending on when you ride. I just use the opportunity to grab a snack and a drink. )