Kevin, if you are using crosswalks to cross major intersections (as a pedestrian would) I recommend that you not do that. The safest way to ride a bike is to act just like you are in a car. Don't pull way up front at a light and sit beside a car, don't use crosswalks, sidewalks, etc... When at a light hold you position just as if you were a car. Don't leave enough room for another car to pull up beside you. Stay right in the middle of the lane at lights. Once you are actually moving ride about 2 feet from the curb/side of road. This leaves plenty of room for cars to pass when it's clear but not enough for them to do so in traffic when it is more dangerous. They (car drivers) may not like it but it's much safer and in many states bikes must follow the same traffic laws as cars.
kevindevin
· 1 year ago
Thanks for the comment Andy!
This is one intersection where I still don't quite feel safe out in the traffic. This intersection is a wide 5-lane intersection where cyclists are actually encouraged to use the crosswalk as they come off the trail. I may try it a few times just to test the waters. The state of Washington driving laws state its legal for cyclists to use either -- sidewalks and crosswalks or the road. And on the road, we must follow the same traffic laws as cars. In less busy areas I use the road, no problem. But this one area just makes me uncomfortable.
Joshua Gruber
· 1 year ago
Glad you lived.
In California it's illegal to ride your bike in a crosswalk. In Washington it's perfectly acceptable.
Actually, the cell phone law that recently was passed made driving while talking on your cellphone a secondary offense. This means that they tack that on with something else that they pull you over for, not pull you over for that offense in and of itself. Basically, it means that they aren't going to enforce the law effectively.
All Comments
This is one intersection where I still don't quite feel safe out in the traffic. This intersection is a wide 5-lane intersection where cyclists are actually encouraged to use the crosswalk as they come off the trail. I may try it a few times just to test the waters. The state of Washington driving laws state its legal for cyclists to use either -- sidewalks and crosswalks or the road. And on the road, we must follow the same traffic laws as cars. In less busy areas I use the road, no problem. But this one area just makes me uncomfortable.
In California it's illegal to ride your bike in a crosswalk. In Washington it's perfectly acceptable.
Here in Colorado, it appears to be simultaneously legal and illegal: http://users.frii.com/pedal/laws.htm
Glad I'm living herein Washington!