Oppo PSA: Cyclists do NOT have the right of way.

"valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option" (valsidalv)
09/08/2014 at 20:22 • Filed to: bikelopnik, bicycle

I was on my usual post-work bike ride today when I encountered, on two separate occasions, drivers that were so nice they decided to hold up traffic just for me! Isn't that sweet? Well it pissed me right off, so I'm here to remind all of Oppo to treat bikes like cars.

I was approaching a 3-way "T" intersection, all-way stops, on the continuous road. On my right, on the perpendicular road, was a red CLA that was stopped before I even reached the intersection. In the oncoming lane, a beige Honda approached its stop sign the same time I did.

I would consider myself to be a diligent bike rider. I obey lights and I stop at intersections when there is other traffic (I do use the "Idaho Stop" when there's no traffic). So I slow down, and both drivers just look at me. And then the looks turns into stares. And then I have to come to a complete stop and put my foot down. And I'm just thinking "What is going on? Why isn't anybody moving?!" This was like playing chess and it was my turn.

Finally I wave my hand and motion resumes, kinda like I'm Harry Potter. The Benz turns right (nothing was preventing it from doing that earlier) and the Honda continues going straight (nothing was preventing it from doing that earlier, as well).

The second time this happened today I reached an intersection where, in the oncoming lane, a Honda Odyssey was signalling left. I'm more than far away enough for the driver to make the turn but she just stays there... waiting. Waiting for what? I don't know. But once again I do the magician wave and life continues.

Why am I complaining about preferential treatment? Because it's the law for a cyclist to stop at a red light and stop sign. Perhaps these two drivers would have let me through, but the next driver might not do that. And in Car v. Bicycle, Car usually wins. So, Opponauts, please treat bicycles [at intersections] like any other vehicle. They don't deserve to go first just because they're powered by a human. If they blow through the intersection, make sure to honk, and swear, and flip them off if you'd like. But above all, keep everyone safe!

For those interested, my bike is a Specialized Rockhopper. It's a fantastic all-around bike which I've owned for around 7 years and have had no problems with it thanks to some seasonal maintenance.

Top picture taken from !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!

DISCUSSION (17)

CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist) > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option
09/08/2014 at 20:28

I agree. Cyclists don't need special treatment, even on the roads. It teaches you much better road skills. And cyclists (and myself) deserve a honk, middle finger, or "###hole" if we run a red light or violate a traffic law.

Denver Is Stuck In The 90s > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option
09/08/2014 at 20:30

I hate it when drivers dont follow the laws regarding bikes. I had someone yell at me to get on the sidewalk. If they read the drivers handbook they would know its illegal for a cyclist over the age of 16 to ride a bike on the sidewalk over 6mph for more than one block. They would also know its the law to share the road. once I told them no, they proceeded to inch towards my rear tire. Whenever I encounter an asshat driver on my bike I give them the finger.

valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option > CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist)
09/08/2014 at 20:30

You have the most applicable username ever .

deekster_caddy > Denver Is Stuck In The 90s
09/08/2014 at 20:33

Yell back "Learn the laws!"

Denver Is Stuck In The 90s > deekster_caddy
09/08/2014 at 20:34

I think the finger is better

deekster_caddy > Denver Is Stuck In The 90s
09/08/2014 at 20:34

I'm sure it gets the same point across!

Denver Is Stuck In The 90s > deekster_caddy
09/08/2014 at 20:35

It sure does, but with a little more showmanship

Textured Soy Protein > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option
09/08/2014 at 20:36

Drivers here in Madison are so timid that on several occasions, I've been standing at a crosswalk at an intersection where there's no traffic light, stop sign, or any reason for the cars to stop, but a car will stop in the middle of the road and back up the cars behind it, to let me cross.

I'm like, hey I'm a pedestrian, the time it takes you cars to go through this intersection is way less than the amount of time it'll take me to cross. Keep driving. I'll wait for an opening in traffic.

valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option > Textured Soy Protein
09/08/2014 at 20:38

Yup. I understand that they are trying to be nice but it just makes it awkward for everyone. Perhaps they've just never been in the opposite role.

dogisbadob > CCC (formerly CyclistCarCoexist)
09/08/2014 at 21:01

or a ticket :p

dogisbadob > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option
09/08/2014 at 21:02

two wheels bad

Jordaneer, The Mountaineer Man > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option
09/08/2014 at 22:22

Hah, I've done the Idaho stop, IIINNN Idaho.

(Truth be told, I live in northern Idaho).

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option
09/08/2014 at 23:02

You should tell this to all of the cyclists in Portland that think they don't need to follow the laws of pedestrians or cars. That is most of them. And there are many.

Sally O'Broder > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option
09/11/2014 at 10:58

The transmission looks solid, but your car would probably be a bit safer with a couple extra wheels. Also, when are you dropping the engine into that sweet frame?

valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option > Sally O'Broder
09/11/2014 at 17:14

Not any time soon... I just recently became the proud owner of a Ninja 400R! That's my bike-on-steroids.

Sally O'Broder > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option
09/11/2014 at 17:17

What is that, like a Nissan car or something?

thebigbossyboss > Jordaneer, The Mountaineer Man
09/18/2014 at 22:31

Oh. You live near where my Dad is from then, Creston.