I have fairly low standards for this...any type of indication as to
future behavior. Since bicycles are much more maneuverable than cars, I
generally get less indication of future movement. Anything helps.
Right turns also don't worry me, unless they are made from my left side
(commonly)...left turns and lane changes.
Today's counts:
7 safe drivers out of 59...for an identical 88% violation rate.
>>33 bicycles close enough and long enough that I could tell how they were driving. 29 violated at least one traffic law or control ...
>You're an angel for counting. Can you break out the law violations?
>Did you count stopping in the crosswalk, for instance?
Mostly running redlights or stop signs...I didn't count stopping in the
crosswalk or stopping then moving into the cross walk. I don't expect
anyone to make a full and complete stop at a stop sign...for a bike, I
would count slowing down to a fast walk (3-4 mph) from travelling
speed. Counted moving between sidewalk and street at travelling speed,
counted operating against traffic flow, using crosswalks for left turns,
did not count unsafe right turns. I noticed that skateboarders tend to
be more careful.
>Cars running red lights
I have been casually noticing this...and the numbers are fairly
reassurring...Running a Stop Sign without slowing down: <1 per day;
Running a Stop Sign after slowing down to about 10 mph: 1-2 per day;
Running a stale Red Light: 0; Running a Fresh Red: 5-10 per day; in an
unsafe situation 1-2 per day.
Further thought...even with the vast disparity between the number of
cars and bikes, I am more likely to have to `avoid' a bike than a car
(this is sudden situations, not generalized cutting off and lack of
courtesy and understanding of right of way rules).
Does anyone have daily counts of bicycles vs. cars on a variety of
streets? Are there any streets where bicycles reach a significant
percentage of autos?
>Bus Zones and Bulbs
Bus bulbs are heaven! Bus stops are better enforced, but very often
they are used for short term parking...which won't move when the bus
arrives...maybe inconvenienced passengers should be allowed to write
tickets? Delivery vehicles do get ticketed...but ambulances, police
cars and fire vehicles don't. Very frustrating when a passenger chews
you out for not going into the zone when it is physically impossible. I
habitually go to the curb because it is faster to load passengers, but
unsafe passengers (standing in street, leaning out, holding objects out,
etc.) block me out of bus zones more than cars.
Enough for now.
Robert Parks
22-Fillmore