Maggie Edwards-Rising
Hey Sheilagh,
You are right about becoming a pedestrian with a wave of the wand. Since every corner is a crosswalk . . . that seems to be the one entirely legal way to do it.
This particular intersection has no pedestrian cross light. So, a pedestrian would also have to cross against the red. The judge at the Share the Road class felt that walking across the red in this instance should be fine, then followed with admitting that you really ought to be able to ride through. However, bikes are considered motor vehicles, as we all know so well . . .
I think the key to avoiding the short end of a police officer's discretionary stick is to come to a complete stop and be sure there are no cars at the intersection. Not a difficult thing to do.
There are many lights with no cross walk lights here in LO; and, there are many that are triggered only by cars. That's that impossibility thing again.
Fingers crossed. Foot on the asphalt.
m
> From: jakeshouseAJM@comcast.net
> Date: Sun, 27 Feb 2011 22:57:03 -0800
> To: obra@list.obra.org
> Subject: [OBRA Chat] Red lights, cyclists and LOPD . ..
>
>
> Maggie and other riders in Lake O.,
>
> I was intrigued and read your story. Glad it ended well. Some of our local Police Chiefs are gems for sure. I am so glad to hear about your experience.
>
> I wanted to warn you that once you have taken a "Share the Road Class" and gotten a ticket forgiven, I think that is your chance you will not get another ticket forgive that way again (at least this is my understanding of this diversion opportunity).
>
> There is another option to this light challenge. You can hop off your bike and become a pedestrian and cross at the cross walk. Technically you do not even have to hop off your bike. You can go and push the cross button for the ped and cross at walking speed.
>
> Check with Ray Thomas for details, he is a champ at this stuff!
>
> BTA does free bicycle legal clinics that can give you all this information and hopefully help all to avoid getting ticketed to begin with. Go to a clinic and then join the BTA if you liked it!
>
> Cheers!
>
> Sheilagh
>
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