by Paul Bass | July 28, 2008 3:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (82)

The sight of a cyclist led to a fit of road rage — and a call to the cops.

Maybe, as top brass promise to help make streets safer , that message can be transmitted to the department’s dispatchers — as a first step to communicating it to drivers on the road?

Cyclists “are supposed to be on the road,” Avery confirmed. “Bicyclists have to maintain the same rules as a car does.”

Drivers regularly honk and yell at cyclists (at least at this cyclist) on city streets, stating that cyclists belong on the sidewalk. As tension mounts between cyclists and drivers on the street — and in the discussion threads to Independent articles about drivers hitting riders — all sides appear sometimes to lack information about the law.

The response (according to her): Cyclists must ride on the sidewalk, not the street, unless it’s an “emergency.” (Because the woman, uh, requested that the camera be turned off, the phone call wasn’t filmed or eavesdropped on.)

To prove her point about the law, the woman pulled out a cell phone. She called the police. She told the dispatcher about how this cyclist had been riding on the street and then claiming it was against the law to ride on the sidewalk. She asked what the law said.

“You were going in the road, in the middle of the street. That’s how fucking accidents happen. That’s how people get killed.”

The woman was unconvinced. “It’s not against the law to drive on the sidewalk!” she said.

I told her what police have repeatedly told me, as a reporter: That it’s against the law to ride on the sidewalk. The law says we have to ride in the street. In fact, one district manager, Lt. Ray Hassett, has gone so far as to stop cyclists en route to inform them of the law.

After she pulled in, she was asked why she was yelling. She kept up her profanity-laced tirade.

A woman was driving her car in the northbound lane and looking to pull into a street parking space. She had to wait an extra second because a bicyclist was riding in the road.

The incident took place at 10:35 a.m. Monday on Orange Street near Wall, across from the phone company.

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Posted by: Edward_H | July 28, 2008 3:20 PM Nice one Paul. Don't you still have the right to continue filming as this happened on a public street? I just thank God she was not black. (the above statement was not meant to offend. Other black Americans know the root of this joke)

Posted by: DingDong | July 28, 2008 3:29 PM For those of us who aren't black Americans, could you explain, Edward?

Posted by: Daniel Sumrall | July 28, 2008 3:34 PM This just goes to show that nearly everyone who have been issued a driver's license by the state of CT is barely fit to drive. Their the driving equivalent of being functionally illiterate. As for all the bikers out there riding on the sidewalk get off the sideWALK. And for all those motorists who reek of impatience--chill the f@!k out. Paul, this is a nice little piece. YOu should go gorilla reporting more often.

Posted by: Bruce | July 28, 2008 3:37 PM Yikes. Bikes do belong in the street, but all bets are off when your facing a pregnant woman on a hormonal rampage!

Posted by: cedarhillresident | July 28, 2008 3:43 PM Wow Paul that was a bit scary!

Posted by: True New Havener | July 28, 2008 3:55 PM I am not exactly sure that she should be allowed to drive on the street. And she seems like she might from time to time drive on the sidewalk so I doubt that is a safe alternative for us walkers. And as to the dispatchers, I seriously doubt that any dispatcher agreed with her other than to say something like "sure lady but I gotta go do my job" just to get off the phone with a crazed individual who did not need 911 assistance. She then told Paul her interpretation of the reality of the call -- just like her apparent interpretation of reality generally. The dispatchers tend to know their jobs and when you call New Haven dispatch as I recall you get someone who then distributes you to police or fire so I especially doubt that person would be likely to have any opinion on the sidewalk versus street law. And if you call from a cell phone, I'm never sure which 911 you even get. Paul -- keep yourself safe. This one looks like she's a bit off her rocker, which by the way, she wants you to know she has every right to sit on in the middle of the street.

Posted by: walt bradley | July 28, 2008 4:12 PM Wow, she reminds me of my ex-wife, every DMV employee and parking enforcement officers rolled into one.

You should have kept rolling, don't give her the satisfacton of thinking she's got the right to wrongfully accuse you AND limit your right to take video on public streets.

Hopefully she didn't go into labor. Good job of always having your camera ready Paul.

Posted by: TriCycle Man | July 28, 2008 4:14 PM Next time, ride a tricycle down town. Tricyclists have rights too?!? Hey look, Dow Jones Chow Mein is down 240 points. People are being foreclosed upon and losing their homes, and now Bicycle Rage in the Elm Disease City. Something has got to give. Oh, and CT Newsjunkie is going on vacation, The nerve!

Posted by: derek | July 28, 2008 4:21 PM I also am curious to hear Edward explain. Paul why didn't you call the police? I think I would have in your place she seemed about to assault you for "camera-ing" her.

Posted by: Cheri | July 28, 2008 4:34 PM Jeez, Paul. What a friggin nightmare!! It's almost funny to read your account of this!!! But, it happens ALL THE TIME!! People who scream at me when I'm on my bike who get SO MAD because they have to wait an additional 3 seconds to get to wherever they're going, then act as if I'm doing something unlawful... I'm glad you were not beat up!

c.

Posted by: Cheri | July 28, 2008 4:43 PM Oh...did I fail to mention in my last comment what a great mother this gal is going to be? Really, I mean this kid is going to grow up in such an uplifting environment...

Posted by: Your Tax Dollars at Work | July 28, 2008 4:47 PM OK she was dead wrong --- but, but, but why publish this drivel? Are you really hard up for news or did you want to use your publication to get even personally?

Posted by: William Kurtz | July 28, 2008 4:51 PM I just have one question: When will the "Don't Camera Me!" t-shirts hit the market? http://www.cafepress.com/cloudxgraphx.81660887?r=froogle&CMP=OTC:froogle



Posted by: William Kurtz | July 28, 2008 4:55 PM Tax Dollars, Personally, I think this is news. Far too many people (looking at you, "Alphonse Credenza") don't know--or don't care--that cyclists are required by law to ride in the street and explicitly prohibited on the sidewalk. They don't know, or don't care, that motorists are legally obligated to share the road. What Paul Bass has done is show the readers of the Independent exactly what cyclists encounter on a daily basis. So, in one sense; this isn't 'news.' It happens everyday. But most people don't see it this close.

Posted by: David Streever | July 28, 2008 5:06 PM Thanks for publishing this Paul. It's good to see the reality of how drivers react.

Posted by: Ben | July 28, 2008 5:15 PM I was riding my bicycle on Orange Street with a friend where there are no bike lanes last week.

I have a speedometer on my bike. We were going 22 MPH.

A Car pulled up on us twice and honked their horn.

I turned around and it was YPD. He sped past us and banked a left on Humphrey. I tried to report the incident to NHPD and they told me that even as a citizen of New Haven I could not report the illegal activities of a Yale Police Officer to them. She also claimed that I was not supposed to be in the middle of the road going just a hair below the speed limit on a bicycle. Operators at NHPD and officers of Yale PD need to be trained in Cycling laws as well as citizens.

Posted by: JackNH | July 28, 2008 5:21 PM I haven't taken the CT drivers' test since 1968, but aren't there any questions on it about the rights of bicyclists on the road, and the proper respect for them? Is it too much to hope there might be? I find drivers, pedestrians (and yes, sometimes bikers, who DO ride on sidewalks) in New Haven often clueless.

Posted by: anon | July 28, 2008 5:53 PM The Mayor needs to clear out his calendar, starting this week, and have a sit-down face to face talk with every city policeman, public official, cab operator, 911 technician, ambulance company, bus driver/CT Transit, Yale transit chief, Yale police, bus subcontractor, fire truck driver, LCI enforcement official and school teacher in the City of New Haven and let them know what the laws are, and that there is a new "zero tolerance" policy for violating them. It's unacceptable that our public servants don't even know what the laws are. I routinely see cabbies and bus drivers going 45-55mph in 25mph zones. Education has to start with the people who supposedly hold positions of public responsibility. Next time you are assaulted, Paul, you should call the police down. As far as driver laws go, Daniel Sumrall is absolutely correct. Drivers are not prepared to operate deadly machinery on our roads, which is one reason why we see 130 dead people on our roads every day in this country. Other countries have much tougher licensing. Add to that problem the fact that many motorists are talking on cell phones while operating 4,000 pound machines (I count about 1 in 10 drivers), which is technically even more dangerous than drunk driving, and you have a truly deadly mix. It's not just a safety issue - it's killing our communities, environment, public health and economy as well. Who's going to try to walk a block to school when the public officials don't even know how to drive safely?

Posted by: East Rock | July 28, 2008 6:00 PM Ben- I often honk at bicyclists, not to be rude but just to let them know I am coming around them. Are you sure that was not his intention? I fear that when I am going around a bicyclist they may not notice and swerve in my path.

Posted by: cedarhillresident | July 28, 2008 6:02 PM I counted 7 F words in what 49 seconds! WOW!!!

Posted by: Win | July 28, 2008 6:11 PM Thank you Paul. This story embodies the daily struggles of all two wheeled commuters in town. We need more attention brought to this issue as rising fuel prices are going to mean even more cyclists on the road. Education is severely needed. To that end, below is a passage from the CT Driver's Manual (Pg 29 & 30)which reads: "Under Connecticut law, a bicycle is considered a vehicle with the same rights and responsibilities as cars and other vehicles on the road. Drivers should expect to see bicyclists on the road, riding with traffic. A bicyclist may use the left lane when turning.

When a road is too narrow for cars and bikes to ride side-by-side, the bicyclist will "take the travel lane" which means riding in or

near the center of the lane. A major problem for drivers is the ability to see bicyclists, especially at night. Sometimes they may be in the blind spot of your vehicle. When you approach a bicyclist, keep on the lookout and slow down. Learn to recognize situations and obstacles which may be hazardous to cyclists, such as potholes, drain grates and narrow bridges or roadways. Give them adequate space to maneuver." Please keep reporting on this issue as it affects many New Haveners, drivers and riders, alike. It seems that accidents are on the rise, indicating the need for an educational campaign for 2 and 4 wheeled operators. I'm both sorry and happy to know that I'm not the lone source of 4-wheeled road rage in New Haven - Thanks Paul. I'm going to bike home now.

Posted by: DAFeder | July 28, 2008 7:32 PM OK, it clearly makes people INSANE to ride in the street, and it's illegal and unsafe to ride on the sidewalk... is there some other zone called the "_fucking_ sidewalk" where I'm supposed to be riding? There's that cool bicyclist stencil marking the bike lane; I wonder what the "fucking sidewalk" symbol looks like. And would we have gotten the bike-friendly city designation if we had a special "fucking crazy driver" lane on Orange St.? Let's be careful out there! David

Posted by: Bugupit | July 28, 2008 7:54 PM "I realize I almost carred you, but don't camera me, man!"

Posted by: Amongstamous | July 28, 2008 8:00 PM This must be why the NHPD call-takers don't pick up the phone on the first ring---they have to deal with these people for 8 hours a day. I don't blame them one bit. You couldn't pay me enough to listen to this whiny ...(or other people like her) all day long.

Posted by: DEZ | July 28, 2008 9:33 PM This was absolutely hilarious! It amazes me just how ignorant some people are, but this 'lady' is the epitome of trash! Believe me, I'm not one to judge (!) but come on! The sad thing is that she has absolutely no clue. To stumble through life blissfully unaware of what a rude human being you are while spouting your half-baked reality through your filthy gob. Someone call the street-sweeper quickly. 'Clean up on isle four!' Oy!

Posted by: DingDong | July 28, 2008 10:31 PM I am most amazed by how calm Paul's voice is in the face of this barrage.

Posted by: Ben | July 28, 2008 11:17 PM East Rock,

I was riding the speed limit in the middle of the lane.

The driver did not have the right to pass.

Additionally, honking tends to make jittery cyclists nervous and possibly react dangerously i.e. fall so , in my opinion, you should probably refrain.

Thanks for looking out though.

Posted by: Patrick | July 28, 2008 11:28 PM This needs to be on youtube. If this video were to get some traction, it could provide some degree of awareness about the rights and responsibilities of drivers/cyclists. Besides, "cameraing me" needs to become a nationally-used phrase. Less seriously, though: If only someone had this woman's email...we could ensure that she sees herself. She should be forced to watch herself repeatedly for one full hour.

Posted by: -fairhavener- | July 28, 2008 11:46 PM Dude, that's my f'n wife. You better taken this f'n sh#% down.

Posted by: JMS | July 29, 2008 12:42 AM It's nice that you tried to engage this lovely peach of a woman to try and educate her a little. Just don't get shot or anything for your trouble. It's one thing to be "right"... it's another to get assaulted for it. Having spent many years commuting by bicycle at one point I think I decided that there were definately some instances where I would rather come away alive then vindicated. And this is not to deter anyone from trying to educate people about cycling awareness. Just pick your battles... that's all I'm saying. I wish she had gotten a police response at the scene so you could have had the pleasure of hearing an officer explain the law to her. JMS

Posted by: joanne | July 29, 2008 8:05 AM i ride on the sidewalk, slowly and illegally, with one foot touching the sidewalk when i am anywhere near pedestrians. i do this because i was run over by a car and am incredibly nervous when riding in the street.

Posted by: cedarhillresident | July 29, 2008 8:38 AM -fairhavener-

Really???

Posted by: mulder | July 29, 2008 8:44 AM I think it was Scully going to work. She did pay for her meter.

Posted by: MisterJones | July 29, 2008 9:11 AM Is it news? One driver honking and road-raging against a bicyclist may not seem especially newsworthy, but as an illustration of the ongoing issues involving bicycling in New Haven is certainly is newsworthy. Ten days ago a bicyclist was hit on the corner of Church and Chapel. Search this website and you'll get lots of hits and talk of the "lively debate" about bicyclists in the street. The idea that bikes belong on the sidewalk is a common misconception that news reports like this may help to correct. And I too questioned why you stopped camera-ing, as it is of course your right to record on a public street, even if the person you are recording is using a telephone. You wouldn't be eavesdropping on the unsuspecting person on the other end of the line unless the call was on speakerphone. Nonetheless, I can understand turning the camera off in an effort to defuse a volatile, and escalating situation.

Posted by: Esteban | July 29, 2008 9:39 AM I've been riding bicycles in New Haven for over twenty years. I know very well that I am required to ride in the street. I know I must obey the same rules of the road to which motor vehicles are subject. Nevertheless, I often ride on the sidewalks simply to preserve life and limb (mine!). At various times while riding in the street I have been yelled at, honked at, spat at, laughed at, gassed and assaulted both verbally and physically. I once came to within an inch of being crushed between a Connecticut company bus and a row of parked cars. A letter of protest to the CT Company including all relevant information of the incident was never answered. I once got so angry at a woman who honked insistently while passing me (only to turn into a driveway not fifty feet ahead of me), that I took off my frame pump and threatened to whack her with it. I took down her plate number and did an FOI check to discover she was the wife of a prominent New Haven physician! And so, I often find myself riding on the sidewalk as do some of the policemen I see on bicycles in my Dwight neighborhood. Evidently they understand the danger of the streets.





Posted by: Brian | July 29, 2008 10:12 AM I only want to point out that riding a bicycle on the sidewalk is only against state law in some towns. The statute provides that riding on the sidewalk is illegal only when the local Traffic Authority makes it illegal. New Haven has an ordinance that provides that riding on the sidewalk is prohibited. Of course if people like Paul's motorist could ever get organized they could maybe convince their Aldermen to repeal this. In other towns in Connecticut it is legal to ride on the sidewalk. Under state law,however, New Haven does not possess the local authority to prohibit bicycles from riding on the roads.

Daniel Sumrall has it right. There are places in this world where half a brain is legally required to get behind the wheel of a car(strict testing hurdles).I have a man who works for me who rides a bicycle everywhere. He failed the Connecticut drivers test twice. What a feat!

Posted by: Cheri | July 29, 2008 10:16 AM Esteban: I'm with you on this. I am guilty of occasionally biking on sidewalks, especially in areas like Whalley Ave, where the sidewalks are very wide, and where I'm unlikely to put a pedestrian in any danger. I, too, see cops on bikes riding on sidewalks, and have considered taking out my own cell phone to get a picture so that Lt. Hassert can see why it's a bit confusing to be ticketed (for biking on sidewalks) when cops are biking on sidewalks on a regular basis. I actually don't think biking on the sidewalk should be illegal, but the cyclist MUST ALWAYS defer to pedestrians, and they must bike slowely and carefully. However, the street is usually the safest place, unless, of course, you end up dealing with the crazy woman who is the subject of this report....I think she was looking for a fight, and I'm glad it was with Paul, who dealt with the situation so calmly...

Posted by: Win | July 29, 2008 10:50 AM Just a note on honking at cyclists, it expressly states in the CT Driver's Manual that drivers should not honk at cyclists because it could startle them and cause an accident. I would encourage everyone here to look at the New Haven Safe Streets petition and think about signing it to promote safer streets in our city. here is the link: http://www.gopetition.com/online/19519.html



Posted by: JP | July 29, 2008 11:06 AM See this is the problem obviously this lady is insane but all of you bikers want it both ways. You ride on the street and the sidewalk. You Cross streets at red light in the cross walk when you want. You ride on the sidewalk when you want. You ride the wrong way down a street when you want. But then you want drivers to consider you to be equals when it comes to sharing the road. I have no problem with bikes in the road or changing the law to let them on the sidewalk but the problems arisen because bikers like to be a motor vehicle in the street and when its more convenient they like to think of themselves as pedestrians. I'd like to see Paul get some video of himself confronting bikers in the wrong.

Posted by: Cheri | July 29, 2008 11:20 AM JP: I think bikers have to have it both ways. We have to bike in traffic with cars, but we cannot move as fast, and we are usually very limited to where we can be on the road. So, although it seems to you that we want these contradictions, we don't. The honest truth is that when possible, most of us try to follow the rules of the road, but sometimes we are simply not able to compete with cars, trucks, buses, etc., who are not paying us any respect (or downright pissed at us for even being there), and who really don't care if we get side-swiped, cut off, beeped at, screamed at, etc.

Posted by: anon | July 29, 2008 11:21 AM JP, if a bicyclist is stopping at the light, taking a look around, then putting his/her foot down and pushing off across a crosswalk at a walking pace, how is he/she not considered a pedestrian?

Posted by: KenCT | July 29, 2008 11:37 AM Yes, JP, there's plenty of blame to go around. I've been walking, biking, and driving in New Haven for over 30 years. What gets me particularly crazy are the bikers who barrel down the sidewalks in downtown New Haven expecting pedestrians to scatter like so many pigeons. Less confrontation, more civility.

Posted by: JMS | July 29, 2008 11:51 AM Hey at least it's not this bad... http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/us/2008/07/29/dcl.cop.decks.cyclist.cnn JMS

Posted by: joey | July 29, 2008 12:34 PM How sad is it? That paul has to peddle around the city lookin for some story to write.

Posted by: Kyle | July 29, 2008 12:55 PM And then there are those who honk and curse at pedestrians for forcing them to slow down by crossing the street at a crosswalk in front of them. Try using the crosswalk at the middle of the Green sometime. This in turn encourages jaywalking. If you are going to be cursed out for crossing at a crosswalk, why bother finding one?

Posted by: William Kurtz | July 29, 2008 12:55 PM JP, Thanks for your comments. You're right; the many people who bike unsafely, irresponsibly and rudely do present a problem to motorists and other cyclists. But check this link out: http://washcycle.typepad.com/home/2008/07/the-myth-of-the.html The writer does a good job of exploding the myth of the scofflaw cyclist and explaining why people on bikes often disregard (perhaps "customize" is a better word) certain traffic laws.

Posted by: JP | July 29, 2008 1:34 PM Anon, that's exactly what I'm talking about your either the same as a car or your not. You don't get to go from being a car when the light is green to being a pedestrian when the light is red. You're a motor vehicle whether you put your foot down or not. Now I guess if you dismounted the bike and walked it across and got back on that might be another story. Another one of my favorites is when a light turns red and a biker goes between the cars to the front of the line forcing all the cars to pass them again. Guess what also not legal. You're a motor vehicle hold your place in line. If bikers all followed the law drivers would understand what the laws are and except them but because its so confused and because none of the bikers follow the law no one has any idea what a biker should or is going to do. Its really the biking communities fault that drivers don't get it.



Posted by: Rider | July 29, 2008 2:00 PM What a moron! I figured she was on her way to the court house as she parked one block away. She proved just how many people are ignorant of the law. Did she think the more she cursed the more valid her argument? She gave pregnant women a bad name. LOL I can't imagine how serene her labor is gonna be!

Posted by: William Kurtz | July 29, 2008 3:33 PM "None of the bikers follow the law"? "It's really the biking communities [sic] fault that drivers don't get it"? I have to disagree there, and I think even cursory observation will bear me out. First off, to say that "none" of the cyclists follow the law is an indefensible absolute. Lots of us do. Many do not. Others operate in the same sort of gray area that most motorists do--rolling stops at stop signs, passing through lights that are only--ahem!--"pink", cheerfully exceeding the posted speed limit, and honking at people on bicycles who are at or near those limits.

Posted by: JP | July 29, 2008 4:05 PM William,

1) I'm gona stick with none just like no drivers always follow the law. Your really going to tell me you never run a red light on your bike. You signal every time you turn, you never ride between cars at a red light, you never go down a 1 way street the wrong way or set a tire on the sidewalk. I just don't believe it. 2) There is no gray area in the law this type of thinking is why you get hit or beeped at. The big difference is its the social norm for drivers to break certain laws. When bikers break laws no one knows what's going to happen. For example when the light turns yellow i know drivers are going to speed up and run the light. However when a bike rides down the sidewalk the opposite direction of traffic I have no idea if he is going to ride into the street if people are in front of him. Speeding, Rolling stops, running pink lights its all the normal flow of traffic with you bikers there is no norm its whatever you feel like doing. You can even go back and read on the NHI how at critical mass rides they hold up traffic at greens and run the red lights and these are organized pro bike events.



Posted by: Bill Saunders | July 29, 2008 4:20 PM Cheri, I may be wrong, but I seem to recall reading a statute somewhere that does allow police to ride their bikes on the sidewalk. Now if we can get the police to enforce the helmet law for cyclists riding in the street who are under sixteen, we might make a dent in this bike gang thing.

Posted by: Bruce | July 29, 2008 5:07 PM JP, Let's get things into perspective. Drivers (like myself sometimes) actually "break" the laws so often that we don't even realize that we do it. Before you turn me in to the police, let me list some of the ways that drivers break the law every day. 1) Crossing white line while at a light or stop sign

2) Rolling stops at stop sign

3) Crossing double yellow to pass standing vehicle

4) Turning or changing lanes without signaling

5) Driving even 1 mph over the speed limit (25 max on Whitney, folks) There are actually good reasons to "break" many of these laws (for example, you may need to see around a bush on the corner), but technically by the letter of the law you are breaking the rules. Some flexibility in the laws is necessary no matter what vehicle you are in. Even pedestrians are rarely without sin. Have you ever stepped outside the white lines in a crosswalk? People really need to weigh the consequences of their actions and balance safety with convenience and sensibility. No one is going to wait 2 hours behind a moving truck just to avoid crossing a double-yellow line on Orange Street.

Posted by: JP | July 29, 2008 5:40 PM Bruce,

Listen i break the laws all the time. I speed, i never use turn signals run a pink here and there.

Im not at all agents bikers some of my best friends ride everyday to work. Im just saying bikers ride on the sidewalk so often people think that thats where they are supposed to be. They are on the sidewalk more often then they are on the street. If they were never on the sidewalk drivers wouldent think that where they belong.

Posted by: juli | July 29, 2008 6:12 PM jp...to respond to your earlier comment: when some cyclists pass vehicles to get to the front of a line of stopped traffic, it is not motivated by lack of patience. it is often the safest way to get through an intersection, by making yourself visible to traffic in all directions, and stating your intentions by signaling where you are going. many cities are installing "bike boxes" in the front of intersections for cyclists to wait until a light changes. this prevents collisions when a cyclist is travelling straight through and the driver is turning right.

Posted by: David Streever | July 29, 2008 7:29 PM JP: Cyclists do ride through red lights during crit mass: at this time, it's because the police are blocking oncoming traffic. This "pro-bike" event started as a protest. Now, our city has embraced it, and the type of riding happening is not illegal, because the police are blocking traffic, just as happens in a parade.

Posted by: traffic calming hah! | July 29, 2008 8:20 PM wish we could upload photos here... I guess if I was really hip I would like to some storage website. anyway, while bento boxes are nice for lunch in Japan, I have a great photo of the Bike Box at an intersection in China... must be 75 bikes standing waiting for the green light, backed by taxis in two colors, green and dark red. what's cooler, they are at a roundabout and I am looking down from a monument in the center. shadowbox, that's where she wanted you to ride... as she drove on the the apocalypse of her life.

Posted by: Patrick | July 29, 2008 9:12 PM JP, You're right about the sidewalk issue: cyclists need to get off the damn sidewalk. It's just as, if not more, frustrating for me as a cyclist to see another cyclist on the sidewalk as it is for you. Some other traffic laws are different though. There's a growing movement to make red lights like stop signs for bikes and stop signs like yield signs. Iowa has already passes a law to that effect, California is considering it, Toronto has "bicycles excepted" under most of their traffic signage...why is this? Well, most stop signs (especially four way stops) and many lights are traffic calming devices, not traffic safety devices. Bikes do not need to be calmed as much as motorists.

Posted by: cedarhillresident | July 29, 2008 9:29 PM ok jumping in on the conversation. As a new and trying to get in shape cyclist, so I can park the car more...It is freaking scary on the road. And yes I may pop up in the less walked areas. So my guess is many of the people on bike on sidewalks are new to it. I hope I will get a thicker skin to not do it but I panic. Not giving up, I am hoping the streets do get safer so even I can park the car.

As a motorist I let the bikes have the right of way they have no metal around them! Besides most more experienced bikers go faster than my car does in city traffic...if your doing the speed limit

Posted by: anon | July 30, 2008 8:37 AM Traffic needs to be slowed to 15-20mph, otherwise the majority of people (e.g. the 95% of people who are "inexperienced" or "never" cyclists) will feel comfortable riding on the road. Otherwise, count on a lot of people riding on the sidewalk. The experienced cyclists may not, but newsflash -- only about 10% of Americans rode a bike once in the past month. If we are serious about reducing our dependency on foreign oil and putting money back in the pocketbooks of city residents -- who are currently being strained trying to pay for transit -- we need to make streets more walkable and bikeable. The first priority should be a very basic network of bike routes, like Orange Street, with 15-20mph traffic speeds and traffic calming, that enable residents to feel comfortable getting from one side of the city to the other on foot or by bike. Four or five streets would suffice for this.

Posted by: JP | July 30, 2008 8:47 AM I forgot my camera but i did count the bikes on my way to work today. Out of 5 bikes 4 were on the sidewalk and 1 was going the wrong way down the street. None were rideing legally. David Streever, Cops only taged along on the latest crit mass ride before that bikers held up greens all on there own. Anyway my point of all this is just to say that yes cars should always yeild to bikes no matter what but the reason drivers get mad at bikes ia because there really is not law and order to the sport. As you can see above just about everyone admits to doing as they please when it suits them.

Posted by: JMS | July 30, 2008 9:05 AM Oh man... I just saw Paul riding to work this morning and I swear it took every ounce of self control I had not to pull up next to him and shout "GET ON THE F@#KING SIDEWALK!!!"... in jest of course. I'm pretty sure he would have understood the humor but I didn't wan't to startle him or I would have done it for sure. JMS

Posted by: William Kurtz | July 30, 2008 10:43 AM JP, Thanks for your thoughtful comments. I appreciate what you've contributed to this discussion. Regarding the 'gray area' and the law-bending, I do some of those things you mentioned, just like I sometimes break the law when I'm driving. For example, when approaching a line of cars at a red light, I typically (if there's room to do so) move to the front of the line and proceed through the light when it turns green. I am also willing to go through when the 'walk' signal is on, and sometimes when the opposing light turns red and there's no cross traffic in sight. I do this, rather than waiting my turn at the back of the line, because in most instances it's both safer and more efficient for all to do so. Going through the light ahead of the first car allows me to get up to speed and move to the right side or shoulder and allow the faster traffic to pass. In my view, it's an attempt to be courteous, and not unpredictable. I'm in whole-hearted agreement about the danger and inconvenience posed by people on bicycles who behave unpredictably. I see a lot of that, both as a driver and as a cyclist. I have almost been pushed off the side of the road and into car traffic many times by people riding on the left side of the road and almost struck many times by people coming off sidewalks at intersections without looking. I guess my point is that people pick and choose what they can safely get away with. As a cyclist, I rarely exceed the posted speed limit. But as a motorist, I never treat a red light as a stop sign which I sometimes do when riding.



Posted by: Meg | July 30, 2008 5:32 PM I must say, this morning on my way up George Street I encountered a very rude cyclist. At 7:45 am, he blew the red lights at George/College, George/Temple and the worst one, George/Church. He did slow down but, as soon as he saw the intersection was clear, continued through. I pulled up next to him and told him that he was obligated to follow the same laws the motor vehicles do. He didn't really seem to care but did stop at George/State.

Posted by: Bill Saunders | July 30, 2008 11:04 PM If nothing else, this video shows that ignorance is not bliss.

Posted by: Steve Ross | July 31, 2008 8:56 AM Meg, Perhaps the cyclist wasn't being rude but merely riding as Bill Kurtz described (as many cyclists do). What was your tone when you approached him? What was his reaction like? I'm just curious.

Posted by: rortiz | July 31, 2008 9:48 AM Paul good job by standing your ground and explaining the law to this hormonal mess. NHPD please expain this law to your non bicycle riding dispatchers.

Posted by: anon | July 31, 2008 11:31 AM How is that rude, Meg? Perhaps the cyclist was just trying to save his own life by reducing interactions with motor vehicles.

Posted by: 2Unique4U | July 31, 2008 3:19 PM From the State of CT General Statutes (C.G.S. 14-286a):

"Every person operating a bicycle solely by hand or foot power upon and along any sidewalk or across any roadway upon and along any crosswalk shall be granted all of the rights and shall be subject to all of the duties applicable to pedestrians walking in such areas as provided by the general statutes, except as provided otherwise by any ordinance of any city, town or borough or any regulation of the State Traffic Commission issued or adopted pursuant to the provisions of section 14-289." From the latest (June, 2008) CT Drivers Manual:

"Bicycles

Under Connecticut law, a bicycle is considered a vehicle with the same rights and responsibilities as cars and other vehicles on the road. Drivers should expect to see bicyclists on the road, riding with traffic. A bicyclist may use the left lane when turning. When a road is too narrow for cars and bikes to ride side-by-side, the bicyclist will "take the travel lane" which means riding in or near the center of the lane. A major problem for drivers is the ability to see bicyclists, especially at night. Sometimes they may be in the blind spot of your vehicle. When you approach a bicyclist, keep on the lookout and slow down. Learn to recognize situations and obstacles which may be hazardous to cyclists, such as potholes, drain grates and narrow bridges or roadways. Give them adequate space to maneuver. To avoid conflict, drivers of motor vehicles need to know the rules: • Do not drive or park in a bicycle lane. You may cross a bicycle lane, such as when turning or when entering or leaving an alley, private road, or driveway.

• Fines are doubled for failure to yield right-of-way to a bicyclist.

• You must yield to bicyclists in a bicycle lane or on a sidewalk, before you turn across the lane or sidewalk.

• Do not crowd bicyclists. Wait for a clear stretch of road before passing a bicyclist who is moving slower than your motor vehicle in a lane too narrow to share. Remember, the bicycle is a slow-moving vehicle and this may require you to slow down. The greater the speed difference between you and a bicyclist, the more room you should allow when passing.

• Do not honk at a bicyclist, unless you have good cause to warn the rider. The loud noise could startle the rider. There may be a good reason for the bicyclist to be riding in the travel lane, such as roadway hazards not visible to motorists.

• When turning left at an intersection, yield to oncoming bicyclists just as you would yield to oncoming motorists.

• Do not pass bicycles if you will be making a right turn. Always assume bicyclists are traveling through unless they signal otherwise.

• Children on bicycles are often unpredictable - they cannot see things out of the corner of their eyes as well as adults, so they may not see you even when they glance back before pulling out in front of you. They also have trouble judging the speed and distance of oncoming vehicles. They believe adults will look out for them, and lack a sense of danger." From the Chaper 29, Article 1, Sec. 29-10, Code of Ordinances, City of New Haven, CT:

"Sec. 29-10. Vehicles on sidewalks.

No person shall drive, wheel or draw any coach, cart, handcart, wheelbarrow, bicycle, or other vehicle of burden or pleasure, whether of the same description or not, except children's hand carriages drawn by hand, or permit any horse under his care to go or stand upon any sidewalk or footpath in the streets or public squares of said city, except going in or out of driveways.

(Code 1928, § 751; Traffic Reg. of 7-7-52, § 10)" That should settle this once and for all

Posted by: Steve Ross | July 31, 2008 4:29 PM Good show, 2Unique.

Posted by: JP | July 31, 2008 6:00 PM 2Unique4U,

not sure thats really helpful as everyone knows what they should be doing. Its just that its not really practical to follow the law.

Posted by: Meg | July 31, 2008 10:04 PM Steve,

I told him that if he ran another red light, the cops would be notified. I ride too,do not run red lights and obey the laws. I understand starting off as the opposite light is turning green but to proceed through a two or three lane intersection as he did is ignorant (none of the opposing lights were about to turn green). He agreed with me and finally did stop and wait at the intersection of State St. He did stay in the right turn lane at Union and West Water, which is a little crazy. I would've stayed to the right of the lane going straight as I have seen many close calls with cyclists in that turn lane. The cars that are turning expect the cyclists to do so too. I totally agree that many drivers are ignorant of the law...heck, I was beeped at, yelled at by kids in the back seats of cars (one pretended to be shooting) and nearly struck (on the shoulder) on my 30 mile ride just the other night. I think that cyclists who get comfortable with bad habits are a disaster waiting to happen. And anon, the laws are black and white. Are you telling me it's okay to pull up to a red light (in a car), look both ways, and proceed if there isn't any traffic (after all, that WOULD be reducing interactions with other motor vehicles, right?). DUH

Posted by: Kelly | August 1, 2008 11:40 AM As much as I hate to do it, this is why I usually ride on the sidewalk in this town. Do people not need traffic safety classes in order to get a license? Why are there so many idiot drivers? Who taught them? [deep breath . . .]

Posted by: Steve Ross | August 1, 2008 12:51 PM JP, I respectfully disagree. It's plainly apparent to me that drivers don't know what "they should be doing." Now, whether the types of motorists we're talking about would care to consider any of those bulleted points is another question! Meg, Thanks for the further info. It appears that, all things considered, you educated the guy, and it might improve his chances protecting himself on the road. I'm glad that he wasn't rude to you. While I consider my a competent cyclist, I've been guilty of running many a light (though with discretion and a total familiarity of the area; I certainly wouldn't "blow through" any light without a cautionary look), but lately I've found myself footdropping for the entire duration of the light, even if there isn't any opposing traffic. I wonder if that has anything to do with these boards?

Posted by: Walt | August 2, 2008 8:41 AM Confiscate the bikes of those who disobey the law, Throw in Sessa the Segwaying law-breaking banker Treat these lawbreakers as you do those on birt-bikes, Safety will improve.

Posted by: William Kurtz | August 2, 2008 5:11 PM Walt, Great suggestion; I can definitely get behind that as long as the same rules (confiscation for disobedience of the law) apply to motorists as well. Let's take the cars of people who exceed posted speed limits, violate noise ordinances with their stereos and horns, run red lights, and so on.

Posted by: latichever | August 3, 2008 2:22 PM I am very respectful of bicyclists. I also know how dangerous it is to ride in the street. I doubt that any prohibition against sidewalk riding applies to young children, such as mine. I would hate to see them ride in the street, and I can sympathize with any bicyclist who chooses to do so. And there was a comment here about bicyclists respecting the rules of the road. As if! When was the last time you saw a bicyclist stop at a red light or a stop sign? They regularly ride against the traffic, wear no helmets, etc. Being two-wheeled should not be a license to break the law.

Posted by: nhgreen | August 4, 2008 10:28 AM >>

I also know how dangerous it is to ride in the street.

>>

Latichever, that is a gross generalization, and is factually incorrect. Statistical research has shown that sidewalk cycling has an accident rate 25 TIMES that of major roads (William Morris, 1998). Inform yourself, before you continue to argue a point:

http://www.johnforester.com/Articles/Facilities/TransQuart01.htm Please, teach your children safe, effective cycling; this means gradually teaching them to ride in the STREET, following vehicular rules.

Posted by: Steve Ross | August 4, 2008 11:58 AM Latichever, I often wonder about children on bikes as well; often enough I'll see parents riding tandem with their children, though I recently saw a woman riding in the street as her child/grandchild kept pace with her on the adjacent sidewalk, which seemed like a pretty intelligent way to do it. Still, it's an unsettling conundrum. I'd like to address something, though. I see many more cyclists obeying the law of late than I had previously, and for those who don't, they often fall into model that Bill Kurtz brought to everyone's attention in the previous post (his posts have been wildly great). I stopped at every light this morning ... but I then ran each one as the cross-street signal turned yellow, as is reasonable. And lastly, and a minor point solely for your edification, there aren't helmet laws for adults on bicycles.



Posted by: Fer | August 4, 2008 1:14 PM As far as I can tell almost all car drivers exceed the speed limit regularly. This is extremely dangerous and puts us all at risk. Why is there not outrage about speeding? People who speed in cars, are threatening us all and our children. Officer, please enforce the speed limit.

Posted by: jo | August 4, 2008 1:49 PM my perspective on the orange street incident: tho the pregnant woman lost control, my guess is she was impatient to park, the street is narrow, the sidewalk in front of FBI building probably (usually)clear. maybe while driving she was afraid she might hit or hurt the cyclist. she was angry & became unnerved by the questions & camera. now she is humiliated because of her vituperative display of anger & outrage. this is a truly a shame. but it has certainly fueled the debate in our share-the-roads dilemma.. clearly we need signs and markings on the roads to indicate that bicycles are expected to ride in the street. markings will signify that this is the law and that we all must cooperate and share the road.

Posted by: beedogs | August 6, 2008 1:21 PM Dude, that's my f'n wife. You better taken this f'n sh#% down. Heh. Your wife is an idiot. Take her keys.

Posted by: FrankieJ | August 24, 2008 5:10 PM Most of the anger toward cyclists is caused by a driver's misunderstanding of what the law says Until we have a real driver's education in place, there will be more incidents such as this.

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