For all those bicyclists in Baltimore (me being one as well) remember that even though you ride a bike, this doesn’t mean you’re above the law. Many bicyclists tend to forget that we have to abide by the same laws as cars and trucks.
This doesn’t give us the right to zip through red lights. This doesn’t give us the ride to fly across lanes cutting off cars. This also doesn’t give us the right to cut through pedestrians trying to cross the street. Just because we’re not covered by tons of steel doesn’t mean that we have the right to go anywhere and everywhere our bike will take us, including side walks, walkways, and pavilions.
At this time the police are lenient but if these sophomoric acts continue, we’ll start to see a crack down and I for one don’t want to get a ticket for riding on the sidewalk because some asshole decided to ruin it for the rest of us.
If you don’t believe me, you can read about it here.
http://www.sha.state.md.us/OPPEN/acom_bike_laws1.pdf
It’s long, its painfully legalese. You can read a summary of this information here for those who have a hard time with big words.
Ultimately, cars have horns and blinkers. We have our voices and our arms. Make sure to use every means possible to communicate with other bicyclists and vehicles. Don’t assume that they know you’re there. Don’t assume that they’re going in any specific direction. If you’ve got a voice, use it. Otherwise buy a bell damnit.
December 18th, 2009 on 5:52 pm
FYI – riding on the sidewalk in Baltimore is also illegal, no less so than riding through a red light.
December 18th, 2009 on 6:11 pm
I’m pretty sure I already mentioned that.
January 5th, 2010 on 9:34 am
I’m sory this post is like someone witnessing a plane crash and then mentioning how dangerous trees are. Let’s get a sense of proportion here!
Maryland is in the top ten worst state for the comprehensive cost of car accidents per mile. Also Maryland is in the top ten worst state for the pedestrian fatality rate. Cars kill because they break the laws, and cyclists are not a bunch of suicidal maniacs. It’s not our fault light sensors are adjusted on purpose not to detect bikes. It’s not our fault that pedestrians start crossing without looking or against the light.
The problem in Baltimore is all road users engage in illegal activity that is not enforced, so therefor the law of the jungle is the only applicable law. If there is a crack down it needs to be on all road users especially motorists as they are the ones that kill, they are the ones who assault cyclists so cyclists are encouraged to avoid confrontation often by illegal means.