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cashonlyplz t1_j6n5zrq wrote

Reply to comment by [deleted] in Third Bicyclist Killed in Philadelphia in January 2023 - Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia by hdhcnsnd

I ride my $3K e-bike to work everyday, pre-dawn, through a notso nice neighborhood. I'm not waiting for a red light when the roads are completely empty just because cars have to. Rush hour is another thing entirely, but every rule for cars should not apply equally to bicycles. That makes no sense. We don't have an engine block taking away 3 feet of (all-too-often obstructed) vision from intersections.

They are not the same thing, at all. Idaho stops make sense as law, here.

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napsdufroid t1_j6nivct wrote

From the Bicycle Coalition of Philadelphia's web site:

Is it OK to ride against traffic?

No, with two exceptions. Bicycles are legal vehicles and, therefore, are required to ride in the same direction as motor vehicles in traffic. Riding against traffic—“contraflow riding,” as it’s called—is only allowed on streets where there is a specific contraflow bike lane, or a two-way bike lane.

Are bicyclists allowed to roll through Stop Signs?

No. All vehicles are required to stop at stop signs. Failure to yield at Stop Signs is potentially dangerous for pedestrians looking to cross the street. So, please stop at Stop signs—and follow all other street signs and markings—including traffic lights, yield signs, and crosswalks.

Can I ride my bike on the sidewalk?

Are you 13 years of age or younger? Then sure, go ahead. Otherwise, you should ride on the street. Riding on the sidewalk is dangerous for pedestrians and drivers won’t expect you in the crosswalk when entering intersections.

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Glystopher t1_j6o6ilw wrote

I don’t mind stopping completely on an ebike, looks like I’ll have to get one again… stopping at every stop with no motor? Eh…

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napsdufroid t1_j6o81we wrote

So if you blow a light/sign and,God forbid, get hit, you know to blame it on yourself.

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cashonlyplz t1_j6okbpo wrote

  1. I never rode* against traffic. Never. And I glare at cyclists that do.
  2. Yeah I know I'm not waiting at a red light at 5:00 a.m. to cross Girard when there is nary a vehicle on the road. It's not going to happen. You better believe I wait at that red light on the way back, when the road is FULL of traffic. I know what the law is. I know we are treated as vehicles. Do (most) automobile drivers know that? Hell no. I'm getting home safely at the end of the day.
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