Biking, from A to B

 

Just got a biking citation...

Note added by Steve O'Donoghue on 06/19/2008
Public
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So, San Francisco is a fairly (I say fairly) bike friendly city. But today, my California driver's  license stands to get 2 (yup 2) citations 'coz of my reckless driving habits.

The story so far...

Lunch time, biking along the Embarcadero in SF (from the Ballpark to the Ferry Bldg) parking lot out towards the bay, rarely use, red(ish) light in my path. I ignore it (my bad) a black an white jolts to a halt. Mea cupla, I acknowledge, nod, smile, convey a sense of apology and guilt to the pair of San Francisco's finest. I bike on, thinging how cool it is to live in such a mellow city. No such luck.

Black and white swerves in front of me. "Stop! Get off your bike".

Citation for breaking the red light, and, for biking of the sidewalk, which I need to do to avoid them. Ouch!

Thinking that I'll contest it though. The sidewalk thing might be a non issue and the cops might not show up for the arreingment/trial/hearing whatever. Funny how my car liecense will be effected though. Lots of rules here. What if I didn't have a drivers's license.

Will keep you posted.

Thanks for listening.

Cheers, Steve.



Comments

by Dark Gracie 5 months ago
ouch. i noticed cops in general are cracking down. i got a ticket myself earlier this month but that was in my car. hard times are getting harder.

good luck.
22
by Geoffrey Ames 5 months ago
Motorists probably have more respect for cyclists if we obey traffic laws. I try to remember that any car out there can kill me (I've been hit 4 times going back to 1973, never my fault, twice the drivers were cited). Driver attitude (specifically anti-cyclist road rage) is one critical factor in our safety on the streets. Keeping the cops on our side (or, at least, neutral) can also be a contributing factor in our safety. That said, it would be far easier to control traffic and far safer if they'd just get rid of all the cars. Worst case scenario... regarding citations: get rid of your car and your drivers license:) I envy friends who've actually been cited for speeding on their bikes. They haven't caught me yet.
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