Police Trap : For Cyclists?

I know you said that cyclists don't need to. Is that an opinion or actual HTA law? I was taught full stop or 123 count. I think it's especially important for a car. The intersection that really bothers me that I use a lot is the one by Sister MacNamara School. You would think a school at the same corner would make people more careful.

AGEsAces wrote:Something I recently learned about what's acceptable here though...is using the right hand for signaling on a bike.

I was always taught "left hand only"...but according to everything I read, either hand is acceptable.

You know why it was left hand only? because if you are in a car, and use your right hand, it won't stretch through the passenger window.

So car - left hand

Bike - either

Yeah, it is either, but I prefer to use the traditional left hand signals. I'm wobbly if I let go with my right hand!

St Norberter wrote:

AGEsAces wrote:Something I recently learned about what's acceptable here though...is using the right hand for signaling on a bike.

I was always taught "left hand only"...but according to everything I read, either hand is acceptable.

You know why it was left hand only? because if you are in a car, and use your right hand, it won't stretch through the passenger window.

So car - left hand

Bike - either

Well...no...in Florida...where I started riding (& learning bike rules) and in NJ, where I did miles of riding...it was "left hand only". I don't know if they've changed or not.

My wife (who grew up here in Winnipeg) said she remembers being taught "left hand" for signaling, and was surprised when I used my right hand for a lane change on Broadway one day. (which is why I looked it up).

Deank wrote:"I think the proportion of inconsiderate cyclists is about the same as drivers"
ahh but the cyclists are "morally superior" so the moment you have that, it increases the inconsiderateness. Why I heard that one cyclist even uses an airhorn.

Generally I'm worried more about pedestrians that don't look before stepping out in front of a bike than cars.

Air horn doesn't equal morally superior. No different than being honked at by a car.

Now I could tell you the story of when I tossed a slurpee onto a car that cut me off

anny wrote:I know you said that cyclists don't need to. Is that an opinion or actual HTA law? I was taught full stop or 123 count. I think it's especially important for a car. .

Cyclists don't need to ______?

Stop? Yes...technically they do need to stop...but I can stop on my bike and stand on my pedals for a brief moment, then continue pedaling. The bike might actually roll forward slightly as I do this...so it could be argued I'm not stopping...but I've lost forward momentum, and had to downshift back to a starting gear...so yeah...I stopped.

anny wrote:The intersection that really bothers me that I use a lot is the one by
Sister MacNamara School. You would think a school at the same corner
would make people more careful.

Have you SEEN the people around Sister Mac? I don't think I'd wanna stop in that neighborhood either!!!

AGEsAces wrote:

Well...no...in Florida...where I started riding (& learning bike rules) and in NJ, where I did miles of riding...it was "left hand only". I don't know if they've changed or not.

Remember that traffic laws vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. It was left only when I started driving/biking, but then there weren't the number of bikes on the road either.

Air horns a little extreme, but yeah, pretty much like a car horn. I just back pedal to make a little noise.

I think it's rude and unsafe for drivers not to look before opening a door. I know I do.

St Norberter wrote:

Deank wrote:"I think the proportion of inconsiderate cyclists is about the same as drivers"
ahh but the cyclists are "morally superior" so the moment you have that, it increases the inconsiderateness. Why I heard that one cyclist even uses an airhorn.

Generally I'm worried more about pedestrians that don't look before stepping out in front of a bike than cars.

Air horn doesn't equal morally superior. No different than being honked at by a car.

Now I could tell you the story of when I tossed a slurpee onto a car that cut me off

Actually...a good comment.
Did you know that IS required to have some sort of noise making/signaling device on your bicycle?
Air Horn/Bell/Whistle are all acceptable.
Yelling/voice does not count.
I just bought a little electronic horn for my bike because of that little rule I found out.

Well, forget Sister Mac then (I live in the area). Just look at Transcona. All of Transcona.

AGEsAces wrote:

St Norberter wrote:

Deank wrote:"I think the proportion of inconsiderate cyclists is about the same as drivers"
ahh but the cyclists are "morally superior" so the moment you have that, it increases the inconsiderateness. Why I heard that one cyclist even uses an airhorn.

Generally I'm worried more about pedestrians that don't look before stepping out in front of a bike than cars.

Air horn doesn't equal morally superior. No different than being honked at by a car.

Now I could tell you the story of when I tossed a slurpee onto a car that cut me off

Actually...a good comment.
Did you know that IS required to have some sort of noise making/signaling device on your bicycle?
Air Horn/Bell/Whistle are all acceptable.
Yelling/voice does not count.
I just bought a little electronic horn for my bike because of that little rule I found out.

I like the air horn better. I never have to worry about batteries ( I always carry a pump, so air isn't an issue), and it gets attention better

I need to get a bell, but Gord's doesn't carry them and I need to go to some generic department store, which I don't do very often. I also need to replace the light someone stole... ah, cycling.

anny wrote:Well, forget Sister Mac then (I live in the area). Just look at Transcona. All of Transcona.

Just teasing...we did some construction over at Sister Mac a couple years ago...quite the neighborhood .

If Zwikster was here, he'd also bring up the fact he was ticketed (as a cyclist) for rolling into an intersection when there was a red light -- bringing this back to the original topic of a cyclist trap.

I don't need to worry about batteries either. This one is pretty cool...has a rechargeable battery, with wires that go down to the wheel. The rotation of the wheel creates static electricity which charges the battery in my horn & front & rear lights.

Nice! What kind of sound does it make? Price/store?

anny wrote:Air horns a little extreme, but yeah, pretty much like a car horn. I just back pedal to make a little noise.

I think it's rude and unsafe for drivers not to look before opening a door. I know I do.

Whenever I am riding , I try to scan for heads in the parked cars ahead to make sure I don't get 'doored'.

The one time I was 'doored' ( he opened his door into me as I rode by, I didn't crash into an open door - good thing as I was going 35km/hr), I was cycling N on Maryland, I scanned for activity around the parked cars, but couldn't see any. I got hit just north of westminister, so this guy had parked for a while before getting out. Now I look for heads and faces in the door mirror.

anny wrote:If Zwikster was here, he'd also bring up the fact he was ticketed (as a cyclist) for rolling into an intersection when there was a red light -- bringing this back to the original topic of a cyclist trap.

There should be more traps...on the major sidewalks.

Get all those foot patrols who are ticketing vehicles to start flagging down cyclists on the sidewalks. To start...have them hand out a small card or pamphlet which explains the rules about not riding on sidewalks, and the possible fines.

Run it for about 2 weeks...then start handing out tickets (along with the pamphlet).

Again...education is key. BEFORE stupid laws start getting made like:
License required to ride bicycle.
Age limitations on bicycles.
Helmets required on bicycles.
Reflective clothing required on bicycles.

I would never argue the last two as not being "good practice"...but should never become a "requirement".

zwik got a ticket for stopping at a red light.
Waiting until it almost turned green and started moving through the intersection just before the green. with a cop sitting right behind him

I got my airhorn from MEC. It's an airzound. I think they are around $19.

I think the internal hub generator systems are pretty expensive, aren't they?

Mind you, I'm one to talk. For lights, I use a night flux I got at gords for $200 ( I do night time trail riding), and a halogen I built. The halogen cost me no more than $20 in parts ( batteries and charger cost approx $50), but it only has 2 hr run time, although it is as bright as the $200 one!

AGEsAces wrote:

anny wrote:If Zwikster was here, he'd also bring up the fact he was ticketed (as a cyclist) for rolling into an intersection when there was a red light -- bringing this back to the original topic of a cyclist trap.

There should be more traps...on the major sidewalks.

Get all those foot patrols who are ticketing vehicles to start flagging down cyclists on the sidewalks. To start...have them hand out a small card or pamphlet which explains the rules about not riding on sidewalks, and the possible fines.

Run it for about 2 weeks...then start handing out tickets (along with the pamphlet).

Again...education is key. BEFORE stupid laws start getting made like:
License required to ride bicycle.
Age limitations on bicycles.
Helmets required on bicycles.
Reflective clothing required on bicycles.

I would never argue the last two as not being "good practice"...but should never become a "requirement".

But.....there also needs to be a city planning aspect to this. For example, it can be confusing when you are riding your bike down either the sidewalk on waverley or taylor, where both are designated as multi-use pathways ( bikes allowed) for certain stretches, and then turn back to regular sidewalks without proper signage.

as for stopping. ANY stopping, car, bike, truck... moped whatever

its when the vehicle has ceased to move. no count of seconds or anything.. that count is just good driving practice but not legally required.

St Norberter wrote:I got my airhorn from MEC. It's an airzound. I think they are around $19.

I think the internal hub generator systems are pretty expensive, aren't they?

Mind you, I'm one to talk. For lights, I use a night flux I got at gords for $200 ( I do night time trail riding), and a halogen I built. The halogen cost me no more than $20 in parts ( batteries and charger cost approx $50), but it only has 2 hr run time, although it is as bright as the $200 one!

Cabela's has a good airhorn...about $10. Rechargeable with an air pump.
BJ Toys on Nairn has small airhorns (fit in your pocket) for about $7, but they are only good for about 10 short bursts.

The light/horn system I got cost about $30 at Canadian Tire. I haven't installed it yet...so not sure how well it works.

Some Education From MPI:

Safe cycling
More and more these days, people are using bicycles as basic transportation to and from work. It’s a great way to stay fit, and it’s good for the environment. If you’re a bicyclist, follow these rules of the road to keep your ride as safe as possible.

Adults ride on the road, not the sidewalk
Bikes on sidewalks are dangerous for their riders and for pedestrians. It’s illegal to operate a bicycle with a rear wheel diameter of 410 mm (approximately 16 inches) or greater on a sidewalk. Only children should ride on the sidewalk, away from traffic, as it’s safer for them.
Unless you have dismounted and are pushing your bike, adult cyclists should always ride on the road, not on the sidewalk.
The onus falls equally on bicyclists and motorists to share the road safely. Drivers have to be aware that cyclists have a right to be on the road, and provide room for them to cycle safely.

Safety first
As a cyclist, it is important to recognize that you must obey traffic laws. Don’t change lanes without signaling. Don’t ride the line between lanes of traffic. Make sure drivers can see you by staying out of their blind spots and by clearly indicating your intentions before turning or stopping.

Wear a safety helmet that’s in good shape, and if you’re riding at night, use lights and wear a safety vest.

“It really comes down to paying attention and respecting the rights of others,” says Janine Pursaga, Road Safety Issues Specialist with Manitoba Public Insurance. “By following the rules of the road and these simple safety tips, bicycling can be an enjoyable and healthy way to travel.”

One thing that I have noticed on my commute back and forth to work and to the gym is the people who are driving and being extremely ignorant towards cyclists. This is a sad commentary on the people who live in this city but the rudest, most dangerous drivers that I as a cyclist have met are cab drivers and young boys (16-25) in the "rice rocket" cars. I have had incidents with both, and I too have thrown things at cars and even kicked and dented one at a stop light when he crowded me to the point that if I didn't lift myself and bike onto the sidewalk he would have hit me just by him pulling forward. He tried to take my name and number but when the driver behind stated he would be my witness, this guy got in his car and drove off. I have many other scary stories about being passed by cars on my right side that I will tell later as I am about to commute right now.

holly golightly wrote:One thing that I have noticed on my commute back and forth to work and to the gym is the people who are driving and being extremely ignorant towards cyclists. This is a sad commentary on the people who live in this city but the rudest, most dangerous drivers that I as a cyclist have met are cab drivers and young boys (16-25) in the "rice rocket" cars. I have had incidents with both, and I too have thrown things at cars and even kicked and dented one at a stop light when he crowded me to the point that if I didn't lift myself and bike onto the sidewalk he would have hit me just by him pulling forward. He tried to take my name and number but when the driver behind stated he would be my witness, this guy got in his car and drove off. I have many other scary stories about being passed by cars on my right side that I will tell later as I am about to commute right now.

good Luck!