The shortest distance between two points is a straight line. However, when riding in traffic, many bikers are tempted to stray from this most efficient route. A bent path can be helpful in a number of situations (to avoid an open door, turning car, or pothole), but there’s one situation where a momentary deviation is not recommended: intersections.
It’s official.
I asked, and you delivered—over 300 entries came in this past week! Thank you so much for your enthusiasm and for all the great suggestions you sent. It was tough, but I’ve narrowed them down to the following 10 finalists:
Over the past few weeks, I’ve been inundated with email about my bike from people all over the world who are interested in its many features. As I struggled to respond, I realized that there’s still one thing that my bike is missing: a name.
I’ve never been any good at this sort of thing—that’s why I’m holding a contest to give away a retro-reflective wheel set to the reader who can come up with the best name for my new bike. Crowdsourcing!
About a year ago I decided that I wanted to make the safest transportation bike on the road. This is the result.
If you’re a Boston biker, you probably heard about the Boston Public Health Commission’s recent helmet campaign. In an attempt to encourage bikers to wear helmets, the BPHC commissioned graphic posters (see below) of injured cyclists which were displayed prominently around the city.
I recently met with Nick Martin, the Director of Communications at the Boston Public Health Commission, to discuss the campaign. I have two main problems with this effort, and I thought I’d share them here.
Asked by
Anonymous
Nope!
Check out the following passage from Massachusetts General Law Chapter 90 § 14:
When approaching a vehicle which displays a sign bearing the words “SCHOOL BUS” and which is equipped with front and rear alternating flashing red signal lamps which are flashing, as provided in section seven B, and which has been stopped to allow pupils to alight from or board the same, a person operating a motor vehicle or trackless trolley shall, except when approaching from the opposite direction on a divided highway, bring his vehicle or trackless trolley to a full stop before reaching said school bus and shall not thereafter proceed until the warning signals are deactivated, unless directed to the contrary by a police officer duly authorized to control the movement of traffic.
As you can see from the above statute, motor vehicles (as defined in § 1) have to stop for busses with the stop sign out, but bicycles do not.
So, unless you’re operating a trackless trolly, feel free to ride through those with impunity, knowing in your heart that the law is on your side. Just keep an eye out for pupils.
Yours,
Josh
A year ago today I received the first shipment of the original Bicyclist’s Accident Report cards. Since then, over 10,000 of the Massachusetts version* have been printed and distributed throughout the state.
Three weeks ago, I realized that I was down to my last few boxes. Time for a refresh.
Asked by
omgdualies
Interesting question. Generally speaking, you are responsible for something like that.
However, there may be a set of facts which would exempt you from responsibility. For instance, if the rocks hit an automobile, the damage to that automobile would likely be covered by the owner’s insurance. Additionally, if the rocks were the result of a failed cleanup by another entity, they may be responsible.
Either way, remind me not to ride behind you.
Yours,
Josh
IMAGE via WABA
Under the law of nearly every state, bikes are vehicles. So what does that mean for you? This is the first post in a series that will take a look at the rights and responsibilities that come with vehiclehood.
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Just as you enter the intersection, that asshole in the silver Audi takes a surprise left turn in front of you. There’s no time to brake, and in an instant you’re over his hood and he’s spilled his venti Americano. Congratulations, you’ve just been left crossed.
