Quote:
Originally Posted by GaryW
Group Riding Guidelines
Stop Signs and Red Lights
Lead riders should stop at all stop signs and red lights—always respecting the right-of-way of others
Stop in the right-most lane in the direction of the route:
When traveling straight, use the right-most thru lane—never travel straight in a right-turn only lane. Merge left from a shoulder or bike lane to prevent right-turning motorists from cutting you off.
When turing right, use a right-turn only lane (if one is available)—do not stay in a shoulder or bike lane, this can cause the group to be pinched in the turn by a right-turning motorist.
When turning left, use the right-most left turn lane, unless the group plans to make another left turn from the new road.
At a stop, bunch-up and take control of the lane. This allows the group to proceed through the intersection as rapidly as possible. When it is time to move, accelerate up to speed (cross the intersection before clipping into the other pedal). After the intersection, the group should move into a line to the right as appropriate. Lead riders should slow to allow everyone to regroup.
Generally, it’s better to stop in the line of traffic and not pass stopped motorists on the right. When passing a queue of stopped traffic, lead riders should consider the following:
Is it possible that a motorist could turn right across the path of the cyclists?
Will passing be easy (bike lane or paved shoulder) or difficult (narrow lane) for motorists downstream of the signal?
A lead rider who does pass on the right should not overtake the lead car in a stopped queue. Although stopped motorists preparing to turn right are supposed to signal and be positioned as far right as practical, some neglect to do this. At a stop sign or light, only pass a single motorist on the left if he or she is preparing to make a right turn.
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If riders bunch up so a group stops at the sign, then proceeds as a bunched up group, I think they are following the guidelines.I wouldn't have a problem with them doing that. It's when there is a stream of riders in a single line that blow through a yield or stop sign that people can get upset.
I can understand it breaks momentum and continuity to have to stop and/or yield at those signs,but, guess what, those of us in autos have to do it too. The fact that you are using a personal powered vehicle is not germane. If bicyclists want autos to obey the laws regarding separation and lane restrictions, they have to accfept the whole package of regulations as they apply to all vehicles.
Gary, I'm not implying you are not riding appropriately. I think there is good information for both cyclists and motorists here. Hopefully we can co-exist here in TV.