In order: -Ignore traffic signals? Bad. Perhaps do the jaywalking equivalent of "it's safe to go", not so bad, ESPECIALLY if it will get the bike out of the way of a tight intersection when the light changes. But yes, many exhibit poor judgment on this. Usually, I go on the walk signal around here - most of which turn 2-3 seconds before the light goes green. It means I can get up to speed and be less of a hazard to everyone else.
-Bad
-Bad
-Bad
-Enh. I just discovered, in researching this item that what I thought I knew ("Bikes (around here, at least) are legally entitled to use a full lane of traffic.") is wrong. There's nothing I can find in the laws (http://massbike.org/bikelaw/mass.htm or a summary at http://massbike.org/bikelaw/lawlegis.htm ) that says anything about that one way or the other. It DOES say that riding single file is mandated unless passing. Personally, I disagree with that. While I try to move over and let cars by, there are many places where it's not possible, due to the conditions of the road and/or the WIDTH of the road. Most cars think nothing of pushing a bike as close to the edge/gutter/parking lane as they can. There are times that I feel riding defensively is appropriate - even 2 abreast. That said, again, it shouldn't be abused.
- Riding on sidewalks is legal, except in 'business districts' and where prohibited by statute. Again, I feel ok about ignoring those exceptions where the traffic or road conditions make the roads hazardous. However, on the sidewalks, one should always behave courteously to pedestrians. Again, many cyclists don't do that last.
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-Ignore traffic signals? Bad. Perhaps do the jaywalking equivalent of "it's safe to go", not so bad, ESPECIALLY if it will get the bike out of the way of a tight intersection when the light changes. But yes, many exhibit poor judgment on this. Usually, I go on the walk signal around here - most of which turn 2-3 seconds before the light goes green. It means I can get up to speed and be less of a hazard to everyone else.
-Bad
-Bad
-Bad
-Enh. I just discovered, in researching this item that what I thought I knew ("Bikes (around here, at least) are legally entitled to use a full lane of traffic.") is wrong. There's nothing I can find in the laws (http://massbike.org/bikelaw/mass.htm or a summary at http://massbike.org/bikelaw/lawlegis.htm ) that says anything about that one way or the other. It DOES say that riding single file is mandated unless passing. Personally, I disagree with that. While I try to move over and let cars by, there are many places where it's not possible, due to the conditions of the road and/or the WIDTH of the road. Most cars think nothing of pushing a bike as close to the edge/gutter/parking lane as they can. There are times that I feel riding defensively is appropriate - even 2 abreast. That said, again, it shouldn't be abused.
- Riding on sidewalks is legal, except in 'business districts' and where prohibited by statute.
Again, I feel ok about ignoring those exceptions where the traffic or road conditions make the roads hazardous. However, on the sidewalks, one should always behave courteously to pedestrians. Again, many cyclists don't do that last.