Ok to run red light on T-Intersections?
#1
Flying Pig
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Ok to run red light on T-Intersections?
I can't find anything related to this, but is it legal to run a red on a T-intersection if I'm on the "straight" road? IE https://goo.gl/maps/uQfYd at the BART station. Does it make a difference if it has a bike lane or not? I see riders running it so I assumed it's fine.
#5
Senior Member
Legal? I doubt it. Why would it be any different for you than it is for any other person? Why would it be any different in that situation than it is in any other?
#9
Every cyclist does that on the Fifth Avenue in Manhattan. I used to be the only dumb "odd ball" that stopped at every red light . Now I keep going except at the few intersections where it becomes a cross intersection with transverse roads. However, I do pay attention and slow down if there are pedestrians.
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Every cyclist does that on the Fifth Avenue in Manhattan. I used to be the only dumb "odd ball" that stopped at every red light . Now I keep going except at the few intersections where it becomes a cross intersection with transverse roads. However, I do pay attention and slow down if there are pedestrians.
IMHO, along with the right to ride on the road, comes the responsibility to follow the rules of the road.
My opinion probably shouldn't count for much though, I just picked up my first bike in 15 years yesterday, and I only have, what, 3 posts...? I have more of a "driver" mindset than a cyclist one...
#13
bill nyecycles
i don't get why cyclists want to be recognized as legal vehicles on the road with the right to be there then ignore the traffic laws.
stop at the frickin red light.
stop at the frickin red light.
#14
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We are so few cyclists around here and I like to proclaim the "share the road" theme we have going on, so I always stop even when its pointless like no cars or peds around at all. I could easily just roll through and the cops wouldn't bother me but showing a good example to other drivers boosts our cycling perception. I never ride in a hurry and the lights are a resting point for me anyway. In the larger cities like VOL mentions above in Manhattan, I would follow his lead like he followed the others. That's a little different as there are many cyclists in that area. It only becomes an issue when you are of a minority and you stand out like a sore thumb when you ignore certain laws. Not saying its ok but more than likely its accepted in certain areas.
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If I understand the question; there's an intersection I pass every morning, early, that if there's no cars around I just roll through. It's a T intersection, I'm going straight through. The perpendicular road is on the opposite side of the road. I'm to the right. So even IF cars were turning into the route, I'd be clear in most cases.
Here's the spot I'm thinking of:
passing by the old convention center on the right, 6th Avenue to the left
It's NOT legal.
However at 6am, I'm often the only vehicle/person on the road other an a couple taxis parked along side the road waiting for someone to come out of the hotel(s).
The lights are timed just so, that if I'm stopped at 7th (behind the streetview link) this light will go red just as the light at 7th turns green - forcing a stop at both lights. Then If I stop at 6th, the same scenario repeats at 5th. If no one is around, I roll through 6th and it allows me to go from 7th through 5th without stopping. I always stop at 8th, 7th, 5th if red (I turn on 4th). It's only 6th that I give this treatment.
Again, not legal but otherwise I'm forced to stop at every block -with no one around.
Here's the spot I'm thinking of:
passing by the old convention center on the right, 6th Avenue to the left
It's NOT legal.
However at 6am, I'm often the only vehicle/person on the road other an a couple taxis parked along side the road waiting for someone to come out of the hotel(s).
The lights are timed just so, that if I'm stopped at 7th (behind the streetview link) this light will go red just as the light at 7th turns green - forcing a stop at both lights. Then If I stop at 6th, the same scenario repeats at 5th. If no one is around, I roll through 6th and it allows me to go from 7th through 5th without stopping. I always stop at 8th, 7th, 5th if red (I turn on 4th). It's only 6th that I give this treatment.
Again, not legal but otherwise I'm forced to stop at every block -with no one around.
Last edited by FenderTL5; 11-27-13 at 08:24 AM.
#16
tougher than a boiled owl
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If I understand the question; there's an intersection I pass every morning, early, that if there's no cars around I just roll through. It's a T intersection, I'm going straight through. The perpendicular road is on the opposite side of the road. I'm to the right. So even IF cars were turning into the route, I'd be clear in most cases.
Here's the spot I'm thinking of:
passing by the old convention center on the right, 6th Avenue to the left
It's NOT legal.
However at 6am, I'm often the only vehicle/person on the road other an a couple taxis parked along side the road waiting for someone to come out of the hotel(s).
The lights are timed just so, that if I'm stopped at 7th (behind the streetview link) this light will go red just as the light at 7th turns green - forcing a stop at both lights. Then If I stop at 6th, the same scenario repeats at 5th. If no one is around, I roll through 6th and it allows me to go from 7th through 5th without stopping.
Again, not legal but otherwise I'm forced to stop at every block -with no one around.
Here's the spot I'm thinking of:
passing by the old convention center on the right, 6th Avenue to the left
It's NOT legal.
However at 6am, I'm often the only vehicle/person on the road other an a couple taxis parked along side the road waiting for someone to come out of the hotel(s).
The lights are timed just so, that if I'm stopped at 7th (behind the streetview link) this light will go red just as the light at 7th turns green - forcing a stop at both lights. Then If I stop at 6th, the same scenario repeats at 5th. If no one is around, I roll through 6th and it allows me to go from 7th through 5th without stopping.
Again, not legal but otherwise I'm forced to stop at every block -with no one around.
#17
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I can't find anything related to this, but is it legal to run a red on a T-intersection if I'm on the "straight" road? IE https://goo.gl/maps/uQfYd at the BART station. Does it make a difference if it has a bike lane or not? I see riders running it so I assumed it's fine.
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Fred "The Real Fred"
Fred "The Real Fred"
#19
Prefers Cicero
I can't find anything related to this, but is it legal to run a red on a T-intersection if I'm on the "straight" road? IE https://goo.gl/maps/uQfYd at the BART station. Does it make a difference if it has a bike lane or not? I see riders running it so I assumed it's fine.
Sorry, you're on your own.
#20
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I don't think running red lights at T intersections is legal where I live. That said, I will check to be absolutely sure there are no pedestrians crossing, and if it is safe to do so, will run the red light. I have been doing this for years with no problems.
#21
Senior Member
Have any of you considered the possibility of this attitude contributing to the poor attitude drivers have towards cyclists? I've seen cyclists get into arguments with drivers over the fact that they have every right to ride on the road, after all, "it's the law!", and then proceed to break the law by running stop signs/red lights.
#22
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On the straight of the T, with no pedestrians and no traffic turning left towards your direction, and staying on a bike lane or shoulder, I can't think of a single good reason not to run the red. Other than potentially getting a ticket.
There's no possibility of cross traffic, no way to disrupt or impede traffic as there would be at a regular intersection. Pedestrians have a right to expect the intersection will be clear when you have red and some will behave accordingly, unconsciously, but where there are no pedestrians or pedestrian crosswalk that's not even a factor. It's not legal, but it should be.
There's no possibility of cross traffic, no way to disrupt or impede traffic as there would be at a regular intersection. Pedestrians have a right to expect the intersection will be clear when you have red and some will behave accordingly, unconsciously, but where there are no pedestrians or pedestrian crosswalk that's not even a factor. It's not legal, but it should be.
#24
What, me worry?
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is it legal... no
do other cyclists do it... frequently
do they get away with it... almost always
and the ones that don't... end up injured or dead or if they are lucky, ticketed.
...we are all accountable for our actions, so... choose wisely and stay safe!
do other cyclists do it... frequently
do they get away with it... almost always
and the ones that don't... end up injured or dead or if they are lucky, ticketed.
...we are all accountable for our actions, so... choose wisely and stay safe!
#25
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On the straight of the T, with no pedestrians and no traffic turning left towards your direction, and staying on a bike lane or shoulder, I can't think of a single good reason not to run the red. Other than potentially getting a ticket.
There's no possibility of cross traffic, no way to disrupt or impede traffic as there would be at a regular intersection. Pedestrians have a right to expect the intersection will be clear when you have red and some will behave accordingly, unconsciously, but where there are no pedestrians or pedestrian crosswalk that's not even a factor. It's not legal, but it should be.
There's no possibility of cross traffic, no way to disrupt or impede traffic as there would be at a regular intersection. Pedestrians have a right to expect the intersection will be clear when you have red and some will behave accordingly, unconsciously, but where there are no pedestrians or pedestrian crosswalk that's not even a factor. It's not legal, but it should be.