I appreciate Darin's concern about ambiguity. Here's how we trail users
can help reduce it.
If you are not looking to cross McKee Rd immediately, linger back from
the crossing so motorists can tell you're not planning to cross at the
moment.
Outside of peak hours when there's intermittent road traffic: Cross in
a gap.
During busy times, to cross McKee Rd:
1. Stop. You are now a pedestrian and have the right of way.
2. Activate the flashing lights and look upstream at the traffic.
Put your front wheel in the gutter pan (bike lane). Make eye contact
with the first driver in each lane. Wait for them to stop. By state
law, they must stop, but not all drivers know this.
3. When traffic is stopped, cross two lanes with caution. You may
walk or mount and proceed at pedestrian speed. In both cases, you
preserve your right-of-way as a pedestrian.
4. Give a friendly wave and smile of thanks to stopped motorists.
Now go back to step 1 for the two lanes going the other direction.
(At the Badger State Trail crossing of County Highway M, similar
recommendations apply, but the two lanes you're crossing carry traffic
in *both* directions. Make eye contact with drivers in *both*
directions and be sure they stop before you proceed.)
For official WisDOT guidance that goes into more detail and cites
applicable statutes, see
http://www.dot.state.wi.us/safety/vehicle/bicycle/docs/
bike-crossing-guide.pdf.
Eschewing the use of the rectangular rapidly-flashing beacons (RRFBs)
simply contributes to the ambiguity that Darin dislikes. The beacons
are there to help warn motorists, including those behind those closest
to the intersection, that there are trail users who are waiting to
cross, and to remind motorists of their obligation to yield. I
recommend using them whenever there is continuous cross traffic.
Likewise, I disagree with the request to "don't try to be 'nice'".
Motorists yielding to path users, as required by state law, help educate
other motorists about that law and the presence of bike and pedestrian
cross traffic.
On 7/11/2014 9:23 AM, [email protected] wrote:
Heading South on the Badger Trail, I approached the intersection with
CTH PD (Mckee Road) with my usual caution. I don't use the meaningless
and ambiguous 'warning signal', because it is meaningless and ambiguous.
One car on PD came to a stop, either because of the mistaken notion that
they are required to yield, or of the equally mistaken notion that they
are being 'nice'. Usually I just wave them on, because it is an
ambiguous situation, and that makes me nervous. At a minimum I check to
see if there is traffic behind the stopped car.
My caution was warranted this time. Some dude-bro comes speeding along,
seemingly unaware of the car stopped in from of him. At the last moment,
he brakes hard, tires squealing, narrowly avoids rear-ending that car,
and passes in the right lane; then takes off. Leaving the lovely smell
of burnt rubber hanging in the air.
I suppose its possible that if I had activated the ambiguous warning
signal, it would have alerted the speeding dude-bro, but I kind of doubt
it.
My message to car drivers is pay attention, follow the rules of the
road, and don't try to be 'nice'.
--
Steve Arnold, Fitchburg Alder, District 4, Seat 7
2530 Targhee Street, Fitchburg, Wisconsin 53711-5491
Telephone +1 608 278 7700 · Facsimile +1 608 278 7701
[email protected] · http://Arnold.US
Become a supporter: like http://facebook.com/ArnoldforAlder.
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