...
So in summary:____
- Legally, a bicyclist has the right of way as a bicyclist AFTER
they have stopped, and once they move safely into the crosswalk with
crossing vehicles having enough time to stop.____
- Practically, you should assume that the cars are not going to
stop.____
Have a good weekend.____
Kevin
Every time this comes up, I post a reference to this WisDOT guidance:
http://wisconsindot.gov/Documents/safety/education/bike/bike-crossing-guide.pdf.
It's the last word on the subject, except for the statutes it
interprets. It says:
"When a driver is approaching any legal crosswalk, according
to state law, they must yield to 'a pedestrian, or to a person
riding a bicycle in a manner which is consistent with the
safe use of the crosswalk by pedestrians'."
So if a cyclist stops, then cautiously proceeds, he or she has the same
rights as a pedestrian. If the cyclists does not stop (disobeying any
stop sign that may be present) and "shoots a gap" in the traffic, he or
she gives up those rights, and the road users have the right of way.\
Please read the entire 2-page document and share it with others!
At McKee Road and the Badger State Trail, a crossing I use often and the
subject of many long discussions by City and County staff, if there is
some indication that a motorist with time to stop might not, I dismount
and proceed on foot (replaceable bike ahead of my mortal self) to
emphasize my rights as a pedestrian.
There are signs on the roadway stating warning of a crossing ahead and
giving a distance (e.g., "375 feet"). The distance of these signs from
the crossing depend on the posted speed, and path users should not
depend on motorists closer to the path than these signs to be able to
yield, as bicyclists and pedestrians must not make a "sudden movement"
into the street.
--
Steve Arnold, Mayor
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/SteveArnoldforMayor.
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