All the tickets issued to cyclists at this intersection should be protested, and the laws regarding cyclists at stop signs revised to reflect the realities of bike riding. There is no practical reason why a cyclist should have to stop at a three way stop if he or she is not planning to turn (or in this case, to turn without having to cross over). The purpose of three way stops is to often to slow traffic. Bikes do not need to be slowed in the same way cars do. In the absence of other vehicles bikes should be permitted to pass through the signs.
Although I am in complete agreement with having bikes obey the laws of traffic there are circumstances where these laws are written with cars in mind and do not take into account the realities of cycling (i.e. that stopping for every stop sign reduces a cyclists momentum and adds considerably to the effort required to ride).
The WPS's predatory actions in this instance show that they are out to target the cycling community and send a message, but they chose a really stupid place to send this message, because skipping this particular sign does not endanger anyone. The cyclists of Winnipeg should stand up and demand that laws be re-written to avoid such a scandalous use of police enforcement in the future.
Although I am in complete agreement with having bikes obey the laws of traffic there are circumstances where these laws are written with cars in mind and do not take into account the realities of cycling (i.e. that stopping for every stop sign reduces a cyclists momentum and adds considerably to the effort required to ride).
The WPS's predatory actions in this instance show that they are out to target the cycling community and send a message, but they chose a really stupid place to send this message, because skipping this particular sign does not endanger anyone. The cyclists of Winnipeg should stand up and demand that laws be re-written to avoid such a scandalous use of police enforcement in the future.
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