woolieDec 27, 2022
@[email protected] @rachael @notjustbikes it should be an absolute limit or there is no reason to have a limit at all. Regardless, it’s academic. In 10 years in Oakland I have never seen a driver cited for excess speed or reckless driving, not even once.
Show threadocdtrekkieDec 27, 2022

@wooliex @[email protected] @rachael @notjustbikes So at-limit in Chicago will get you run down. You will cause an accident. Our legislators actually basically demanded they raise the speed limits, and the department of transportation refused.

So the result in and around Chicago is a posted speed limit of 55 MPH on the interstates, a safe travel speed of between 65 and 80 MPH, and a point where you'll get pulled over by a cop of roughly 90 MPH.

Show threadNorman WilsonDec 27, 2022
@ocdtrekkie @wooliex @tlalexander @rachael @notjustbikes If any slower speed will get you run down, it means other motorists are following too closely, inattentive, or otherwise reckless. Sorry.
Show threadocdtrekkieDec 27, 2022
@oclsc @wooliex @[email protected] @rachael @notjustbikes That is... completely wrong. If you are driving slower than the majority other traffic, *you* are the reckless driver.
Show threadNorman WilsonDec 28, 2022
@ocdtrekkie @wooliex @tlalexander @rachael @notjustbikes
I suggest you consult your local traffic laws. If I intentionally drive below a designated minimum speed, I may be committing an offense. If you drive so recklessly that you can't stop in time just because I'm slower than you, you ARE committing an offense. Following too closely is reckless by definition. Sorry.
Show threadocdtrekkie
@oclsc @wooliex @[email protected] @rachael @notjustbikes This isn't about traffic laws, it's about psychology and effective safety. Traffic laws are not necessarily correct for reducing danger to pedestrians, bicyclists, and other drivers.
Dec 28, 2022 at 12:08amMastodon for iOS
Show threadNorman WilsonDec 28, 2022
@ocdtrekkie @wooliex @tlalexander @rachael @notjustbikes But driving with due care attention very much is. Including not driving faster than will allow a safe stop within vision or the distance to the nearest obstacle, whichever is less.
Show threadocdtrekkieDec 28, 2022
@oclsc @wooliex @[email protected] @rachael @notjustbikes I mean, yes in theory, but it didn't take your profile description for you to out yourself as "not a driver with opinions on driving", lol.
Show threadNorman WilsonDec 28, 2022
@ocdtrekkie @wooliex @tlalexander @rachael @notjustbikes Except that I have long been a driver, as defined by the Ontario HIghway Traffic Act: bicycles are legally vehicles and so a cyclist is a driver. Which means I'm legally required to stop at red lights, even when turning right, and at stop signs, though unlike the vast majority of motorists I actually do. (Or did; off the bike for some years thanks to spine problems.)
Show threaddr jamesbicycleDec 28, 2022

@oclsc
Truthy. Bicycles are defined as vehicles in std traffic safety acts in some circumstances & not in others. It's getting really interesting with power assisted & electrically assisted bikes, scooters, long boards.

Re bikes and stop signs- yes everyone complains when you don't, but just try stopping when, say 50 bicycles stop one after another at an all-way / 4-way stop sign intersection.
Changes in laws are slowly coming.

@ocdtrekkie @wooliex @tlalexander @rachael @notjustbikes

Show threaddr jamesbicycleDec 28, 2022

@ocdtrekkie
This is true. Making driving feel uncomfortable at speeds above the desired speed is better. Even a single traffic cone on a lane line changes driver perception of safe travel speed.

@oclsc @wooliex @tlalexander @rachael @notjustbikes

Show threadFrank VerhoevenDec 28, 2022
@ocdtrekkie @oclsc @wooliex @tlalexander @rachael @notjustbikes Imagine the discussions in traffic court.