In late May, Atherton's police chief, Steve McCulley, was helping to put on a bike safety event when he experienced first-hand what he says is the main thing Atherton residents complain about regarding bicyclists -- they regularly ignore the stop signs at Alameda de las Pulgas at Atherton Avenue.
As officers and volunteers worked to educate the public about bicycle safety, "I witnessed three large cyclist groups blow through the stop sign on the Alameda at Atherton Avenue at high speed," McCulley said in an email.
So McCulley decided to do something about it. He sent a letter to local cycling clubs warning them that in addition to continuing to work to educate motorists and cyclists about safety, he plans "random traffic safety enforcement ... with a concentration on stop sign and right of way violations."
On July 21, McCulley and several Atherton patrol units returned to the Alameda/Atherton intersection, where in three hours they issued eight tickets and two warnings to bicyclists who ran the stop sign.
McCulley said the fine for the violations is $238.
"I will be asking patrol to continue to focus on this issue," he said in an email.
In the letter to the bicycling community, McCulley said the Atherton Police Department "always advocates and promotes bicycle safety to strongly encourage everyone to share the road safely, responsibly, and respectfully."
He reminded both drivers and cyclists: "Legislation and rules of the road require cyclists, like other roadway users, to pull over and let other vehicles pass if five or more vehicles are lined up behind them. California motorists are required to give bicyclists three feet of clearance when possible. If it is not possible, motorists are required to slow down and pass safely."
"Motorists are reminded to expect bicyclists on the roadway, be patient on narrow roads, and to always share the road. Bicyclists are reminded to go with the traffic flow, ride in the same direction as other vehicles, and to obey all traffic laws," McCulley wrote.
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Comments
Menlo Park: Downtown
on Jul 25, 2018 at 11:29 am
on Jul 25, 2018 at 11:29 am
I find it interesting that cities (and the state) have given bicyclists allowances by creating bike lanes, use of car lanes, etc. However, I have witnessed numerous bikers abusing stop signs (and traffic signals) and riding the wrong direction in their designated lanes. In some cases bikers have nearly caused accidents with cars because of their irresponsible behavior.
How about more accountability for these bikers.
Atherton: Lindenwood
on Jul 25, 2018 at 11:48 am
on Jul 25, 2018 at 11:48 am
Have there been any accidents associated with this, or is it just a case of people being miffed about something? I'm much more afraid of the people driving cars using cell phones. Can we have a special task force for that?
Menlo Park: Central Menlo Park
on Jul 25, 2018 at 12:45 pm
on Jul 25, 2018 at 12:45 pm
A few weeks ago I drove down Santa Cruz Avenue and watched a group of cyclists, young teenagers, blow through every stop sign along the way. In addition, they did not stop for people in crosswalks. I don't think parents have any idea that their kids are not observing bike laws.
Menlo Park: Felton Gables
on Jul 25, 2018 at 12:50 pm
on Jul 25, 2018 at 12:50 pm
Miffy Piffy, no need for a task force. Bicyclists are bound by the same laws as autos. Some states allow bicyclists to treat a stop sign like a yield (known as the Idaho Stop), but not California.
Is stopping for 3 seconds really that inconvenient?
Atherton: Lindenwood
on Jul 25, 2018 at 1:01 pm
on Jul 25, 2018 at 1:01 pm
There are 100 about bad drivers. That's been my experience anyways. I can always say "I ONCE saw..." or "A few weeks ago I saw..." about people on bikes, but it's only the horrific drivers I encounter EVERY SINGLE DAY that allow me to honestly say things like: TODAY I saw a driver roll past the line making a right on a stop sign and forced the older pedestrian to have to jump back and they almost tripped on the curb. The driver gestured as if it was the peds fault. Yesterday I saw two drivers risking all life around them as they jetted back and forth in traffic trying to pass each other. I have a story for every 30 min commute I drive; that's 2 per day. I've also passed fatalities 4 times.
Let's call it for what it is: Bad cyclists regularly irritate but bad drivers regularly kill and injure, but everyone only has advice for the other guy, so I'm not expecting anything to change wrt that. Oh, and my big butt has not felt a bike seat in 40 years.
Woodside: Skywood/Skylonda
on Jul 25, 2018 at 1:03 pm
on Jul 25, 2018 at 1:03 pm
Miffy Piffy —
That thing you just did there? That’s called “deflection.”
another community
on Jul 25, 2018 at 1:43 pm
on Jul 25, 2018 at 1:43 pm
Miffy and For Every - if you wish to start a thread on bad drivers, by all means, please do so, but otherwise, please stick to the subject.
I find it disheartening and dangerous when I witness the majority of cyclists blowing through stop signs. I also see them doing other stupid things, such as cycling on Woodland Ave. As a cyclist, I've spent time planning safe routes with enough time to stop when required even though not stopping is tempting. It's great to get in the groove with others, including drivers, when we're in synch and build trust traveling the roads together. Deflection from poor cycling behavior to focus on drivers needs to be replaced with improved behavior by cyclists, as well as enforcement of the laws.
Atherton: Lindenwood
on Jul 25, 2018 at 2:19 pm
on Jul 25, 2018 at 2:19 pm
Ticketing can be tough. The issue is that cyclists have such a good view of things and are able to stop so quickly, that most of the time they'll see a cop and have time to stop and drop a foot even if they planned to run the intersection. IMO that's also why there are so scant few accidents even with so many bikes running the stops. They'll have to get very sneaky and will likely just get some of the local teens not paying attention. That'll be a good lesson for them though. Is that the expected end game for this special focus? To teach some lessons?
I don't expect any kind of behavioral shift based on my observations of road users. Woodside has gotten tough with cyclists in the past but things are still as they are. CHP has been targeting speeders on 280 forever but most travel over the posted limit. That said, like rolling through an empty stop sign intersection, I feel driving 10 over the posted limit on 280 is acceptable in the real world of people just trying to get places.
I think its a fine thing to come out and say it, the cops in Atherton have time and some residents will think they're doing something about an issue that irritates them. Good for everyone.
Menlo Park: Stanford Weekend Acres
on Jul 25, 2018 at 2:26 pm
on Jul 25, 2018 at 2:26 pm
>>> Is that the expected end game for this special focus?
No. Pretty sure the expected end game is: "obeying the law"
Shall we instead just remove all the stop signs?
Woodside: Kings Mountain/Skyline
on Jul 25, 2018 at 3:52 pm
on Jul 25, 2018 at 3:52 pm
@awatkins- Is it really deflection? The issue here is that there are way too many bad vehicle operators. Four wheel, two wheel motorized, two wheel human-powered. I think it's deflection to try to focus that issue on one particular group of vehicle operators.
I'm in complete agreement that the behavior is bad and needs to change, but let's not deflect the general issue onto a specific group.
Menlo Park: Stanford Weekend Acres
on Jul 25, 2018 at 4:06 pm
on Jul 25, 2018 at 4:06 pm
>>> The issue here is that there are way too many bad vehicle operators
Nah, bruh, that's not actually the 'issue' on this thread. Here's a little cheat code to figure out the 'issue' at hand: look at the top of the page:
Atherton cracks down on cyclists' stop sign violations
Woodside: Kings Mountain/Skyline
on Jul 25, 2018 at 4:28 pm
on Jul 25, 2018 at 4:28 pm
@law abiding
OK, "bruh" ya got me. The issue in this thread is cyclists. The issue we SHOULD be talking about is bad drivers/vehicle operators. Point taken.
another community
on Jul 25, 2018 at 5:28 pm
on Jul 25, 2018 at 5:28 pm
I both drive a car and I ride a bike - sometimes through that exact intersection. The "Idaho" stop (described above) is EXTREMELY appropriate in this case. On my bike, I ALWAYS slow down, yield to whoever is already there, then cross the intersection. Cyclists SHOULD NOT be forced to climb off their bikes at each intersection, do the hokey pokey, then climb back on. By changing to the "Idaho stop" we could keep all the drivers from whining whenever a bike does not come to a complete stop.
Menlo Park: Central Menlo Park
on Jul 25, 2018 at 6:11 pm
on Jul 25, 2018 at 6:11 pm
This crack down needs to happen everywhere! I can't tell you how many times I'm rightfully going through an intersection only have to hit the breaks because some bicyclist thinks he/she owns the road and blows through a stop sign, or even red lights!
Portola Valley: Westridge
on Jul 25, 2018 at 6:13 pm
on Jul 25, 2018 at 6:13 pm
I am often disgusted by bicyclists and the behavior they exhibit. Just go to Portola-Alpine interesection in any day and see, bikers always roll through the stop sign. I wish there was a way to keep them off the road but I fear the only way they will listen is if they get a ticket. Sad but true
Menlo Park: The Willows
on Jul 25, 2018 at 9:53 pm
on Jul 25, 2018 at 9:53 pm
I am all for giving bicyclist tickets when they run stop signs, stop lights, fail to stop at crosswalks etc. Just as I am in favor of issuing drivers of motor vehicles the same tickets. In my experience a bicycle approaching a stop sign has about a 30% chance of actually stopping (maybe 10% if you expect a complete stop), a motor vehicle about a 70% chance (50 if you expect a complete stop). I see police giving out citations to the cars doing it, though not enough, happy to see the cyclists getting the same attention.
Menlo Park: The Willows
on Jul 25, 2018 at 11:26 pm
on Jul 25, 2018 at 11:26 pm
Missing from this discussion are the numbers. I recommend that you observe traffic at an intersection with stop signs. If you are patient enough, you will see 100 cars, of which 25 will actually make a complete stop. This is especially true for nuisance stop signs, of which Menlo Park has many. You will also probably see about 5 bikes, and they will probably all roll past the stop sign. Which is the greater problem? 75 cars or 5 bikes?
Atherton: Lindenwood
on Jul 26, 2018 at 5:51 am
on Jul 26, 2018 at 5:51 am
If the expectation of this is to have people obey the law, we'll ALL able to see how well this works. My money is on it being a failed program if future law obedience is the goal. I don't see it changing behaviors just as I don't see drivers slowing down on 280 just because chp announces a crackdown.
Now that we're all on guard for a few weeks, when I see a cop watching an intersection (they're super easy to spot in time to stop on a bike) I'll be sure to dismount and walk my bike slowly, carefully through an intersection. All the law abiding folks will, by law, need to wait for me to clear the intersection. Apologies for the exceedingly slow pace when I'm right in front of you. It's hard to walk in bike shoes, <oh, I stumbled a bit> but since this is all about obeying the law, I know the otherwise frustrated drivers will understand that the extra time they have added to their drive will all be in the name of obeying the law. I'll be grinning ear to ear when I cross in front of your car.
If there are no cars or cops, I'll roll through as always, issue free and affecting nobody.
I feel rolling through an empty intersection on an easily stopped or maneuvered bike is even safer than going 10 mph over the speed limit on 280. It's a bit laughable, but you'll see.
another community
on Jul 26, 2018 at 12:14 pm
on Jul 26, 2018 at 12:14 pm
Ugh, false equivalences abound in these discussions.
Few/Nobody disputes that automobile drivers occasionally break the law.
Few/Nobody disputes that bicyclists occasionally break the law.
Please stop with the whatabout-isms.
One of the key differences is that when a driver speeds on 280 (using the example discussed in this thread) they know they're speeding and know they risk a ticket.
Too many bicyclists, on the other hand, feel ENTITLED to blow through stop signs regardless of right-of-way.
Yes, I support "Idaho stops" for bicyclists, but that doesn't resolve the underlying problem: the key issue isn't that too many bicyclists blow through stop signs, the problem is that too many bicyclists DON'T YIELD THE RIGHT OF WAY.
I hope Atherton PD throws the book at the bicyclists. For their own good.
another community
on Jul 26, 2018 at 12:19 pm
on Jul 26, 2018 at 12:19 pm
"I feel rolling through an empty intersection "
Too often, they're NOT empty intersections. Their failure to yield the right-of-way to others is the KEY PROBLEM.
Throw the book at them.
Woodside: other
on Jul 26, 2018 at 12:48 pm
on Jul 26, 2018 at 12:48 pm
If bikers were rolling through EMPTY intersections, no-one would complain. In fact, no-one would see them.
However, we're frequently witness to people blowing through intersections at top speed by cars, pedestrians and other cyclists.
Yes, cars cause more injuries, but that doesn't mean cyclists get a free pass to do whatever they want.
I have no problem with the slow rolling stop. It's not (usually) endangering anyone.
Menlo Park: Central Menlo Park
on Jul 26, 2018 at 1:26 pm
on Jul 26, 2018 at 1:26 pm
@Rob Cronin - thanks for making up numbers that support your POV. Here's mine. 90% of drivers observed stopped at the stop sign. 10% of cyclists did the same.
90% of cyclists had head phones in both ears, 0% of drivers did
Also cyclists were observed riding against traffic, riding while using their phone held in one hand, failing to yield the right of way to pedestrians and riding on the sidewalk in a business district.
Most of these infractions were committed by ADULTS who know better.
Atherton: Lindenwood
on Jul 26, 2018 at 4:10 pm
on Jul 26, 2018 at 4:10 pm
I'm completely sure this will accomplish a lot! We'll all look back on this watershed moment and remember fondly when everything changed. LOL.
Atherton: Lindenwood
on Jul 26, 2018 at 6:49 pm
on Jul 26, 2018 at 6:49 pm
When I was an Atherton Police officer, over 50 years ago, we busted bicyclist for breaking traffic laws on a regular basis. They were never given a ticket or had to pay a fine. The punishment was simple...we took their name, address and phone number and required them to show up at 83 Ashfield Road at 8 AM the next Saturday morning to wash police cars until noon. If there were a second offense,and there were VERY few,they were required to wash police cars until 5PM instead of noon. If there were a third offense, they washed the windows at the police dept. in addition to the cars. A few years later I became an Atherton resident.
Atherton: other
on Jul 26, 2018 at 8:35 pm
on Jul 26, 2018 at 8:35 pm
Badge #12 hearkens back to a simpler time when cops could decide what the punishment would be for a crime. Some people call that judge, jury and executioner. Some call it just good old-fashioned police work. I'll bet you cracked a few undesirables over the head with your night stick as well, Badge #12. Thanks for your service! I fully expect our current crop of Atherton police officers to follow in your footsteps of becoming a resident given what we are paying them.
Portola Valley: Westridge
on Jul 26, 2018 at 9:19 pm
on Jul 26, 2018 at 9:19 pm
Wow, the complete entitlement and idiocracy of some bikers disgusts me. These people need to get a grip on reality. They will not win against a car. It’s not only a problem with cyclists stopping—it also includes riding double file on roads like Arastradero (cars speed around blind turns and can’t stop in time), and not stopping for pedestrians. In general a lot seem to have a rude/selfish demeanor as well. You are guests in our towns and we expect you to be on good behavior. I hope the SMc sheriff will also step up enforcement in PV/Woodside.
Portola Valley: Westridge
on Jul 26, 2018 at 9:21 pm
on Jul 26, 2018 at 9:21 pm
Locations for Sheriff bike enforcement:
Alpine-Portola Intersection
Alpine-280 intersection
Woodside-Cañada intersection
Please feel free to add comments for any I missed.
Atherton: Lindenwood
on Jul 27, 2018 at 9:13 am
on Jul 27, 2018 at 9:13 am
This is something cyclists have to deal with now and while waiting for the stop sign laws for bikes to modernize to something similar to Idaho's. I do see some egregious sign runners, but the vast majority I see slow then proceed quickly through when safe. The anecdotal sign runner, hell bent and blazing through without regard are definitely the minority in this area, but like 90 mph freeway drivers, they're far too common.
The age old and proven work around for this common policing is that the cyclists see the cops(most always) and stop at that intersection while they are there. After that it's back to common sense and making traffic flow better for all. Those who get the tickets pay them as an almost "use fee" and go on as usual.
The reason we don't see many actual accident from sign runners is because most follow this common sense approach of slow then proceed when clear and instead of cars having to wait for cyclists to come to a complete stop, put a foot down then slowly ride through, the car can do the "flash stop/slow roll" most do without waiting as long. It's all very similar, the flash stop by cars and the slow/go by bikes. Anecdotal bad guys aside, neither behavior bunches my panties much.
Atherton: Lindenwood
on Jul 27, 2018 at 1:46 pm
on Jul 27, 2018 at 1:46 pm
Thanks for you kind response, A Simpler Time, to my posting. Yes, I must agree with your comment pertaining to the money that is being paid to the APD officers. Granted, the cost of living in the area is off the charts and how thee guys are able to function after driving 1-2 hours each way everyday is unbelievable. But.... a police officer being paid $200-350K us ridiculous. The City should out-source their police services. It would be much cheaper, and perhaps more efficient. I remember when I first started working at the APD in 1961, my salary was $450 a month. The reserve officers were paid $30 a month and were required to work 30 hours each month. However, the cost of living was a fraction of what is is today. I lived in San Mateo and I paid $25K for a nice home. That same exact home is worth $1.2 million today. I don't believe an Atherton police officer could afford the same home I lived in on his present salary. I believe out-sourcing is the answer. The city should at least get some bids. In addition, why does it take so many people to provide police services today? We only had a total of 11 patrolmen,three sergeants, one Lt. and Chief Leroy Hubbard. Oh yes, we had one full time person and one part-time person to do the clerical work at the station. The population in Atherton in 1961 was about what it is today. Go figure....
Menlo Park: Central Menlo Park
on Jul 27, 2018 at 2:39 pm
on Jul 27, 2018 at 2:39 pm
@badge12 - i would have rather gotten a ticket from you and had my day in court should i choose to fight it. police taking the law into there own hands is dangerous and illegal. we have a strong judicial system in this country for this very sort of thing. i wonder how many of those people were brown or kids that didn't know there rights. so good work!
Portola Valley: Westridge
on Jul 27, 2018 at 8:44 pm
on Jul 27, 2018 at 8:44 pm
mper: Your logic makes no sense. The sheriff does a great job of keeping peace and order and we’ve never had a problem with it, just ask anyone in PV or Woodside. Maybe it’s different in menlo, but we’ve found the sheriff to be very effective.
Menlo Park: Central Menlo Park
on Jul 28, 2018 at 1:24 am
on Jul 28, 2018 at 1:24 am
Red
Your comment makes no sense. My comment has nothing to do with your perception of your PDs performance. It has to do with the police abusing their power to get free car washes. In my America that’s not OK.
Atherton: Lindenwood
on Jul 28, 2018 at 10:15 am
on Jul 28, 2018 at 10:15 am
I'm sorry to hear that my sharing what happened 50 yeas ago upsets Mper, however, in those days there was something you don't appear to have... it's called common sense. The courts are tied up with minor, but legal, actions that could have been solved fairly with little or no expense. Do you think policemen enjoy policing idiots that think they are above the law and know a legal (and expensive) way to get out of punishment for breaking the law? The laws are for your own good and safety. Our older system saved the taxpayers big bucks and we had very few repeat offenders. Not to mention the offenders got to know their local policemen and, in most cases, became good friends with them. I remember inviting some of them to my home for a BBQ. We didn't get "Free" car washes - the taxpayers did. Your comment regarding "Brown skin kids" is silly. We were color blind in those days and the fact is that most of the offenders where white adults. In those days most parents forbid their children from riding their bikes more than a hundred yards or so from their Atherton homes because of the danger of getting hit by an automobile. We would drive our kids if any distance was involved or they would do the old fashioned thing called walking. Mper sounds like someone who would step over a dollar to pick up a dime and one who hides behind our screwed up legal system because he/she can afford it.
Atherton: Lindenwood
on Jul 28, 2018 at 4:57 pm
on Jul 28, 2018 at 4:57 pm
@badge12
I grew up in Atherton and kids rode their bikes everywhere. Not a ton of adults did, so not sure who badge12 'offenders' were. I can tell you what though, the wealthy, white adult homeowners of Atherton were certainly not washing police cars on a Saturday for a bike violation, not ever. And no you were not doing the public a favor nor saving taxpayers money. You were simply taking the law into your own hands rather than following the laws you took an oath to uphold.
Sorry, due process is one of our constitutional rights in here in America. Due process was put into the bill of rights, not so MPer can 'hide' behind out legal system, but to protect people from authorities who feel they are above the law.
Menlo Park: Central Menlo Park
on Jul 28, 2018 at 5:47 pm
on Jul 28, 2018 at 5:47 pm
I was a kid who ride my bike around lindenwood while you were a cop, so yes we did ride bikes. Guess you missed me.
I did get stipped riding my bike in Palo Alto back then, you know what those crazy cops did? They could have abused the situation and had me perform free labor for the PD, but they had common sense and understood their role. Instead, they gave me a ticket. Which I paid.
Atherton: Lindenwood
on Jul 29, 2018 at 9:04 am
on Jul 29, 2018 at 9:04 am
This is a short reply to the "Atherton Kid" and "Mper". First of all, I forgot to mention that we ALWAYS gave the offenders the choice of a ticket/fine or preforming public service. I recall that only one or two opted to receive a ticket. Just for your information, an "Adult" is anyone over 18 and most of the adult offenders were in the 18-25 range (and not "wealthy"). In fact, for those under 18 we would ALWAYS confer with their parents before they were assigned "Car Wash" duty, and that was ONLY with their parents blessings and a "Thank You" for watching out for their kids safety. The system worked just fine and received a nice write up in the local newspapers.
Atherton: other
on Jul 29, 2018 at 11:28 am
on Jul 29, 2018 at 11:28 am
Badge #12, I have to apologize, because my original comment was meant to be "tongue in cheek". From your comments, I believe you did what you did years ago with the best of intentions, and it probably worked out for the best. I think it's also important to point out that what the other posters are complaining about, and what I state below, is based on looking at the situation with a 2018 lens. Things were very different back when you were a police officer.
I think what the other posters are pointing out is that it's not okay for police officers to decide the punishment for a crime, because it has the potential of being abused. If/when it is abused, it often is abused very badly. Recall last year an APD officer wouldn't let a Stanford professor out of handcuffs until he apologized to him. That would be an example of abuse, and it could be far worse (e.g., the use of violence). It's best for our society if police officers always let the courts work it out 100% of the time, even if sometimes some well-meaning ones have well-meaning alternatives. At the very least, this is certainly true in 2018 America.
Atherton: Lindenwood
on Jul 29, 2018 at 2:34 pm
on Jul 29, 2018 at 2:34 pm
This message is in response to "A Simpler time". First of all, thank you for you kind remarks and thoughts. I find it amusing that everyone who posted a comment(s) to my comments assumed that I agreed with what took place over five decades ago in Atherton. Please keep in mind that all police officers simply follow the dictates of their superiors, or at least they are supposed to, whether of not they agreed,and that is what I did in those days. My sole purpose of posting my comments was to share with others, while I still can, some interesting history that took place in our present neighborhoods. Believe me, you would never know any of the facts I've shared in this forum if I just kept them to myself. In fact, I could write a book about my inter-actions with Atherton movie stars, major corporate CEO's, former governors of our state and even a president of our county. Nevertheless, this is a small sample of what I love about our country and our Constitution...the freedom of speech. It is unfortunate that so many folks draw conclusions before knowing the facts or even attempting to gather more information on the subject at hand before posting a comment.
Atherton: West of Alameda
on Jul 29, 2018 at 8:39 pm
on Jul 29, 2018 at 8:39 pm
Bicyclists want respect from drivers but feel they are entitled to ignore the laws cars have to obey. It's a simple formula, if they want respect then they much follow the same laws cars much follow. That's how bicyclists will get the respect the want/deserve. Or change the law so drivers can decide the intersection is empty and can roll through stop signs as well. The traffic laws should be followed by everyone on the road. no exceptions!
Woodside: Emerald Hills
on Jul 29, 2018 at 9:40 pm
on Jul 29, 2018 at 9:40 pm
The most dangerous behavior from bicyclists I see around here is riding on dark narrow streets with no lights on. Talk about having a death wish!
Atherton: other
on Jul 30, 2018 at 1:06 am
on Jul 30, 2018 at 1:06 am
I am with "Yawn".
Couple of bullet points:
Same people who drive reckless, ride reckless. Plenty of those in all parts of town, rich or poor (Portola, Woodside, MP, Atherton).
Plenty of parents lead by bad example (weekend horror). Riding a bike safely in traffic should be part of the curriculum.
Idaho stop is the way to go as it allows all parties to clear the intersection in the shortest time while making sure everybody's presence gets noticed.
Most drivers roll stop signs (often without realizing).
Driving is a privilege. Cycling is a gift.
Menlo Park: Central Menlo Park
on Jul 30, 2018 at 1:18 am
on Jul 30, 2018 at 1:18 am
Most residents that ride bicycles seem to be under the false impression that bicycles are exercise equiment and not vehicles.
Or that they are anonymous and can't be held accountable.
I have seen/talked to several publicly respected and smart members of our communities that have no shame to admit and even boast about breaking the law when cycling.
Are you holding your neighbor/colleague/acquaintance accountable? Me thinks not.
Woodside: Kings Mountain/Skyline
on Jul 31, 2018 at 8:24 am
on Jul 31, 2018 at 8:24 am
"Most residents that ride bicycles seem to be under the false impression that bicycles are exercise equiment and not vehicles."
Not sure about this. I think they know very well that they are vehicles and that they are breaking the law, they just don't care. Bad for those of us who cycle responsibly.
"I have seen/talked to several publicly respected and smart members of our communities that have no shame to admit and even boast about breaking the law when cycling."
Again, I think we have a vehicle operator problem. I know a lot of people that boast about how fast they can go on 280 in their cars, or how many emails they answer on their smartphone while driving to work. (Really!) I see people driving at 80mph while texting every day. I see carpool lane cheaters every day. Why single out the cyclists for being arrogant about breaking the law? Seems like the SUV going 85 mph with an inattentive driver is the far bigger danger.
"Are you holding your neighbor/colleague/acquaintance accountable? Me thinks not."
Same comment. Let's hold all our bad vehicle operators accountable. Lots of cyclists blow through the stop signs. Lots of drivers blow through red lights. I see both all the time.
another community
on Jul 31, 2018 at 10:25 am
on Jul 31, 2018 at 10:25 am
Web Link
Stopping at a stop sign (as compared to yielding to traffic) is, according to studies, less safe by 14.5%.
This was tested in Idaho, when the implemented the 'Idaho Stop', only requiring cyclists to yield at intersections. Injuries decreased by that percentage (14.5%) and didn't increase later. It wasn't a fluke.
The Atherton Police may be doing cyclists a favor in this instance. While the 'Idaho Stop' is shown to be significantly more safe, that doesn't mean that some people aren't being irresponsible.
another community
on Jul 31, 2018 at 7:41 pm
on Jul 31, 2018 at 7:41 pm
Sigh, Idaho stops don't address the fundamental problem.
Too many bicyclists don't yield. Idaho stops still require bicyclists to stop & defer to other vehicles if there's already traffic at the intersection. Too many bicyclists *ignore other vehicle's right-of-way*, and THAT is the problem, which an Idaho stop doesn't fix.
To those of you who think that an Idaho Stop is the solution (a defacto 'yield' for bicyclists), here is a description of what a 'yield' sign is meant to enforce:
"A yield sign calls on the driver to do the following: Slow down, defer to oncoming or intersecting traffic, stop when necessary, proceed when safe, and remain aware of oncoming vehicles. A flashing yellow light has the same meaning as a yield sign."
Too many bicyclists DON'T 'defer to oncoming or intersecting traffic.' And they're just as likely to do that with an Idaho stop as they currently do with a standard stop.
The solution is simple: throw the book at them.
Woodside: other
on Aug 1, 2018 at 1:00 pm
on Aug 1, 2018 at 1:00 pm
I have been commuting to Woodside for almost 15 years and have spent a very long time observing the habits of cyclists, particularly on Kings Mountain Rd and Canada Rd. I know my observations are not scientific but they are born from years of experience.
Cyclists are perhaps some of most dangerous vehicles on the roads because of their predictable unpredictability.
Hand signals are a lost art, very few cyclists give any sort of indication of their intentions are intersections.
They almost always run stop signs. I have seen fewer than 1 in 10 cyclists actually stop at stop signs and fewer than 3 in 10 actually even slow down. In fact, there is one large group of around 100 or more cyclists that will blow through stop signs and literally take over roads.
If they do have lights, they have super bright blinking strobe lights, which are so blinding and dangerous, they should be illegal.
They do not ride single file, as cars are required, but instead ride 2 or 3 or more abreast which is exceptionally dangerous. I once came around a curve on Canada Rd to see 5 cyclists riding abreast and blocking the entirety of the traffic lane. Thankfully, I had been travelling around 40mph, well below the limit, and was able to avoid hitting any of them, however I did leave some tire tracks on the road, and I think several of them needed new underwear. If it had been any of the other idiot sports cars going 60mph+ it would have been a different story.
Cyclists do not tend to give horses the right of way (actually saw one cyclist arrested for this after spooking a horse.)
I call my commute "Dodge Bike" because that is essentially what I have to do. Thankfully I have always made it safely, but the only times I have had to avoid an accident it was because of a cyclist.
The saddest part about cyclists, and the part that I simply do not understand are their nasty habits with going to the bathroom. I have seen countless cyclists relieving themselves in public areas, on the doors/walls of closed bathrooms, behind bushes or trees, and at least one time, within feet of a large group of kids.
I know all cyclists are not terrible, many are very nice, but there seems to be some sort of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hide transformation, similar to the old Disney Cartoon with Goofy becoming Mr. Wheeler once behind the wheel of a car.
My plea to all cyclists, please obey the law and follow the rules of the road for everyone's safety, and most importantly yours. You are not special, your helmet and expensive suit does not make you invincible, you will lose the battle to a car, truck, semi, motorcycle, or even horse. Please be safe!
Special note - this thread is specifically about cyclists, motor vehicles are their own nasty ball of wax.
Atherton: other
on Aug 1, 2018 at 10:36 pm
on Aug 1, 2018 at 10:36 pm
Re: Idaho stop:
You can still throw the book at people that do not yield, so I do not see the problem with allowing the Idaho stop for cyclists.
Again, most drivers do Idaho stops already (unless a LEO happens to be there).
I have personally witnessed Woodside residents blow the Canada stop-signs on their bicycles with Neighbors walking by and giving them a cheery/friendly "Hello" and a wave.
Too me it looks like it is always the others who have to follow the rules to the letter.....Shame!
.
Menlo Park: The Willows
on Aug 1, 2018 at 11:02 pm
on Aug 1, 2018 at 11:02 pm
Atherton should crack down on motorists' stop sign violations. They outnumber cyclists' violations, and are far more dangerous to others.
Menlo Park: Central Menlo Park
on Aug 2, 2018 at 1:20 pm
on Aug 2, 2018 at 1:20 pm
yawn, deflect, yawn. what a tired argument. cars are worse than bikes, yawn. can we put it to bed already? rather than pointing your finger at cars, just follow the rules of the road when riding a bike
Menlo Park: The Willows
on Aug 2, 2018 at 1:51 pm
on Aug 2, 2018 at 1:51 pm
MPer: As long as cars run stop signs, and they do, in far larger numbers than bikes, I will continue to point my finger at them. They do not get a free ride just because there are more of them. In fact, because there are more of them, cars that run stop signs are a greater danger. Motorists that run stop signs are as guilty of not following the rules of the road as cyclists, and if Atherton cops only target bicycles, then they are part of the problem.
Menlo Park: Central Menlo Park
on Aug 5, 2018 at 1:29 pm
on Aug 5, 2018 at 1:29 pm
no one is giving anyone who runs a stop sign a free ride. how would anyone get that idea from the article or any comments made? police stop bad drivers all the time. i wish i knew what the pointing out that there are more cars than bikes, no one is disputing that, nor is anyone disputing cars are heavier and therefore more dangerous than a bike. so what is your point? cops should only focus on cars and leave the poor innocent harmless cyclist alone? don't break the rules when riding and the police will leave you alone. that's what i do when riding a bike, driving a car or walking.
if there weren't bad cyclists the police would not need to do these sorts of exercises, there are lots bad cyclists, so they do. just like they do with bad drivers.
Woodside: Kings Mountain/Skyline
on Aug 5, 2018 at 4:52 pm
on Aug 5, 2018 at 4:52 pm
I rode my bike out to Canada road today to one of the stop signs where people complain about cyclists running the sign. (I came to a complete stop at the sign.)
I observed. Not one cyclist came to a full stop at the signs (except me). Not one car came to a full stop at the signs.
Don't believe me? I took a video. It's very interesting. You can see a couple of cars come close to a stop but if you watch their wheels they don't make a full stop. Not even the Jeep making a left while the guy is in the crosswalk.
You can see it here: Web Link
This supports my contention above that we have a problem with all vehicle operators. Getting all worked up about cyclists is fine if you want to, but let's look at the whole problem.
Woodside: Kings Mountain/Skyline
on Aug 5, 2018 at 4:55 pm
on Aug 5, 2018 at 4:55 pm
Actually I take back what I said above. Looks like the Jeep did stop because the guy was in the middle of the crosswalk. Hard to say, when I was watching it it looked like he kept inching forward, but in the video it looks like he may have stopped.
Menlo Park: Central Menlo Park
on Aug 6, 2018 at 11:01 am
on Aug 6, 2018 at 11:01 am
"This supports my contention above that we have a problem with all vehicle operators. Getting all worked up about cyclists is fine if you want to, but let's look at the whole problem."
no where in the article does it say cars are not a problem and the police are only targeting cyclists. police set up many many many stings to catch bad drivers
it is amazing how many people don't understand that addressing bad cyclists, does not mean the police are not addressing bad drivers.
Is the concept really that difficult to grasp?
Menlo Park: The Willows
on Aug 6, 2018 at 12:14 pm
on Aug 6, 2018 at 12:14 pm
It is true that nowhere in the article does it say that cars are not a problem, but nowhere in the article does it say that the police will also step up enforcement on motorists for the same violations for which cyclists are being targeted. I can imagine Atherton police waiting at the intersection, ignoring cars that roll through, waiting to pounce on a cyclist who doesn't put his foot down. I hope this is not true, and Atherton police enforce the law for all road users.
Menlo Park: Central Menlo Park
on Aug 6, 2018 at 12:28 pm
on Aug 6, 2018 at 12:28 pm
"I can imagine Atherton police waiting at the intersection, ignoring cars that roll through, waiting to pounce on a cyclist who doesn't put his foot down. I hope this is not true, and Atherton police enforce the law for all road users."
What on earth would make you think that? Atherton police are constantly out looking for bad drivers, see them on ECR all the time. So much so, that the Almanac need not report on it. It's not news. The article isn't about cars, it about bikes, that is why it is not mentioned.
bikes are not being singled out, just no longer ignored. deal with it, bob, you aren't being treated unfairly.
Atherton: Lindenwood
on Aug 6, 2018 at 2:42 pm
on Aug 6, 2018 at 2:42 pm
I have not noticed anything different if this program has already started. It's as if this whole thing was nothing more than some words in a newspaper affecting no change whatsoever. All weekend I kept seeing riders roll through intersections and goodness knows I've rolled (safely) through my share in town as well since the story first came out. Not seeing anything different at all. Maybe the cop was at another intersection that day ;)
Atherton: Lindenwood
on Aug 6, 2018 at 5:20 pm
on Aug 6, 2018 at 5:20 pm
"bikes are not being singled out, just no longer ignored."
I would STRONGLY disagree that our police force was previously out there ignoring stop sign runners if they happened to be on bikes. That's simply not the case by any stretch of the imagination.
Menlo Park: Central Menlo Park
on Aug 7, 2018 at 2:11 pm
on Aug 7, 2018 at 2:11 pm
@bob too. fair, i'll retract that part of my commnet.
Atherton: Lindenwood
on Aug 11, 2018 at 5:19 am
on Aug 11, 2018 at 5:19 am
So how's the big "Crack down" coming? LOL
Woodside: Mountain Home Road
on Aug 19, 2018 at 5:57 pm
on Aug 19, 2018 at 5:57 pm
I’m a long time cyclist and support the tickets to those cyclists that blow through the stops full speed. No excuse for that. You deserve it I too get upset when I witness that behavior. You make the rest of us look bad.
Folks: From what I have observed over the years is that Local law enforcement does not issue a ticket to those that make an attempt to stop or slow to almost a stop. Trust me. They cite the cyclists that make no attempt to even brake, and that’s about 80%. I see this behavior on all the roads mentioned in the previous posts.
If you go to the websites of the local bike clubs and teams you would be surprised that they actually post their bylaws online stating to adhere to traffic laws and to sign on the dotted line on the document when you join their club. Hippocrisy at its best.
Here, a good example that played out for me while driving recently. I was at a complete stop in my car at a 4 way intersection with my right turn blinker/signal on. I could see in my rear view mirror a middle aged cyclist approaching from behind in the bike lane at full speed. They blew through the stop at full speed. Had I not seen them in my rear view mirror she would have gotten right hooked by my vehicle. I had the priority and they ignored it anyway. This is not an isolated incident as a could go all day with examples that I see each and every day that I ride my bike or drive my car.
For the record, I would agree that most cyclists blow through stop signs full speed compared to cars that slow down to almost a complete stop.
I suggest members of the public start taking video footage of offenders and send it to the local news media to show what’s going on as well as to the bike clubs officers, local law enforcement and the Silicon Valley Bike Coalition members. FYI, one of them is on this thread defending blowing through stop signs. Shame on you!
You would be surprised how quick the behavior would change once a face is linked to the offense.
See you on the road.
Atherton: Lindenwood
on Aug 20, 2018 at 10:40 am
on Aug 20, 2018 at 10:40 am
"I suggest members of the public start taking video footage of offenders and send it to the local news media to show what’s going on as well as to the bike clubs officers, local law enforcement and the Silicon Valley Bike Coalition members. FYI, one of them is on this thread defending blowing through stop signs. Shame on you!"
Hmm, I'm not seeing the "Big" issue here. JD did post a video, it's in a post above so fee free to fwd it on. It shows both cars and bike rolling the stops, but what it striking is how well things seem to be peacefully going along. It looks like a lovely day.
I'll repost it: Web Link
Menlo Park: The Willows
on Aug 20, 2018 at 10:45 am
on Aug 20, 2018 at 10:45 am
Regarding videos showing vehicles rolling through stop signs: What are the numbers? How many cars? How many bikes?
Atherton: Lindenwood
on Aug 20, 2018 at 10:52 am
on Aug 20, 2018 at 10:52 am
"For the record, I would agree that most cyclists blow through stop signs full speed compared to cars that slow down to almost a complete stop."
For the ACTUAL record, the video contradicts the things you just made up like the statement above as well as this one "cyclists that make no attempt to even brake, and that’s about 80%"
You'll now admit that you made up the 80% part right? That's just the number you imagined in your mind, right?
It serves no purpose to pretend to be something you are not then post bogus info based on visions seen through a biased lens.
Woodside: other
on Aug 20, 2018 at 11:04 am
on Aug 20, 2018 at 11:04 am
I watched the video, and 99% of the cars did a rolling stop at Canada and Glenwood, and 100% of the cyclists blew threw, without slowing down. Granted, no one was going fast, nothing looked dangerous.
If 100% of the traffic (vehicles and bikes) does rolling stops that are safe, perhaps they shouldn't be against the law??
I'd wager than 99% of us do rolling stops, and less than 1% get a ticket.
Nothings going to change if the public perceives rolling stops are safe, and not likely to be caught.
If cyclists would do a rolling stop too, the negative perception would drop in half.
My personal beef is the cyclists that ride 2-3 abreast, or to the left of the bike lane, making it impossible to pass safely.
Atherton: Lindenwood
on Aug 20, 2018 at 11:12 am
on Aug 20, 2018 at 11:12 am
So very Message Board. LOL!!!
Menlo Park: The Willows
on Aug 20, 2018 at 11:20 am
on Aug 20, 2018 at 11:20 am
Hey, This cyclists endorses citing offenders. If you were turning right, why wasn't your car in the bike lane, as CVC 22100 and CVC 21717 require? If you had obeyed the law, the cyclist wouldn't have been able to pass you on the right, and a right hook would have been impossible. It would appear that a majority of motorists are unaware of these provisions of the vehicle code. See also Mr. Roadshow's column in today's San Jose Mercury News.
Atherton: Lindenwood
on Aug 20, 2018 at 2:02 pm
on Aug 20, 2018 at 2:02 pm
But we're three weeks into this and as everyone knows, there's been no difference than 4 weeks and 1 day ago. It was predicted that this would be a do-nothing effort that would yield few tickets. The issues as to why this was doomed from the start were discussed a couple weeks ago in the comments
Seems the cyclists had no argument about it either, so, onward!
Good times.
Portola Valley: Los Trancos Woods/Vista Verde
on Aug 20, 2018 at 8:02 pm
on Aug 20, 2018 at 8:02 pm
Here’s the link where people can find the list of cycling racing teams in Northern California registered with USA Cycling.
The link also provides the contact info and addresses and names of team representatives.
Web Link
You can see which ones are local based on the cities they are based out of.
Good resource for members of the community and local law enforcement to be aware.
Menlo Park: Linfield Oaks
on Aug 20, 2018 at 9:26 pm
on Aug 20, 2018 at 9:26 pm
Classic people behaving badly on bikes in Redwood City caught on video by local news station
Atherton/Woodside/Portola Valley/Menlo Park: please call Stanley Roberts
See hilarious clip below.
Web Link
Atherton: Lindenwood
on Aug 21, 2018 at 6:12 am
on Aug 21, 2018 at 6:12 am
The big "Crackdown" allowing Chief McCulley to save some face. Most involved knew this was the usual bluster. People questioned the need for this, showing a recent local video of things going along very smoothly and realizing none of the cars were stopping either (LOL).
Cyclists watched for the easily stopped cops and adjusted behaviors just enough to avoid the tickets, ala adjusting speed when you see the CHP in your mirror. After a few tickets were written (maybe?) the cops realize there are far more pressing issues wrt public safety than bike rolling stops, so the "Crackdown" faded away.
The crackdown is over, nothing changed, no vast amount of tickets were written, no "revenge" was had, and in the end, Stanley Roberts took a job in Arizona.
It was like the previous commenters were psychic and able to predict this would be the case weeks ago! Reality has spoken. Best of luck to Stanley though...something most everyone can agree on.
Atherton: Lindenwood
on Aug 22, 2018 at 12:39 pm
on Aug 22, 2018 at 12:39 pm
You forgot the part where the "Angreis" chimed in with imagined information which was supposed to justify their personal bigotries. I think it was sometime after everyone realized nothing would really happen.
Woodside: other
on Aug 23, 2018 at 1:03 am
on Aug 23, 2018 at 1:03 am
Things go smoothly?
Wow, people really live in their own little alternate reality.
Things only goes smoothly because these bullies and egomaniacs without social conscience take (in this case: the right of way) from the weak or from those who do acknowledge and yield to the shortcomings of less conscious humans.
Every time I see on of these bullies and scofflaws walking, riding or driving over others, I wish that they encounter one of their own next.
...head on.
Luckily sometimes they do. THEN hilarity ensues.
.
Atherton: Lindenwood
on Aug 23, 2018 at 4:49 am
on Aug 23, 2018 at 4:49 am
See!!! HAHAHA ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Have a great day all. We're doing fine...well most of us are anyway ;)
another community
on Aug 23, 2018 at 2:12 pm
on Aug 23, 2018 at 2:12 pm
Was this really a thing? I hadn't heard until I just read this but never saw anything noticeably different over the past month or so.
Menlo Park: other
on Aug 24, 2018 at 9:43 pm
on Aug 24, 2018 at 9:43 pm
Did at least on three separate occasions personally witness tickets being issued on La Canada road.
I am not one of those who is coming by there every day, so that clearly means enforcement is out there.
2x to drivers, 1x to a cyclist, BTW (not that that matters).
Those who had to do the walk of shame sure won't come forward here and admit they are scofflaws.
Everything went smoothly on what I saw...nobody pulled a gun or tried to run.
So those juvenile comments here that nothing happened really don't matter.
To those who think nothing happens: Just try your luck.
Atherton: Lindenwood
on Aug 25, 2018 at 5:35 am
on Aug 25, 2018 at 5:35 am
During pockets of rain showers, I guess the answer to "Is it raining" depends on which window you're looking out of.
I have no doubt that a handful of tickets were written, but I've not personally seen any cops when I've been riding through.
I guess my 30 years of "Trying my luck" has been a great run. I'll pay the use fee if I ever do get a ticket...big if.
I'm sure if it's a big success they'll crow about it with the number of cyclist tickets written, but I wouldn't count on it. Besides, even if the number was large, it sure hasn't really changed anything. The fact that the police went totally mute after the initial knee jerk reaction speaks volumes.
Portola Valley: Central Portola Valley
on Aug 25, 2018 at 3:31 pm
on Aug 25, 2018 at 3:31 pm
After blowing the majority of the stop signs along their route.....this happens to the cyclists on the spectrum ride in front of the Portola Valley Town Offices.
Web Link
Wonder if summary is part of this ride?
Sad
Atherton: Lindenwood
on Aug 26, 2018 at 5:54 am
on Aug 26, 2018 at 5:54 am
Sorry, I've never been ticketed. 23 years ago I did get a warning though.
That Spectrum ride still rolls through every single week though. The tickets haven't seemed to phase them, but the view is from a year ago so maybe they moved away. Regardless, the video it really supports the idea that these "crackdowns" happen once in a great while, percentage wise, VERY few tix are written, and those who do get them, pay the fee and go on as usual. That particular ride posted in the video is a ticket magnet if they want to target it. It still rolls through town every single week like clockwork. Over 52 times since the video was taken with 52 more coming this year. Once the Idaho stop rule comes to CA, it will eliminate this arguing point so that'll be good...like when we went from 55 to 65 on the freeways, when nobody obeyed that law. It was a stupid law and people winked and said "Suuure. I'll drive 55". Same with rolling stops on a bike, though a huge group ride is a vastly different dynamic. That's like racing 90 in a red mustang...it's going to attract attention ;)
Until then, personally, I'll just ride in a manner that is safest to all while keeping traffic flowing well for all in all directions...drivers seem to be grateful for that, giving lots of friendly waves over the years. That's because sometimes the best for ll is for the rider to stop and wave someone through, even if it's your turn to go. I like to call it "Bigotry busting".
Atherton: Lindenwood
on Aug 26, 2018 at 6:42 am
on Aug 26, 2018 at 6:42 am
But like the crackdown, it's over and it hasn't amounted to anything.
Time to move on for those who can. I'll leave comments to those well balanced folks gleefully fantasizing about the deaths of our fellow community members.
Yes, the "Angries" actually did that above.
Be happier than the Angries and continue to be better than them, always.
Last word goes to the Angries...waving you through the intersection ;)