Bicycle riders flouting traffic rules; how big a problem?


We often hear motorists complaining about bicycle riders flouting traffic laws. A Danish study put that notion to the test by analyzing video footage recorded at intersections. It found that 14% of bicycle riders violated traffic laws, but when separated bicycle lanes were present that number dropped to 4.9%. Interestingly, the study found that 66% of motorists violated traffic laws, and observations elsewhere in Europe confirm similar proportions. 

In the United States’ more libertarian culture, the problem of lax respect for traffic laws is probably worse. It’s not uncommon to see motorists running red lights, speeding, rolling through stop signs, stopping on top of crosswalks, looking at phones while driving, and parking on top of bike lanes. Why are bicycle riders held to a higher standard? It could be that the unlawful behavior of motorists has become normalized and traffic enforcement has relaxed. Irresponsible behavior by bicycle riders is also easier to spot, such as ignoring red lights or bicycling on sidewalks or down the wrong side of the street. Well-designed separated bicycle lanes would impose more discipline on bicyclists' behavior. — Steve Price

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