FLCC> [BHV] beware the "rules of the road"

[Andrejs Ozolins]

William Lodico wrote:
> 3.  ...There is traffic  close behind  
> you (motor or other bicycles) which may not manage to stop if you  
> suddenly stop, and may not be expecting you to stop.


This is something I always watch for, in car or on bike, especially 
since it has become commonplace to proceed through freshly changed red 
lights.

Coincidentally, this story just came around from Toronto: It seems a 
cyclist stopped for a yellow light and got the stuffing beat out of him 
by the motorist just in back of him (the motorist turned out to be a 
former cop):

http://tinyurl.com/2b548u

So, I guess we need to specify the context of the debate. If we're 
talking about how traffic should be regulated and bicyclists fare best, 
I have no doubt about the wisdom of simply obeying the traffic rules as 
written. (I would only differ with some who advocate riding 
"aggressively" -- rather, ride "assertively.")

But, then, if you want to contemplate what to do in an anarchic 
free-for-all where following traffic may not only run you over but the 
driver may attack you -- well, by all means, do whatever it takes to 
escape in one piece.

Andrejs