Description
I know there have been a ton of complaints about this intersection but I haven't seen this one I think. Currently the lights going west on Mass Ave go pedestrian walk sign, then bike green light, and then car green light. I think this makes a ton of sense because it allows pedestrians to cross without getting run over by bikes and then let's bikes clear before cars turn right onto Beech St.
But I think what ends up happening in actuality is the pedestrian walk sign goes on and the bikes take off. I've seen a pedestrian wait for the bikes to cross until bikes have cleared through. So I think unless anyone is going to enforce the bike traffic light which I assume isn't going to happen. It seems pointless to have that extra waiting time between pedestrian walk and bike green especially in an intersection where all the traffic signals are already pretty tight
also asked...
A. No Answer Given
A. No Answer Given
A. Signal timing issue
A. No Answer Given
13 Comments
City of Cambridge (Verified Official)
doriastories (Registered User)
Robert (Registered User)
tkm1 (Registered User)
@doriastories, @Robert -- I think there is some confusion here. The lights at this intersection are starting at different times but as far as I know they are for parallel traffic, not crossing traffic. So this is not about letting bikes go through crosswalks while pedestrians are crossing perpendicular to the bikes.
It is extremely common for cyclists to cross with walk lights – that is, parallel to pedestrians – and In many cases we have to do that to cross safely because there is no light for bicycles, nor is one needed. As far as I know that's not illegal as long as pedestrians are ceded the right of way (and I agree some cyclists don't give way to pedestrians as they should, though many of us do).
tkm1 (Registered User)
@doriastories, @Robert -- I think there is some confusion here. The lights at this intersection are starting at different times but as far as I know they are for parallel traffic, not crossing traffic. So this is not about letting bikes go through crosswalks while pedestrians are crossing perpendicular to the bikes.
It is extremely common for cyclists to cross with walk lights – that is, parallel to pedestrians – and In many cases we have to do that to cross safely because there is no light for bicycles, nor is one needed. As far as I know that's not illegal as long as pedestrians are ceded the right of way (and I agree some cyclists don't give way to pedestrians as they should, though many of us do).
Robert (Registered User)
I do not think it is allowed at least from training from cycling community that I took. But easy enough, for bicycles to dismount and walk.
I have been hit by bikers numerous times, and many more close times.
For shared streets to work, all have to feel safe. I do not feel safe crossing while bikers speed past.
Thanks Tom for following the rules.
jk02140 (Registered User)
Acknowledged Traffic - DB (Signals) (Registered User)
AW (Registered User)
Scf (Registered User)
When people report cars running red lights we don’t see people posting all the reasons why cats should be allowed to break the law but when people report bicyclists running red lights, we always see people posting about how they should be allowed to break the law.
Hmmmmmmm.
And right after we spent money installing special lights just for bicyclists to be informed of their responsibilities when sharing streets.
It’s really too bad some people are so selfish and irresponsible and some people feel the need to justify illegal behavior.
Someone (Registered User)
Scf (Registered User)
You just made my point about how people will write in to justify/minimize illegal/dangerous behavior by bicyclists, thanks for doing so.
If a bike rider runs a red light, they are ALSO putting everyone in their path at risk of severe bodily harm or death.
Robert (Registered User)