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In Amsterdam, traffic lights have has three signals — for cars, pedestrians and bikes. At least at major intersections, this kind of system would make sense for the United States to implement in the future. In the meantime, The Ethicist’s response is sensible. — Frank
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If it’s illegal, don’t do it. Your inner Ethicist knows this. Consider dismounting and walking your bike across the street like a pedestrian. — Martha
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I disagree with the Ethicist, since while most people at least give lip service to pedestrian-friendly transportation and road policies, many people are hostile to cyclists by default. This, despite the fact that in New York City, injuries to pedestrians from bicycles are vanishingly rare, while grievous injuries to both pedestrians and cyclists from cars are common. Most importantly, some jurisdictions, including our own New York City, explicitly allow bicycles to cross with the pedestrian signal. As noted by the city Transportation Department, “Unless there is a bike signal or sign, cross the intersection when the pedestrian signal shows ‘the walk,’” and still yield to pedestrians. A careful biker crossing with pedestrians makes the road safer for themselves and fellow cyclists. It is already a travesty that bicycles are forced to eke out meager space on a road designed for cars. — Jonathan
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I concur with the Ethicist’s point that “predictability and social trust are strengthened when people follow the rules even when they don’t see any benefit in doing so.” You would assume that pedestrians would agree as well, even though most don’t follow traffic rules and cross intersections against red lights even when vehicles with green lights are waiting. What happens, however, when a rule that fosters predictability and social trust is no longer the rule? Jaywalking is now legal in New York City after the New York City Council passed a bill in October 2024 decriminalizing jaywalking, allowing pedestrians to cross the street without following traffic signals or crosswalks. For drivers in New York City, this law merely exacerbates an already difficult situation, resulting in even more dangerous interactions between pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists. As a bicyclist in New York City, I stick to the bicycle paths whenever possible. — Brian
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The Ethicist’s advice is correct — in an idealized world. However, current motorized-vehicle traffic regulations as they relate to cycling do not take into account the realities of bicycle transportation. Back in 1982, the state of Idaho recognized that treating cyclists and powered vehicles similarly did not always make sense, and instituted the “Idaho Stop,” whereby cyclists (in most situations) are permitted to treat a stop sign or red light as a yield sign, i.e., slow down but proceed if traffic is clear. This recognizes that, because of the effects of inertia, considerable (unnecessary) effort must be expended by cyclists to get back up to speed after coming to a complete stop at an intersection with no traffic. Several other states have adopted versions of the “Idaho Stop.” Something to consider. — Buster