Traffic rules for bicycles in bangalore !

[Harsha Athuluri]

hey,

i would like to know if there is any traffic rules for bicycle,
like......
bicycle rider should also wait for the signal ?

bcz,today i did jump a signal there was no traffic ! but the police
stopped me and was talking about some rules of traffic signal. he was
even trying take bribe for that.

i was little confused at that time,weather i jumped a signal sitting
in some BMW / FERRARI or else i was on my bicycle ?

weather he is corrupted or else i should really wait for the signal
even if thr is no traffic /as if on my Bike ?

[Mayank Kamthan]

dude.. what if u were driving a car, and a cycle wala appears out of no where, by jumping the signal and crashes into you.. 

wait for the signal, just for not being that cycle wala..

Cheers!

Mayank.

Mayank Kamthan

--
biking conversations on the world famous "Bangalore Bikers Club" :)

are you a part of the bicycle racing scene?
Visit www.bangalorebicyclechampionships.com for more details

[Anand]

All traffic rules apply to cycles as well, when traffic light is red cycles also should wait.

However if you walk your cycle and not ride then you will be a pedestrian and should follow pedestrian rules.

So when its red for vehicles and pedestrians have green you can walk your cycle.

[Shankar Shastry]

This will be a long thread. Claiming that traffic rules don't apply to you and you MUST be given special rights of jumping signals is absolute bullshit and won't earn you any respect on the road.

You shouldn't jump signals because
1. You might get hit like what mayank said
2. You might be fined - traffic rules do apply to you
3. Most importantly you'll bring us all some bad rep. People will probably judge all cyclists by looking at you. We're still a minority, bound to be remembered for all the wrong reasons even while we're being green, saving the planet and all that stuff - its sort like being a goalkeeper, people only remember the ones that you didn't save.

I know there may be exceptional situations where its better to jump a signal than wait, but making jumping signals a habit is not good imho.

We already save enough time by riding our bikes. Waiting at red signals or walking the bike when allowed is the least we can do. And of course, if you're walking the bike, follow pedestrian rules and cross roads when its green signal for pedestrians. I do it. Don't see why you shouldn't.

Regards,
Shankar
Sent from my Nokia N85

[Gourav Sengupta]

There is only one rule in Bangalore when it comes to cyclists (please remember cycle and cycle riders are always looked at as economically poor lot and that implies even a guy riding a luna moped with 50 chickens hanging upside down will pull his attitude on you, simple to understand, the guy with more motors under him owns the road more than the one with less motors) "DO NOT GET KILLED, HIT or MOWED OVER", rest all is implied

Regards,
Gourav
PS: I tried telling someone a few days back that my cycle was for 51K, it did not require a Guru or a Wizard to read it looks -"shala pagal hain". Now its a point to ponder whether he thought I was mad because I spent that on a cycle or whether he thought I was imagining my cycle to be of ....
Still what remained is that I was one of the POOR lot.

[Gourav Sengupta]

Another thing,

I have broken teeth, twisted joints, had stitches all over my face, spat blood, used slang, got cursed, jumped on cars, rammed into men and ran over dogs riding cycle in Bangalore.

By the time I travel my daily 30-35 kms at the end what matters is - I am still alive and kicking and cycling.

Enjoy Maadi Free style
(PS: The victim was always taken to the doctor, whether it was a dog or human aka me. And the broken teeth and twisted joints I was referring to were mine. Sometimes when police guy were involved you have to remember the POOR guy is always the one with no mistakes and the victim, IT HAPPENS ONLY IN INDIA)

[Rajanikanth P]

This is not about traffic rules for a cyclist. This is yet another typical commute day for a cyclist in namma bengaluru.
Today i left my office @ 4:30 pm thinking that it might rain.

Problem #1

I saw that the gears were shifted again from3:5 It was 1:7.
Oh my GOD He must been a curious guy who wanted to try everything.
As usual shouted at the security guards as well as others nearby using all the bad words from all the languages i knew.

Problem #2

I started pedalling and within 500 meters it started raining heavily.
PANIC button pressed ...no signals no cops everybody in a hurry to reach home honkering at each other.
They would surely hate slow riders...So It starts..

One Auto guy shouts at me Heyyyyyyyy BATTERY ( Most of them think high end cycles or foreign brands have battery ) SIDEge hogu
Since i am a localite and an expert in giving back I said ....I won't tell what i said to him. But he felt very bad. That is for sure.

Will be contd...

rk

On Fri, May 13, 2011 at 12:00 AM, Gourav Sengupta <gourav....@gmail.com> wrote:

--
Regards,
RajaniKanth.P
Burn FAT not FUEL;Go Green Commute by CYCLE
  o___
   _>   /__
     (_) \ (_)

[Deepa Mohan]

Hi Harsha,

Why do you think common traffic rules don't apply to cyclists Harsha ? Do you also cycle on the right hand side of the road if there is no traffic, go the wrong way down one-way roads if there no traffic? Are you a law unto yourself because you are a cyclist?

I am just amazed at this question, from a presumably educated person. It shows, sadly, the lack of traffic education here.

Deepa.

On Thu, May 12, 2011 at 10:19 PM, Harsha Athuluri <harshaa...@gmail.com> wrote:

[Kishan Kumar]

Don't attack Harsha folks. It's like shooting the messenger! Ignorance it is. Until now I had presumed that cyclists == pedestrians. I've been breaking rules in ignorance too!! I remember being told in Taipei that only pedestrian rules apply to cyclists though. Completely my bad to presume for India!!

I'm a rookie but have faced dirty attitudes already. At the same time I'm seeing quite a few giving way to me also. So, hopefully we are evolving in tue right direction!

BTW, weather.com showed showers starting at 3:00pm. So, I left work at 2:00 itself. Given my first ride to office and back, it would have been a pathetic thin for me under rain!!

Sent from my iPhone

--

[Mayank Kamthan]

"Since i am a localite and an expert in giving back I said ....I won't tell what i said to him. But he felt very bad. That is for sure."

Please tell us what you said, we will also like to give back!!! :) 

Cheers!

Mayank.

Mayank Kamthan

[Jaikant Chandra Kumaran]

+1

jai

[Maheshwaran Jothi]

I think its not always true.:) Yes.

Me, when crossing the RxDx hospital [going from hospital towards Hoodi, not the other way. No.], the signal that leads to ITPL is a big problem. The straight is mostly green, but most stupid educated fellows + the volvos, block not just the roads, but also the suppose to be a payment.

I usually carry my cycle, pass them. Sometimes even if it is red, I use to ride along the extreme left. And since this is not a intersection, it do not have issues. Couple of times police have seen, and never stopped.

And I really pity these police here. What a couple of police do when they have such a huge educated mass who wanted to break the rule :D including self!

2 cents.

MJ

On Thu, May 12, 2011 at 10:19 PM, Harsha Athuluri <harshaa...@gmail.com> wrote:

[Shankar Shastry]

This will be a long thread. Claiming that traffic rules don't apply to you and you MUST be given special rights of jumping signals is absolute

bullshit and won't ensure you're any safer on the road.

You shouldn't jump signals because
1. You might get hit like what mayank said
2. You might be fined - traffic rules do apply to you
3. Most importantly you'll bring us all some bad rep. People will probably judge all cyclists by looking at you. We're still a minority, bound

to be remembered for all the wrong reasons even while we're being green, saving the planet and all that stuff - its sort like being a goalkeeper, people only remember the goals that you didn't save.

I know there may be exceptional situations where its better to jump a signal than wait, but making jumping signals a habit is not good imho.

We already save enough time by riding our bikes. Waiting at red signals
or walking the bike when allowed is the least we can do. And of course
, if you're walking the bike, follow pedestrian rules and cross roads when its green signal for pedestrians. I do it. Don't see why you shouldn't.

Regards,
Shankar
Sent from my Nokia N85
-----Original Message-----

[Harsha Athuluri]

ohhhhhhh hold on .......guys !

i was just asking u a suggestion and i wanted to know weather that cop
is corrupted or else i am wrong !!!
i am not regular signal jumped.... :) in that matter ! yesterday was
my 1st ride on my new bicycle ...
brought rockrider 5.0 from decathlon yesterday only !

and imp thing is i could find any rules / laws made for bicycles
except one site says as follows ....
"Bicycles:

The traffic rules seem not to apply to bicycles at all. When all other
traffic is stopped at traffic lights for instance, they proceed
through with impunity. They never carry lights and by and large seem
to operate as though they are pedestrians. It is best to treat them as
such. "

http://www.indiandrivingschools.com/articles/drivinginindia1.html

i know its not an official site for bicycle rules ......thats Y , i
wanted to discuss with u guys !

guys ......... plzz note !!!! " I AM NOT SIGNAL JUMPER " :) u
guys made me remember my good old primary school teachers, who were
scolding me :( !...... i all do respect the traffic rules !

> <harshaathul...@gmail.com>wrote:

>
> > hey,
>
> > i would like to know if there is any traffic rules for bicycle,
> > like......
> > bicycle rider should also wait for the signal ?
>
> > bcz,today i did jump a signal there was no traffic ! but the police
> > stopped me and was talking about some rules of traffic signal. he was
> > even trying take bribe for that.
>
> > i was little confused at that time,weather i jumped a signal sitting
> > in some BMW / FERRARI or else i was on my bicycle ?
>
> > weather he is corrupted or else i should really wait for the signal
> > even if thr is no traffic /as if on my Bike ?
>
> > --
> > biking conversations on the world famous "Bangalore Bikers Club" :)
>
> > are you a part of the bicycle racing scene?

> > Visitwww.bangalorebicyclechampionships.comfor more details

[anilk...@gmail.com]

Hi,

Many a times I jump signal.....I take due care in safe guarding me and other users of road.....am no guilty to say I jump signals....very few co-users have mercy on me when I cycle....I dnt take revenge as such.....!!!

Anil s kadsur

Sent on my BlackBerry® from Vodafone

[Rahul S]

Me too.

-Rahul

[Vineet]

I think it's ok to jump signals and hop onto the sidewalks albeit
safely(what's the point trying to kill yourself on the streets if you
don't get any rewards). Just remember to yield to the pedestrians and
the poor hand cart guys who have to push a tonne around
Anyways the hierarchy on the roads in descending order should be like
this
1.Pedestrians
2.Ambulances/Emergency vehicles
3.Cyclists
4.Public Transport
5.Two-wheelers
6.Cars

But in India the list reads from bottom to top
Is it ok if I carry my nunchucks in the carrier for any issues with
motorists :)

Regards
Vineet

> > > Visitwww.bangalorebicyclechampionships.comformore details

[Shreelesh Kumar]

Sometimes waiting till the moment the signal turns green isn't a good idea with the motor vehicles behind you honking and moving faster than you can pick up speed from 0. Its better to get a headstart before the vehicles behind you when you are right in the front. If it is safe enough to walk, move ahead with other cyclists and pedestrians. Not at all places can you follow the rules without getting yourself in danger. Like say at some road which is so wide and the traffic so fast, that moving from the extreme left lane to take a right turn would be difficult and dangerous. In such a case, if you can, then you are safer riding on the opposite side or rather just walking it.

Do whatever it requires to ensure personal safety (and the safety of others), even if it means breaking the rules sometimes. Understand the risks involved in following and not following the rules.

Visit www.bangalorebicyclechampionships.com for more details

--
Shreelesh Kumar
http://twitter.com/shreelesh
www.shreeleshkumar.blogspot.com
www.flickr.com/photos/shreeleshkumar

Protect the Trees. Save Open Spaces. Save Bangalore

[aman mohla]

I feel that cyclists should set all the right examples about traffic
sense on road. I know about many people who are willing to take on
cycling as a means of commuting to office but are worried about
getting mowed down by a volvo or a huge truck. To some extent their
worries are correct, our journey on bangalore streets is a constant
fight to stay alive, but if we follow some basic traffic rules i think
we stand a very good chance of survival.

Following the traffic signals, sticking to the left side of the road
are just basic rules. I feel that the attitude of people towards
cyclists is improving and i feel that sooner or later we will get all
the respect we deserve on the road.

On May 13, 1:16 am, Shreelesh Kumar <shreel...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Sometimes waiting till the moment the signal turns green isn't a good idea
> with the motor vehicles behind you honking and moving faster than you can
> pick up speed from 0. Its better to get a headstart before the vehicles
> behind you when you are right in the front. If it is safe enough to walk,
> move ahead with other cyclists and pedestrians. Not at all places can you
> follow the rules without getting yourself in danger. Like say at some road
> which is so wide and the traffic so fast, that moving from the extreme left
> lane to take a right turn would be difficult and dangerous. In such a case,
> if you can, then you are safer riding on the opposite side or rather just
> walking it.
>
> Do whatever it requires to ensure personal safety (and the safety of
> others), even if it means breaking the rules sometimes. Understand the risks
> involved in following and not following the rules.
>

> Shreelesh Kumarhttp://twitter.com/shreeleshwww.shreeleshkumar.blogspot.comwww.flickr.com/photos/shreeleshkumar

[George Joseph]

Sounds like the script of a movie!

Seriously though glad to hear you persevered.

George Joseph
IN Cell: 91 94-83-501169
NA Cell: 1-847-859-9591

... sent from my HTC Desire HD

[Akshay Prabhu Gaonkar]

I am missing Doc D from this discussion! :D

[deepakvrao]

Yes, this could be a long thread.

I for one disagree with the majority here. I jump every signal that I
'safely' can. Safer to be ahead of traffic than in it.

Let the cops enforce 'traffic' rules with the motorized traffic. When
motorized traffic is following PREDICTABLE behaviour, only then will
it make sense for cyclists to follow rules.

I'd rather be alive at the end of the day, than set a 'right example'
as someone below mentioned.

Deepak

[Sameer Shisodia]

+1 Also, just like MV rules dont apply directly to pedestrians, they should not/dont in many parts of the world to cyclists either. I, for one, follow the Boise ones. 

Agree that new rules need formulation, but MV ones are a bad substitute.

- sameer

Visit www.bangalorebicyclechampionships.com for more details

--

Sameer Shisodia, Bangalore

Great season for walks, treks and chilling.

(m) +91-98451-80207

[deepakvrao]

You're joking right? About setting the 'right example'?

You seriously think the asshole with his ear glued to his mobile, or
texting while driving, has even SEEN you? Let alone notice your 'right
example'?

> > Shreelesh Kumarhttp://twitter.com/shreeleshwww.shreeleshkumar.blogspot.comwww.flickr...

[deepakvrao]

Hehehe, see above Akshay.

On May 13, 12:07 pm, Akshay Prabhu Gaonkar

[George Joseph]

+1000% that what followed anywhere. Whatever it took to keep me from getting harmed.

George Joseph
IN Cell: 91 94-83-501169
NA Cell: 1-847-859-9591

... sent from my HTC Desire HD

[Shankar Shastry]

Who said anything about right example? What am i missing?

Regards,
Shankar
Sent from my Nokia N85
-----Original Message-----

> > > > On May 13, 8:10 am, "Shankar Shastry" <shanka...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> > > > > This will be a long thread. Claiming that traffic rules don't apply to
> > > you and you MUST be given special rights of jumping signals is absolute

> > > > >  bullshit and won't ensure you're any safer on the road.

>
> > > > > You shouldn't jump signals because
> > > > > 1. You might get hit like what mayank said
> > > > > 2. You might be fined - traffic rules do apply to you
> > > > > 3. Most importantly you'll bring us all some bad rep. People will
> > > probably judge all cyclists by looking at you. We're still a minority, bound
> > > > >  to be remembered for all the wrong reasons even while we're being
> > > green, saving the planet and all that stuff - its sort like being a

> > > goalkeeper, people only remember the goals that you didn't save.

>
> > > > > I know there may be exceptional situations where its better to jump a
> > > signal than wait, but making jumping signals a habit is not good imho.
>
> > > > > We already save enough time by riding our bikes. Waiting at red signals
> > > > >  or walking the bike when allowed is the least we can do. And of course
> > > > > , if you're walking the bike, follow pedestrian rules and cross roads
> > > when its green signal for pedestrians. I do it. Don't see why you shouldn't.
>
> > > > > Regards,
> > > > > Shankar
> > > > > Sent from my Nokia N85
>
> > > > > -----Original Message-----

> > > > > > hey,
>
> > > > > > i would like to know if there is any traffic rules for bicycle,
> > > > > > like......
> > > > > > bicycle rider should also wait for the signal ?
>
> > > > > > bcz,today i did jump a signal there was no traffic ! but the police
> > > > > > stopped me and was talking about some rules of traffic signal. he was
> > > > > > even trying take bribe for that.
>
> > > > > > i was little confused at that time,weather i jumped a signal sitting
> > > > > > in some BMW / FERRARI or else i was on my bicycle ?
>
> > > > > > weather he is corrupted or else i should really wait for the signal
> > > > > > even if thr is no traffic /as if on my Bike ?
>
> > > > > > --
> > > > > > biking conversations on the world famous "Bangalore Bikers Club" :)
>
> > > > > > are you a part of the bicycle racing scene?
> > > > > > Visitwww.bangalorebicyclechampionships.comformoredetails
>
> > > > > --
> > > > > biking conversations on the world famous "Bangalore Bikers Club" :)
>
> > > > > are you a part of the bicycle racing scene?
> > > > > Visitwww.bangalorebicyclechampionships.comformoredetails
>
> > > --
> > > biking conversations on the world famous "Bangalore Bikers Club" :)
>
> > > are you a part of the bicycle racing scene?

> > > Visitwww.bangalorebicyclechampionships.comformore details
>
> > --
> > Shreelesh Kumarhttp://twitter.com/shreeleshwww.shreeleshkumar.blogspot.comwww.flickr...
>
> > Protect the Trees. Save Open Spaces. Save Bangalore

--

[deepakvrao]

Not you, but what Aman Mohla said about setting a right example.

this Google groups is a crappy software.

[Manoj Nama K]

Deepak,

I believe what you have shared below is your opinion and opinions change over time. Educated people like all of us don't need direction or examples to follow traffic rules. One should set examples.

Happy riding.

Cheers,

Manoj

Visit www.bangalorebicyclechampionships.com for more details

--
Regards,
Manoj
+91 98804 94957 (cell)

[Shankar Shastry]

Ah okay. I'd rather be alive too at the end of the day but being totally against traffic rules won't help me do that. I guess there's no right answer to "should i jump signals". But there is a right answer to "should i jump signals all the time" and the answer is no.

Regards,
Shankar
Sent from my Nokia N85
-----Original Message-----

From: deepakvrao
Sent: 14/05/2011 01:21:22
Subject: [BBC] Re: Traffic rules for bicycles in bangalore !

Not you, but what Aman Mohla said about setting a right example.

this Google groups is a crappy software.

On May 13, 9:42 pm, "Shankar Shastry" <shanka...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Who said anything about right example? What am i missing?
>

> Regards,
> Shankar
> Sent from my Nokia N85
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----

> > > > > On May 13, 8:10 am, "Shankar Shastry" <shanka...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> > > > > > This will be a long thread. Claiming that traffic rules don't apply to
> > > > you and you MUST be given special rights of jumping signals is absolute

> > > > > >  bullshit and won't ensure you're any safer on the road.

>
> > > > > > You shouldn't jump signals because
> > > > > > 1. You might get hit like what mayank said
> > > > > > 2. You might be fined - traffic rules do apply to you
> > > > > > 3. Most importantly you'll bring us all some bad rep. People will
> > > > probably judge all cyclists by looking at you. We're still a minority, bound
> > > > > >  to be remembered for all the wrong reasons even while we're being
> > > > green, saving the planet and all that stuff - its sort like being a

> > > > goalkeeper, people only remember the goals that you didn't save.

>
> > > > > > I know there may be exceptional situations where its better to jump a
> > > > signal than wait, but making jumping signals a habit is not good imho.
>
> > > > > > We already save enough time by riding our bikes. Waiting at red signals
> > > > > >  or walking the bike when allowed is the least we can do. And of course
> > > > > > , if you're walking the bike, follow pedestrian rules and cross roads
> > > > when its green signal for pedestrians. I do it. Don't see why you shouldn't.
>
> > > > > > Regards,
> > > > > > Shankar
> > > > > > Sent from my Nokia N85
>
> > > > > > -----Original Message-----

> > > > > > > hey,
>
> > > > > > > i would like to know if there is any traffic rules for bicycle,
> > > > > > > like......
> > > > > > > bicycle rider should also wait for the signal ?
>
> > > > > > > bcz,today i did jump a signal there was no traffic ! but the police
> > > > > > > stopped me and was talking about some rules of traffic signal. he was
> > > > > > > even trying take bribe for that.
>
> > > > > > > i was little confused at that time,weather i jumped a signal sitting
> > > > > > > in some BMW / FERRARI or else i was on my bicycle ?
>
> > > > > > > weather he is corrupted or else i should really wait for the signal
> > > > > > > even if thr is no traffic /as if on my Bike ?
>
> > > > > > > --
> > > > > > > biking conversations on the world famous "Bangalore Bikers Club" :)
>
> > > > > > > are you a part of the bicycle racing scene?
> > > > > > > Visitwww.bangalorebicyclechampionships.comformoredetails
>
> > > > > > --
> > > > > > biking conversations on the world famous "Bangalore Bikers Club" :)
>
> > > > > > are you a part of the bicycle racing scene?
> > > > > > Visitwww.bangalorebicyclechampionships.comformoredetails
>
> > > > --
> > > > biking conversations on the world famous "Bangalore Bikers Club" :)
>
> > > > are you a part of the bicycle racing scene?

> > > > Visitwww.bangalorebicyclechampionships.comformoredetails
>
> > > --
> > > Shreelesh Kumarhttp://twitter.com/shreeleshwww.shreeleshkumar.blogspot.comwww.flickr...
>
> > > Protect the Trees. Save Open Spaces. Save Bangalore
>

[Sameer Shisodia]

I think its not so much a qn of "jumping signals" as it is following pedestrian signals when appropriate. Of course, while respecting the pedestrians' right of way

- sameer

On Sat, May 14, 2011 at 12:26 PM, Shankar Shastry <shan...@gmail.com> wrote:

Ah okay. I'd rather be alive too at the end of the day but being totally against traffic rules won't help me do that. I guess there's no right answer to "should i jump signals". But there is a right answer to "should i jump signals all the time" and the answer is no.

Regards,
Shankar
Sent from my Nokia N85\

[Deepak Rao]

Agree completely.

That's why I said I jump signals whenever I 'safely' can. My rides are usually early morning and getting ahead of the traffic saves my lungs too. Commute time? Makes no difference the air is filthy anyway. LOL

[Deepak Rao]

Yes. Makes sense. Bear in mind though that when you are safely following the pedestrians green, the moron auto, mobiker will still likely cut his red, and therein lies the problem in India.

Show me a traffic junction in India, and I will show you at least a few who break the rules. That is also why I said that when everyone's behaviour at a junction is 'predictable' only then is it sensible to blindly follow rules.

[NFL-Newfoundlove]

+1 to Deepak... I strongly follow that and didn't voice me opinion
till doc mentioned about this... :-) I try to cut thru every signal as
much as possible...when the signal's about to switch i make my move.
May not be the safest i know but atleast cops won't dig at the "break"
and you don't have to bribe your way out.....The WHOLE REASON why i
dropped buying a ROYAL ENFIELD and got me the ROYAL TREK 4300D.

If you want to stick to rules then how long can you trail a bus or a
truck and take in all the dust.. not to mention some of the "L" boards
you get to encounter. I'd rather zip thru a gap than wait and get
honked by yellow board maniacs...rickshaws and bikes.... :-P
Also get to experience a tad of off roading on some of the pavements.
(as long as there's no human traffic).

[Sreepathi Pai]

On Sat, May 14, 2011 at 1:21 AM, deepakvrao <deepa...@gmail.com> wrote:

> this Google groups is a crappy software.

+100. And that's the extent of my contribution to this thread :)

--
Sreepathi Pai