-
- Newbie
- Posts: 1
- Joined: Thu Oct 11, 2012 11:00 am
Careless Driving - For Running Stop Signs On A Bicycle
Hi, so I was biking to work, in a residential area in Toronto where there are many cyclists and most - the vast majority - do not stop at the various stop signs at intersections. These are small intersections, if there's a car in the way and it's their right of way I do not cut them off, I never do, and I never run a red light. Today, I did not impede or interfere with car traffic, did not get in the way of pedestrians, did not cut anyone off, no weaving in and out of traffic, no collisions, etc. No dangerous actions (aside from the running of the stop signs, which I of course concede is dangerous in itself).
I was pulled over after a stop sign that I rode through (right behind one other man who also rode though it) and was told I ran through three stop signs, and was issued a ticket for careless driving.
I'm happy to accept a ticket or failing to stop at a sign, or even multiple tickets, I understand everyone does it but still understand it's wrong. But I was told I was getting a careless driving ticket for the three stop signs. Isn't this a bit harsh? I have a clean driver's record. No incidents. Why didn't he stop me after my first alleged infraction? He told me this would teach me a lesson (or something to that effect).
I'm thinking I should request a meeting with the prosecutor to ask him to knock it to a lower offense... thoughts?
Thanks.
Re: Careless Driving - For Running Stop Signs On A Bicycle
I think it's pretty much a guarantee that the Crown would be willing to plead it down to much less serious offence.
Re: Careless Driving - For Running Stop Signs On A Bicycle
I'd speak to the prosecutor and see what they offer.
Personally, I feel you received a ticket you deserved. I'm glad that the Police are finally beginning to crack down on what is becoming a major issue in the city of Toronto: cyclists who either don't know, or completely disregard the rules of the road. Using public roads is a privilege and ignorance of the laws is not an excuse. Neither is the fact that "others did it". Unfortunately for cyclists, they are not offered the same government mandated protection standards that vehicles do and by either hitting the roads without proper lights, disobeying traffic signs or generally not thinking about their actions, they put themselves and others at risk. Share the road.
-
- Newbie
- Posts: 7
- Joined: Sat Oct 13, 2012 12:49 pm
- Location: Toronto, Canada
- Contact:
Re: Careless Driving - For Running Stop Signs On A Bicycle
Do yourself a favor and FIGHT THIS CHARGE! Careless driving is a major charge and will have a serious impact on your car insurance.
Singer, Songwriter, Insurance Extraordinaire
Re: Careless Driving - For Running Stop Signs On A Bicycle
Your post made me wonder when the HTA section that qualifies bicycles as vehicles was written. IMHO, this is an outdated definition from the days where cyclists were considered a menace to the majority of folks on the move since they either walked or used a horse and buggy.
-
- Member
- Posts: 138
- Joined: Fri Sep 30, 2011 8:42 am
Re: Careless Driving - For Running Stop Signs On A Bicycle
ditchMD wrote:....from the days where cyclists were considered a menace to the majority of folks on the move.....
they still are a menace.
No, I do not work for Toronto Police...
... it is just a name folks
-
- Similar Topics
-
-
New post Running Red Light on Bicycle. Bicycle = Motorized Vehicle?
by PONS in Red Light Camera TicketLast post by Stanton Tue Jul 15, 2014 9:21 am
-
-
-
New post Careless driving running through red light
by a3725306 in Careless DrivingLast post by a3725306 Tue Aug 09, 2011 7:22 pm
-
-
-
New post Careless driving on a Bicycle - hit by a taxi driver
by juliavanz18 in Careless DrivingLast post by jsherk Sat May 23, 2015 11:49 am
-
-
-
New post Careless driving as well as parking,standing signs
by Brezerk in General TalkLast post by shmeli Mon May 05, 2008 8:39 am
-
-
-
New post Disobey stop sign, stop signs on both sides of intersection?
Last post by argyll Thu Jan 26, 2017 2:14 am
-
-
-
New post Careless Driving, failed to stop for sign
by MissCutzie in Careless DrivingLast post by argyll Wed Jul 09, 2014 4:42 pm
-
-
-
New post Red Light - Fail To Stop on Bicycle/Other
by Newhope734 in General TalkLast post by jsherk Wed Oct 26, 2016 9:43 am
-
-
-
New post Careless Driving - Missed Stop Sign & Collision
by giant in Careless DrivingLast post by giant Mon Jan 14, 2013 11:33 am
-
Who is online
Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 30 guests