Is it time for a "stops signs and trail crossings" thread yet?

[Alcova cyclist]

My attempts to search the forum on this topic yielded up quite a few threads, but mostly two years old or more. And while there was lots of good discussion, nothing I would call definitive.

My commute (central Arlington to DC via Memorial Bridge) takes me through several points where MUPs/sidewalks cross roads at crosswalks. Some of these have stop signs for the sidewalk/trail traffic and some don’t. I think at least one says cyclists must dismount and walk across the intersection. Most are in DC but a few in VA.

This bothers me because since some (but not all) crossings have stop signs for trail users, and some (but not all) roads have signs reminding cars to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks, we’re left with that worst possible right-of-way situation — no one seems to be sure who really has right of way. (It’s not helped by a somewhat confusing set of rules for cars/peds in/at/approaching crosswalks)

What is a cyclist supposed to do by law? (with stop sign and without — if there’s any difference). I have read the assertion on this forum and elsewhere that those stop signs may not be enforceable for a variety of reasons (none of which are completely convincing to me).

What I normally do at these crosswalks (stop sign or no) is slow down sufficiently to where I could stop if needed (and often do), but if traffic yields to me (across all car lanes if there are multiple lanes) I roll through at 5-10 mph regardless of stop sign. This has mostly worked ok over the last 18 months of this commute, although I always feel like it’s a bit of a game of chicken. A couple of days ago I got yelled at by a driver at one of the crossings near Lincoln Memorial for not stopping at the stop sign there (I was going slowly enough that when it was clear they weren’t going to yield, I slowed to a crawl and passed behind them; they yelled at me as they drove by). While I don’t like getting yelled at, I’d like getting run over even less. So, I ask to be enlightened.

Topic

[scoot]

@jcflack54 130711 wrote:

Kenmore between Van Dorn and Seminary in Alexandria is signed for 15 MPH.

And enforced by physics, i.e. speedbumps!

But that’s not a publicly owned right-of-way, is it? There are numerous signs warning drivers the street itself is private and that on-street parking requires a permit. Owners can put up their own traffic signs on private property, though I don’t know how enforceable those are. In any case, it seems that the convenience to the residents of having two ways in and out outweighs the disadvantages of enabling some slow cut-through traffic as well.

[CaseyKane50]

@ShawnoftheDread 130446 wrote:

They put a “bicyclists must obey stop” sign under a yield? Genius.

Apparently, they didn’t think it was so smart. The sign has been replaced with a wayfinding sign.

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[awlcfa]

@CaseyKane50 131980 wrote:

Apparently, they didn’t think it was so smart. The sign has been replaced with a wayfinding sign.

Can confirm it is not there anymore.. I went out last Saturday to see if it was there. I pass that area on nearly every ride and surprisingly never noticed it.

[Author]

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