@bentbike33 116472 wrote:
As do I, and often PALs do line up behind me. Maybe we need a “Bike Box” painted here to help other get with the program?
I think a stop line would be useful even if it would not completely solve the problem of shoaling.
In my experience, the average shoaler stops where they think is the most advantageous spot. The shoaler will make sure that there is nothing obstructing their intended path. They could be at the edge of a curb, a foot or 2 from the corner/stop line, a few feet in the intersection itself, or in the middle of the crosswalk if there is one. They do not look at the ground in front of them (lines would therefore largely be useless) and tend to be looking only for vehicles (pedestrians in crosswalks be damned). Their stance will be in a way that allows them to get a quick start and even run the red light if there happens to be a gap in cross traffic. (My hypothesis) Although more likely to get hit by red-light runners in cross traffic, they are more visible to drivers and are therefore less likely to get right-hooked.
I don’t endorse nor do I practice shoaling, but I can see the benefits from doing it. My understanding is that people (shoalers, drivers, cyclists, pedestrians, etc.) will do what is most efficient for them, even if it is selfish and only benefits them.
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