This story just appeared in the Ann Arbor News today. Apparently Ann Arbor police are issuing tickets to cyclists who run red lights and disobey other traffic laws.

This is an issue that has long divided cyclists.  I know of cyclists who run right through red lights and do all sort of other illegal things, but don’t think it’s problem because of the situation.

Since I am representing an organization that promotes bike commuting, I feel extremely obligated to obey the laws and always stop at red lights and stop signs.

Except of course, as one commenter on the story points out, I HAVE to run a red light because the signal does not recognize me.  If I am turning left onto Stadium from Liberty (say to go to Ace or Arbor Farms) and there are no other cars in the turning lane, the signal doesn’t change for me.

So I guess the challenge is that while the same rules apply to bikes and cars in the road, they are not treated as the same type of vehicles, either by signals or sometimes by other motorists.

I am glad to see this issue brought up in the News.  Let’s hope it generates some lively discussion.