I have 7 controlled intersections to cross on my way to work. All are in West Des Moines. Not a single light can be trigger by the mere presence of my bike. I have two choices: OBEY or IGNORE.
I do my utmost to be a good citizen. If I choose OBEY I have to wait for a car to trip the light or go up on the sidewalk and press the cross button and get back on the road before the light turns or a car takes my spot. I'd like to see car drivers get out of their vehicles and do this.
So the other day I am going downhill and go off the road to the sidewalk and stop at the light pole and hit the button. I stop 6 cars. Sometimes I wait until they are past before I press the button. This day I did not. Part of me wants to laugh. "Ha ha suckers, I got you!" But the majority of me feels a bit guilty. "Sorry. I just need to cross this intersection. Forgive me for making you late."
Then I thought about it. When I drive I never ever feel bad about triggering a traffic cycle. Nope. It's my right. I need the RIGHT OF WAY. I really doubt 99.9% of drivers feel bad about disrupting someones journey. "They was askin' fer it!" Why should I feel bad about it on a bicycle. I'd rather run the light. Stop first, of course, look both ways and go for it IF SAFE. But heaven forbid if I am spotted by the one dinosaur brained fossil fuel burning safety nazi that spots me doing that. Yes, hit the button and make them stop.
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