Bicycle Austin forum

Hi all,

As a ped I was crossing WITH a walk signal on Guad and a biker in the bike lane slammed into me trying to run a red. Note: I did NOT check before crossing the street because there was a car in the lane I was crossing, so I wasn't expecting anyone else. He hit me (I'm a pretty big guy) and I kept moving forward before I realized what happened, turned and looked at the light, confirmed it was red and then yelled at him that he had to stop at a red light. He seemed really flabbergasted and didn't say anything.

I see bikers running reds and stop signs all the time around West Campus and while I was partially to blame for not looking both ways before crossing, I really can't fathom how this guy and other riders wouldn't stop at a red light, especially during busy traffic hours. I don't get how bikers can be so particular about the law (I've had a biker yell at me that he doesn't NEED to use the bike lane, which is technically true) but then not care about running a red.

If anyone can explain this to me I'd be very appreciative. Thanks.