Are bicycles allowed to do that?

Question

This really gets my hackles raised up. There I am crossing the road when the little green man flashes on the traffic lights content in the knowledge that all the cars are waiting patiently, when all of a sudden a stupid bicycle comes whizzing past, literally missing my ear by about a quarter of an inch.
Now I think to myself 'If all the cars have to stop, surely bikes must stop aswell?'
But no, obviously not. All the bikes seem to just cruise through the red traffic lights regardless of what traffic is coming or who is crossing the road. I know this is totally illegal in the UK, but is it the same in NZ?

Answer 1

they are supposed to obey the same rules of the road as cars. the one thing about bicycleests thart annoys me is when they stay out in the traffic lane and are doing like 10 or 15 miles an hour (if ur lucky) and won't pull over and get out of the way. if the minimum speed limit is 45 miles per hour ( it is in ny state) they had better be doing 45 or get off the road

Answer 2

Cyclists riding their bicycles on the roadway, shoulder, or driveway are considered drivers of vehicles and must operate according to the laws for drivers of vehicles. Cyclists walking with their bicycles are considered to be pedestrians, and must operate according to the laws for pedestrians. There are two problem areas. Cyclists walking with their bicycles for a short distance, as when on a hill that is too steep to climb, should still be regulated as drivers of vehicles. Cyclists riding their bicycles on pedestrian facilities should be regulated as pedestrians. The first is commonly glossed over as unimportant. As discussed below, the UVC and several states have explicitly adopted the second, which is important for safety.

In every state, cyclists are considered drivers of vehicles. That is, cyclists have the same duties and privileges as motorists with regard to the operation of vehicles in traffic. The general principles of traffic operation have been carefully thought out in a way to reduce collisions and to allow faster travel. Cyclists can function very well when they operate within this system, but typically fare much worse when they follow different rules.

In all states, motor vehicle operators, but not cyclists, must meet additional requirements such as driver licensing, vehicle registration, and liability insurance. The state traffic laws should be written in such a way as to clarify that these special rules apply only to motor vehicles and not to cyclists. For example, North Dakota's statutes specify that points are not to be assessed against a cyclist's license to operate a motor vehicles for infractions committed on a bicycle.

Almost all states define a cyclist as a driver of a vehicle by explicitly stating that cyclists have the rights and duties of drivers of vehicles. The one exception is Massachusetts, which says that cyclists have a right to use the public roads and must follow the traffic rules. (As of this writing, legislation is pending which would bring Massachusetts into conformity with the other 49 states in this respect.) Some states also include "bicycle" in the definition of "vehicle," implying that the terms "drivers" or "operators" of vehicles include cyclists. Some states specify that bicycles are only considered vehicles for the purposes of the rules of operation of vehicles. New Jersey alone specifies that the term "driver" includes "bicyclist." This definition is redundant but very helpful since most readers equate "driver" with "motorist."

Answer 3

Bikes are vehicles as described by laws in almost all parts of the world--he should obey the laws as any other vehicle...he can get a ticket

Answer 4

DON'T WORRY ABOUT IT. YOU HAVE SEEN "NATURAL SELECTION" AT WORK. I'M A BICYCLIST AND I AM VERY CAREFUL. I'VE BEEN HIT TWICE BY CARS BUT WASN'T INJURED (MIRACULOUSLY). I HAVE SEEN PEOPLE STOP THEIR CARS TO OFFER ME A PUNCH WHEN I GAVE THEM A SALUTE AND A NASTY WORD FOR ALMOST RUNNING ME OFF THE ROAD. BUT NOW I AM MORE POLITE AND RESTRAINED. NATURAL SELECTION WORKS FOR EVERYONE, AND SO DOES GOD.