Reply #17: Year round rider/commuter . . in Iowa (ie hard winter weather)

[Strelnikov_]

The rules you noted are the rules I live by.

Avoid major signalized intersections if at all possible. Going to midblock, where the onboard kinematic computer can reach a near zero collision probability solution, is SOP. For example, at the major intersection near work (6 lane ribbons of death each direction) crossing on the pedestrian signal, and assuming the smoker operators will honor the signal, is a death trip. Virtually every time, some rampaging smoker attempting to beat the left will try to plow through.

Stop lights. Always come to stop. If traffic is present, follow all rules. If no cross/conflicting traffic, perform kinematic solution, cross if probability of conflict is near zero regardless of light.

Stop sign. Always slow to 2x walking speed. If traffic is present, full stop and follow all rules, let all smokers waiting clear intersection (smoker operators hate having their motoring pleasure delayed). If no traffic present, continue without stopping.

Never assume, position yourself (whenever possible) so the reaction of the smoker operator is not in the equation. If this requires violating traffic laws, so be it.