Cyclists often disobey road rules

I have three questions for the cycling groups in Saskatoon. I have tried, unsuccessfully, to get answers to these queries before.

In the last two days alone, I have seen several examples of cyclists riding as described below.

First, why do average adult cyclists think it is OK to ride on sidewalks, occasionally even expecting pedestrians to yield to them? I thought that was illegal.

I understand that children might be allowed to break the law in the interest of safety.

Second, when cyclists do get onto the roadways, why don’t many stop at “Stop” signs, not even making a rolling stop?

Again, I thought that was the same illegal act as running the sign in a motor vehicle.

Third, why do average adult cyclists ride across pedestrian crosswalks, instead of dismounting and walking across (after illegally riding on the sidewalks, of course)? The latter is the most dangerous.

I wish cyclists would realize that motorists expect pedestrians to approach crosswalks at walking speed. Cyclists appear quickly and suddenly, and that makes it much more difficult to yield to their illegal riding.

I realize that some cyclists obey the law.

However, far more ride as described above.

Cyclists should decide, once and for all, to ride on the road obeying the same rules as motor vehicles or stay off the road entirely.

I cannot recall ever seeing a motor vehicle driving on the sidewalk and haven’t seen one totally disregard a “Stop” sign for many years.

Mike Heseltine, Saskatoon