Rules of the road governing cars apply to bicycles, too

Question: What is the law regarding when bicyclists using the protected bike lane on King Street are supposed to stop? Pedestrians are supposed to avoid stepping into the crosswalk when the "Don’t Walk" crosswalk signal starts flashing, but many times along my daily commute, I see bicyclists enter intersections during this period, all the way through the yellow traffic signal. This seems dangerous for both bicyclists and drivers — not to mention (that) at times it becomes impossible for drivers to negotiate a left turn (i.e., from King Street mauka onto Ward Avenue) during a light cycle.

Answer: Bicycles are considered vehicles.

So, bicyclists are treated as motorists and must obey the traffic signals, not the pedestrian signals, said Michael Formby, director of the city Department of Transportation Services.

"Pedestrian signals are timed to the expected time it would take for a pedestrian to cross the street from the time they step off the curb," he explained.

When the walking man signal appears, pedestrians may step off the curb into the crosswalk, but not after that signal disappears, he said.

Pedestrians already in the crosswalk may continue after the red flashing hand or countdown timer appears.

Because bicycles are treated as motor vehicles, a yellow light for them signals that the traffic light is about to turn red, and the bicyclist (as does a motorist) should prepare to stop, Formby said.

"Bicyclists, like motorists, are encouraged to avoid entering the intersection when the yellow light is shown," he said. "If the bicyclist cannot safely come to a stop when the light turns yellow, they may proceed with caution. The bicyclist, like a motorist, must not enter the intersection after the light turns red."

For information about the King Street Cycle Track and rules of the bike lane, go to bit.ly/1TMfAv5.

Question: I recently moved to a condominium in Wai­kiki. I have noticed several units where the occupants have propped their doors open to the hallway. I assume they are doing this to enhance air circulation. However, isn’t this a violation of the fire code or other ordinance? Aren’t front doors supposed to be closed to prevent the spread of flames in case a fire occurs?

Answer: Yes, the doors should be closed under the city’s Fire Code to prevent the spread of smoke and fire, according to the Hono­lulu Fire Department.

HFD Capt. David Jenkins pointed to Section 12.4.1 of the Fire Code, which refers to the installation and maintenance of fire door assemblies used to protect openings in walls, floors and ceilings against the spread of fire and smoke within, into or out of buildings.

He said that section also refers to National Fire Protection Association regulations, which state that doors, shutters and windows are to be operable at all times and kept closed and latched.

"Closed doors are barriers which inhibit the spread of smoke and fire," Jen­kins said. "A door propped in the open position into a common corridor may inhibit the emergency egress for other occupants."

Anyone with questions regarding the city’s Fire Code can contact HFD’s Fire Prevention Bureau at 723-7161.

Mahalo

To Kreighton, for coming to our aid last month when we got a flat tire on the H-2 freeway, about 100 yards before the Ka Uka Boulevard off­ramp. We were leaving Wahiawa to attend the Hawaii Lions State Convention at Ala Moana Hotel. It was so scary with cars whizzing by at 7 a.m. I started to get the spare tire when a compact car pulled over and reversed toward us. A young man took out the spare tire and jack and changed the tire in seven minutes flat! Just as fast, he rushed to his car as we yelled, "Wait, how can we contact you to thank you?" He gave us his business card and drove off to get to work in time. He was our freeway angel who got us to the convention just in time for the opening ceremony. — Lion Rene and Lion Kimi

Write to “Kokua Line” at Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu 96813; call 529-4773; fax 529-4750; or email kokualine@staradvertiser.com.