Q: I like the idea of having colored lights on a bicycle for both decoration and visibility. I'm wondering if flashing blue lights would be legal? Several years ago, I made a Youtube video about my bike lights and someone responded in the reader comments saying he thought flashing blue lights were illegal since they mimicked police lights. I haven't heard anything else about it. They do sell lights that go on the tire valve stem, in place of the valve cap that flash various colors. One style alternates blue and red looking like police lights. Called Tire Sparx, for sale at Fairhaven Bikes. I'm looking forward to the lighted bike parade planned to be part of the December 2 art walk. Thanks for your insight. Robert Ashworth My Youtube video http://www.youtube.com/theslowlane#p/u/38/UpB4-JIR64s

Q: Not a question, but a clarification of something posted on this page 8/1. You say regarding merging, "Car A is not required to move. Cars B,C,and D must yield to the vehicle occupying the lane. Cars B,C,and D have all just gone past a sign that says YIELD." I believe you are correct legally (although I think the rules of defensive driving and general politeness say Car A should, but does not have to, move). However, yield signs are only posted at on-ramps of substandard design. For example, the on-ramp from Lakeway Drive to I-5 north did not have a yield sign until the current construction temporarily shortened the ramp. The majority of the time, Cars B, C, and D have NOT just passed a yield sign.

Q: I was driving in north Whatcom County at about 1 AM on a weeknight. I have been driving for over 30 years and have an unblemished driving record. As a habit, regardless if is traffic on the road or if I am the lonely driver, I have allways used my turning signals as a rule I use the " 5 second " warning. As I am driving thru this street at about 18 / 20 miles an hour ( I had to make a left turn on the next intersection ) , I noticed a car behind me, approaching VERY fast. I could see the head lights on my rear view mirror , within a second this car was really close ( I could not see the head lights anymore ) , I looked at my left view mirror and could only tell was a car tailgating me. I did not panic, speed or slowed down. Was no traffic on the opposite side , turned my traffic signal and looked to the left, right and left again and proceeded to make a left tun ( I had the right of way ) . Within a few seconds, I saw the lights of a Police car , slowed down and stopped my car. I asked the officer " Why am I getting stopped ? ", he replied " Because you did not started your turning lights within a 100 feet !! ". My questions are HOW the police determine the 100 feet distance in a moving vehicle ? Is it a gadget in the Police cars that can detect distance ? Why was he tailgaiting me , can the police do that ? I am sure that I gave the officer enough warning of my intentions, maybe NOT exactly 100 feet, but at least 90...He followed me for less than 2 blocks... does the Police have to follow a suspect for a certain distance before they stop you ?

Q: Isn't there a regulation that if are driving slow on a two-way road and six or cars are behind you, you should pull over to let the traffic pass you?

Q: I was taught that you are NOT to pass a vehicle on the right on a two way road at an intersection. I see this so frequently on Slater Road at the Ferndale Rd intersection and at the LaBounty Rd /Slater Rd intersection.

Q: A relatively new, extremely loud pick up truck drives up and down our street in the evening. Are there any laws regulating how loud someone's muffler can be? If so, who would we report this person to. Thanks.

Q: Is it illegal to stop for a pedestrian, when traveling on 2 lanes of traffic that are both One Way, as in North State street in front of Pepper Sisters restaurant? The 2nd lane of traffic doesn't recognize why the other vehicle is stopping and continues to drive past the stopped motorist. last week I came across this happening and watched a near-mis on a family walking across the street. To the vehicles approaching from behind, it appears that the motorist is about to turn or stopping for a metered parking spot. I've noticed this too often over the years and almost every time there is confusion as to why the vehicle is stopping.

Q: i live in the fairhaven district and am appalled by the number of driver's who use the bike lane to pass if another driver is making a left turn. it is my understanding that a bike line is a bike lane and NOT a passing lane. what is the law in the state of washington regarding this issue? thank you

Q: couple of questions for you: Why do so many drivers of all ages neglect to use turn signals to indicate lane changes, and when they are leaving traffic circles? (I know our misguided state rules on using traffic circles doesn't require this, but common sense would say it's a good idea.) Why isn't the 60 MPH speed limit through Bellingham on I-5 actively enforced? I always feel I'm impeding traffic when I'm observing it, especially when I'm passed by WSCO, Bellingham PD, and State Troopers doing around 70 through there, but with no lights, siren, or apparent interest in pulling anyone over. Sandy Brewer

Q: When going north on the Guide, there is an AMPM station just north of Front street on the west bound side. There are two drive ways, however there are two sets of double yellow lines dividing the roadway. Prior to the lines being repainted so many cars had crosed the lines they were worn away. According to Washington state law, this is a median. Why is this law not inforced?