I'm riding here now for 10 years and on the weekend I was actually stopped for speeding (going down South Park Dr in Berkeley). The cop explained to me that just three weeks ago someone died on that road (I read about it and I actually brake before those blind corners but not on the long straight).
As I never check my speed when descending (it's too dangerous to take my eyes off the road, traffic, and surroundings) I wasn't really aware that I was going faster than allowed. Normally the topspeed is about 70km/h (checking the data after the ride), but this time it was significantly higher -- probably due to some draft that the car in front of me caused. I wasn't near the car (too dangerous as it could brake much harder than I), so I didn't expect that. In fact, I was under the impression that I was going slower than usual because I had to brake to avoid closing in on the car.
Anyway: is a cyclist actually required to be aware of the speed? Let's say my cycling computer would be set not to show current speed (or riding without a speed measuring device), would a cyclist here in CA still be required to obey some speed limit?
As I never check my speed when descending (it's too dangerous to take my eyes off the road, traffic, and surroundings) I wasn't really aware that I was going faster than allowed. Normally the topspeed is about 70km/h (checking the data after the ride), but this time it was significantly higher -- probably due to some draft that the car in front of me caused. I wasn't near the car (too dangerous as it could brake much harder than I), so I didn't expect that. In fact, I was under the impression that I was going slower than usual because I had to brake to avoid closing in on the car.
Anyway: is a cyclist actually required to be aware of the speed? Let's say my cycling computer would be set not to show current speed (or riding without a speed measuring device), would a cyclist here in CA still be required to obey some speed limit?