Red Light Jumping

I sometimes get fed up of non-cyclists berating me personally for all the naughty, silly things some cyclists do. Quite sure I'm not the only one. Now, I don't pretend to be perfect but my pet hate is the suggestion that all cyclists jump red lights as a matter of habit - RLJing - while of course drivers are just saints!

The argument for RLJing by some cyclists runs: "...it's safer to get in front of traffic", "...the roads are badly designed", etc. I can understand these points but not really support them. In my opinion it gives ammunition to a section of cyclist haters and does cyclists as a group no favours at all. However, I also realise these cyclists are not in the same league as drivers who run red lights. If they hit someone they will likely cause some injury and maybe even death to someone else and not themselves. Cyclists are mainly likely to injure themselves. No excuse but certainly less of a menace.

So, today I put my road safety hat on and set out to show how easy it is for drivers to RLJ and get away with it. The photos were shot within five minutes of leaving my door. Many others went through on 'deep amber'. 

Imagined conversation

Irate driver: "Bloody cyclists!! Always jumping red lights." 

Me: "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone. Now excuse me while I just filter ahead of you to the front of the traffic jam. Goodbye."

Horses For Courses

Just look at these three fools, riding horses none the less, blatantly jumping the red lights. Such a dangerous thing to do and typical of non motorists. They should all be registered and have to carry number plates, pay "Road Tax" and at least have third party insurance. Why are horses even allowed on the roads anyway? They pollute the environment with noxious emissions, hold up law abiding motorists and damage the road surface with big heavy hooves. Disgraceful!

It is interesting to note here how all the motorists patiently wait and let them progress on their law-breaking antics without beeping horns or driving at them to give them a justified warning. Truly, car drivers are the 'Knights of the Road'. Anyway, horses are really only good for sport or glue and should be kept off the highway so innocent motorists are not inconvenienced in such a manner.

Just more proof (if needed) I am not waging an anti-motorist campaign.

Police Crackdown On Cyclists

Police in London are targeting lawbreaking cyclists according to the BBC Inside Out (London) programme broadcast on 22 February 2010 (available here for a few days only).

I have been known to go through a red light or two in my time but only when stuck at one of those traffic activated, induction loop controlled junctions at 06.30hrs, there is no other traffic about and my presence has not triggered the green in my favour. There you go. I admit my guilt. Saying that, while I don't routinely RLJ, with road planning favouring the motorist and cycling infrastructure being somewhat lacking in the UK I understand why some cyclists do. I believe though if you are using the road you should stick to the law as it stands - even if it is an ass. Failure to do so just weakens your position when trying to argue for better provision.

Some of the cyclists shown were riding recklessly  - mounting the pavement at speed and cycling through pedestrians on crossings and so could easily have caused injuries. This programme demonstrated though how easy it is for all cyclists to be tarred with the same brush as others were not disregarding or breaking any code or law. The tone of the article was still anti-cyclist despite this.

I just wonder though how many injuries or fatalities the driver of the blue truck could have caused and why all bad driving and law breaking is not being addressed by the Met'?