why do cyclists do this (rant ahead)

[Onthedrops]

Simple reply to the op.

Because they're not cyclists, they just happen to ride bikes.

 

[jefmcg]

In my way I mean a crap driver,not deliberately as opposed to a driver who may be a good driver who deliberately cuts you up or goes out to be a pain in the ar53.

Yup I guess my original meaning did not come across well and I'm not sure it did this time,either.

No, my criticism was simpler than that: you can't call all drivers "motons" (a portmanteau of motor+moron, yes?) while hoping they don't all think we are as bad as each other.

 

[2clepto]

if i could answer the original question...i think people dont stop at junctions or lights on bikes for a few reasons,

1. they dont like expending the effort to restart.
2. they may feel like sitting ducks at the lights, however rational or irrational that may be.
3. theyre late.
4. they arent aware of the complete highway code.
5. they judge themselves to be safe in their maneuver.
6. they like a bit of slalom whilst out on their bikes.

 

[growingvegetables]

"Why do cyclists do this?"

To wind you up . They're reading the thread and .

 

[GrumpyGregry]

When I first started riding again at the tender age of 45 I still had motons syndrome of must get ahead and was guilty of this, they still have it.

Now I don't bother even filtering to the front unless I know I won't clear the next green, even then only if it is an easy filter.

welcome to a higher state of existence.

 

[screenman]

I find this behaviour embarassing when I see it, whether cycling or driving.
Was out riding yesterday evening enjoying the sunshine and some tosser in full replica kit did it going the opposite way to me..
There are enough dicks driving cars. No need to demonstrate RLJ ing as a transferable skill.

Around here it is the cyclist not wearing team kit or Lycra at all that are the problem, just thugs on bikes.

 

[John the Monkey]

Ho hum.

It reminds me of earlier this week, when a couple of roadies berated a lady cycling in the opposite direction to us for jumping a red light.

Whilst it's not something I'd do, I would be utterly amazed if that was the worst behaviour they saw from another road user in Central Manchester that day. In fact, I'd lay odds on something far worse happening within their next ten minutes, given the level of 'phone use, illegal & dangerous parking, amber gambling &c routinely done by drivers (who are more numerous, faster, heavier &c &c). At least bikes are pretty easy to avoid - although in this case, there was chuff all in the lady's path (no pedestrians, no other vehicles).

 

[Lonestar]

No, my criticism was simpler than that: you can't call all drivers "motons" (a portmanteau of motor+moron, yes?) while hoping they don't all think we are as bad as each other.

Ah I get it but it was never meant as an insult.I don't think drivers are morons and as this term seems to mean this I regret using the term Et-al

I look on motorists as road users just like me who want to get from A-B just like me.

 

[mjr]

Are you sure they weren't entitled to do this? There are several junctions near me were this is perfectly legit - in fact, there's one near me where it is encouraged. I tend to stick to the road but don't choose to criticise those who don't. At least they're on a bike and not sat on their own in a car.

^^ This. There are a couple of junctions on the A149 on my way into town where I pick a route through from carriageway and cycle track options depending on where in the cycle the traffic lights are, where I'm going, traffic levels and directions, which bike I'm on, how much of a rush I'm in, which way the wind's blowing and so on.

Those lights are there because we're forced to try to stop idiot motorists driving into the junctions too fast from all directions, crashing into each other or queuing back across junctions and causing gridlock (they still often do both). If there was no motor traffic, they wouldn't be needed. They are obviously NOT to benefit any other type of user because only two of the 32 push buttons do anything (I've obtained a copy of the settings) and many of the crossing sight lines suck so you either have to run/cycle or wait for the green man+bike and be slowed to 2mph through the junctions (I timed it when it was installed).

I expect the choice of routes, ability of traffic flows to cross at high density without crashing and general higher urban speed of cycling does annoy some motorists but if so, they should get a bike and "Grab life by the Handlebars" as it said on one billboard overlooking a notorious traffic jam spot.

 

[mjr]

Simple reply to the op.

Because they're not cyclists, they just happen to ride bikes.

Clear off back to the People's Front of Judea. Dividing what's already a small group doesn't help.

 

[Lonestar]

^^^^ I like the poster in the backround.

 

[Globalti]

The ultimate hypocrite is the cyclist who jumps lights and rides on the pavement but then complains that car drivers aren't respecting his road space. How do they expect to be treated as legitimate road users if they flout the rules of the road?

 

[mjr]

The ultimate hypocrite is the cyclist who jumps lights and rides on the pavement but then complains that car drivers aren't respecting his road space. How do they expect to be treated as legitimate road users if they flout the rules of the road?

Ah, I've just noticed it's not clear from the OP whether "the path" is footway or cycle track. I think it's a bit hasty to accuse them of flouting "the rules of the road" and that term is garbage anyway - if it's breaking the law, I wouldn't do it, but I routinely flout the more bonkers aspects of a few highway code rules.

 

[User482]

The ultimate hypocrite is the cyclist who jumps lights and rides on the pavement but then complains that car drivers aren't respecting his road space. How do they expect to be treated as legitimate road users if they flout the rules of the road?

So you're saying that strict observance of traffic regulations by cyclists would make drivers do the same?

 

[glenn forger]

The ultimate hypocrite is the cyclist who jumps lights and rides on the pavement but then complains that car drivers aren't respecting his road space. How do they expect to be treated as legitimate road users if they flout the rules of the road?

Where does this idiot live? Give him a piece of my mind. Grrr.