Why do cyclists run red lights?

[FatherCrowe]

Agreed

agreed agreed!

 

[Octet]

Although it isn't directly related to Red Light Jumping, I've been caught on the opposite end of the spectrum surprisingly. I've stopped to let a vehicle turn into a private road and the traffic behind me has moved into the opposite lane to overtake me...
Me and the driver I was letting pass just looked at each other and laughed at the incident.

But I agree with all those above who said that Red Light Jumping is for arrogant, impatient and irresponsible cyclists.

 

[marzjennings]

Funny, so do you actually think those that red light jumpers (including myself) give a cr@p what you say and think, you can tut and squirt as much water as you like from you water bottle. This is NOT a big deal, get over yourselfs.

Why do I do it? Because when I do, and it's not every light, I've assessed the situation and deemed my actions of little or no consequence (except affect their blood pressure it seems) to other traffic on the road.

I guess I have equated myself to the 3 oh so bad characteristics mentioned above, but maybe less arrogant more egocentric.

 

[slowmotion]

Funny, so do you actually think those that red light jumpers (including myself) give a cr@p what you say and think, you can tut and squirt as much water as you like from you water bottle. This is NOT a big deal, get over yourselfs.

Why do I do it? Because when I do, and it's not every light, I've assessed the situation and deemed my actions of little or no consequence (except affect their blood pressure it seems) to other traffic on the road.

I guess I have equated myself to the 3 oh so bad characteristics mentioned above, but maybe less arrogant more egocentric.

It's just a simple matter of breaking the law, isn't it? Do those laws apply to you, or do you feel you can be selective more on this matter?

 

[marzjennings]

It's just a simple matter of breaking the law, isn't it? Do those laws apply to you, or do you feel you can be selective more on this matter?

Agreed, it is a very simple matter and yes these laws do apply to me AND I am being selective.

 

[MattL]

Funny, so do you actually think those that red light jumpers (including myself) give a cr@p what you say and think, you can tut and squirt as much water as you like from you water bottle. This is NOT a big deal, get over yourselfs.

I'll give you a fiver to say that to the police when you get caught.

 

[172traindriver]

I'll give you a fiver to say that to the police when you get caught.

Matt, have a look at my post from yesterday. That may not always be the case, but I agrre with where you are coming from.
But thats just some people.

 

[Norm]

'Cyclists' don't run red lights. Some individuals might but even the rather lazy position of the journalists quoted in the OP doesn't pretend there is a majority.

 

[Drago]

I guess that's the difference between true 'cyclists', and eejuts who simply happen to own a bike.

I'v scraped enough RLJ'ers off the tarmac over the years - many needing a lift to the morgue - to rid myself of any desire to do it myself.

But even worse - what if someone did it and was hit, and became disabled as a consequence? Even if they had insurance it would be unlikely to pay and they'd be a financial and physical burden to their families.

I don't care if people do it or not. Just dont expect me to care when it goes a bit bobby.

 

[redcard]

Funny, so do you actually think those that red light jumpers (including myself) give a cr@p what you say and think, you can tut and squirt as much water as you like from you water bottle. This is NOT a big deal, get over yourselfs.

Why do I do it? Because when I do, and it's not every light, I've assessed the situation and deemed my actions of little or no consequence (except affect their blood pressure it seems) to other traffic on the road.

I guess I have equated myself to the 3 oh so bad characteristics mentioned above, but maybe less arrogant more egocentric.

People are waiting at red, you're flying through thinking to yourself "Look at me go, I'm da man. Eastenders double-bill tonight, must get home".

 

[gavintc]

I believe that the 'running red lights' is based upon how the cyclist views themselves as part of the traffic. I contend that those using the bike as a replacement to walking - ie fast walking for short distances, take the view that normal pedestrian rules apply. If they encounter a red light, no problems, pop on the pavement go over the crossing. Other cyclists who view the bike as slow driving, take a different approach and are more likely to obey the traffic rules. Just my opinion having watched a bunch of cyclists in Portsmouth (my new home) over the last week.

 

[deptfordmarmoset]

I believe that the 'running red lights' is based upon how the cyclist views themselves as part of the traffic. I contend that those using the bike as a replacement to walking - ie fast walking for short distances, take the view that normal pedestrian rules apply. If they encounter a red light, no problems, pop on the pavement go over the crossing. Other cyclists who view the bike as slow driving, take a different approach and are more likely to obey the traffic rules. Just my opinion having watched a bunch of cyclists in Portsmouth (my new home) over the last week.

As a London cyclist I'd say my experience is very similar. I'm a little concerned, though, that new and returning cyclists may actually believe that the media cliché about red light jumping is simply what cyclists do.

 

[slowmotion]

Agreed, it is a very simple matter and yes these laws do apply to me AND I am being selective.

It has consequences for other people.

 

[Aperitif]

I pass lots of traffic lights on my commute and, at red, it is a time for reflection and to absorb what is going on around me. Tossers who know better - well, it will be their loss. Don't worry. The only thing that really disturbs me these days is someone who passes me on the inside when I'm stationary, as, (apart from being a tight squeeze) it's careless to me. Alas, I repeatedly resist the forearm smash / ' left arm stretch' ploy - as much as I want to...

 

[marzjennings]

I'll give you a fiver to say that to the police when you get caught.

That's not the point, I am fully aware of the legal ramifications and will accept any penalties from the police.

I'm am not asking for the law to be changed or expecting any leniency from the police.