The real problem is that, as ever, far more fuss is made over a few cyclists risking only their own
necks then drivers who kill innocent third parties. It seems not even the courts feel that a
motorist who kills due to going through a red light has committed much of an offence. See
news.bbc.co.uk3290665.stmOpen ↗
(£500 fine for a driver who went over a pedestrian crossing against a red light, so killing
a cyclist).
In any cse, who is posing the greatest danger? A driver gouing through a few seconds after a light
has gone red, so potentially colliding with all those setting off on amber as part of the 'Traffic
Light Grand Prix', or a cyclist going through red on an empty junction, so enabling themselves to
avoid being caught up in the aforesaid race away from the lights? It would also be nice if all
traffic lights actually detected that a cyclist was waiting -I know of plenty that don't! (Not that
I condone jumping red lights by anyone).
Ultimately, this sort of argument centres about what constitutes 'the rules of the road'. Lets not
kid ourselves that the 'real' rules of the road have much to do with the law. What is the case is
that 'the rules' are totally car centred and motorists expect other road users to abide by 'their'
rules even when these rules are in contravention of traffic law. Examples,
'One may exceed the legal speed limit, one is also justified in complaining and claiming ones 'human
rights' are being violated if one gets caught doing so.'
'A red light is not red until at least 3 cars have gone through it'.
'Going though an empty junction against a red light IS against the rules.'
'As drivers cannot be bothered to take adequate observations, cyclists must all dress like something
from outer space.'
'It IS against the rules for a cyclist to cross over a stop line in order to be first away from the
lights so as to avoid being caught up in 'The Traffic Light Grand Prix' or being cut up by drivers
turning left'.
'It is NOT against the rules for taxis, BMW owners and motorcylists to pass a stop line, as long as
this stop line marks out a cyclist advanced stop line waiting area.'
'It IS within the rules to overtake a cyclists by inches, regardless of the illustration shown in
the 'Highway Code' and the advice to leave a cyclist as much room as a car.'
'It is AGAINST the rules for a cyclist to cause a driver to need to slow down for even a couple of
seconds, as when meeting a cyclist on a narrow country road.'
'It is NOT, however, against the rules for a driver to impede the passage of a cyclist. For example,
by deliberately stopping thier vehicle when in a traffic queue so there is insufficient space for a
cyclist to pass. (Creating such an obstruction is still 'legally' an offence under legislation laid
down under the 1835 Highways Act).
etc.
