Cyclists

[annavc]

I'd really like to know why it is that cyclists in London seem to think that traffic lights do not apply to them?! Walking to work this morning I nearly got knocked down twice while crossing pedestrian crossings on the green man. Both cyclists just completely ignored the red light they had on the road and the second even had the nerve to shout at me like it was my fault!!!! He was the one who'd gone through a red light.

This is partly a rant but also a genuine question - is there some specific reason which make cyclists believe that traffic lights don't apply to them?

[delboy3]

It's not just a London thing! I had to pull in once to let an oncoming bus get past on a narrow street but a cyclist behind me - who clearly hadn't been looking - nearly hit my car and then berated ME for it!
Also, why do some insist on riding along the pavement making US avoid THEM when there's a perfectly clear stretch of road beside them?
R-SOLES!!

[ludwig]

If as a pedestrian, a cyclist ever gets within kicking distance of you, feel free to kick them.
That's their policy towards cars, so it only seems fair.

[Loosehead]

It's the same "reason" why it seems that cycling on the pavement is now the norm.

[flip_flop]

Jumping red lights for no reason is out of order - however, there is a very genuine reason why us cyclists (those of us who are conscientious enough to stop at red lights) begin cycling before the red light turns amber.

Motorists do not see cyclists. It really is as simple as that. I have lost count the number of times I have legitimately been waiting at lights, proceeded as they've gone green, and then nearly been splatted by some complete dick head turning left who hasn't seen me. This is why I go before the light turns amber or green.

It is similar when I am on my motorbike - car drivers turning left or right out of a side road DO NOT SEE MOTORCYCLYSTS: in the past month I have had two occassions where my rear wheel has left the tarmac because of dick head car drivers and I've had to slam on the anchors.

[Mikeyd2]

I walk through Smithfield Market in London on the way to work and there is a central lane through it . There are signs saying cyclists dismount etc etc , but do they !!!! So it was nice to see today that the market "police " were stopping them and giving them a warning and a flyer about it ....Nice one !!