Red lights and cyclists

Harry_Flashman

It seems I was born with the ability to debate without resorting to profanities - it only demonstrates a poor command of the English language and a low intelligence.

Gorgeous_George

You shouldn't jump red lights. The car driver should watch his paintwork.

GG

Altarf

Harry_Flashman wrote: »

It seems I was born with the ability to debate without resorting to profanities - it only demonstrates a poor command of the English language and a low intelligence.

So you think driving like a c u n t shows high intelligence?

Harry_Flashman

I think I drive adequately, it's a free country so you may happily disagree if you wish.

However, I try to debate with equals and your use of language indicates that you obviously have a particularly low level of intelligence and perhaps should seek help in the relevant quarters. In a battle of wits, you're only half equipped.

Have a nice evening

tomthered

jd87 wrote: »

You are on a bike and stop for a red light at a pedestrian crossing. Everyone has finished crossing, there's nobody else around about to cross, and there are no side roads or any other complications to worry about. There is absolutely no real reason to not proceed, other than the red light.

Do you keep waiting, because "the law says so", or do you proceed? I'm one of those evil law breakers who proceeds. I do so (only in the entirely safe situation described) because experts say it may be safer for bikes to get ahead of and away from car traffic in this situation.

A car driver took exception to me the other day and shouted at me from his window (completely taking his concentration off the road). Who was right, me or him?

The law, i.e that Highway Code that we all adhere to for safety reasons, states that you should stop at a red light. Motorists lose points for going through one, why should cyclists not be punished the same. They should receive a minimum £100 each time and get points. Lights are installed for a reason and if a car driver went through and killed you what would happen then? Obey the law and we all benefit!!!!!!

johnfarquhar74

tomthered wrote: »

The law, i.e that Highway Code

Not exactly, the highway code is one of MANY advisory booklets out there, the points in it that are legal points are in bold and have the appropiate legal reference below

tomthered wrote: »

in that we all adhere to for safety reasons,

Aye, alright then, so everyone here checks over their shoulder before pulling away or observing the legal limit appropriate for their vehicle?

tomthered wrote: »

states that you should stop at a red light.

Not all red lights are equal. There are many cases where a road user can ignore a red light if the obvious pre-requisites are carried out.

tomthered wrote: »

Motorists lose points for going through one, why should cyclists not be punished the same. They should receive a minimum £100 each time and get points.

At last we agree, all road users should be treated and punished equally!

tomstickland

Harry_Flashman wrote: »

And the extras that they want such as cycle lanes, extra spaces at traffic lights, etc.? Who pays for them?

They do, in their road tax and fuel tax.
Most cyclists don't want the cycle lanes that are on pavements anyway - they never asked for them. They were done to make it look like something was being done.

freakybacon

"Road tax"? You must mean vehicle excise duty. "Road Tax " was removed by Winston Churchill in 1937. Done well to get 7 pages so far- anyone suggested pushbikes should pay this yet?

Of course they have! My mistake! As you were.

Kilty_2

tomthered wrote: »

The law, i.e that Highway Code that we all adhere to for safety reasons, states that you should stop at a red light.

No, it states that you MUST stop at a red light - referring to the relevant part of the Road Traffic Act.

johnfarquhar74 wrote: »

Not all red lights are equal. There are many cases where a road user can ignore a red light if the obvious pre-requisites are carried out.

Such as?

Idiophreak

Harry_Flashman wrote: »

I think I drive adequately, it's a free country so you may happily disagree if you wish.

You drive dangerously.

Contrary to popular belief, this isn't a "free country", it's governed and residents are expected to obey the laws of that government. So we're not discussing a point of opinion - by the laws of this country we're right and you're wrong. Simples.

Plus, your apparent lack of respect for human life makes you a sad little man, in any case.