Do you stop on a Pelican?

ericonabike

Now I've got your attention...imagine you're in a slow-moving line of traffic. You're coming up to a Pelican crossing with the lights on green when the traffic stops. Do you:

(a) stop on the Pelican crossing and put up with being withered by pedestrians' glares when the lights on it change in their favour; or

(b) stop before the crossing, so that when the lights change in pedestrians' favour, any of them who are not fully awake see the gap and walk across - to get cleaned up by the traffic coming the other way.

Personally I always choose (a). As far as I know the Highway Code is silent on it, pointing out only that you shouldn't stop on Zebra crossings. Which is fine, as pedestrians always have right of way on those.

Any thoughts?

missile

I would always choose (b)

HalfPint

Option B. As a driver I treat it as any other set of lights...if the way ahead isn't clear then don't block the crossing.

As a pedestrian...I find nothing more irritating than a stationary car blocking my way across the road, when I'm being sensible by using a crossing and not trying to cross 10 yards from it!

Hp x

BoGoF

I'm a b as well........just courtesy surely

blindmouse

I choose B everytime, its not always about the highway code but about being considerate to other users..... I also leave sideroads clear so cars can pull out or turn into them. If the lights are in the favour of the pedestrian why would they get 'cleaned up' by the opposite traffic ????

10JH

B for me. Be polite!

ifstar

Option B. It is an offence to stop on the limits of a crossing although chance are you would be unlikely to get done for it however what reason would you have for not stopping before it to allow people to cross anyway?

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Highwaycode/DG_070339

Judas

Anyone who says A is an idiot.

If the way isnt clear to progress then you don't, behaviour like this at junctions causes accidents as well as being dangerous.

geri1965_2

I think you need to stick to the bike, Eric.

maninthestreet

The Highway Code explcitly states you should not stop on a pedestrian crossing. This applies to all crossings, not just zebra crossings.

skiddlydiddly

A) gives you no options.B) does so obviously its b, total no brainer.