cyclist deaths & the law
Comments
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Idiophreak wrote: »
I go through red lights, if there's no good reason to stop...I'm sorry, a red light isn't, in itself, a good reason...for example, there are two junctions by my home where the sequencing should allow for a filter light on the left hand lane, as traffic from the left turns across traffic from the right (which is on a red light). So I can set off safe in the knowledge that nothing will be coming and get out of the way of cars sat queuing in that lane.
I cycle further into the road than is suggested. Particularly when approaching stopped traffic (for the reason above) and on narrow roads with oncoming traffic.
I'd suggest, however, that both of these are just instances of me cycling in the safest way possible, which is perfectly within the spirit of the laws involved.
In that case - don't start whining when you get knocked off.0 -
I think driver top up training is a great idea. I am both a driver and avid cyclist and have had some squeaky bum moments on both sides of the wind shield.
I think a lot of it comes down to road awareness and I am not sure how you are meant to teach people to be more aware when they drive every single day?
The trouble with that is that it would become yet another tax on the motorist.0 -
Harry_Flashman wrote: »In that case - don't start whining when you get knocked off.
That'll be the day they change the filter system. Still, Darwinism works for me.0 -
Harry_Flashman wrote: »In that case - don't start whining when you get knocked off.
Err...Sorry...why exactly? What am I doing wrong?0 -
Harry_Flashman wrote: »The trouble with that is that it would become yet another tax on the motorist.
2,000 deaths on the roads, plus seriously injured. Along with the police, NHS and fire/rescue services.0 -
Idiophreak wrote: »Err...Sorry...why exactly? What am I doing wrong?
Don't worry, you're fine. Cyclists don't need to worry about red lights. I've a jet wash.0 -
Idiophreak wrote: »Err...Sorry...why exactly? What am I doing wrong?
Contravening a red light which regardless of what you believe about the spirit of the law (which has no legal standing) is illegal and as a cyclist I don't agree with your justification either. I stop at red lights regardless of how safe or unsafe I think it is to continue because that's what everyone else using the roads and pavements around me is expecting, it's no surprise that it annoys people when cyclists ignore red lights. If I want to proceed past the red light without waiting then I get off the bike and follow any rules for walking such as waiting for a green man on the crossing particularly as I don't normally filter through traffic. I am surprised to see someone defending such behaviour particularly when it's normally a cyclist that will be worse off in any collision.
John0 -
Contravening a red light which regardless of what you believe about the spirit of the law (which has no legal standing) is illegal and as a cyclist I don't agree with your justification either. I stop at red lights regardless of how safe or unsafe I think it is to continue because that's what everyone else using the roads and pavements around me is expecting, it's no surprise that it annoys people when cyclists ignore red lights. If I want to proceed past the red light without waiting then I get off the bike and follow any rules for walking such as waiting for a green man on the crossing particularly as I don't normally filter through traffic. I am surprised to see someone defending such behaviour particularly when it's normally a cyclist that will be worse off in any collision.
Hmm, well that rather depends who the collision's between, doesn't it? I understand pedestrians quite often come off worse in collisions with bikes...
In any case, there would be no collision in these instances, given that there's no traffic flowing anywhere near me. There's absolutely no reason the filter lights couldn't be on for cars, let alone cyclists. If you'd rather I hopped off my bike, walked 5 yards on the pavement then got back on, that's great, but it sounds like a waste of time to me...I'd rather just get on and get out of motorists' way.
As a driver, I'd be much more annoyed by the cyclist that waits at the red light then wobbles off at the front of the queue and stops me, a driver, from getting through the lights before they change. But, each to their own.
As an aside, I know it's very big and clever to point out how stupid you think other people on the internet are, how everything they do is wrong...but really it wouldn't hurt to credit other people with a modicum of common sense.
mikey72's post is a prime example. Yes, the second they change the filter system, I'll be knocked down and killed. Because I just close my eyes and cycle flat out around the corner, *knowing* there will be nothing coming. :doh: For the love of God. I open my eyes. I look both ways, I look ahead...I see *no reason* for me to be sat, holding everyone up, so I just get on with it. Big whoop.
I really don't know why you assume that you, random guy on the internet, know better what's safe and sensible in another person's situation. I don't go through red lights if it means crossing the path of a green light. If I'm not at the front of the queue, I wait patiently in turn with everyone else. Unbelievable arrogance.
In any case, let's just agree that you're clever, wise and generally a great person and I'm just some stupid idiot who, apparently, deserves to die for getting out of motorists' way. Bravo!0 -
Kids where I live are always playing 'Russian Roulette' by riding 3 or 4 abreast... at night... along a frequently used narrow road... without so much as a milk bottle top for a reflector between them. My house over looks a traffic island as well where they sometimes cycle round the wrong way... I see it all the time. I suppose it will be the motorist fault if they get knocked off and injured.PLEASE NOTEMy advice should be used as guidance only. You should always obtain face to face professional advice before taking any action.0
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Idiophreak wrote: »..........mikey72's post is a prime example. Yes, the second they change the filter system, I'll be knocked down and killed. Because I just close my eyes and cycle flat out around the corner, *knowing* there will be nothing coming. :doh: For the love of God. I open my eyes. I look both ways, I look ahead...
Prime example of what? I won't be looking for you. I'll just drive off when I get a green light. If you're in the way, there's a fair chance I'll just run over you. But if you see me, you'll get out of my way then, so fair enough. Don't give me any credit for trying to avoid you though.0
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