Earl Purple wrote:
And how about the pedestrians that just jump out into the road in front
of cyclists, regardless of the colour of the light or even when there
is no light at all. Or leap out at the junction the moment the signal
turns amber.

And what about them? I'm only talking about the MAJORITY of cyclists
that weave through, or simply fly through at high speed, red lights at
crossings and junctions.

Of course we can have a separate argument about idiotic pedestrians,
but I can't see how two wrongs would make a right. It is of course the
sad fact that a pedestrian still has right of way, but my belief is
that they're fair game if they wander into a busy road without looking.

Remember that a cyclist will often take longer to cross a junction, so
may well have started to cross on a green signal but not complete yet
when the signal is red, particularly if the junction is on a hill.

Yes, but that doesn't apply to the crossing on the Clerkenwell Road
where they're on a flat open road and simply ignore the lights
altogether. They only stop when crossing Farringdon Road if they can
see a car or bus about to hit them. They also turn left/right without
permission and, again, cut pedestrians up who aren't expecting them to
go against the 'no xx turn' markings.

Still, some cyclists take heed of the signs and simply use the pavement
instead.

And a cyclist who has sweated away to build up the momentum to reach a
traffic light is unlikely to do an emergency stop as the signal turns
amber right in his face. (And remember the cyclist is MUCH closer to
the junction at this time).

When I read that, I suddenly feel compelled to feel sorry for all the
people that nearly hit me, and DO hit others on an almost daily basis.
Then I realise that your examples don't apply in these situations!

Please bear in mind that I understand what you're saying, and cycle
myself, but unlike you I feel no desire to defend the actions of these
idiots that, sadly, in London make up the majority.

Jonathan

Jonathan Morris wrote:
Yes, but that doesn't apply to the crossing on the Clerkenwell Road
where they're on a flat open road and simply ignore the lights
altogether. They only stop when crossing Farringdon Road if they can
see a car or bus about to hit them. They also turn left/right without
permission and, again, cut pedestrians up who aren't expecting them to
go against the 'no xx turn' markings.

If a cyclist wishes to turn left at a no-left-turn sign (not into a
one-way street) they should technically dismount, manoeuvre the bike on
foot and then remount. That would be a legal manouevre.

I know Clerkenwell Road reasonably well - full of traffic lights with
pedestrian phases. Enough to frustrate anyone. I wonder how they are
phased for cycles? Still, a cyclist always has the option of crossing
at a pedestrian phase by wheeling the bike across.

In message . com, Earl
Purple writes
I know Clerkenwell Road reasonably well - full of traffic lights with
pedestrian phases. Enough to frustrate anyone. I wonder how they are
phased for cycles? Still, a cyclist always has the option of crossing
at a pedestrian phase by wheeling the bike across.
S/he also has the option of leaving said dangerous machine (bike) at
home and getting P.T. like everyone else.
--
Clive