Red lights - to jump or not to jump

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Red lights - to jump or not to jump

Posted by Ben Ayers on 26 October 2007 at 8:13pm in The law of the land

Interesting one this and the subject of many a vexed conversation among Londoners. I used to do it but gave up about three years ago after nearly mowing someone down. I am a much more relaxed cyclist these days and the stop start does't bother me so much. Maybe I've mellowed with age. I just see it as such a source of angst among pedestrians that I can't help feeling the habit of red light jumping is turning into a bit of a PR disaster. The issue seems to be giving those who want bikes registered all the ammo they need. Isn't it about time that cyclists realised that the bike is still the quickest way to get from A to B even if you do have to stop at the odd light?

Tags: bike, jumping, light, red, registration

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Permalink Reply by Bruce A. Wilson on 14 May 2008 at 7:18pm: It may be otherwise over in the UK, but here the law in most states is that a bicycle is a vehicle and entitled to use any public road where they are not specifically banned; however, it also states that they are bound by the same rules of the road as automobiles.

Respect is a two-way street (no pun intended.) If we want motorists to respect us a s legitimate users of the roads, then we must respect those rules.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Mike Grenville on 14 May 2008 at 8:23pm: In Paris the traffic rules treat cars and cyclists the same and cycling through a red light can result in a fine of 135 euros (90 if you pay within 7 days), with the same fine liable to not stopping at a STOP sign.

Cycling on the pavement can result in a 22 euro fine although cyclists can pedal through a pedestrianised street as long as they go at walking pace.

Talking on your mobile phone while cycling is also subject to a 22 euro fine as is having more than one person on a bike.

In 2007 11,269 cyclists were fined compared to only 3,904 in 2006 - the large increase down to the hire bikes Velib in Paris and other 14 cities around France.; ▶ Reply to This