Should cyclists jumping red lights be legalized?

[d000hg]

Oddly though the only ones that die seem to be middle aged women. I have never been able to figure that out.

Maybe they pay less attention to the road, or statistically have the worst concentration/physicality/reaction times by demographic.

[WTFH]

Rider stopped at the lights, tries to pull away as they change, not able to get away fast enough as the truck turns left. Dead.

Which is odd, because normally a bike will accelerate over the first 5 metres (or more) considerably faster than an internal combustion engine (all to do with torque and revs).


I wonder is it that the rider is up the inside of the vehicle (rather than in front of it) and either the vehicle isn't indicating or the rider hasn't noticed the indicating

[BrilloPad]

And the majority of them killed by tipper trucks who's drivers didnt or couldnt see them when they turned left.

Rider stopped at the lights, tries to pull away as they change, not able to get away fast enough as the truck turns left. Dead.

Its very upsetting.

Maybe the women were not aggressive enough and should have jumped the light? Though personally I always prefer to hang back in those situations. I know I will then be caught among the cars - but that is not as dangerous as lorries.

The other tip I follow is never ever cycle where you don't have a way out. So I would rather dismount and walk over junctions where there are railings.

I always cycle as if other car drivers might kill me where possible - sometimes it feels like that is the case. Last night on the isle of dogs a car slowed next to me, shouted "get off the road you ****er", then drove off!

There is space for everyone out there.

[DaveB]

Its very upsetting.

Maybe the women were not aggressive enough and should have jumped the light? Though personally I always prefer to hang back in those situations. I know I will then be caught among the cars - but that is not as dangerous as lorries.

The other tip I follow is never ever cycle where you don't have a way out. So I would rather dismount and walk over junctions where there are railings.

I always cycle as if other car drivers might kill me where possible - sometimes it feels like that is the case. Last night on the isle of dogs a car slowed next to me, shouted "get off the road you ****er", then drove off!

There is space for everyone out there.

Most riders, despite media stories and complaints from drivers, dont ride aggressively. Even if they wanted to they are not able or not equiped to do so. (read fit enough or on a fast enough bike). Indeed, there shouldnt be an expectation that you have to ride a lightweight road bike and be dressed in lycra in order to be safe on the road. Wearing regular clothes and riding a situp and beg shopper style bike is just as legitimate, and should actually be encouraged as it discourages reckless or aggressive riding and appeals to more people who may not otherwsie want to ride.

Allowing riders to go through a red light under certain circumstances is one way to help the situation. Another would be to allow them to go on an Amber light rather than waiting for Green, providing it it safe for them and other road users. Either way it gives an opportunity to get out of the danger zone around large vehicles before they start moving.

Added to that in many cases those killed were actually in a cyle lane at the time, so would have felt safe or felt they had a way out.