jonny jeez
Legendary Member
- Location
- Chislehurst, Kent, UK
I'm pretty sure this question must have been raised a zillion times before (but after some extensive searching .....I cant find it).
Given the awful occurrence on Monday morning and the sad death of Catriona Cockburn, I kinda got to thinking about the way I ride.
I tend to be pretty assertive and command my position on the road (pretty well in my own opinion) and I like to travel pretty quick, so a fair amount of scalping enroute can be expected most days.
However, after reading all the posts relating to Monday I rode home (and in again today) with a hightend sense of observation as to the style and methods that other riders employ during their own travels.
One thing I did notice, (and I am sure to get flamed from here to page 115 for this!) is that a lot of riders seem to get themselves well ahead of the traffic at lights, not simply just jumping them, but more (it would seem) to remove themselves from the risks associated with cycling off from a standing start when surrounded by motorists, motorcyclists, lorryists bussists and all manner of road sharers.
I watched this on every single red light I came to and they genuinely don't seem to be doing it for any other advantage, as I soon caught up with them regardless. It seems to simply be a case of "safe" positioning. These riders kinda pad their way out into no-mans land, backside off the saddle, one foot on the deck and are almost walking their bikes out of the "danger Zone"
So, I guess what I am asking is, is this red light jumping, or is it safe positioning.
I should stress that I also saw a few nutters simply cruise across all the lights weaving as they went and putting them selves at massive risk (that is not what I am asking about...that is clearly daft beyond consideration)
PS, I placed this in the commuter section as I feel it is a commuter only symptom/effect. Ive not noticed this occurring along my local high street or weekend cruise.
(braces himself for rampant flaming)
Jonny
Given the awful occurrence on Monday morning and the sad death of Catriona Cockburn, I kinda got to thinking about the way I ride.
I tend to be pretty assertive and command my position on the road (pretty well in my own opinion) and I like to travel pretty quick, so a fair amount of scalping enroute can be expected most days.
However, after reading all the posts relating to Monday I rode home (and in again today) with a hightend sense of observation as to the style and methods that other riders employ during their own travels.
One thing I did notice, (and I am sure to get flamed from here to page 115 for this!) is that a lot of riders seem to get themselves well ahead of the traffic at lights, not simply just jumping them, but more (it would seem) to remove themselves from the risks associated with cycling off from a standing start when surrounded by motorists, motorcyclists, lorryists bussists and all manner of road sharers.
I watched this on every single red light I came to and they genuinely don't seem to be doing it for any other advantage, as I soon caught up with them regardless. It seems to simply be a case of "safe" positioning. These riders kinda pad their way out into no-mans land, backside off the saddle, one foot on the deck and are almost walking their bikes out of the "danger Zone"
So, I guess what I am asking is, is this red light jumping, or is it safe positioning.
I should stress that I also saw a few nutters simply cruise across all the lights weaving as they went and putting them selves at massive risk (that is not what I am asking about...that is clearly daft beyond consideration)
PS, I placed this in the commuter section as I feel it is a commuter only symptom/effect. Ive not noticed this occurring along my local high street or weekend cruise.
(braces himself for rampant flaming)
Jonny