RLJ - I have come full circle

[Davidsw8]

True, most of our laws are decent, but changes to the status quo are near impossible to achieve if you are in a minority.

I think in this case we are more likely to get a change in the law if more people break the law (call it a protest if you will) and they may see that its safer==cheaper to change the law to accomodate. If everyone stops at red lights only a small amount of the minority would campaign for the change, but no-one'll think theres a need to change the law as no-ones actively doing it.

Personally I'm not fussed either way but if I did want change I could only see it happening through the above.

It is difficult to change legislation and I think rightfully so.

I can't see that giving people carte blanche to RLJ would be safe and it's one of those things that has to be either allowed or not, it can't be based on the subjective situation because there are way too many variables.

Saying that, the current law is largely unenforced and I don't think the police could care less about it, I see cyclists doing it under their noses all; the time and they don't even raise an eyebrow.

There is an argument for getting rid of traffic lights altogether but I'm not sure the populace at large can be trusted

 

[campbellab]

I can't see that giving people carte blanche to RLJ would be safe and it's one of those things that has to be either allowed or not, it can't be based on the subjective situation because there are way too many variables.

There is an argument for getting rid of traffic lights altogether but I'm not sure the populace at large can be trusted

I was thinking more along the lines of left turns and empty pedestrian crossings - people who RLJ through everything are not long for the world

 

[Herr-B]

I'm missing out on all this being in the sticks, I think I'll have to head into town next time out and see what all the RL fun is.

 

[Davidsw8]

I was thinking more along the lines of left turns and empty pedestrian crossings - people who RLJ through everything are not long for the world

Left turns for all traffic I can agree with (works ok in the US).

Permitting traffic through an empty pedestrian crossing effectively makes it a zebra crossing - I wouldn't have an issue with turning most pedestrian crossings into zebra crossing's...

 

[lulubel]

I take (sometimes long) detours to avoid traffic light controlled junctions, just to I don't have to make the decision between stopping and having all the other cyclists think I'm an idiot (RLJing is the cultural norm here) and possibly misjudging and getting knocked off.

I do RLJ at pedestrian crossings, though, as long as there are no peds on them.

 

[summerdays]

Permitting traffic through an empty pedestrian crossing effectively makes it a zebra crossing - I wouldn't have an issue with turning most pedestrian crossings into zebra crossing's...

I like zebra crossings myself, but I realise that some people are more hesitant to use them.

 

[peedee]

It's good to speak out when you see something wrong, though swearing isn't required.

I was stopped at a junction not so long ago when a cyclist came past me, through a red light. In a loud voice I shouted 'That'll be a red light', and I saw not only the cyclist slow and look around, but so did everyone else. One embarrassed cyclist. He did swear at me when I passed him later but I hope that maybe he will be aware next time that somethings are just not done.

 

[Buddfox]

It's good to speak out when you see something wrong, though swearing isn't required.

I was stopped at a junction not so long ago when a cyclist came past me, through a red light. In a loud voice I shouted 'That'll be a red light', and I saw not only the cyclist slow and look around, but so did everyone else. One embarrassed cyclist. He did swear at me when I passed him later but I hope that maybe he will be aware next time that somethings are just not done.

Yes, agreed. It's probably my worst habit - effing and blinding when it's really not required. I often wonder about why I get so wound up on a bike, I think it's the combination of adrenaline and being relatively vulnerable on the road that leads me to over-react sometimes. I did it this morning when a Megabus coach ran a red light on parliament square and passed within a foot of me. Painted the air blue, but then thought three minutes later that the whole episode was somewhat unnecessary. If I'd been in a car, I wouldn't have reacted in the same way.

 

[campbellab]

Drivers would. Zebra crossings are accessible on demand. Pelican crossings are designed to bunch pedestrians into groups and prevent them from stopping the traffic too much, or to wait until the traffic from that road is stopped anyway.

Best alternative is not to go for zebra but ped crossing that changes to amber flashing during off peak hours, or only goes from green to amber flash to cater for when peds press and cross when road is clear.

 

[Davidsw8]

Drivers would. Zebra crossings are accessible on demand. Pelican crossings are designed to bunch pedestrians into groups and prevent them from stopping the traffic too much, or to wait until the traffic from that road is stopped anyway.

Doesn't really work in practice cos they just cross when and where they want regardless

Seriously, some pedestrian crossings are important because the traffic is particularly busy and they're in areas where the traffic has to stop anyway to traffic flow in other directions. However, there are loads that could easily be zebra's IMO. There's one outside the Imperial War Museum, the traffic isn't very heavy (even in rush hour) and you'll often see traffic stopped at a red light there with the crossing devoid of anyone using it.

 

[Davidsw8]

Yes, agreed. It's probably my worst habit - effing and blinding when it's really not required. I often wonder about why I get so wound up on a bike, I think it's the combination of adrenaline and being relatively vulnerable on the road that leads me to over-react sometimes. I did it this morning when a Megabus coach ran a red light on parliament square and passed within a foot of me. Painted the air blue, but then thought three minutes later that the whole episode was somewhat unnecessary. If I'd been in a car, I wouldn't have reacted in the same way.

We probably cross paths at some point , I go very near there - try to stay clear of actual P'ment Sq though.

 

[Lee_M]

I try not to RLJ but I must admit to getting frustrated by the light sequencing on CS3, which seems to have cyclists waiting an inordinate amount of time while they let all the cars through. There are a couple of sets on there that can have you waiting a rare old time

 

[thom]

Yes, agreed. It's probably my worst habit - effing and blinding when it's really not required. I often wonder about why I get so wound up on a bike, I think it's the combination of adrenaline and being relatively vulnerable on the road that leads me to over-react sometimes. I did it this morning when a Megabus coach ran a red light on parliament square and passed within a foot of me. Painted the air blue, but then thought three minutes later that the whole episode was somewhat unnecessary. If I'd been in a car, I wouldn't have reacted in the same way.

Yeah I have a similar experience but I think the more you notice yourself doing it, the more you kind of realise that it doesn't really help getting worked up and you chill out a bit more.

Regarding RLJing, it would take some particular circumstance for me to consciously do it now (sometimes I just feel endangered at the front of a line of traffic). I just find in London you are much better off taking your time and if you don't respect this simple modus operandi, where do you draw the line ?
My impression is RLJers tend to be below average in their general ability to get around safely and in sharing the road. If you want to cycle fast, go on a ride in the country. Why would you need to show off in a city ffs ? Your cycling experiences and perspective must be pretty limited.
Stealing small advantages here and there is a mentality that if not now, then sometime later will leave you as part of an incident that may cause injury not only to yourself but more importantly to others.

 

[Davidsw8]

Which goes to show that there is only so far you can go in trying to control people thankfully.

True, people will fling themselves (and their kids) in front of traffic despite the councils providing them with safer places to cross or indeed any sense of self-preservation attempting to persuade them otherwise.

 

[nigelnorris]

Surely swearing at strangers is just as illegal as jumping red lights?

Section 5 of the Public Order Act 1986:
"A person is guilty of an offence if he uses threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour,.."

Or is that law somehow ok to ignore? Because so many people do it perhaps?