Red Traffic Lights

[L'Bie]

Found this article in the news this morning and I know there are many opinions regarding stop streets/traffic lights among cyclists. I for one cycle to stay alive. It does not necessary mean I keep to the present rules, because it often put me at risk. The French suggestion is something I've been doing a long time already, because it flows and generally doesn't do harm to any motorist. I am not competing for road space and I am making certain I make eye contact. It has kept me from harm so far and I hate hurting. What do you think?

 

The article from bbcdotcom

 

Cyclists in Paris are to be allowed to ride through red lights after tests showed the move would not lead to accidents.

Traffic lights for bicycles will be placed under the traffic lights for cars on some junctions.

The lights will indicate when bikes can either turn right or ride ahead - even when lights for cars are on red.

Paris, blighted by smog this year, is keen for more people to take to their bikes throughout the city.

The mayor's office says (in French) the scheme will be rolled out on some crossroads across the French capital from July to the end of September.

 

The change would "help improve the flow of cycle traffic", the statement said.

http://ichef-1.bbci.co.uk/news/624/cpsprodpb/55D6/production/_84147912_84147911.jpg The Paris mayor's office published a guide to how the lights will be implemented

Tests held in 2012 found that allowing the cyclists to move more freely cut down the chances of collisions with cars, including accidents involving the car's blind spot.

Where there are no traffic lights for cyclists, they must respect the main lights.

Despite the move, cyclists would not have priority on the roads and must cede to pedestrians and other road users where necessary.

[Oneman]

I would strongly suggest stopping at red traffic lights. If we want motorists to play by the rules, then we should too. 

 

It's nice that the Parisians are looking into this, where the number of cyclists could cause disruptions to traffic flow. Here, it's not an issue, and is just a weak excuse to make up your own rules.

[Jinga]

In my book RED means STOP for all that use the roads.

[Th3voic3]

As far as possible adhere to the rules of the road (what applies to motorist apply to cyclist),

the exceptions is only when your life is/might be in danger.

[SuperDooperSnooper]

That's the same as saying you won't stop at a red light or stop sign with your car because it's a quite intersection and you're not putting anybody in danger, or because of the risk of smash-and-grabs or whatever other reason you wanna make up.

Everybody having their own interpretation of what the rules/laws "should be" and acting according to that has brought us to the current complete disregard of traffic rules we see each day on our roads.

Be smart and be safe. Obey the law and rules of the road (except if it is really life or death....)

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-reD5LXzUqi8/VGIzpnZ2mSI/AAAAAAAAgqU/GMpq8z1aSCw/s1600/sorre%2BIm%2Blate%2Bhad%2Bto%2Bget%2Benough%2Bpopcorn%2Bfor%2Ball%2Bof%2Bus.jpg

[dirtypot]

I'm not going to get into the red light debate, but one thing that I like is that the Parisians are at least trying to find a solution that helps to get more people onto bikes.

I was in London when they ran a trial of allowing motorcycles to ride in the bus lanes, and I noticed a lot more people start riding (in summer at least).

I just don't see SA as being proactive enough, or actually following the rules / stop doing them if it doesn't work out.

[Patchelicious]

The law applies to everybody, including me, but only when I think it's appropriate! - believes everybody!

[Oufy MTB (Roadie)]

Flame me, I'd rather live.

 

I come to a full stop at Red Robots, but in Strand and Adderley Street in the mornings and afternoon I shoot off way before it turns green. Why? cos if you don't you will die. The taxis and cars give you no space, add  buses, palm trees on the side where pedestrians comes out of nowhere.

 

There are no lanes and at present they busy with construction as well to make things worse. The cycle lane further up Strand is not respected and with cars parked on the side you run out of space during peak. Then throw in a MyCiti bus as well.

 

I will take a fine if I have to, but taking off earlier , you can safely clear the cars. Until those sections of roads are made more conducive for cycling in my opinion, that's the only way to remain safe during peak hours.

 

Coming home down Strand I took off before it turn Green and a cop pulled me over and told me I should have waited. I told him you right and then I pointed to him that if I don't shoot off I will get caught in that jam, that moment he could see, and he said very well but obey the rules. He did his job but without saying it he actually agreed with me.

 

With both car and bicycle I also do not remain stationery at robots when its dark and looks scary, and I instructed my wife to do the same. If it is dark, no other vehicles around, go! I will take my fine there too.

[cat-i]

 

 

Traffic lights for bicycles will be placed under the traffic lights for cars on some junctions.

The lights will indicate when bikes can either turn right or ride ahead - even when lights for cars are on red.

...

Where there are no traffic lights for cyclists, they must respect the main lights.

 

Doesn't sound like they would be allowed to make their own rules, but rather that a different set of lights would manage their movement.

[porqui]

24hrs too early

[RocknRolla]

TIA

[Capricorn]

Flame me, I'd rather live.

 

I come to a full stop at Red Robots, but in Strand and Adderley Street in the mornings and afternoon I shoot off way before it turns green. Why? cos if you don't you will die. The taxis and cars give you no space, add  buses, palm trees on the side where pedestrians comes out of nowhere.

 

There are no lanes and at present they busy with construction as well to make things worse. The cycle lane further up Strand is not respected and with cars parked on the side you run out of space during peak. Then throw in a MyCiti bus as well.

 

I will take a fine if I have to, but taking off earlier , you can safely clear the cars. Until those sections of roads are made more conducive for cycling in my opinion, that's the only way to remain safe during peak hours.

 

Coming home down Strand I took off before it turn Green and a cop pulled me over and told me I should have waited. I told him you right and then I pointed to him that if I don't shoot off I will get caught in that jam, that moment he could see, and he said very well but obey the rules. He did his job but without saying it he actually agreed with me.

 

With both car and bicycle I also do not remain stationery at robots when its dark and looks scary, and I instructed my wife to do the same. If it is dark, no other vehicles around, go! I will take my fine there too.

 

i like that cop, providing guiding and assistance not from the bottom of his boot. While I do understand the traffic dilemma, just keep in mind that it sets a bad precedent. Most red robot heroes don't  have your situation to deal with, and blow through robots purely to avoid the massive, incredibly harsh and inhumane inconvenience of having to come to a stop.

[Lynnie_the_Snail]

Red means stop, unless i feel that i'm not safe… but rules are rules, i feel...

[L'Bie]

@RnR it was really not intended as a Friday topic. Sorry, but please enjoy the popcorn.

 

@alltheothers I like the various opinions and I'll be the last one to tell you should obey this or do that. But, out on the road today the laws and rules almost does not exist. I commute to work and back home every day and I think I see more than those of you who go out training. Everyone do what they like. Its a competition.

I already stated that my perspective is one where I cycle not to get hurt and part of that was to employ cycling manners exactly the way the French suggest. Keeping to the rules does not keep the other road users from doing as they wish and since we have no steel shell, we as exposed cyclists are the ones pulling the short straw, weather we were legit or not. Check the forum, there are many examples. The laws and the rules are very nice if it is enforced throughout, but often the Metro or SAPS are in a hurry to get home. Then its not in their job description to adhere to the law (despite driving official vehicles).

For those advocating the compliance to the law, let me ask you if your good behaviour has changed a single vehicle user's attitude? For adhering to all laws, I commend you. I just can't follow your example safely though. I observed too many times where drivers and passengers make it their business to abuse cyclists and cars alike in a stupid competition to own the space in the road in front of everyone else. I make these observations slowing down to stop or while being stationary at a red traffic light in the yellow lane. Fingers (the middle ones) and verbal abuse are more common than the exception. And to obey the law or not is not really a debate, nor was it the reason for me posting this article.

So from my perspective, I have enough reason to cycle the way I do and it has kept me out of harm's way till now. Touch wood. My intention sharing the post with the Hub was to indicate the importance cyclists have in other societies. I added my own bit to indicate the sense it makes.

 

Now, back to work

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

@RnR it was really not intended as a Friday topic. Sorry, but please enjoy the popcorn.

 

@alltheothers I like the various opinions and I'll be the last one to tell you should obey this or do that. But, out on the road today the laws and rules almost does not exist. I commute to work and back home every day and I think I see more than those of you who go out training. Everyone do what they like. Its a competition.

I already stated that my perspective is one where I cycle not to get hurt and part of that was to employ cycling manners exactly the way the French suggest. Keeping to the rules does not keep the other road users from doing as they wish and since we have no steel shell, we as exposed cyclists are the ones pulling the short straw, weather we were legit or not. Check the forum, there are many examples. The laws and the rules are very nice if it is enforced throughout, but often the Metro or SAPS are in a hurry to get home. Then its not in their job description to adhere to the law (despite driving official vehicles).

For those advocating the compliance to the law, let me ask you if your good behaviour has changed a single vehicle user's attitude? For adhering to all laws, I commend you. I just can't follow your example safely though. I observed too many times where drivers and passengers make it their business to abuse cyclists and cars alike in a stupid competition to own the space in the road in front of everyone else. I make these observations slowing down to stop or while being stationary at a red traffic light in the yellow lane. Fingers (the middle ones) and verbal abuse are more common than the exception. And to obey the law or not is not really a debate, nor was it the reason for me posting this article.

So from my perspective, I have enough reason to cycle the way I do and it has kept me out of harm's way till now. Touch wood. My intention sharing the post with the Hub was to indicate the importance cyclists have in other societies. I added my own bit to indicate the sense it makes.

 

Now, back to work

Ah, the old "nobody else obeys the law so why should I" angle. 

 

Yawn. 

 

Thanks for being part of the problem that you so vehemently protest about. You're no better than the taxi driving in the yellow line, or on the wrong side of the circle. 

 

In short, your justifications are inherently flawed.