a question to london cyclists

cannyscott
cannyscott Posts: 41
edited March 2008 in The bottom bracket
Has anyone heard that Boris wants to let cyclists turn left on a red light .Cant work out if this is a good or bad thing. What are peoples thoughts? most london cyclists turn any which way on a red light .So would this make things any different?

Comments

  • richardast
    richardast Posts: 273
    Sounds like a recipe for even more bike vs pedestrian action.
  • cee
    cee Posts: 4,553
    in the US, even cars are allowed to turn right on a red light (obviously their right is our left!!), as long as it is clear, so this isn't all that mad thinking. The point is I think that when we turn left, there is no crossing a flow of traffic, so if it is clear, then why not?

    I am not sure about adding a green man into the mix though!
    Whenever I see an adult on a bicycle, I believe in the future of the human race.

    H.G. Wells.
  • overmars
    overmars Posts: 430
    cannyscott wrote:
    Has anyone heard that Boris wants to let cyclists turn left on a red light .Cant work out if this is a good or bad thing. What are peoples thoughts? most london cyclists turn any which way on a red light .So would this make things any different?

    I don't.
  • squired
    squired Posts: 1,153
    Sounds like a good idea. I do think that one of the major issues that affects the further take-up of cycling in London (other than the danger and the number of cars) is the amount of stopping required at traffic lights. It is a known fact that the number of traffic lights in London has increased dramatically under red Ken.

    My old commute to work took me through over 100 sets of lights in 20km, so you rarely had a chance to get going before you were stopped again. My new commute is far better on that front, although some of the lights have much longer red phases. However, you actually get to feel like you are cycling because it isn't just stop-start all the time, so it is a more enjoyable experience.

    Having said all this, the turning left at red rule would have little impact for most cyclists. Thinking about it right now I reckon it would allow me through maybe 4 sets of lights in 40km of commute each day.
  • Clever Pun
    Clever Pun Posts: 6,778
    in europe traffic can go through red lights on ped crossings if no-one is there this idea isn't that different

    As mentioned it might be problematic for peds but it's the cyclists responsibility to make sure the coast is clear before proceeding and give way if necassary

    good idea overall I think
    Purveyor of sonic doom

    Very Hairy Roadie - FCN 4
    Fixed Pista- FCN 5
    Beared Bromptonite - FCN 14
  • fidbod
    fidbod Posts: 317
    Solid idea - as pointed out similar is done in the US and it seems to help with the flow of traffic.
  • ricadus
    ricadus Posts: 2,379
    I think it would tempt cyclists to take a chance and squeeze past lorries and buses waiting at the front of the queue, with occasional fatal consequences.
    Tour de France
  • cannyscott
    cannyscott Posts: 41
    ricadus wrote:
    I think it would tempt cyclists to take a chance and squeeze past lorries and buses waiting at the front of the queue, with occasional fatal consequences.

    i think cyclists should be at the front of the lights anyway ,in the green cycle box provided ,its the safest place. everyone can see you there .i heard a statistic that most cyclists killed were the ones that didnt push to the front so lorries cant see them.i agree that it works in the states very well just hope the cyclists will avoid the peds on crossings and give them right away .am begining to think it would be a good idea

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