Women cyclists ‘risk death’ by obeying traffic lights

[beyond rational]

www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article1695668.ece

I don't disobey lights (well only this one set on a bus lane at a roundabout, but I'm not a bus so they'll never be green for me) or get on the inside of vehicles but this is quite interesting.

[fourmotion]

I read that article in the Sunday Times. It was not just women, it was describing how everyone on a bike who obeys traffic laws is putting themselves in more danger. The most annoying point about the article was it was TFL who released the data, then said it should never have been published and was for internal use only. So they know about the problem, just aren't prepared to do anything about it. Really grates with me.

[mat205125]

If you don't filter through traffic, and take advantage of gaps and opportunities, then the time saving that riding a bike offers is taken away. For longer rides, maintaining a good pace and cadence is important too.

BTW, yes (no matter who may look down on it) I will hop up onto the path to take the fastest route to my destination if there is the chance to avoid sitting at a junction ..... Feel free to be as high and mighty on the topic as you wish, it's still the quickest way from A to B.

[fourmotion]

My point was that TFL admit it is safer to jump lights and disobey rules, yet will not put their weight behind a law change which would help cyclists. No high and mighty about it. I'm all for using a bike to my advantage, and there is no way i'd sit next to a lorry whilst waiting at a red light, especially if it was clear to move off.

[mk1fan]

Interesting article.

There were figures rather quietly released last year saying that 12 times more cyclists are killed waiting at red lights (I assume traffic lights not the prostitution meaning) than jump them.

Unfortunately, just another example of people not thinking enough when they are using the roads.

I do hate my commute to work through the traffic.