Why do cyclists ignore red lights?

Question

time after time I go to cross the road at a pelican crossing(when red) and I see cyclists hertling towards me with no intent to slow down at all.

Answer 1

For the same reason that car drivers run red lights. (P.S. Maryland - In the U.K. it is a Pelican Crossing.).

Unfortunately, many cyclists believe that the law does not apply to them. They are pedestrians when they don't want to be road users and visa versa.

Although, when on my bike, I have full lights and obey the law, many cyclists don't. They do not have a licence to get points on and they do not feel that they are accountable. The police do not tend to enforce the law where cyclists are concerned. In an accident the car driver will usually be the automatic police suspect.

In order to stop cyclists running red lights - Have the police enforce the law more often. Unfortunately, many cyclists are under 16. Their parents send them onto the roads with no traing, helmets, or lights and then complain vehemently when you run their little darlings over.

Life just is not fair.

Answer 2

I also think it's mainly based on selfishness. These people KNOW the rules as we're all taught from a very young age to STOP at the red light -- cars do it (usually), pedestrians do it, people in wheelchairs do it, everyone with common sense and follows traffic safety do it. It's also the law.

Indeed, for some reason, being on a bicycle allows you to cycle in the middle of a lane (we have no bike-exclusive lanes/routes around here), do left turns without using hand signals, ride the opposite way toward incoming traffic, and a bunch of other law-breaking things.

But no, they're on a bike and they have right of way. Cars won't dare touch them. Oh no.

It boggles the mind.

Answer 3

Could it be because they aren't aware of the fact that the standard road rules also apply to them?
Maybe they're thinking they're pedestrians while riding?
Or maybe they just aren't thinking at all!
'Pelican crossing'? I'm assuming it's the same thing as a 'pedestrian crossing'.

Answer 4

I say save the pelicans...run over a cyclist.

Answer 5

i thought this exact question to myself just yesterday when i had stopped for the red light, a cyclist just carried on straight through them....and same again at the next set of lights??? although i have to say he wasnt at all in any danger of causing an accident either to himself or others...

Answer 6

Not all cyclists ignore red lights. I guess it really depends on what mood they are in during the day!

Answer 7

1st A good cyclist should always put pedestrians first and dodging folk is a good skill which helps you dodge cars in the long run.

2nd there is no license so no penalties if they don't

Answer 8

hahahahahaha.... i know my answer may sound funny here. in pakistan we always thought that ppl of developed countries always respect rules especially traffic rules and these kind of scenes are very common there. but when i came here first thing i noticed here is a cyclists ignored a red light and i laughed out loud at that time.
hahahahahahahaha.....................

Answer 9

You think that is irritating? Come to Germany, they have right of way and NEVER stop. So imagine you are turning right at a junction (we drive on the right remember) and the stupid bikes are going straight on. THEY have right of way so you have to sit and wait while they cross even though our light is on green. Hate them. I hate them ALL!!!!

Answer 10

I have run red lights often, but only when it's safe to do so. I agree though that if I were to have an accident doing this it would be my fault.