Why do cyclists think its ok to ignore the law?

Question

I realise that car users are not perfect(including me!) but why is it that cyclists thinks its ok for them to ignore red lights and cycle without due care and attention? I have seen 4 cyclists today break the law by either ignoring red lights or cycle on the pavement to bypass traffic lights. Apart from breaking the law its just so so dangerous.
Although I saw some stupid driving today, I saw no motorist run a red light or drive on the pavement

Its always the same..you ask this question and get lots of angry cyclists slamming drivers....yes ok drivers can be idiots as well. no denying that, but on the whole drivers dont run red lights or try and bypass lights by driving on the pavement...thats my point

Last edit....re cycle lanes....they are everywhere...and when do you ever see cyclists using them...not very often, sadly

Answer 1

A cyclist (by UK law) is not obliged to stop at a red light,,,yeah that may be suprising but it is the truth,,,,I checked it up some time ago,,,

Answer 2

Please do not generalise from a few stupid impatient cyclists to (all) cyclists. You did not see fit to say. 'I saw stupid motorists today...'.

Some cyclists repeatedly break the law because they think that someone on a bike can hardly hurt other road users. But cycling on the pavement is dangerous and a few people HAVE been killed by being run over by cyclists. Others jump the lights because they believe that a) they are entitled to do it, b) otherwise they will lose the 'window' to get off before the cars start blocking the way.

As a frequent cyclist and a motorist, I do not jump the lights nor cycle on the pavement. If I want to bypass the lights, I get off and push my bike. I am grateful to many motorists who show me consideration, and I will not tar them with the same brush that I use for some of those that drive as if they own the roads.

Answer 3

I am a regular cyclist and I don't understand either.

I hear all kinds of rationalizations, and maybe a few might make sense, but most don't. The answers -
'they don't notice me, trying for personal best, It doesn't matter, its too much trouble,"
- I just don't get it.

I really try to obey all the laws. However, I do get in trouble because folks here don't know that bikes are allowed on sidewalks and i will use them in traffic jams, then the car drivers get mad cause I am going faster than them.

My neighbors speed big time in our own neighborhood, don't stop at the local stop signs, and deny they break the law.

I see people all the time making turns and not using a turn signal. But I keep on doing my best to obey the laws anyway.

The only close justification I hear is that it wastes and takes so much personal energy to completely stop and re-accelerate when it wasn't really necessary, so slowing to 5mph should be OK, that's what lots of cars do.

Oh well, I still don't understand it.

Answer 4

When it is obvious that the police have no interest prosecuting a cyclist for breaking a traffic law but most certainly motorists it is little wonder that cyclist have little worry in obeying the rules of the road.
To take the whole thing a step further, what is breaking the law? you can park on and completely obstruct pavements, stop on yellow lines, some times you will be booked, other times you won't. Confusion rules.

Answer 5

i am both a cyclist and a car driver and to turn the question around why do some car drivers do not indicate before turning corners, jump amber and red lights, use mobile phones,eat and drink,read maps, speed and so forth when driving.
some drivers take up all the room and push cyclists right into the pavement so the cyclist as to ride over holes and drains and in my opinion this breaks the law not once or twice but all the time sorry but don,t try to give cyclists a bad name when some car drivers are much- much worse

Answer 6

i have to cycle at work - and sometimes have to squeeze past cars parked on the pavement while trying to get into my clients houses. it is terrible for most cyclists because a few drivers cut corners - go through the biggest puddles at high speed - park on pavements - think they need to drive about 2 inches away from the kerb and pull up without indicating . if and when i have to use the pavement i walk and push my bike - cycle lanes are scarce - just like good and bad drivers there are good and bad cyclists too

Answer 7

A cyclist in Canada (and the USA I believe) IS required to stop at a red light.

Yeah I know what you mean. Riding on the sidewalk and then crossing across three lanes of traffic to turn left. Riding on the wrong side of the road so when I go to pull out (looking to the left) I don't notice them moving in front of me.

But a car weighs 3-4000 lbs and a cyclist weighs 1-300 lbs. Who's gonna win?

Answer 8

A guy was killed about a month ago by a cyclist riding on the pavement (at 25 mph apparently)...and I have no doubt others have been injured. He got a 1 yr suspension I think...
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Many people think it is ok to ride on the pavement, blaming dangerous congested roads...up to a point, this is fair enough.
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But kids especially often ride at speed, and the exit from many houses is obscured by hedges or fences - and kids and old people stepping out are particularly vulnerable.

I really don`t know the answer - but both cyclists and others need to be aware...

Answer 9

The Happy (Christmas) Murcia is a prime example of why cyclists are so hated - they think they are above the law.

From the Highway Code (updated for 2008), specifically for cyclists:

Rule 69 -
You MUST obey all traffic signs and traffic light signals.
[Laws RTA 1988 sect 36 & TSRGD reg 10(1)]

Rule 71 -
You MUST NOT cross the stop line when the traffic lights are red.

If you don't know the law, get off the road!

Answer 10

Cyclists can get tickets for doing these things, just as motorists do.

As a driver, always use extreme caution around bicycle riders, especially children. Adults should know better but still break these laws.

Answer 11

There are many places to eat if your are hungry garbage cans food banks knocking on a door to say you will work for food. No reason to steal. same for a place to live. If your country is in shambles then protest in your streets and vote the criminals out of office. These people think free means sitting on your *** and waiting in this country. We have religious freedom not freedom to break all the laws we need to be a civilized country.