Traffic Signals
This is one to get tempers boiling!
I love the way Franklin writes, “Traffic Lights are generally liked by cyclists!”
– As in “They are for others and not for me” based on what we really see out there!
I would pick the author up on his observation that drivers proceed before
or
after the green light. (We are allowed to - mate – honest. Look it says in the Highway Code. Rule 88 and rules 151-154! )
Ayup – I’ll agree those large numbers of pedestrians who also take advantage of the stop sign – can lead to situations where collisions occur with cyclists!
OK – so what is our problem on the bike and traffic lights then? None really! Rule of the Highway Code and Traffic Law apply as much to cyclsits as any other road user - and we do fine all red light jumpers here
Not being seen by other road users!
This is not necessarily because of dark clothes. Blah…. But because the driver could be preoccupied with changing down at lights, watching the other numpty clinging to his rear end and so on. Thus – case of being aware, alert and anticipate the numpty behaviour.
So back to being conspicuous by good positioning on approach, occupy the primary position – (not to upset the driver– but so’s he sees you!
)
If you want to turn right – centre yourself in the right hand lane. You have to prevent a dangerous overtake and I am hoping our less experienced drivers who come here for some tips will take heed!
Cyclists are not being Critical mashed muesli munchers (as the Mad Cats call the militia) on this one!
You have to
be seen, not be placed in danger from a dodgy overtake
As you approach – like a car driver – be prepared to stop and this means checking your speed and gears on approach. If the lights have been on a green light for some time – then it’s Murphy’s Law that they’ll change before you reach ‘em!
If happens to car drivers – then you can bet a cyclist has less chance of “beating the lights!”
Don’t do it. It ‘s just not worth the effort – especially if you then have to brake hard and go over the bars and into another vehicle or road user – and yeah – had that one as a young cop in London!
Franklin rightly points out that only a foolish
cyclist creeps up the inside of queues at signals and I full agree with this line
Never 
pass a bus or long vehicle in the same lane near the head of the queue.
Franklin reminds that cyclists are subject to same rules as all other vehicles on page 85 on his book:
If signal is red you MUST stop and you can only proceed at green if it is safe to do so. By this we mean the idiotic suicidal
pedestrian who makes the last minute dash
without thinking
and we all have to be aware of the red light jumper
(usually a TWOC i
n many instances)
and we also have to be on the alert for emergency vehicles and allow them to pass if safe to do so.
I do not expect someone to put themselves in danger just because we have the blues and twos going
– we are simply warning you of our presence for safety reasons - and would appreciate you clearing the way as safely and as calmly as you can on being made aware of use by virtue
of lights and sirens. Applies to all road users – including pedestrians!
Especially :bangead" pedestrians!
A single amber means you stop unless you are so close to the stop line that to stop would cause a collision.
Like the driver – you need to be aware of what is behind you on approach so I would make a quick glance back on approach to all lights in much the same way I use my mirrors when driving and make sure I listen to the sound of that engine as I approach the amber single.
If I cannot stop – then as in car – I am allowed to go through on the amber.
Red/amber – means STOP!
It is just telling you that green will follow and to get ready. Traffic may start to inch on this signal and cyclists should make sure they gain balance and push off sharpish on the green – this ensures you don’t hold up traffic and are less likely to be overtaken at a dangerous point. Stop about 3 or 4 feet from the stop line and please watch out for the pedestrians who wait for the lights to change to green and then cross!
Only use filters if you are turning
That's how you are supposed to behave at lights. I am sure many will post replies that this only happens in the ideal world though. I know Mad Doc was hissing over something he observed the other day and no doubt he'll be on some time to tell you all about it!
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At least he stop traffic