Speaking positively, cyclists are getting quite a good deal in Nottingham at the moment. Some ‘advanced stop lines’ have appeared at lots of traffic lights in the city.
It's only for cyclists stupid...
Sadly, many motorists have no idea what they are and simply ignore them, which is quite bewildering. Whilst we may not have all been given lessons in what they mean – it’s not difficult! The intention is clear – to give cyclists a safe zone at the front of light sets. It is reserved for cyclists.
The Highway Code makes it quite clear – (Rule 178) says:
Advanced stop lines. Some signal-controlled junctions have advanced stop lines to allow cycles to be positioned ahead of other traffic. Motorists, including motorcyclists, MUST stop at the first white line reached if the lights are amber or red and should avoid blocking the way or encroaching on the marked area at other times, e.g. if the junction ahead is blocked. If your vehicle has proceeded over the first white line at the time that the signal goes red, you MUST stop at the second white line, even if your vehicle is in the marked area. Allow cyclists time and space to move off when the green signal shows
Clearly lots of drivers have not read the Highway code – or they simply ignore it.
The level of indifference to cyclists is quite astonishing at times. Cyclists are very vulnerable – a fight between a car and a bike usually has a predictable outcome. The bike loses. Relying on a helmet at this point is better than not, but its not like having a steel shell around you!
A while ago I blogged about my frustration about drivers in the bus lane. The Council have cunningly placed a camera on it and judging by the home made signs that have gone up, some tickets are being issued.
Perhaps we need some high profile fines for people wandering into the cycle safety areas?
Tim
Unfortunately the few sensible cyclists are outnumbered by the majority who feel that the highway code doesn’t actually relate to them!
Educate the cyclists as well and motorists might give then more respect!
Simon
I don’t disagree, some of the cyclists who take on the red lights are creating a hazard – not just for themselves.
But fundamentally there seems to be a misunderstanding about the new advanced stop lines…
I strongly disagree that there are a “few” sensible cyclists, this is a common opinion I have found amongst drivers, and it really does wind me up. Cyclists commonly get abuse shouted at them which is totally out of order.
I also constantly get motorists telling me I should be paying road tax and get other abuse too.
I presume you are mainly talking about cyclists going through red lights? Unfortunately, this is the case, but there are several ways to look at this. Motorist’s commonly break the speed limit. Another thing I personally see a lot of is drivers cutting me up when I’m cycling. Yet, no one ever hears about that.
But not for one minute am I saying it is all right for cyclists to go through red lights, but I FIRMLY believe that there is a strong discrepancy between cyclists who go through on red and cyclist who don’t.
That aside, I see A LOT of cyclists using the box at the front, that is when some drivers actually stop behind the line.
Well that’s told you Mr Dare….