Are Cyclists Meant To Stop At Traffic Lights???

Question

I was just wondering if Cyclists using the road have to/should stop at a Red traffic light and wait till it turns green like motorists have to.

I have been yelled at and nearly hit by cyclists who speed through traffic lights when they are red when im crossing or going to step into the road to cross after the green man lights up to show its safe for me to cross

So are they allowed to do this or can i give them a piece of my mind next time one does this!!!!

Answer 1

yes they bloomin do!

I had the misfortune to be knocked over by a cyclist at a traffic crossing a few years ago.

He just cycled off giving me a mouthful of abuse for getting in his way!

I was helped to my feet by a very nice taxi driver who promised to 'get him at the next roundabout'

I hope he did!The git broke my wrist!

Answer 2

They are required to follow the rules like any road user. I agree with Dave J, a walking stick through the spokes works wonders - one old boy here cured a lycra lout of repeatedly barrelling along the footpath scattering pedestrians all over the place with just one well-timed poke . . .

Answer 3

Carry a walking stick next time, and if one of those ignorant morons jumps a red light while you are about to cross, jam the stick in his front wheel - he won't do it again!!!

Answer 4

i don't drive anything yet but i do know they are suppose to stop at lights or end up as road kill

Answer 5

If they're riding on the road (and they should be!! the pavement is for pedestrians unless there is a cycle path...) then they are governed by the same rules as other road users.

See below website. Halfway down it states they must obey all traffic signs and traffic light signals.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTra...

Answer 6

Yes, gave them a piece of your mind.

I'm surprised I have never seen a cyclist getting knocked down by a car, because a cyclist went through a red light and car going through with green from another direction, I have seen it so many times.  The worst part the car driver would get full blame.

Answer 7

Cyclists must follow the rules of the road.

Answer 8

Yes, cyclists have to obey all the same laws as vehicles, or else you can actually be pulled over by police and issued a summons

Answer 9

Yes.  As a bike shop owner, I can confidently say that all bicyclists are legally required to follow the same rules as those operating motor vehicles.  They must use hand turn signals, have reflectors, and ride as close as possible to the right side of the roadway.  When needing to make a left-hand turn, they should enter the left-hand turn lane, as a car would.  Bicyclists are also supposed to (But I'm not sure about legal requirements) WALK their bicycle across the street as opposed to riding it, when they are simply crossing the road.

Answer 10

If you are walking in the same area and its happening a lot, then call the police and ask them to patrol a bit more around the time it happens most.  Let them know what is happening

Answer 11

Yes they are, or you get the cycle cops after you. (In London anyway)

Answer 12

Absolutely!  You are right in this case, cyclists are required to obey the same laws and regulations as other vehicles, including stopping at all red lights and stop signs.  If you run one, you are subject to being ticketed and fined.

So go ahead and yell back!  Or better yet, see if you can point a police officer in their direction.  LOL

Answer 13

Yes

Answer 14

yes of course they should do - they are just as likely to get mown down as anyone else - or ride into a pedestrian.

they just think they above the law until they get hit by a car - then they say all motorists are anti cyclist.

Answer 15

they have to obey all the rules same as any other road user.that includes one way systems and keeping off the footpaths.

Answer 16

If they drive through a red light and end up in an accident they cannot bleat about it after - dont put up with their sh*t

Answer 17

Yes, but many either don't know the law or choose to ignore it.  You still have an obligation to avoid accidents so don't expect them to behave properly, I sure don't.

Answer 18

Yes,  

still a mode of transport used on a public highway

should obay all rules

and pedestrians allways have right of way

carry an umbrella !!

Answer 19

In the United Kingdom, there are fewer cyclists that respond to the trafic lights. It isnt really expected of them to wait if the road is wide enough and they are using pavements.

However, I think that if theyre riding on a main road that is extremely busy, then it is usually a good idea to obbey laws of the road and wear suitable protection.

Answer 20

In theory yes.

In the real world no.

Answer 21

Any thing on the road has to follow all of the traffic laws!!   I don;t care what you are driving or pedaling or anything else! But you know if you hit the cyclist with your car who will be the one at fault!!

Answer 22

Give them a piece of your mind! They SHOULD stop. I do. I cycle to work every day and never run a red light.